Mahogany wood that you should know

 

Mahogany wood that you should know,

Wood material will never fall in popularity in matters of building buildings. Usually, wood is needed as a support, construction, and furniture material. This material also matches a variety of building styles. In Indonesia alone, there are many types of wood that are commonly used. One of them is mahogany wood.

The popularity of this mahogany wood is not inferior to teak wood. In addition, the harvest period is also quite fast with a large diameter. Do you still feel foreign to mahogany? In this article, Kania will discuss facts about mahogany wood for you. Come on, just refer to the following review!

Mahogany trees that are 10 years old can be harvested and taken as mahogany for furniture material. At that time, the diameter of mahogany wood was 1.5 cm in size. If you want to make it a building material, you have to wait up to 15 years.

Mahogany wood characteristics,

In general, mahogany has a pale pink characteristic. However, some other mahogany wood is also dark red which indicates its age is more than 25 years old. Meanwhile, the edge of this mahogany wood is always white.

Mahogany wood fiber is straight and integrated. This makes mahogany wood easier to cut according to the desired shape. The texture is smooth because mahogany wood pores are very small.

Excess mahogany wood,

Mahogany wood becomes popular not without reason, but because this mahogany has many advantages. The fine fiber makes mahogany wood look very charming when coated with natural or classic color paint. The oil content of mahogany is also low. This makes mahogany wood coated with Duco paint without causing yellow stains such as teak wood.

If you want to leave the appearance of mahogany wood with the original color, it doesn't matter. Because the mahogany has an exotic red color. Thus, almost no other wood is able to match its uniqueness.

The surface of this mahogany wood is also very stable so it does not easily shrink or change shape. Naturally, mahogany wood is popular for making musical instruments and window sills.

Turning to the price problem, this mahogany is priced at a lower price than the price of agarwood and teak wood. Even so, the quality of this mahogany wood is still guaranteed. The raw material itself is very easy to find in Java.

Lack of mahogany wood,

It is unfortunate, this mahogany wood is easily attacked by pests as long as it is still a raw material. It is not uncommon for mahogany farmers to suffer losses because wood becomes hollow. Therefore, as long as it is still a raw material, this mahogany wood storage area must always be considered and checked regularly. Do not worry about this lack of mahogany because after going through the perfect oven process and drug administration, mahogany wood actually becomes stronger towards pest attacks.

In addition, this mahogany wood material is also not suitable as an outdoor furniture. In addition to being prone to be attacked by pests, uncertain air conditions can also cause fungus on mahogany wood material.

Source : Here

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PT.Agrocraft Exporter Indonesia

Phone: +62271645498 

Handphone: +6285861900600 (Call/WA) 

Email: sales@agrocraftindo.com

Website: www.agrocraftindo.com

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Excess teak wood

Teak wood is the most popular wood in the ears of the community, even among ordinary people who do not understand even the matter, teak is not a strange wood. Although many people out there have never seen the shape of teak trees, teak wood, they cannot even distinguish between one type of wood with another wood, at least they know that teak is the number one wood.

The question is, what makes this wood so famous compared to other wood? Teak wood is especially famous for its good quality, and because of this quality, teak is always the choice of many people. Whether it's, to build a house or make furniture, as much as possible they will choose teak wood as the main material.

If you are one of the people who have a plan to make furniture at home from teak wood, before you start, you must know first the types of teak wood. The reason is, even though the name is both teak wood, each type has a different quality. So that you don't choose the wrong wood, let's get acquainted with the types of teak below.

 Source : Here

For More Information, please contact us :

PT.Agrocraft Exporter Indonesia

Phone: +62271645498 

Handphone: +6285861900600 (Call/WA) 

Email: sales@agrocraftindo.com

Website: www.agrocraftindo.com

or by scanning QR code beside

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Indonesian Various Coconut Products

Having the
largest plantation area of coconut trees, Indonesia still has a lot of
potential to fulfill the rising demand of coconut and coconut products around
the world. In the matter of quantity, Indonesia ranks first amongst the
producing countries in the world, replacing Brazil since 2011. In the matter of
quality, Indonesia has what it takes to give the best, from soil, climate, and
all the necessities to grow this “tree of life”.

This
amazing plant has been one of Indonesian strategic commodities to be developed.
It is very efficient for product diversification and it is also a main source
for many household, especially in rural area. So, it promotes rural
development, sustainable farming, and healthy consumers.

Nowadays,
even though with huge domestic consumption, Indonesia is still one of the main
player in the export market of coconut and coconut products, just after
Philippines.

Export News
this February Edition will discuss about Indonesian export of coconut and
coconut products, starts from the market review, glimpse of product review,
export development as well as important information to assist readers whom want
to source coconut and coconut products from Indonesia. This edition also
contain exporters list for coconut and coconut products.

Introducing
Indonesian Various Coconut Products

The trend
of consuming healthier food has been a benefit to coconut and its derivatives.
Although the biggest export market are still coconut oil and desiccated
coconut, there are many kinds of Indonesian coconut products that has the
potentials to supply the world needs. Here are some of the trending coconut
products.

1) Coconut
Shell

Coconut
shell is the sturdiest piece which covering the coconut fruit. It serves as the
shield layer between the coconut flesh and coconut husk. The shell is naturally
exist to protect the inner part of the coconut fruit. There are at least two
utilities of this shell. It could be used as charcoal and also for appliances
like handicraft and cutlery.

Coconut
shell charcoal is another derivative product from coconut tree that has a lots
of utilities and benefits. It is widely used as an efficient industrial fuel
and also used to produce activated carbon for many industrial and beauty
applications. For cooking fuel, it is preferred due to its pleasant smell.
Since coconut shell charcoal got the capacity to absorb molecular species it is
widely used for purification purposes also. Coconut shell charcoal in
particular is far better than other charcoals, and the one originated from
Indonesia is better than other origin due to its long burn and low ash.

Besides
charcoal, this shell is used to produce various handicraft and other
appliances. Coconut shell has the superiority due to their strength. The strong
form of this shell is ideal to create handicrafts and these handicrafts keep
for longer time period due to the strength of coconut shell. There is a huge
demand for these types of natural handicraft in all over the world. Cutlery
made from coconut shell

 2) Virgin
Coconut Oil

Virgin
Coconut oil is made of pure fresh coconut. Not using copra (dried coconut
flesh) as the raw material made VCO is highly nutritive, but at the same time
higher production cost and higher price compared to refined coconut oil. VCO is
used for healthy reason, for food production and as cosmetics.
The coconut oil bad image because of the US negative campaign is slowly
diminished, as it raised fame from early 2004 in Indonesia and the trend
penetrated other producing countries like Philippines and India.

 3) Coconut Sugar/Coconut Palm Sugar

Coconut
sugar is natural sugar which created out of the sap of coconut tree. This
product has the main advantage of lower fructose compared to cane sugar. It
substitutes cane sugar for diabetic patients. It also has a unique taste and
aroma. Lately, coconut sugar gain more popularity in the west due to its
advantages.

 4) Coconut Shell Ash

The Coconut
Shell ash can be used for the partial replacement of cement. Furthermore, the
use of this value added material may reduce the consumption of cement and in
turn can lessen the impact of CO2 emission.

 5) Coconut Milk

Coconut
milk, different than coconut water, is the concentrate liquid from coconut
flesh/meat. It is mainly used for cooking like curry, and also a much more
healthy alternative to dairy products like milk. Coconut milk has lower fat
content and also free from lactose. It is also used for beauty industry

Aside from all those products, there are still
some other products derived from coconut, like coconut coir, coconut water,
nata de coco, or even vinegar.

Who doesn’t know coconut? This so called “the tree of life” has so many usefulness. Almost every part of it, from its leaves, trunks, roots, even more the fruit can be made into something useful. From the perspective of product diversification, coconut is might be one of the most productive and efficient plant on earth. The value of this tree has already known long ago in Indonesia. As an example the coconut seeds is used as the symbol of scout, resembling how versatile it is. In
addition to the usefulness, there are some advantages from growing coconut
tree. From the production side, coconut tree can be grown easily in their
suitable habitat. It is also fast growing. Crops yield in the eight years of
plant age. In the coastal area, coconut tree is one of the main source of
income, especially for copra (high oil content of the endosperm) sale, which is
widely used in both food and non-food industries. It is the commodity that has
potentials to develop the rural economy. 

Coconut
trees are grown in tropical countries, cultivated in around 93 countries in the
world. Around 82% of global coconut production is originally come from Asia and
Pacific consisting of twelve producing countries, the rest are countries in
Africa and South America. Large production areas, in particular, are found
along the coastal regions in the wet tropical areas of Asia in the Philippines,
Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. According to Wordlatlas.com, Brazil
was the top coconut producing country up to 2010, but currently, 90% of world
supply originates from Asia, with three Asian producers have bettered it to
take away Brazil’s position, namely Indonesia, Philippines and India. By far,
Indonesia has the largest area of coconut plantation in the world. It’s no
wonder. The soil, climate, height and other necessity to grow the plant are
just suitable. This is placed Indonesia as the top coconut producing country in
the world

This world’s archipelagic country, Indonesia has costal along it’s islands, argillaceous soil and soil rich with organic matter such as mountain ash, which are best for coconut growth and higher yield. And so, all over the country produce coconut. According to Statistics of Indonesia (BPS), national plantation for coconut in Indonesia reached almost 3,7 million hectare. The highest contributor is Riau in Sumatera Island, with almost 15% of national plantation area for coconut tree. The other top nine are : East Java (8,1%); North Sulawesi (7,6%); Central Java (6,4%); Central Sulawesi (5,9%); North Maluku (5,8%); East Java (5%); East Nusa Tenggara (4,2%); Lampung (3,4%) and Jambi (3,2%). The yield map tells almost the same, with the top tree are Riau (13,8%); Sulawesi Utara (9,3%) and East Java (9%).

Besides the
quantity, Indonesia is known as a country placed in tropical area which enables
the coconut trees to plant and grows well.

Therefore,
it is very reasonable if the coconuts produced tend to be in higher quality
compared with other areas. One of the importer of coconut charcoal have the
opportunity to gave testimony in the occasion of Trade Expo Indonesia 2016 that
Indonesian coconut shell, particularly which is originated from Sulawesi
Island, is the best quality in the world.

Despite the versatility, generally, copra and
commercial coconut oil production continue to dominate the industry’s
processing sector in Indonesia. The coconut production is largely the domain of
small poor farmers, which account more than 90% of plantation area. They plant
coconut mainly for copra sale. According to APCC (Asian and Pacific Coconut
Community), as it describes in graph 1, coconut oil is the largest export
volume, accounts 40% of total coconut and its derivative products. Besides oil,
desiccated coconut as a product derived from fresh coconut ranked second at
national level in terms of its contribution to the coconut industry’s total
export value.

Indonesian export of coconut products ranged from fresh coconut (mature nuts), copra, coconut oil, copra meal, desiccated coconut, coconut milk/cream/powder, shell charcoal, activated carbon, and fiber & fiber products with total value of US$ 1,66 million and contributed inasmuch as 0,94% of National Export Earnings.

To get the
idea of how Indonesian coconut and coconut products provide the world need, we
can use the approach of global supply and demand. Coconut oil and . Coconut
meat are the most valuable traded coconut products. Traded under the HS code of
151311-19 (coconut oil), and under the HS code of 080111-19 (coconut meat)1,
the two products make the biggest share based on word import value for coconut
and coconut products. From this point of view, Indonesia plays its role to
fulfill the biggest market of coconut products, so Indonesia’s export of
coconut products responsive to the import demand.

Basically
the world top exporter for coconut oil can be devided to three groups,
Philippines, Indonesia and rest of the world2. The average of Indonesian share
to world export was 29,21% each year in periode 2011-2015, while Philippines
ranked first with 41,76% and rest of the world with 29%. That made those two
countries made a combined of around 70% of world export value. As the supplier
for coconut oil is dominated by Philippines and Indonesia, the world value of
export was reflected from the two countries trend.

On the other side, the export market for coconut meat is less monopolistic than the coconut oil export figure. Nevertheless, the top two supplier were still Indonesia and Philippines. From 2011-2015, Indonesian export share of coconut meat ranged from 15%- 23%, with average share of 18,82%. While reaching higher average share of 23,87% in the same period, Philippines had a bad time in the market since 2014 and continued to drop the market share in 2015. That break gave Indonesia the chance to take the lead of global coconut meat exporter in 2015. Aside from the two countries, the top five exporters of coconut meat were Asian countries namely Sri Lanka, Viet Nam and Thailand, with average market share of 11%, 8,6% and 4,4% respectively. The figures gave a depiction that Indonesia has a strong position in the market of coconut products, especially coconut oil and coconut meat. Looking more into the two main Indonesian export products of coconut gave the same impression of high export value fluctuation during 2011- 2015. Especially in 2013, the export value for coconut oil is so low and no exception also for coconut meat, which had already dropped in 2012. Price was one of the answers. Over the last couple of years, the market price of nuts including coconut and coconut products could be described as volatile and unstable. To get a picture of what happened to the price, there were several factors to be considered. The price of coconut oil is largely affected by price trends in other vegetable oil markets, especially palm oil, due to the their exchangeability or substitution to each other. Moreover, the price of crude oil can also be a driven variable since vegetable oils, in this case coconut oil, are also used as renewable fuels.Indonesian export of coconut products ranged from fresh coconut (mature nuts), copra, coconut oil, copra meal, desiccated coconut, coconut milk/cream/powder, shell charcoal, activated carbon, and fiber & fiber products with total value of US$ 1,66 million and contributed inasmuch as 0,94% of National Export Earnings

Along with the falling of crude oil prices over the past period of time, the demand for vegetable oils as a substitute, a source of bio fuel has fallen. Besides that, plentiful supplies of palm oil and palm kernel oil in the markets have also given a pressure, with prices of both coconut substitute oils falling during the period of 2014-2015. As the result, these mixed factors has promoted coconut oil prices to be low. The coconut oil prices then give impact to other coconut derivative products.

When the
price of coconut oil rises or falls, the price of desiccated coconut (as the
largest share of Indonesian coconut meat products export)3 will soon follow and
vice versa. This could be happened since they compete for the same raw material
— raw coconut. So, the price of desiccated coconut closely follows the price of
coconut oil.

As one of the main global exporter of desiccated coconut, and at the same time the biggest competitors for Indonesia, the disaster happened in Philippines also effected the whole market for desiccated coconut. In 2014, due to the disaster of Typhoon Haiyan in Philippine, desiccated coconut prices rose sharply as a response to the destruction and damage to agriculture and infrastructure in the Philippines. The supply fell and the price went up, which also bring impact to international price. But this days, prices have fallen again to even lower than before the catastrophe. So, the price of coconut products was really vulnerable and dependent to many factors. This has been bringing impacts on Indonesian national earning from export side from coconut and derivatives products, especially from the two main products: the coconut oil and desiccated coconut.

But the
coconut oil prices rebound and have a positive trend during the 2016 period
(Picture 4). There has to do something with the fact that the demand side
brings other impacts. In practical life, the trend of consuming coconut
products are on the rise. Coconut and coconut products has gaining more and
more popularity in last few years. They can be found in the natural food stall
or organic market, etc, and therefore have raised the image as healthy,
sustainable, premium products. It seems that the consumer demand for coconut
and coconut products is still going to a positive trend in the near future and
in the normal condition, the prices wouldn’t likely to drop significantly in
the same near future.

However, the condition of supply side is on shortage. The supply might wouldn’t satisfy the rising demand. One of the main reason should be the coconut trees are old. In most producing countries, they have left their primary age of high yield. Other reasons might be the market for coconut products which are competing from its raw material. For example the coconut water. Rising demand for coconut water may cause the coconut fruit to be harvested earlier and the raw material for coconut oil will be in lacking somehow. This issue has been taken into concern and priority matter by the Government of Indonesia. According to the Ministry of Agriculture Republic of Indonesia, replanting coconut trees will be done this year inasmuch as 16.725 hectares in 20 producing provinces. Improving the cropping systems is also part of the national agenda, since coconut is one of the strategic commodity of Indonesia to be put in one of the priorities. In addition, regarding to the geographical indication, kopyor (a premium species of coconut with high productivity and high frequency of bearing fruit) was also developed in some provinces and tourist attraction.

So,
alongside with the land advantage that Indonesia has, the quantity and the
quality of Indonesian products is on guarantee. Therefore, along with
huge opportunity to develop, sourcing coconut products from Indonesia would be
the best choice now and then.

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11 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Cocoa Powder

Cocoa is thought to have first been used by the Maya civilization
of Central America.It was introduced to Europe by Spanish conquerors in the
16th century and quickly became popular as a health-promoting medicine.Cocoa
powder is made by crushing cocoa beans and removing the fat or cocoa butter.

Today, cocoa is most famous for its role in chocolate
production. However, modern research has revealed that it does indeed contain
important compounds that can benefit your health.

Here are 11 health and nutrition benefits of cocoa powder.

1. Rich in Polyphenols That Provide Several Health Benefits

Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidants found in
foods like fruits, vegetables, tea, chocolate and wine. They have been linked
to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, better blood flow,
lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Cocoa is
one of the richest sources of polyphenols. It’s especially abundant in
flavanols, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However,
processing and heating cocoa can cause it to lose its beneficial properties.
It’s also often treated with alkaline to reduce bitterness, which results in a
60% decrease in flavanol content. So while cocoa is a great source of
polyphenols, not all products containing cocoa will provide the same benefits.

2. May Reduce High Blood Pressure by Improving Nitric Oxide
Levels

Cocoa, both in its powdered form and in the form of dark
chocolate, may be able to help lower blood pressure. This effect was first
noted in the cocoa-drinking island people of Central America, who had much
lower blood pressure than their non-cocoa-drinking mainland relatives. The
flavanols in cocoa are thought to improve nitric oxide levels in the blood,
which can enhance the function of your blood vessels and reduce blood pressure
.

One review analyzed 35 experiments that provided patients
with 0.05–3.7 ounces (1.4–105 grams) of cocoa products, or roughly 30–1,218 mg
of flavanols. It found that cocoa produced a small but significant reduction of
2 mmHg in blood pressure.

Additionally, the effect was greater in people who already
had high blood pressure than those without it and in older people compared to younger
people.

However, it’s important to remember that processing
significantly reduces the number of flavanols, so the effects most likely will
not be seen from the average chocolate bar.

3. May Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

In addition to lowering blood pressure, it appears that
cocoa has other properties that may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Flavanol-rich cocoa improves the level of nitric oxide in your blood, which
relaxes and dilates your arteries and blood vessels and improves blood flow. What’s
more, cocoa has

been found to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol, have a blood
thinning effect similar to aspirin, improve blood sugars and reduce
inflammation . These properties have been linked to a lower risk of heart attack,
heart failure and stroke. A review of nine studies in 157,809 people found that
higher chocolate consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of
heart disease, stroke and death.

Two Swedish studies found that chocolate intake is linked to
a lower rate of heart failure at doses of up to one serving of 0.7–1.1 ounces
(19–30 grams) of chocolate per day, but the effect was not seen when consuming
higher amounts.

These results suggest that frequent consumption of small
amounts of cocoa-rich chocolate may have protective benefits for your heart.

4. Polyphenols Improve Blood Flow to Your Brain and Brain
Function

Several studies have found that polyphenols, such as those
in cocoa, may reduce your risk of neurodegenerative diseases by improving brain
function and blood flow. Flavanols can cross the blood-brain barrier and are
involved in the biochemical pathways that produce neurons and important
molecules for the function of your brain. Additionally, flavanols influence the
production of nitric oxide, which relaxes the muscles of your blood vessels,
improving blood flow and blood supply to your brain.

A two-week study in 34 older adults given high-flavanol
cocoa found blood flow to the brain increased by 8% after one week and 10%
after two weeks.

Further studies suggest that daily intake of cocoa flavanols
can improve mental performance in people with and without mental impairments. These
studies indicate a positive role of cocoa on brain health and possible positive
effects on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. However,
more research is needed.

5. May Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression by Various
Means

In addition to cocoa’s positive impact on age-related mental
degeneration, its effect on the brain may also improve mood and symptoms of
depression. The positive effects on mood may be due to cocoa’s flavanols, the
conversion of tryptophan to the natural mood stabilizer serotonin, its caffeine
content or simply the sensory pleasure of eating chocolate.

One study on chocolate consumption and stress levels in
pregnant women found that more frequent intake of chocolate was associated with
reduced stress and improved mood in babies.

Furthermore, another study discovered that drinking
high-polyphenol cocoa improved calmness and contentment. Additionally, a study
in senior men showed that eating chocolate was linked to improved overall
health and better psychological well-being. While the results of these early
studies are promising, more research on the effect of cocoa on mood and
depression is needed before more definite conclusions can be drawn.

6. Flavanols May Improve Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Though overconsumption of chocolate is certainly not good
for blood sugar control, cocoa does, in fact, have some anti-diabetic effects.

Test-tube studies indicate that cocoa flavanols can slow
down carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the gut, improve insulin
secretion, reduce inflammation and stimulate the uptake of sugar out of the
blood into the muscle. Some studies have shown that a higher intake of
flavanols, including those from cocoa, can result in a lower risk of type 2
diabetes.

Additionally, a review of human studies showed that eating
flavanol-rich dark chocolate or cocoa can can improve insulin sensitivity and
blood sugar control and reduce inflammation in diabetic and nondiabetic people.
Despite these promising results, there are inconsistencies in the research with
some studies finding only a limited effect, slightly worse control of diabetes
or no effect at all. Nevertheless, these results combined with the more
concrete positive effects on heart health indicate cocoa polyphenols may have a
positive impact on both preventing and controlling diabetes, though more
research is required.

7. May Aid Weight Control in Many Surprising Ways

Somewhat paradoxically, cocoa intake, even in the form of chocolate, may help you control your weight.It’s thought that cocoa may help by regulating the use of energy, reducing appetite and inflammation and increasing fat oxidation and feelings of fullness. A population study found that people who consumed chocolate more frequently had a lower BMI than people who ate it less often, despite the former group also eating more calories and fat. Additionally, a weight loss study using low-carbohydrate
diets found that a group given 42 grams or about 1.5 ounces of 81% cocoa
chocolate per day lost weight faster than the regular diet group. However,
other studies have found that chocolate consumption increases weight. Yet, many
of them did not differentiate between the type of chocolate consumed — white
and milk chocolate do not have the same benefits as dark.

Overall, it appears that cocoa and cocoa-rich products may
be helpful in achieving weight loss or maintaining weight, but further studies
are needed.

8. May Have Cancer-Protective Properties

Flavanols in fruits, vegetables and other foods have
attracted a great deal of interest due to their cancer-protective properties,
low toxicity and few adverse side effects. Cocoa has the highest concentration
of flavanols out of all foods per weight and can significantly contribute to
their amount in your diet. Test-tube studies on components of cocoa have found
that they have antioxidant effects, protect cells against damage from reactive
molecules, fight inflammation, inhibit cell growth, induce cancer cell death
and help prevent the spread of cancer cells. Animal studies using a cocoa-rich
diet or cocoa extracts have seen positive results in reducing breast,
pancreatic, prostate, liver and colon cancer, as well as leukemia. Studies in
humans have shown that flavanol-rich diets are associated with a decrease in
cancer risk. However, the evidence for cocoa specifically is conflicting, as
some trials have found no benefit and some have even noticed an increased risk.

Small human studies on cocoa and cancer suggest that it can
be a powerful antioxidant and may play a role in cancer prevention. However,
much more research is needed.

9. Theobromine and Theophylline Contents May Help People
With Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes
obstruction and inflammation of the airways and can be life-threatening. It’s
thought that cocoa may be beneficial for people with asthma, as it contains
anti-asthmatic compounds, such as theobromine and theophylline. Theobromine is
similar to caffeine and may help with persistent coughing. Cocoa powder
contains about 1.9 grams of this compound per 100 grams or 3.75 ounces. Theophylline
helps your lungs dilate, your airways relax and decreases inflammation. Animal
studies have shown that cocoa extract can reduce both the constriction of the
airways and tissue thickness. However, these findings have not yet been
clinically tested in humans, and it’s unclear if cocoa is safe to use with
other anti-asthmatic drugs. Therefore, even though this is an interesting area
of development, it’s too early to say how cocoa may be used in treating asthma.

10. Antibacterial and Immune-Stimulating Properties May
Benefit Your Teeth and Skin

Several studies have explored the protective effects of
cocoa against dental cavities and gum disease. Cocoa contains many compounds
that have antibacterial, anti-enzymatic and immune-stimulating properties that
may contribute to its oral health effects. In one study, rats infected with
oral bacteria that were given cocoa extract had a significant reduction in
dental cavities, compared to those given only water. However, there are no
significant human studies, and the majority of cocoa products consumed by
humans also contain sugar. As a result, new products will need to be developed
to experience the oral health benefits of cocoa. Despite popular opinion, cocoa
in chocolate is not a cause of acne. In fact, cocoa polyphenols have been found
to provide significant benefits for your skin. Long-term ingestion of cocoa has
been shown to contribute to sun protection, skin blood circulation and improve
the surface texture and hydration of your skin.

11. Easy to Include in Your Diet

The exact amount of cocoa you should include in your diet to
achieve health benefits is not clear.

The European Food Safety Authority recommends 0.1 ounces
(2.5 grams) of high-flavanol cocoa powder or 0.4 ounces (10 grams) of
high-flavanol dark chocolate containing at least 200 mg of flavanols per day to
achieve heart health benefits. However, this number has been deemed too low by
other researchers, who claim higher amounts of flavanols are required to see
benefits. Overall, it’s important to select cocoa sources that have a high
flavanol content — the less processed, the better.

The Bottom Line

Cocoa has captivated the world for thousands of years and is
a big part of modern cuisine in the form of chocolate. Health benefits of cocoa
include decreased inflammation, improved heart and brain health, blood sugar
and weight control and healthy teeth and skin. It’s nutritious and easy to add
to your diet in creative ways. However, make sure to use non-alkalized cocoa
powder or dark chocolate containing more than 70% cocoa if you want to maximize
health benefits. Remember that chocolate still contains significant quantities
of sugar and fats, so if you’re going to use it, stick to reasonable portion
sizes and combine it with a healthy balanced diet.

 

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Forest/Wild Honey!

 

There are hundreds of types of honey found in Indonesia, one of which is popularly consumed is the type Forest Honey.

Benefits of Honey this forest is said to be better than ordinary honey because it contains

richer and more natural.

Forest Honey is a type of honey produced from Apis dorsata or wild bees

many live in forest areas.

This black honeycomb usually coexists with other colonies, where

in one tree there can be 5-10 Apis dorsata bee colonies.

Apis dorsata bees can only breed in subtropical and tropical areas, incl

Indonesia.

Currently, these honey bees are widely spread in several forests on the islands of Kalimantan, Sumatra,

Sulawesi, and the islands of West and East Nusa Tenggara.

What are the forests Honey benefits for human health?

The benefits of forest honey are basically the same as regular honey. It's just that the nutritional content

more concentrated makes its properties for health more beneficial to the body.

Some of the benefits of forest honey that we can enjoy are:

1. Helps increase stamina and immunity

The benefits of forest honey are due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, especially

on Gram positive bacteria.

2. Increase appetite

This is due to the high fructose and glucose content in forest honey

can act as a stimulant for digestion.

3. Healthy skin

Forest honey is also believed to be able to treat burns, nourish the skin, face and lips.

4. Lower blood pressure

Honey is known as a food that has antioxidant power. According to research,

High antioxidants are proven to be able to lower blood pressure. This condition will also

reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and several types of cancer.

5. Improve cholesterol

Honey is known to improve the quality of cholesterol in the body. Some deep research

National Institute of Health, honey is known to be able to reduce total levels of bad LDL cholesterol

while increasing HDL good cholesterol in the body.

Existing research also shows that consumption of honey can cause a decrease

simple weight.

6. Heal wounds

Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, topical honey has been known as a medicine to heal wounds and

Burns.

Honey is also known to be the most effective remedy for healing partial burns and wounds

post operation.

Researchers believe that the healing power of honey comes from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects

contained therein.

7. Help relieve cold cough

Quoted from WebMD, a number of studies have shown that honey can soothe the membranes

which is inflamed and relieves coughs.

In another study involving 139 children, honey, especially buckwheat honey

known to beat dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) and relieve nighttime coughs in

children and improve the quality of their sleep.

Another benefit of forest honey that is believed by many people is that it can treat rheumatism

and overcome anemia and low blood. However, this claim still needs to be proven further.

Forest honey can be enjoyed by anyone, from children to the elderly.

However, you should not give honey to babies under 1 year of age because

It is feared that it can trigger botulism

The difference between forest honey and ordinary honey

Honey lovers must be aware that forest honey is more expensive than ordinary honey.

This is due to the benefits of forest honey which are claimed to be better than ordinary honey.

In addition, there are other differences between forest honey and ordinary honey, namely:

The bee maker

As mentioned above, forest honey is obtained from the apis dorsata forest honey bee hives.

Meanwhile, honey is usually obtained from livestock bees with various species, such as Apis

cerana, Apis trigona, Apis indica, and others.

Hard to get

Ordinary honey is generally easy to obtain because the bees that make it can be deep bred

box.

This box can also be stored in a room that is not too difficult to reach, making it easier

breeders to take honey in the harvest season.

On the other hand, until now forest honey bees are still difficult to cultivate. Because,

Apis dorsata bees prefer to live in high places, for example hanging from branches

trees, attics, or steep rocky hills.

So, to get forest honey, we have to go up to that high place.

The taste of honey

Normal honey from farmed bees usually tastes very sweet because of the bees

were given additional food supplements in the form of sugar.

Meanwhile, forest honey is obtained after forest bees take nectar from various plants

in the forest so that the aroma and taste become richer and more complex.

Nutritional content

Because the components that make it are more complex, the nutritional content of forest honey will be higher

richer and more nutritious than ordinary honey.

One of the superior ingredients in Forest Honey Is higher antioxidants than

ordinary honey, as well as the content of bee pollen and propolis.

Forest honey is also referred to as organic honey because the environment is still natural and

free from pesticides. This is where the notion emerged about the better benefits of forest honey

from ordinary honey.

Honey color

Generally, regular honey is golden brown in color. While forest honey in general

blackish brown because this honey contains minerals, enzymes, and other substances that

much more than ordinary honey.

However, the level of concentration in each forest honey can vary. Forest honey

Sumatra has a darker color, but is rather watery and contains a lot of bee pollen

so it tastes a bit sour.

In contrast, Borneo forest honey is usually lighter in color, thicker, and tastes sweeter

which is not too sour.

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9 Unique Benefits of Coffee

 Coffee is a beloved beverage known for its ability to fine-tune your focus and boost your energy levels. In fact, many people depend on their daily cup of joe right when they wake up to get their day started on the right foot.

In addition to its energizing effects, coffee has been linked to a long list of potential health benefits, giving you all the more reason to get brewing.

This article takes an in-depth look at 9 of the top evidence-based benefits of coffee.

1. Boosts energy levels

Coffee contains caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant that is known for its ability to fight fatigue and increase energy levels . This is because caffeine blocks the receptors of a neurotransmitter called adenosine, and this increases levels of other neurotransmitters in your brain that regulate your energy levels, including dopamine. One small study found that consuming caffeine increased time to exhaustion during a cycling exercise by 12% and significantly reduced subjective levels of fatigue in participants

Another study had similar findings, reporting that consuming caffeine before and during a round of golf improved performance, increased subjective energy levels, and reduced feelings of fatigue

Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that has been shown to increase energy levels and decrease fatigue by altering levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

2. May be linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes

Some research suggests that consuming coffee regularly could be associated with a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the long term. In fact, one review of 30 studies found that each cup of coffee people consumed per day was linked to a 6% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is thought to be due to coffee’s ability to preserve the function of the beta cells in your pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants and may affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism — all of which are involved in the development of type 2 diabetes. Regular coffee consumption may be linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the long term.

3. Could support brain health

Although studies have turned up mixed results, some research suggests that coffee may help protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. According to one review of 13 studies, people who regularly consumed caffeine had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. What’s more, caffeine consumption also slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease over time

Another review of 11 observational studies in more than 29,000 people also found that the more coffee people consumed, the lower their risk of Alzheimer’s disease . Additionally, several studies have demonstrated that moderate coffee consumption could be associated with a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Some research suggests that drinking coffee could help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive decline.

4. May promote weight management

According to some research, coffee could alter fat storage and support gut health, both of which may be beneficial for weight management. For example, one review of 12 studies concluded that higher coffee consumption could be associated with decreased body fat, especially in men

In another study, increased coffee intake was linked to decreased body fat in women

Furthermore, one study found that people who drank one to two cups of coffee per day were 17% more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels, compared with those who drank less than one cup per day . Higher levels of physical activity could help promote weight management

Coffee could help support weight management and may be linked to decreased body fat. One study also found that people who consumed coffee were more likely to be physically active.

5. Linked to a lower risk of depression

Some studies have found that drinking coffee could be associated with a lower risk of depression. According to one review of seven studies, each cup of coffee people consumed per day was linked to an 8% lower risk of depression . Another study found that drinking at least four cups of coffee each day was associated with a significantly lower risk of depression, compared with drinking just one cup per day

What’s more, one study in more than 200,000 people showed that drinking coffee was linked to a lower risk of death by suicide . Several studies have found that coffee could be linked to a lower risk of depression and may even be linked to a lower risk of death by suicide.

6. Could protect against liver conditions

Interestingly, several studies suggest that coffee could support liver health and protect against disease. For instance, one study found that drinking more than two cups of coffee per day was linked to lower rates of liver scarring and liver cancer in people with liver disease . Other research shows that the more coffee people drank, the lower their risk of death from chronic liver disease. Drinking one cup of coffee per day was tied to a 15% lower risk, while drinking four cups per day was linked to a 71% lower risk Another recent study found that coffee consumption was associated with decreased liver stiffness, which is a measure healthcare professionals use to assess fibrosis, the formation of scar tissue in the liver. Coffee consumption could be linked to a decreased risk of death from chronic liver disease, along with other conditions, like liver scarring and liver cancer.

7. Supports heart health

Some research shows that drinking coffee may benefit heart health. In fact, one review found that drinking three to five cups of coffee per day was tied to a 15% reduced risk of heart disease. Another review of 21 studies showed that drinking three to four cups of coffee daily was associated with a 21% lower risk of stroke . What’s more, one study in more than 21,000 people also found that increased coffee intake was associated with a significantly decreased risk of heart failure . However, keep in mind that caffeine could affect blood pressure levels. Therefore, people with unmanaged blood pressure may need to limit or moderate their caffeine intake . Some research shows that drinking coffee could be linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure.

8. Could increase longevity

Some research suggests that coffee could help extend longevity, thanks to its multitude of potential health benefits. For example, one review of 40 studies concluded that drinking two to four cups of coffee daily was associated with a lower risk of death, regardless of factors like age, weight status, and alcohol consumption . Similarly, another study in 1,567 people found that drinking caffeinated coffee was linked to a lower risk of death after 12 and 18 years of follow-up. Furthermore, drinking at least one cup of coffee per day was also associated with a lower risk of death from cancer.

Interestingly, one test-tube study showed that coffee was able to significantly extend the life span of yeast by protecting against free radicals and DNA damage.  However, more research is needed to determine whether this could also apply to humans. Coffee could be associated with a lower risk of death, regardless of other factors, like age, weight status, or alcohol consumption. Still, more research is needed.

9. May enhance athletic performance

Coffee is often used as an ergogenic aid by athletes looking to improve performance and increase energy levels. An ergogenic aid is also called a performance enhancer. One review of nine studies reported that drinking coffee before exercise improved people’s endurance and decreased their perceived exertion, compared with a control group . Another study in 126 older adults found that drinking coffee was associated with improved physical performance and faster gait speed, even after the researchers adjusted for factors like age, belly fat, and physical activity levels

Additionally, a large review reported that moderate caffeine consumption could slightly improve power output and time-trial completion time. However, results varied, so the researchers also noted that caffeine may affect people differently. Coffee could improve physical performance and endurance when consumed before exercising. However, some studies have turned up mixed results.

The bottom line

Coffee is a popular beverage that researchers have studied extensively for its many health benefits, including its ability to increase energy levels, promote weight management, enhance athletic performance, and protect against chronic disease. Keep in mind that some people may need to limit their intake, including people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children and adolescents, and people with certain health conditions . Still, drinking coffee in moderation — about three to four cups per day — has been associated with several health benefits and is generally considered safe for most adults

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Javanese Ginseng Leaves

 Description/Taste

Javanese Ginseng leaves are flat, glossy, green leaves. They reach 12 centimeters in length and up to 5 centimeters in width. They gorw in thick whorls on the Javanese Ginseng plant, classified as a perennial herb. The plant also bears wispy pink flowers and dark red fruit. Javanese Ginseng leaves are succulent and crunchy, although they have a mucilaginous texture. They have a sharp, mildly vegetal and spinach-like taste.

Seasons/Availability

Javanese Ginseng leaves are available year-round.

Current Facts

Javanese Ginseng is botanically classified as Talinum paniculatum. Its roots are used in Asia as an alternative to the more expensive Korean Ginseng. Javanese Ginseng leaves may also be referred to as Talinum leaves, Som Java and Flameflower leaves. They are a popular medicinal herb in many countries and are commonly found in home gardens. Although they are commonly eaten raw, they do contain oxalic acid and thus should only be eaten this way in small amounts.

Nutritional Value

Javanese Ginseng leaves contain calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc. It is also a source of powerful natural compounds such as Beta-sitosterol, which is found in vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. It is said to be good for symptoms of menopause. Javanese Ginseng leaves also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Applications

Javanese Ginseng leaves may be used raw or cooked. Its shoots and leaves are both added together in soups, stir fries and stews and can be used as a spinch replacement. They may also be added to smoothies. They pair well with ingredients like garlic and onion, and flavoring agents such as soy sauce and oyster sauce. To store Javanese Ginseng leaves, place them in a loose plastic bag in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator, where they will last for a few days.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Javanese Ginseng leaves appear in the traditional medicines of Asia and South America. They are considered to be cooling, and are sometimes used to stimulate the appetite. In Indonesia and Brazil, the leaves have been used topically to treat skin irritations such as inflammation as well as minor cuts. In Thailand, the leaves are used as a supplement for the general diet.

Geography/History

Javanese Ginseng is native to the United States and South America. It also grows in Africa and in parts of Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia.

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6 Surprising Benefits of Andaliman, the Special Spices of Batak People

 Andaliman or also known as Batak pepper is one of the must-have cooking spices for the Batak people. Not only in Indonesia, andaliman is also very commonly used as a spice in Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, Nepalese and Thai cuisine. Abroad, andaliman is more familiarly called Sichuan pepper. Well, just like other herbs, Batak pepper turned out to save a myriad of health benefits for your body. Come on, find out what are the benefits of andaliman in this article. 

What are the benefits of andaliman for health?

 Andaliman who has the scientific name Zanthoxylum acanthopodium is enriched by many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, iron, manganese, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus. In addition, Andaliman also contains several antioxidants, such as phytosterols, terpenes, and carotene.

 All of these important nutrients provide good benefits for your health. Here are some of the benefits of andaliman.

Relieves pain

Like other types of pepper, andaliman is also analgesic which acts to relieve pain.

Add blood

High levels of iron in Andaliman help form hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to organs and tissues. In the end, this will also improve blood circulation. Iron deficiency can cause anemia.

Increase endurance

 Another benefit of andaliman is that it can boost immunity thanks to its high zinc levels.When you don’t get enough zinc from food, your immunity will drop. Because the zinc is an important mineral that activates T cells, cells that function to control the immune response to attack the cause of the disease reported in the Medical News Today page. That’s why if your zinc deficiency can be very susceptible to infection and heal for a long time.

 Strengthen bones

There are some important minerals found in small quantities in andaliman. Some of these are phosphorus, manganese, copper, and iron. All this is needed to build strong bones and prevent age-related bone disorders, such as osteoporosis. Bone mineral density in the body will decrease with age. Because it is important to increase the intake of essential minerals, which you can get from the peppercorns.

 Relieve inflammation

 Various antioxidants and organic acids in pepper, including phytosterols and terpenes, have anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Inflammation is the result of oxidative stress, which is caused by free radical activity in the body. The compounds found in Batak pepper can neutralize free radicals, thus stopping inflammation. No wonder if Andaliman is often used as an herbal remedy for arthritis and gout.

 Prevents chronic diseases

 Cancer and other chronic diseases can be caused by excessive amounts of free radicals that cause healthy cells to mutate. Antioxidants found in pepper pepper can help reduce the risk of health problems from exposure to oxidative stress that is too high in the body.

Oxidative stress is the mastermind of various chronic diseases ranging from arthritis, heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, hypertension, peptic ulcers, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, to causing aging. 

So, have you ever used andaliman as your food seasoning??

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What are the benefits of Konjac?

 Konjac is a plant that manufacturers use to make high fiber dietary supplements, jellies, and flour. It plays a role in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine.

The Latin name for the konjac plant is Amorphophallus. People also refer to it as konjaku, elephant yam, devil’s tongue, snake palm, and voodoo lily.

In this article, we explain the potential health benefits according to research. We also look at how to use konjac and some risks to consider before taking it as a supplement.

What is konjac?

Konjac may help with diabetes management and cholesterol levels.

The konjac plant has a starchy root called a corm. This is high in a type of dietary fiber called glucomannan. Manufacturers use this part of the plant as a dietary supplement and in the production of high fiber flour and jellies.

Several different products use konjac corm, including:

Konjac flour: Producers make this by grinding down dry konjac corms to make flour. People can then use this to make noodles.

Konjac jelly: After further processing, konjac flour can form a jelly or gum. This can serve as an alternative to gelatin, which people can use as a food thickener.

Konjac soluble fiber: Purifying konjac jelly further turns it into a soluble fiber that serves as a dietary supplement.

Benefits

Konjac has several potential health benefits. Many of these benefits relate to its high content of glucomannan, the soluble dietary fiber that naturally occurs in the konjac plant.

The sections below discuss these potential health benefits in more detail.

1. Diabetes management

Research suggests that consuming a mix of glucomannan and American ginseng can lead to a moderate improvement in the management of type 2 diabetes.

 One 2015 review also found that glucomannan made people with diabetes less likely to eat foods that could increase their blood sugar levels. This is because it made them feel fuller for longer.

2. Weight management

Glucomannan made from konjac may be beneficial for people who are looking to lose weight.

A 2005 study found that the soluble dietary fiber supplement helped people with overweight reduce their body weight. The participants took the supplement as part of a balanced, calorie-controlled diet.

However, one 2014 meta-analysis found that there was no benefit of using glucomannan versus a placebo for weight loss. Also, side effects of the fiber supplement included abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation.

Glucomannan may help a person feel full for longer by slowing the rate at which the digestive system empties.

Researchers compared the effects of the glucomannan supplement with those of a guar gum supplement. They found that the glucomannan supplement slightly increased weight loss, whereas the guar gum supplement did not.

However, other research found that konjac did not promote weight loss or significantly alter body composition, change feelings of hunger or fullness, or improve lipids or blood glucose parameters, even though the participants seemed to tolerate the supplement well.

3. Cholesterol

Having high cholesterol increases a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke. Doctors recommend water-soluble fiber to support healthy cholesterol levels and weight management.

A 2019 study in rats with diabetes found that administering konjac glucomannan significantly reduced total cholesterol levels, as well as low-density lipoprotein. This is known as “bad” cholesterol.

A study from 2017 investigated what dosage of glucomannan would be needed to improve cholesterol levels. Researchers found 3 grams per day to be beneficial.

4. Constipation

Taking a glucomannan supplement may help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.

A review from 2017 found that taking glucomannan improved the frequency of bowel movements in children with constipation.

However, the researchers also found that taking glucomannan did not always improve stool consistency or the overall success rate of treatment.

A study from 2018 also suggested that glucomannan supplementation can improve constipation symptoms during pregnancy. Glucomannan reportedly increased the frequency of stools and improved their consistency.

5. Healthy skin

The glucomannan content may also help people looking to improve the health of their skin.

For example, a 2013 study found that glucomannan may provide benefits as a topical therapy for acne, as well as improve overall skin health.

6. Wound healing

As well as supporting skin health, glucomannan may also help the body heal wounds more quickly.

One 2015 study in mice found that glucomannan supplements might encourage wound healing by supporting the immune system. However, more research is necessary to conclude that glucomannan has the same effect in humans.

How to use konjac

Konjac glucomannan dietary supplements are available in most health food stores. The precise dosage of konjac a person should take depends on their reason for taking it, as well as their age and overall health status.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate konjac supplements, so it is vital to purchase them from a reputable retailer. Supplement manufacturers can voluntarily submit their products to an independent laboratory for testing of purity and potency, so check the label for this information.

People sometimes use konjac corm powder as an alternative to seafood in vegan food. Some manufacturers also make facial sponges from konjac for people looking to take advantage of the health benefits it has for the skin.

Other konjac products include:

fruit jelly

flour

noodles

There are a range of konjac products for purchase online.

Risks and considerations

When a person eats konjac in the form of fruit jelly, it may pose a choking risk, especially in children. This is because it absorbs a lot of water and does not dissolve readily. For this reason, it is important to chew konjac jelly thoroughly to ensure smooth swallowing.

In fact, the European Union and Australia have banned konjac jellies due to choking hazards.

Konjac supplements can also affect blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should talk to a doctor before taking them.

Other people may experience diarrhea when they take konjac supplements. This is due to the way in which konjac impacts the gut and reduces constipation. Another way to reduce constipation is to drink plenty of water.

Summary

Konjac products may have health benefits. For example, they may lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, improve skin and gut health, help heal wounds, and promote weight loss.

As with any unregulated dietary supplement, it is best to speak to a doctor before taking konjac. A person should also discuss konjac with a doctor before giving it to a child for constipation or other health concerns.

People should always consume konjac with water to prevent choking.

 

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