Scientists say they have discovered that watermelons have a similar effect than the drug Viagra but without the negative side effects. Watermelons have an ingredient called citrulline which can cause the production of a compound that helps relax the body's blood vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, said scientists based in Texas.

Citrulline is found in the flesh and the rind of the fruit and turns into arginine when it reacts with enzymes of the body.

Bhimu Patil, a researcher and director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, where the study took place, said watermelons might not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but theyt can be still helpful in dealing with erectile dysfunction problems.

Broccoli and cauliflower, members of the cabbage family, are little powerhouses of health. Other health-supporting cabbage family members, also known as cruciferous vegetables, are Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, kale, and turnips.

Multiple studies confirms that an increasing consumption of all fruits and vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables, helps lower the risks of chronic diseases such as cancers, in particular lung, colon, breast, prostate and ovarian cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Broccoli and cauliflower are an excellent source of vitamin C, beta-carotene (precursor to vitamin A), B vitamins, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium and chromium, as well as many other nutrients and minerals.

Cruciferous vegetables are also a rich source of many indoles and isothiocynates, substances known as phytochemicals, which have been found to have cancer fighting properties. One indole in particular, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), is a powerful anti-oxidant which provides protection to cells from free radical damage. Many studies have shown I3C to be a promising agent for preventing breast, endometrial and cervical cancers. Studies have shown that I3C can neutralize harmful estrogens which are believed to be a factor behind hormonal driven cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years. Nature’s nutritious sweetener contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and is also used to nourish skin and hair.

Honey is used topically as antiseptic to disinfect and speed the healing process in sore throats, wounds, ulcers scrapes and burns. Some of the healing proponents and antibacterial agents in honey are enzymes, antioxidants and flavonoids.

A spoonful of honey is more effective than cough syrup containing DM for children over 12 months old, according to Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Don't give honey-containing products to infants less than one year of age. Honey may contain certain spores and toxins that can cause infant botulism, a life-threatening disease. However, honey is considered safe for children over 12 months and adults.

Vitamin D has been received much attention in recent months. While natural health practitioners have long integrated vitamin D in the treatment of certain health issues, the Canadian Cancer Society now recommends all Canadians to supplement with vitamin D during winter months.

Vitamin D is produced naturally by the body. People get most of their vitamin D from sunlight. After being exposed to adequate amounts of sunlight, the skin produces vitamin D, which is then converted to its active form by the kidneys. Studies suggest that as we age, we tend to produce less vitamin D.

You can also find good amounts of vitamin D in certain kinds of fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as cod liver oil.

Some supplements use synthetic vitamin D2. A much better form is the natural and bioavailable vitamin D3 which is more effective and stays longer in the system.

More people are turning to herbal medicines in their search for more natural and gentle health care. Herbal remedies are cost-effective and offer relief from an abundance of ailments.

However, self-medication is cautioned, as herbal remedies can have short-term or long-term effects.

Most spices are not consumed in large amounts so the average person will not notice their effect. Large or long-term doses of any spice or herb to achieve a desired health benefit should not be taken without consulting a physician.

As every human has individual needs, the health benefits of all herbs and spices may vary from person to person. Also potencies vary among the many different preparation methods and brands.

Always follow label directions, unless otherwise prescribed by a herbologist, traditional Chinese doctor, Ayurvedic doctor, naturopathic or homeopathic doctor or other certified natural health care provider.

The Journal of Immunology, a reputable source, has published an article in their Dec edition which links dietary fat consumption with inflammation. Reporting on these findings Medical News Today points out how healthy bodies may fight disease thereby affecting the immune system. Fat intake in our diets has increased substantially over the last thirty years. Inflammatory diseases such as asthma, autoimmune diseases and atherosclerosis have also increased. Obesity which is linked to many of these illnesses, is becoming an epidemic.

If you are a smoker, the only way to reduce the harmful effects of smoking is to quit completely. Cutting back may only be a stepping stone to quitting for good. Though the idea of heavy smokers cutting back has been thought to have long term health benefits. New results prove this theory wrong.

Cutting back, say the researchers, "does not seem to bring about harm reduction". The December edition of Tobacco Control will publish the findings of a Norweigan study. 51,000 participants whose average age was 40, were included with no known history of heart disease. Conducted by Tverdal, PhD, and Kjell Bjartveit, MD, PhD, MPH, the study began in the 1970s.

"What makes our find so special is that we found an individual immunological gene that seems to be directly connected to the risk of developing asthma," the head of the research team, Torben Kruse, said. "Scientists have never been able to say the same before. Other findings have been described as possibly having an effect on allergies and eczema."

Kruse said the discovery is likely to lead to earlier detection and better treatment. But he said the causes of asthma are complicated and include environmental factors.