Healing Herbs & Spices

Food Synergy

15 Fat Burning Foods - Eating Your Way To Natural Fat Loss

Quickly, can you name 15 fat burning foods in the next 30 seconds? How did you do? Well, there are a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are hyped as foods that you can eat to help you to lose weight. They are also known as negative calorie foods and have what is known as a high 'thermogenic' value. In other words, they use more calories in the digestive process than what is actually contained within the food itself. This process speeds up your metabolism, which can lead to fat loss.

 

In actuality, it is not the food that burns the fat, but the nutrients in these foods that help in breaking down fatty deposits and make it easier for your body to help flush out the fat. Also, when your body is properly nourished it has a positive affect on maintaining your blood sugar level. Regulating your blood sugar level has proven to be the most effective method to maintaining the body's fat-burning capacity by eliminating the feel of hunger.

Following are 15 fat burning foods known for accelerating fat loss; they are packed with nutritional value and can assist you in achieving your weight loss goal and improve your overall health in numerous ways:

Beans

Steep in fiber and an excellent source of protein as well as iron, a single serving of beans is very filling and can satisfy your appetite for hours. The great thing is that they come in many varieties including lima beans, black beans, kidney beans, navy beans, green beans, wax beans, northern beans, and garbanzo beans. They are great for helping to keep the blood sugar level balance.

Garlic

This staple has a worldwide reputation as a miracle food and comes in over 300 varieties; it contains vitamins A, C, and D. One of the most common is the American garlic; it has a white paper-like skin and a very strong flavor. Its many forms include whole peeled gloves, minced fresh cloves, dried garlic powder, garlic extract, garlic salt, and whole peeled gloves. Garlic contains the compound allicin which studies have shown can help lower cholesterol and high blood pressure; it is a natural diuretic food that aids the breakage of fat. It has been observed that allicin begins to degrade immediately after it is produced, so its medicinal effect decreases over time. Cooking degrades its even further and microwaving allicin, more likely than not, totally annihilates any health benefits.

To receive the optimal effect, crush a little raw garlic and combine with the cooked food shortly before serving. Be careful not to overdo it - too much can irritate or possibly damage the digestive tract. Keep in mind that raw, crushed garlic yields not only the most powerful flavor but, as an entry on the 15 fat burning foods list, it is an extremely effective ingredient to have as a part of your health and fitness arsenal.

Carrots

This vegetable contains high levels of carotene, which is transform into Vitamin A. Carotene stimulates the metabolic rate of the body and speeds the elimination of fat deposits and waste. In addition, research has shown that this compound may be of significant benefit for maintaining blood sugar level and possesses antioxidant properties that can reduce the rate of certain types of cancer as well as cardiovascular diseases.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Known as a simple home remedy for ailments ranging from sinus headaches to a sore toe, apple cider vinegar also has the natural ability to accelerate fat loss. Made from apples, it contains malic acid, which is an essential ingredient for converting sugars and fats into an energy source that fuels the bodily functions such as walking, running, breathing, and blood flow.

Apple cider vinegar also have high levels of potassium that has an antiseptic quality , which helps to eliminate stored fats. Pectin is another ingredient contained in the fresh apples from which the vinegar is made; it is a soluble fiber that binds to cholesterol globules and pulls them out of the body. It works 24 hours a day to help your body remove unwanted fat. This also helps remove unwanted heavy metals. Less fat and cholesterol in the body reduces the risk of just about any ailment!

Onions

Like its fellow vegetable in the 15 fat burning foods category - garlic, onions have minerals and oils that will help to promote fat loss by the breakdown of fat deposits and speeding up your metabolism. They also are rich in vitamin C and chromium. Chromium is a mineral that is promoted as a weight-loss supplement due to it's supposed ability to stabilize blood sugar levels and boost the body's fat-burning metabolism.

Tomatoes

Whether raw, steamed, fried, stewed, crushed, pureed, or reduced to a sauce, the tomatoes is one of the most frequently eaten "vegetables" in the United States. It has a high Vitamin C and Citric malic-oxalic acid content. The acid contains enzymes that will hasten the metabolic process. It also helps the kidneys to release more water, which filters out large amounts of fatty deposits. Because it is a "fatless" vegetable, many people employ tomatoes fat-loss diet for a brief period of time.

Celery

Raw celery has a high calcium content and when eaten the calcium is sent directly to work. This pure form of calcium will stimulate your endocrine system. The hormones in your body will break up the fat that is stored in the body. In addition, celery contains a high amount of iron and magnesium; these minerals are excellent for flushing out your system.

Cucumber

The high silicon and sulfur content in cucumbers works to stimulate the kidneys to filter out uric acid, which is a waste product formed from the metabolic breakdown of substances in food called purines. Once this uric acid is washed out, it speeds up the removal of fat, and loosens the fat from the cells.

Asparagus

A good vegetable source of vitamin E, and a natural treatment for rheumatism and arthritis, asparagus is also a natural diuretic that promotes the elimination of fluids in the body. This pick for 15 fat burning foods contains a chemical that accelerates metabolism by assisting in the breakdown of the oxalic acid that tends to bind fat to cells. Its affect in reducing fatty deposits into small bits makes it easier to expend them out of the body.

Beets

This is another powerful diuretic that supports the functions of the liver and kidneys. Beets wash out floating body fats; they are rich in a special iron that cleanses the corpuscles. Corpuscles are blood cells that can contain fat deposits.

Cabbage

Because of the cabbage ability to inhibit the transformation of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat it is of great value in the fat loss war. It contains the minerals iodine and sulfur, which cleanses the body of waste matter from the membranes of the stomach and intestines. If you have a pot belly or want to rid yourself of love handles, cabbage is a natural diuretic that will help to break up the excess fat stored in these areas.

Olive Oil

This item should be at the top of the 15 fat burning foods for everyone. Numerous studies have shown that the reasons for southern Europeans low rate of cardiovascular disease is their frequent use of olive oil as their primary source of dietary fat. By utilizing olive oil in the same way, you can reap the same health benefits. Extra-virgin olive oil (nuts, avocados, and canola oil) is made of monounsaturated fat and helps to lower the levels of the 'bad fat' ldl cholesterol and also the blood fats that are known as triglycerides.

The fats that you need to avoid, the saturated fats found mostly in animal foods and diary products, are what raise those levels. That is why it is recommended that you eat only lean meats and nonfat dairy products. The bottom line here is, olive oil, used in healthy amounts as a replacement for the "unhealthy fats," will enhance your fat loss program.

Apples

This is a food that is high in fiber and provides your body with volume; it prolongs digestion, which makes you feel full longer. Eating apples in place of junk foods, decrease the likelihood of you eating foods that are less filling and high in calories. This encourages stable blood-glucose levels. Because fat burning foods such as apples have fewer calories, they are popular in fat loss programs that involve calorie counting. The high water content of apples is another reason why apples are great for weight loss. The water within the apple is absorbed by the body and helps to keep blood-oxygenation levels high.

When this occurs, your body's metabolism is stimulated and burns glucose energy. A low blood-oxygenation level makes your body feel sluggish and the nutrients that you do eat cannot be effectively transported to the areas of the body where they are needed. So, why not add apples to your list, and the next time you feel the urge to have a snack, pick up one and start munching knowing that you are making a significant contribution to your fat loss efforts.

Oatmeal

There is a reason why professional bodybuilders have relied on oatmeal as a staple of their breakfast; it is very high in nutrients. It is an amazing source of cholesterol fighting, fat-soluble fiber that is filling and provides a good amount of energy to propel you through any workout. Avoid instant oatmeal and choose rolled or steel cut oats instead.

Lean Turkey

This is another favorite food of bodybuilders. Many studies have proven that the proteins contained in lean turkey boost the metabolism that promotes fat loss and helps to build up the lean muscle tissue that enables you to burn even more fat. (calories.) The reason lean meats stimulate metabolism and burns calories is because it uses more energy in the digestion process that other foods.

So there you have it, 15 fat burning foods that not only promote fat loss but contains vitamin and minerals that yield many other health related benefits as well. As with any changes in diet or fitness related activities, you should always consult with your health care practitioner first!

15 Easy Ways to Detoxify Your Body Today

 

 

 

Every now and then I read or hear someone say that the body doesn't need to detoxify.  This is an appalling statement since the body cannot live without effective and efficient detoxification, which needs to occur in the lungs, liver, skin, intestines, kidneys, lymphatic system, and other areas of the body every minute of every day.

Our bodies are surprisingly good at detoxification but these processes can easily become overwhelmed due to the volume of toxins to which we're exposed from our air, water, food, pharmaceutical and over-the-counter drugs, and many other sources.These detoxification processes also rely on many critical nutrients (you'll discover which ones below) to function properly.  Fortunately, there are many easy things you can do to help your body eliminate harmful toxins. 

Here are 15 easy ways to detoxify today based on the book, The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan:

1. Eat pectin-rich organic apples.  Pectin binds to toxins in the intestines to escort them out of the body.

2. Drink a freshly-made veggie juice daily.  This can be as easy as throwing a couple of handfuls of leafy greens into a blender with some frozen berries and water.

3. Drink a large glass of purified water with the juice of one fresh lemon in the morning.  Lemons have over 20 proven anti-cancer compounds.

4. Eat blueberries daily.  They are rich in anthocyanins that reduce inflammation in the body and brain, as well as help reduce allergies and excess weight.

5. Remember to breathe.  Oxygen kills bacteria, viruses, and helps us to feel more energized.  Breathe deeply as much as possible.

6. Eat at least a half cup of legumes daily.  If they cause you gas, build up slowly and add a digestive enzyme with cellulase (breaks down the fiber in beans).  Fiber in beans helps keep the bowels eliminating properly.

7. Find the positive in every day.  Smile and laugh.  A positive attitude reduces the number of stress chemicals in the body.  And, as the adage says, "laughter is the best medicine."Discover one of the most powerful liver healers that stops fat-storage in the liver…

8. Take turmeric daily (a teaspoon in a small glass of water), added to soups or stews, or in capsule form.  It contains the phytonutrient curcumin that is one of the most powerful liver protectors and healers.  The liver is largely responsible for detoxification.

9. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables.  They contain enzymes that aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption.  Many nutrients are needed for efficient detoxification, including:  beta carotene, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B12, pyridoxine, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, copper, germanium, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, sulphur, and zinc, among others.

10. Switch from chemical cleaning products to natural ones.  Chemical cleaning products contain toxins like formaldehyde, chlorine, petroleum products, ammonia, perchloroethylene ("perc"), and many other harmful chemicals that research links to cancer, skin conditions, asthma, and other serious health conditions.  Baking soda, vinegar, or orange oil work well.  No chemical cleaner removes stains as well as orange oil.

11. Eat at least three of the best detoxifying foods daily: broccoli, garlic, spinach, cabbage, sprouts, blueberries, and ginger.

12. Drink plenty of pure water to help flush toxins from your body.  Almost every process in your body depends on proper hydration to function smoothly.

13. Help remove toxins in your intestines by using aloe vera juice (about a quarter cup) or drinking a few cups of slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, or rhubarb root tea (about one teaspoon of the dried herb per cup of  water).

14. Take a probiotic supplement with live cultures on an empty stomach daily (morning or evening works well).  The beneficial bacteria kill harmful bacteria and yeasts and help to heal the lining of the intestines.

15. Get at least 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily.  Sweating is one of the best ways of removing harmful toxins, including heavy metals, from the body.

6 Clever and Safe DIY Bathroom Deodorizers

 

 

What is worse than bathroom smells? The choke-inducing chemical smell of spray air freshener layered on top of it. Holy smokes, it can leave you gasping for air. For bathroom deodorizing, natural, non-toxic deodorizers are actually better at masking bad smells. They're also a lot friendlier to people who are allergic or sensitive to synthetic perfumes.

If you have persistent bad smells in your bathroom that are not related to going to the bathroom, you might need to call in a plumber. For example, Jimmy Cash, a plumber in Dallas, says that bathroom smells can be attributed to pipe leaks or drain seals. These bathroom deodorizers are not a substitute for keeping plumbing in working order.

Also, having an HVAC contractor install a proper vent fan in your bathroom is beneficial in a few ways: A vent fan can pull out routine bathroom smells, but it also can prevent mold and mildew growth, which has its own nasty smell. While my favorite way to deodorize the bathroom is to open the window or turn on a vent fan (duh), sometimes the air just doesn't move fast enough and you need a little help. So here you go; help is on the way.

Water and essential oil in a plug-in: While your standard plug-in air freshener is filled with chemical perfumes, the concept of an electrical scent diffuser is not bad in and of itself. Empty out, wash, and dry the bulb from a plug-in air freshener. Then fill with water and a few drops of essential oil.

Add essential oil to cedar chips to make potpourri: Cedar chips are aromatic on their own. To kick them up a notch, add a few drops of an essential oil, like lavender or lemon, to cedar chips and place in a bowl or cheesecloth sachet.  Add essential oil drops to the inside of a cardboard toilet paper tube: Your toilet paper tube itself can become an air freshener. Add a few drops of a nice-smelling essential oil to the inside of a toilet paper roll tube.

Put a couple drops of eucalyptus oil in the toilet before you poo: Crunchy Betty, one of my favorite green lifestyle bloggers, posted this tip. Put a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil into the toilet before you go number two. She claims that short of total-horror-show-number-twos, once you flush the smell of the number two will totally disappear.

Simmer scent pots: Simmering water and aromatic herbs and fruits is a sure way to pleasantly scent the air. There are small, portable ways to simmer a small bowl or cup of water and aromatics in the bathroom, like a coffee cup warmer or a candle-fueled scent diffuser. Mason jar of baking soda: Baking soda as a deodorizer, on its own, has its supporters and detractors. As a medium for essential oils, it's excellent.  Maggie, from the blog Smashed Peas and Carrots, made cute and clever baking soda and essential oil air fresheners in Mason jars. Put baking soda and a few drops of a fragrant essential oil into a small Mason jar with a ring lid. Instead of using the metal plate that goes inside the ring of the lid, she used perforated craft paper, which allows the scent to diffuse.

6 Superfoods to Boost Your Health

Superfoods are foods that are particularly nutrient-dense and help keep your body healthy.
Eating a diet rich in superfoods can help protect your health and give you more energy. Of course, you can’t live on a cheeseburger and fries diet, add a few superfoods, and expect to feel great. A healthy lifestyle is all about your overall habits, and that means avoiding unhealthy saturated fats, limiting your refined sugars, and getting plenty of exercise.
Superfoods aren’t a silver bullet, but as part of an overall healthy, active routine, they can definitely give you a boost. Some superfoods protect against disease, some have anti-aging properties, and some do both. What all of the superfoods on this list have in common is that they’re delicious and they’re easy to find at the grocery store or your local co-op’s or health food store’s bulk bin.

1. Quinoa

Quinoa is a chewy grain with a slightly nutty flavor. It’s great in place of rice as a side dish or in salads and even soups and stews. Rich in calcium and magnesium, it’s a superstar for bone health, and it also helps protect your body from stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that’s a complete protein, meaning it provides all of the amino acids that your body needs.
Read more about quinoa here!

2. Pomegranate

An excellent plant-based source of iron, pomegranate has anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect you from heart disease. It’s rich in B-vitamins and folic acid, and studies also have shown that pomegranate helps your body fight free radicals and can help lower blood pressure.
Get some tips on cooking with pomegranate here!

3. Blueberries

As if you needed a reason to eat more blueberries, right? Well snack away, because these berries can enhance brain health and even improve your memory. They’re also rich in antioxidants that can help you cope better with stressful situations.
Read more about blueberries here!

4. Kale

Is there anything this dark, leafy green can’t do? Kale is rich in fiber and in vitamins A, C, and K as well as in manganese. It’s got a good balance of calcium and magnesium, which makes it especially useful for promoting bone health. On top of all that, it even has 2.5 grams of protein in a 1 cup serving. Also, kale is pretty delicious.
Get your kale recipes here!

5. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have a lot in common with flax seeds, but unlike flax you don’t have to grind chia seeds up to get the nutritional benefits. That means that chia seeds have a longer shelf life than flax meal, and they lose fewer nutrients while they’re sitting in your pantry. Calcium-rich chia seeds are a great plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, and you don’t have to worry about mercury contamination like you do with fish.
Need some chia recipes? We’ve got you covered right here!

6. Avocado

I have to admit that I was over the moon when I learned that avocado – one of my favorite foods – was a superfood. Avocado is high in fat, but it’s healthy fat that actually helps fight heart disease. It’s packed with vitamin E for healthy skin and has powerful anti-aging properties.
Learn more about avocado here!


Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/superfoods.html#ixzz2GuOa3Xhf

Top 12 Detox Superfoods

Even if you don’t plan on doing a detox program, your health will benefit from adding more detox superfoods to your daily diet. There are many great superfoods with detoxifying properties, but here are my top 12 picks.  And, they’re delicious too.

Almonds—are high in fiber, calcium, magnesium, and useable protein that helps stabilize blood sugar and remove impurities from the bowels.

Avocados—lower cholesterol and dilate blood vessels while blocking artery-destroying toxicity. Avocados contain a nutrient called glutathione, which blocks at least 30 different carcinogens while helping the liver detoxify synthetic chemicals. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that elderly people who had high levels of glutathione were healthier and less likely to suffer from arthritis.

Beets—contain a unique mixture of natural plant chemicals (phytochemicals) and minerals that make them superb fighters of infection, blood purifiers, and liver cleansers. They also help boost the body’s cellular intake of oxygen, making beets excellent overall body cleansers. Aphrodite, according to legend, ate beets to retain her beauty. She was definitely on to a good thing since beets, in addition to all the benefits listed above, also help stabilize the blood’s acid-alkaline balance (pH), which in turn supports healthy detoxification.

Blueberries—contain natural aspirin that helps lessen the tissue-damaging effects of chronic inflammation, while lessening pain. Blueberries also act as antibiotics by blocking bacteria in the urinary tract, thereby helping to prevent infections. They have antiviral properties and are loaded with super-detoxifying phytonutrients called proanthocyanidins.

Cabbage—contains numerous anti-cancer and antioxidant compounds and helps the liver break down excess hormones. Cabbage also cleanses the digestive tract and soothes the stomach, which could in part be due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage (kale is another excellent choice—see below) demonstrate powerful detoxification activity, including neutralizing some of the damaging compounds found in cigarette smoke (and second-hand smoke). They also contain a compound that helps the liver produce adequate amounts of enzymes for detoxification.

Cranberries—have powerful antibiotic and antiviral substances to help the body cleanse harmful bacteria and viruses from the urinary tract.

Flaxseeds and Flaxseed Oil— are loaded with essential fatty acids, particularly the omega-3s. They are essential for many cleansing functions and maintaining a healthy immune system. They are also critical to maintaining a healthy brain. The health of every cell in your body is dependent on getting adequate amounts of essential fatty acids.

Garlic—helps cleanse harmful bacteria, intestinal parasites, and viruses from the body, especially from the blood and intestines. It also helps cleanse buildup from the arteries and lowers blood pressure. Garlic has anti-cancer and antioxidant properties that help detoxify the body of harmful substances. It also helps cleanse the respiratory tract by expelling mucous buildup in the lungs and sinuses. I am referring to fresh garlic, not garlic powder, which has virtually none of the above properties.

Kale—contains powerful anti-cancer and antioxidant compounds that help cleanse the body of harmful substances. It is also high in fiber, which helps cleanse the intestinal tract. Like cabbage, kale helps neutralize compounds found in cigarette smoke and contains a substance that jump-starts the liver’s production of cleansing enzymes.

Legumes—are loaded with fiber that helps lower cholesterol, cleanse the intestines, and regulate blood sugar levels. Legumes also help protect the body against cancer.

Lemons— are superb liver detoxifiers. In addition, they contain high amounts of vitamin C, a vitamin needed by the body to make a substance called glutathione. Glutathione helps ensure that phase 2 liver detoxification keeps pace with phase 1, thereby reducing the likelihood of negative effects from environmental chemicals. Vitamin C and other antioxidants found in lemons are integral to ward off cancer, fight the effects of pollution and cell damage. Fresh lemon juice contains more than 20 anti-cancer compounds and helps balance the body’s pH levels.

Seaweed—could be the most underrated vegetable in the Western world. Studies at McGill University in Montreal showed that seaweeds bind to radioactive waste in the body so it can be removed. Radioactive waste can find its way into the body through some medical tests or through food that has been grown where water or soil is contaminated. Seaweed also binds to heavy metals to help eliminate them from the body. In addition, it is a powerhouse of minerals and trace minerals.

9 Home remedies that works

Nausea

Ginger is all you need to treat an upset stomach.

Remedy: Ginger is highly effective for all types of stomach upsets – from motion sickness to morning sickness (safe for pregnant women) – and can be used in a variety of ways. If you’re feeling ill, you can take several capsules of powdered ginger at a time (up to 25 capsules a day) with a little warm water. Sucking on a small piece of ginger during the day is another way to get your dosage. Or you can drink ginger tea.

To make ginger tea:
1. Simmer 1 to 2 t chopped fresh ginger in 1 cup water, in a covered pot for 10 minutes.
2. Strain and sweeten.
3. Drink small amounts throughout the day.

The proof: A controlled study in Germany found that ginger is more effective at relieving motion sickness than a prescription drug commonly prescribed for that malady.

Gum disease

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss or if they’re red and inflamed, you may have gum disease. Gums will become irritated and swollen due to a plaque or calculus (tartar) build-up. Here’s a simple remedy to wipe out gingivitis-causing bacteria.

Remedy: Making your own antimicrobial mouth rinse is simple. Make a strong tea by pouring two cups boiling water over two tablespoons of dried peppermint, spearmint, or rosemary, or a combination of the three herbs. Cover, and steep overnight. Strain, and add one teaspoon myrrh tincture, a natural preservative. Store in a glass bottle and shake well before gargling. If you use about two tablespoons twice a day, this will last about a week.

The proof A study at New York University College of Dentistry found that herbal mouthwashes and toothpastes kill more germs than conventional brands, and in some instances are as effective as prescription oral hygiene products.

Sunburn

When it comes to sunburn, prevention is the best medicine. But if you do get burnt, minimise the damage with these suggestions:

Remedy 1: During summer months or whenever you’re going to get a lot of sun, take daily doses of vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene, 10 000 to 20000 IU), vitamin C (500 to 1 000 mg), and vitamin E (400 to 800 IU).

Remedy 2: Aloe vera cools and soothes even the most tender skin. Keep a small aloe plant growing in your home or garden; slice off leaves as you need them and apply the inner gel to your skin. If you need a large quantity of aloe gel – when treating severe sunburn, for example – you can make up a batch of fresh aloe gel and keep it in the refrigerator. When chilled, it’s doubly effective for soothing burns.

To make fresh aloe vera gel:
1. Slice off an aloe vera leaf, peel it, and place in a blender.
2. For every quarter cup of aloe vera leaf, add 500mg powdered vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, and 1/4 t lavender essential oil.
3. Blend thoroughly and apply several times a day to burns, as well as cuts, wounds, and other skin irritations. Stored in a clean glass jar and refrigerated, this mixture will stay fresh for a couple of months.

The proof: Research has found that antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E neutralise cell-damaging free radicals. They help prevent harmful effects, from premature ageing to cancer. Studies have shown that aloe speeds the healing of wounds and burns and also fights infection.

Hair loss

This remedy encourages hair growth and improves the condition of your hair and scalp.

Remedy: In a dark glass bottle, combine one teaspoon each of rosemary essential oil, basil essential oil, and lavender essential oil. Mix five drops of this mixture with one teaspoon of aloe vera gel and massage it into your scalp. Leave it in for a few hours before shampooing.

The proof: Research in Scotland found that massaging your scalp with essential oils can stimulate hair growth.

Hay fever

Thousands of people in South Africa live with nasal allergies like hay fever, but help is at hand.

Remedy: Eat foods that are naturally rich sources of the bioflavonoid quercetin, such as apples, citrus fruits, purple and yellow onions, and buckwheat. Aim for at least two servings of quercetin-rich foods daily. Or take concentrated quercetin in capsules, 200 to 500mg twice daily between meals. For best results, boost your intake of quercetin about a month before the start of allergy season and continue it throughout.

The proof: Many studies have found that quercetin inhibits the release of histamine, the inflammatory compound primarily responsible for the symptoms of hay fever.

High cholesterol

The SA Medical Research Council estimates that a staggering five million people have high cholesterol levels, and are at risk of heart disease. While many conventional doctors prescribe medications to lower blood cholesterol levels, simple dietary changes are often enough.

Remedy: Eat at least one and a half cups of cooked oatmeal daily. And remember, oatmeal doesn’t have to be boring to be healthy – liven it up with blueberries, bananas, and walnuts, or whatever suits your taste.

The proof: In the early ’90s researchers found that oatmeal absorbs excess cholesterol in the intestinal tract and sweeps it out of the body.

Colds and flu

Whether you’re trying to avoid getting sick or you’ve already caught a bug, here are two ways to shake it off.

Remedy 1: During cold and fl u season, eat one to two cloves of raw garlic daily. If you want to access the antimicrobial properties of garlic, most experts believe you must eat it raw! You can disguise the sharp, biting flavour by adding finely chopped, fresh garlic to baked potatoes, pasta dishes, and soups just before serving. Or try a sweet and spicy garlic salad dressing. The sweetness tones down the sharpness of the garlic without sacrificing any of its immune-enhancing properties.

Remedy 2: Inhaling plain steam will open clogged nasal and sinus passages, but adding herbs such as thyme or peppermint will help cleanse the lungs by promoting mucus expulsion.

The proof: Researchers in the US and China have shown that garlic not only kills cold and fl u viruses, but also strengthens the immune system. For gene rations, doctors have recommended warm steam to relieve congestion and ease laboured breathing; and numerous studies have confirmed that steam inhalations can open clogged nasal passages.

To make 3 to 4 servings of a sweet and spicy garlic salad dressing:
1. Combine 2 T extra-virgin olive oil, 1 T flaxseed oil, 1 t honey mustard, 1 t honey, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl.
2. Whisk in 2 T lemon juice, 2 T orange juice, and 4 cloves finely minced garlic.

Insomnia

Lying awake all night worrying that you can’t sleep? Try this:

Remedy: Experts believe a warm bath will make you drowsy by drawing blood away from the brain and towards the skin’s surface. Add eight drops of lavender essential oil to a tubful of warm water, and disperse it through the water with a few strokes of your hand. (For variety, you can replace two of the lavender drops with two of ylang-ylang essential oil, which also has relaxing properties.)

The proof: According to research published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, a warm bath (about 38C) can induce drowsiness, even in people suffering from sleeplessness.

Depression

While prescription antidepressants have their place, you can take steps to restore balance to your life before they’re needed.

Remedy 1: A brisk 45-minute walk stimulates your body to produce endorphins, natural mood-elevating chemicals. Try it the next time you feel emotionally stuck, and practice preventive mental health care by taking a walk every day.

Remedy 2: St John’s Wort might help: Take 300mg of a standardised extract (containing 0,3% hypercin and 3% hyperforin) three times daily. Allow six weeks for the herb to begin working, and be diligent with the sunscreen as St John’s Wort can also make your skin sun-sensitive.

The proof: Dozens of studies have found that exercise is one of the best ways to lessen mild to moderate depression. In a review of 315 studies done over an eight-year period, published in Comprehensive Psychiatry, researchers confirmed that St John’s Wort is an effective treatment for mild cases of depression

 

Cinnamon and Honey

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. What it will do is what some call 'turning to sugar'. In reality, honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will "crystallize". When this happens loosen the lid, boil some water and sit the honey container in the hot water, but turn off the heat and let it liquefy naturally. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. This will kill the enzymes in the honey.

 

 

Cinnamon and Honey. I bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:

It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects for any kind of diseases.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon, as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES:

Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply it on bread instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, when they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS:

Arthritis patients may take daily (morning and night) one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:

Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder..

CHOLESTEROL:

Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS:

Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:

Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS:

According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:

Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION:

Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:

A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:

Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old..

RASPY OR SORE THROAT:

When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES:

Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:

Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:

Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:

Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE:

Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH:

People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:

Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

 

A World Without Coffee

• by Beth Buczynski
• November 26, 2012
• 5:00 am

Americans love coffee. Over half of us drink it daily, with at least another 25 percent drinking it occasionally. Our love for coffee is the stuff of internet memes and expensive habits. Many of us can’t imagine starting the day without a hot fragrant cup of joe. Deny us our cuppa, and all manner of irritable personalities emerge.

We’ll go to all sorts of ridiculous lengths for our coffee, which is why a new study by Kew Gardens is particularly troubling: climate change could cause the world-famous Arabica coffee bean to be extinct by 2080.

According to the Guardian, “Arabica is one of only two species of bean used to make coffee and is by far the most popular, accounting for 70 per cent of the global market including almost all fresh coffee sold in high street chains and supermarkets in the US and most of Europe.”

The study, which was published in the Public Library of Science ONE journal, used multiple computer modeling simulations to predict what might happen to coffee crops in various climate change scenarios. They found that at the very least 65 percent of locations where arabica is currently grown will become unsuitable by 2080,while the most extreme model predicted almost 100 percent extinction. “In some areas, such as the Boma Plateau in South Sudan, the demise could come as early as 2020, based on the low flowering rate and poor health of current crops,” points out the Guardian.
Think about that for a second: A world without coffee.

Say goodbye to your precious grande skinny hazelnut lattes and bottomless house blends. Coffee would most likely become so expensive it would become like a second currency, traded on black markets by red eyed caffeine-junkies in wrinkled business suits!

All joking aside, this is just one of many consequences unchecked climate change will have on society. Even if the computer models are wrong, and coffee doesn’t disappear completely, the yield size and taste will never be the same again. Perhaps if people don’t find sea level rise, extreme heat and violent storms compelling enough, the thought of never again tasting a perfect espresso will motivate them into taking action.

Related Reading:
6 Reasons Coffee Isn’t So Bad For You After All
Climate Change Might Put The World’s Coffee Supply At Risk
Top 5 Reasons To Drink A Cup Of Tea




Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/a-world-without-coffee.html#ixzz2DbkL9duJ

Colour yourself healthy!

Many of us were told as children to ‘eat our greens’, but what about our reds, blues, oranges and yellows? A novel way of looking at nutrition is by categorising fruits and vegetables by virtue of their colour. The reason behind colourising the diet all has to do with specialised plant chemicals (called phytochemicals) that impart colour as well as flavour to fruits and vegetables.

Phytochemical nutrients, like the ones found in colourful fruits and vegetables, can help prevent heart disease, certain cancers, and other diseases attributable to lifestyle and ageing. When it comes to choosing fruits and vegetables, go for those with deep, vibrant hues and pick from a variety of colour groups. Each plant pigment, from the red in tomatoes to the blue in blueberries, is associated with its own unique health benefit and choosing from a variety will ensure you get the full range of phytochemicals.

• Red – A plateful of tomatoes and chillies will have you dosing up on the powerful antioxidant lycopene. Diets rich in lycopene have been shown to have a negative association with certain cancers, including lung, colon, liver, and prostate. Red foods also help maintain a healthy heart and are great sources of vitamin C.
• Purple – Eat beetroot or cherry to fight against cancer, improve circulation, and ward off age-related memory loss. Purple fruit and vegetables are also rich sources of vitamin C, folate, fibre, and potassium.
• Orange – A carrot or a serving of pumpkin a day is said to be beneficial in preventing cancers of the lung and breast. It also helps protect the skin from sunburn. Beta-carotene plays an additional role in enhancing the immune system. Orange fruit and vegetables are also high in folate, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
• Green - The carotenoid pigment lutein gives colour to kiwi fruits, green peppers, and other similarly shaded veggies. Lutein is best known for its protective effects on vision. These foods are also good sources of folate, minerals, and fibre and help maintain strong bones and teeth.

Adding more colour to your daily diet is not only a great way to better health, but also helps add some variety and fun into a diet that can become boring and monotonous. Every time you bite into a deeply coloured fruit or vegetable, think about the cocktail of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and phytochemicals that are working together to prevent disease and promote your health and wellbeing.

‘Greening’ your exercise routine

We all know that exercise is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle, but little do we realise that in trying to keep ourselves healthy we pose numerous threats to the environment in which we live in. We exercise to keep ourselves fit and healthy, but how do we expect to be perfectly healthy if our surroundings are polluted? Being eco-friendly is more popular and well-accepted now than ever before in history. But not everybody knows exactly how to take the concept of going ‘green’ into their daily exercise habits. Here are some ways you can become more environmentally conscious and make your exercise routine ‘greener’.



Tips to green your exercise routine

• Get to the great outdoors

Electrically powered exercise machines require a lot of power and energy to operate. The average treadmill consumes 1500 watts of power. During a 30 minute workout on such a treadmill, 75 kilowatt-hours of energy is used. The equivalent amount of energy can be used to light up a Christmas tree for almost six hours. So, consider using your own muscle power and take your workout into the great outdoors instead.

• Burn calories, not petrol

Instead of driving (which produces significant CO2 pollution) to the gym, run or walk there for a great (cheap) warm-up. If the gym is too far, try cycling or sharing a ride with a friend. Also, keep your workout clothes in your car to cut down on extra stops and petrol. Cutting car time ultimately reduces pollution.

• Try use re-usable water bottles

Staying hydrated is important when you exercise, so instead of buying a pack of bottled water and creating more plastic waste, how about using a stainless steel or recycled water bottle that you can wash and re-use again. Bottled water creates 1.5 million tonnes of plastic waste per year. Of course, you can easily recycle plastic water bottles through most local recycling programmes, but it’s always environmentally preferable to reduce waste before recycling it.

Natural Sweeteners

By Annie Berthold-Bond and Nava Atlas, author of The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet

The array of products in the sweetener aisle of your health food store might seem rather mystifying to the natural foods novice, but with a little help, sweeteners like rice syrup, barley malt syrup, and date sugar, among others, can be used with great effect in baked goods of all kinds.

While the detrimental effects of refined sweeteners such as white sugar and corn syrup are still being debated, there’s little doubt that Americans consume far too much of it. While natural sweeteners aren’t nutritional bell ringers, they are generally considered to produce less of a shock to the body’s blood sugar level because among the nutrients found in whole food sugars are necessary minerals that help with sugar metabolism.

From a culinary standpoint, natural sweeteners offer bolder, more complex flavors than sugar, adding delectably different dimensions to baked goods and other treats.
Here is our directory of less refined sweeteners, including a chart of equivalents:

Agave Nectar: A natural liquid sweetener that is less viscous than honey, agave nectar comes in three grades: Light, medium and amber. Light agave is sweet but neutral making it great for recipes where the stronger flavor of maple or honey may interfere. The flavor of agave becomes more intense and earthy with the darker grades. Agave is extracted from the agave plant, and is low on the glycemic index. It is about 1 1/2 times sweeter than refined sugar.

Barley Malt: Dark, sticky and boldly flavored, barely malt sugar is nonetheless neither as assertive as blackstrap molasses nor as sweet as honey. Primarily maltose, a complex sugar that enters the bloodstream slowly. This sweetener offers trace amounts of eight vitamins and several minerals. Barley malt syrup is a wonderful addition to squash and pumpkin breads, bran muffins, and hearty rye or pumpernickel breads. Use it to glaze sweet potatoes and to make winter “malteds” combined with bananas and soy milk.

Date Sugar: Not actually a sugar in the conventional sense, date sugar is ground from dehydrated dates. What a great source of sweetness. Dates are high in fiber, and rich in a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Date sugar can be exchanged measure for measure for sugar in baking, for cakes, muffins and quick breads. Use it in place of brown sugar to make crumb toppings for pies and fruit crisps. It can’t be used to sweeten beverages, though, as the tiny pieces won’t dissolve.

Fruit Juice Concentrates: Made from the juice of fruit that has been reduced about one quarter by slow cooking. Note that some commercial fruit juice concentrates have been stripped of flavor and nutritional value.

Fructose: Derived from fruit sugar, this sweetener, closely resembles granular white sugar but is more concentrated so that less is needed for a similar effect—about 1/2 cup fructose to 1 cup of sugar. Though fructose has little nutritional value, it is generally believed that it doesn’t disturb the blood sugar level as much as sucrose. Use it in place of sugar as an all-purpose sweetener in baking and cooking, and in hot and cold beverages.

FruitSource: A relatively new natural sweetening product, Fruitsource replaces not only sugar, but also fat, in baking. Made from a natural blend of grape and rice carbohydrates, it can also be used as a general-purpose sweetener for hot and cold beverages and in cooking. To use in baking, replace every cup of sugar with 1 1/4 cups Fruitsource and reduce fat by 50 percent; optimal oven temperature is 300 to 325 degrees.

Granular Fruit Sweeteners: White grape juice and grain sweeteners that have been dehydrated and granulated.
Honey: A whole food made by bees from flower nectar.

Maltose: Sprouted grains and cooked rice, heated and fermented until starch turns to sugar. Available in Chinese markets.

Maple Syrup: Boiled-down sap of maple trees. It takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup. Maple syrup has twice as much calcium as milk. Not all maple syrup is pure; some contains traces of formaldehyde, a carcinogen, so it is best to buy organic maple syrup.

Maple Sugar: Maple sugar is what is left when all of the liquid had been cooked out of maple syrup. It was how Native Americans preferred their maple as it was easy to transport. Maple sugar has a wonderful, maple and earthy flavor that lends depth to baking and cooking. It is about twice as sweet as refined white sugar.

Molasses: Unsulphured molasses is made from the juice of sun-ripened cane; sulfured molasses is a byproduct of refined sugar; blackstrap molasses is the residue of the cane syrup after the sugar crystals have been separated. It is very nutritious, with high levels of calcium, iron, and potassium.

Natural and Organic Sugar: Such as certified organically grown from Florida Crystals, these sweeteners are minimally processed sugar cane. The syrup is dehydrated, then milled into a powder.

Rice Syrup: A traditional Asian sweetener, brown rice syrup is made from rice starch converted into maltose, a complex sugar. Rice syrup is the mildest-flavored of the liquid sweeteners and contains trace amounts of B vitamins and minerals. Use it interchangeably with honey in cooking and baking, to sweeten hot or cold beverages and cereals, or as a spread for fresh breads.

Sorghum Syrup: Sorghum cane juice, boiled to a syrup. Sorghum cane tends to need few pesticides due to natural insect resistance.

Stevia: Stevia is derived from an herb native to Paraguay. It is extremely sweet, and a little goes a very long way. This herb is controversial as a sweetener, The FDA has approved it as a dietary supplement, but not as a sweetener. Available as a greenish powder, stevia imparts a powerful sweetness with an herbal undertone. As sweeteners go, it is quite expensive, though a little goes a very long way.

Sucanat: The trade name for this product stands for SUgar CAne NATural, and is made from evaporated sugar cane juice. It is then milled into granules much the same size as white sugar, but with a tawny hue. Sucanat is about 88 percent sucrose, or simple sugar, as compared to table sugar, which is 99 percent sucrose, but it retains more vitamins, minerals, and other trace nutrients found in sugar cane. Sucanat has a mild but distinct flavor, with a hint of molasses. As an all-purpose sweetener for baking, cooking, and in hot or cold drinks, use it as a 1-to-1 replacement for white sugar.

NOTE: Aspartame (brands Nutrasweet or Equal), and saccharin, are artificial sweeteners. A significant body of evidence suggests that artificial sweeteners can cause health problems. Many doctors now warm pregnant women to avoid any products containing Aspartame.

Sweetener Equivalents for 1/2 Cup of Sugar
Barley Malt: 1 1/2 cup
Date Sugar: 1 cup
Fruit Juice Concentrate: equal to sugar
Granular Fruit Sweeteners: equal to sugar
Honey: 1/3 cup
Maltose (from sprouted grains): 1 1/4 cup
Maple Syrup: equal to sugar
Molasses: 1/3 cup
Rice Syrup: 1 1/4 cup
Sorghum Syrup: 1/3 cup
Sucanat: Same as sugar
Organic sugar: Same as sugar

Tips for the Tradeoff
When a recipe doesn’t call for any liquid, such as for cookies, choose a dry, granular sweetener such as date sugar, or the cookies will be too bread-like from the additional flour needed for proper consistency. When you substitute liquid sweeteners for dry, you will need to reduce or eliminate the liquid content of the recipe, and increase the flour. For breads and pies, flavorful fruit juice concentrates and other liquid sweeteners work wonderfully well. For cakes and cupcakes that need to resemble as closely as possible “the real thing,” for flavor, choose sorghum syrup or Sucanat.

How to Make Concentrated Liquid Sweeteners
Adapted from Naturally Sweet Desserts: The Sugar-free Dessert Cookbook, by Marcea Weber.

Fruit Juices: Boil eight cups organic juice until reduced to two cups. Cool and freeze. To use, warm a knife under hot water and cut out the amount of frozen juice needed, and return the remaining to the freezer.

Brown Rice: Cook two cups organic brown rice in five cups of water for 45 minutes. Place in a glass bowl until mixture has cooled to 140 degrees. Add one tablespoon of sprouts made from grain, such as wheat. Cover and place in a warm oven (120-140 degrees) for six hours.

Nutritional Analysis of Sucanat for 150g (one cup)
water……………………………………2.7g
calories……………………………….570g
carbohydrate………………………1.05g
fat……………………………………………0g
sodium……………………………….0.5mg
potassium………………………1,125mg
vitamin A…………………………..1600IU
thiamin (B1)……………………..0.21mg
riboflavin (B2)…………………..0.21mg
niacin………………………………0.20mg
calcium…………………………….165mg
iron……………………………………6.5mg
vitamin B6………………………..0.60mg
magnesium……………………..127mg
zinc…………………………………..2.3mg
copper………………………………0.3mg
pantothenic acid……………….1.8mg
chromium…………………………40mcg
phosphorus……………………….48mg

Source: USDA Handbook of Nutrient Content of Foods