Health Benefits of Honey

Health Benefits of Honey

Honey is a first-class food and tonic. It is very easily digested and assimilated and a most nutritious natural food. It will strength a weak heart, a weak brain and a weak stomach. Honey is the product of the nectar of flowers. It is a mistake to say that honey is gathered by bees from flowers. Bees are nature’s sweet makers. They manufacture sweets better, finer and healthier than any sweet makers. They manufacture sweets better, finer and healthier than any sweetmeat maker – with all his skill, dexterity, ingenuity and many ingredients – can ever make.

Green plants manufacture sugar for their own use. This is carried with the cell sap to the different parts of the plant either for direct as simulation or future use. All the flowering plants concentrate a quick supply of food at the bease or the bottom part their flowers to help the proper growth of the ovaries. The excess solution is thrown out at the base of the flowers. This solution of the cell sap with sugar is known as ‘nectar’. This nectar is changed into honey in their mouths by the honey bees. Every hive imparts a new flavor because in every hive the nectar is drawn from different flowers and plants.

Honey contains all the mineral elements found in the human body. It contains 80 per cent nutriment in a most assailable form. It contains the sugars laevulose and dextrose, formic acid, iron and various accessory components. Because it contains enzymes which disintegrate or breaks up complex foods into substances that can be easily digested and absorbed, honey does not require digestion at all. It is ready for absorption into the blood without any change, and goes into the blood stream directly. It should form part of your diet. A teaspoonful of honey per day will keep the stomach in order.

Honey is a heart stimulant. It is useful in cases of malnutrition, and should be given for general physical repair. Honey kills bacteria and thus enables the body to overcome diseases. Disease germs cannot grow in honey. Honey is useful in bronchial catarrh, sore throat, coughs and colds. Ti also acts as a laxative. As soon as a child is born its tongue is smeared with honey. This is the first food that the child takes.

Honey can be taken with milk, cream or butter. It is a restorative after serious illness. It invigorates, energizes and vitalizes the system and improves health. It is more stimulating than alcohol.

Honey is a diffusible stimulant. If you take a tablespoonful of honey in hot water when you are tired or exhausted by over-exertion it will brace you up immediately. You will become strong and active again. (If the honey is bitter do not take it.)

Soak 10 almonds in water at night. Remove the skin in the morning. Take them in the morning with one or two tablespoonfuls of honey. This is a potent brain tonic.

Top 10 Best Thanksgiving Day Dishes|Food

Top 10 Best Thanksgiving Day Dishes|Food

Thanksgiving Day is the most celebrated holiday in the United States every 4^th of November each year. In fact, this is part of the top 6 holidays that American citizens look forward to aside from Christmas Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and New Year Celebration. Originally, this celebration normally lasts for 3 days and yet it was superseded as years passes by. It is an event that happens after Black Friday. The first celebration took place in the fall of 1621. It was an event where people are feasting where you could see and eat fish, berries, boiled pumpkin, fowl, deer, and plums. Let us see the top dishes that can be seen on each table in the many residences in the United States of America.

10. Ham

This is the best replacement for those who do not like to eat turkey when the time to gather around the table comes to celebrate the day and indeed give thanks. Just a loaf of ham will do to keep the season balanced and enjoyable.

9. Cranberry Sauce

This is one of the staples in American, which has a strong sweet taste. It is actually made of cranberries, which actually serves as a sauce for turkey meat and other dishes, which is best served as a dipping sauce. It can also be applied on biscuits and breads.

8. Green Bean Casserole

Thanksgiving Day is not complete without this 1950’s dish, which is a mix of canned cream of mushrooms, fried onions, and green beans. This is one of the healthiest ways to celebrate the day without succumbing too much on the meat of turkey.

7. Potato Salad

This is one of the common dishes found in most holiday celebrations in the United States. It is a combination of potato and mayonnaise.

6. Macaroni and Cheese

It is commonly called as Mac ‘n’ cheese. This is made of authentic macaroni pasta, with creamy butter, creamy sauce, and cheese.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Thanksgiving is not complete without the sweet potatoes served on the table of American citizens. It is called as yams where it has a mix of marshmallows and candies.

4. The Classic Stuffing

Stuffing is an ordinary and classic way of achieving crumbly, heavy, and slightly dry being placed on the heavy bread. It could be spices, vegetables, and eggs. It could also serve as a side dish or can be stuffed in the turkey itself. It perfectly combines for a healthy and savory meal.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Another dish made of potatoes, which would make any thanksgiving dinner complete by following the simple recipe that has a main ingredient of potatoes, which are being mixed with vegetable oil, milk, butter, cream, and garlic. Of course, the tasty gravy would cover the mashed potatoes that can be used too to dip the turkey meat.

2. Pumpkin Pie

This is the favorite dessert to complete the thanksgiving feasting, which is made of baked pumpkin custard, which is actually formed out of corn syrup and pecan nuts that would be spread over to a pie shell. It is up to you if you would like this pumpkin or an alternative called pecan.

1. Turkey

It does not matter how you would want to cook it, but there are two popular and favorite dishes out of this turkey, which is the primary meal that you can see in each house of the American people in the United States. In fact, without turkey, Thanksgiving Day is not complete. It could be deep-fried, roasted, and the favorite Turducken, which is a turkey stuffed with duck and chicken. Have you ever tried it? Start including it on your lists of meals this coming Thanksgiving Day.

Baked potato triggers positive memories!|Health

Baked potato triggers positive memories!|Health

The smell of a baked potato can actually make us feel happier, scientists say.

LONDON: The smell of a baked potato can actually make us feel happier, scientists say.

Researchers have discovered that the aromas given off during the cooking process can trigger positive memories in the brain, the Daily Mail reported.

As part of the study, subjects were presented with a Maris Piper, baked in the oven for an hour 140 degrees, and asked if it inspired any feelings.

Findings revealed the majority of participants were uplifted by comforting childhood memories – including favourite grandparents and meals with the family.

Avinash Kant, who lead the research, said the positive emotions were triggered by what is called the “Maillard Effect”.

He said: “Food aromas and their recognition is a complex brain function which we’ve only recently started to understand.”

TOP 10 BEST MYTHS ABOUT HOME REMEDIES-Health Tips

HOME REMIEDIES

Below mentioned some useful tips about home remedies and colds.  This has referred by some leading First Aid / CPR personnel:

Myth 1: Butter on burns helps with healing

This is not the case. DO NOT put butter on burns. It will only cook the skin and the wound even more when exposed to light or heat. You also placed an unclear and foreign object on an opening that could easily be infected. Run the burn with cold war for 10 minutes Use ointment/topical cream and dressing to cover.

Myth 2: Cue tips clean out dirty ears

This is not the case. Do not insert any objects into your ear, especially cue tips. People are prone to do this all time. If ear becomes contaminated flush it out with water. There are specific tools which will allow you to do so. Check your local drug mart for more details

Myth 3: If dressing not put on properly, remove it.

No. Once the dressing is on, do not remove it. It is already doing its job by trying to suppress the blood. If you need to put more dressing then do so, but DO NOT remove ones that are on the wound.

Myth 4: Vinegar compresses help sunburns

Do not add any compresses that may cause stinging or an unwanted reaction. Remember that vinegar is an acid that will burn your skin, especially with sunburns. Use cold war compresses instead.

Myth 5: Use peroxide on scrapes and cuts and leave open to the air.

No. This kills body cells that are helping the body eliminate bacteria.

Myth 6: Apple Cider Vinegar helps beat heartburn

No it does not. It mostly is used to kill germs and weight loss. There is no evidence of heartburn remedies.

Myth 7: White rum with lemon juice and water to reduce fever

Alcohol cools down the body to shivers. Do not attempt to do this.

Myth 8: Do not go outside with wet hair

Colds are caused by viruses and not by cold weather. You thus cannot get a cold from having wet hair.

Myth 9: Drink tea with lemon and honey to cure voice loss

Tea and lemon are acidic. This can case a problem to the voice. The vocal folds are made of delicate tissues. The acid may cause acid reflux.

Myth 10: Hot Toddies to help raspy voices

Many doctors advise to stay away, especially from warming drinks that have alcohol in them. The drink may not go into the inflamed area.

Watermelon lowers blood pressure|Health&Food

Watermelon lowers blood pressure|Health&Food

No matter how you slice it, watermelon has a lot going for it –– sweet, low calorie, high fibre, nutrient rich –– and now, there's more.

Evidence from a pilot study led by food scientists at The Florida State University suggests that watermelon can be an effective natural weapon against prehypertension, a precursor to cardiovascular disease.

It is the first investigation of its kind in humans. FSU Assistant Professor Arturo Figueroa and Professor Bahram H. Arjmandi found that when six grammes of the amino acid L-citrulline/L-arginine from watermelon extract was administered daily for six weeks, there was improved arterial function and consequently lowered aortic blood pressure in all nine of their prehypertensive subjects (four men and five postmenopausal women, ages 51-57).

"We are the first to document improved aortic haemodynamics in prehypertensive but otherwise healthy middle-aged men and women receiving therapeutic doses of watermelon," Figueroa said. "These findings suggest that this 'functional food' has a vasodilatory effect, and one that may prevent prehypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

"Given the encouraging evidence generated by this preliminary study, we hope to continue the research and include a much larger group of participants in the next round," he said.

Why watermelon?

"Watermelon is the richest edible natural source of L-citrulline, which is closely related to L-arginine, the amino acid required for the formation of nitric oxide essential to the regulation of vascular tone and healthy blood pressure," Figueroa said.

Once in the body, the L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine. Simply consuming L-arginine as a dietary supplement isn't an option for many hypertensive adults, said Figueroa, because it can cause nausea, gastrointestinal tract discomfort, and diarrhoea.

In contrast, watermelon is well tolerated. Participants in the Florida State pilot study reported no adverse effects. And, in addition to the vascular benefits of citrulline, watermelon provides abundant vitamin A, B6, C, fibre, potassium and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Watermelon may even help to reduce serum glucose levels, according to Arjmandi.

"Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States," Arjmandi said. "Generally, Americans have been more concerned about their blood cholesterol levels and dietary cholesterol intakes rather than their overall cardiovascular health risk factors leading to CVD, such as obesity and vascular dysfunction characterised by arterial stiffening and thickness -- issues that functional foods such as watermelon can help to mitigate.

"By functional foods," said Arjmandi, "we mean those foods scientifically shown to have health-promoting or disease-preventing properties, above and beyond the other intrinsically healthy nutrients they also supply."

Figueroa said oral L-citrulline supplementation might allow a reduced dosage of antihypertensive drugs necessary to control blood pressure.

"Even better, it may prevent the progression from prehypertension to hypertension in the first place," he said.

While watermelon or watermelon extract is the best natural source for L-citrulline, it is also available in the synthetic form in pills, which Figueroa used in a previous study of younger, male subjects. That investigation showed that four weeks of L-citrulline slowed or weakened the increase in aortic blood pressure in response to cold exposure. It was an important finding, said Figueroa, since there is a greater occurrence of myocardial infarction associated with hypertension during the cold winter months.

"Individuals with increased blood pressure and arterial stiffness -- especially those who are older and those with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes -- would benefit from L-citrulline in either the synthetic or natural (watermelon) form," Figueroa said. "The optimal dose appears to be four to six grammes a day."

Approximately 60 per cent of U.S. adults are prehypertensive or hypertensive. Prehypertension is characterised by systolic blood pressure readings of 120-139 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) over diastolic pressure of 80-89 mm Hg. "Systolic" refers to the blood pressure when the heart is contracting. "Diastolic" reflects the blood pressure when the heart is in a period of relaxation and expansion.

Findings from Figueroa's latest pilot study at Florida State are described in the American Journal of Hypertension.

The Best goodness of garlic|Health & Home

The Best goodness of garlic|Health & Home

Garlic not only adds a wonderful flavour to food, but also comes packed with many health benefits.

Garlic has long enjoyed the reputation of a wonder food because of its unmatched health benefits. Garlic belongs to the onion family and has been used since centuries for both taste and health. The garlic plant's flowers - bulb made up of numerous sections called cloves - are strong and spicy in flavour and become milder on cooking.

Garlic contains complex compounds including amino acids like arginine, glutaminic, aspartic, valine & lysine; minerals like calcium, manganese, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, sodium and phosphorus; vitamin C & B6; niacin; folic acid; allicin; quercetin; sugars like fructose and glucose and other essential oils with sulphur containing components like diallyl disulphide and allyl tri-sulphide.

Health benefits of garlic

Prevents cardiac disease: Cardiac diseases are associated with various parameters including high level of blood cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. The allicin present in garlic breaks down to form sulphides, which together with vitamin B6 and vitamin C form the excellent antioxidants. These work especially well in water-soluble areas of the body like the blood stream.

The oxidised form of LDL (bad cholesterol) works in damaging blood vessels. Garlic has proved to inhibit the growth of oxidised LDL and increase the level of HDL (good cholesterol), thereby reducing the risk of heart stroke. Moreover it reduces the formation of plaque on the walls of heart vessels.

Half a teaspoon of crushed raw garlic taken before going to bed proves beneficial instead of taking a 600 mg tablet. Studies also reveal that garlic has properties to increase insulin in the body thereby reducing the blood sugar level.

Garlic also reduces blood pressure by blocking the angiotensin activity that triggers blood pressure levels.

Fights against cancer: Crushing garlic leads to the formation of compounds like diallyl disulphide and allyl tri-sulphide, which is why consuming it in its crushed form is highly recommended. These compounds work to fight against breast, stomach, bladder and prostate cancer. Garlic obstructs the development of cancerous cells, thereby slowing down the growth of tumour. It has been noticed that sulphur compounds commonly called ajoenes found in garlic are known for their anti-tumour qualities and can reduce the size of tumour by almost 50%. A strong immune system is a key to fighting against cancer and garlic helps to develop a strong immune system.

Improves immunity: Garlic has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. The allium present in garlic helps in controlling infections caused because of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Garlic helps to fight common cold. Studies reveal that crushed garlic can inhibit the growth of infectious bacteria in burn patients and also on open and bleeding wounds. Garlic provides relief from intestinal infections caused by infectious worms, thereby boosting the immunity.

Good for pregnant women:Healthy nutrients found in garlic are highly beneficial for pregnant women. The immunity boosting qualities of garlic can help women stay away from infections caused by bacteria, virus and fungi. Moreover, garlic has proved to be effective in increasing the weight of the child during pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia is a situation in which blood pressure increases, resulting in excessive release of protein in the urine. Garlic is a diuretic and can increase the flow of urine in pregnant women which in turn expels toxic substance from the human body and helps to reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

It should be noted however, that excessive garlic is not recommended during pregnancies, as it causes thinning of the blood, which may lead to bleeding.

The problem with garlic

The biggest problem with garlic is it's strong smell, that causes bad breath and body odour. One tip to reduce bad breath caused by garlic is to consume it with milk. Also, cooked garlic has a significantly lesser smell than raw garlic.

Top 10 Things That You Should Know About Vegetables – Facts|Health

Top 10 Things That You Should Know About Vegetables – Facts|Health

In most of the countries like America vegetables are not eaten too much because some people do not like eating veggies, Fruits and vegetables are essentially an after thought in most dishes. People love to eat meat and grain dishes, like chicken breast, Steaks , Hamburgers, Pasta and Pizza. Most of the people are not aware of how important and healthy these vegetables are for your health. You should add vegetables and green salads in your daily food because vegetables are necessary for healthy diet, That’s why I thought it will be really fun to share the list of 10 facts about vegetables that will be really interesting and useful for you.

Frozen vegetables are more nutritious than the fresh veggies because they are picked and packed at the same day and hence they lose less nutrients, while fresh veggies are picked and then supplied to market in a couple of days and hence lose a lot of nutrients.

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Watermelons are basically vegetables, because they are from the same family of cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.

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Carrots help us to see in the dark, because they contain Vitamin A which prevents night blindness.

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As vegetables are rich in fiber so they act as intestinal broom.

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They help in preventing us from diseases like cancer. Broccoli, cabbage and the green leaf veggies are really good for us.

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Veggies are rich in vitamins, nutrients and minerals and are the builders of our life.

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Veggies improve hair, nails and skin because they are rich in sulfur.

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Vegetables are high in minerals and our body also needs minerals. So, what can be best other than veggies?

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Some veggies like Okra, you think it is a vegetable but in real it is a fruit that you cook.

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Vegetables help in weight loss because they are high in fiber, low in calories and rich with carbohydrates.

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Top 10 HEALTHY PARTY SNACKS & HOLIDAY FOOD

Would you like a refreshing list of what you SHOULD be eating at any party year around? Parties happen all-year long and there's no getting around it - and you don't need to either! So, whether you're throwing a festive shindig for  your  friend who's going away or a birthday party next week, discover these common healthy party snacks that are festive, delicious and will help you keep your slim figure.

1) Tomato Juice

 
 
If you're not the type who likes to eat your vegetables, drink them instead! You can get one or more servings of vegetables in a glass of tomato and it's a low-fat, low-calorie drink. And, if you must have a cocktail, try a bloody Mary for the tomato juice benefit, and don't forget to munch on the celery!

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2) NUTS

You might be accustomed to shying away from the nuts since they are high in fat, but nuts are full of the good kind of fat - unsaturated. 
Unsaturated fats help promote healthy hair, skin and nails, nourishing them from the inside out. For the best total fat to understand fat ratio, grab a handful of hazelnuts - they contain 94% good fat.

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3) RAW VEGETABLES

             

The vegetable tray is always a hit at any party! No matter what kind of vegetable you love, you'll mostly likely find it on the vegetable tray. 
Get creative and blanch asparagus, green beans and other greens for tasty dippers. Vegetable are full of nutrients and water, low in calories and 100% fat-free. But watch out for those calorie-loaded party dips!
Try this vegetables recipe for your healthy party food

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4) HEALTHY PARTY DIPS

 
Instead of mayonnaise, sour cream or cream cheese base dips, reach for the hummus (blended chickpeas) or fresh salsa. They're both tasty, loaded with nutrients and low in calories and fat.

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5) RED WINE

Most of us see parties as a chance to drink up and let loose, but when it comes to alcohol, choosing red wine over cocktails can save you hundreds of calories. 
  
Not only that, red wine is also rich in anti-oxidants that protect your heart and help your body to maintain healthy cells.

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6) FRUIT GALORE                                                           

  
Chances are, whichever party you're at, there'll be desserts. Fixing an aching sweet tooth is as easy as reaching for fresh fruit. 

Just like vegetables, fresh fruit is nutrient- dense, full of water and low in calories and fat - and they'll help fill you up before the main courses, which are often the fattiest.

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7) FISH

Try mini sushi rolls for an oriental twist or smoked salmon pieces to really light up your table. 
 
Both are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fat that is lacking in the typical diet. Increasing your omega-3 intake can also help promote healthy hair, skin, and nails."
"Smoked Salmon"

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8) CHIFFON CAKE

 
Forget the really rich and dense cakes and opt instead for chiffon cake - a light and fluffy variety of cake that is low in fat and high in flavor. 

For an even tastier chiffon cake, top your slice with fresh fruit like strawberries and a low-calorie whipped topping. If you choose well, you can literally have your cake and eat it, too!

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9) LEMON WATER

 
If you have a hard time wanting to drink water, squeeze a fresh lemon wedge into your glass to quench your thirst and replenish any water lost from drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages. Drinking water is great for you and it doesn't contain the calories of other party drinks. 
 

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10) EAT RIGHT

Parties are seen as a welcome time to indulge, but that doesn't mean your waistline should suffer. Making a commitment to yourself to eat right and watch your calorie intake shouldn't get thrown to the wayside just because of a social event. It means becoming more knowledge of not only the so-called "bad" foods, but the good-for-you foods as well, and keeping within the boundaries of moderation no matter where you are. So snack healthy and snack happy!

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Japanese Healthy Snack Food 

Eat the right and healthy foods will help to make you healthier and look younger.

Late Summer Party Snack

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Top 10 HIGH SUGAR FOODS TO AVOID | HEALTH TIPS

Top 10 HIGH SUGAR FOODS TO AVOID | HEALTH TIPS

When you eat food, your body changes the food you eat into sugar and uses the sugar for energy. When you have diabetes, your body is not able to use the sugar for energy. The sugar floats around in your blood. That is why people with diabetes have too much sugar in their blood.
 
Too much sugar in your blood over the years can lead to serious complications, like blindness, amputations, foot problems, and kidney problems! That is why your health care provider is always checking your blood sugar. Regular exercise and eating less fat and less sugar will lower your blood sugar and prevent or delay these bad problems. It can also prevent or delay diabetes in our family or friends.
 
We do not have to consume white, refined sugar to be consuming sugar. Sugar includes glucose, fructose (as in fruit sugar), lactose (as in milk), sucrose (as in table sugar), maltose or malts (as in rice malt and honey), jam (contains concentrated juice, which is high in fruit sugar), maple syrup, corn syrup, palm sugar (traditionally used in macrobiotic cooking), and the very deceiving organic brown sugar, which is not all that different from white sugar. Even alcohol is a sugar. All of these sugars are problematic in many different ways.

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1. White Flour
All the good substances (bran and germ) is removed from flour during processing. Then it is bleached with a deadly chemical called "alloxan", a bleaching agent similar to Clorox. This compound destroys the beta-cells of the pancreas, leading to type 2 diabetes. Finally, some coal-tar-derived (carcinogenic – cancer causing) vitamins are added and sold to the unsuspecting public as “enriched”. White flour makes your blood sugar rise almost as much as refined sugar. Intestinal infections are a direct outcome of white flour consumption. It is hard to chew, puts pressure on the digestive system and is extremely low on fiber. Be wary of things made from  white flour, e.g. bread, cakes, pancakes, pasta, pies etc. If you must eat them, eat them sparingly. Things made of flour has no nutritional value at all, and cause more harm to your body than any good. Combine this with sugar and high heat baking, you have the perfect combination to all kinds of degenerative diseases.

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2. Soda/Carbonated Drinks
If you drink soda/carbonated drinks regularly, you would do yourself a great favor to eliminate them from your diet—the sooner the better. A can of soda/carbonated drink contains up to 15 teaspoons of sugar, 150 empty calories, 30 to 55 mg of caffeine and is loaded with harmful artificial food colors, flavorings and preservatives. All these but with zero nutritional value. Some soda drinks labeled as "diet soda" where dangerous sweeteners like aspartame are added. Numerous health side effects are associated with aspartame ingestion, including brain damage, diabetes, emotional disorders, decreased vision, ringing in the ears, memory loss, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and many more.

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3.French Fries and Doughnuts
French fries and doughnuts are deep-fried starches. Before they’re even fried, they’re simple sugars. Then they’re fried, only compounding their dwindling nutritional value. One French fry is worse for your health than... one cigarette, so you may want to consider this before you order your next ‘Biggie’ order. An average doughnut contains about 200-300 calories, mostly from sugar, and few other nutrients.
Nearly all commercially fried foods are:

• high in trans fat (potatoes cooked at high temperatures in vegetable oils)
• high in free radicals harmful to the body
• high in acrylamide (up to 82 mcg per serving), a potent cancer-causing chemical formed as a result of unknown chemical reactions during high-temperature frying or baking. 

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4. Energy and Meal Replacement Bars
In this fast paced world, energy and meal replacement bars might seem like an easy way to pack in some important vitamins and minerals while giving a little lift. Sure, they have more nutritional value than a candy bar, but most also have just as many calories and just as much sugar as those same candy bars. The high sugar content causes a sugar rush and then crash, leaving you unsatisfied and hungry for more. Carry a piece of fruit with you for moments when you need a pick-me-up.

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5. High Sugar Cereals
Many common breakfast cereals are packed with simple sugars that might start your day with a jolt but lead to trouble down the line. An example would be one popular choice that has 13 grams of sugar per serving while only providing 1 g of dietary fiber and 2 grams of protein. These cereals end up being empty calories. These cereals are—candy bars with milk on top. Instead, try heartier choices like oatmeal or whole grain cereals topped with fruit.

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6. Cookies and Candy
They are basically empty calories, full of sugar while providing little benefit, but most of them contain those awful trans fats. Once in a while, will not make a great difference but, if you’re eating them with any regularity, you would be better served by healthier munchies like dried fruits and nuts to snack on. The sugar content may range from 37-66.6 grams per 100 grams of cookies or candies.

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7. Ice Cream & Desserts
Many commercial ice creams today are simply chemical concoctions presented in appealing packaging designed to sell a product that is not fit for human consumption. Everything from hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and dry milk solids are used to produce something called ice cream. One ice cream bar contains approximately 17 tsp of sugar.

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8. Jell-O
You probably remember the slogan, "There's always room for J-E-L-L-O." Depending upon your dietary needs and restrictions, though, there may or may not be room in your diet for this sweet treat. Most varieties of regular JELL-O gelatin contain 19 grams of carbohydrates, all of which come from sugar.

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9.Fruits vs. Fruit juice:
The sugar in fruit is known as fructose. Fructose is slowly broken down in the body and does not cause the same wild fluctuations in blood sugar levels as table sugar (also known as sucrose) does. Some fruits are higher in sugar than others, and the easy and obvious way to tell is by taste--the sweeter the fruit, the higher the sugar. Some fruits that are high in sugar are dates, bananas, figs, persimmons, grapes and mangos. Lower sugar fruits include cranberries, grapefruit, lemons, passion-fruit and strawberries. The sugar content in dried fruit or in fruit juice is much higher than in whole, fresh fruit. When a fruit is dried, the water is taken out, leaving the sugar in a highly concentrated little parcel, and when fruit is juiced the fiber is removed. The water and fiber content in whole, fresh fruit helps contribute to a "full" feeling. Eating fresh, whole fruit is a perfect, natural way to limit your sugar intake. After all, how many oranges can you eat in one sitting?

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10. White Sugar
Studies have indicated that, today's women consume much more sugar than their grandparents did 50 or 60 years ago. This added sugar is mostly in the form of refined, white sugar. It is high in calories and almost devoid of nutrients. It's not just white sugar that needs to be consumed in moderation; brown sugar, powdered sugar, honey, and syrup are all sources of refined sugar. Eating too much sugar is part of an addictive cycle. When you eat sugar, it's quickly digested and burned, and it causes peaks and valleys in your energy level that leaves you craving more.

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Note that excess sugar is harmful to human health! Unfortunately, many people are actually addicted to sugar and this includes grains, which are rapidly broken down into sugar in your body.
 
In order to free yourself of the physical addiction, avoid overeating of all sugar and grains is necessary.

Top 10 Foods to boost your Good Life

Top 10 Foods to boost your Good Life

A good life doesn’t just happen – it requires a little help, which means a balanced and nutrients diet combined with regular moderate exercise and a positive attitude. These are all key elements in helping to keep your sex drive high and your reproductive system in good working order. It cannot be ignored that there are certain nutrients which have the power to regulate the levels of sex hormones in your body, and some can even help to protect your reproductive system from the potentially damaging effects of infection or disease.

For example:

• A lack of zinc can cause infertility and impotence, and while moderate amounts of alcohol can help people to feel relaxed.

• Caffeine in coffee, tea and cola drinks can reduce libido.

Being either overweight or underweight can reduce the libido and impair fertility. A certain level of body fat is necessary ovulation and menstruation, and when fat drops below a certain critical point, ovulation and menstruation both cease. At the other extreme, obesity can impair ovulation in women.

A negative attitude to your weight or body shape can dent your confidence in sex and relationships

There are certain foods that are not only delicious but also contain the necessary nutrients to maintain your reproductive health and your libido. These will contribute to your healthy sexuality by maintaining your system in good condition, helping you to regulate your hormonal cycles and boosting your fertility. Besides, the fast pace of modern life leads to stress, tiredness and sometimes a lack of sexual energy. Foods indicated below can help to combat this.

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Vitamin A :

Maintains the health of the epithelial tissues which line all the external and internal surfaces of the body, including the linings of the vagina and the uterus in women. Liver, egg, yolk, cheese, butter and carrots are good sources.

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Vitamin B :

 

Deficiencies of both vitamin B2 and folic acid have been linked with infertility, and women planning a pregnancy should ensure that they eat plenty of foods rich in folic acid well before conception. Watercress is a particularly good source of folic acid. Lean meat, chicken, fish, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, beans and pulses, peanuts and bananas provide B6. These foods are all rich in folic acid. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and cabbage, liver, oranges, avocado, beetroot and broccoli are all rich in folic acid.

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Vitamin C :

Increasing vitamin C intake may be helpful in boosting fertility, particularly for men; tests have shown that taking 500-1000 milligrams a day can increase the number and quality of sperm produced and reduce abnormalities. This vitamin may also help to prevent the condition known as ‘agglutination', in which the sperm becomes stuck together and are unable to reach the egg. All fruit and vegetables – particularly kiwi fruit, peppers, blackcurrants, strawberries and citrus fruits – contain abundant quantities of vitamin C.

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Vitamin E :

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E helps to protect the ova from damage. Sunflower, safflower oils and some vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, margarine, wheat germ and avocados contain high levels.

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Zinc :

There is probably more than a grain of truth in the theory that oysters are good for your sex life, as they are the richest food source of zinc, and zinc is known to be one of the key nutrients involved in enhancing libido & the production of sperm. Low levels of zinc have been linked both with poor libido in women and with a low sperm count in men. You can obtain zinc from shellfish (particularly oysters), whole meal bread, brown rice, dark green leafy Vegetables, lean red meat and turkey.

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Selenium :

This mineral is vital to ensure the production of healthy ova & sperms. Learn meat, offal, brown rice and porridge oats are good sources.

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 Manganese :

The metabolism of the female hormone oestrogen depends on manganese. It follows that a deficiency of manganese will significantly reduce fertility in women. Spinach, chestnuts, tea, oats, wholegrain cereals, wheat germ, raisins, pineapple, beans, peas and nuts are all good sources of manganese.

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Essential fatty acids :

Linoleic acid is important for sperm production. Sunflower and vegetables oils and nuts contain plentiful amounts.

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Phytoestrogens :

Chemical of plant origin that resemble the female hormone oestrogen are abundant in Soya bean and Soya products such as Soya drinks and tofu. They may also help protect against prostate and other cancers by preventing the growth of tumors

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Antioxidants :

Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants which may lower the risk of cervical cancer. They neutralize the harmful substances produced by the body.

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Vitamin D deficiency linked to stiff arteries |Health Tips 2011

Vitamin D deficiency linked to stiff arteries |Health Tips

Washington, April 4: Vitamin D deficiency in people could result in stiffer arteries, says a study.

The results add to evidence that lack of vitamin D can lead to impaired vascular health, contributing to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, the media reported quoting a study from the Georgia Tech Predictive Health Institute.

Participants in the study who took high levels of vitamin D were able to improve vascular health and lower their blood pressure. Some 550 employees of the institute took part.

The data was presented Sunday by Ibhar Al Mheid, a cardiovascular researcher, at the annual American College of Cardiology meeting in New Orleans.

Source: IANS

Mardi Gras Sydney 2011, Top 3 Traditional Mardi Gras Cocktails

Mardi Gras Sydney 2011, Top 3 Traditional Mardi Gras Cocktails

Mardi Gras will be celebrated this year on March 8, 2011. And you don’t have to be in New Orleans to get in the spirit – these drinks will help! Here are the top 3 traditional Mardi Gras cocktails, some of which have been around since the 1800s!

New Orleans Fizz (or Ramos Gin Fizz)
1 1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz lime juice
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 1/4 oz simple syrup
2 oz milk, half & half or cream
1 small egg white
2 dashes fleurs d’orange (orange flower water)
club soda

1. Place all of the ingredients except the club soda into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake vigorously (more than normal to ensure the egg and cream are well mixed).
3. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
4. Top with club soda.

Hurricane

2 oz light rum
2 oz dark rum
2 oz passion fruit juice
1 oz orange juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp simple syrup
1 Tbsp grenadine
orange slice and cherry for garnish

1. Squeeze juice from half a lime into shaker over ice.
2. Pour the remaining ingredients into the cocktail shaker.
3. Shake well.
4. Strain into a hurricane glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.

Sazerac

2 oz. Sazerac Rye Whiskey or Bourbon
1/4 teaspoon Absinthe (or substitute such as Pernod, Herbsaint or Anisette)
1 tablespoon simple syrup (or sugar cube)
Dash of Peychaud’s bitters
Lemon twist

1. Chill an old-fashioned glass by filling it with ice and letting it sit while preparing the rest of the drink.
2. In a separate mixing glass, muddle the simple syrup and Peychaud bitters together.
3. Add the rye whiskey and ice to the bitters mixture and stir.
4. Discard the ice in the chilled glass and rinse it with absinthe (or substitute) by pouring a small amount into the glass, swirling it around and discarding the liquid.
5. Strain the whiskey mixture from the mixing glass into the old fashioned glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist. Traditionalists will say that the lemon twist should be squeezed over the drink to release its essences but that the twist should not be dropped into the glass itself.