Superfoods Guide : Top 2 brain foods you must eat this week... curry ...: Curry Turmeric, the spice that gives curry and mustard their yellow color, contains a chemical called curcumin that’s the subject of nu...
you must try these two ingredients!
Saturday 14 December 2013
Thursday 5 December 2013
Top 2 brain foods you must eat this week... curry (yes!) and crab.
Turmeric, the spice that gives curry and mustard their yellow color, contains a chemical called curcumin that’s the subject of numerous neurologic studies right now. Research has shown curcumin’s ability to boost memory, stimulate neurogenesis, which is the process of creating new brain cells. Studies suggest curcumin may also clear out amyloid plaques, the brain gunk thought to be a cause of Alzheimer’s, and calm inflammation of brain and nerve cells.
You don’t see crab on many power food lists, do you? But you should. One serving of crab has 1840 mg (more than your entire daily requirement) of phenylalanine, an amino acid needed to make the important neurotransmitter dopamine, as well as brain-stimulating adrenaline and noradrenaline and thyroid hormone. Many types of fish and seafood are rich in phenylalanine, but I’m singling crab out because it’s easy to find and it’s less likely to be high in mercury, an issue with tuna and other popular fish. Research also suggests phenylalanine may be helpful in combating Parkinson’s disease. Added value: Crab is also one of the best dietary sources of vitamin B12 with one serving providing 192 percent of your daily requirement.
Three foods for stamina.....for a hectic lifestyle and more
Bananas: Bananas are a particularly good energy source and these are best eaten a few hours before you intend to exert yourself. Along with being great sources of carbs, they are also effective because they trigger the release of 'dopamine' — a chemical that builds your concentration and focus.
Beetroot juice: Consuming a glass of beetroot juice before exercising will make your body work for long hours without feeling exhausted. Beetroot is rich in vitamin A and C — both help in building stamina and reducing fatigue.
Lemon-Garlic Elixir....German remedy for clogged arteries and more
This easy to make, Lemon-Garlic Elixir is an old recipe from German-Folk-Medicine.
It is a great and effective all round cleansing elixir and natural remedy. In
Germany, garlic is used for the treatment of atherosclerosis (hardening
or blocking of arteries). In clinical studies garlic has been
identified to significantly lower cholesterol. Garlic has long been used
for the prevention of infections, colds and flu. In fact, garlic is an
outrageously powerful medicine and you can find much literature, old and
new alike, on this subject. In addition the whole lemon supports our
immune system by having an alkalising effect. It is also supplying us
with more Vitamin C to fight off free radicals. The lemon zest has
equally important healing compounds and increases enzymes in the liver. Omega 3.... as a pain killer
While the list of pharmaceutical products for pain is long, the list for natural alternatives to treat pain is far more manageable. Dietary change is one of the simplest and most effective ways to start to relieve chronic join pain, especially pain caused by inflammation. In particular, the implementation of Omega 3 fatty acids into a person’s diet is an excellent way to decrease chronic joint pain.
Omega 3 has been widely noted for its health benefits and in particular its use as a pain reliever. Additional benefits include reduced risk of heart disease and stroke and it is even noted to reduce symptoms associated with hypertension, depression, joint pain, and rheumatoid problems. Such claims can leave one wondering just how Omega 3 helps with all these things. One way research has attributed Omega 3 to such success is that Omega 3s encourage the production of body chemicals that help to control inflammation in the joints, the bloodstream and in the body’s tissues.
While all the benefits of Omega 3 are great news for people suffering from joint pain and other ailments, it is not the easiest vitamin to get into your body. Our bodies do not produce Omega 3. Omega 3 is only absorbed through the foods and supplements that we ingest. Additionally, Omega 3 fatty acids are a collection of several nutrients rather than just a single nutrient and the absorption of Omega 3 into our bodies depends largely on the source.
There are Omega 3 supplements available, but the absorption rate of supplements is much lower than making dietary changes to include foods that are naturally high in Omega 3s. Either approach will supply your body with these necessary essentials, but introducing foods high in Omega 3 into your diet is the best way to start getting relief from joint pain at the quickest rate. Coldwater fish is an excellent source of Omega 3, but many people have concerns over mercury contamination in fish. While these concerns would be valid in a diet extremely high in fish, simply adding high Omega 3 fish such as salmon, mackerel or tuna to one or two meals a week would provide a great weekly dose of Omega 3 without raising concerns over mercury.
Other food sources of Omega 3 include broccoli, cantaloupe, kidney beans, spinach, grape leaves, cauliflower and walnuts. Flaxseed is also an excellent source of Omega 3 nutrients with ground flaxseed ranking highest of its forms for Omega 3. Combining these Omega 3 rich foods with foods high in Omega 6 like eggs, poultry and cereals and cooking oils like olive oil that are high in Omega 9, you can truly reap the benefits of Omega 3 for joint pain relief.
Wednesday 4 December 2013
Brain Superfoods....Spirulina also has many cognitive benefits
Spirulina and Brain Health
You may have heard of the “blood-brain barrier”, it is a separation of the brain and spinal cord from the other organs in the body. This natural mechanism is in place to keep infections from reaching your most vulnerable tissues. Your brain contains microglia cells that are the immune system for your nervous system. It’s the job of these microglia cells to constantly scavenge your central nervous system for plaque, damaged neurons, and harmful agents. When harmful agents do manage to cross the blood-brain barrier, microglial cells spring into action for defense. However, activated microglia produce redness and in the brain, which is thought to be a major component in the development of degenerative brain diseases. Spirulina may be beneficial and provide resistance to the oxidative aspect of microglial cell activation. Research by the Department of Otolaryngology at Buddhist Dalin Tzu-Chi General Hospital in Taiwan found similar oxidation-reduction properties in Spirulina and even stated that these properties may fight against memory loss.Tuesday 3 December 2013
Veggie fruit combo juice with recipe and benefits
Green Ginger Ale (Apple + Celery + Cucumber + Ginger + Lime)
Ingredients
- Apples - 3 medium
- Celery - 2 stalk, large
- Cucumber - 1 cucumber
- Ginger - 1 thumb
- Lime - 1 fruit
Benefits:
-
Lower Blood Pressure
Celery calms the nerve because of the high calcium content & helps in controlling high blood pressure. Raw celery should be eaten to reduce high blood pressure.
When people who participated in the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Study added foods high in potassium, magnesium and fiber, their blood pressure dropped to healthier levels. Those people in the study who ate a diet rich in these compounds in addition to the other foods on this diet (low fat dairy foods, seafood, lean meat and poultry) lowered their blood pressure by 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic). -
Alzheimer's Prevention
A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease.
-
Asthma Help
One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples.
-
Bone Protection
French researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.
-
Breast Cancer Prevention
A Cornell University study found that rats who ate one apple per day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17 percent. Rats fed three apples per day reduced their risk by 39 percent and those fed six apples per day reduced their risk by 44 percent.
-
Colon Cancer Prevention
One study found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 43 percent lower risk of colon cancer. Other research shows that the pectin in apples reduces the risk of colon cancer and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.
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Liver Cancer Prevention
Research found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 57 percent lower risk of liver cancer.
-
Weight Loss
A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.
-
Increased Blood Circulation
Being a warming herb, ginger can help knock out a fever. This property also makes it effective in stimulating circulation of the blood. It can also help relax muscles around the blood vessels and is said to help prevent blood clots from forming. The warming effects make it a natural decongestant as well as an antihistamine, making it the perfect remedy for colds.
-
Lower Cholesterol
The pectin in apples lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.
Recent studies show that ginger might also have a role in lowering LDL cholesterol because the spice can help reduce the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed. -
Lung Cancer Prevention
According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin in apples.
-
Digestion
One of ginger's most touted health benefits is its ameliorating effects on digestive ailments. It can help digest fatty foods and break down proteins. It is excellent for reducing gas. Many people report that it will also relieve nausea, and can be effective in treating morning sickness as well as motion sickness.
Apples contain a natural laxative. When juiced, it helps aid bowel movements. It is most effective when mixed with carrots and spinach juices, you can expect bowel movement the next day. Regularly eating apples also will ensure bowel movements due to its gel-forming fiber, pectin. It improves the intestinal muscle's ability to push waste through the gastrointestinal tract. -
Improved Complexion
The silica in cucumber is an essential component of healthy connective tissue, which includes intracellular cement, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone. Cucumber juice is often recommended as a source of silicon to improve the complexion and health of the skin, plus cucumber’s high water content makes it naturally hydrating–a must for glowing skin.
-
Reduce Inflammation
Ginger can also help reduce inflammation. So it can be used to treat any disease that is caused by inflammations such as arthritis or ulcerative colitis. Some studies show that it can even help inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus.
-
Ginger has been shown in animal trials to help slow or even prevent cancerous tumor growth
Super soup...french onion + beef + barley
Beef barley and onion give you a multitude of much needed minerals and micronutrients. several recipes around. try it for a powerful day.
Ginger.... a natural pain killer
Ginger is known to have more than twelve types of anti-oxidants, making it useful for treatment of many disorders. Like other spices, it has aphrodisiac properties and is used widely for medicinal purposes.
This herb contains essential oils, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin C, choline, folate, inositol, manganese, panthotenic acid, silicon, and a small amount of vitamin B3.
Anti-coagulant: Add ginger in most of your cooking or add a teaspoonful of young ginger juice in your beverages to enjoy the anticoagulant properties of ginger. It helps make blood platelets less sticky which in turn reduces your risk of atherosclerosis.
Aphrodisiac effect: A natural aphrodisiac, this might be the better substitute to viagra! Drink hot ginger tea (by mixing ginger juice, hot water and raw honey) after a not-too-heavy meal and see it work!
Fatigue: Slice a piece of ginger into disks and boil it with a big glass of water. Add a piece of cinnamon bark, bring to boil and then cover it for about half an hour till it turns to golden color. Drink it to relieve fatigue when recovering from fever. It also relieves muscle pain and soreness.
mpotency: Believe it or not! Mix a teaspoonful of young ginger juice to a half-boiled egg and a teaspoonful of honey. Take this concoction on an empty stomach, every night for a month. It helps to counter impotency, premature ejaculation and increase sperm count. (Not proven but worth trying!)
Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory (gingerols) and anti-oxidant properties in ginger help relieve various inflammatory disorders like gout, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It provides substantial relief in pain caused by inflammation and help decrease swelling and morning stiffness.
Menstruation disorder: Pound a piece of young ginger and boil with a cup of water and add a little honey to taste. Drink it hot two or three times a day for a month. The pain-relieving and anti-cramping compounds in ginger effectively help relieve painful menstruation cramps (dysmenorrhoea). In the absence of menstruation in women in the reproductive age (amenorrhoea), this concoction can also help induce menstruation.
Morning sickness: A teaspoonful of young ginger juice with some honey will also help alleviate morning sickness, sea or motion sickness, dizziness and even nausea caused by chemotherapy or anesthesia.
Pain killer: Ginger juice makes an excellent pain killer, even when applied externally. In headache, apply ginger juice to the forehead. With toothache, apply it to the external area either on the cheek or jaw area.
Carrots...for the hard to come by selenium
Millet... a super food grain
Why it’s good: Millet is an ancient grain with a sweet, nutty flavor. It boasts a complete essential amino acid profile, making it a whole protein. “Millet is abundant in magnesium, calcium and phosphorus," says Ralph, "which are involved in energy production crucial for athletes.”
Preparing millet is easy. Add two parts water to one part millet, cover and bring to a boil. Once the boiling point is reached, simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until millet has absorbed all the water.
Monday 2 December 2013
Why Onions.....Raw... an amazing super food
Almost everyone knows that onions are very
important for health. Onion is a daily must have which helps you stay
away from many infections and diseases. If you are sick and you are
looking for a quick heal medicine, then onions are your best option.Super benefits as below
2. Onions are rich in sulphur, fibers, potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C and they are low in fat, cholesterol and sodium.
3. It is an immediate cure for fever, common cold, cough, sore throat, allergies etc. A mixture of onion juice and honey can cure these problems easily.
4. A small piece of onion can work against side effects of fever if it’s kept on the fore head.
5. A small piece of onion when inhaled can stop or slow down the bleeding through the nose.
6. An onion a day can cure insomnia or sleeping disorders. This will surely give you a good night sleep.
7. Onions can improve digestive system. If you have digestion problem, then onions can cure it by increasing the release of digestion juices.
8. Onion juice can cure burnt skin or an insect bite or a bee bite. It may burn more but it can heal it very effectively.
9. Onions can be used to prevent cancers. It works against head, neck and colon cancers.
10. You can protect yourself from Osteoporosis and Atherosclerosis by consuming onions daily.
11. Onions increases insulin in the body and also treats diabetes by controlling the sugar levels in the blood.
12. The bad cholesterol that causes heart problems can be burnt or removed if onions are consumed daily. It keeps you stay safe from the coronary diseases and also protects the good cholesterol.
13. Inflammation from Arthritis in the joints which can be healed with onions.
14. There is a small trick with onions to get some relief from body
pains. Onions should be fried in sesame or castor oil and can be used to
heal any aches.15. One of the well-known tricks to remove dark patches or pigments on your face is to apply onion and turmeric juice on that area.
16. Onion juice is also used to cure ear and eye problems. This juice is used for infants as eye drops for clear vision.
17. This is also used for toothaches and tooth decaying.
18. Onions have rejuvenation properties on the body tissues.
19. For few types of moles, onion juice works efficiently by removing them.
20. For good memory and strong nervous system, consuming onions is your best bet.
21. Onions cure menstrual disorders. Raw onions should be consumed before a few days at the beginning of your cycle.
22. Use onion juice on the hair or the scalp to get rid of lice and hair fall. This is one of the most prominent of onion benefits for hair.
23. Onions contain water, protein, fats, starch, fibers, minerals, calcium, vitamin C, iron and B complex.
Vegetable Juice
When
you’re eating whole foods (which are great, but like juices have their
time and place), you body needs to separate the fiber (which doesn’t
contain nutrients) and the juice (where all the nutrients are). This
process takes time, and if your digestion isn’t very efficient or you’re
not chewing your food well, you won’t be getting all the nutrients from
the food you’re eating.
When you’re juicing vegetables,
the juicer does all the work for you. On one side, the fiber will come
out, and on the other, liquid will flow. Most people then discard the
pulp and drink the nutrient dense juice. Brian Clement of the
Hippocrates Institute estimated than it only takes 20 minutes
for nutrients in fresh juice to be absorbed, which means that your body
will remineralize faster and more efficiently.
- See more
at:
http://www.bodyenlightenment.me/blog/2013/05/5-benefits-of-green-vegetable-juices-and-how-green-juices-could-turn-your-health-around/#sthash.x7AR1pG9.dpufJuicing can be enormously beneficial for health, and can also help you lose weight as part of a balanced diet plan.
It supercharges your nutrient intake by providing your body with pure micronutrients, vitamins and enzymes - with none of the bad stuff that constitutes processed food.
By putting the most nutritious fuel into your system possible, you can kick start your metabolism and give your body a break from all of the strange chemicals you've been challenging it to process until now.
When
you’re eating whole foods (which are great, but like juices have their
time and place), you body needs to separate the fiber (which doesn’t
contain nutrients) and the juice (where all the nutrients are). This
process takes time, and if your digestion isn’t very efficient or you’re
not chewing your food well, you won’t be getting all the nutrients from
the food you’re eating.
When you’re juicing vegetables,
the juicer does all the work for you. On one side, the fiber will come
out, and on the other, liquid will flow. Most people then discard the
pulp and drink the nutrient dense juice. Brian Clement of the
Hippocrates Institute estimated than it only takes 20 minutes
for nutrients in fresh juice to be absorbed, which means that your body
will remineralize faster and more efficiently.
- See more
at:
http://www.bodyenlightenment.me/blog/2013/05/5-benefits-of-green-vegetable-juices-and-how-green-juices-could-turn-your-health-around/#sthash.x7AR1pG9.dpuf
When
you’re eating whole foods (which are great, but like juices have their
time and place), you body needs to separate the fiber (which doesn’t
contain nutrients) and the juice (where all the nutrients are). This
process takes time, and if your digestion isn’t very efficient or you’re
not chewing your food well, you won’t be getting all the nutrients from
the food you’re eating.
When you’re juicing vegetables,
the juicer does all the work for you. On one side, the fiber will come
out, and on the other, liquid will flow. Most people then discard the
pulp and drink the nutrient dense juice. Brian Clement of the
Hippocrates Institute estimated than it only takes 20 minutes
for nutrients in fresh juice to be absorbed, which means that your body
will remineralize faster and more efficiently.
- See more
at:
http://www.bodyenlightenment.me/blog/2013/05/5-benefits-of-green-vegetable-juices-and-how-green-juices-could-turn-your-health-around/#sthash.x7AR1pG9.dpufVegetable Juices Information
even I have trouble with some of them, some that are very beneficial
and that I would regret not eating – but I’m not one to force myself to
eat food that I don’t enjoy, life’s too short for that! As it turns out
though, the vegetables I don’t like whole are delectable to me once
juiced. For example, I don’t like whole celery. It’s stringy, weird, and
I don’t like it. But juiced? I can’t get enough! I go through about 3
large heads of celery a week thanks to juices. Same with cucumbers. I
consume a medium cucumber daily in my green juice, but definitely
wouldn’t eat as many if I had to actually chew them. And what about
ginger? I can’t eat a big knob of ginger every day… but I can juic - See
more at:
http://www.bodyenlightenment.me/blog/2013/05/5-benefits-of-green-vegetable-juices-and-how-green-juices-could-turn-your-health-around/#sthash.x7AR1pG9.dpuf
When
you’re eating whole foods (which are great, but like juices have their
time and place), you body needs to separate the fiber (which doesn’t
contain nutrients) and the juice (where all the nutrients are). This
process takes time, and if your digestion isn’t very efficient or you’re
not chewing your food well, you won’t be getting all the nutrients from
the food you’re eating.
When you’re juicing vegetables,
the juicer does all the work for you. On one side, the fiber will come
out, and on the other, liquid will flow. Most people then discard the
pulp and drink the nutrient dense juice. Brian Clement of the
Hippocrates Institute estimated
- See more at:
http://www.bodyenlightenment.me/blog/2013/05/5-benefits-of-green-vegetable-juices-and-how-green-juices-could-turn-your-health-around/#sthash.x7AR1pG9.dpuf
When
you’re eating whole foods (which are great, but like juices have their
time and place), you body needs to separate the fiber (which doesn’t
contain nutrients) and the juice (where all the nutrients are). This
process takes time, and if your digestion isn’t very efficient or you’re
not chewing your food well, you won’t be getting all the nutrients from
the food you’re eating.
When you’re juicing vegetables,
the juicer does all the work for you. On one side, the fiber will come
out, and on the other, liquid will flow. Most people then discard the
pulp and drink the nutrient dense juice. Brian Clement of the
Hippocrates Institute estimated than it only takes 20 minutes
for nutrients in fresh juice to be absorbed, which means that your body
will remineralize faster and more efficiently.
- See more
at:
http://www.bodyenlightenment.me/blog/2013/05/5-benefits-of-green-vegetable-juices-and-how-green-juices-could-turn-your-health-around/#sthash.x7AR1pG9.dpufBarley.. a super food less used
Benefits are as below
- Barley Controls Blood Sugar Better
- Barley Lowers Glucose Levels
- Barley Beta-Glucan Lowers Glycemic Index
- Insulin Response better with Barley Beta-Glucan
- Barley Beats Oats in Glucose Response Study
- Barley Reduces Blood Pressure
- Barley Lowers Serum Lipids
- Cholesterol and Visceral Fat Decrease with Barley
- Barley Significantly Improves Lipids
- Barley’s Slow Digestion may help Weight Control
L' Arginine .... a super micro nutrient you need...for everything
High-dose arginine supplements are already available in the market. However, if you are inclined toward more natural ways of obtaining adequate arginine, the way to go is still to consume the best food sources of this amino acid. The protein contents of these foods typically show higher ratios of arginine compared to other amino acids. Researchers around the world are serious about the use of amino acids in cancer treatment. L-arginine is the common substrate for two enzymes, arginase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). As a precursor to nitric oxide, it is a key component of endothelial-derived relaxing factor. The endothelium is the lining inside blood vessels and arginine supplements help make more nitric oxide, which helps to relax and dilate blood vessels. The body needs higher levels of arginine when it is under conditions of stress, illness, malnutrition or injury. When these conditions are present, arginine becomes essential for healing to occur.
Sources of arginine may be
1. Red Meat
Meats of high biological value remain the best overall source of proteins and all the amino acids, including arginine. However, significantly increasing meat consumption in order to increase the arginine content of the diet places undue stress on the liver and kidneys. Furthermore, the usually high-fat content of meat puts you at risk for obesity and cardiovascular disease.2. Nuts
Among all plant products, nuts are probably the richest sources of arginine, containing from about 1 to 3 g of arginine per 100 g. The best nut sources of arginine are peanuts (3.1 g per 100 g), almonds (2.5 g per 100 g), walnuts (2.3 g per 100 g), hazelnuts (2.2 g per 100 g) and cashews (2.1 g per 100 g). Other nuts that are rich in arginine include Brazil nuts, pistachios and pecans.3. Spinach and Lentils
Vegetables are not very good sources of protein, in general, and arginine, in particular. Probably the most notable exceptions to the rule are spinach and lentils. Frozen spinach has an arginine content of 3.3 g per 100 g, while lentils have about 2.1 g of arginine per 100 g of the raw vegetable.4. Whole Grains
Breads and pastas made from whole grain wheat flour are rich in arginine. Among cereal grains, whole wheat has the highest content of arginine, containing about 650 mg of arginine per 100 g.5. Soy
Soy-based proteins are among the richest food sources of arginine. A 200-calorie serving of soy protein isolate has more than 4 g of arginine. Quite surprisingly, 100 g of tofu has only 600 mg of arginine, even if it is principally derived from soybeans.6. Seafood
Aside from red meat, crustaceans are the best animal-based sources of arginine. A 200-calorie serving of crabs, shrimps or lobsters typically has from 3.6 to 3.8 g of arginine. Fish with the highest content of arginine are tuna (1.7 g per 100 g) and salmon (1.2 g per 100 g). Some sources have placed the arginine content of tuna as being even greater than that of chicken and pork.7. Eggs
Eggs, particularly the yolk, are also rich sources of arginine. A raw egg yolk contains 1.10 g of arginine per 100 g, while a raw egg white contains 0.65 g per 100 g.Saturday 30 November 2013
Adzuki beans... with many benefits
1. Improve bowel movement
Since they have a high fiber content, adzuki beans greatly improve bowel movement. This helps in keeping the digestive system smooth, thus preventing constipation. The fiber contained in these beans also helps in preventing colon cancer.2. Stabilize cholesterol level
Due to high concentration of soluble fiber in adzuki beans, these beans are ideal for stabilizing the cholesterol level. They also help in eliminating cholesterol and toxins from the body.3. Prevent breast cancer
Adzuki beans have certain components that help kill cancerous tissues. Consuming a cup of these beans on a regular basis lowers the risk of getting breast cancer among women. These beans can also be consumed to lower the risk of getting different types of cancers.4. Treat bladder infections and urinary dysfunction
The high amount of soluble fiber in adzuki beans helps in treating bladder infections and urinary dysfunction in both men and women. This soluble fiber has a soothing effect and is thus ideal for healing an infected bladder and urinary tract.5. Lose weight
Since they are rich in soluble fibers, adzuki beans help keep your stomach full for relatively long hours. Therefore, these beans will keep you satiated for long hours. They are also rich in protein and can therefore help in keep sugar levels low. As a result, they help in keeping weight off.Mangosteens.....you want the xanthones
Mangosteens
Contrary to what their name might suggest, mangosteens are not related to mangoes. Primarily grown in Southeast Asia, this fist-size fruit has a thick purple rind and a soft interior made up of white segments. The rind (or pericarp) contains compounds called xanthones, which may combat cancer and inflammation. Though the fruit itself is difficult to find in the continental United States, you can purchase mangosteen-juice products that incorporate xanthones from the rind.Cacao... heart and brain food
Cacao/Cocoa Powder
Like chocolate, cacao powder contains flavonoids, which are known to help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain and heart. With fewer than 15 calories per tablespoon and containing almost no fat, cacao provides a strong chocolate flavorWednesday 27 November 2013
Honey....its contains more than 180 substances
Honey is much more than just a liquid sweetener. One of the oldest medicines known to man, honey has been used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, skin ulcers, wounds, urinary diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff. Today, we know the validity of these timeless treatments, as research has demonstrated that honey can inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, fungi, and viruses.
The power of honey comes from the wide range of compounds present in the rich amber liquid. Honey contains at least 181 known substances, and its antioxidant activity stems from the phenolics, peptides, organic acids, and enzymes. Honey also contains salicylic acid, minerals, alpha-tocopherol, and oligosaccharides. Oligosaccharides increase the number of “good” bacteria in the colon, reduce levels of toxic metabolites in the intestine, help prevent constipation, and help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
The key point to remember with honey is that its antioxidant ability can vary widely depending on the floral source of the honey and its processing. The process begins when bees feast on flowers and collect nectar in their mouths. The bees mix the nectar and enzymes in their saliva to turn it into honey, which is then stored in combs in the hive. The constant movement of the bees’ wings promotes moisture evaporation and yield the thick honey we enjoy. The phenolic content of the honey depends on the pollen that the bees have used as raw material. There’s a very simple way to determine the health benefits of any honey: its color. In general, the darker the color of the honey, the higher the level of antioxidants. There can be a twenty fold difference in honey’s antioxidant activity, as one test revealed. For example, Illinois buckwheat honey, the darkest honey tested, had twenty times the antioxidant activity of California sage honey, one of the lightest-colored honeys tested. Overall, color predicted more than sixty percent of the variation in honey’s antioxidant capacity.(superfood rx)
Dried super fruits.....just as powerful
Looking for proteins..........threre is a lot to go for!
Tuesday 26 November 2013
Duck liver ( foie gras) ... a powerhouse of all micronetrients
Duck liver, commonly called foie gras (french), is a delicacy made by force feeding cornmeal to ducks in a process known as gavage in an effort to make their livers larger and richer. This food is not without controversy, as some feel this amounts to animal cruelty. There has been some movement by cities and states to curtail both the production and sale of this food, although the American Veterinary Medical Association maintains that gavage may be performed humanely. Regardless of the controversy, duck liver offers much in the way of nutrition. Duck meat nutrition value is quite surprising. This meat houses a ton of nutrients, including a vast variety of different Minerals and Vitamins. These Minerals include Phosphorous, Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, Manganese, and Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium and Sodium. As for Vitamins, Duck meat contains Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Pantothenic Acid, Folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and B Vitamins which include, B6 and B12. Duck meat is also a rich source of Protein!
Monday 25 November 2013
A date shake.... power of milk + dates, a super food drink..load yourself with power
The world of food is full of such little miracles. Consider the date. "What have the dates ever done for us?" you may ask. Well, a lot as it turns out. They are nature's own little energy gels. It is only when driving about in a desert for a while that the pure genius of the date fully manifests itself. For quite long periods it's all: desert, desert, desert. Then – BOOM! – oasis.
And in the middle of the oasis, a tree that turns a tiny amount of water and a lot of sun into dense bundles of energy (not to mention calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, magnesium and lots of fibre). Not only that, but they can be put in a bag slung over the side of a camel (another one for the creationists) and kept indefinitely for long journeys.(the guardian)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (approximately 8 to 10 dates) pitted arabian/persian dates, coarsely chopped*
1/2 cup cold milk
Don't mind if there a few chunks here and there, the main purpose is to charge you up and you will be!
A superfood dish in 5 minutes....charge yourself instantly
Nutritional Yeast ... not to be confused with brewers yeast
Nutritional Yeast
Not to be confused with active dry or brewer’s yeast, nutritional yeast is made from deactivated yeast and has no leavening power. It’s a great source of protein and fiber and is also among the only vegan-friendly sources of vitamin B12, which is essential for normal brain and nervous-system function but found mostly in meat and dairy products. “As long as nutritional yeast is fortified with B12, it’s a great way for vegan and vegetarian folks to get the vitamin in their diets,” says Blatner. It can be sprinkled on pastas and stir-fries—and, Blatner adds, “it makes an awesome popcorn topping for people who want that Cheetos, stick-to-your-finger kind of snack.”Russian Kefir... a superfood for your intestines
Kefir
Kefir is an ancient drink that originated in Russia. Similar in taste to yogurt, kefir is made from fermented milk and is slightly sour. Its popularity has soared in recent years because of growing interest in probiotics, which are known to boost the immune system and support good digestive health. Find it in the refrigerated aisle at your local supermarket or health-food store.(realsimple)Black Garlic...waiting to be discovered again
Black Garlic
Black garlic has long been prized by Asians for its health benefits, but it became widely available in Western markets only a few years ago. The black bulb is created by fermenting raw garlic through prolonged exposure to heat and humidity, giving it a sweet, mellow flavor and an inky hue. In addition to the sulfuric compounds that provide garlic with its heart-healthy and anticancer benefits, the fermented cloves are a source of important probiotics. “Fermented foods help stabilize our intestinal flora. When the intestine is in good shape, it strengthens our immune system,” says Bellatti. Black garlic has been increasingly sought-after in high-end cuisine, and it is often used to make sauces, dressings, and dips.(realsimple)Coconut oil... king of all oils, the most nutrient loaded oil you may not be paying much heed
The following article is a result of April Mcarthy's research at prevent disease
The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial and soothing properties.
Coconut oil is used extensively in tropical countries especially India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines etc., which have a good production of coconut oil. The oil was also once popular in western countries such as United States and Canada; however, there was a strong propaganda in 1970s spread by the corn oil and soy oil industry against coconut oil. Coconut oil was considered harmful for the human body due to its high saturated fat content till the last decade (2000s) when people started questioning this propaganda. Let us get into some details of how coconut oil works for our body.
How is lauric acid used by our body? The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia. As a result of these various health benefits of coconut oil, though its exact mechanism of action was unknown, it has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system. The Coconut Research Center has compiled various benefits in both traditional and modern medicine.
Before we move on to the benefits of coconut oil in detail, let us understand its composition.
Composition of Coconut Oil: Coconut oil consists of more than ninety percent of saturated fats (Don’t panic! First read to the last word. Your opinion may change), with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Virgin coconut oil is no different from this. Let us have a bit detailed study of this..
Saturated fatty acids: Most of them are medium chain triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well. Lauric acid is the chief contributor, with more than forty percent of the share, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Linoleic acid.
Monounsaturated fatty acids: Oleic acid.
Poly-phenols: Coconut contains Gallic acid, which is phenolic acid. These poly-phenols are supposed to be responsible for the fragrance and the taste of coconut oil and Virgin Coconut Oil is rich in these poly-phenols.
Certain derivatives of fatty acid like betaines, ethanolamide, ethoxylates, fatty esters, fatty polysorbates, monoglycerides and polyol esters.
Fatty chlorides, fatty alcohol sulphate and fatty alcohol ether sulphate, all of which are derivatives of fatty alcohols.
Vitamin-E and vitamin K and minerals such as Iron.
Health benefits of coconut oil Let us now explore the benefits of coconut oil in detail:
Hair care: Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shiny complexion. It is effective in reducing the protein loss for damaged and undamaged hair.
Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. Most of the people in these countries apply coconut oil on their hair daily after bath. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. Research study indicates that coconut oil provides better protection to hair from damage caused by hygral fatigue.
Regular head massage with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, even if your scalp is dry. It also helps in keeping hair and scalp free from lice and lice eggs.
It is therefore used as hair care oil and used in manufacturing various conditioners, and dandruff relief creams. Coconut oil is normally applied topically for hair care.
Skin care Coconut oil is excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. Therefore coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care. Coconut oil also helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.
Heart diseases There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for the heart. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. However, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful as it happens in case of other vegetables oils. It does not lead to increase in LDL levels. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.
Weight loss Coconut oil is very useful in reducing weight. It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. It is also easy to digest and it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems. Further, it increases the body metabolism by removing stress on pancreases, thereby burning out more energy and helping obese and overweight people reduce their weight. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who eat coconut oil daily as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese or overweight.
Digestion Internal use of coconut oil occurs primarily as cooking oil. Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc., that cause indigestion. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Immunity Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system as it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.
Candida Coconut is beneficial in preventing and curing candida. It provides relief from the inflammation caused by candida, externally and internally. Its high moisture retaining capacity does not let the skin crack or peel off. Further, unlike other drugs for candida, the effects of coconut oil is gradual and not drastic or sudden, which gives the patient ample time to cope up with the die-off symptoms or Herxheimer Reactions (the name given to the symptoms accompanying body’s rejection of toxins generated during elimination of these fungi). But, this is one condition that you systematically and gradually increase your dosages of coconut oil and do not start with a large quantity all of a sudden.
Candida, also known as Systemic Candidiasis, is a dreaded disease caused due to excessive and uncontrolled growth of yeast called Candida Albicans in stomach. This yeast is more or less present in everybody’s stomach, but it does not show any adverse effects since its growth is controlled by some beneficial bacteria which reside in our stomach. When, due to any reason such as growth of other bacteria who destroy these beneficial bacteria or use of antibiotics which ultimately end up in eliminating these bacteria in addition to disease causing ones or due to bleaching or washing of stomach with medicines or excessive use of chemical laxatives or ingestion of poisonous stuff etc.; this yeast or fungi starts growing very fast and cause candida.
Symptoms of candida: The symptoms of candida include infection in genitals, urinary tract and bladder, stomach & intestines, ear, nose and throat, itchy and dry skin, inflammations in internal organs and skin, patching & peeling off of skin (particularly in scalp), digestive and excretory disorders and problems with hair, nail etc.
This disease is very common in Europe and America, may be due to cold and moist climate and food habits. In these places, a large portion of their food is comprised of food stuffs which, in some way or the other, are processed with yeast or fermented; such as breads, other baked items, cheese and above all, wine and other alcoholic drinks. These things also assist growth of Candida Albicans in the body. The various fatty acids found in the coconut oil are beneficial in treating candida.
Capric acid, a medium chain fatty acid (a Saturated Fat) present in coconut oil has antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties. This is the same fatty acid which is present in mother’s milk and protects the baby from bacterial, viral and fungal infections. In the body, it reacts with certain enzymes secreted by other bacteria or otherwise, which covert it to a powerful antimicrobial agent, monocaprin. On systematically using coconut oil for candida, capric acid has been found very effective in killing this yeast.
Caprylic acid, caproic acid, myristic acid and lauric acid found in coconut oil and have antimicrobial and antifungal properties which also aid in the elimination of candida albicans. Lauric acid a saturated fat and a medium chain fatty acid form a compound called monolaurin, upon reaction with enzymes. This monolaurin is an expert germ and fungus killer.
Healing and infections When applied on infections, it forms a chemical layer which protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil is most effective on bruises as it speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tissues.
Infections: Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, etc. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhoea, etc. Coconut oil is also effective on fungi and yeast that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, diaper rash, etc.
Other Coconut oil is strongly recommended for other benefits which are given below. Usage of coconut oils mildly helps for the following:
Liver: The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids helps in preventing liver diseases as they substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing work load on the liver and also preventing accumulation of fat.
Kidney: Coconut oil helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases. It also helps in dissolving kidney stones.
Pancreatitis: Coconut oil is also believed to be useful in treating pancreatitis.
Stress relief: Coconut oil is very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying coconut oil to the head followed with a gentle massage helps in removing mental fatigue.
Diabetes: Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also helps in effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.
Bones: As mentioned earlier, coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include calcium and magnesium which are necessary for development of bones. Thus coconut oil is very useful to women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age.
Canker Sore Remedy
If your diet consists primarily of fresh pineapple and sour soothers, one of the (likely many) health issues you’ve endured is the dreaded canker sore. Coconut oil has been said to speed up the healing process.
Dental care: Calcium is an important element present in teeth. Since coconut oil facilitates absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in getting strong teeth. Coconut oil also stops tooth decay. Combine coconut oil with baking soda to make your pearly whites gleam. Antibacterial Action of Coconut Oil Combats Tooth Decay When Consumed.
HIV and cancer: It is believed that coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing viral susceptibility of HIV and cancer patients. Preliminary research has shown indications of the effect of coconut oil on reducing the viral load of HIV patients (Reference).
Finally, coconut oil is often preferred by athletes and body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that coconut oil contains lesser calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps in boosting energy and endurance, and enhances the performance of athletes.
Coconut oil and Alzheimer’s disease: There are reports of research conducted by Dr. Newport stating that coconut oil is useful for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Apart from this there is no scientific evidence or traditional knowledge of coconut oil being used for treating Alzheimer’s. It was also not known traditionally that coconut oil helps in boosting the function of the brain in any form.
Why is coconut oil solid?: Unlike most other oils, coconut oil has a high melting point -- about 24 to 25 degress Celsius or 76-78 Fahrenheit. Therefore it is solid at room temperature and melts only when the temperatures go high. Hence, if you buy a bottle of coconut oil and find it solid, don’t think that there is some problem with it. Coconut oil is like this only. And of course, don’t keep it in your refrigerator.
How to use coconut oil?: If you are using coconut oil for topical purposes, especially hair care, just melt the oil (if it is solid) by keeping the bottle in the sun or warm water. You can also take some coconut oil out and put it in a small bowl and heat the bowl over a flame (do not use microwave). Then take the oil on your palm and apply it to your hair. If you want to use it for internal consumption, simply replace butter or vegetable oils with coconut oil in your recipes. Remember, you need not switch to coconut oil completely, as you will miss the benefits of other oils and dairy products.
Can I use coconut oil for cooking?: Yes, in most of the tropical coastal regions, people use coconut oil for cooking.
I don’t like the taste of coconut oil. What should I do?: Try using coconut oil in some different recipe. That may help. If you get nauseated after eating coconut oil, don’t force yourself. As it happens with any other food item, your body may be allergic to coconut oil and it is best not to consume it.
Varieties of Coconut Oil There are primarily 6 varieties of coconut oil that you will find in the market. These are pure coconut oil, refined coconut oil, organic coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, organic virgin coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil.
Pure Coconut Oil: This oil is our good old friend. Extracted from dried coconut kernels, also called copra. It is crude, unrefined and without any additives. It is mainly extracted by compression of copra in a mill, either driven by bullocks or by power. However, the one extracted by bullock driven oil mills is preferred. Pure coconut oil has multiple uses such as edible oil, massaging oil, hair oil, cosmetics, medicinal and industrial usage.
Refined Coconut Oil: This is sometimes also called the RBD coconut oil, which is an abbreviated form for refined, bleached & deodorized coconut oil. As the name suggests, this is obtained by mechanically and chemically refining, bleaching and deodorizing the crude coconut oil, to make it thin, colorless, odorless and without any type of particle (such as those of proteins) suspended in it. What we get is only pure saturated fats and nothing else.
Virgin Coconut Oil: Virgin coconut oil is derived from the milk obtained from fresh coconut meat, and not from copra, by processes like fermentation, centrifugal separation and enzyme action. Care is taken to use no or as less heat as possible in the extraction of this oil. Produced this way, this oil tastes and smells the best and is laden with antioxidants and medium chain fatty Acids. It also has remarkable anti microbial properties. This is one of the most respected varieties of coconut oil.
Organic Coconut Oil: The coconut oil that has been extracted from coconuts obtained from coconut palms raised only on organic manure and no synthetic fertilizers, insecticides etc., and without the involvement of any chemical in its extraction or processing, is called the organic coconut oil. This again, is a very much respected variety of coconut oil. Organic coconut oil forms an integral part of a number of organic cosmetic products such as organic soaps, organic skin creams and lotions, organic snacks etc. and thousands of such products. Some of the organic programmes and authorities who certify organic coconut oil include Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS), USDA National Organic Program (NOP), European Organic Regulations (EU 2092/91), Export Certificates for Japan (JAS Equivalent), Indian National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), Quebec Organic Reference Standard (CAAQ), Bio Suisse Standards, IOFAM Basic Standards, ECOCERT.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: You can very well understand what does that mean. It means virgin coconut oil produced from the organic coconuts, the organic way. This is perhaps the best and purest form of coconut oil one can imagine of (of course, if it is that real).
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: Among all the varieties of coconut oil, this is the most challenged and doubted one, as its very existence is doubted and the name hardly makes any sense. Further, there are no set standards for virginity of coconut oil. Moreover, reputed firms and government bodies are still neither saying anything on it, nor are they selling it. So, speaking something on this will be too early.
The properties of coconut oil do not differ much with their varieties and remain more or less the same. So, think well and make a wise decision before you put your hands in your pocket.
Coconut Oil as a Carrier Oil: Coconut oil can be very efficient as carrier oil. Carrier oils hold a place of high importance in Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicines and all other systems of medicine which involve massaging. Carrier oils are those oils which easily penetrate or absorb into the skin and thus facilitate seepage or absorption of other oils (such as essential oils) and herbal extracts through skin, when mixed into it. Coconut oil is very easily absorbed through the skin pores and thus used as carrier oil. Further, being one of the most stable oils, it does neither go rancid itself nor does it let the other oils or herbal extracts or medicines spoil in it for a long time. Thus, you can mix your desired thing it and keep it for future for a long-long time. Due to its anti-fungal and anti-microbial property coconut oil keeps the oils, herbal extracts and medicines that are mixed in it protected from microbial or fungal actions. It also does not alter the properties of the oils and herbs mixed in it. Coconut oil is expensive in several countries; however, in tropical countries its cost is low enough to make it affordable carrier oil.
Coconut oil extraction Cold pressing is one of the preferred methods of extraction of coconut oil.The quality and goodness of coconut oil depends much on the method of its extraction. Basically, there are two main methods of extraction of coconut oil. First one is cold pressing of copra (dried coconut kernels) and the second is boiling of fresh coconut milk. Since boiling or heating destroys many nutrients and volatile components, hence coconut oil obtained this way is not considered as good as that obtained by cold pressing, as cold pressing retains much of oil’s goodness. Machine pressing and bullock/manual pressing are two methods of cold pressing.
Machine pressing: In this cold pressing is done with the help of an electrically or diesel-engine driven oil mill. Most of cold pressed oil used in the world is obtained this way.
Bullock/manual pressing: The oil obtained this way has a better taste and fragrance and is dearer since the production is less, consumes more time and energy and wastage is more. It has higher price, lower availability and better quality.
Buying Coconut Oil First of all, you need to decide why you need coconut oil, i.e. where you are going to use it. Your choice should be based on your need, i.e. whether you want it for edible purposes or as a carrier oil to be used in aromatherapy or for massaging or for weight loss or for medicinal purposes etc. As mentioned earlier there are different varieties for different purposes. Their properties do not differ much, unless they are mixed with some base or additives and do not contain 100% coconut oil. Given below is a list of such purposes and the type of coconut oil to buy.
Purpose---Preferable Type to Buy
Cooking---Refined Coconut Oil
Weight Loss---Virgin Coconut Oil
As a Carrier Oil---Virgin Coconut Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil
Good Health---Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Coconut Oil
Massaging---Pure Coconut Oil, Refined Coconut Oil
Hair---Pure Coconut Oil, Refined Coconut Oil
Medicinal uses---Virgin Coconut Oil, Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
Further, before you buy coconut oil, it should be kept in mind that for edible and therapeutic uses, refined coconut oil is the best as it is hygienic and clean. Unrefined coconut oil is good for external applications such as hair care and skin care.
Where to buy from? Except some of the special varieties, such as virgin coconut oil and organic coconut oil, other varieties like the pure coconut oil and refined coconut oil are easily available with most of the grocers, at least in tropical countries. For special ones, you need to search the big departmental stores or sometimes a drug store too. Things may be a little different in countries which do not produce coconut oil, e.g. US, Canada, most of Europe, etc. You need to visit big grocers in these countries. You will also get coconut oil easily at grocery stores in localities what have higher population of people from India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and coastal Africa. And of course, you can find it online.
Thursday 21 November 2013
Water cress... a face lift super food
'However, in order to work properly a high concentration of Vitamin C is also needed to complete this process and watercress again has this in abundance.
'In addition watercress contains Vitamin E which is also important for skin health. It is this powerhouse of nutrients and the chain reaction in which they work together which is so important for maintaining good skin
A super food drink... try it for preserving your body
Flax Seed Oil..... Numerous benefits
Flaxseed Oil, Inflammation and Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha linolenic acid (ALA), and the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that can be derived from it, are vital for good health and disease prevention, especially diseases of inflammation. They are one of the building blocks of healthy, well functioning cell walls and are needed for proper intracellular communication.Given their importance at such a basic structural level, an omega-3 deficiency can lead to a wide variety of health problems. Some of these include decreased brain function; learning problems and poor memory; lowered immune function; an increased chance of blood clots and other circulatory system issues; hypertension; declining vision; and a recurring tingling sensation in various parts of the body.
Flaxseed Oil, Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease
A good intake of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet has been shown to lower both LDL cholesterol (the damaging kind of cholesterol) and triglyceride blood levels. Both are well known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.Omega-3s also have a vasodilatory (they widen blood vessels) and anti-atherogenic (reducing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques) effect on the cardiovascular system, leading to a reduced risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Diabetes and Flaxseed Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to help lower some of the adverse metabolic effects of insulin resistance in diabetes by reducing triglyceride levels and lowering blood pressure. Omega-3s may also benefit circulation problems, often experiencing in those suffering from diabetes, and improve overall nerve function in general.Flaxseed Oil and Depression
Research suggests the deficiency in omega-3 fats can predispose a person to psychological disorders such as depression. Recent studies, like this one on treating depression with omega-3, have shown EPA/DHA supplementation is useful for treating diagnosed unipolar depression(superfood profiles)
Amla....a super power food with numerous benefits
These antioxidants, so far identified, including ellagic and gallic acid, emblicanin A and B, punigluconin, pedunculagin, chebulinic and chebulagic acid, quercetin, corilagin, isostrictiniin and the list goes on and on with even harder scientific names to spell.
Bok Choy... a loaded veggie
What Is Bok Choy?
Originally from China where it has been cultivated for centuries, bok choy is now grown for the US market, predominantly in California and Alberta in CanadaBlack Walnut.... very unique benefits
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Beef Liver.. a super food loaded with micro nutrients
| APPLE (100 g) | CARROTS (100 g) | RED MEAT (100 g) | BEEF LIVER (100 g) | |
| Calcium | 3.0 mg | 3.3 mg | 11.0 mg | 11.0 mg |
| Phosphorus | 6.0 mg | 31.0 mg | 140.0 mg | 476.0 mg |
| Magnesium | 4.8 mg | 6.2 mg | 15.0 mg | 18.0 mg |
| Potassium | 139.0 mg | 222.0 mg | 370.0 mg | 380.0 mg |
| Iron | .1 mg | .6 mg | 3.3 mg | 8.8 mg |
| Zinc | .05 mg | .3 mg | 4.4 mg | 4.0 mg |
| Copper | .04 mg | .08 mg | .18 mg | 12.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | None | None | 40 IU | 53,400 IU |
| Vitamin D | None | None | Trace | 19 IU |
| Vitamin E | .37 mg | .11 mg | 1.7 mg | .63 mg |
| Vitamin C | 7.0 mg | 6.0 mg | None | 27.0 mg |
| Thiamin | .03 mg | .05 mg | .05 mg | .26 mg |
| Riboflavin | .02 mg | .05 mg | .20 mg | 4.19 mg |
| Niacin | .10 mg | .60 mg | 4.0 mg | 16.5 mg |
| Pantothenic Acid | .11 mg | .19 mg | .42 mg | 8.8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | .03 mg | .10 mg | .07 mg | .73 mg |
| Folic Acid | 8.0 mcg | 24.0 mcg | 4.0 mcg | 145.0 mcg |
| Biotin | None | .42 mcg | 2.08 mcg | 96.0 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | None | None | 1.84 mcg | 111.3 mcg |
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