Monday, April 30, 2007

Having Good Breakfast Food Will Fuel The Brain To Get You On The Up And Go In The Mornings

We all have to eat breakfast food regardless of who we are, our brain needs it the most, especially the nervous system which runs on glucose that fuels the thinking, walking, talking and your activities.

Let me give you an example - when was the last time you ate something, was it, like eight, ten, twelve hours ago, or after you got up this morning, your body's going to work extremely hard to recover just to keep you going till you eat.

Don't get me wrong, your body's needs to break down any stored carbohydrates that it has, but if it can't find any it will start the hunt to any fat or protein that you have stored and turn this into a very useful tool.

Basically it will give you want you need in order to function properly from what you eat. Fuelling the brain with good breakfast food in order to get you on the up and go is going to take you less time then you think.

Nutritionists recommend that breakfast should provide twenty five percent of your daily nutrients. If you don't eat breakfast your energy levels are low, your concentration is sluggish. But, if you eat breakfast it will start your metabolism up to burn the fat more effectively.

Improves psychosocial behaviours, it will give you the needed energy for the day ahead, you'll also concentrate better, be less bored and your anxiety will be less. Saying that, Good brain food and a healthy breakfast would consist of fresh fruit, whole grain bread, cereals that have fibre, eggs, fresh juice that has been blended up, fresh fruit smoothies or vegetable smoothies.

It's has been realized that the good stuff that we have for breakfast contains significant amounts of vitamin C, D, calcium, iron, and especially fibre. It all begins at the start of the day to achieve this.

I think that most people look for this when they are making breakfast at home, choosing better breakfast food is changing the way you eat breakfast, "It's all in your hands".

Being aware of why you choose certain breakfast food is a start to a more bouncing day. A whole grain breakfast means - foods that are made of whole grains using all the three parts of the grain kernel, this includes the bran, germ, and the endosperm.

These are essential cause the whole grains and the whole grain flours, retain more vitamins and fibre than refined grains. The most common of the whole grains in a good breakfast cereal is wheat, rice, oats.

So your still skipping your morning breakfast, this will lead to overeating throughout the day and will tend to eat sugary foods that will lead to putting the weight on, rather then taking it off, and yes we do need to have our sugar as well, but, we can get natural sugars that are in a fresh juice, or smoothie for instance.

These natural sugars are fare better for you then the processed sugar that we buy at the supermarket. The natural sweetness that are in fresh fruit will be more affective especially the vitamins, calcium, iron, and the fibre that your going to get from drinking juice or a smoothie.

What ever your choice - you need to eat to stay alive and good breakfast food would be a start, if you think that your fine by not having breakfast, it's in your hands. But try to have a small amount first for a week or two, see how you go, you might even see a change in your habits, and you'll notice the difference.

With the good stuff that we have for breakfast in your tummy you'll be happier throughout the morning, you can become a breakfast eater and experience-a-recipe-for-breakfast.

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Sunday, April 29, 2007

High Fiber Fruit is Vital Diet Ingredient

High fiber fruit is a very crucial aspect of any healthy diet. It enhances our prospect of living a long and vigorous life, which is what most people struggle and yearn for. Although most people comprehend that eating high fiber fruit is advantageous for them, they are undecided with regards to what high fiber fruit to add to their diet.

Many government health agencies are attempting to educate people in terms of healthy diets, as well as what class of high fiber fruit to add to the diet.

One of the tools to help us determine how much of this fruit we are consuming in our diets, are the ingredient labels that we find on food products. Not only do these labels tell us concerning the unhealthy ingredients of the product, they furthermore inform us concerning the good ingredients for example high fiber fruit.

Unluckily, notwithstanding the instructive efforts of a lot of agencies and other organisations, scores of people are even now ignorant of the benefits of high fiber, they just simply don't care, or they don't have time to outline a respectable diet for themselves. Numerous of these people possibly couldn't even tell you that there were food packaging labels on the food products.

These high fiber fruits are tremendous additions to any diet. Fruits that are classified as high fiber comprise cantaloupe, strawberries, apricots, kiwi avocadoes, papaya, and grapefruit. Not simply do they taste fantastic they are similarly very good for our health.

The benefit of fiber is the cleaning action that it performs on the digestive system. It acts as a transport mechanism for other foods through the digestive tract and it also enhances the disposal of waste products. The benefits of fiber on the digestive system could assist people in avoiding diseases like diabetes and high cholesterol.

Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are food groups that are high in nutritional fiber. Plants are a magnificent to source of fiber. Adding vegetables to one's diet will also add additional fiber.

Many people begin their day with breakfast consisting of high fiber by eating a cereal or grain breakfast. That is an extremely beneficial start. However frequently that is also where it ends. For the full benefits of nutritional fiber we need to consume it throughout the day and add enough water to our consumption to aid the digestive system.

Government agencies have gone to great lengths to facilitate people eat improved food. The required information is available each time we purchase food, and the people who abide by these instructions should lead improved and longer lives.

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Saturday, April 28, 2007

Drink to Your Health - The Whole-Body Benefits of Water

Before you reach for that sugary soft drink, consider this the next time you feel a little parched: Clean, pure water is essential to every function your body performs. Second only to the air you breathe in its vital importance, it makes up roughly two-thirds of your body. Deprived of it completely, you may not even survive a week. And even the mildest case of dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, headaches and muscle weakness. No wonder health experts are constantly telling us to drink more water.

Crucial to the body's cleansing processes, water lessens the burden on the organs involved in detoxification—mainly the liver and kidneys—by flushing out toxins and waste products. Drinking plenty of water each day also helps prevent constipation by moving food through the digestive tract. A necessary lubricant, it helps to ease elimination and promote regular bowel movements.

As part of a healthy weight loss program, water can help shed the pounds by increasing your metabolism. While the science behind this concept is the subject of ongoing research, studies have shown that drinking more water can significantly boost your metabolic rate and thus burn even more calories. Plus, drinking cold water can increase your metabolism even more, since the body must expend more energy to warm it up.

In addition to these important functions, water also helps to regulate body temperature through perspiration—as sweat evaporates, the body cools down. Water also carries necessary nutrients to the body's cells; surrounds and protects the joints, organs tissues; and moistens soft tissue such as that of the eyes, mouth and nose.

Everyday functions such as breathing, perspiring and elimination constantly deplete the body's supply of this vital liquid. Although advice varies as to how much water you should drink each day, a good rule of thumb is to drink at least half your body weight in ounces daily. Try to drink only pure water and avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea, as well as sugary juices and soft drinks. If you need a splash of flavor in your water, add a spritz of fresh lemon or lime juice. Non-caffeinated herbal teas are also a delicious way to boost your water intake, and many fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of water.

Lifestyle differences such as frequent exercise, illness, environmental conditions (dry, hot, humid, high altitude, etc.), as well as pregnancy and breastfeeding will likely increase the amount of water your body needs, so it is important to be mindful of changes in your daily routine.

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Friday, April 27, 2007

Low Carb Breakfast Foods To Start Your Day

There are a good number of choices that you can pick for your everyday breakfast meals. All you need to do is to prepare ahead your menu so you will not have to succumb to the wrong choices if you are out of time. Here are some tips to keep in mind so you can have a good low carb breakfast to rev up the start of your day.

1. Traditional Breakfast

Your usual bacon and eggs can still go for your low carb breakfast foods. Only this time, you have to be more conscious of your choices when you buy your bacon. Stay away from the cured ones. These are not good for your health.

2. Cheese for Breakfast

More than the usual bacon and eggs, you can also experiment with the other low carb foods for your breakfast. You can make use of the ricotta cheese. You can make porridge with it by mixing it in hot water with soya bran and flax seeds.

3. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled is the best way to go if you want to eat eggs for your breakfast. This can also be your small breakfast if you do not have enough time to prepare for a heavy one. You can also mix the hard-boiled eggs on your other meals. Simply chop it and you can enjoy it in your salad. You can also combine it with cheese or meat in your wheat bread.

4. Cereals

It is also a good idea to stock up on cereals in your kitchen cabinet. You can grab on it anytime you are in a hurry and in need for a quick breakfast. This can supply you with the right energy for the whole day. A serving of hot oatmeal can be a good way to warm up for the day. You can also enjoy brown rice or wheat berries. Just sprinkle it with pine nuts, cinnamons or raisins and you will have a good breakfast to enjoy.

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Thursday, April 26, 2007

The Power of a Healthy Mindset

Do you have a healthy mindset? What IS a healthy mindset,
you're asking? Well, I like to describe it this way.

As an example, let's say you get a bad cold every winter.
What do you say to yourself when the flu shot commercials
tell you that there's no escape. Rush to get the "shot" or
else. Even while watching these "warnings" on t.v. you see
yourself sick and can almost feel flu symptoms manifesting.

Unless you turn your thoughts to happy, healthy things,
the suggestive influence of the media's concern for your
health will have the power over you. Why do I say that?
Well, let's have a look at why you may be apt to take other
people's advice, including that of your doctor.

Are you eating right? Are you willing to invest some time
and money in products and supplements that will give you
optimum health - naturally? Or are you the type who thinks
you're too busy and want to eat only those things that
taste good?

It's so simple and easy to just go for the "shot" and
forget all the rest. After all, there are so many
conflicting arguments for and against nutrients,
supplements and health risks, aren't there?

Consider this. Instead of listening to all those voices
out there, who do not know a thing about you, how about
talking to yourself?

Do you realize that what you say is super important? Those
words out there in cyberspace are taken all too often as
the truth. Why? Someone may be speaking the fact that some
sort of research has been done and you subsequently tell
yourself that must be authentic. That is... until another
news item announces that this year's flu strain is not
what the experts had anticipated, and the wrong serum
caused more severe symptoms and many more deaths than other
years.

Take your power back! You are much more in control of your
own health than you may realize! Train your mind to look at
all the positive sides of life. You do not HAVE to get the
flu every year - even if you did so all the previous years,
like clockwork. You can just as easily say to yourself:
"this year I'm going to empower my immune system with lots
of great, healthy nutrition. I am going to exercise more
and look at the bright side of life."

Seems very simplistic, doesn't it? But, really it is very
simple. A mindset is really another word for attitude. An
attitude is basically nothing but a conversation with
yourself. You can be saying: "I don't feel like trying
something new, or getting another opinion." On the other
hand, you could love yourself enough to say: "Hey, I want
to be healthy and feel good. Let's see how I can boost my
immunity."

You can choose to feel better and happier by optimizing
your nutrition. Consider that the options of medicine very
often are the consequences of an unhealthy mindset.

Your power lies in the amount of control you give yourself
over what you choose to believe. A healthy mindset produces
a healthy appetite for what is good for you. After all, the
Bible says that God:

"satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth
is renewed like the eagle's." (Ps. 103: 5)

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Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Honey Orange Drops Cookie Recipe

The honey orange drops cookie recipe takes advantage of one of nature's most delicious sweeteners; honey. Store bought honey will work, but honey fresh from the local bee farmer will be richer in flavor, and usually cheaper as well!

Ingredients


1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour


2/3 cup salted butter, softened


1/2 cup quick cooking oats


1/2 cup honey


1/4 cup sesame seed


1/4 cup wheat germ


1/4 cup orange juice


1 egg


1 tablespoon freshly grated orange peel


1 teaspoon vanilla extract


1/2 teaspoon salt


1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Frosting:


3/4 cup powdered sugar


1/4 cup salted butter, softened


2 teaspoons orange juice


1 teaspoon freshly grated orange peel

Hardware


Whisk


Large bowl


Medium bowl


Small bowl


Cookie sheets


Mixer

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.


Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, sesame seeds, wheat germ, salt, and baking soda; set aside.


Step 3: In a large bowl, with an electric mixer set on medium-high speed cream butter for 30 seconds.


Step 4: Combine honey, orange juice, egg, orange peel, and vanilla extract; beat well.


Step 5: Gradually beat in flour mixture, until just combined.


Step 6: Drop rounded teaspoonfuls into ungreased cookie sheets 2 inches apart.


Step 7: Bake for 9-12 minutes or until edges are lightly brown. Transfer cookies to a cooling surface.

Frosting:


Step 1: In a small bowl, combine all frosting ingredients; beat at medium speed until creamy.


Step 2: Spread frosting over slightly warm cookies.

Makes about 48 cookies.

For more information on baking procedures and hardware used in this recipe see our Baking Tips section.

Important: Feel free to republish this article on your website. However, you are not allowed to modify any part of its content and all links should be kept active.

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Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Detox - 10 Top Tips for Avoiding Gender Benders for Better Hormonal Health

There have been alarming new reports that there has been an unexpected drop in male births. In fact a quarter of a million fewer boys have been born in the in the last 30 years in the USA and Japan. Whilst this may may not seem particularly significant to your interest in detoxification scientists are linking the phenomenon to exposure to and body accumulation of hormone mimicking pollutants.

Hormone mimicking toxins or gender benders, as they are often known, appear not to be easily eliminated naturally through the body's detox pathways. They build up and interfere with the way your glandular system functions. This may contribute to painful and distressing conditions such as endometriosis, dysfunction of ovaries, infertility, miscarriages, excessive menstrual bleeding as well as estrogen driven cancers.

These pollutants which include pesticides, dioxin and methylmercury from many industrial sources as well as seafood are thought to be related to the fall in sperm counts and increasing testicular cancer especially in young males. Unborn male babies may more sensitive to the effects of these hormone mimicking pollutants than females and may result in more deaths around the time of birth. The ratios of male to female births are particularly skewed in areas that are close to petrochemical plants.

Bisphenol A is a common estrogen mimic and is ingested by practically everyone who eats canned foods or drinks from a can or hard plastic water bottles. The substance is used in the linings of food and drink cans as well as dental cements. Plastics have revolutionised our lives but scientists are beginning recognise that we may now be paying the price of convenience. Bisphenol A levels were found to be 3 times higher in women who had miscarriages and dysfunction of their ovaries than other women.

Recently blood samples taken from cord blood after babies were found to contain 287 industrial pollutants many of which were found to be toxic to the brain and nervous system. 180 are known to cause cancer. 208 were found to cause birth defects in animals. As usual the plastics industry is disputing the research findings in spite of a lawsuit being brought against 5 manufacturers of plastic babies bottles.

The facts surrounding this story only go to heighten the fact that we have to be careful what we put into our bodies and the bodies of our young children and how important it is to ensure that we try to detox them from our bodies. Couples thinking of having a baby should be particularly concerned with detoxing their bodies prior to even trying to conceive. The best pre-conceptual care programs insist on at least 6 months preparation for both parents or a minimum of 3 months. Men often wonder why they should be included but the quality of the sperm as well as the quantity is influenced by chemicals in the body as well as the nutritional status.

Mercury is not the only toxin lurking in oily fish. Scientists have just discovered that diabetes may be linked to the toxic chemicals DDT and PCB's that pollute the seas and accumulate in oily fish. Studies have shown that the people with the highest levels of chemicals in their bodies are more likely to develop this disease.

Here my 10 top tips for avoiding these gender benders and the havoc they bring to your hormone health.

1) Examine the recycling symbol on the bottom of plastic water bottled if you reuse them. The colourful hard bottles with a #7 favored by many may leach Bisophenol A into the liquid. A #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), #4 or #5 should be fine. #1 is for one time use only as the plastic breaks down with further use. Use glass bottles where possible.

2) Check all your plastic food containers as well and store food, especially oily food, in glass or ceramic dishes.

3) Eat an organic diet where possible but always a balanced wholefood one.

4) Avoid the 7 fruits and 5 vegetables that according to recent research from the Environmental Working Group in Washington consistantly have the highest level of pesticide residues - peaches, apples, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, and grapes that are imported from outside the United States and Canada, sweet bell peppers, celery, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes..

5) Concentrate your diet on the 6 fruits and 6 vegetables with the lowest pesticide residue - pineapples, mangoes, kiwi, bananas, papaya, onions, sweet corn, asparagus, sweet peas, cabbage, and broccoli.

6) Avoid oily fish and replace your omega 3 essential fats with supplements that are guaranteed pure and free from chemicals and toxic metals.

7) Avoid toluene in some nail polishes and perfumes, DEHP in many perfumed products, the preservative parabens in personal products and use only organic or products using natural ingredients.

8) Only use plastic babies bottles that are designated Bisphenol A free or use glass ones. Avoid plastic teething rings and prevent babies from chewing on other plastic toys.

9) Avoid bleaches and other chemical based household cleaners. Use environmentally friendly ones instead.

10) Follow regular detox programs and include foods that support the liver sulfation pathways - broccoli sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts onions and garlic. Also include a good liver detoxification support supplement and consider DIM (Diindolylmethane) or Cacium -D-Glucarate to help balance estrogen and detoxify the estrogen mimics. Get the advice of a nutritional doctor, naturopath or nutritionist if you have serious problems with your hormones.

It is recognised that some people have a better capacity for the detoxification of chemicals than others but by avoiding chemicals as much as possible and following regular detox programs many hormonal conditions can be prevented or considerably improved.

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Friday, April 20, 2007

Three Easy Ways to Greatly Enhance Weight Loss

Do you ever wish you could lose weight more effectively. Doesn't it seem like there is some hidden secret to weight loss that you don't know? Something holding you back from shedding pounds quickly and easily. You see that some people seem to lose weight rapidly. You think to yourself, "oh, how lucky that person is, they lose weight with so much ease. "I wish I was like that." This is the normal default mode of thinking for most people. The problem is that this kind of thinking takes away your ability to see clearly. You aren't able to ask to yourself, what is that person doing that I am not. You only wish that you were like them, you don't look to see how you could be like them in reality. Possibly with less effort then you expect. I am about to show you three powerful practices that you may have overlooked. All of which offer amazing weight loss benefits. Are you ready? Here we go.

  • Drink lots of water- Here is a key that most people totally disregard. They think that water is not a factor in weight loss and therefore do not drink enough. This is a huge mistake. When the body is dehydrated for long periods of time fat cells become rubbery. This makes them much more difficult to be dissolved. All of the dieting and exercise you do will not be very effective because you are trying to dissolve tough, rubbery fat cells. When you are fully hydrated fat becomes permeated with water. This makes them soft and easy to dissolve. Many people notice that about a week after they begin keeping themselves fully hydrated they experience major weight loss. This is because the fat cells finally became so soft that they were very easy to dissolve. Drink at least a half ounce of water for every pound of body weight per day. If you weigh 150lbs, you would want to consume at least 75oz of water. This is a major point that should be implemented immediately. I have found that it is best to get a large water jug and fill it with the amount of water I need to drink that day. This way I can monitor how I am doing throughout the day and stay on track.
  • Take omega 3 oils- This is critical. Omega 3 oils, found in flax oil and fish are incredibly beneficial to weight loss and overall health. You wont want to miss your daily dose of omega 3s if you are serious about weight loss. These polyunsaturated fats will regulate blood sugar levels and curb appetite along with numerous overall health benefits. Here is my suggestion. Mix one tablespoon organic, cold pressed flax oil together with a quarter cup cottage cheese. Cottage cheese and flax oil are incredibly synergistic and will produce amazing results. This is because the omega 3 fats bind with the sulfur based proteins in the cottage cheese allowing for much better absorption. Do this for two weeks and you will notice major benefits.
  • Find a diet plan that has been proven to be effective- This one is a true lynch pin for weight loss results. You cant expect to do well if you cannot stick with your diet. I find that many people begin diets that are very strict cannot handle them for any length of time. You need to choose a diet that is proven to be effective and reasonable enough to be viable for the long haul. This is the key. After having tested many different diet plans I have come to see that one stands out amongst all the rest in my eyes. This is the diet I recommend to all of my friends and anybody else that truly desires results. You can read about it by clicking the link in the authors box.
  • You are now armed with three powerful weight loss strategies. Take them seriously and employ their amazing power into your life and you will not be disappointed by the results. I guarantee it.

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    Thursday, April 19, 2007

    Powerful & Proven Ways to Lose Belly Fat

    Do you feel self-conscious about the size of your belly? Want to do something about it? Instead of trying some "miracle" fat burning pill or gimmicky fitness gadget, try sticking to the basics. The following tips are proven to help you slim down, tone up, and lose stubborn belly fat. Make them part of your daily routine and you'll start looking and felling better fast!

    Exercise the "Right Way" Several Times Per Week

    Despite what you may have been lead to believe by late-night infomercials, you are definitely not going to get a lean midsection simply by exercising your ab muscles every day. Performing thousands of crunches and situps will certainly strengthen your abdominal muscles but it's not going to put a significant dent in your body fat levels. There's simply no way to "spot reduce," as any fitness expert will tell you.

    The best way to lose belly fat is to perform a combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercise at least 3 or 4 times per week. An example of a great workout for fat loss is performing 10 minutes of light jogging as a warmup followed by 20 minutes of moderate-intensity strength training (compound exercises like pushups, pullups, and squats are best), then 10 minutes of higher-intensity aerobic exercise such as running, bike riding, or swimming.

    Another highly effective fat loss technique that combines both aerobic and anaerobic exercise is interval training. In its simplest form interval training is just performing short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by "recovery" periods of low-intensity exercise. For example you might jog for a minute, sprint for 30 seconds, jog for a minute, sprint for 30 seconds, jog, sprint, jog, etc. Performing as few as 7 minutes of interval training has been shown to greatly increase fat burning throughout the day!

    Keep in mind that interval training (or any form of high-intensity exercise) is not for beginners. You should always start off slow with any type of exercise program and try to make small improvement in your fitness levels each week. Obviously, talk with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program, especially if you have existing health problems.

    Eat Simply and Don't Get Hungry

    When it comes to losing belly fat, your diet is just as important as your exercise routine... actually even more so! The first rule of eating to lose weight is to not allow yourself to get hungry. Starving yourself by eating too few calories is not an effective weight loss method, short-term or long-term. Being hungry just leads to low energy levels, a sluggish metabolism, and eating too much of the wrong foods at the wrong times. For best results eat a small meal or snack every 3 or 4 hours during the day.

    The most effective foods for fat loss are "simple" foods that work with your body instead of against it. Simple foods are the foods humans ate over millions of years of evolution and they include things like lean meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. If you must have grain foods (e.g. breads, pastas, and cereals) always, always choose 100% whole-grain versions. Of course you must avoid all refined sugars and flours.

    In terms of beverages, stick to water and sugar-free teas. If you're addicted to soda at least choose the diet versions. An even better choice is sparkling water with a small amount of pure fruit juice mixed in or even just the juice of half a fresh lime. Green tea is a great drink for weight loss as well as overall health. If you like your teas sweet, try the natural sweeteners stevia and xylitol in place of sugar or synthetic sugar substitutes.

    One meal a week, eat anything you want. This is often referred to as a "cheat" meal and it's a great way to reward yourself for eating healthy foods all week long. It's also an effective way to keep food cravings at bay and help you stay on your diet, which of course is the most important thing in the end.

    Stay Motivated

    Anyone can get excited and motivated to lose weight for a few days. But it's much more difficult to stay motivated and energized over the course of weeks and months, especially when your belly fat isn't melting away as fast as you hoped it would. Just about everyone hits the "wall" within the first 2 or 3 weeks of beginning an intense weight loss program.

    The key is to find ways to motivate yourself and to use them every day. It's just a matter of figuring out what really gets you excited and motivated to continue working out and eating well. Try writing a goal statement and reading it out loud twice daily. Post photos of people with fit, sexy bodies around your house and look at them often. Get a "workout buddy" or join a gym so that you can get motivated by being around other people who have made their bodies and health a priority.

    Finally, keep in mind that losing belly fat will do a lot more than just make you look better with your shirt off. It could also help you live a lot longer! Recent research has shown that abdominal fat is probably the most dangerous fat because it appears to increase inflammation in the body. Increased inflammation levels are associated with heart disease, diabetes, and several types of cancer. The deep "visceral" fat that surrounds your organs appears to be the biggest culprit and the only way to lose it is by exercising regularly and eating simply!

    By the way, if you want a complete guide to burning fat, building muscle, and looking great -- written by an absolute expert -- I highly recommend the "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle" program located at: http://lookgreatfast.com/burnthefat

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    Wednesday, April 18, 2007

    Free Fast Weight Loss Tips

    These free tips will help you to lose weight fast.


  • Drink plenty of water. Make a habit of taking a drink of water on a regular basis. Also make sure that you drink a glass of water at least 30 minutes before a meal.

  • Don't skip meals. Tempting as it is, your body is likely to interpret regular missed meals as a move towards starvation.

  • Eat little and often. But follow the next two rules as well, otherwise you're likely to come unstuck.

  • Eat when you are hungry. Don't wait until the sound of your stomach rumbling wakes up the whole neighborhood. Just recognize when you feel hungry and eat something.

  • Don't eat when you're not hungry! You likely eat out of habit. Just because it's normally time for a meal doesn't mean you are hungry.

  • Stop eating when you're full. Notice when your body says "that's enough" and stop eating. Even if there is food left on your plate. It's OK to leave food on your plate. Next time, consider a smaller portion. But this time, feel happy to leave some food if you're no longer hungry.

  • Don't watch television or read while you are eating. Savor the taste of the food. Eat consciously rather than on auto-pilot. You'll enjoy your food more when you start to taste your food again.

  • Read the labels. Sugar contains "empty" calories but is often hidden on food labels. Watch for corn syrup, glucose, fructose, lactose, honey, molasses as well as plain ordinary sugar. Be especially wary of low fat foods - they often more than make up for the lack of fat by increasing the sugar content.

  • Above all, remember that it's OK to slip from your diet once in a while. Just because you eat badly occasionally doesn't mean that your whole diet plan was a waste of time.

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    Tuesday, April 17, 2007

    Lose Fat Around Stomach - Why You Need To Forget the Fad Diets and Infomercials

    A lot of people want to lose fat around their stomach.

    Unfortunately, they try to use things such as the following:

    1. Doing lots of crunches

    2. Fad diets

    3. Infomercial exercise gimmicks

    4. Doing lots of same speed cardio for long periods of time

    Now, why are these things not very conducive to someone's effort to lose fat around their stomach?

    The answer is simple, none of these things are a long term solution to decrease the number of calories you take in or help to raise your metabolism.

    Thats right, the real key to lose fat around your stomach is to:

    1. Decrease the number of calories you take in.

    2. Increase your active and resting metabolism.

    A lot of people try to do lots of crunches to lose fat around their stomach. Unfortunately, doing lots of crunches doesn't help to reduce fat in that specific area. If you lose fat, you are going to lose it in the same proportion all around your body!

    Lets take a look at the two ways we just talked about to help you lose fat around your stomach.

    1. Decrease the number of calories you take in.

    This is absolutely crucial to understand if you really want to lose fat around your stomach. If your daily diet does not change, your body will not change either.

    If you decrease how much you eat overall and focus replacing the bad foods with the right ones, you can start to lose fat around your stomach and other places without starting to exercise!

    A great tip to keep in mind when trying to lose fat is to avoid bad carbs. Bad carbs are stored as fat because they raise your blood sugar. Then, your body releases more insulin to store the excess blood sugar as fat.

    2. Increase your active and resting metabolism.

    This is accomplished by exercise, mainly by a combination of strength training and interval training.

    Strength training adds muscle. The added muscle mass then burns more calories while being active and while at rest. So, if you want to lose fat around your stomach and all over your body, strength train!

    Interval training consists of going back and forth between high and low intensities. For example, you might try warming up for 5 minutes on a bike, then pedalling slow for 2 minutes and then fast for 1 minute. Repeat this 2-1 minute cycle 3-6 times and you have a great interval training set to help you lose stomach fat!

    So if you want to lose fat around your stomach, you want to concentrate on combining a great diet that has less overall calories than you are used to. Of course, you want to avoid the "bad carbs" as well. Then, combine strength training and interval training 3-4 times per week.

    You can lose fat around your stomach and all over your body if you do these things right.

    So stay away from the fad diets and the infomercial gimmicks. The best way to lose fat around your stomach comes from diet, strength training, and interval training!

    Remember that your safety is the most important thing, so you will want to check with a doctor before beginning an exercise program.

    Good luck, stay persistent, and know that you can be successful!

    Want to Reprint this Article?

    Reprinting is welcome as long as the content, links, author bio, and resource box are all included and remain completely unchanged.

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    Monday, April 16, 2007

    Foods for Gaining Weight

    Gaining weight is all about eating more calories than you burn and doing it over a long period of time. When you first start changing your diet, it'll be hard to find the foods that will add enough calories to allow you to gain weight. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between meals have to filled with calories in order to gain weight.

    The cliche that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is true. If you go to sleep around 10pm, your last meal was probably around 7 or 8. When you wake up at 6am, you've been fasting for almost 12 hours or half a day. This isn't good for weight gain.

    When you're trying to gain weight, you need to eat a lot and often. Fasting for 12 hours isn't ideal. Since avoiding this is hard and impractical, you can take steps to minimize the impact. This is where a nutritious and calorie filled breakfast comes in. Try to eat a meal that is high in protein and carbohydrates while low in fat. Don't totally avoid fat since it plays an important role in our diets. Some good choices for breakfast include eggs, cereal, oatmeal, orange juice and milk (regular or chocolate). Have more than one choice for breakfast since your body is begging you for energy.

    You have plenty of options for lunch. For many people, lunch is a break from work and means going outside to the closest restaurant. If you're trying to quickly gain weight then there's nothing wrong with this approach, but there are better options. If you aren't in the mood to cook, consider lunch as a big snack. Eat some sandwiches, nuts, fruits and have some (non-alcoholic) drinks. The calories will add up quickly.

    Dinner, like breakfast is also an important meal. While you sleep your body repairs the damage you caused from working out and doing daily chores. To do this, your body needs energy (carbs and fat) and amino acids, the building blocks of muscles (protein). If you eat a dinner that's high in calories, your body will have the resources it needs to rebuild, repair and recover. If not, you won't gain muscle as quickly as you'd like. Meals for dinner are limited to only what you can cook up and imagine. Pizza, chili, pasta, fish, chicken, steak, potatoes and lasagna are all good options as well as the hundreds that aren't mentioned here.

    Snacks are very important even though they aren't full meals . If you have 3 snacks per day at 200 calories (a very low estimation) each, it adds up to 600 calories which can be the difference between a 2400 and 3000 calorie day. Snacks are an excellent way to add calories to your daily diet. Nuts, sandwiches, drinks and fruits are all good ideas.

    No matter what kind of food you like, the most important point to remember is that gaining weight can only be accomplished by taking in a lot of calories and eating often.

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    Sunday, April 15, 2007

    Quick Weight Loss Plans - Are They Really An Impossible Dream?

    As you get older it seems that losing weight becomes harder and harder with every day that passes. When we were younger it was much easier to stay fit and thin, but as we age our metabolism slows down and weight loss becomes a bit of a challenge. There are many quick weight loss plans on the market today and it can seem quite daunting when faced with the task of choosing one to follow.

    Quick weight loss plans and bogus claims

    The problem with many quick weight loss plans is that they can be quite harmful to your health. In fact, many fad diets do nothing more for you than to lose vital muscle tissue and water weight. This is how such claims exist in the weight loss community; for eg., lose 20 pounds in 20 days. Very little of those 20 pounds will be body fat.

    Don't let this discourage you though, there is a way to lose weight that is not only effective but it is safe and will not result in muscle tissue or water weight loss, but actual fat loss.

    Everyone is searching for that magic bullet, the quick weight loss plan that will "do the work for them" so to speak. And I don't blame them, it is human nature to seek out the easiest route. But the only problem is, quick fixes don't exist. But don't let this discourage you. There is a way to lose weight, fast effectively and safely, however it will take some effort on your part.

    A way to lose weight, without the B.S.

    The first thing you need to do, is to start eating more often. This may seem counterintuitive, but the practice of eating four to six times a day will communicate to your body that you are not in starvation mode and to speed up your metabolism.

    What kinds of foods you eat? Lean proteins, good starchy carbohydrates, fibrous vegetables and healthy fats. Don't bother with counting calories, many people do this and quit because it becomes too difficult to keep up with the counting. Just make sure your portions relatively small.

    You must also exercise three to four times a week. Choose a fun form of cardio, for e.g. swimming, cycling or playing a sport. Jogging is not a healthy form of exercise. A form of strength training is also advised, either body weight calisthenics or weight training.

    The most important thing is discipline. Keep your goal in mind at all times and whenever the temptation arises to stray from your plan. Remember that it will all be worth it in the end. So remember, the next time you see a quick weight loss plan that tells you that you can lose 20 pounds in 20 days, know that it most likely isn't true.

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    Saturday, April 14, 2007

    7 Weight Loss Diet Tips

    Dieting is not only a way in your eat pattern it will change your way of life.

    Did you know that dieting comes from the Greek word diatia, meaning "way of life".

    In fact there are two reasons why a person could follow a diet:

    Health and cosmetically reasons: Such as weight loss, diabetic, allergy and high blood pressure.

    Religious or spiritual reasons: The Jews, Muslims and Hindus have several diets.

    In the next few paragraphs I will give you seven diet tips.

    There's an old saying that says: "Work smarter not harder".

    Diet tip 1: Drink 8 glasses of water each day

    Drinking water helps you to feel less hungry. It helps you to speed up your metabolism.

    The best way to start with this is putting bottles of water on your kitchen, living room , sleep room and at your work.

    Diet tip 2: Don't skip your breakfast.

    I know a lot of people who are skipping their breakfast some of them don't have time to eat in the morning while other are thinking that you could lose weight with it.

    This is a big mistake a breakfast will speed up your metabolism and gives you fresh energy to start the day.

    Diet tip 3: Eat fruit

    Fruit is full of vitamins and it will help you to lose weight.

    It contains energy and lowers your cholesterol.

    Try to eat at least 5 pieces of fruit
    a day personally I eat at least one apple and one orange.

    Diet tip 4: Use fish or olive oil.

    Butter contains a lot of fat sure you can switch butter into margarine but fish or olive oil is your best bet.

    Fish oil contains a high level of Omega 3 which improves the cholesterol of your body.

    Fish oil improves your metabolism as well.

    Diet tip 5: Don't eat to less.

    Years ago people believed that you could lose weight with eating less lucky enough this is not true. It is unhealthy and has less effect.

    Diet tip 6: Cheat your body with a gum

    Sometimes eating is a habit or we feel us good with it however cheat your body with a sugar-free gum. When the urge strikes you can chew on one.

    Diet tip 7: Spread the world

    It's just like stop smoking. The best way to do it is to tell everybody about it.
    This helps for many thinks in live and you will be more motivated.

    I hope you have enjoyed the 7 weight loss diet tips.
    Do not forget there are hundreds of tips to get the most out of your diet therefore it is a good idea to look for more information on the world wide web on in your local library.

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    Friday, April 13, 2007

    Fillet Of Sea Bass East Meets West Fashion

    Fillet of sea bass East meets West fashion

    This recipe is very easy to prepare and is very successful.
    Make sure not to overcook the spring onions.

    Serves 4

    Preparation time: 15 minutes
    Cooking time: 7 minutes
    Preheat oven at 450°F 220°C

    Ingredients

    4 fillets of sea bass, boned, scaled,
    and with the skin left on


    3 to 4 spring onions


    1 ginger clove peeled and finely shredded


    1 small tomato, peeled,
    seeds removed and diced


    8 tbs olive oil


    2 tbs lemon juice


    2 tbs light soy sauce

    Preparation

    1- Salt and pepper the sea bass fillets on the meat side.


    2- Place a sheet of baking paper on a baking tray. Brush with one tablespoon of olive oil.


    3- Arrange the fish fillets on the baking tray, with the skin on top. Brush the skin of the sea bass fillets with one tablespoon of olive oil.


    4- Place in the oven and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the fish fillets.


    5- When cooked, remove the fish fillets from the oven and arrange them on serving plates.


    6- Pour the vegetable sauce over and around the fish.




    Sauce


    1- Slice the spring onions, place in a small saucepan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté them briefly (for about 1 minute), so the onions remain "al dente".


    2- Remove the pan from the heat; add the ginger, the diced tomato, 4 tablespoon of olive oil, the lemon juice and the soy sauce.

    Notes:


    Make sure the olive oil is not cooked. If the sauce is cold, reheat it a little; serve lukewarm.
    Don't over mix the sauce. All the ingredients should remain separated.
    We have added on the picture a brick or fillo leaf. (Sprinkle any sort of spices, crushed pistacchio nuts... a little oil and bake 3 minutes in the oven at 450°F/220°C.)



    Here you can see the picture

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    Thursday, April 12, 2007

    Acai Juice - Can Acai Juice Really Reduce The Liklihood Of Cancer And Heart Diseases ?

    Several epidemological studies suggest that a high intake of food rich in antioxidants can reduce the risk of some, but not all, cancers, heart disease and stroke. These properties are attributed to a variety of constituents, including vitamins, minerals, fibres and numerous phytochemicals, including flavonoids, which are those antioxidant compounds found in red wine and some fruit and vegetables. Acai Juice contains thirty times more of these than red wine.

    Why are antioxidants important ?

    Well the very thing we breathe, oxygen, not only rusts cars but it actually "rusts" you too. See, your blood is full of iron. And guess what? The Iron in your blood - just like the iron in your car - is broken down by oxygen. It shows up as rust on your car. This deterioration shows up in your blood as "free radicals".

    Free radicals roam around your blood stream, getting into your tissues, causing damage to cell walls, certain cell structures, and genetic material within the cells. Free Radicals seem to accelerate the aging process. In the worst case scenario and over a long time period, such damage can become irreversible and lead to disease (like cancer).

    Antioxidants are free radical fighting compounds which play the housekeeper's role, "mopping up" free radicals before they get a chance to do harm in your body. Antioxidants protect key cell components from damage by neutralizing the free radicals. Antioxidants that occur naturally in the body or are consumed through the diet may block most of the damage.

    Recent studies have been carried out where the active antioxidant components from Acai Juice have been extracted and under laboratory conditions shown to reduce the proliferation of HL-60 human leukemia cells. However, further work is required to determine the effectiveness of Acai Juice in real life human subjects.

    Although, the so called "French paradox" appears to exist where those people who regularly drink red wine, along with those people who eat a "Mediterranean" diet suffer less from Cancer and Heart Disease.

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    Wednesday, April 11, 2007

    How To Make Tofu From Scratch

    As more and more research addresses the significant role that diet plays in our overall health, we as a society continue to look for ways to improve our eating habits. Many have turned to whole and organic foods to help improve their nutrition and better their health. When looking for low-calorie, low-fat, low-sodium, highly nutritious alternative foods, you will find that tofu fits the bill every time.

    Spongy and porous, tofu is made from soy milk and cut into squares to be incorporated into a variety of dishes. Tofu is extremely healthy – packing a multitude of essential vitamins into just a few bites. Even better, tofu is rich in protein, leading many vegetarians to substitute it into recipes that traditionally call for meat. But part of enjoying tofu is discovering how to make tofu on your own.

    Tofu can be easily and conveniently purchased in a variety of stores; it comes ready to cut and use. And, of course, one of the reasons that people love to use tofu – aside from its enormous health benefits – is because of how easy it is to prepare. But, if you are someone who prefers to make meals from scratch, you may want to learn how to make tofu in your kitchen.

    Learning how to make tofu is actually quite simple; all that is required are a few ingredients. You begin with boiling and cooling soy milk. Next, dissolve calcium sulphate in warm water to form the coagulant. You then add the coagulant slowly into the soy milk while stirring continuously; this curdles the milk. The mixture is then put into a mold that forms its shape. Tofu can be refrigerated or frozen.

    Once you understand how to make tofu, you may never want to go back to purchasing it at the store. There is a benefit to making things from scratch, including the ability to control the fat and sodium content. Learn how to make tofu a part of your every day diet and you'll soon see the healthy results.

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    Monday, April 09, 2007

    Common IBS Trigger Foods

    If you have found yourself dealing with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), no doubt you are trying to figure out what you can do to help yourself feel better. Often, people find that there are a variety of trigger foods that can cause part of their problem, and often limiting or eliminating them from your diet can make a big difference. While you do not need to immediately eliminate all the trigger foods from your diet, you can find out which ones cause you problems and then start eating less of those particular foods. The following are some of the foods that are often triggers for IBS.

    Dairy Products

    One of the most common types of trigger foods for IBS are actually dairy products. The lactose and the high fat in dairy products can trigger problems in your body. Whey and Casein are both proteins that are in dairy products and these both tend to cause digestive problems. Some of the diary foods that you may need to cut back on or even eliminate from your diet include, yogurt, milk, cheeses, butter, ice cream, and sour cream.

    Red Meats

    Red meats are also very common trigger foods, and the reason that they are often triggers is because they are hard to digest and also can contain a great deal of fat. If you are going to eat red meat, try to get as little fat as possible. Some of the red meats that you should be limiting or avoiding include hamburgers, roast beef, hot dogs, bacon, pork chops, sausage, steaks, ham, and pepperoni.

    Egg Yolks

    Believe it or not, egg yolks are also a very common trigger food for IBS as well. Egg yolks contain a great deal of fat and this causes the problem for those who have IBS. While it is okay to eat the egg whites, you may want to consider avoiding the yokes if you want to feel better.

    Some Poultry Products

    While some poultry can be okay, like skinless white meat, any dark meat or poultry skin may cause you some problems. These, like the other common trigger foods, have a high fat content, which can cause you more problems with your IBS. If you want to eat chicken, make sure to get rid of the skin and eat the white meat only.

    There are also a variety of other common trigger foods, and you will notice that almost all of them are high fat foods. Some of these other trigger foods include onion rings, pie crust, French fries, salad dressings, potato chips, olives, coconut, biscuits, and doughnuts. If you do your best to try to limit the foods that are high in fat, then you will have less problems with your IBS flaring up. This may sound difficult, but there are many healthier food choices that will be great to eat and will also help you to prevent triggering off your IBS problem.

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    Saturday, April 07, 2007

    Herbal Tea Remedies - A Great Alternative to Coffee

    Herbal tea remedies come in different varieties and can also come organic. Some teas also have a combination of more than one herb. The thing is that all herbal tea remedies come with their own unique taste and blend

    Herbal tea remedies can help you in terms of improving your health. Although herbs have been around for many thousands of years already, it is only recently that they become more popular amongst people who have been using only synthetic drugs before.

    In the United Kingdom, for instance, many have started to drink more herbal remedy teas. The increase in popularity is a natural occurrence since the British already drink a lot of black tea. The idea that tea can help to soothe a medical problem adds to the heightened interest. In fact, most people drink 1,000 cups of tea each year.

    As previously mentioned, each type of herbal remedy tea has different benefits. For instance, Chamomile tea is a famous herbal tea remedy because it is a mild sedative. Other herbal tea remedies can help to improve your digestive system, detox your body and improve your circulation. Of course, all of these things can also help to improve your mood, thus making you feel a lot happier and relaxed.

    With increased popularity, you can buy herbal teas from your local supermarket. Many supermarkets and stores also have their own herbal tea brands available. Specialty stores selling tea may even go so far as to explain what the different benefits of each tea are.

    Of course, as with anything else, there can be some negative effects from herbal remedies, even with herbal teas. You should know what type of herbal remedy teas you are drinking. There are 2 different reasons for this:

    1. Some of the herbal tea's ingredients look very similar to other plants that can actually be harmful to your body. As such, you should never pick your own herbs unless you are 100% sure of what you are doing.

    2. If your doctor has prescribed you some medications for a medical condition, drinking herbal tea can have a negative effect on your body. You will need to make sure that drinking herbal remedy tea is safe and will not interact negatively with the medications that you are taking. .

    Be prepared to be surprised by the different taste sensations of herbal tea remedies. No two cups taste exactly the same! Also, many of the herbal tea remedies do not contain caffeine. If you have read the ills of becoming addicted to caffeine, then consider herbal teas as an alternative. Instead of coffee, how about ordering a cup of herbal tea today?

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    Friday, April 06, 2007

    Garlic - Nature's Natural Anti-Biotic And Wonderful Food

    A couple of years ago, I had attended a health/nutrition and business training meeting. I was a newbie at the business and was learning as I went. It was around the month of January and during one of these in-home meetings, I started to feel as if i were passing out. I was sniffling, and getting dizzy. Pretty much, I was coming down with the flu. One of my associates asked me if i was sick and I told her that I needed to go home but was feeling sick.

    What she did for me probably changed the way i saw nutrition. Instead of the usual tylenol to suppress my pain, she gave me 6 Garlic Tablets and 5 Vitamin C tablets. I decided to take them and continue with the meeting, despite the pain.

    As the hour went on, I started to notice that the pain was slowly going away. My energy suddenly returned and weird enough, the flu was gone like magic. Considering that these were not drugs (but food supplements), I became a believer and decided to devote my life to learning more about the wonders of good nutrition, health and wellness. It is a huge field.

    For this article, I will be focusing on Garlic, the herb that we all love to have in our foods. Garlic is a wonderful herb and makes a great food. But Garlic is only as good as how it is handled and used.

    The powerful nutrient in garlic is called Ancillin. When you break open a clove and cut the garlic fruit, the ancillin is activated. This very nutrient helps in the bloodstream and does wonders for the heart. But its real claim to fame is how it is able to fight off viruses and disease in the body.

    Garlic's nutritional powers work when it is in raw form. If it is fried, it most likely won't be as effective, even though it always tastes better friend.

    One of my very best friends is Lebanese (middle eastern). He mentioned to me that in the middle east where he grew up (Lebanon), he didn't know what the flu was. But when he came to Canada and started eating the food here as a teenager, he later had his first flu ever. To most people, that is very strange, because everyone in North America has experienced the flu at younger ages.

    It seems that the food in the middle east are herb-rich. From Falafels to Shawarmas, you name it. All nutrient-living foods. So I decided to give this a try and devoted my lunches strictly to falafel and Chicken Shawarma (my personal favorite) at Toronto's famous Naz's Falafel house. For almost two years during my lunch breaks, I would eat only Lebanese food. Not once did I experience the Flu, even though all my workmates were experiencing it. And I loved the food too!

    Garlic supplements are also wonderful to have, if you're not into the sharp taste. In fact, the best supplements will have pure concentration, are living food supplements and are free of any pesticides or contamination.

    I would recommend that if you have a meal, whether it is Chinese or a roast beef, try dicing garlic and sprinkling it on your food. Try a little bit of ketchup (not too much! There's sugar in ketchup) to balance the taste. Combine this with a vitamin, proteins and good carbohydrates. You'll find that it will keep you healthy.

    One suggestion is to also avoid any Soda Pop or anything Carbonated, as this can rob your body of vitamins, especially the Garlic.

    Give Garlic a try, make sure it is in raw form (you can dice it.) If you feel you must have a fried, crispy Garlic Chip, at least try to sprinkle raw dices of garlic on it too, or have it on a side salad.

    It's good for your heart, your health, it fights disease and is definitely a much better alternative to the flu shots.

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    Thursday, April 05, 2007

    Healthy Kids' Recipe with Vitamin C

    Healthy Kids recipes should always include foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin C is especially important for children. The good thing about Vitamin C is that it is present in a variety of fruits and vegetables.

    Children need a daily intake of Vitamin C because it is important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Among the many benefits of Vitamin C for children is that it acts as a powerful anti-oxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory agent that prevents oxygen-based damage to the cells

    Children can get their daily dose of Vitamin C by consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruit is a delicious food with wonderful colors and textures that appeal to children. Fruit is one of the easiest healthy foods to get kids to eat.

    Fruits as well as vegetables are vital for the health and well being of children. Raw fruits are preferred because of their high fiber and water content. But frozen fruits and vegetables are still a viable source of Vitamin C that can be an alternative to fresh vegetables.

    Vitamin C has to be consumed daily because the body does not store Vitamin C. Pediatricians recommend that children should consume at least 30 - 45 mg. of vitamin C per day. This is the minimum requirement. Parents should check with their own Pediatrician to confirm the requirement or special needs for their children. Children with asthma or other health problems may require a higher consumption of Vitamin C.

    Some nutritionist recommends a daily intake of up to 200 mg./day of Vitamin C. If a child consumes the recommended daily allowance of five servings of fresh fruit or vegetables per day, they would be in this recommended target range.

    The bad news is that less than 20% of children or adults consume the recommended daily allowance of fruits or vegetables. Meeting the minimum RDA can be as simple as increasing the kinds of fruits and vegetables consumed each day.

    Citrus fruits like strawberries, lemons and oranges are delicious sources of Vitamin C. Fresh squeezed orange juice, or a homemade strawberry milkshake are favorites with kids. Fresh squeezed lemonade on a hot summer day will provide a healthy thirst quencher.

    Try this Strawberry Fluff Recipe

    Ingredients:

    *16 oz. strawberries fresh or frozen

    *1 pkg. colored marshmallows

    *1 large tub of Cool Whip

    *1/4-cup sugar

    Instructions:

    1. Cut up the strawberries

    2. Mix with Cool Whip

    3. Add sugar

    4. Mix well

    5. Stir in 1/2 to 3/4 package marshmallows

    6. Refrigerate

    There are other vegetables and fruits that contain high volumes of Vitamin C. An unlikely source of Vitamin C is broccoli and cauliflower. These nutrient rich vegetables provide over 45 mg. of Vitamin C in a ½ cup serving. Exotic but delicious fruits like papaya, mango or kiwi have high Vitamin C content. A slice of tomato provides 25 mg. of vitamin C.

    The RDA recommendation provides the basic amount of Vitamin C that is needed to avoid a deficiency disease. But children have unique requirements for Vitamin C as they develop. A diet rich in Vitamin C offers a lot of health benefits for both children and adults.

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    Wednesday, April 04, 2007

    What Is The Garlic Blood Pressure Link?

    For a long time now there has been anecdotal evidence of a garlic blood pressure link.

    Recent studies have backed up many of the beliefs that were untested previously. It seems that the compounds that give garlic its distinctive smell and strong flavour, also help protect the body from some forms of cancer by reducing the effects of cancer causing chemicals and reducing the growth of tumors.

    Garlic has been used for centuries, particularly in Chinese medicine, and it has been associated with some miraculous abilities. Garlic has been employed to help relieve anything from a simple common cold all the way through to the plague.

    While not quite the super drug it has been made out to be, it does have some significant healing abilities.

    Unfortunately, for those who do not like the smell of garlic, the stronger the aroma it gives off the greater the medicinal value is considered to be.

    Many growers of garlic believe that when it is grown organically the sulphur content increases, and so the smell is greater. So health practitioners will often suggest choosing organic garlic over other readily available types.

    There is of course the option to choose garlic supplements, and these are a good way of getting the correct daily quota if the thought of eating raw garlic is too much for you. But as with the garlic itself, do not go for supplements that have "no odour" as they will have most likely had the active ingredients removed.

    More recent studies have shown some of the incredible benefits of garlic, which range from having strong antibiotic properties, to being good as a mosquito repellent.

    Garlic can act as an anticoagulant and thin the blood, so seek medical advice before tucking into garlic rich foods or supplements if you are on medication or just prior to surgery.

    In trials of garlic supplements there was evidence to show that there was a significant reduction in blood pressure and it was thought that garlic powder supplements could be of use to patients who have mild hypertension.


    If you want to find out more about super foods and the garlic blood pressure link then please sign up for our free newsletter.

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    Monday, April 02, 2007

    How Does Asthma Inhalers Work?

    Asthma inhalers are a lifesaver to asthma sufferers. Asthma inhalers provides a safety net for people with asthma and is used whenever an asthma attack is imminent.

    The most common asthma inhaler is a canister that deliver asthma mediation via a nebulizer in the form of a mist.

    Asthma inhaler has been used for nearly a hundred years and has improved a lot in recent years to deliver greater absorption and potency. The basic principle is still the same although the medication has changed over the years.

    When an asthma person suffers an asthma attack, the muscles in the bronchial tubes becomes constricted and thus makes it difficult for the person to breathe. An asthma inhaler helps to relax the muscles enabling the person to breathe normally. Doctors also recommend asthma sufferers to use inhalers before going to bed at night and also when they wake up in the morning.

    First use users of asthma inhalers may find it difficult to use at first. Although it looks simple, timing is very important. The mouthpiece is placed in the mouth and with a press of a button, you should breathe in hard at the same time so that the asthma medication can go into the lungs.

    After the inhaler is released, you should exhale just as hard. It is important to get it right as during an asthma attack, a person may not have much time to think about it and should be able to do this instinctively.

    By doing this in one motion, the full dosage of the medication is delivered to the lungs and you stand a better chance of recovering from an asthma attack.

    There is no current cure for asthma and asthma inhalers are a very valuable lifesaver that has helped save many people's lives.

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