Saturday, November 27, 2010

How to make Apple Chips?

Apple chips make a very fun, light snack. Nobody could guess! Besides being a light snack, they are awesome added to a granola mix and make stunning garnishes for desserts as well.

Apple Chips
  • 2 gala or granny smith apples
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Water
  1. Turn the oven on its lowest setting (80C/175F)
  2. Fill a bowl with 1 cup cold water and the lemon.
  3. Holding a mandoline over the bowl, slice the apples, letting them fall in the water immediately. This prevents premature browning of the apples.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat and place the apple slices on the sheet after shaking off the excess liquid off it.
  5. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar (this will make the apple slices brown though, so skip the cinnamon if you want them white).
  6. Push it into the oven for 1.5-2 hours, until the apple slices are crisp. Try not to finish these in one go!
Update: If at the end of 2 hours, the chips are still soft, continue to bake them in the oven for another 1-2 hours. Depending on how large the slices are and how watery the apples are, it might just take a longer.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Clean your Kidneys with Dhaniya (Kothimbir, Malli Leaves)

CLEAN YOUR KIDNEYS IN LESS THAN Rs. 1/-

Years pass by and our kidneys are filtering the blood by removing salt, posion and any unwanted enterning our body. With time, the salt accimulates and this needs to undergo cleaning treatments and how are we going to overcome this?

It is very easy, first take a bunch of parsley (MALLI Leaves) KOTHIMBIR (Dhaniya) and wash it clean.

Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and pour in a clean bottle and keep it inside refrigerator to cool.

Drink one glass daily and you will notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of your kidney by urination also you will be able to notice the difference which you never felt before.

Parsley is known as best cleaning treatment for kidneys and it is natural!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

SCIENTIFIC PREVENTION 0F “SWINE FLU” USING HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

 SOME HEALTH TIPS TO PREVENT SWINE FLU!

1 : TO PREVENT “SWINE FLUE”.
  • Use 1 to 3% Hydrogenperoxide Solution(available in in all chemist shops) For gargling ( 2 times in a day)
  • Inhale 3% H2O2 (Hydrogenperoxide) 3-4 times a day.
  • Wash hands frequently with 1% Hydrogenperoxide.
2: TO PREVENT “SWINE FLUE”.
  • Inhale food grade Vinegar for 1 second (3-4 times a day)
  • Frequently wash hands with 1% Vinegar (Food grade)
  • Mop floor, doors, windows, tiles, toilet floor with 1% Vinegar.
3: TO PREVENT “SWINE FLUE”.
  • Inhale clove oil for 1 second
  • Chew 1 clove in a day (Specially in a public meetings)
4. TO PREVENT “SWINE FLUE”.
  • Eat Raw Garlic ( 0.1 gms to 0.5 gms) 2 – 3 times in a day.
  • Eat Raw Onion
  • Eat fresh raw Ginger (0.1 gms. To 0.5 gms.) 2 – 3 times in a day.
5: TO PREVENT “SWINE FLUE”.
  • Drink hot milk with 2 gms of Turmeric ( 2 -3 times in a day)
6 : TO PREVENT “SWINE FLUE”.
  • Consume plenty of Vitamin ‘C’ fruits like Lemon / Amla.
  • Consume L-Lysine (Minimum 500 mg.) ( Ask your doctor for dosage).
  • Drink water about 2 – 3 liter / day. 

Homeopathy can cure swine flu, claims practitioner

At a time the country is grappling with H1N1 virus and Tamiflu tablet is belived to be the only solution, a well-known medical practitioner today claimed that people can have a cost-effective treatment in homeopathy for swine flu.

"The people can take some of cost-effective and clinically proved homeopathic medicines for swine flu treatment as well as prevention," Batra's Positive Clinic's chairman and managing director, Dr Mukesh Batra, said.

Batra recommends `Oscilococcinium 30' and `Influenzium 200' for swine flu prevention as well as to improve the immune system among the general public towards the flu.

"The homeopathy medicine 'Gelsemium 30' has been proved effective clinically in the treatment of swine flu in France a decade back and has been reported in the British journal of Clinical Medicine," Batra said.

Similarly, treatment for swine-flu was done in Spain during 1917-18 war period with 'Bryonia 30' and proved effective, he said.

In the case of Spanish flu, homeopathy brought mortality rate from 30 per cent to one per cent, he claimed.

    Saturday, September 4, 2010

    Whati is Nicotine?

    Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of chemical compounds which are created by the burning of tobacco leaves. Cigarette smoke includes tar and 4,000 other chemicals, including 43 substances that cause cancer. Others include gases, such as carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide interferes with the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. However, addiction to smoking is caused by another substance called nicotine.

    Nicotine is a clear to pale yellow liquid that is naturally found in tobacco, tomato, and other plants in the Nightshade family. Just like cocaine and heroin, nicotine is an addicting drug. When taken in small amounts, as it is found in many tobacco products, it produces "pleasurable" feelings. Nicotine affects the chemistry of the brain. This affects the mood of the user.

    How Nicotine Works?
    Research has found that the human brain reacts the same way to nicotine that it does to cocaine and heroin. Nicotine stimulates the release of a chemical messenger in the brain. This messenger is responsible for feelings of pleasure. This is why nicotine is put in the category of drugs called stimulants. A stimulant is a drug that produces a short-lived increase in the body's activity. Other drugs in this category include cocaine, morphine, and amphetamines.

    Mild "nicotine highs" occur in beginning smokers, but tolerance to these effects develops rapidly. Tolerance means that a smoker will need more and more nicotine to reach the same high. Addiction may begin with someone's first experience with nicotine.

    When someone "puffs" on a cigarette, a mixture of smoke and air enters their mouth. Inhaling moves this mixture to the lungs, where nicotine moves into the blood. The blood absorbs the nicotine extremely fast. This is because it only takes one minute for all of the blood in the body to cycle through the lungs. As the blood moves through the body, nicotine is brought to the brain. The nicotine reaches the brain about ten seconds from the time the smoker inhales.

    Withdrawal

    For this reason, smokers become dependent on the drug and suffer both physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms if they stop use.

    Withdrawal is defined as the absence or lack of a particular drug. Anytime use of a drug is stopped or delayed, withdrawal may occur. Withdrawal is usually accompanied by various symptoms. These symptoms may be physical or mental. Symptoms may include tiredness, nervousness, and increased appetite. In addition,a smoker may experience an inability to focus and a loss of attentiveness when completing daily tasks.

    Users of tobacco may undergo some or all of these symptoms when trying to quit. These feelings trigger the craving for another cigarette. This is the reason why many people have a hard time quitting. After some time, the withdrawal symptoms are reduced and eventually stop. At this point, it usually becomes easier for a person to not smoke or use tobacco.

    TOBACCO HEALTH EFFECTS...


    How does tobacco use affect your body?
    A. Smoked: When tobacco is burned it releases chemicals into the smoke that the smoker inhales. These chemicals cause the heart to beat faster, and over time become weak. Chemicals in the smoke also cause the lungs to become sticky and less able to get oxygen to the body. The smoke goes into the lungs and can cause cancer of the lungs, throat, and voice box, as well.

    B. Smokeless: When chewed tobacco is held in the mouth, it releases chemicals that cause the heart to beat faster. It may cause cancer where the tobacco is held between the lips, gums, and inside cheek.

    What are the things tobacco causes to happen to the body?
    A. Cancer: This disease is very serious. There are many types of cancer, but all cancers have some similar characteristics. When cancer starts, cells in the body begin to divide and multiply much faster than the body needs them. As a result there are too many cells for the body to keep them all fed and healthy. Cancer cells are very aggressive and they take all the body's nutrients for themselves and other normal cells begin to die. Soon there are not enough normal cells and the body begins to not do all the jobs it needs to do to survive. Eventually really important jobs are not done and the person becomes sick and may die.

    B. Heart disease: All of the cells of the body need nutrients from blood in order to work properly. The heart must pump blood to all of the rest of the body. Smoking causes the heart to not pump blood as efficiently as it needs to. As a result blood does not get to body organs and they cannot work properly. When the body does not get enough blood the person becomes very weak. If the heart stops beating the person dies soon because they cannot get blood to important parts of the body.

    C. Stroke - Cells in the brain are similar to cells in the heart; when they die they do not get replaced like other cells that die. Because the brain controls all the functions of the body it is important that it gets enough blood to continue its work. When blood does not get to the brain, parts start to die. When the part of the brain that controls speech does not get blood, the person may lose their ability to speak. If the part of the brain that controls the heart does not get blood, the heart can stop beating.

    Celebrity Use
    Why do famous people, like athletes and movie stars, use tobacco?
    Movie stars often smoke in movies because the script and director say they must smoke in some scenes. Often these actors do not smoke when they are not involved in movies. Some athletes do smoke or use smokeless tobacco; this is sad because the athletes are probably addicted, or they would not jeopardize their abilities or health. If you notice fewer athletes use tobacco each year because they do not want to hurt their bodies.

    Peer Pressure
    If people know that tobacco is dangerous to their health, why do they smoke anyway?
    Many people start to use tobacco because their friends use tobacco and they think it is cool. Later, people become concerned about their health and don't think tobacco is cool, but they have become addicted and can not quit. Addiction is when a person mentally knows they must stop using tobacco, but they are unable to quit because their body physically craves the tobacco.

    Personal Choice
    If the President and the Governor want people to quit using tobacco, why do they let people grow and sell tobacco?

    In our country, our Constitution insures many personal liberties. That means that many times people are free to choose to do things that may harm them. Governor Chiles chose to help the youth of Florida to make the choice not to smoke.

    Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)
    Is tobacco smoke dangerous to people who are around others who smoke?

    YES Once tobacco is burned, the dangerous chemicals remain in the smoke. Even when the smoke is hard to see, the dangerous chemicals are still there. If a smoker inhales the smoke, their lungs filter out some of the chemicals, but many remain in their lungs. There are dangerous chemicals in the smoke from burning cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. You breathe in the dangerous chemicals when you are in the room where tobacco is being burned.

    Cessation
    Is tobacco a big problem? How many people want to quit but cannot? How many people die from smoking?
    YES - Tobacco use is a major personal and community health problem in this country, as well as, the entire world. Tobacco related illnesses take responsibility for 430,000 deaths every year in this country alone. When examined worldwide, this figure jumps dramatically to 3 million deaths every year! That's a big problem!

    Many people that smoke today, say that they want to quit. I don't know an exact figure for the number of people who want to quit. However, as people learn more and more about the dangers of tobacco use, more people will want to quit.

    How do people quit using tobacco?
    A. Patches: When people are addicted to tobacco they are addicted to one of the chemicals in the tobacco leaf. That chemical is nicotine. When people are addicted to nicotine doctors may prescribe nicotine patches to help people stop smoking. The patches give people the nicotine their body is addicted to and the person does not need to smoke or chew tobacco in order to get the chemicals the body needs. The amount of nicotine in the patches is gradually reduced until the person's need for nicotine is gone. Unfortunately not everyone can be successful in quitting by using the patch.

    B. Gum - Nicotine gum's work in much the same way that the nicotine patch works. Instead of putting a patch on the arm a person chews a piece of gum that contains nicotine. In this way a person can use the chewing gum only when they feel the need for tobacco. Eventually the person should lose their need for nicotine. This device works as well as most patches.

    C. Cessation programs: Another way to try to quit using tobacco is to become part of an organized program. Programs usually have a number of people who are trying to quit using tobacco meet together and share experiences and successes. People help each other by providing emotional support. Many times people use patches or nicotine gum in addition to the program.

    D. Avoid the Addiction: Ultimately, breaking the addiction to nicotine is not easy. The best approach for people to take would be to not start smoking in the first place. Never beginning the tobacco habit will save people the difficult, and sometimes frustrating, process of quitting.

    How to Beat the Cravings of Nicotine Withdrawal

    Use these tips to help overcome the desire to pick up a cigarette after you've quit smoking.

    Nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually start within hours and peak two to three days after your last cigarette. Sometimes they last just a few days, but they might continue for several weeks. Here’s how to stay strong in your resolve to break your nicotine addiction. 

    Why Nicotine Withdrawal Makes You Miserable
    It's not surprising that smokers trying to quit have cravings for cigarettes: They're dealing with both nicotine withdrawal symptoms and an entrenched habit, says Norman H. Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. 

    The smoking habit is usually extremely strong, and smoking has become linked with certain activities and daily routines. Perhaps you're used to having a cigarette first thing in the morning, or with coffee, or while you work. If that's the case, then it's very likely that you'll have cravings for cigarettes at each of these times.

    Start to wean yourself from cigarette cravings by breaking familiar patterns that are linked to smoking:
    • Change your routine. If you're in the habit of smoking after meals, make sure to leave the table as soon as you finish eating. Start a new, healthy habit, like taking a short walk after each meal.
    • Whenever possible, avoid situations where you know you'll have the urge to smoke, particularly in the first few days of nicotine withdrawal.
    • Spend as much time as possible in places where smoking isn't allowed. Libraries, museums, theaters, and churches are just a few examples.
    • Make your home and car smoke-free zones by asking others not to smoke there.
    A support system is important, too. Dr. Edelman recommends working with your health care provider, who can tell you about the stop-smoking support systems in your area.

    Be Prepared for Cravings
    Think ahead, plan ways to handle cravings, and learn to cope with them. You increase your coping skills each time you successfully handle a craving for a cigarette. Have a plan of action or a distraction ready for times you feel the urge to smoke.

    Your doctor may also recommend using a pharmaceutical product to help cope with the nicotine dependence or, as some call it, nicotine addiction. Nicotine replacement therapy using a patch, gum, spray, or other product can help reduce cravings during the withdrawal period.
    Here are some things you might do when you feel the urge to smoke:
    • Change the scene. Get up and move around, go into a different room, or go outside.
    • Change your thinking. Try to find a way to redirect your thoughts away from the idea of a cigarette. Remind yourself of your reasons for quitting and tell yourself that smoking is not an option.
    • Exercise. It reduces cravings, helps relieve stress, improves mood, and can help to keep you from gaining weight.
    • Breathe deeply. Visualize the fresh air filling your lungs and remind yourself of the health benefits of quitting smoking. Learning relaxation and meditation techniques could help.
    • Drink fluids. Water and juice are good choices — if you’re concerned about weight gain, dilute juice with seltzer. It's best to limit caffeine and alcohol while you're going through nicotine withdrawal, particularly if you associate them with smoking.
    • Have a substitute. Eat a healthy snack, chew sugarless gum, or have a piece of hard candy or a mint when you have the urge for a cigarette, but be sure to avoid any foods that you associate with a cigarette.
    • Hold something in your hand. Try a pen, coin, or paper clip, so that you have something to do with your hands, the way you did when you were smoking cigarettes.
    • Talk to someone. Call a friend or relative or speak with a sympathetic person in your office.
    • Be more active. Get involved in an activity you enjoy. Do a puzzle, send an e-mail, play a musical instrument, knit, write in your journal, organize your photos, play a video game. Find an activity that will occupy your hands and change the focus of your thoughts.
    • Delay. Tell yourself you must wait 10 minutes before you have a cigarette. By then, the urge may have passed. If not, try another 10-minute wait. Cravings usually come and go, and last for only a brief period of time. Remind yourself that the craving will pass. The nicotine withdrawal period will pass, too.
    Reward Yourself for Your Success at Not Smoking
    Smoking is expensive. Set aside the money you're saving by not buying cigarettes and use it for a treat, or save up for a vacation or a major purchase. Be sure to congratulate yourself for going without cigarettes. It's a new habit that you can be proud of.

    Neti Pots and Colds ( Cold and Flu )

    Neti Pots and Colds

    These nasal irrigation devices from ancient India can help you battle your nagging cold and sinus symptoms.

    Neti pots use a lukewarm saline solution to clear the nasal passages. For people suffering from allergies or summer colds, neti pots provide a natural alternative to over the counter nasal sprays infused with dangerous chemicals like oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, xylometazoline, and naphazoline. Originally developed by yoga practitioners in India as a purification tool, neti pots are now gaining popularity worldwide. For more detailed information about neti pots, visit http://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-pain-pressure-9/neti-pots.

    In springtime it's allergies; in winter, colds and flu. No matter the time of year, there always seems to be something clogging up our nasal passages.  

    As evidenced by the constant rotation of television commercials touting the latest in allergy and sinus relief, there is no shortage of medication for addressing these problems. But more and more, people who prefer to manage their symptoms naturally, or who want a more economical way to maintain nasal health, are looking back in time to an ancient healing tradition called neti.

    Neti Pots and Colds: The Basics
    Neti, developed hundreds (or perhaps even thousands) of years ago by yoga and Ayurveda practitioners in India, is a nasal purification technique that involves the use of neti pots. Neti pots can be made of ceramic, glass, plastic, or metal and are sold in most health food stores.

    The pot is filled with a saline solution (specially packaged salt mixtures can be purchased, but grocery store sea salt and water will do just fine). Once the neti pot is filled, its spout is inserted into one nostril while the user tilts the head to the side to allow the saline solution to flow up the nasal passage and then out the other nostril. Then the technique is repeated on the opposite side. To ensure a smooth flow of saline solution, the user should breathe through the mouth while tilting the head. Neti pots can be used as needed to alleviate nasal stuffiness or daily as a preventive method of keeping nasal passages free and clear

    Neti Pots and Colds: The Benefits
    Neti pots can do the following:
    • Clear the nostrils to allow free breathing
    • Remove excess mucous
    • Reduce pollen or allergens in nasal passages
    • Relieve nasal dryness
    • Reduce cold and flu symptoms
    • Alleviate sinus headaches
    • Improve sense of smell and taste
    • Reduce snoring
    A recent study performed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin's School of Medicine and Public Health found evidence that patients with daily sinus symptoms, allergies, and asthma may experience improvements with nasal irrigation. The study also offered strong evidence that nasal irrigation works well along with other, more traditional treatments for symptoms. Other devices such as bulb syringes and squirt bottles can also be used for nasal irrigation.
    New York resident Jodie Tassello, who started using neti pots for a chronic sinus infection, says: "I was experimenting with so many different medications, but my symptoms kept coming back. When my friend recommended I try a neti pot, I figured I had nothing to lose. Within a few days, my sinus problems cleared up and haven't come back since. I now use my neti pot every day."

    Neti Pots: Are They Safe?
    Most research on nasal irrigation indicates there are no significant side effects from neti pots and concludes that the benefits outweigh any potential risks. Proper use of a neti pot is key to safe and effective use, however. If you have any questions on using neti pots, ask your doctor or other health care provider.

    Friday, August 20, 2010

    9 Serious Eye Symptoms to Watch Out For

    Flashing lights, floaters, and eye pain — these are just a few of the warning signs that should prompt you to see your eye doctor.

    Regular eye exams are an important part of keeping your eyes healthy — they can be particularly helpful in detecting progressive eye conditions such as glaucoma, which typically has few symptoms in its early stages. 

    However, in some cases, people may experience symptoms such as a change in vision or eye pain that require immediate medical attention.

    If you or someone you know experiences eye pain or any of these following symptoms, see an eye doctor right away:
     
    Flashing lights, floaters, or a gray shadow in your vision. The sudden onset of flashing lights, a noticeable increase in the amount of floaters, a shadow in your peripheral vision, or a gray curtain moving across your field of vision could be signs of a detachment of the retina — the nerve layer in the back of the eye that sends images to the brain. Nearsightedness, eye diseases such as glaucoma, and physical injury to the eye are among the causes of retinal detachment. Unless treated quickly, usually with surgery, retinal detachment can lead to blindness.
     
    Any loss of vision, particularly if sudden or in one eye. Sudden vision loss could signal a number of eye diseases and conditions. One is macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD, which is a leading cause of vision loss in people 65 and older in the United States. Vision loss caused by AMD can be gradual, but in some cases, it can be sudden — when blood vessels in the eye leak fluid or blood under the retina, which is made up of nerve cells that allow you to see. Another cause of sudden vision loss could be a type of glaucoma, which leads to a rapid build-up of fluid pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve.
     
    Eye pain. Most eye diseases are painless, but some conditions or injuries can result in eye pain, says Richard Shugarman, MD, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and an ophthalmologist in West Palm Beach, Fla. Eye pain can be caused by glaucoma, dry eye, an eye injury, a scratched cornea, or even cancer of the eye.
     
    Eye injury. Any significant injury to the eye should be evaluated by a doctor, particularly if there is redness or pain that lasts for more than 15 to 20 minutes.
     
    Persistent discomfort in the eye. If you experience any discomfort in your eye after doing an activity in which a small particle could have entered your eye, such as hammering or working under a car, don’t ignore it. Have your eyes checked out by a doctor to make sure that you don’t have a foreign particle in the eye, which can cause an infection.
     
    Red eye. “Having two red eyes is probably not as serious as one red eye,” says Dr. Shurgarman. When both eyes are red at the same time, it could be a sign of a cold or conjunctivitis (pink eye) — minor infections that are self-healing. But one red eye can be an indicator of a deeper inflammation, such as scleritis or uveitis. Scleritis is the inflammation of the tough, outer protective barrier around the eye, and uveitis is the inflammation and swelling of the middle coating of the eyeball.
     
    Eye discomfort if you are a contact lens wearer. While most people who use contact lenses don’t experience problems when they follow the rules of proper contact lens care and use, serious infections can occasionally occur. If you wear contact lenses, never ignore eye pain, redness, or discomfort — see an eye doctor right away.
     
    Blurred vision. Even if it clears up, blurred vision can be a sign of a number of eye problems such as glaucoma, uveitis, a torn retina, or AMD. Losing vision in one eye may be an early symptom of a stroke. “Vision loss, especially in one eye, could be a sign that the carotid artery, which is a major supplier of blood to the eyes, is blocked,” says Shugarman.
     
    Eye surgery complication. If you’ve had eye surgery and experience any redness, eye pain, or blurring of vision, call your doctor right away for an evaluation.
    Even if a symptom appears and goes away, you are better off checking with your eye specialist if you encounter any of these warning signs. Eye symptoms should never be ignored.

    Aging and the Immune System

    The immune system of human beings (as well as that of other mammals and birds), is composed by two important groups of lymphocytes: 
    • T-cells that are differentiated in the thymus gland, and
    • B-cells that are differentiated in a pouch-like cavity (or bursa) in birds. Mammals do not posses this cavity, but the name of the cells stuck.
    During the puberty period, the thymus gland becomes smaller and smaller until almost disappears in adults. Without the presence of this gland, the T-cells are not well or not at all differentiated. The production of their colleagues, the B-cells, also begins to decrease. When the production starts diminishing of those cells in the bone marrow that are the precursor cells of the T- and B-cells, the bone marrow is less capable to properly perform cellular divisions. This means that the immune system becomes increasingly weaker, which might explain why people are much more sensitive to infections when they’re coming closer to the end of their lives.
    From a certain age, the risk of developing an auto-immune disease, which means a condition where healthy cell in the body are attacked by the innate immune system, starts to increase. An example of such an auto-immune disease with a high prevalence among the elderly, is arthritis. In people suffering from arthritis, the cells of their own immune system begin to attack the cells that constitute the lining of the joint cavities, which causes inflammation and a steady decline in joint flexibility. This is often accompanied by pain and swelling of the joints.

    Now, what can you do to prevent or counter this decline in immune function with age?
    The immune system declines with age and that fact can not (yet) be changed. But you can try to make this decline as little as possible. There are several ways to naturally boost your immune system. Some of the most obvious ones are:
    • Sleep and rest well: The functioning of the immune system is affected by sleep and rest. Sleep deprivation often results in a compromised immune system.
    • Eat well: Like most systems of the body, the immune system depends on proper nutrition. It is known that both mal- and over-nutrition are associated with problems of the immune function. Some foods and herbs that positively affect the immune system are: fresh fruits and vegetables, ginseng, garlic, sage, hyssop and even honey.
    • Go out and move: Both moderate exposure to sunlight and exercise are good for the immune system. The vitamin D and increased blood flow positively affect the immune function.

    Tuesday, August 10, 2010

    Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping It Safe

    Consumers have a big thirst for bottled water. The International Bottled Water Association says that more than 8 billion gallons of it were consumed in the United States in 2009 alone.

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water products, working to ensure that they’re safe to drink.

    FDA protects consumers of bottled water through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), which makes manufacturers responsible for producing safe, wholesome, and truthfully labeled food products.

    There are regulations that focus specifically on bottled water, including
    “standard of identity” regulations that define different types of bottled water
    “standard of quality” regulations that set maximum levels of contaminants—including chemical, physical, microbial, and radiological contaminants—allowed in bottled water
    “current good manufacturing practice” (CGMP) regulations that require bottled water to be safe and produced under sanitary conditions

    Types of Bottled Water

    FDA describes bottled water as water that’s intended for human consumption and sealed in bottles or other containers with no added ingredients, except that it may contain a safe and suitable antimicrobial agent. (Fluoride may also be added within the limits set by FDA.)

    The agency classifies some bottled water by its origin. Here are four of those classifications:
    Mineral water. This water comes from an underground source and contains at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids. Minerals and trace elements must come from the source of the underground water. They cannot be added later.

    Spring water. Derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface, this water must be collected only at the spring or through a borehole that taps the underground formation feeding the spring. If some external force is used to collect the water through a borehole, the water must have the same composition and quality as the water that naturally flows to the surface.
    Well water. This is water from a hole bored or drilled into the ground, which taps into an aquifer.

    Bottled water may be used as an ingredient in beverages, such as diluted juices or flavored bottled waters. However, beverages labeled as containing “sparkling water,” “seltzer water,” “soda water,” “tonic water,” or “club soda” aren’t included as bottled water under FDA’s regulations. These beverages are instead considered to be soft drinks.

    It May Be Tap Water

    Some bottled water also comes from municipal sources—in other words, the tap. Municipal water is usually treated before it is bottled. Examples of water treatments include

    Distillation. Water is turned into a vapor, leaving minerals behind. Vapors are then condensed into water again.

    Reverse osmosis. Water is forced through membranes to remove minerals.
    Absolute 1 micron filtration. Water flows through filters that remove particles larger than one micron—.00004 inches—in size. These particles include Cryptosporidium, a parasitic pathogen that can cause gastrointestinal illness.

    Ozonation. Bottlers of all types of waters typically use ozone gas, an antimicrobial agent, instead of chlorine to disinfect the water. (Chlorine can add residual taste and odor to the water.)
    Bottled water that has been treated by distillation, reverse osmosis, or another suitable process may meet standards that allow it to be labeled as “purified water.”

    Ensuring Quality and Safety

    Federal quality standards for bottled water were first adopted in 1973. They were based on U.S. Public Health Service standards for drinking water set in 1962.

    The 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act gave regulatory oversight of public drinking water (tap water) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). FDA subsequently took responsibility, under the FD&C Act, for ensuring that the quality standards for bottled water are compatible with EPA standards for tap water.

    Each time EPA establishes a standard for a contaminant, FDA either adopts it for bottled water or finds that the standard isn’t necessary for bottled water.

    In some cases, standards for bottled water and tap water differ. For example, because lead can leach from pipes as water travels from water utilities to home faucets, EPA has set its limit for lead in tap water at 15 parts per billion (ppb). For bottled water, for which lead pipes aren’t used, the lead limit is set at 5 ppb.

    For bottled water production, bottlers must follow the CGMP regulations put in place and enforced by FDA. Water must be sampled, analyzed, and found to be safe and sanitary. These regulations also require proper plant and equipment design, bottling procedures, and record keeping.

    In addition, FDA oversees inspections of bottling plants. The agency inspects bottled water plants under its general food safety program and has states perform some plant inspections under contract. (Some states also require bottled water firms to be licensed annually.) This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page4, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

    Fortify Your Knowledge About Vitamins

    Vitamins are essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy life. Although most people get all the vitamins they need from the foods they eat, millions of people worldwide take supplemental vitamins as part of their health regimen.

    Why Buy Vitamins?

    There are many good reasons to consider taking vitamin supplements, such as over-the-counter multivitamins. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), a doctor may recommend that you take them:
    for certain health problems
    if you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet
    if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

    Vitamin Facts

    Your body uses vitamins for a variety of biological processes, including growth, digestion, and nerve function. There are 13 vitamins that the body absolutely needs: vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate). AAFP cites two categories of vitamins.
    Water-soluble vitamins are easily absorbed by the body, which doesn't store large amounts. The kidneys remove those vitamins that are not needed.
    Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed into the body with the use of bile acids, which are fluids used to absorb fat. The body stores these for use as needed.

    Develop a Vitamin Strategy

    It is important for consumers to have an overall strategy for how they will achieve adequate vitamin intakes. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advises that nutrient needs be met primarily through consuming foods, with supplementation suggested for certain sensitive populations.

    These guidelines, published by the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provide science-based advice to promote health and to reduce risk for chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. They form the basis for federal food, nutrition education, and information programs.

    Barbara Schneeman, Ph.D., Director of FDA's Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, says, "The Guidelines emphasize that supplements may be useful when they fill a specific identified nutrient gap that cannot or is not otherwise being met by the individual's intake of food." She adds, "An important point made in the guidelines is that nutrient supplements are not a substitute for a healthful diet."

    Special Nutrient Needs

    According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, many people consume more calories than they need without taking in recommended amounts of a number of nutrients. The Guidelines warn that there are numerous nutrients—including vitamins—for which low dietary intake may be a cause of concern. These nutrients are:
    calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A (as carotenoids), C, and E (for adults)
    calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E (for children and adolescents)
    vitamin B-12, iron, folic acid, and vitamins E and D (for specific population groups).

    Regarding the use of vitamin supplements, the Dietary guidelines include the following:
    Consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among the basic food groups. At the same time, choose foods that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol.
    Meet recommended nutrient intakes within energy needs by adopting a balanced eating pattern, such as one of those recommended in the USDA Food Guide or the National Institute of Health's Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan.
    If you're over age 50, consume vitamin B-12 in its crystalline form, which is found in fortified foods or supplements.
    If you're a woman of childbearing age who may become pregnant, eat foods high in heme-iron and/or consume iron-rich plant foods or iron-fortified foods with an iron-absorption enhancer, such as foods high in vitamin C.
    If you're a woman of childbearing age who may become pregnant or is in the first trimester of pregnancy, consume adequate synthetic folic acid daily (from fortified foods or supplements) in addition to food forms of folate from a varied diet.
    If you are an older adult, have dark skin, or are exposed to insufficient ultraviolet band radiation (such as sunlight), consume extra vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods and/or supplements.

    How Vitamins are Regulated

    Vitamin products are regulated by FDA as "Dietary Supplements." The law defines dietary supplements, in part, as products taken by mouth that contain a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet.

    Listed in the "dietary ingredient" category are not only vitamins, but minerals, botanicals products, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, microbial probiotics, and metabolites. Dietary supplements can also be extracts or concentrates, and may be found in many forms. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 requires that all such products be labeled as dietary supplements.

    In June 2007, FDA established dietary supplement "current Good Manufacturing Practice" (cGMP) regulations requiring that manufacturers evaluate their products through testing identity, purity, strength, and composition.

    Risks of Overdoing It

    As is the case with all dietary supplements, the decision to use supplemental vitamins should not be taken lightly, says Vasilios Frankos, Ph.D., Director of FDA's Division of Dietary Supplement Programs.

    "Vitamins are not dangerous unless you get too much of them," he says. "More is not necessarily better with supplements, especially if you take fat-soluble vitamins.” For some vitamins and minerals, the National Academy of Sciences has established upper limits of intake (ULs) that it recommends not be exceeded during any given day. (For more information, visit http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6432#toc)

    Also, the AAFP lists the following side effects that are sometimes associated with taking too much of a vitamin.

    Fat-soluble Vitamins
    A (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid): Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, clumsiness, birth defects, liver problems, possible risk of osteoporosis. You may be at greater risk of these effects if you drink high amounts of alcohol or you have liver problems, high cholesterol levels or don't get enough protein.
    D (calciferol): Nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, weight loss, confusion, heart rhythm problems, deposits of calcium and phosphate in soft tissues.

    If you take blood thinners, talk to your doctor before taking vitamin E or vitamin K pills.

    Water-soluble Vitamins
    B-3 (niacin): flushing, redness of the skin, upset stomach.
    B-6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine): Nerve damage to the limbs, which may cause numbness, trouble walking, and pain.
    C (ascorbic acid): Upset stomach, kidney stones, increased iron absorption.
    Folic Acid (folate): High levels may, especially in older adults, hide signs of B-12 deficiency, a condition that can cause nerve damage.

    Taking too much of a vitamin can also cause problems with some medical tests or interfere with how some drugs work.

    How to Use Coconut Oil As a Hair Conditioner and a Skin Moisturizer

    Using virgin coconut oil can result in healthier, shinier hair. Used extensively in India as a hair preparation, coconut oil contains essential proteins needed for hair growth. Regular use can strengthen hair, nourishing it from the roots and penetrating the shafts to seal and protect individual strands. As a pre-shampoo treatment, coconut oil can reduce problems with dandruff without the harsh effects of chemicals used in commercial products. Massaging it into the scalp also has a stress-relieving effect due to both the massaging action and the light scent of the oil. 

    Coconut oil and associated products from coconuts have become hot topics lately, although the research dates back several decades. It is an ingredient in some hair and skin care products, but it may be more beneficial and economical to use the coconut oil alone and not pay the price for brand name shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers.

    There are three basic types of coconut oil: virgin, cochin, and RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized). The term ”virgin” has not been satisfactorily defined or standardized. However, good quality virgin coconut oil is white in color and has a light coconut scent and taste. Cochin oils are also virgin but are made from air-dried copra, which commonly has some mold growth. The processing renders the mold harmless, but it does result in a product that is yellowish or grayish in color and may have a much stronger taste. Most connoisseurs of coconut oil consider this type to be inferior to the white, lightly scented virgin oil. RBD has little or no scent or taste, which some people prefer. The type you use is a personal preference. I have found the virgin oil to be more appealing. A very stable oil, coconut oil is solid at room temperature and can be stored safely without refrigeration for 2-3 years. It liquefies easily. Small amounts to use as conditioners or moisturizers melt easily in the palm of your hand.

    You can use coconut oil to condition hair in one of three ways. For an extensive deep conditioning, apply 3-4 teaspoons of coconut oil to your hair before going to sleep at night. Allow the solid oil to melt in your hands and massage into your scalp. Reapply as needed to ensure all hair strands are coated. Cover with a shower cap and go to sleep. Shampoo as usual the following morning. For a less extensive treatment, or if you do not relish going to sleep wearing a shower cap, apply the oil the same way but keep on at least 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours. Then shampoo as usual. Finally, especially effective in treating dandruff, use coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. Massage 2 teaspoons of coconut oil into your scalp half an hour before shampooing your hair as usual. Used regularly, this should help with any dandruff problem

    As for commercial products containing coconut oil, I have no idea of their effectiveness. Certainly, products containing coconut oil should be beneficial or at least not harmful. However, I do not know how these are processed or how much actual coconut oil the products contain. If you want a commercial product formulated for conditioning and shampooing hair, I suggest using a reputable organic variety to get the most benefit from the coconut oil in the product.

    Coconut milk is a manufactured product made from coconuts. (The liquid found inside coconuts is called coconut water.) Although coconut milk has great nutritional value, I have found no references to using coconut milk as a hair or skin treatment. Coconut oil is the product of choice for hair and skin care.

    As a skin moisturizer, virgin coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin. Its antimicrobial properties promote healing, sealing the tiny cracks in the skin to reduce entry of bacteria and germs. Coconut oil is easy to apply. Just place a small amount in the palm of your hand, let it warm slightly, and begin to massage into the skin. Because it absorbs quickly, you may apply more than is needed in one application, leaving a film on your skin. It is better to reapply more frequently, letting the oil absorb completely, to get the full benefits of this product. Coconut oil is also a great moisturizer for your face, leaving your skin smoother and younger (over time) as it restores health to sun-damaged skin and fights blemishes. It also works wonders for improving dry, cracked skin and for softening cuticles.

    My skin is definitely softer and smoother since I’ve begun using coconut oil as a moisturizer after showering. I also do not experience the “greasy” feeling some moisturizers leave on my face when I use it before applying my makeup; and I haven’t had any blemishes on my face since then, either. (I have oily/combination skin and still get blemishes even though I’m well past my teen years). And my hands and cuticles have improved dramatically. My husband, who is a diabetic, has found virgin coconut oil to be effective in keeping his heels from cracking and his feet generally softer than with any other products.

    Coconut Water: Nature's Sports Drink Which May Even Save Your Life

    In the season of summertime activities, there are some things you might want to be aware of before you reach for those sports drinks.

    As we are probably all aware, sports drinks tend to be loaded with sugar and calories.  Not only are these things detrimental if you are exercising to lose weight but, frequently in cases of illness or extreme dehydration, can be harder to digest and might even leave you more dehydrated.  Not to mention, if you have a family, do you really want your kids partaking in even more calorie-ridden sugary foods? 

    I first learned about coconut water after recovering from a serious case of food poisoning about a year ago and was still experiencing the effects of severe dehydration, which leads to loss of electrolytes.  No small matter, electrolytes are necessary for heart and neurological function, fluid balance, muscle function and acid/base balances, among other things.  Electrolytes allow for the proper functioning of cells by carrying electrical impulses.  Potassium, in particular, regulates blood pressure and heart function.  Severe electrolyte imbalances can lead to heart failure and even death.

    Needless to say, after my case of food poisoning I was still feeling that accomplishing even minor daily activities were beyond my grasp.  I was painfully weak and my muscles hurt, my short term memory was gone and even simple motor skills had become difficult.  I talked to a woman at my local health food store and she gave me an education I will never forget, as well as a profound recommendation for coconut water.
    As I was to learn, coconut water has five electrolytes, which is more electrolytes than most sports drinks, including fifteen times the potassium (and more potassium than a banana).  In addition, it has a fraction of the calories of sports drinks, no added sugars and (unlike sports drinks) has protein (albeit only 1 gram), phosphorus, calcium, Vitamin C and riboflavin. 

    Coming from young, green coconuts, coconut water (not to be mistaken with coconut milk or juice) also has no fat, no cholesterol and no preservatives.  Other health problems I had, which helped to cause low potassium levels and led to water retention, muscle cramps and heart irregularities, almost immediately went away upon ingestion of coconut water.  Potassium supplements in the store did little which isn’t surprising as they tend to only contain 3 mg of potassium.  Sports drinks contain 40 mg per 11.2 ounces, coconut water has 670 mg (and sometimes more) for the same amount.  Admittedly, coconut water can be cost prohibitive, usually ranging from $1.60 to $2.00 per single serving.  However, like most vitamins and health foods, you get what you pay for.  I decided that my health was worth my cutting back in other areas in order to keep coconut water handy.  In addition, within the past year, I have seen new and delicious flavors of coconut water emerge and often with even more potassium.  It helps me to grab it before I crave something really sweet such as a soda.

    If you know if someone who has problems with water retention or other health issues which can lead to electrolyte imbalances, it is worth recommending to them that they try coconut water and keep in on hand.  At the least, you may help them feel better.  At the most, it might end up saving their life.


    Tuesday, July 27, 2010

    How to Make Your Own Protein Shakes

    Instant protein shakes are expensive and they contain abstract ingredients that you may be uncertain about. If you build your own protein shakes you save money while understanding what it is you are putting into your body. The base of protein shakes is a protein powder. You can buy protein powders in bulk without all of the other additives at a fraction of the cost. There are whey proteins and there are whey protein isolates and soy protein isolates. Whey protein contains more fat whereas in protein isolates there is only a trace amount. Because these protein powders do not have any additives you can do anything you like with them. You can make smoothies or shakes. 

    I recently found soy and whey protein isolate at the grocery store! It is a new product offered by President’s Choice! I was very excited about this discovery because it was only 17.99 for a huge container! Protein isolates go a long way because it is pure protein that you add other ingredients to rather than the protein shake powders that contains sugar or sweeteners, dry milk etc. I would not recommend following the instructions on the package. It is best to pre-make your shakes and smoothies and let them sit in the refrigerator if you can. 
    This will allow the protein powder particles to absorb moisture from whatever it is you are mixing with it. If you drink it right away its a bit gritty, although this is no different from premade shake mix products. The product I purchased comes with a huge scoop and recommends mixing it with 1 cup of liquid and boasts 25 grams of protein. This recipe is a little too thick in my opinion and I think its better to have two shakes a day with half of the suggested amount.

    Fruit Smoothies: 1/2 of a banana, 1/2 cup orange, juice 1/4 cup fat free flavoured yogurt put everything in a huge cup and use a hand blender or a standard electric blender. I use a hand blender and a big glass because it is easier to clean up. Once everything is blended together, blend in 2 heaping tablespoons or 1 rounded coffee scoop of protein powder. You can make these in advance for the following day if you like. Add extra fruit or change the juice. This recipe is intended for ratio purposes. So make it with fruits and juices that you like. If you are making smoothies for the following day, in order to keep the blend fresh–be sure to put it in a tightly sealed container and do not leave any air space.

    Try using berry powders to add more flavour and nutrition to your shakes and smoothies. Freeze dried berry powders contain essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, fibre, potassium, iron, phosphorous and calcium. They also help to reduce bad cholesterol and get rid of free radicals. Be sure to do your product research and read labels before purchasing them. They should not contain preservatives, caffeine, or other fillers.

    Shakes: These are easy to make when you are on the go. You will need a Tupperware "quick shake" (or a product that functions similarly). You can put all of the dry ingredients in your quick shake in advance. 2 tsp of cocoa powder or carob powder, 2 heaping Tbsp protein powder 2 Tbsp sugar (or 2 packets of a sugar substitute) Then add 1/2 cup skim milk or soy milk. Shake vigorously.  Once the powder has been thoroughly mixed into the milk or soy milk, add 1 cup more of either skim or soy milk. If you enjoy soy milk, vanilla-flavoured brands make excellent shakes.

    Try adding 2 tablespoons of Agar Agar Powder to your protein shakes to make them thicker while also adding protein and minerals. Agar Agar is a vegetable substitute for gelatin that comes from seaweed. It is colourless and tasteless. Two tablespoons is only 50 calories and it will add 1.2 g dietary fibre, 1 g of protein, 16 mg of sodium, 20% of your daily recommended iron, 30% daily recomended magnesium, 10% of your daily recommended calcium, and 4% of your daily recommended vitamin E.

    http://www.herbsmd.com/shop/xq/asp/pid.24438/qx/productdetail.htm

    Even if you don’t work out, protein shakes and smoothies are a great way to add protein to your diet. Sugars and simple carbohydrates cause our blood sugar to rise rapidly and fall rapidly. When our blood sugar drops it stimulates our appetite. These extreme changes in energy levels make it difficult to maintain our willpower and to avoid poor food choices. Protein takes longer for the body to digest, which means that it provides a more consistent source of energy. While providing consistent energy, protein also requires more energy for the digestion process which means it will increase your metabolism. Make sure to check out the "Food Facts" when buying protein powders. They should still be provided if you are buying bulk (some health food stores sell protein powders by the pound).

    Please Note: You can become dehydrated if you do not drink enough water when drinking protein shakes. If you do not feel well when you drink protein shakes, dehydration is the likely cause. For every protein shake you drink in a day drink 2 extra glasses of water.

    Which Foods Have the Most Fiber?

    Do you need to increase the amount of fiber in your diet? Fiber is essential to a healthy diet. Fiber will allow your body to work better to digest food and will help fight against constipation. Many people do not get enough fiber in their diet. Along with eating foods that are high in fiber you could also add a supplement to your diet if you’re still not getting enough, like Benefiber. Benefiber is a good choice because it is tasteless and you can add it to any drink or food and you will not see or taste it in the food. It’s not gritty like other fiber substitutes, so you won’t get that gritty feeling in your mouth from eating it or drinking it with something else. Add more fiber to your diet and your digestive system as well as your colon will be happier. A fiber deficiency increases your risk of constipation, hemorrhoids, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, obesity, colon cancer and heart disease. In other words, high fiber foods are essential if you want to look and feel your best. Eating more high fiber foods will give you strength to get up and go on regular basis. Most Americans get only 10 grams of fiber daily. You need to take in 30 to 40 grams of fiber a day for optimum health. Most people are not getting nearly enough fiber in their diet. 
     
    Here is a list of foods that have fiber in them, some have more fiber than others:
    Apples
    Apricot
    Asparagus
    Artichoke
    Avocado
    Banana
    Barley, raw or cooked
    Beans
    Black berries
    Blue berries
    Brazil nuts
    Broccoli
    Cabbage
    Cantaloupe
    Carrots
    Coconut
    All Bran Cereal
    Oat Bran Cereal
    Dried figs
    Wholemeal flour
    Grapes
    Kiwi
    Lemon
    Lettuce
    Mango
    Nashi Pear
    Almonds
    Cashews
    Oranges
    Onion
    Peanuts
    Peach
    Pear with skin
    Peas
    Pistachio nuts
    Pecans
    Air-popped popcorn
    Baked potato with skin
    Raspberries
    Raisins
    Whole wheat Spaghetti
    Rice
    Strawberries
    Spinach
    Sunflower seeds
    Sweet corn
    Tomatoes
    Tomato paste
    Whole wheat bread
    Walnuts

    The foods with the highest amount of fiber include the following: Dried beans, peas and other legumes including baked beans, kidney beans, split peas, dried limas, garbanzos, lentils, pinto beans and black beans, green beans, snap beans, pole beans, Lima beans and broad beans. Dried fruit, such as figs, apricots and dates. Fruits like raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries, plums, pears, apples, kiwi, guava, coconut and banana’s. Vegetables like fresh and frozen green peas, broccoli, brussel sprouts, sweet corn, beet root, baked potato with the skin and carrots. Also, green vegetables like spinach, beet greens, kale, collards, Swiss chard and turnip greens. Nuts that are high in fiber include almonds, Brazil nuts, peanuts and walnut. Whole wheat, barley products, rye, oats, buckwheat and cornmeal are all high in fiber too. Remember that you may want to consult a doctor before starting any type of diet or increasing your intake of fiber.

    Health Benefits of Red Wine: What's Real and What's Hype?

    Studies showing the health benefits of red wine seem almost too good to be true, especially when we are bombarded daily with both the hype of some new miracle cure alongside dire warnings regarding the foods we eat and medicines we take.  All too frequently, what was being touted as a breakthrough one day often does not stand up to later scrutiny. 

    Regarding red wine, though, there does appear to be some merit regarding the claims and a few thousand years of usage seems to show that, in moderation, this is not only safe but may indeed be beneficial.
    For a start, red wine is full of antioxidants which many researchers feel help promote the overall health of the heart by lowering bad cholesterol while raising the “good” cholesterol, thus protecting the arteries.  These antioxidants, such as flavonoids and non flavonoids, seem to have many promising heart-healthy benefits.  In addition, it even appears as though the alcohol in red wine may also help, though there is some debate regarding if those benefits are more pronounced in red wine consumption or if drinking any alcoholic beverage (such as beer or white wine) will produce the same results.

    Proponents of red wine consumption point to studies which indicate that the antioxidants in red wine known as polyphenols help protect the lining in the blood vessels of the heart.  These antioxidants come in two main forms:
    • Flavonoids:  An antioxidant which is found in many fruits and other foods, such as cocoa, tea, onions, oranges and grapes, among others.   Wine and beer also contain some flavonoids, though not in the same quantities as red wine.
    • Non Flavonoids:  These antioxidants appear to prevent fatty deposits from blocking and clogging the arteries in the heart.  For this reason, there has been a great deal of attention focused on this, though it should be noted that the studies mostly involved mice rather than humans.  Resveratrol, which has been getting the most attention (and probably the most spam in regards to supplements) is a type of non flavonoid.
    Regarding resveratrol, as I stated earlier, most of the studies have involved mice and researchers are loathe to suggest that taking a resveratrol supplement will have any health benefits.  The Mayo Clinic has reported that a person would have to consume between 100 and 1000 glasses of red wine per day to receive the same dosage used in the mice studies.  However, some studies have indicated that resveratrol, perhaps in smaller amounts, can reduce the risk of inflammation and blood clotting, which in turn can lower the risk for heart disease and stroke.  On a personal note, having developed arthritis in my teens due to another illness, I feel that a glass of red wine does at least help the symptoms in this regard.

    Whatever you decide, it does appear that at least some alcohol consumption may be good for you while drinking red wine might have some additional benefits.
    I hope this information has helped.

    Beer: The Fat and Skinny Side of What You Drink

    Beer is a top pick on the alcoholic beverage list for a lot of people. It’s delicious, filling and is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It can aid against coronary heart disease, increase your good cholesterol and can even reduce the development of kidney stones. The thing about beer though, is most of it is full of carbohydrates and calories. If you’re not careful, throwing a few back can add unwanted weight to the waist line and aid in forming the oh-so-stylish beer belly. The main components of beer that determine how good or bad it is for you are the calories, carbs and alcohol content. The higher they are, the worse for you they will be. When choosing a beer you want to look for one that is both lower in calories and carbs and isn’t too high in alcohol content if you are conscious about possibly adding a few pounds here and there. Below is a list of some of the most fattening and least fattening beers.

    Most Fattening (200 calories and above per 12oz serving)
    • Flying Dog Gonzo: 269 Calories, 18.6g Carbs, 8.7% Alcohol
    • Sierra Nevada Bigfoot: 330 Calories, 32.1 g Carbs, 9.6% Alcohol
    • New Belgium 1554: 205 Calories, 25g Carbs, 5.6% Alcohol
    • Olde English High Gravity 800: 220 Calories, 14.6g Carbs, 8.0% Alcohol
    • Steel Reserve: 222 Calories, 16g Carbs, 8.1% Alcohol
    • Flying Dog Double Dog Pale Ale: 292 Calories, 15g Carbs, 10.5% Alcohol
    • Flying Dog Horn Dog: 314 Calories, 18.9g Carsb, 10.5% Alcohol
    • New Belgium Trippel: 215 Calories, 20g Carbs, 7.8% Alcohol
    • Sierra Nevada India Pale Ale: 231 Calories, 20g Carbs, 6.9% Alcohol
    Least Fattening Beers (199 calories and below per 12oz serving)
    • Miller Genuine Draft “64″: 64 Calories, 2.4g Carbs, 2.8% Alcohol
    • O’Doul’s: 70 Calories, 13.3g Carbs, 0.4% Alcohol
    • Yuengling Light: 98 Calories, 6.6g Carbs, 3.8% Alcohol
    • Milwaukee’s Best Light: 98 Calories, 3.5g Carbs, 4.5% Alcohol
    • Miller Lite: 96 Calories, 3.2g Carbs, 4.2% Alcohol
    • Michelob Ultra: 95 Calories, 2.6g Carbs, 4.1% Alcohol
    • Anheuser Busch Natural Light: 95 Calories, 3.2g Carbs, 4.2% Alcohol
    • Bud Light: 110 Calories, 6.6g Carbs, 4.2% Alcohol
    • Coors Light: 104 Calories, 5.3g Carbs, 4.15% Alcohol
    • Rolling Rock Premium Beer: 120 Calories, 10g Carbs, 4.5% Alcohol
     If you’re trying to watch the weight, then be a bit more conscious about what kinds of beer you drink. Keep in calories and carbs in the back of your mind when making your selection. Those few calories that you save here and there will actually add up to a lot over time, leaving you both feeling and looking better.

    The Top 50 Healthiest Frugal Foods

    Grocery prices, along with everything else, seem to be on the rise. As food prices rise many people are now looking at ways to cut back on their grocery budget and save at the grocery store. Low cost food doesn’t always mean you have to have low quality food though. I have a list of the healthiest frugal foods that you can purchase at a good price and not have to skimp on the nutrition in your meal.
    1. Oats
    2. Eggs
    3. Kale
    4. Potatoes
    5. Apples
    6. Nuts – (Can get expensive, so watch for sales or go to places like the Dollar Tree, where you can buy certain types of nuts for only a dollar.)
    7. Bananas
    8. Garbanzo Beans or any beans for that matter. Canned is an okay price, but you’ll get a better deal by buying dried beans in a bag.
    9. Broccoli
    10. Watermelon
    11. Wild Rice or any rice for that matter, however wild or brown rice is better for you than white.
    12. Beets
    13. Butternut Squash
    14. Whole Grain Pasta
    15. Sardines
    16. Spinach
    17. Tofu
    18. Low fat Milk
    19. Pumpkin Seeds
    20. Water - (This is free from the tap at home! Don’t pay for bottled when you’re already paying for running water at home.)
    21. Flour
    22. Sugar
    23. Spaghetti sauce (Many of the can varieties can be purchased for one dollar usually.)
    24. Dried soup vegetables
    25. Peanut butter
    26. Coffee
    27. Cans of tuna, salmon or chicken on sale
    28. Packages of turkey meat on sale
    29. Chickpeas
    30. Lentils
    31. Whole chicken or turkey that you can use for several meals and make broth with
    32. Ramen noodles (Definitely good to have on hand for an easy lunch or dinner and insanely cheap!)
    33. Pasta (Very filling and inexpensive, you could almost live off this stuff.)
    34. Macaroni & Cheese
    35. Hot dogs (May be not so healthy, depending on what kind you get, but can be used several different ways for meals and can be bought at a good price.)
    36. Beanie Weenies
    37. Tomatoes and tomato paste
    38. Bread (You can make your own VERY cheap or you can buy a loaf on sale or at a bread market where it is only slightly outdated for cheap, usually a dollar or less. You can make a sandwich, toast or grilled cheese. Bread is filling and offers many options.)
    39. Carrots (Have been purchased for one dollar, but not always, so watch for sales again.)
    40. Salad (Catch it on sale and it can be bought for one dollar or use a coupon.)
    41. Cheese (Can get expensive, so watch for when the blocks or large amounts of cheese in a bag go on sale and stock up then.)
    42. Cabbage
    43. Lettuce
    44. Frozen bags of fruit like strawberries and blueberries or fresh produce that you buy and freeze yourself. Sometimes the frozen bags can be purchased for a good price.
    45. Cereal (The prices of cereal seem to keep going up, but you can still find some good deals on cereal. There are a couple of cereal options at stores like the Dollar Tree and Dollar General for only a dollar still. Also, be on the lookout for deals where you can get two boxes for two dollars or less each at regular grocery stores. Watch for coupons too and remember that the bagged cereals are less expensive than the boxed and oftentimes you get more.)
    46. Frozen bags of vegetables can be purchased at inexpensive prices sometimes too. Keep in mind though it is always better to grow your own food and that will definitely cut down on your food bill. The more vegetables and herbs you can grow, the less you will have to buy.
    47. Flour tortillas - You can buy many of these cheaply or make them yourself even cheaper.
    48. Chicken thighs are cheaper than breasts and can be used in soups and stews.
    49. Oranges
    50. Tomato juice (Purchased in a large can it is inexpensive and you can make a stew or soup with it.)

    Other tips include cutting the sugary snacks out. Junk food like potato chips and soda need to be replaced with healthier alternatives like a fruit, vegetable, cheese, yogurt or even popcorn or pretzels. If you choose popcorn, buy the bags of kernels and air-pop it at home for a healthy snack, minus the sodium and fat like you get at the theater. In choosing healthy foods you will be spending less because you are eliminating the costly junk and convenience foods. Also, reducing the amount of meat you eat each week can significantly cut back on your grocery bill. 

    Fresh vegetables are not as expensive as meat or poultry. Pre-packaged salads will cost you a little more than if you purchase the lettuce and other veggies separately and make the salad yourself, so keep that in mind. Only buy the pre-packaged stuff on sale, otherwise it can become a convenience food too, even though it’s good for you.

    The Dollar Tree and the Dollar General and other dollar stores like the Family Dollar are great places to purchase some of these food items for a good price. Watch your local grocery stores and see when fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods go on sale and you will be ready. Any coupons you can find online or in your local ads would also help lower your cost as well.

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