health matters

BEANS!

2006-10-14T14:10:00.000-01:00

Beans are an extremely beneficial component in all diets because they are high in complex carbohydrates, protein and dietary fiber, low in fat, calories and sodium, and completely cholesterol-free. As little as a half-cup of beans added to the daily diet can be very helpful in reaching important nutrition goals.

Beans are an excellent, non-fat source of protein. Just one cup of beans provides as much as 16 grams of protein.

Why is protein so important? The body converts protein into amino acids which make up and repair muscle and bone tissue. Protein also fights infections, helps heal wounds and regulates enzymes and hormones.
Complex Carbohydrates

Beans are loaded with complex carbohydrates - the nutrient that provides energy to the muscles and brain. Just one cup of beans can provide 15 percent of the carbohydrates needed daily. Plus, beans have the best type of carbohydrate for maximum energy - those considered to be low or moderate glycemic index carbohydrates. Beans and other carbohydrates with a low to moderate glycemic index have the unique ability to provide energy over a longer period of time by being slowly released into your bloodstream to provide sustained energy.
Fiber
Beans are one of the best sources of dietary fiber, containing both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber, generally thought of as "roughage" that moves quickly through the digestive system, is important in our diets because it helps promote a healthy digestive tract and can reduce the risk of some types of cancer. During digestion, soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance, which helps the body handle fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates. Soluble fiber plays a role in helping to lower blood cholesterol levels, one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease.

Like any source of fiber, beans should be added gradually to the diet. Consumption should be increased over a four- to eight-week period, even if it's a bite or two per day, with a goal of one-half cup beans per day. It is also important to drink plenty of liquids when adding more fiber to your diet, because fluids help reduce the natural side effects of digesting fiber-rich foods. The key is to continue eating beans once the body's system is adjusted.

For more info check out www.americanbean.org.

Fruits!

2006-09-30T16:46:00.000-01:00

I have heard about people using fruits to diet but i have never tried it and would love to.

Lose the weight with fruit

First we think it's best to focus on feeling good. Secondly to remind that in order to live a healthy and energetic life in a body that is fit to do that job, attempting to lose weight only will not be the key. There are some other changes you might want to bring into your life. In order to have the cells of your body function properly they have to receive the right nutritious elements and toxins must be kept away from them as much as possible and should be disposed of properly. In order to reach that goal we have the following recommendations for you:

Consume as much as you can of the 'right nutrition
Avoid as much as you can of the 'wrong nutrition
Exercise moderately
Be happy with every small change you've been able to make permanently
Don't make weight loss more complicated than it is.
well, im ready to try!

2006-09-09T16:19:00.000-01:00

Is It a Cold Or The Flu? Know The Difference.

A cold and the flu (also called influenza) are alike in many ways. But the flu can sometimes lead to more serious problems, such as pneumonia.
A stuffy nose, sore throat, and sneezing are usually signs of a cold. Tiredness, fever, headache, and major aches and pains probably mean you have the flu.
Coughing can be a sign of either a cold or the flu. But a bad cough usually points to the flu.

Know When To Call Your Doctor

You usually do not have to call your doctor right away if you have signs of a cold or flu. But you should call your doctor in these situations:
Your symptoms get worse.
Your symptoms last a long time.
After feeling a little better, you show signs of a more serious problem. Some of these signs are a sick-to-your-stomach feeling, vomiting, high fever, shaking, chills, chest pain, or coughing with thick, yellow-green mucus.

Try to Avoid Getting a Cold

Wash your hands often. You can pick up cold germs easily, even when shaking someone's hand or touching doorknobs or handrails.
Avoid people with colds when possible.
Sneeze or cough into a tissue and then throw the tissue away.
Clean surfaces you touch with a germ-killing disinfectant.
Don't touch your nose, eyes, or mouth. Germs can enter your body easily by these paths.
Try to Avoid Getting The Flu
A flu shot can greatly lower your chance of getting the flu. The best time to get the shot is from the middle of October to the middle of November, because most people get the flu in the winter.
The shot can't cause the flu. But you may feel sore or weak or have a fever for a few days.

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

Almost all people who want to lower their chance of coming down with the flu can get a flu shot.
Flu shots are most important for:
people 65 or older
nursing home patients
people over 6 months old with health problems, such as asthma, or with long-term diseases, such as HIV or heart disease
children or teen-agers who must often take aspirin
people who are often around older people or those with health problems.

Who Might Not Be Able to Get a Flu Shot?

Talk to your doctor before you get the shot if you:
have certain allergies, especially to eggs
have an illness, such as pneumonia
have a high fever
are pregnant.
Prescription Medicine Can Prevent Flu, Too
If you are one of those who should not get the flu shot, ask your doctor about prescription medicine to help prevent flu.
And if you get the flu, taking this medicine within the first 48 hours can make your illness less serious.
But Do Not Take Antibiotics For a Cold or Flu
Antibiotics won't work against cold and flu germs.
And, you should take antibiotics only when really needed.

Help Yourself Feel Better While You Are Sick

A cold usually lasts only a few days to a week. Tiredness from the flu may continue for several weeks.
To feel better while you are sick:
Drink plenty of fluids.
Get plenty of rest.
Use a humidifier -- an electric device that puts water into the air.
Take a cough and cold medicine you buy without a prescription. It may help.

CHICKPEAS!

2006-08-21T20:38:00.000-01:00

Chickpeas are round with a nutty flavor and are frequently used in central Asia and Middle Eastern cuisine.
There are two groups of chickpeas-desi and Kabuli-distinguished by seed size, shape and color. They also have different growth requirements and end uses.
Chickpeas are an excellent source of carbohydrates and protein, which constitutes about 80% of the total dry seed weight. Crude fiber, another constituent of chickpeas, is mostly located within the seed coat.Chickpeas are also rich in phosphorus, calcium, folate and vitamin c. they are perfect for soups, salads and casseroles!

Allergies and Asthma!

2006-08-13T18:23:00.000-01:00

Do allergies cause asthma? The answer to this question is: yes and no. People who have certain kinds of allergies are more likely to have asthma.
Which kind of allergies? Usually, the type of allergies that affect your nose and eyes, causing problems like a runny nose or red, itchy eyes
Whatever causes an allergic reaction, such as pollen or dust, can also trigger asthma symptoms. But not everyone who has allergies develops asthma. And not all case of asthma are related to allergies.
About 20 million people in the United States have asthma. Of these, about 10 million have asthma symptoms that are triggered by allergies. In these people, the symptoms of asthma are often triggered by exposure to allergens. Common allergens include dust mites, mold, pollen, and animal substances, such as a dog's or cat's skin flakes, saliva, hair, and urine. Parents who have allergies or asthma often pass along the tendency to have these conditions to their kids

Ways to curb overeating!

2006-08-12T19:15:00.000-01:00

Need some help getting your appetite under control? We all do sometimes try these easy steps courtesy Harvard Medical Center:

Sit down at the table when you eat. Never eat on the run, in the car, while standing up, or in front of the TV or computer. Studies show all of these distractions lead to eating more food but feeling less satisfied!

Use smaller plates. Many overeaters are used to piling their plate high with big portions. So use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. You'll eat less food, but you'll still have the "visual" cue of a full plate.

Eat slowly. Be sure to devote at least 20 minutes to every meal. It takes that long for the "full" signal from your brain to reach your stomach. So savor those bites!

Keep healthy foods — like fresh fruits and vegetables — at eye level in your fridge, instead of putting them in a drawer. This way you'll be more likely to eat them!

Drink a 12-ounce glass of water before each meal to take the edge off your appetite.

When the urge to snack hits, wait 10 minutes. Often the impulse will pass, especially when you are eating for emotional reasons instead of true hunger.

Back to school tips for teens with allergies!

2006-08-09T19:56:00.000-01:00

Teens from around the country sent in their tips on how they manage their food allergies in school.
“My friends eat a lot of the foods I am allergic to, which means I am around a lot of foods that can (and will) cause an allergic reaction. Just make sure your friends know that you are allergic and to not get their food close to you.
“Also, believe me, you don’t want to kiss someone who has eaten a food you’re allergic to, so make sure they haven’t eaten anything harmful to you!
“Last, make sure your friends don’t touch your food, because food going into your mouth that has touched the foods you can’t eat can cause you an allergic reaction too!” ~Sarah, age 13, allergic to milk.

“Don’t try to hide your food allergy. It makes you unique. If you give your friends a heads up, they will be more than willing to accommodate you. People are willing to cooperate, especially if they understand your allergy.” ~Jenny, age 14, allergic to peanuts.

“At first it is very hard to go to school and just make it through everyday life, but if you hold strong, anybody can make it through. Always have your medicine with you no matter where you go, because if an accident were to happen, it is best to be prepared.” ~Jarrad, age 17, allergic to milk and eggs.

“Learn to advocate for yourself and ask questions. This will not only protect you and help you manage your allergy, but developing this skill will also help you with school and in many other aspects of life.” ~Brian, age 18, allergic to peanuts and tree nuts.

What is food allergy?

2006-08-09T18:22:00.000-01:00

A food allergy is an immune system response to a food that the body mistakenly believes is harmful.
Although an individual could be allergic to any food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, there are eight foods that account for 90% of all food-allergic reactions. These are: milk, egg, peanut, tree nut (walnut, cashew, etc.), fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat.
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, potentially fatal, systemic allergic reaction that can involve various areas of the body (such as the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system

10 wonderhealthy foods!

2006-08-09T17:24:00.000-01:00

Several dietitians were asked for their favorite heart-protective foods. Here's the list of the 10 superfoods that may help lower your risk of developing heart disease:

1. Sardines -- great source of omega-3 fatty acids and niacin.

2. Mackerel -- another source of omega-3 fats and the antioxidant mineral selenium.

3. Walnuts -- good source of good fats.

4. Tofu -- shown to reduce LDL cholesterol.

5 & 6. Plums/prunes -- good source of fiber, iron and the antioxidant beta-carotene.

7. Oatmeal -- low on glycemic index and an instant boost of fiber.

8 & 9. Kidney beans/chickpeas -- low-fat, high in soluble fiber and low on the glycemic index.

10. Barley -- combats constipation, good source of iron and other minerals.

These are wondahealthy foods but i wish i could find a way to combine everything into one helluva meal.....

Traditional uses of noni!

2006-07-30T10:22:00.000-01:00

Traditional Uses:

Polynesians picked the noni fruit before it was ripe, and place it in a jar in the direct sunlight. When fully ripe, the noni fruit was mashed into a puree and the juice was extracted through a cloth. The juice was then ready for use. People traditionally took the juice during times of rest, when the body was under the least amount of stress. Noni was also served as a food dish.

Traditional Medicinal Uses:

Parts of the fruit are used as a tonic and to contain fever (China, Japan, Hawaii)

The leaves, flowers, fruit, and bark can treat eye problems, skin wounds and abscesses, gum and throat problems, respiratory ailments, constipation, and fever (Pacific Islands, Hawaii)

Used to treat stomach pains and after delivery (Marshall Islands)

Heated leaves applied to the chest relieve coughs, nausea, and colic (Malaysia)

Juice of the leaves is taken for arthritis (Philippines)

The fruit is taken for lumbago, asthma, and dysentery (Indochina)

Pounded, unripe fruit is mixed with salt and applied to cuts and broken bones
Ripe fruit is used to draw out pus from an infected boil (Hawaii)

Juices of over-ripe fruits are taken to regulate menstrual flow and ease urinary problems (Malaysia)
The fruit can be used to make shampoo (Malaysia, Hawaii) and to treat head lice (Hawaii).

Other exotic diseases treated with the plant include diabetes (widespread) and venereal diseases. -->

Tahitian noni juice

2006-07-27T18:28:00.000-01:00

HISTORY OF NONI
Ancient peoples of what is now known as French Polynesia , colonized islands throughout the South Pacific . As they made their voyages from island to island in the ocean-going canoes, they brought with them sacred plants from their home islands.
These plants contained the basic foods, construction materials and medicines used by the Polynesian colonizers. Perhaps the most important of these plants is known as Morinda citrifolia .
Ancient manuscripts handed down from generation to generation, describe many uses for this plant.This plant is known among the people of the tropics world-wide.
Malaysia, it is known as Mengkudu .
In Southeast Asia it is known as Nhau .
In the islands of the South Pacific the plant is known as Nonu , in Samoa and Tonga.
Nono in Raratonga and Tahiti, and Noni in the Marquesas Islands and Hawaii.
Here it has become and integral part of the Polynesian culture. An important source of food, the fruit of the Morinda citrifolia tree has been used for centuries as a food source.
Early Polynesians recognized its pure value and consumed it in times of famine.
During World War II, soldiers based on tropic Polynesian islands were taught by the native Polynesian people to eat the noni fruit to sustain their strength. The noni fruit became a staple food choice for people of Raratonga, Samoa and Fiji who ate the noni fruit raw or cooked. Australian Aborigines were fond of the noni and consumed it raw with salt. Seeds, leaves, bark and root were also consumed by people familiar with the qualities of this unusual plant. We believe that we have much to learn from the traditional use of the amazing plant. The wonderful thing about the Morinda Citrifolia plant is that every part is valued and used.

TEA RECIPES!

2006-07-25T19:42:00.000-01:00

Fruit Tea Punch

Ingredients:

2 Bags Golden Green tea
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup honey
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh fruit, crushed
1 pint ginger ale
Method:

Make tea as per instructions on the tea bags. Allow it to cool. Mix all ingredients except ginger ale. Just before serving add ginger ale and crushed ice. If the punch is too strong for your taste you can dilute with ice water or more ginger ale.

Tea Etiqquette!

2006-07-16T10:56:00.000-01:00

Do you want to go to a full tea party with your friends?

During "full tea", three courses are served such as scones, tea sandwiches, and sweets. "Light tea" will have just scones and sweets.
Here are some tea party etiquette tips:
1. Since it is a tea party, it’s okay to eat with fingers. However, if an item is particularly messy (has a runny filling), then use a fork.

2. If all the courses are laid out on the table, eat them in this order: first the scones or muffins; then the tiny sandwiches, and last the sweets. Think of it like a meal where you can start with bread, then have the main course, but save the dessert for last.

3. For scones or muffins, break off a bite-size piece, then put a small amount of jam or butter on it. If Devonshire or clotted cream is available, a small amount can be dabbed on after the jam. This thick cream is for scones, not for the tea.

4. Take bites of the tiny sandwiches. Never stuff the whole thing in their mouth, even though it’s small.

5. If using sugar, be careful to not dip the sugar tong or sugar spoon into the tea.

6. Stir sugar and/or milk with their teaspoon, then place the teaspoon on their saucer.

7. When drinking the tea, they can hold the cup and saucer near their chest, then take the teacup off the saucer and bring it up to their mouth to drink.

8. If the tea is hot, do not blow on the tea. Leave your teacup on the table to cool.

9. Do NOT stick your pinky out when drinking tea. Just hold the teacup normally.

10. Hopefully, the tea will be served from teapots, rather than having individual tea bags, which can get very messy, especially with kids. If there are tea bags, then there should be a small dish at her place setting on which you can place the used tea bag. if you forget to do some things “properly”, to not worry and just have fun eating and socializing with your friends.

MY NEW MOTTO!

2006-07-16T10:08:00.000-01:00

TEA QUOTES FROM AROUND THE WORLD!

2006-07-15T18:28:00.000-01:00

Free yourself from the slavery of tea and coffee and other slop kettles! - William Cobbett

If a man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty - Japanese proverb

It has been well said that tea is suggestive of a thousand wants, from which spring the decencies and luxuries of civilization

It is a poor person who must drink first brewed tea - The Kung fu tea ceremony. This means that you don't have time to do it right. The second and third brew is much more mellow with out the tanic acid bite. Agnes Repplier, To Think of Tea!

Look here, Steward, if this is coffee, I want tea; but if this is tea, then I wish for coffee. Punch 23 July 1902

Thou soft, thou sober, sage and venerable liquid! Thou innocent pretense for bringing the wicked of both sexes together in the morning! Thou female tongue-running, smile-soothing, heart-opening, wink-tipping cordial to whose glorious insipidity I can owe the happiest moments of my life. Colby Cibber

Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea? How did it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea. Sydney Smith

To kiss is like drinking tea from a tea-strainer - you always want more old chinese saying

Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. Henry James, Portrait of a Lady

Wherever I go, I will always have my tea

MEDICAL BENEFITS OF DRINKING TEA!

2006-07-13T17:01:00.000-01:00

A Cup of Hot Tea = A Cup of Good Health
Tea Consumption Linked to Numerous Body Benefits.
A hot cup of tea may do more than relax you. Research shows tea consumption may help prevent a wide range of ailments.
The benefits of tea consumption may extend throughout the body, experts believe. Here is a partial list of conditions some research has shown may be prevented or improved by drinking tea:
Arthritis: Research suggests that older women who are tea drinkers are 60 percent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who do not drink tea.

Bone Density: Drinking tea regularly for years may produce stronger bones. Those who drank tea on a regular basis for 10 or more years had higher-bone mineral density in their spines than those who had not.

Cancer: Green tea extracts were found to inhibit the growth of bladder cancer cells in the lab — while other studies suggest that drinking green tea protects against developing stomach and esophageal cancers.
Sipping on a cup of hot tea may be a safeguard against cancer. Population studies have linked the consumption of tea with a reduction in risk for several types of cancer. Researchers speculate that the polyphenols in tea may inhibit certain mechanisms that promote cancer growth. Both green and black teas have been credited with cancer-inhibiting powers.

Flu: You may be able to boost your fight against the flu with black tea. Your best defense against contracting the flu is to wash your hands often and get vaccinated against the influenza virus. Black tea may further bolster your efforts to stay healthy. In a recent study, people who gargled with a black tea extract solution twice per day showed a higher immunity to flu virus compared to the people who did not gargle with black tea.

Heart Disease: A recent study published in the journal Circulation found that drinking more than two cups of tea a day decreased the risk of death following a heart attack by 44 percent. Even less spirited tea drinkers were rewarded: Consuming just two cups a day decreased the risk of death by almost a third. Tea is a rich source of the flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin, and research shows that high dietry intake of these compounds is associated with a reduced risk of fatal heart attacks. In one study, people who drank about a cup and a half of tea per day were almost 40% less likely to suffer a heart attack compared to tea abstainers.

High Blood Pressure: Tea lovers may be surprised to learn their beverage of choice touts yet another health benefit: blood pressure control. Drinking a half-cup of green or oolong tea per day reduced a person's risk of high blood pressure by almost 50% in a new study. People who drank at least two and a half cups per day reduced their risk even more. Their risk was reduced even if they had risk factors for high blood pressure, such as high sodium intake.

Parkinson's Disease: Tea consumption may be protective against developing this debilitating neurological disorder.

Oral Health: Rinsing with tea may prevent cavities and gum disease.

AN INTRODUCTION TO TEA!

2006-07-12T19:50:00.000-01:00

Tea is an aromatic stimulant, containing various polyphenols, essential oils, and caffeine. The beverage is of the same genus as the important horticultural plant, Camellia, an evergreen prized for its particularly beautiful flowers.

The tea plant itself is Camellia sinensis, a native of Southeast Asia. The tea brewed from the dried leaves of this plant has been drunk in China probably for thousands of years and certainly since the 10th century BC, from which time written records of its use survive. After the introduction of tea in 1657, Britain became the only European country of tea drinkers rather than coffee drinkers.
In recent years, however, coffee has gained in popularity, challenging tea's status. Tea was introduced into North America by early settlers but was heavily taxed by the British, eventually resulting in the well-known Boston Tea Party of 1773. Tea is drunk by about half of the world's population. China, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Japan are the main producers.

Leaf buds and young leaves (the 'tips') are used in making tea, the age of the leaves determining the taste and name of the particular commercial variety. Orange pekoe is made from the youngest leaves and souchong from the fourth leaves. After picking, the leaves either are dried immediately and completely to produce green teas, such as gunpowder, or are partially dried and then allowed to ferment to produce various kinds of black teas, such as orange pekoe and souchong. Oolong tea is partially fired and then steamed, thus being intermediate between green and black teas.

After being sorted on the basis of size, all grades of tea are packed in foil-lined chests to prevent the absorption of odors or the loss of aroma during shipment. Tea is sometimes allowed to absorb the scent from various flowers; jasmine and mango are particular favourites.

BENEFITS OF DRINKING TEA!

2006-07-10T19:47:00.000-01:00

There are many benefits of drinking tea. Tea is an excellent thirst quencher, a good appetizer and aids digestion of food. it also eliminates unnecessary body foods, is excellent for diets and helps against hypertension. it helps to keep fresh breath, is good for the teeth and calms the stomach after drinking alcohol.

IS WHEN YOU EAT IMPORTANT?

2006-07-10T19:03:00.000-01:00

Do you eat by the clock? Skip breakfast or lunch? Avoid snacking as a weight control strategy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, keep reading and learn how to change the timing of your meals and snacks to control not only hunger, but weight.

Many people routinely skip breakfast and lunch due either to time constraints or to a misguided weight-control strategy. Society and weight loss programs have taught us to believe that snacking is bad and should be avoided. Stop listening to others, and listen to YOUR body instead.
Overeating by definition means consuming more calories than our body needs at that point in time. Whenever we overeat, our body stores any extra calories as fat. Fat cells have a seemingly unlimited ability to grow to accommodate more stored calories. The defining factor in the growth of fat cells is the AMOUNT of calories eaten and the REASON they are eaten

TIPS TO BREATHE EASIER!

2006-07-09T20:36:00.000-01:00

If you have any asthma symptoms, don't ignore them or try to treat them yourself! Get a definitive diagnosis from your health care provider. Try these tips to breathe easier:

Learn about asthma and stay up-to-date on new developments in treatment.

Take any medications your doctor prescribes. Don't make any changes to your medication routine until you check with your doctor. Don't use over-the-counter medications unless your doctor recommends them.

Use a peak flow meter to check your lungs every day. You often can detect changes in your lungs with a flow meter before you actually feel your symptoms increasing.

Visit your doctor regularly for lung tests. These tests are painless and provide valuable data that can help your physician make adjustments to your medications.

Create an asthma management plan with your health care provider. A plan helps you take the appropriate action if your asthma symptoms worsen.

Foods to eat for GOOD health!

2006-07-06T12:08:00.000-01:00

An optimum diet containing an abundance of high-nutrient, low stress foods is the basis for good health, energy, and a sense of well-being.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are the seeds of various grasses and are often referred to as "cereals." They have been the mainstay of the human diet for thousands of years, as our body's main source of fuel and energy. While the grains consumed in different societies vary greatly wheat in the United States, rice in the Orient they provide the backbone for all diets. In fact, a meal without grain often feels incomplete and somehow lacking.
Whole grains are almost complete meals within themselves, containing fiber, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins such as B and E complexes, and many minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese. There are three main parts to each kernel of grain: the endosperm, or central core, which is about 80 percent of the entire kernel; the germ, which comprises about 3 percent; and the bran, which encompasses 15 percent of the kernel. Whole grain products contain all three parts of the grain and have a high concentration of nutrients. However, when grain is refined in milling to produce white flour products, the germ and bran are removed, leaving only the endosperm. As a result, most of the essential nutrients of the grain are removed, leaving a devitalized product.

Hot Cereals.
Local health food stores sell a wide range of excellent grain cereals. If you prefer hot cereals, look for cream of rye, cream of buckwheat, whole grain oatmeal, and seven or four grain cereals (without wheat). Choose brands with no added sugar. If there is no health food store near you, most supermarkets will have adequate products and are even beginning to carry bulk cereals in bins. I highly recommend Quaker whole oatmeal (not the quick-cooking refined product). Many of the "natural cereals" from the large companies are highly refined or highly sugared, so read labels carefully.
Cold Cereals.
Cold cereals are also available in a wide variety of grains. In health food stores, look for puffed rice, corn, millet, and unsweetened granola. At supermarkets, look for products labeled "whole grain." Cheerios and All-Bran cereals, among others, are good choices. Avoid cold cereals with added sugar.
moisten your cereal with nondairy milk: soy milk, nut milk, or the excellent new potato based milks. Many of these are fortified with calcium, contain no saturated fat, and are digested relatively easily. Nondairy milk enables you to avoid the negative effect of dairy products on your mood and energy level. (See Chapter 2 for more information on the pitfalls of dairy products.) Some women enjoy eating cold cereals dry or with a small amount of apple juice. For sweeteners, try fructose or maple syrup. They are very concentrated in flavor, so a little goes a long way.
Muffins, Breads, and Crackers.
A wide variety of whole grains can be found in the breads, muffins, and crackers now available in health food stores and supermarkets. There are also simple recipes available if you wish to prepare baked goods, such as oat muffins with extra oat bran, rye muffins, or corn bread. Rice cakes are readily available at health food stores and now increasingly stocked at neighborhood supermarkets. You can also find sprouted wheat and wheat-free bread in health food stores and some supermarkets. Muffins, bread, and crackers can be eaten with applesauce, nut butter, fruit, or preserves. Try to avoid cow's milk butter, which is high in saturated fat.

Pancakes and Waffles.
Besides wheat flour, you can make pancakes with buckwheat, rice flour, or triticale. Concentrated sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey, and applesauce can be used in small amounts. Try to avoid topping pancakes and waffles with excess butter or whipped cream. This changes them from healthful food to unhealthy food laden with fat, sugar, and calories.

Pasta.
Pasta made of buckwheat, rice, corn, or soy is readily available in health food and ethnic food stores. These nonwheat pastas add a wide variety of colors and flavors to the wheat-based white flour pasta found in supermarkets. They are easy to digest for women who have digestive symptoms and bloating with menstruation.

Sprouts.Many people like the nutty, delicious flavor of raw sprouts. Several grains, as well as beans and peas, can be sprouted easily at home with sprouting jars (available at natural food stores). Sprouting softens the grains so that they can be eaten without cooking. High in vitamins and minerals, sprouts can be added to salads, casseroles, and other entrees to boost the nutritional value of these foods.
Cooked grains.
Grains are very easy to cook at home and should be eaten as an integral part of most meals. Rice, millet, and other grains are prepared simply by boiling water, adding grain, and letting them cook over low heat until the water has been absorbed and the grains are light and fluffy in texture. Some women prefer the convenience of a rice steamer, which can prepare grains in larger quantities. Grains store for several days in the refrigerator in a jar or plastic container; they can then be reheated and added to dishes. Rice is best reheated by placing it over a double boiler or in a steamer and cooking it for three to five minutes.
If you have a wheat intolerance, you can still make your own baked goods. Simply use rice flour and enjoy its mild flavor. For more intensely flavored baked goods, experiment with combining milder flavored flour with more intensely flavored ones like rye flour.

Snack or Meal?

2006-06-20T20:08:00.000-01:00

It's 4pm, hours after that wimpy salad you had for lunch, and dinner seems like a land far, far away. You want to be good. You want to finish work, squeeze in a spin class and get home in time to prepare another healthy meal. But you're hungry now, darn it! And there are candy bars and cookies calling your name...

How about a steaming hot bowl of oatmeal? Seriously, it's like fooling your taste buds into thinking you're eating a fresh-baked oatmeal cookie. And pouring hot water into a bowl or mug is way easier than hunting down quarters for the vending machine

HEALTHY SUMMER SNACKS!

2006-06-20T19:37:00.000-01:00

Radishes
Who'd have thought radishes were good for more than brightening up a salad? Radishes are fat and cholesterol free, low in calories, a great source of vitamin C and contain phytochemicals, including coumarins and flavonoids, which may reduce the risk of cancer. Dunk them in a yogurt-dill dip, or low-cal ranch dressing.

Blueberries

Blueberries have no sodium or cholesterol, are low fat and a great source of vitamin C and fiber. And did you know they contain loads of phytochemicals including quercetin, kaempferol, lignins, catechhins, and tannins all thought to reduce the risk of cancer? Eat them fresh by the handful. For a refreshing treat, eat frozen blueberries plain, or pour some into a blender with lemon yogurt, a splash of lemonade and whirl for a sunny smoothie!

Watermelon

This sweet, refreshing fruit snack is not only fun to eat, it is packed with nutrition. Calorie for calorie, it contains more nutrition than any other fruit. It's also a good source of lycopene, an anti-cancer phytonutrient. And since watermelon is 92 percent water, it's great for replacing fluids. Keep chunks of watermelon ready to eat in a plastic container in the fridge.

Avocados
The avocado is really a fruit, though it's often mistaken for a vegetable. It has a higher fat content than other fruits, but it is so nutrient dense, that it's worth every gram. Its fat is mostly monounsaturated, the kind that helps lower blood cholesterol and prevent certain cancers. Use sliced or mashed avocado instead of butter or cream cheese on a bagel, or spread onto whole grain crackers. It's a perfect snack food for baby -- easy to gum and loaded with nutrition.

Iced Green Tea
Green tea contains some of the most potent antioxidants available from nature, and has significant cancer preventative effects. To make iced green tea, boil water then remove the kettle from the heat and allow the water to cool for several minutes. Then, using one tea bag per cup, pour the hot water over the tea and brew for two to three minutes. Dispense into a glass container and refrigerate. To serve, pour over ice. Add a slice of orange or lemon, but skip the sugar.

Burger a la caeser!!

2006-06-05T08:04:00.000-01:00

Firing up the grill this weekend? Combine main course and salad in one succulent entree. Keep it diet friendly by using just a dribble or two of salad dressing.

Ingredients:
1/3 pound lean ground beef
3 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 small clove garlic, finely minced
1 anchovy filet (optional
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup mixed salad greens

Directions:
Form the ground beef into a patty. Grill until medium rare, about 5 minutes per side

Mix the next 6 ingredients (cheese through pepper) in a small bowl. Arrange the salad greens on a plate, top with the burger and drizzle the dressing over the burger and salad.

Enjoy!!!

Allergies!

2006-05-30T17:44:00.000-01:00

What causes allergies? An allergy is when someone's body reacts badly to a food or substance that is harmless to other people.
People can be allergic to lots of different foods for lots of different reasons.Children are more likely to be allergic to things than adults.
Some of the more common foods to be allergic to are nuts, seafood, milk and wheat. People can also be allergic to certain chemicals in foods.

This is me!

2006-05-21T04:29:00.000-01:00

hey, everybody,isn't this beautiful? This is my name plate. i never knew that dahlia has a website to learn more about cultivating it......wow im so stunned! don;t leave without leaving a comment.......

What does good asthma control mean?

2006-05-19T20:46:00.000-01:00

Being able to live life to the full.
An accepted definition of good asthma control includes:Being able to do normal activities without being interrupted by asthma
Not having to take time off work or school due to your asthma
Using your reliever inhaler less than once a day
Being able to sleep through the night without being woken by your asthma
Not needing to visit the hospital or after hours emergency rooms because of your asthma
Peak flow within normal limits.

Seretide inhalers!

2006-05-19T19:58:00.000-01:00

Glaxo Wellcome has received approval from the Medicines Control Agency to market Seretide (fluticasone propionate plus salmeterol xinafoate) in a metered dose inhaler delivery device. Seretide Evohaler is CFC-free and will be available in the following three strengths: Seretide 50 (salmeterol [as xinafoate] 25µg, fluticasone propionate 50µg), Seretide 125 (salmeterol [as xinafoate] 25µg, fluticasone propionate 125µg) and Seretide 250 (salmeterol [as xinafoate] 25µg, fluticasone propionate 250µg). Seretide Evohaler is licensed for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over. Each metered dose inhaler will contain 120 doses. The company says that the product should be available by the end of July. Prices to be confirmed but is generally believed to be about 100-110 dollars.

Many people using Seretide find they feel a positive effect soon after taking it. Clinical studies show that Seretide can help people get back to the things they used to do, and enable some to take on activities they couldn't do before. This might mean fewer days off work and more running, swimming or skiing, or horsing around with the kids.

And for children as young as four, Seretide may mean a more relaxed sleep for the whole family, fewer days away from school, or the ability to play games and sports without fear of an asthma attack. Seretide may allow you to use your blue reliever inhaler less often, although it should be kept handy at all times as a precaution.

The power of potassium!

2006-05-19T19:04:00.000-01:00

Most people aren't aware of the power of potassium, but it's a mineral you should get to know. Potassium plays a role in fluid regulation, muscle contraction, and mineral balance, and is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. Potassium's best-known role is in blood pressure regulation, a function that earned it a health claim by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) stating that "diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke." The claim is valid only for foods that contain at least 350 mg of potassium while also being low in sodium.
SOURCES OF POTASSIUM
Apricot
Artichokes
Bran/bran products
Avocado
Beans, dried
Coffee(limit 2 cups/day)
Banana
Broccoli
Chocolate
Cantalope
Brussel Sprouts
Coconut
Casaba
Celery
Granola
Dates
Escarole
Ice Cream (1cup/day)
Dried fruits
Greens(chard, collard )
Molasses
Figs
Kale
Milk (1 cup/day)
Honeydew
Kohlrabi
Nuts/seeds
Mango
Lentils
Orange flavored pop
Nectarine
Legumes
Salt substitute/lite salt
Orange
Lima Beans
Snuff/chewing tobacco
Papaya
Mushrooms
Tea (2 cups/day
Prunes
Raisins
Potato

I almost died!

2006-05-19T18:35:00.000-01:00

Something disastrous happened yesterday, i almost died. I had a horrible asthma attack triggered by pollen and grass and as usual STRESS...I had to go see a specialist who diagnosed an underlying chest infection so right now im on antibiotics....yuck.
Amazingly, i don't know how to use an inhaler the right way,so i need an inhaler spacer. I also need a new inhaler called seretide inhaler and it costs a ton in Nigeria.
I feel better now but still weak and on compulsory bedrest for 5 days says Dr femi Ogunlusi.

A BANANA A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY!

2006-05-14T14:23:00.000-01:00

Bananas.
Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives

Banana banana!

2006-05-14T13:50:00.000-01:00

Banana, Pisang. Musa acuminata Colla; Musa balbisiana Colla; Musa x paradisiaca L. Family of Musaceae.
Description & storage Long thick-skinned edible fruit that is yellow when ripe. Keep bananas on a fruit dish in the living room at room temperature. If you want the bananas to ripen faster place the bowl in the sun. Like other tropical fruits and tomatoes and bell peppers, never store bananas in the refrigerator. Below 8 degrees Celsius the fruit will decay from the inside. These fruits will not ripen but will turn black in the refrigerator.
Plant Banana-plants can grow up to 15 m. but most plants vary from 3 to 9 m. It has very big leafs that can grow to 4 x 1 m.
Short history Wild forms of the banana plant come originally from the Indo-Malaysian area and are now cultivated all over the tropical and sub-tropical continents.
Use Bananas are delicious eaten with one's fingers after peeling off the skin. Depending on the type of banana unripe bananas are also cooked, fried or deep-fried a lot. Bananas are the basic food in many tropical countries.
Types At this moment there are five different types of bananas common on the market:
Red bananas: have a green/red peel and pink fruit flesh. They taste the same like yellow bananas. The redder a fruit, the more carotene it contains, so maybe they are healthier than their yellow colleagues;
Fruit-bananas: are the normal, yellow bananas, 15-30 cm.
Apple-bananas: are smaller, 8-10 cm., and ripen faster. They are also yellow;
The baby-banana (pisang susa): is yellow as well and measures 6-8 cm. It is the sweetest of the banana family;
Baking bananas: are 30 to 40 cm. large and are green, yellow or red-like. They cannot be eaten raw. They fulfill the role of the potato in the tropical countries.

Strawberry pie

2006-05-14T13:31:00.000-01:00

Pastry for a 9-inch, two-crust pie1/2 cup sugar4 cups sliced strawberries2 tbsp margarine or butter1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare pastry. Mix sugar and flour. Stir in strawberries. Turn into pastry lined pie plate; sprinkle with lemon juice and dot with margarine. Cover with top crust that has slits cut in it; seal and flute.
Cover edge with 2-3 inch strip of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning; remove foil during last 15 minutes of baking.
Bake until crust is brown and juice begins to bubble through slits in crust - 35-45 minutes.

Srawberries....my favourite berries

2006-05-14T12:09:00.000-01:00

Strawberry fragaria ananassa

"Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did." William Butler (1535-1618)
The favoured summer berry for all ages, strawberries are thought to have originally been cultivated in ancient Rome and was commonly found throughout Northern Europe, although species have been found in Russia, Chile and the United States. There are two schools of thoughts as regards its name. The first refers to the manner in which the berries are strewn among the leaves of the plant, hence the name "strewberry" which was later modified to "strawberry". The second theory is more straightforward and relates directly to the straw used to surround the growing plants.
The leaves and fruit of wild alpine strawberries were traditionally used as a medicinal herb to treat digestive and skin disorders, with the juice and seeds being used to remove stains from teeth.

Banana and Berry Creme brulee!

2006-05-14T11:48:00.000-01:00

Banana and Berry Creme Brulee
serves 4

Ingredients:
250ml semi-skimmed milk
2 egg yolks
3 tablespoons caster sugar
1 large banana
100g berries or your choice
Fresh mint, to garnish (optional)

Method:
Preheat oven to 140 degrees celsius
Warm the milk in a saucepan until almost boiling and set aside to cool.
In a separate bowl beat the egg yolks with 1.5 tablespoons of the sugar until the mixture becomes pale.
Slowly beat in small amounts of the warm milk until it is all incorporated. Set the custard mixture aside.
Slice the banana thinly and divide between 4 ramekin dishes, reserving 12 slices for later. Divide the berries in thr same way, reserving 8 for garnish.
Pour the custard mixture over the fruit and place the ramekins in a baking pan. Add water halfway up the sides of the dishes and bake for 1 hour or until the tops are golden. Cool in refridgerator until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, top each ramekin with a few slices of banana and spirnkle lightly with the remaining sugar. Melt the sugar under a hot grill or using a chef's blowtorch.
Garnish with remaining berries and mint and serve immediately.
ideal for breakfast!

Hot tips on eggs!!

2006-05-12T19:06:00.000-01:00

Eggs are some of the simplest foods to get ready. However, as simple as it is to enjoy an egg meal, it is important to know how to treat the egg to ensure you get the best out of your eggs.
Below are some useful tips:
Remove eggs from refrigerator approximately 15-20 minutes before using them.
Check the shells of eggs to determine freshness. Fresh eggs have shells that are rough and chalky. Old eggs have shells that are smooth and have lost its chalky appearance. Or place in cold salt water and if it sinks, it is fresh. If it rises to the surface, it is old and should be discarded.

To make eggs easier to peel, try one of these tips:
As soon as the eggs are done crack the shell and place them in cold water.
Before boiling the eggs, poke one end with a needle.
Add a teaspoon of salt to the water before boiling.
When storing egg yolks, keep them moist by pouring a tablespoon of water over them.
And should you get raw eggs mixed with boiled ones, you can determine which are hard boiled by spinning hard boiled will spin and the raw will wobble.

Berry Berries

2006-05-12T18:52:00.000-01:00

Berries are a delicious and healthy food, packed with vitamins and fiber as well as a lovely sweet taste .when you are tired of eating them fresh try some of these healthy recipes .many of the recipes work well with frozen berries too and are a great way of adding a touch of summer to the dried winter months.

Berries with yoghurt
Ingredients
450g of your favorite mixed berries
550g natural low fat Greek
Style yoghurt
Honey to taste
A handful of rolled oats
Method
.wash the fruit and remove any stalks. If using larger fruit e.g. strawberries, chop them into smaller pieces
Place the Greek yoghurts into a bowl and stir in a few teaspoons of honey according to taste.
.layer the fruit and honeyed yoghurt into individual tall glasses finishing with a spoonful of yoghurt and a sprinkling of rolled oats on top

Health benefits of Berries!

2006-05-12T18:41:00.000-01:00

It is generally acceptable that people who consume a diet high in fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of developing heart diseases or cancer.
Berries contain high levels of compounds which are thought to be protective against disease they fit in well with the requirements of a healthy diet because they have a low fat content, low level of sodium and are high in vitamins, minerals, and various phenol compounds .Berries contain some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit.
There are different types of berries;
Raspberry
Artic bramble
Black raspberry
Bramble or blackberry
Cloudberry
Blue berry

Shrimp Creole with rice!

2006-05-11T19:19:00.000-01:00

½ chopped celery
½ chopped green pepper
½ cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can stew tomato
½ cup flour
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 package shrimp

Directions
Combine celery, green pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil.
Cook till vegetables are tender.
Blend some tomatoes with flour.
Add tomatoes with remaining juice, flour mixture and cayenne pepper to vegetable.
Cook till thickened like 7-8 minutes.
Rinse shrimps in water, stir into sauce.Cook till shrimp is opaque and serve over hot rice

healthy recipes!

2006-05-11T19:06:00.000-01:00

Shrimp in buttery sauce!
¼ cup butter
¼ cup white wine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon parsley flakes
1 pound fresh or defrosted shrimp

Directions
Melt butter in about 30-60 seconds
Blend in all ingredients except shrimp.
Add shrimp and coat with sauce.
Cook till shrimps are opaque, stirring after half the cooking time.
Serve with rice

sea food!

2006-05-06T11:48:00.000-01:00

They are commonly recognised as important sources of nutrients for human health.They contain a large portion of protein,liquid and bioactive components.it is a valuable body-building food.In addition,fish is high in vitamins and mineral matter especially calcium which is present in the bones of all fish.seafoods are also rich in iodine and fish contain poly-unsaturated oils that are good for the body.Freshness makes a major contribution to the quality of seafoods.When buying seafood,make sure they are absolutely fresh,preferably buy them alive.Fresh shrimps and crayfish should be gray in colour,not pink.

slim down tricks 3!

2006-05-03T13:19:00.000-01:00

3.START WALKING!
Lose the car and get on your feet.walk short distances every day.Instead of driving a car,ride a bike.This is not a work out but a time to enjoy the scenery while toning down those muscles.

slim down tricks! 2

2006-04-26T20:52:00.000-01:00

2.Turn off the radio
most restaurants play fast music with vigorous tempos to ensure that customers eat more.It is a psychological thing that happens so to ensure that you eat less,make sure you eat with the radio off and you will definitely eat less!

slim down tricks!

2006-04-26T01:32:00.000-01:00

There are different ways of slimming down without an intense workout.
1.GET A GOOD NIGHTS REST:According to a study from Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Stanford University, the less you snooze, the less leptin your body is likely to produce. What's that got to do with shedding pounds? Leptin helps promote weight loss in two ways: It discourages you from eating (by sending the message Hey, stop munching — you're full! to your stomach), and it rouses you to expend energy. More evidence that sleep deprivation interferes with dropping pounds: The hormone ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, is higher in people who don't get enough zzz's.

Types of asthma!

2006-04-26T01:06:00.000-01:00

Although clear patterns do exist, the specific causes of asthma are far from straightforward. Until recently, the condition was divided into two clearly defined types of asthma: extrinsic (allergic) asthma and (non-allergic) intrinsic asthma. Today, asthma is divided into a number of different types: allergic, non-allergic/intrinsic, exercise-induced, nocturnal, occupational and steroid-resistant asthma
Allergic asthma
Ninety percent of all asthma sufferers have allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is triggered by allergens — substances capable of causing an allergic reaction.
Causes of allergic asthma: At the top of the list are specific allergens, such as pet dander, pollen and dust mites. People suffering specific allergen-induced asthma are usually very aware of the offending allergen and try to avoid it.
Pollutants, wood dust, smoke, irritants, chemicals, viral infections, bacteria, stress, emotion and exercise are other frequently diagnosed causes.

What we eat!

2006-04-21T22:39:00.000-01:00

What we eat defines who we are.most people believe that healthy food is meant for only people on weight loss programs and they do not realize that everybody should watch what they eat and ensure that they eat well to always enjoy good health.what we put into our bodies show on our outward appearance so we need to start eating healthy to prevent ill health.

Asthma

2006-04-21T22:03:00.000-01:00

Asthma is a disease of the human respiratory system in which the airways narrow, often in response to a "trigger" such as exposure to an allergen, cold air, exercise, or emotional stress. This narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which are the hallmarks of asthma. Galen wrote that asthma was caused by partial or complete bronchial obstruction. Moses Maimonides, an influential medieval rabbi, philosopher, and physician, wrote a treatise on asthma, describing its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.[3] In the 17th century, Bernardino Ramazzini noted a connection between asthma and organic dust. The use of bronchodilators started in 1901, but it was not until the 1960s that the inflammatory component of asthma was recognized, and anti-inflammatory medications were added to the regimen.

Healthy foods that are not soo healthy!

2006-04-21T19:14:00.000-01:00

We are all decieved most of the time by thinking some foods are healthy. The mere mention of low fat, fat free, and diet everybody rushes there thinking that they are eating their way to good health and weight loss, but, these items are packed with ingredients that do the exact opposite and watch the pounds pile on.

weight watching!

2006-04-20T18:30:00.000-01:00

this is d site where u can get all d latest gist,gossip on your weight and other health matters.