# Doc's Fitness Tip's, With Tit's

Jog Away Those Winter Calories !!

2019-02-21T15:29:00.000-08:00

So you want to run, to get fit

Maybe you, or someone you know wants to take up running as a means of fitness. First and most important thing to consider is shoes. So if you're confused about running shoes you're not alone. When considering your shoes you'll want to consider just where you'll be doing most of your running. Either on hard, or trail surfaces. Today, let's help you understand running shoe technology, and picking the right shoe for you. So let's assume you run on down to your local running shoe store, and see that wall of running shoes, your vision blurs, your head pounds. You ask yourself: "What do I need to run comfortably, and stay injury free?"

The "wall" has shoes with all sorts of technical features. Each seems to outdo the other with patented claims for stability, cushioning, maybe weight loss, better memory, and whatever this motion control stuff is. Then there's this year's model, and left over shoes from last year. What's a neophyte runner to do? If you're lucky, your first in store experience will be with a knowledgeable sales person who kind of looks like a runner. If they have any idea what they are doing they will quiz you with some basic questions like, what type of activity is this shoe for, what distance do you run? Are you flat foot, high arch, neutral? The first question out of 99% of every new runners mouth is "What is the best shoe?" Well, the answer is, there is only the best running shoe for you. Every runner is unique in how much they train, the surface, and their running style, that there is no "perfect" running shoe. Hopefully in the interview process your salesperson will, at the very least measure (while standing) the length and width of both of your feet. The more testing they do to access the strike pattern of your foot the better fit you will have.

The best running shoe for you depends entirely on the shape of your foot, how you run, where you run, and the amount of running you do. Running shoes are designed to protect your feet from the road, provide traction, on different surfaces, cushion the landing shock, and support your feet. Not too much to ask, or is it? Now if you experiment, you're not alone. Picking the right shoes for running is more of an art than a science. Like I said before, as you progress into running, your mileage, and running surfaces may change. Many runners experiment with different brands, and models until they find just the right fit, feel and functionality. Running shoes are designed to handle the shock of 2.5 times your body weight that is created by the impact each time your foot strikes the ground. When you're running, you want to have excellent cushioning in both the heel and forefoot to handle this impact. If you plan on running three times a week or more, get professionally fit to a "real" running shoe, in a specialty shop.

Yes, they are more expensive, but you are paying for expertise, and service. Most real running shoe specialty stores are all business these days. Most have tread mills with cameras, and t.v. monitors that can precisely image your foot plant. Quality running shoes provide the best protection for your feet, legs, and body from the repeated stress of thousands of foot landings per mile. Running's repeated impact is different from other sports. Quality custom fit running shoes have built-in features that enable you to run day after day more comfortably and with less chance of over-use injury, and if you've never been taught how to lace your shoes correctly, now is the time to ask.

First you need to know what type of foot you have. Yeah, it's a stinky job, but somebody's gotta look at your feet. So when you hit the shoe store do it with a clean feet and socks. Feet, just like people come in all sizes shapes and designs. Is your foot a wide forefoot and flat arch? Or, do you have a sleek high-arched foot? Simply wet your foot sometime and take a few steps across your patio. The foot prints you leave will give you a good idea of the type of foot you have and shoe you need. Keep in mind now your arch is your shock absorber, and people with flatter feet will experience more joint and back problems with running if they are not fitted with proper footwear. So feet can easily be divided into three categories; Low, High, and Neutral arches:

Stand up lightly wet the bottom of your feet and step on your sidewalk or dry outdoor patio, and put weight evenly on both feet. Look at your arches. Does your arch almost touch the floor? Does your foot or ankle roll in? People with low arches tend to have stability issues like over pronation.Is your arch really high? Can you almost fit a golf ball under your instep? ( The high-arched foot usually has the opposite problem. That means your foot rolls to the outside or "supinates" Lucky you, you're somewhere in the middle. Ok you've got lucky genes. The neutral foot is the easiest to fit and assuming you have no other structural issues you can run efficiently and comfortably with a lot of shoe designs. If you spend some time you'll find a these days most specialty shoe stores care more about your feet than selling shoes. They have to competition is stiff. They will use all their tools to observe your foot plant while running, and get a good idea of how to accommodate your movement with your shoe. Now look at the bottom of your current shoes. Are they worn on the outside of the shoe? Then you are a supinator.
Supinators do not need a stability shoe.

Or if the middle section of the forefoot is worn the most, congratulations again. You are most likely a neutral runner who needs little or no stability features. Maybe a small medial post would be is helpful, maybe not. Or is the inside forefoot is worn out most , (blue circled areas) You are most likely over-pronating. Your foot is rolling in on toe-off and creating excess torque on your ankle all the way up to your hip.You're not stable. You need a stability shoe.
Running shoes come with a range of stability features, from a modest level in cushioning shoes to mid level "stability shoes" to the most stable "motion control" shoes. All stability features are designed to control the excess movement of the foot during the landing cycle. Now I'm told a common problem among runners is buying more stability than is needed for their training. This makes for heavier, less flexible shoes, and a less comfortable ride. Here are some of the features that add stability to running shoes. The heel counter (the internal piece of the shoe's upper that wraps around your heel) should be well formed and fit snugly around your heel. It centers your heel in the shoe and prevents excessive movement. Supportive upper patterns can add significant stability. Look for patterns that make your arch feel snug and fully wrap your foot.

Midsoles are no longer flat in running shoes, they have a cupped base that adds support from the counter all the way down to the flex point. Make sure the contour does not go so far as to prohibit good flexibility. The most obvious stability feature is a harder density "medial post" positioned on the medial, inside of the shoe's midsole. You can easily see the post as most manufacturers make it a contrasting color. This harder foam takes more pressure to compress and slows down the pronation motion. Make sure this medial post is not too hard. Medial posts can be many sizes. For the best stability they should start at the middle of the heel and extend to the flex point. Look at the shoe's outsole. Does it have a curve to it, or is it straight from heel to toe. Straight lasts are not for everyone. Make sure to run in any straight lasted stability shoe before you buy it. Heel board lasted or combination lasted refers to the board that is put into the heel. It is actually cardboard. To find out simply lift up the sockliner and look for a board. Beware of stability shoes that have overly hard medial posts. Sometimes shoe designs go too far towards stopping pronation and end up being too hard. Try not to compromise cushioning in you shoe choice unless you are a serious pronator. Then, they recommend a custom orthotic that controls the pronation with a stability shoe that retains its cushioning properties.

Most shoes, even lightweight trainers, have built in a number of features that you could label as "stability technology", even on lightweight trainers. Today's lightweight shoes have better stability features than many of the stability shoes of 20 years ago. Most good shoes on the market have incorporated effective heel counters, contoured foot beds and dual density "medial post" stabilizers. For most runners that train in the 15 to 50 miles a week range and have no serious bio-mechanical issues, most basic stability features work just fine. Giving up heavier materials you have to understand you are giving up a lot in durability. Don't try to make you shoes last more than 9-12mo. max. Your joints and back will remind you not to do that. Find something that works and stick with it. With running shoes, more is not always better. Remember it doesn't matter where you start , it matters where you end up. Don't get discouraged and don't quit. You'll be happier, I promise. Good Luck...

Doc's Fitness Tip's Publishes Weekly. (mostly)

For your entertainment and education, "Flex-Appeal" Personal Training Service, publishes Doc's Fitness Tip's Located In Dana Point, California. We also serve the communities of, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, and MissionViejo,Ca. We specialize in body sculpting, and adventure sport; balance, core, and endurance training.

Flex-Appeal is currently offering, for new customers, a 2 for 1 personal training special that allows you to get personally trained, and bring a friend for FREE!

Get off your butt, this offer will end soon!
Call - (949) 443-0133 for details of a premier personal trainer experience in Orange County, California:

Doc Masters

Sweet As Honey !!

2019-01-31T12:04:00.000-08:00

Truth is, few foods in the word can rival honey

I thought we would start off the February the "Love" month, with one of my favorite super-food powerhouses, honey. As an all natural food, and health aid, the product of that relentless little bee, that everyone is so dreadfully afraid of, results in one of the worlds true super-foods, honey. A food that never spoils.

I know that many of my friends and a lot of my readers are sick with colds, and flu. Honey is antibacterial, antiviral, and will keep your immune system strong. It's been used on cuts, and burns for thousands of years. Honey will promote healing, and deter scarring. Honey is also an age old beauty product that will keep you skin and hair looking young and beautiful. These days people are turning to alternative medicines for treatment of diseases despite the modern advances in synthetic drugs. We are finally looking to nature for safe, healthy, time tested remedies. Honey is one of nature's purest foods for promoting general health. There are so many health benefits to honey, it truly is one of nature's super foods.

Let's see first off you might be surprised to learn that it's a natural antimicrobial, and antioxidant. Now I think it's kinda funny that most people go to the drug store for cough, cold and flu remedies, seeking a product that often has honey, and lemon as the main ingredients, when a glass of warm water with raw honey, and fresh lemon juice is far more effective. Raw honey contains the anti-oxidants we need in our daily diets to mop up those free radicals which are so harmful to our health. In fact honey contains far more anti-oxidants than some fruits and vegetables. However the combination of the two is an excellent way to stay healthy. Raw honey also has the enzymes that boost the immune system. In terms of antioxidants, darker is better when it comes to honey. Processed honey ( in the little bear) is heated and filtered, robbing it of all natural nutrients. Only buy raw unfiltered honey. You can still fill your little bear squeeze bottle with it.

Honey has also been used throughout the ages as an all natural beauty product. Honey is a powerful booster to the immune system. Raw honey contains 27 minerals, 22 amino acids and 5,000 live enzymes. It keeps you healthy by fighting disease and boosting the digestive system. One daily spoonful in your tea or spread on your toast or cereal is all that is needed to reap these benefits. Honey is also great for cuts and wounds. Honey has been used to treat wounds for thousands of years. The antiseptic properties of honey will clean wounds and inhibit bacterial growth. Its natural antibiotic and antibacterial properties aid in treating cuts and burns. It promotes healing, reduces swelling, and prevents infections. Unlike refined sugar, honey contains vitamins, and minerals. Refined sugars are void of vitamins, and minerals. The body must utilize it's store of valuable nutrients to digest refined sugar.

This process depletes the supply of minerals essential to dissolve cholesterol, and fats. Honey helps metabolize cholesterol, and fatty acid preventing obesity. In fact you can make a simple diet drink by adding honey, and lemon to a glass of water. Cleopatra, queen of Egypt was no stranger to the skin enhancing properties of honey. She regularly took milk and honey baths to maintain her youthful appearance. In fact she supposedly is the most beautiful woman who ever lived. Honey as a natural beauty product has unlimited possibilities. It can be used as a facial mask, hair conditioner, skin moisturizer, and more. If you read the labels of most commercial skin care products the almost all contain honey, and coconut. Honey has natural humectants, with the ability to replenish the moisture level in skin without adding oil. Honey is a popular anti aging skin care ingredient in many commercial moisturizers. Using honey as a facial mask will exfoliate, clarify, and unclog pores.

Honey is a wonderful deep conditioning treatment for dry hair. Smooth honey through your hair from root to tip, once a month. Be sure to rinse it out completely. Your hair will be soft, and full of shine. Eating honey can be a fun, erotic experience. You see it really doesn't matter how you get your honey, in your food, tea, or off your lover.

You can't go wrong. The best way to buy honey is locally from a beekeeper or a local farmer's market. This is likely raw honey. Raw unrefined honey can prevent hay fever-type symptoms, because of the pollen spores it contains. It actually de-sensitizes you. Only spend your money on the best, organic honey. The bees are not subjected to any form of pollution. Always read the labels on the jar, nothing added, nothing blended, just pure honey is what you should look for and buy.

Honey use is widespread in hospitals around the world for wound care. Modern hospitals today use "Honey Dressings" called Medi-Honey. These are applied to all kinds of skin infections such as bedsores, burns, and even babies ass rash with spectacular results. In fact honey heals these infections faster than any chemical medications. Even after major operations honey is the preferred dressing in today’s hospitals. Apart from being sweet, aromatic, and tasting nice, honey cures ailments with its ability to eat away, and destroy bad bacteria (stomach ulcers are caused by these bacteria) without destroying the good bacteria we need in our digestive systems and on our skin, to promote healing.

Can you think of a more versatile food source than good ole pure honey? Honey can be used in cooking and baking, can be mixed with fruits to naturally sweeten a delicious smoothie. It will calm a nasty cough so you can sleep. It can be used as a beauty product for the skin, and is an amazing natural medicine just to name a few of its benefits. Now, Don't give your baby any honey before he/she's a year old, even if it's to treat a cough. This is because honey can, very occasionally, contain a spore of a bacterium called clostridium botulinum. This can cause a rare form of food poisoning (botulism) in babies.

So thank the honey bees, the only insects that produce food, for human consumption. New Year's resolution, dump the refined sugar, and artificial sweeteners this new year, and add some raw honey to your diet. You'll be healthier I promise. Happy New Year, & Good Luck...

If you are sick get well soon, hope the honey helps, try it in a...

Hot Toddy:

1 teaspoon honey
2 fluid ounces boiling water
1 1/2 fluid ounces whiskey
3 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 slice lemon
1 pinch nutmeg

Pour the honey, boiling water, and whiskey into a mug. Spice it with the cloves and cinnamon, and put in the slice of lemon. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes so the flavors can mingle, then sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg and serve with a good book...

Doc's Fitness Tip's Publishes Weekly. (mostly)

Flex-Appeal is currently offering, for new customers, a 2 for 1 personal training special that allows you to get personally trained, and bring a friend for FREE!

Get off your butt, this offer will end soon!
Call - (949) 443-0133 for details of a premier personal trainer experience in Orange County, California:

Doc Masters

Special thanks to Heaven 666.org for some content.

Take A Hike !!

2019-01-12T21:46:00.001-08:00

Anytime, is the best time to take a hike

Here in California the crisp air, and winter colors and lack of tourists just bring out the hiker, adventurer in me. It's so popular around here the local junior college has a class in it. Sightseeing, teaching technique, and utilizing the many state, and national park trails.

Hiking can be a great workout, and a relaxing "head clearing", and bonding experience. It also reminds me that fitness isn't only achieved in the gym. Recreational activities can also lend greatly to ones overall fitness. Now me, I've always hiked with a walking stick as it helps me with uphill as well as downhill walking, also it provides a little protection, in case you surprise a predator. More and more I've noticed hikers on the trails with what looked like, ski poles. I asked a few questions, and also did some research for you. Now the folks I encountered had only just bought their poles, and were just trying them out so they didn't have a lot of feed back. So this is what I found out on the web. Researchers from the UK took 26 men and 11 women who were physically active to the highest peak in England and Wales for a day hike. The study appears in the January issue of the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. About half the study participants used trekking poles on the ascents and descents, while the rest used no poles and acted as a control group. Otherwise, the groups were similar they hiked together, so times were comparable. Everyone also carried a day pack and ate the same food. Average heart rates for the two groups on the ascents and descents were about equal.

The differences showed up for "Rates of Perceived Exertion", a measure of how hard people think they're working, based on monitoring functions such as heart rate, perspiration and breathing. Those with the trekking poles had significantly lower RPE than the control group on parts of the ascents, while there were no differences in RPE on the descents. Those with poles had less muscle soreness than those in the control group. The pole group also showed a reduced loss of strength and a speedier recovery right after hiking, as well as one and two days afterward, compared with the control group. In the study the authors speculated that the lower RPE scores in the trekking pole group may be chalked up to the fact that the poles provided more stability and less load on the lower limbs during the ascents. Less muscle soreness might be attributed to the poles redistributing the load on the lower limbs to the upper body.

The "Pro" Side: Advantages of Trekking Poles

So obviously, poles reduce the impact of hiking on knee joints and leg muscles. Arm and shoulder muscles support and relieve the leg muscles. With the basic "hands above the heart" position necessitated by the poles, circulation is improved and heart rate is reduced. The "rhythm" created by walking with poles leads to relaxed, more regular breathing and increased stamina. A landmark study published by Dr. G. Neureuther in 1981 proved that use of "ski poles" while walking reduces the pressure strain on the opposite leg by approximately 20%. Furthermore, while walking on level ground, poles reduce the body weight carried by the legs by approximately 5 kg every step. Move to an incline, and that reduction increases to 8 kg. This translates into tons of weight yes, tons for even a two hour hike. Jacquie Hunt, editor of a popular hiking newsletter, weighs in with additional health benefits: "An advantage that I found once I started using poles is that my hands no longer swell up when it is hot. Keeping your arms moving so the blood doesn't pool in the hands is a lot safer than keeping hands high on pack straps and risking a smashed face if you trip. "Finally, poles help many people with balance issues. We all have different comfort levels when balancing along trails, crossing streams, etc.; for some hikers, trekking poles are worth their weight in gold. They can certainly aid when crossing soft ground, and can be indispensable for tasks like stream crossings.

The "Con" Side: Problems with Trekking Poles

First, using poles increases your total energy expenditure. Your arms were not designed to prop up your body, nor to distribute weight. Even Peter Clinch, whose "Pete's Pole Page" is long recognized as an on-line authority, says, "If you have tired legs and knees then poles can be a winner, but if you have a tired body, with your cardiovascular system at its limits, then poles may be more of a hindrance than a help." Those "tons of weight" that poles save the knees aren't carried up the hill by themselves. Many hikers with good legs are unaware that they actually may run out of gas more quickly by using poles. Not only do poles make hands and arms do what they aren't designed to do, they prevent your hands from being hands. Try to open the map, check the GPS, eat a snack, wipe your brow, grab a rock, snap a photo, or read a compass... all of that becomes more clumsy and time consuming with poles in hand. Without proper technique, poles are simply in the way.

So, hiking or trekking poles can be useful tools for backpacking and hiking. However, while many outdoor enthusiasts swear by them, other avid hikers prefer trekking without them. Take a look at some of the advantages of hiking poles to decide if they could benefit your next backpacking or hiking trip. Poles help reduce the weight on feet and legs because they act like additional appendages, distributing weight among the four "legs." While walking on level ground, poles reduce the body weight carried by legs by approximately 11 pounds. The reduction increases to about 18 pounds when you move to an incline. Hiking poles help maintain your

balance and prevent falls when you lose your footing, and they can be beneficial in crossing soft ground, rivers and streams, and other difficult terrain. Poles can also be used to clear away brush, spider webs and other obstacles, and they're useful in probing snow or ice to see if it's safe to cross. Certain types of trekking poles can double as tent poles, or you can use them to support tarps and other types of shelters. In fact, many tents are designed to use hiking poles, which lightens your load and leaves more room in your backpack for other supplies. So like anything else that requires unfamiliar equipment get some qualified instruction.

Myself I have the homemade single pole piece of tree type. It's what works best for me. It doesn't matter which you choose, or where you choose, just get out in nature, and take a hike. You can even hike naked if you like, not kidding I found many naturalist hiking organizations on the web while researching this article. I've done it myself at seven falls in Tucson,Arizona, and it was a very exhilarating experience. Now, I shouldn't have to say this but, always leave word with a responsible person, mapping out your day when heading out on the trail, and don't forget plenty of water and always pick up a little trash on your way. So what do you say, get out and take a hike, poles no poles, cloths no cloths. The great outdoors awaits you. You absolutely never know what you'll find, around the next tree. Good Luck...

Doc's Fitness Tip's Publishes Weekly. (mostly)

For your entertainment and education, "Flex-Appeal" Personal Training Service, publishes Doc's Fitness Tip's Located In Dana Point, California. We also serve the communities of, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, and MissionViejo,Ca. We specialize in body sculpting, and adventure sport; balance, core, and endurance training.

Flex-Appeal is currently offering, for new customers, a 2 for 1 personal training special that allows you to get personally trained, and bring a friend for FREE!

Get off your butt, this offer will end soon!
Call - (949) 443-0133 for details of a premier personal trainer experience in Orange County, California:
Contact us at, docsactivex@yahoo.co
or (949) 443-0133 M-F 9am-4pm

Thanks,
Doc Masters

Happy New Year !!

2019-01-01T12:55:00.002-08:00

Merry Xmas !!

2018-12-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving !!

2018-11-22T20:43:00.001-08:00

Time To Pop Your Cherries !!

2018-11-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

Cherry Fairy Says, "Cherries aren't a fruit they're a prize"...

A friend recently reacquainted me with some better places to eat cherries and whip cream other than just on food, and once again I'm a firm believer that, there isn't any treat worth having that doesn't have a cherry on top! Cherries contain single stony seed, like plums and prunes. People have been using cherry fruits as a decoration, ever since the first bakery opened it's doors.

Cherries also seem to have a very erotic quality. You'll never forget the girls who can tie a cherry stem in a knot with their tongue, will you! Now the native range of the wild cherry extends through most of Europe, western Asia and parts of northern Africa, and the fruit has been consumed throughout it's range since prehistoric times.

A cultivated cherry is recorded as having been brought to Rome by Lucius Licinius Lucullus from northeastern Anatolia, modern day Turkey, also known as the Pontus region, in 72 BC.. Bing Cherries were First Cultivated in State of Oregon in the early 1870's, and quickly became the top ranking of all north american cherry varieties to date. This delicious, bite-size fruit is much more than a whip-cream topping. While rich in vitamins, cherries also contain melatonin a naturally occurring hormone. Produced by the pinealocyte within the penial gland, melatonin plays a major role in regulating a persons biological clock. Cherries are one of the richest sources of anthocyanins, and of over 150 flavonoids found in plants, anthocyanins have the greatest antioxidant capacity.
Scientists have concluded many successful studies with melatonin on treatments of cancer, migraines, cluster headaches, mood disorders, fertility, ADHD, autism, bi-polar disorder, insomnia, and preventing memory loss in alzheimer's patients just to name a few.

One cup of cherries contains 27mg of melatonin, an antioxidant which guards against the breakdown of collagen. This results in a slower rate of wrinkle formation and fine lines within the skin. Cherries are also rich in vitamin A (beta carotene) and provide 88 IU's per serving. Vitamin A has been known to increase collagen production and can help soften facial lines. Cherries have 19 times the amount of beta carotene than blueberries and strawberries. Well this little powerthouse can even help prevent and fight cancer. They also contain queritrin which is a potent anticancer agent, and they contain ellagic acid, which some experts now believe is one of the most useful compounds for cancer prevention. Cherries also are a rich source of healthy antioxidants, helping to repair free-radical cells in the body. Another compound found in cherries is perillyl alcohol (POH), which is very effective in reducing the occurrence of all types of cancer. It stops the spread of cancerous cells by depriving them of the crucial proteins they require in order to grow. Researchers at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have found that Bing cherries, consumed consistently over time, may help defend the body against inflammation tied to arthritis and heart disease.

At the Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, California, their research published in the Journal of Nutrition, showed healthy volunteers consumed about 45 Bing cherries each day for 28 days. Then blood samples revealed that levels of nitric oxide and C reactive protein dropped by 18-25 percent. Why should you care? Nitric oxide and C reactive protein are two of several indicators which measure inflammation in the body. According to the researchers, the cherries contain natural properties which help suppress some of the compounds linked to inflammation. This is their second study, corroborating such findings in humans. Sometimes those headaches seem to be never ending, but new research from Michigan State University
suggests eating cherries can be just as effective as aspirin. In fact, eating just 20 cherries can be 10 times more effective than taking aspirin. Anthocyanins present within the fruit deconstruct enzymes which cause inflammation and relieve pain associated with headaches at a more rapid rate. Potassium removes excess sodium within the bloodstream and calms the blood-vessel walls. It is not a surprise that cherries loaded with 306 mg of potassium per serving can have a positive impact on blood pressure.

Sweet cherries are a great source of potassium, which is important for maintaining normal blood pressure, and contain a number of potent anti-cancer agents
Tart cherries have been shown to improve athletic performance, endurance and recovery, reducing post-exercise pain and inflammation. Tart cherries also help relieve and prevent arthritis and gout.

Recent studies suggest blood pressure can be lowered by 25% when eating this potassium rich fruit. When you are looking for something to rid yourselves of belly fat, remember cherries are rich in pectin, a fiber which converts to a slow-digesting gel in your stomach, blocks fat storage and increases fullness by up to 32%. New research suggests increasing pectin-rich foods in our diets may enhance weight loss by up to 38%. One cup of cherries provides about 2.7g of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for intestinal health and helps to prevent constipation. Fiber also helps to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Your body can't digest fiber, you absorb fewer calories when you eat it.

Eating cherries or drinking cherry juice after a workout can speed up your recovery, according to a study conducted at Northumbria University in England, reports ScienceDaily. In the study, athletes who drank Montmorency cherry juice, recovered more quickly after running a marathon than participants who took a placebo. Throughout the 48 hours following the marathon, athletes in the cherry juice group suffered less inflammation and oxidative stress, which is a potentially harmful side effect of long-distance running and
strenuous physical activity in general. The deep red color of the cherries was our first heads-up that the fruit is special, and now science is taking that a step farther, and finding thru research a link between food, and medicine. Now it isn't all about health 24/7 so don't forget all the great deserts that are made with cherries. Like pies, tarts, cheesecake and girls! If you can't get fresh cherries where you live, try dried cherries, they're like raisins. For a change of pace, swap dried cherries for your usual after-workout energy bar. A 1⁄2-cup serving of dried cherries has 200 calories and about 49 grams of carbohydrates, about the same as an energy bar. Remember tart cherries are pumped full of melatonin, which can positively impact sleep patterns, and who doesn't want to sleep better. If you eat enough (about a handful) you may sleep better. Good Luck...

Doc's Fitness Tip's Publishes Weekly. (mostly)

For your entertainment and education, "Flex-Appeal" Personal Training Service, publishes Doc's Fitness Tip's Located In Dana Point, California. We also serve the communities of, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, and MissionViejo,Ca. We specialize in body sculpting, and adventure sport balance, core, and endurance training.

Flex-Appeal is currently offering, for new customers, a 2 for 1 personal training special that allows you to get personally trained, and bring a friend for FREE!

Get off your butt, this offer will end soon!
Call - (949) 443-0133 for details of Orange County's premier personal trainer experience!

For the best Personal Fitness Training in Orange County, California:
Contact us at, docsactivex@yahoo.com
or (949) 443-0133 M-F 9am-4pm

Thanks,
Doc Masters

Happy Halloween !!

2018-10-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

Through the ages, various supernatural entities , including fairies and witches came to be associated with Halloween, and more than a century ago in Ireland, the event was said to be a time when spirits of the dead could return to their old haunting grounds.Though few people realize it as they're slapping creepy holiday address labels onto their scary party invitations and carving jack-o'-lanterns to look like bats or witches, the Halloween we celebrate today is a curious combination of the old and the new.

Its roots are ancient, beginning with traditions celebrated by the pre-Christian Celts who once inhabited the British Isles. Halloween, also known as All Hallows' Eve, can be traced back about 2,000 years to a pre-Christian Celtic festival held around Nov. 1 called Samhain (pronounced "sah-win"), which means "summer's end" in Gaelic, according to the Indo-European Etymological Dictionaries. Because ancient records are sparse and fragmentary, the exact nature of Samhain is not fully understood, but it was an annual communal meeting at the end of the harvest year, a time to gather resources for the winter months and bring animals back from the pastures. Samhain is also thought to have been a time of communing with the dead, according to folklorist John Santino. Back then, it mostly involved eating a lot, cleaning the household, extinguishing the hearth fires and restarting them in a gesture of renewal, commemorating those who had passed away during the year, and dancing around a communal bonfire.

Many Wiccan groups still practice these types of celebration rituals today during Samhain festivals. Some evangelical Christians have expressed concern that Halloween is somehow satanic because of its roots in pagan ritual. However, ancient Celts did not worship anything resembling the Christian devil and had no concept of it. While many Wiccans do refer to themselves as "witches", they do NOT worship the Devil or any other evil deity for that matter. The vast majority of Wiccan practices can be characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings which they derive from nature oriented practices derived from pre-Christian religions.

The history of Halloween we know today is actually a Christian creation. It all started in the 800s, when the Catholic Church merged two existing Roman festivals called Feralia and Pomona's Day with Samhain, in a successful attempt to replace all three. Pomona's Day was originally a harvest festival in honor of the Roman goddess of fruits and trees and Feralia was a day for mourning and remembering the dead.

Christians began celebrating All Saints Day on November 1, with observances beginning at sunset the night before. Among other things, people dressed in costumes as Christian saints to scare away evil spirits, and then went door-to-door, begging for food. Sound familiar? Later on All Soul's Day (a holiday commemorating the dead who were not saints) was added to the mix on November 2. Celebrants took to going from house to house asking for little soul cakes (currant buns) in exchange for praying for the souls of a household's dead. By 1500 AD, All Saints and All Soul's Days had evolved into Hallow Time (October 31-November 2), with most of the celebrations occurring the night before All Hallows Day on All Hallows Eve.

It wasn't long before "All Hallows Eve" evolved into "Hallowe'en." So every October, carved pumpkins peer out from porches and doorsteps in the United States and other parts of the world.Gourd-like orange fruits inscribed with ghoulish faces and illuminated by candles are a sure sign of the Halloween season. The practice of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns” the name comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack.

The Legend of “Stingy Jack”

According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn’t want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree’s bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years. Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out pumpkin and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as “Jack of the Lantern,” and then, simply “Jack O’Lantern.” In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack’s lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o’lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack-o’-lanterns.

Tricks and games

These days, the "trick" part of the phrase "trick or treat" is mostly an empty threat, but pranks have long been a part of the holiday. By the late 1800s, the tradition of playing tricks was well established.

In the United States and Canada, the pranks included tipping over outhouses, opening farmers' gates and egging houses. But by the 1920s and '30s, the celebrations more closely resembled an unruly block party, and the acts of vandalism got more serious. Some people believe that because pranking was starting to get dangerous and out of hand, parents and town leaders began to encourage dressing up and trick-or-treating as a safe alternative to doing pranks. People began dressing up as ghosts or gouls. It became fashionable, as the holiday became more widespread and more commercialized and with the arrival of mass-manufactured costumes, the selection of disguises for kids and adults greatly expanded beyond monsters to include everything from superheroes to princesses to crooked politicians, and witches...

It's All About Pumpkins This Month !!

2018-10-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

It's Fall and so our lives are consumed with the color orange

The images of Halloween Jack-O Lanterns are everywhere, but what about pumpkins are they really healthy? Well, if they weren't you could bet I wouldn't be writing this article! Let's see, how about some history. Pumpkins are believed to have originated in North America.

Seeds from related plants have been found in Mexico dating back to 5500 B.C. So references to pumpkins date back many centuries. The name pumpkin originated from the Greek word for "large melon" which is "pepon." "Pepon" was changed by the French into "pompon." The English changed "pompon" to "Pumpion." American colonists changed "pumpion" into "pumpkin." All the while Native American's were using pumpkin as a staple in their diets centuries long before the pilgrims landed. They also dried strips of pumpkin and wove them into mats. Native Americans would also roast long strips of pumpkin on the open fire and eat them. When the European settlers arrived, they saw the pumpkins grown by the natives, and pumpkin soon became a staple in their diets. The early settlers used them in a wide variety of recipes from desserts to stews and soups, and even made beer out of it.

The origin of pumpkin pie is thought to have occurred when the colonists sliced off the pumpkin top, removed the seeds, and then filled it with milk, spices and honey. The pumpkin was then baked in the hot ashes of a dying fire. Pumpkins are a member of the Cucurbita family which includes squash and cucumbers. Pumpkin flowers are also edible. The pumpkin blossoms can be eaten, batter-dipped and fried. Pumpkins range in size from less than 1 pound to over 1,000 pounds. The current world record holder is Tim Mathison. On October 11, 2013, Tim brought his now world record 2032 pound pumpkin to the Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Park Weigh-off at Morgan Hill, Ca. For cooking purposes, you should pick the smaller sizes, they will have more tender, tasty flesh. Select pumpkins which are free of blemishes, harvested with their stems intact, and pick the ones that feel heavy for their size. There are so many roadside pumpkin stands this time of year, pull over and see what they have to offer. Unless they are waxed by the grower, a shiny skin indicates the squash was picked too soon. Look for a dull finish. For extended storage, you should wash the skin in a solution of about a tablespoon of chlorine bleach to a gallon of water to disinfect the skin and discourage mold or rot. Then dry your pumpkin immediately because dampness encourages spoilage. If you find mold, wipe it with vegetable oil to remove the mold and seal the spot.

The Orange Bulldog pumpkin, is resistant to the wilt, and viruses that would plague more traditional-looking varieties. These pumpkins are generally more squat than round, and can range in size up to 30 pounds. It's open-pollinated seed so there's a pretty wide variation in the fruit. If you don't carve it, it will last forever you can treat it like butternut squash, storing it in the pantry through the fall and winter. So if we have a zombie apocalypse, you can survive on this pumpkin.

Now while pumpkins are a tasty source of vitamins, and minerals, particularly beta-carotene, vitamin C, A, and potassium which helps prevent arteriosclerosis, that can lead to strokes or heart attacks. The real fun is in the seeds. While pumpkin seeds are available year round, they are the freshest in the fall when pumpkins are in season. The health benefits of eating pumpkin seeds are well known. Let's look at some. The high content of zinc makes them beneficial for the prostate. They reduce inflammation. They can also protect against the parasites in the intestines, and their anti-inflammatory properties, and can help lower blood cholesterol too.

The seeds are also good sources of protein, as well as iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and potassium. About a quarter-cup of seeds can provide over 20% of the recommended daily iron intake. According to the USDA, one gram of roasted seeds contain 5.69 mg L-tryptophan and one gram of seed protein contains 17.2 mg of L-tryptophan. (One cup of milk contains 183 mg.) This high tryptophan content makes pumpkin seeds interesting to researchers studying the treatment of anxiety disorders. So it stands to reason you could eat the seeds as preventative measure against onset of anxiety attacks, mild depression and other mood disorders. About 100grm. of pumpkin seeds, about a handful, contains 30% protein.

The carotenoids found in pumpkin seeds, and the omega-3 fats found in pumpkin seeds are also being studied for their potential prostate benefits. Men with higher amounts of carotenoids in their diet have less risk for BPH (enlarged prostate). Zinc in pumpkin seeds might also impact prostate function. In animal studies, the addition of pumpkin seeds to the diet has compared favorably with use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin in reducing inflammatory symptoms.

However the pumpkin seeds did not have any of the side-effects of the drug indomethacin. Pumpkin seeds do not increase the level of damaged fats in the linings of the joints, a side-effect that actually contributes to arthritis. In a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers published the amounts of phytosterols present in nuts and seeds commonly eaten in the United States. Phytosterols are believed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance the immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers. Pistachios, and sunflower seeds were richest in phytosterols, followed by pumpkin seeds. They keep fresh for a long time, If you keep them in a quality, food storage container. Not only do they taste good, they are packed with alpha and beta carotene, potassium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A and E and other nutrients with only 15 cal per 100 grams. Pumpkin's and their seeds are without a doubt, one of nature's wonder food's.

Try some pumpkin deserts, and breads at your local bakery this season. If they aren't part of your regular diet now, try some seeds this season too. You certainly can't knock the benefits. You can buy them in the shells, and shell them yourself, or buy them already shelled. I suggest you don't buy them out of huge bins at the health food store, because they don't stay fresh, and a little moisture can ruin the batch. Sprinkle them on over grilled fish, in salads, or eat them by themselves. Use your imagination. I even mix mine with a little chili powder, for a change up. It's always better to buy your seeds or nuts unsalted, if you don't like them unsalted, add your own quality sea salt.

Also if you are old enough, and you like beer, try a Pumpkin Ale this year it's seasonal, and tastes great, and by all means if you spot a pumpkin maiden at a farm stand on the side of the road this year stop and sample her wares. Good Luck...

Doc's Fitness Tip's Publishes Weekly. (mostly)

For your entertainment and education, "Flex-Appeal" Personal Training Service, publishes Doc's Fitness Tip's Located In Dana Point, California. We also serve the communities of, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, and MissionViejo,Ca. We specialize in body sculpting, and adventure sport balance, core, and endurance training.

Flex-Appeal is currently offering, for new customers, a 2 for 1 personal training special that allows you to get personally trained, and bring a friend for FREE!

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Thanks,
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Fall Means Apples !!

2018-09-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

Ever since Adam and Eve, it's been associated with sin

In the story of Adam and Eve, the apple became a symbol for knowledge, immortality, temptation, and the vehicle of man's falling into sin. Today, we refer to something we prize as, "The apple of our eye" Historically, carbonized remains of apples have been found by archeologists in prehistoric lake dwellings in Switzerland, dating back to the Iron Age. There is also evidence to show that apples were eaten and preserved by slicing and sun drying them during the Stone Age in Europe.

The first remains of apples that were found, are from around 6,500 B.C. in excavations at Jericho in the Jordan Valley. Also around 5,000 B.C. Feng Li, a Chinese diplomat, gave up his prestigious government position when he became consumed by grafting apples as a commercial venture according to "The Precious Book of Enrichment." Greek and Roman mythology referred to apples as symbols of love and beauty. Jump ahead to 1665 Sir Isaac Newton watches an apple fall to the ground, and wondering why it fell in a straight line, is inspired to discover the laws of gravity and motion. Robert Prince in 1737 established the first commercial apple tree nursery in America called William Prince Nursery in Flushing, New York. One of America's fondest legends is that of Johnny Appleseed, a folk hero and pioneer apple farmer in the 1800's. Well there really was a Johnny Appleseed, and his true name was John Chapmen.

His dream was for the land to produce so many apples that no one would ever go hungry. Most historians today classify him as an eccentric but very smart businessman, who traveled around the new territories of his time, leasing land and developing nurseries of apple trees. It is estimated that he traveled 100,000 square miles of frontier country.

Here's some fun Apple facts:

There are 7,500 different apple varieties worldwide, and 2,500 grow in the U.S.
Apples can be as small as a cherry or as large as a grapefruit
Apple trees don't grow from seeds, they are grafted or budded
Apple trees can live to be 100 years old
61% of apples are eaten fresh and 39% are processed into juice and sauce
Red Delicious is the most widely grown followed by Golden Delicious
Two pounds of apples make one 9-inch pie.
A medium apple is about 80 calories.
Apples are a great source of the fiber pectin. One apple has five grams of fiber.
The pilgrims planted the first United States apple trees in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
25 percent of an apple's volume is air. That is why they float.
The largest apple picked weighed 3.2 pounds.

"An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away"

In the past five years, no area of apple research has been more dynamic than the area of apple polyphenols. The balance of phytonutrients in apples is more unique than many researchers previously suspected. In terms of flavonols, quercetin is the primary phytonutrient found in apples, and it's far more concentrated in the skin than in the pulp. You might wonder why apples end up with such an amazing array of polyphenols. The recent research studies show polyphenols to be the favorite mechanism used by apples to protect themselves from UV-B sun radiation. Multiple studies have shown apple intake to be associated with decreased risk of asthma. French researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones. A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease.

Another Cornell University study found that rats who ate one apple per day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17%. Rats fed three apples per day reduced their risk by 39% and those fed six apples per day reduced their risk by 44%. The pectin in apples, supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes. Since most of the polyphenols in apples function as antioxidants, it's not surprising to see so many health benefit studies focusing on the antioxidant benefits from apple. Particularly strong is the ability of apples to decrease oxidation of cell membrane fats. This benefit is especially important in our cardiovascular system since oxidation of fat in the membranes of cells that line our blood vessels is a primary risk factor for clogging of the arteries.

The cardiovascular benefits of apples are well-documented in research studies, and they are closely associated with two aspects of apple nutrients, their water-soluble fiber, pectin content, and their unusual mix of polyphenols. Total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol are both decreased by eating apples. Preliminary reliable health benefits of apples have been established for several age-related health problems, like macular degeneration of the eye. According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50% lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin in apples. Researchers also claim lung cancer, and anti-asthma benefits. The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin, and may help in the management of diabetes.
The apple is actually a member of the Rose family, Golden and Red Delicious apples are mild and sweet, while Pippins and Granny Smith apples are notably tart. Tart apples, that keep their texture during cooking, are preferred for cooked desserts like apple pie. Delicious apples, and other sweeter varieties like Rome and Fuji apples are usually eaten raw. Whole apples are a much better nutritional choice than apple juice. Not only are whole apples richer in dietary fiber, but the current processes of juicing seem to drastically reduce the polyphenolic phytonutrient concentrations originally found in the whole fruit. You've no doubt heard the saying, "one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch." Well, research studies agree. An apple that has been bruised from being dropped, or damaged in some other way, it will start to release ethylene gas. Ethylene gas can damage the other apples. So handle your fruit with a little TLC, and remove any damaged apples from groups of apples that you are going to store store.

Popular varieties for eating are; gala, granny smiths, golden delicious, pink ladies, fujis, jonathons, mutsu, red delicious and spartans.
Other eating varieties are; cox orange pippins (very popular apple in England), braeburns (popular New Zealand graft variety), lady williams and gravensteins.
Apples that are good for cooking; granny smiths, cox orange pippins, gravensteins, lady williams and golden delicious.

Now, to diffuse an urban myth, apple seeds do contain a small amount of cyanide, which is a lethal poison, but you are protected from the toxin by the hard seed coating. If you eat whole apple and seeds, they pass through your digestive system relatively untouched. If you chew the seeds thoroughly, you will be exposed to the chemicals inside the seeds, but the dose of toxins in an apple is small enough that most adult's can easily detoxify it, but possibly not children.So tell the kid's don't eat the core, where the seeds are. Aside from eating raw apples there there are the deserts. I don't think many of us can ignore the captivating aroma of a fresh out of the oven warm, but cooling apple pie, tarts, or fritters.

Or maybe the mouth watering delight of a caramel dipped, or candied apple on a stick rolled in your favorite chopped nuts. Or a warm mug of apple cider, by a cozy fire after a long day of skiing. Or apple sauce with our turkey on Thanksgiving. Is there anything funnier than watching a bunch of kids bob for apples? You see apples aren't only good for us, they are just plain good. FYI according to the Environmental Working Group's 2013 report "Shopper's Guide to Pesticides," conventionally grown apples are among the top 12 fruits and vegetables on which excessive pesticide residues have been most frequently found.

Therefore, to avoid pesticide-associated health risks, avoid eating apples unless they're organic. If you want to roll the dice, and purchase non-organic apples, you may want to ask your grocer about the kind of wax used to protect the apple's surface during storage or shipping. Carnauba wax (from the carnauba palm tree), beeswax, and shellac (from the lac beetle) are preferable to petroleum-based waxes, which contain solvent residues or wood resins. Eat them raw, eat them cooked, or another favorite have them with your favorite vodka. It's no secret apples are one of the truly great foods we could always add more of, to our lives. Good Luck...

Appletini / Apple Martini

It's best to chill both the vodka and the apple pucker.
2 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Apple Pucker Schnapps or,
1/2 oz. Apple Juice or Cider

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with an Apple Slice

Chocolate Dipped Apple Slices

Doc's Fitness Tip's Publishes Weekly. (mostly)

For your entertainment and education, "Flex-Appeal" Personal Training Service, publishes Doc's Fitness Tip's Located In Dana Point, California. We also serve the communities of, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, and MissionViejo,Ca. We specialize in body sculpting, and adventure sport; balance, core, and endurance training.

Flex-Appeal is currently offering, for new customers, a 2 for 1 personal training special that allows you to get personally trained, and bring a friend for FREE!

Get off your butt, this offer will end soon!
Call - (949) 443-0133 for details of our premier personal trainer experience in Orange County, California:
Contact us at, docsactivex@yahoo.co
or (949) 443-0133 M-F 9am-4pm

Thanks,
Doc Masters

Bring Home The Bacon...

2018-08-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

Now That We're Not Afraid Of Natural Fats Anymore, Right ?

Feel free to bring home the bacon, since we all know now that trans-fats (hydrogenated oils) high fructose corn syrup, and sugar are the culprits behind clogged arteries, and the obesity epidemic in the US. So let's talk Bacon. If you aren't a Jew or a Muslim you're gonna love this one ! (if so my apologies, see you next week with a new tip.) Now let's get started. Bacon is a cured meat, meaning that you use a natural way to prevent the meat from spoiling by way of salt, and often nitrites. Bacon traditionally comes from a pig. Although fake bacon recently has appeared made from turkey and other products. Which may have less saturated fat but is questionably healthier than good ole pork bacon. Pork bacon consists of both the meat of the pig, plus the fat, known as lard. Bacon usually comes from either the belly of the pig, the back or the sides. The amount of fat or lard in bacon depends on how fat the pig is, with the belly usually being fattier than the back, especially in America.

There are bacon beers, bacon bikini's, bacon martinis, bacon burgers, bacon ice-cream, bacon coffee, bacon candy, bacon toothpaste, bacon condiments, bacon, oh well you get the idea. We as Americans LOVE bacon ! By now you should be over the turkey industry telling you their product is healthier than pork bacon. Because if you actually spent time reading the label of turkey bacon, you'd see it contains a laundry list of ingredients, many of which are not good for you such as hydrolyzed corn gluten, soy protein, wheat gluten, disodium inosintae, silicon dioxide and nitrites. Well today you're going to learn how to find your way around pork bacon. First a little history. In ancient times, whenever man found wild boar, he domesticated it, kept it, cared for it, and looked upon his pigs like a flock of little refrigerators with feet, they were future dinners waddling around the pen. From Europe to Asia to New Guinea, wherever wild boar were found, they were quickly turned into captive pork-making machines You are probably familiar with the phrase "bring home the bacon." In the twelfth century, a church in the English town of Dunmow promised a side of bacon to any married man who could swear before the congregation and God that he had not quarreled with his wife for a year and a day. A husband who could bring home the bacon was held in high esteem by the community for his patience. Bacon or bacoun was a Middle English term used to refer to all pork in general. The term bacon comes from various Germanic and French dialects. It derives from the French bako, Old High German bakko, and Old Teutonic backe, all of which refer to the back. Now there are special breeds of pigs particularly raised for bacon, notably the Yorkshire and Tamworth, and...FYI

Bacon is one of the oldest meats in history dating back to 1500 BC.
In the 16th Century, European peasants would proudly display the small amount of bacon they could afford.
70% of all bacon in the US is eaten at breakfast.
Over 2 billion pounds of bacon is produced each year in the US.
Until the first world war, bacon fat was the cooking fat of choice in most US households.

The first large-scale bacon curing business was set up in the 1770's by John Harris in Wiltshire, England. Today, Wiltshire remains the main bacon-producing area of Britain. Columbus liked bacon. He brought pigs to the New World. John Harris liked bacon. We celebrate Columbus day every year. I think we should start celebrating Harris Day, too. At the very least, the man should have some statues raised in his honor. It took until 1924 before we had pre-packaged bacon, arranged in slices, the way we most commonly see it today. The Oscar Mayer company is responsible for that, and for the shingled arrangement of bacon in its package. It's not as if Americans didn't eat bacon before 1924. We ate plenty. But we are a lazy people, and the minute that bacon became a convenience food, and we didn't have to slice of a slab ourselves, we went crazy for it. 25 years later, 3 million companies were producing pork products in the United States, and most of those were makin' bacon. At this point in history, bacon was merely a food. It was eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was a survival protein during the Great Depression, because it was cheap and kept a little bit longer than other meats, and was as common as dirt. No one talked about bacon. No one obsessed over bacon. Bacon was just was an indestructible element of the American diet, as common as air.

Sadly some people still think saturated fats are evil, and as a result have banned bacon from their homes. However, fatty acid experts today emphasize that saturated fat from natural sources like meats, dairy, and tropical oils like coconut, and palm are not detrimental for our health, but instead much better than the polyunsaturated and hydrogenated substitutes we've been recently using. Sure, maybe it's confusing to try and tell yourself that saturated fat isn't bad like we once thought. However, it's important that you realize that we were fed lies and deception that only made us fatter, sicker and more unhealthy. We need to change this way of thinking.
The bottom line is that saturated fats, like that found in bacon CAN and SHOULD fit into a healthy diet. A healthy diet is low in sugar, processed carbohydrates, and synthetic chemicals, artificial sweeteners, or high fructose corn syrup, but high in fresh organic low-pesticide fruits, and vegetables, organic grass fed meats, wild caught fish, and organic nuts and seeds. To understand why bacon, and the fat it's rich in, (lard) is a healthy choice for us to use in our diets along with other beneficial fats and proteins, let's look at the nutritional science of this food.

Stay with me now, if we take 1 tablespoon of pure lard, we see that is consists of an even balance of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, with some polyunsaturates and cholesterol (all animal fats contain cholesterol), but no trans fats. Specifically, it contains*:

• 5.9 grams of saturated fatty acids
• 6.4 grams monounsaturated fatty acids
• 2 grams polyunsaturated fatty acids (mostly omega-6)
• 14 mg cholesterol
* analysis from Mass Spectrometry at Univeristy of Alberta, 2003

If you compare lard to vegetable shortening, you get**:
• 3.8 grams saturated fatty acids
• 6.7 grams monounsaturated fatty acids
• 3.9 grams polyunsaturated fatty acids (mostly omega-6)
• 2 grams trans fatty acids (man-made)
• 0 mg cholesterol
**anaylsis from ESHA Food Processor

The trans fats, this man-made, fake lard substitute, has now been linked directly to heart disease morbidity and mortality, and there is a strong move to rid our shelves of this dangerous fat as soon as possible. As recently as this Friday the FDA is announcing it is moving to ban trans-fats. If your label reads hydrogenated oil those are trans fats !

According to about.com packaged sliced bacon can be kept in its unopened vacuum-sealed package in the refrigerator up to a week past the expiration date. Once opened, keep it tightly wrapped in a zip-top bag and use within one week. Sealed packages of bacon can be frozen up to one month before the fat begins to go rancid. Consumers these days are in a non-fat mode. As a result, pork is about fifty percent leaner today than it was 30 years ago. A three-ounce portion of lean pork is only about 200 calories. For those on high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets, bacon makes a great snack when fried up crispy. It supplies that crunch that is often missed on these diets, while most of the fat is rendered out. A standard cooked slice of bacon contains about 30 to 40 calories per slice, and even less if you cook it slowly until very crisp and drain well on paper towels. When cooking bacon, do not cook at high temperatures for long periods of time. High heat can turn the nitrite curing agents into nitrosamine. Nitrates are used to not only preserve color but also as a preservative agent to retard rancidity in the fat and kill botulism bacteria. Nitrites have been the subject of controversy as a potential cancer-causing agent in some animal experiments. There are nitrate-free bacon products on the market. Which I highly recommend. Check labels.

Cured vs. Uncured

Curing is the process of preserving the meat and leeching out the moisture. Usually this is done by a mixture of salt, sugar, and sodium nitrates.

Uncured bacon, or bacon that does not have added nitrates, is derived from pork bellies. Uncured bacon is a misnomer because manufacturers still cure the bacon, but use other types of natural brine. The USDA defines bacon as cured pork bellies with added synthetic nitrates or nitrites, so bacon without added chemicals is considered uncured. Bacon, either cured or uncured, is soaked in a brine to prevent botulism and to provide a recognizable flavor to the meat. Nitrates, which are naturally occurring compounds from plants, mix with certain bacteria to form into nitrites. Traditionally, bacon is cured in a mixture of salt and water with synthetic sodium nitrite added as a preservative. Uncured bacon uses a type of natural nitrates, found in celery powder or juice and sea salt, to obtain a similar bacon taste without using potentially harmful chemicals such as sodium nitrite. Uncured bacon is also known as nitrate free bacon and organic bacon. Unless it says "nitrate free" or "uncured" on the label, it will have sodium nitrates. Because of the difference in curing processes, uncured bacon is generally considered safer to eat. According to Applegate Farms, nitrites can potentially cause cancer in some situations. Under high heat, nitrites mix with amines, a compound naturally present in meat, to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. A large-scale 2011 study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that participants who consume dietary nitrites had higher levels of gastrointestinal cancer. Other research have also confirmed that nitrosamines are human carcinogens.

Smoked vs. Unsmoked

Smoked bacon is the type generally consumed in the United States. The differences come in the type of wood used to smoke the meat. This is where the unique flavors come into play, as hickory smoked bacon has a different flavor from applewood smoked bacon, which is my personal favorite. While those two, are the more common woods used to smoke bacon, there are numerous others, depending on the chef and the locale.
According to ehow.com the differences between the two bacon types come from the way in which they are cooked. The smoked bacon is just that, smoked over a specific type of wood to give it a distinct flavor, unsmoked bacon is cooked to whatever specification the chef would like, with no flavor initiated into the meat before it is sold commercially. Geography also plays a role here, as unsmoked bacon is rarely consumed in the United States.

BACON GLOSSARY:

Pancetta
Pancetta is an Italian-style bacon that is cured with salt, peppercorns and cloves. Traditionally, pancetta is not smoked. Usually, pancetta is packaged in a roll like a sausage, and is sold to order by the slice.

Irish Bacon
This smoke-cured bacon takes on the appearance of a boneless pork loin roast. Irish bacon is lean meat obtained from the "eye" part of a piece of pork loin. This bacon can be sliced to any thickness desired.

Canadian Bacon
Similar to Irish bacon, Canadian bacon is also obtained from the pork loin. It contains less fat and calories than American-style bacon. This bacon is also sometimes referred to as "back bacon" because the meat for the bacon comes from the back of the pig.

American-Style Bacon
Virginia hickory smoked bacon is one of the most common types of American-style bacon. This type of bacon comes from the stomach of the pig. American-style bacon is cured in salt and then smoked; before slicing, the rind is taken off.

Slab Bacon
Slab bacon is a large, single piece of bacon with the rind left on. This type of bacon receives additional flavor when it's smoked.

Peppered Bacon
The name of this bacon says it all: The bacon receives a spicy coating of coarsely ground black pepper.

Apple Wood-Smoked Bacon
My personal favorite is smoked from burning pieces of apple wood which is the key to curing this bacon and infusing it with a apple sweet, rich flavor.

If you are concerned about your health, talk to your doctor before changing your diet. People with certain conditions, such as hypertension, maybe should avoid most bacon because of the high sodium content. Make sure you buy uncured bacon from a reputable company that uses natural ingredients. Good Luck...

Doc's Fitness Tip's Publishes Weekly. (mostly)

For your entertainment and education, "Flex-Appeal" Personal Training Service, publishes Doc's Fitness Tip's Located In Dana Point, California. We also serve the communities of, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, and MissionViejo,Ca. We specialize in body sculpting, and adventure sport; balance, core, and endurance training.

Flex-Appeal is currently offering, for new customers, a 2 for 1 personal training special that allows you to get personally trained, and bring a friend for FREE!

Get off your butt, this offer will end soon!
Call - (949) 443-0133 for details of a premier personal trainer experience in Orange County, California:
Contact us at, docsactivex@yahoo.co
or (949) 443-0133 M-F 9am-4pm

Thanks,
Doc Masters

Aloe: A Gift From The Gods...

2018-08-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

Aloe Vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant.

To date, to be truthful aloe has found a few other uses besides a ornamental desert plant. Aloe Vera juice, for instance is high in antioxidants and as a result boosts a person's immune system by detoxifying the body which helps to prevent illness, and everyone knows what to reach for when you get too much sun. Or when you get a kitchen burn. The Aloe Vera probably originated in northern Africa. It survives in areas of low natural rainfall. In history the Aloe Vera has been found in writings of many different cultures. As far back as the Greek, Egyptian, and Roman empires. References have also been found in writings from the early Indian and Chinese cultures. Ancient records show that the benefits of Aloe Vera have been known for centuries, and it's therapeutic and healing properties have survived for over 4000 years. FYI the earliest record of Aloe Vera is on a Sumerian tablet dating from 2100 BC.

In 1862 it was discovered on an Egyptian papyrus writing that was dated 1550 BC, Egyptian Queens used it to enhance their physical beauty. It was used to great effect by Greek, Roman, Chinese and Indian physicians. In the Philippines it is taken with milk for kidney infections. Aloes are referred to in the Bible, and legend suggests that Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean to secure supplies of Aloes to treat the battle wounds of his soldiers. Also the Bible mentions of removing Christ from the cross and wrapping his body in Aloes and Myrrh, in John 19:39. We find Aloe Vera appearing throughout history, for it's many uses. So, Aloe plant gel has been used for topical treatment for minor wounds and burns and skin irritations for centuries. However, made into a beverage and taken internally, it has been used to help many other conditions. Some of them are constipation, ulcers, diabetes, headaches, arthritis, and coughs. There are over 240 different species of Aloe, which grow in dry and arid climate zones of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. Of all these different types of Aloe plants, only four are identified as fit for human consumption. Aloe Vera is one, it's non-toxic, with no known side effects. Aloe Vera is now widely used on facial tissues, where it is promoted as a anti-irritant to reduce chafing of the nose of users suffering hay-fever or cold. A component of Aloe Vera, namely acemannan, is an approved treatment for leukemia, which is believed to be caused by a virus similar to HIV. Aloe vera juice is also used to treat digestive problems, including heartburn, and ulcers. It is an anti-inflammatory, which can explain why it has an almost imediate effect when consumed. Medicinal uses of Aloe Vera are many and can improve your health considerably. It's important to note also that, it also prevents the causes for recurring yeast infections.

The sad truth is that Aloe Vera juice is one of the most adulterated health drinks on the market. Producers routinely dilute and add counterfeit chemicals, chemicals which are generally similar in molecular size to the natural elements of the juice, and which are designed to alter standard test results. The unadulterated one's are packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, that the body can use. Aloe Vera that comes directly from the plant is a yellowish liquid. It can be obtained by simply breaking off a piece of the aloe plant. The liquid will run out and can be applied topically. The leaves can also be crushed and used as a salve. The beneficial properties of the aloe plant come from the 20 amino acids it contains. It's used to support the natural healing of skin that has been damaged. Aloe Vera can also be made into juices, gels, powders and is often added to other products. For example it can be found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, food's, juices, antiseptics, and many other common products. Here are some of the health benefits:

Aids in constipation.
Aids in digestion and helps with stomachaches and heartburn.
Helps to regulate blood sugars.
Detoxifies the body and colon.
Helps with weight loss by increasing metabolic rate to burn more calories.
Improves circulation.
Aids in healing damage to internal tissues.
Regulates blood pressure.
Strengthens immune system.
Retards the growth of cancerous tumors.
Helps to reduce inflammation.

A study conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center's Department of Physiology showed that rats who ingested Aloe Vera experienced a 10% increase in life span, 10% !!! and had a lower incidence of disease than the average rat population. The rats suffered no ill effects from ingesting the aloe. The International Aloe Science Council has shown that aloe can be used to reduce mouth pain and swelling after oral surgeries. Studies conducted by the council have also suggested that aloe vera can reduce the amount of bacteria found in the mouths of denture wearers. Aloe also helps to ease the pain of cuts and sores in the mouth.

Aloe Vera is also, often used in veterinary medicine. Aloe can be used to treat wounds, soothe irritated skin and clean ears in cats, dogs, horses and other pets. Dairy farmers sometimes supplement the diets of dairy cows with aloe to stimulate milk production and improve the animal's overall health. Aloe should never be used on an animal without first checking with your veterinarian, because Aloe is sometimes formulated differently or watered down when used for treating animals. The many benefits of this ornamental desert plant are not fully researched yet. In fact if you don't own a aloe vera plant, Why Not? I've heard of families that pass down aloe plants from generation to generation, and along with it, teaching the beneficial properties the plant contains. Use terracotta pots for them because they're porous. Potted aloe plants should be allowed to completely dry before watering. When they are potted aloes become crowded with "pups" growing from the sides of the "mother plant," they should be divided and re-potted to allow room for further growth of the mother. During winter, Aloe Vera may become dormant, so very little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow, it has to be kept potted, indoors. More studies are in process now, to help us discover the many ways Aloe Vera can help to benefit the human body, but here are a few of the many things some have been successfully treated with Aloe:

Abrasions, Colds, Herpes simplex & zoster, HIV, Staph infections,Acne, Colic, Menstrual cramps & irregularity,Ulcerations, Allergies, Denture (gum) sores, Nausea, Burns, Epstein-Barr virus, Chronic fatigue, Hypertension, Stings, Constipation, Infections, Sunburns,Ulcerative colitis, Arthritis, Dermatitis, Parasites (especially protozoan infections), Vaginitis, Radiation Dermatitis,Warts,Viral infections, Contusions, Insect bites, Tendinitis, Allergies, Dandruff, Boils, Diabetes, Ulcers, Varicose veins, Bruises, Edema, Psoriasis.

Now, Aloe has been known to cause allergic reactions in some people, side effects are rare and Aloe is considered to be safe. So, not only is Aloe Vera good for all those things I've mentioned, it is also made up of components essential for our cells to do the jobs they were designed to do. Healthy Cells = Healthy Tissue, Healthy Tissue = Healthy Organs. Healthy Organs = GOOD HEALTH. Good Luck...

Doc's Fitness Tip's Publishes Weekly. (mostly)

"Flex-Appeal" Personal Training Service, the publisher of Doc's Fitness Tip's is Located In Dana Point, California. Our 20+ years of personal training experience also proudly serves the communities of, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, and MissionViejo,Ca. We specialize in body sculpting, and adventure sport, balance, core, and endurance training.

Flex-Appeal is currently offering, for new customers, a 2 for 1 personal training special that allows you to get personally trained, and bring a spouse for FREE! Or split the first months cost with a friend !
Or you may be interested in trying a FREE introductory workout, or diet consultation. By Skype or in person!

Get off your butt, this offer will end soon!
Call - (949) 443-0133 for details of Orange County's premier personal trainer experience!

For the best Personal Fitness Training in Orange County, California:
Contact "Flex-Appeal", at flexappealdoc@yahoo.com
or (949) 443-0133 M-F 9am-4pm

Thanks,
Doc Masters

The Sexy, Juicy, Always Healthy Pear

2018-07-09T15:57:00.001-07:00

The pear was likely cultivated by prehistoric man.

Since I'm sitting here slurping on, and enjoying one of the sweetest pieces of fruit I've ever eaten, I give you the pear. There is convincing archeological evidence of prehistoric pears, from the excavation of the ancient lake dwellers in Switzerland. Chinese records show commercial pear cultivation as early as 5000 B.C., but ancient pears were smaller, and more bitter than today's fruit. After many generations of breeding, I ask you is there anything tastier than a cold juicy pear. Here's a little history. In the eighth century BC, In "The Odyssey," the Greek poet Homer claims pears are a "gift of the gods." Pomona, goddess of fruit, was a cherished member of the Roman Pantheon and Roman farmers documented extensive pear growing and grafting techniques. The Romans proceeded to use those grafting techniques to develop more than 50 varieties. They also introduced the cultivated pear to other parts of Europe. Thanks to their versatility and long storage life, pears were a valuable commodity among the trading routes of the ancient world.

Pears are often seen in the works of the Renaissance Masters, pears have long been an elegant still-life muse for artists. Pears are members of the rose family and related to the apple, and the quince. Just like some women, pears have a semi-rough exterior that bruises easily with buttery insides, and a large round bottom that tapers towards the top. In the 17th century modern pear cultivation began taking place in Europe, and as we all know on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a "partridge in a pear tree." A rhyme people have been singing since the 18th-century, accounting for the first of The Twelve Days of Christmas. English records show that in 1629, pears were sent by the Massachusetts Company to New England colonists to plant and grow into trees at Plymouth, MA. The first pear trees in America's eastern settlements thrived until crop blights proved too severe to sustain widespread cultivation. Fortunately, the pear trees that were brought west to Oregon, and Washington territories by pioneers in the 1800's thrived in the Pacific Northwest. Today's Northwest pear varieties are the same or similar to those first cultivated in France, and Belgium where they were prized for their delicate flavor, buttery texture, and long storage life. When more sophisticated irrigation and growing techniques were developed during the past century, pear orchards flourished dramatically in the Northwest's river valley regions from Northern Central Washington to Central Southern Oregon. Today, the pear orchards in Oregon and Washington are as specialized as the regions where they are grown. From small organic, to large commercial farms all contribute high-quality fruit to the Northwest's pear industry. Consumer interest and enjoyment of Northwest pears grows each year. Thanks to advancements in Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage technology, fresh USA Pears are available to consumers nearly year-round. The State of Oregon named the pear Oregon's official state fruit, and the USDA annually recognizes the pear by declaring the month of December as National Pear Month.

The USDA has found that pears have a very high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. ORAC is a way of expressing a measure of the antioxidant activity of food. Antioxidants help prevent damage caused by free radicals, which are byproducts of reactions between oxygen and foods when energy is created. Free radical damage increases when diets are antioxidant-poor, because free radicals are allowed to roam the body damaging other cells and tissues. To reduce the chance of cell damage, I recommend a diet high in antioxidant foods, like pears and other fruits. Key nutrients in pears include vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, potassium, iron, fiber, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), niacin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, fructose, glucose, sucrose, pantothenic acid, and vitamin E. Some of the important phytochemicals in pears are beta-carotene, caffeic acid, quercetin, pectin, and tocopherols. To determine the iron levels in a pear, see if it turns brown when cut. If it doesn’t turn brown, the iron content is very low or non-existent.

Here is a few of the health benefits of pears:

Help for Diabetics. Pears have a low glycemic index (GI) of just 38. Low-GI foods are digested and absorbed more slowly, producing a more gradual rise in blood glucose and insulin levels. Foods with a low-GI are recommended in the prevention of coronary heart disease and obesity, and in the management of diabetes. Particularly for diabetics, pears are one of the fruits that can improve blood glucose levels, help a person lose weight, and improve concentration.

Non-Allergenic Benefits. Pears are a hypoallergenic fruit, and are the only fruit allowed on elimination diets used to test allergy sufferers. This also makes pears and pear juice attractive for serving to small children because they are less likely to produce adverse reactions.

Cancer Prevention. Pears contain hydroxycinnamic acid, which has been identified as helping to prevent stomach cancer. At least one serving of apples and pears a day is associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer in women. The high vitamin C and copper content act as good antioxidants that protect cells from damage by free radicals. Studies have revealed that eating pears help protect women against postmenopausal breast cancer.

Pulmonary Disease. Eating pears appears to improve lung function and reduce Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease symptoms such as breathlessness and coughing.

Inflammation. Pears can be useful in treating inflammation of mucous membranes, colitis, chronic gallbladder disorders, arthritis, and gout.

Asthma Prevention. An Australian study has revealed people who eat pears regularly have the lowest risk of developing asthma.

Constipation. The pectin in pears is diuretic and may have a mild laxative effect. Drinking pear juice regularly is said to help regulate bowel movements. A high sorbitol content, plus extra fiber, makes pears ideal for persons suffering from constipation.

Healthy Cholesterol Levels. Like other fruits, pears have been shown help sustain healthy cholesterol levels because of the high content of pectin. Pears are actually higher in pectin than apples.

Bone Health. Pears provide copper and vitamin C. They also have boron, which is needed for proper functioning of calcium and magnesium; boron helps the body retain calcium and thus prevents or retards osteoporosis.

Blood Pressure. Pears have antioxidant and anticarcinogen glutathione, which help prevent high blood pressure and stroke.

Energy. You can get quick and natural source of energy from pears, due largely to its high amounts of two monosacharides (fructose and glucose) and carbohydrates.

Sore Throat and Fever. Pears are known to have a cooling effect that is excellent in relieving fever. Some say the best way to bring a fever down quickly or sooth a sore throat is to drink a big glass of pear juice. The antioxidants will also build your immune system; so drink pear juice when you feel a cold coming on. One recommendation says that for vocal chord health, boil the juice of two Chinese pears with raw honey and drink it warm.

Pregnancy. The high content of folate (folic acid) is thought to help prevent neural tube defects in infants.

Vision. Regular consumption of pears is thought to lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration, the main cause of vision loss in older adul

Your mother may have told you to eat carrots for your eyes, but it looks like fruit is even more important for keeping your sight. Data reported in a study which involved over 110,000 women and men published in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily. Three servings of fruit may sound like a lot to eat each day, but pears can help you reach this goal. You can add sliced pears to your morning cereal, lunch time yogurt or green salads. For an elegant meal, decorate any main supper dish with slices of pear. They go with just about anything. Which brings me to after dinner. Pear deserts are some of the most heavenly on the planet bar none! You only need to spend 5 minutes on the web searching for pear related deserts, and your mouth will be watering, or I'll eat my hat! After desert there's the pear brandy one of the most unique liquors on earth, because the pear needs to grow inside the bottle that will later contain the brandy.

This practice of growing pears in the bottle is traditional in Alsace, France where pear brandy has been made for hundreds of years. Pear-in-the-bottle is highly labor intensive, requiring weeks of work putting the bottles on the trees in late May when the small pear will still fit in the neck of the bottle, tending them all summer, and picking them in late August. Since they use no preservatives or artificial cleaning solutions, each pear and each bottle must be painstakingly scrubbed by hand before they fill it with pear eau de vie for which they are known worldwide. Due to the unpredictable nature of pear growth from year to year the pear in the bottle is only available certain years. Now I ask you can you think of any reason you shouldn't eat more pears? Didn't think so. Go ahead try some different pears, or try a new pear desert, or some pear brandy. Good Luck...

Wouldn't Be Summer Without Watermelon !!

2018-05-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Watermelon, Summer Must Be Here...

If you are like me there is no other fruit you'd rather eat. So the question is, is watermelon really healthy, or just an over hydrated fruit in search of a liter of vodka. Is watermelon healthy for you? Well, if a watermelon could respond it would be insulted. This fruit is loaded with essential vitamins, and minerals. Though many people simply eat watermelon simply to curb their thirst during heat of summer time. To me, watermelon is like that song that brings back memories of that forgotten summer.

Of that fun picnic, a long time ago with family or friends, or that first kiss with a special girl. As the sugary juice runs between our fingers towards the elbow, and we practice accurate seed spitting. For some of these reasons, and others watermelon kinda got put on some seldom eaten fruit pedestal. Well there is no need for that! Watermelons are a great everyday fruit, and those memories, they aren't going anywhere. Watermelon is also packed with nutrients that can help you to maintain health for years down the line, but first a little history.

Evidence of watermelon cultivation in the Nile Valley, was found from the second millennium BC. Watermelon seeds have been found at Twelfth Dynasty sites and in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Watermelon is also mentioned in the Bible as a food eaten by the ancient Israelites while they were in bondage in Egypt. By the 10th century, watermelons were being cultivated in China, which today is the world's largest watermelon producer. By the 13th century, Moorish invaders had introduced the fruit to Europe, and the word "watermelon" made its first appearance in an English dictionary in 1615. Watermelons were grown by Native Americans in the 16th century. Early French explorers found the fruit being cultivated in the Mississippi Valley. Many sources list the watermelon as being introduced in Massachusetts as early as 1629. Today, farmers in approximately 44 states in the USA grow watermelon commercially,Georgia, Florida, Texas, California and Arizona are the USA's largest watermelon producers
Health wise, watermelon is rich in vitamin C,
first of all which is an excellent antioxidant. That makes it very heart healthy. As you should all know by now, antioxidants provide anti-aging effects by protecting the body from the onslaught of free radicals. (broken cells) With increase in age, the body becomes susceptible to ailments. For instance eyesight deteriorates as we get older. An easy way to keep these age related disorders at bay, is to consume substantial amounts of naturally occurring vitamin C, abundantly found fruits like watermelon. Also, Lycopene, a carotenoid that displays anti cancer properties is also an important constituent of watermelon. Studies show that that lower levels of lycopene in blood puts a person in the risk zone of prostrate cancer. Research also proves that lycopene can play a major role in reducing the chances of developing lung and colon cancer. So, including that daily serving of melon, which is an excellent source of lycopene, could actually stop cancer invasion. For a healthy heart, sufficient intake of dietary lycopene is very important also

Health scientists are becoming more and more interested in the citrulline content of watermelon. Citrulline is an amino acid that is commonly converted by our kidneys and other organ systems into arginine. Higher levels of arginine can help improve blood flow and other aspects of our cardiovascular health. There's also some preliminary evidence from animal studies that greater conversion of citrulline into arginine may help prevent excess accumulation of fat in fat cells due to blocked activity of an enzyme called tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase, or TNAP. Cucurbitacin E is another unique anti-inflammatory phytonutrient (called a tripterpenoid) found in watermelon. Antioxidant carotenoids found in watermelon include significant amounts of beta-carotene.

See the thing of it is that when you eat few pieces of watermelon, you just smile, you feel good, you feel energized. You are transformed physically, and emotionally. Watermelon is very rich in vitamin B, to combat fatigue.Watermelon breeders discovered through cross breeding, a seed that grows a fruit that rarely develops seeds, although you may find some empty white seed coats. This melon's flesh is firmer because the usual softening of the fruit around the seeds does not occur. The 'Carolina Cross' produced the current world record watermelon weighing 262 pounds (119 kg). This fruit is also natural remedy to bring down high blood pressure levels. This is because watermelons are loaded with potassium, a dietary mineral that can restore healthy blood pressure levels. Doctors often prescribe potassium supplements to reduce high blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about having watermelon on a daily basis, instead of taking medications, it could be an effective way to lower high blood pressure.

Watermelon is so high in water content, it would be reasonable to assume that eating watermelon could also be helpful in treating dry skin problems. Drinking watermelon juice is used holistic medicine to assist in curing acne. It is also necessary to have a sufficient intake of vitamin C, for the production of collagen, a protein found in inner layers of the skin, Collagen basically provides elasticity to the skin and prevents wrinkling of the skin. Therefore eating watermelon (high in vitamin C) can certainly assist to slow down the aging of skin. Even applying the juice externally should be a good option also, to clear away the skin from blemishes.

The amount of protein in watermelon seeds is approximately 1 gram per 24 seeds. At this rate, we're likely to get several grams of protein when we eat several slices of whole, seeded watermelon. While we would not depend on watermelon as a key protein food, this valuable amount of protein in it's seeds should at least remind us that a fruit like watermelon does have something to offer us in the way of protein benefits. One study showed that the iron and zinc in watermelon seeds is surprisingly bio-available also, at 85-90%. From providing a flawless skin, to boosting our energy level, to providing a reason for a relaxing daydream, watermelons health benefits are plenty, and keeping in mind that nutritional value of watermelon is very high also, the next time if anyone questions "is watermelon good for you ?" you can let them know all about this unique super fruit.
Good Luck...

Doc's Frozen Watermelon Margarita...

_ 6oz. premium tequila

_ 1.5oz cointreau liqueur

_ 1oz. Roses Lime

_ 16-20oz. Seedless Watermelon

splash of grenadine

Use your blender to liquefy a small seedless watermelon first, then add the rest of the ingredients and blend, adding ice slowly until your desired consistency is reached. Serve in your favorite coupe or parfait glass with a lightly salted rim.

Did Someone Say Bring The Lemons !!

2018-04-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

Lemons are one of those sexy "can't live without" fruits

Lemons have long history of health, and cosmetic benefits, and a kitchen without a lemon is a sorry place indeed. These yellow gems are culinary superheroes, that brighten the flavor of everything. From salad, to main course, to desert, and cocktails. The Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons, and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons. The two biggest health benefits are lemons strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers, and their use as a weight loss aid, because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances. Citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene, that promote immunity, and fight infection. It's widely presumed that lemons first grew in Southern India, northern Burma, and China. In South and South East Asia, it was also used as an antidote for various poisons. Lemons entered Europe near southern Italy around the 1st century AD, during the time of Ancient Rome. However, they were not widely cultivated. They were later introduced to Persia, and Egypt around 700 AD.

The lemon was first recorded in literature in a 10th century Arabic essay on farming, and was also used as an ornamental plant in early Islamic gardens. It was distributed widely throughout the Arab world and the Mediterranean region between 1000, and 1150. The first substantial cultivation of lemons in Europe began in Genoa in the middle of the 15th century. It was later introduced to the Americas in 1493 when Christopher Columbus brought lemon seeds to Hispaniola on his voyages. Spanish conquest throughout the New World helped spread lemon seeds. It was used as ornament, and medicine. It was in the 18th and 19th centuries, when lemons were first used widely in cooking and flavoring, they were first planted in Florida and eventually moved west to California. In 1747, James Lind's experiments on sailors suffering from scurvy involved adding vitamin C to their diets with lemon juice. The average lemon contains approximately 3 tablespoons of juice. You should allow lemons to come to room temperature before juicing them it makes the juice easier to extract. Remember that lemons left unrefrigerated for long periods of time are susceptible to mold. In one of the most comprehensive scientific studies, researchers at Ohio State University revealed lemon oil aroma used in aromatherapy may enhance mood and reduce anxiety. I know a few people that could use that tip, don't you. Check out these additional benefits:

Lemon contains citric acid, which can be effective in treating acne. The vitamin C found in citrus fruits is vital for that healthy glowing skin while it's alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne.
Research has shown that lemon balm has a calming effect, and therefore may be able to help with fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps with concentration and alertness.
The proven antibacterial, and antiviral properties of lemons can accelerate the healing process of mouth sores.
At the first indication of a cold, like a runny nose or sore throat, you should try to give your body as much immune-boosting vitamin C as you can so that the virus is eliminated before it gets a chance to take hold. Try drinking the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water every 2 hours.
Experienced travelers know that when they add lemon juice to ordinary drinking water, in various localities, it acts as an antiseptic, and helps to prevent illness due to allergy to different water supplies.
Lemons can help freshen breath that has gone sour after consuming certain spices, alcohol, cigarettes, or that is caused by insufficient salivation.
Several studies have found that lemon balm combined with other calming herbs (such as valerian, hops, and chamomile) helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
Even though it makes you pucker, lemon juice has a powerful alkaline effect in the body, and is therefore a natural agent to relieve excess acid.
Lemon oil has vessel-strengthening properties that can help fight varicose, and spider veins.

Also:

Lemon being a citrus fruit, fights against infection. It helps in production of antibodies in blood which attacks an invading microorganism and prevents infection.
Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) .
Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer
Lemons also blocks the formation of nitrosamines in the gut.
Application of Lemon juice gives a glow to the skin.
Grandma says a few drops of lemon juice in hot water will clear the digestive system and purify liver as well.
Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightener and skin bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions which is common with hair dyes and bleaches.
In your mouth lemon juice will relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue.
Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infection.
Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its poison and pain.
Lemon juice soothes the dry skin.
Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills most bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastro-intestinal tract infections.
Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration in case of diarrhea.
Lemon juice removes plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel.
Grandma says table spoon of thick lemon syrup everyday helps relieves asthma.
Gargling lemon juice relieves sore throat.
Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair.
Lemon applied over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you young.
Lemon juice helps to prevent and treats osteoarthritis.

Whew! The lemon is quite the little powerhouse. Not to "beat a dead horse" but lemon also freshens the air, lemon oil is used to condition wood products, and the acid in lemon juice will break down the alkaline minerals found in hard water, that ends up on glasses or windows
The juice of one lemon will also neutralize the chlorine in your bath water, and it's also great for getting odd smells out of your microwave.

What WOULD we do without lemons indeed, the distinctive pucker taste of lemon makes it a key ingredient in many main dishes, and desserts around the world. It's great for our health, has many non-culinary uses, and fresh squeezed lemonade isn't a bad drink either. So give fresh lemons a bigger place in your diet.At the very least we should all follow my grandfathers advise which was , "If life gives you lemons, find someone whose life gave them vodka" Good Luck...

Lemon Drop:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 oz. vodka
1/4 sugar cube
crushed ice
1/4 lemon, sliced
1 sprig fresh mint

In a hand shaker, combine lemon juice, vodka and sugar, and ice. Shake till chilled, then pour into sugared rim martini glass. Garnish with a lemon slice a mint sprig. Enjoy!!

...And For Your Skin

Happy Easter !!

2018-04-01T18:59:00.001-07:00

What Would We Do Without Limes!

2018-03-23T17:39:00.001-07:00

Limes are acidic in taste, but are actually alkaline.

Although limes are acidic, they are considered to be a high alkaline food due to their alkalizing effect on the body when digested. Limes leave an alkaline ash residue after being digested. This ash residue aids in supplying the blood with more oxygen, which results in an optimally functioning bod

They have an alkalizing effect because they contain high water content and low amounts of sugar. Limes are full of alkaline minerals that are extremely good for your health. Our bodies are supposed to be 80% alkaline and 20% Acidic. Therefore, alkaline foods such as limes are generally healthier for you, and they help balance your blood's Ph level. In central and south America people use limes all the time to flavor and preserve their food. In fact adding lime to your food is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Originating in Southeast Asia, limes found their way into Egypt and North Africa about 1000 years ago. From there the Moors carried them to Spain and it was during the Crusades that limes were then spread throughout southern Europe. Christopher Columbus brought the lime to the New World in 1493. In the eighteenth century, Scottish naval surgeon Sir James Lind learned by his observation of long-haul sailors that citrus fruits conquered the dreaded scurvy (lack of Vitamin C) which had devastated the ranks of the British navy more than any enemy.

Between 1795 and 1815, some 1.6 million gallons of lime juice drastically reduced the mortality rate of sailors. Along with their daily ration of rum, British sailors were required to consume a daily ration of lime juice, so British sailors became known as limeys. The introduction of limes to the United States began in the 16th century when Spanish Explorers brought the West Indies lime to the Florida Keys, beginning the advent of Key limes.

There are two general varieties of sour limes available, the Tahitian and the Key. Among Tahitian limes are the egg-shaped Persian and the smaller, seedless Bearss. Key limes, famous for the pie bearing their name, are smaller and more acidic than the Tahitian variety. Limes contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. These flavonoids have been shown to stop cell division in many cancer cell lines, they are perhaps most interesting for their antibiotic effects. In West Africa where Cholera epidemics had occurred, the inclusion of lime juice during the main meal of the day was determined to have been protective against the contraction of Cholera. In addition to their unique phytonutrient properties, limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, one of the most important antioxidants in nature. Vitamin C is one of the main antioxidants found in food and the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body. Vitamin C travels through the body neutralizing any free radicals with which it comes into contact both inside and outside cells.

Free radicals can interact with the healthy cells of the body, damaging them and their membranes, and also cause a lot of inflammation, or painful swelling, in the body. This is one of the reasons that vitamin C has been shown to be helpful for reducing some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. FYI vitamin C-rich foods, such as limes, provide humans with protection against inflammatory polyarthritis, a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints. These findings, presented in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases were drawn from a study of more than 20,000 subjects. Not only that subjects who consumed the lowest amounts of vitamin C-rich foods were more than three times more likely to develop arthritis than those who consumed the highest amounts.
Now you know if you've been keeping up on this blog, free radicals can damage blood vessels and can change cholesterol to make it more likely to build up in artery walls. Vitamin C in limes can be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Vitamin C is also vital to the function of a strong immune system.

The immune system's main goal is to protect you from illness, so a little extra vitamin C may be useful in conditions like colds, and flu. The disease-fighting compounds found in limes, are known as limonoids. According to the U.S. Agricultural Research Service, your body can readily absorb and use a specific, long-acting limonoid called limonin. Limes contain almost as much limonin as they do vitamin C. This compound, in a culture study, published in "Nutrition and Cancer" in 2001, as well as in laboratory studies on human and animals cells, as noted in a June 2003 article in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry," has been shown to induce cancer cell death and may be particularly beneficial for protecting against cancers of the skin, breast, mouth, lung, colon and stomach. Limonin's bioavailability and persistence may help explain why citrus limonoids are potent anti-carcinogens that may prevent cancerous cells from proliferating. Other natural anti-carcinogens are available for much less time. For example, the phenols in green tea and chocolate remain active in the body for just 4 to 6 hours. A 50g serving of fresh lime juice contains only 15 calories and is fat and sodium free, but provides an enormous amount of flavor. Just add it to your water bottle for the day. It will turn plain water into a calorie-free, tasty thirst-quencher. Use lime on salads, freshly grilled fish or vegetables, shellfish and other foods in place of high-calorie, trans-fat flavor enhancers. In addition to calories and trans-fat, (hydrogenated oils) other flavor enhancers may be high in sodium, and sugar exacerbating high blood pressure. Because lime juice is acidic, you can also use it to tenderize lean cuts of beef, or as a diet-friendly, heart-friendly marinade ingredient. One of my favorites is black beans with fresh lime juice squeezed over them, also:

Lime juice and oil are very beneficial for skin. It rejuvenates the skin, keeps it shining, protects it from infections and reduces body odor,with it's aroma
Limes aid in the digestion process, the acids stimulate the digestives system and increase secretion of digestive juices.
Limes are a great way to stay hydrated and refreshed. Mixing a glass of ice water and the juice from a full lime is healthy thirst quencher.
Limes can be used a disinfectant and antiseptic.
Limes are a great way of treating constipation, urinary disorders, and even gout.
Lime juice on the skin also repels insects.
Lime juice is an excellent weight reducer, and anti -oxidant drink. The citric acid present in lime is an excellent fat burner.
Limes anti-oxidant properties protect eyes from aging and macular degeneration.

Choose limes that are firm and heavy for their size, free of decay and mold. They should have a glossy skin that is deep green in color, limes turn more yellow as they ripen. Limes can be kept out at room temperature where they will stay fresh for up to one week after picking. Make sure to keep them away from sunlight exposure since it will cause them to turn yellow, and ruin the flavor. Limes can be stored in the refrigerator crisper, wrapped in a loosely sealed plastic bag, where they will keep fresh for about 10-14 days. Conventionally grown lemons and limes may be waxed to protect them from bruising during shipping. Since you may not be able to determine the source of these waxes, this is another good reason to choose organically grown limes. So next time you are drinking a glass of water, put a lime in it and give your body the vitamin C it needs. Good Luck...

Now it is the weekend, and I always feel obligated to help my readers relax. So with haste I must represent my very favorite way to get more limes in my diet with one of my all time favorites; the Tanqueray and Tonic with a Lime garnish...Enjoy!

T & T

In a tall collins glass combine:
1 oz Tanqueray gin
3 oz tonic water
1/4 oz lime juice
Ice
Garnish with a lime, and

And If You Get A Belly Ache...

Agave Syrup Use It, Or Skip It ??

2018-03-17T16:45:00.001-07:00

We continue our never-ending search for a healthy sweeteners.

So blue agave nectar has been sniffing around the health food scene for a few years now trying to convince us it's safe alternative to sugar, especially for diabetics. Well I do know one thing blue agave is great for, but we'll talk about that later. Let's take a look, at this relatively new to the market sweetener and see if it is all that they claim. Agave syrup/nectar, good, or bad?

First a little history. In the valleys that lie beside a volcano in the heart of the Tequila region, was the home of a complex society. It reached it's peak between 200 BCE and 350 CE. Archeologists estimate more than 50,000 people may have lived within 15 miles of the Tequila volcano. There are many accounts of agave nectar, widely used among the Pre-Columbian cultures. It was used as a flavoring for several desert type dishes, and as a sweetener when drinking cocoa. These specialty foods were prized because the raw materials had to be moved over long distances, very slowly. So items like these were highly valued and traded extensively throughout Mesoamerica. Archeologist have found evidence that sweet dessert-like substances made with toasted squash seeds or popped amaranth seeds and boiled agave syrup or honey were made and given as gifts and used as ritual offerings. Agave nectar (aguamiel) is harvested primarily in Southern Mexico from the agave varietal maguey shawii and from other members of the agave family, most related to the Blue Agave and other maguey species from which mezcal and sotal are made. However, there is a big difference in the harvesting process to obtain agave nectar as opposed to the production of tequila. Agave Nectar is NOT a natural sweetener, words like, raw, and all natural, should mean something. FYI, truth is agave nectar is neither truly raw, nor is it all natural. Based on the labeling, I could picture native peoples creating their own agave nectar from the wild agave plants. I mean, this was a traditional food, eaten for thousands of years. Nope, it is not. Native Mexican people do make a sort of sweetener out of the agave plant. It's called miel de agave, and it's made by boiling the agave sap for a couple of hours. Think of it as the Mexican version of authentic Canadian maple syrup.

This is not what agave nectar is. Agave nectar is a newly created sweetener, having been first developed in the 1990's. Agave "nectar" is not made from the sap of the yucca or agave plant but from the starch of the giant pineapple-like, root bulb. The principal constituent of the agave root is starch, and a complex carbohydrate called inulin, which is made up of chains of fructose molecules. The starch is similar to the starch in corn. Inulin is a highly indigestible fiber, that does NOT taste sweet, it comprises about half of the carbohydrate content of agave. The process by which agave glucose and inulin are converted into "nectar" is similar to the process by which corn starch, is converted into High Fructose Corn Syrup. The agave starch is boiled at high heat and subjected to an enzymatic chemical process that converts the starch into a fructose-rich syrup, they also use caustic acids, clarifiers, filtration chemicals. To produce anywhere from 70% to 90% fructose according to the agave nectar chemical profiles posted on agave nectar websites. Compare that to the typical fructose content of high fructose corn syrup which is very unhealthy at about 55%. Those levels we already know can cause significant liver damage, by causing insulin resistance, known as Syndrome X. Insulin resistance prevents the efficient conversion of food into energy by desensitizing the walls of your cells to insulin. Your insulin acts like "a key in a lock", allowing glucose (sugar) to pass through the cell wall and be converted to energy. Insulin Resistance prevents glucose passing through the "energy door" into the cell. As a result, the rejected glucose floats freely in the blood stream, causing elevated levels of blood sugar, which are sent to the liver. Once there, the sugar is converted into triglyceride fat and carried via the blood stream throughout the body in a process that can lead to plaque in your arteries, runaway weight gain, and obesity.

You may be thinking, "Hey, isn't fructose found in fruit?" If you are, you're right. Small doses of fructose with the accompanying enzymes and fiber found in fruit will never damage your health no matter how much fruit you eat. Drinking HFCS by the quart, like some people do in diet soda, is another thing all together. Concentrated refined fructose is not found in fruit, or anywhere else in nature. Concentrated fructose, is a man-made sugar created by a refining process. Refined fructose lacks amino acids, vitamins, minerals, pectin, and fiber found in fruit. The body doesn't recognize refined fructose. So refined fructose is processed in the body through the liver, rather than digested in the intestine. Fruit sugar is digested in the intestine. Because fructose is digested in your liver, it is immediately turned into triglycerides or stored body fat. Since it doesn't get converted to blood glucose like other sugars, it doesn't raise or crash your blood sugar levels. Hence the claim that it is safe for diabetics, but it isn't. That's because fructose has another trick it inhibits leptin levels. Leptin is the hormone your body uses to tell you that you're full. In other words, HFCS and even worse agave syrup, makes you want to eat more. Besides contributing to weight gain, they also makes you gain the most dangerous kind of fat.

In my opinion from everything I've researched Agave Nectar is not good for you. It's not traditional, not natural, it's highly refined, and contains more concentrated fructose than high fructose corn syrup. Modern Agave nectar syrup is a triumph of marketing over science. True, it has a low-glycemic index, but so does diesel fuel, that doesn't mean it's good for you to eat. If you simply must have some sweets once in a while, a small amount of agave nectar isn't going to kill you, right away. Just don't buy into the idea that it's any better for you than cane sugar or High Fructose Corn Syrup, and it will make you fat.

Now I do know one thing for sure Blue Agave is good for, and that's for making Tequila. The Mexican government controls the tequila brand and regulates production to protect quality. Premium tequila has a 100% agave label meaning that it only contains sugars from the blue agave, was bottled at a distillery in tequila country and has an alcohol content of 70 to 110 proof. The town of Tequila, Mex. has ultra-modern distilleries of the largest Tequila companies, and small family-run estates where tequila is still produced using artisanal techniques.

Know Your Tequila:

Tequila Blanco or white tequila is bottled immediately after being distilled. Sometimes colorants such as caramel are added to produce Tequila oro.

Tequila Reposado: is white tequila that is kept in white oak casks for more than two months and up to a year. The result is a mellower flavor and bouquet.

Tequilañejo: is aged in white oak casks for more than a year, acquiring an amber color and distinctive smooth flavor. Some aged tequilas are stored in oak barrels for up to eight years and are known as Reserva.

Tequila aside from what it's detractors have to say has many quality attributes not the least of which are, in small doses it can be a relaxing way to end the work week, it can aid in your socialization skills, it can make your cloths fall off rather easily. Also it is a rather dependable sleep aid. So there you have it.Blue Agave Nectar = BAD... Blue Agave Tequila GOOD !!! Good Luck...

Hey! Don't Grab My Nut's !

2018-03-01T21:57:00.000-08:00

Nuts and their oils are unsaturated and extremely healthy.

With all the empty calorie, inflammatory fast food choices that Americans are overwhelmed with every day, sometimes it's better to just grab your nut's. There are many ongoing studies that have suggested that nuts are a beneficial food in lowering the risk of heart disease and perhaps conditions like high blood pressure, by increasing circulation. The fat found in nuts is polyunsaturated and mono-saturated non-artery-clogging fat and this is why nuts are considered healthy despite their high fat content.

The important thing to remember is the portion size. Nuts should be eaten in small amounts, not more than 2 or 3 handfuls at a time. Although they can be eaten a many times throughout a day. Just don't eat a large amount at any one time. A handful of nuts may not seem like enough of a snack, but if you're still hungry, have a piece of fruit with your handful of nut's. Nuts are a healthy source of plant protein and can be used dishes like stir fries or to top casseroles, salad's, or yogurt . Lightly roasted pecans or walnuts served over unsweetened applesauce is a great dessert. The fat in nuts is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts are especially high in these important fatty acids, but all nuts are considered healthy because of their protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins. Nuts are also a source of Vitamin E, fiber, folic acid and antioxidants as well as minerals such as magnesium, zinc and copper. Here's how a few of my favorites rate:

My favorites:

Pecan Nuts

Are a good source of protein, pecans are high in unsaturated fats
They contain a reasonable amount of fiber, and modest amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc
Pecans naturally provide the body with zinc, which helps the body produce testosterone, the hormone that perks sexual desire in men and women.
Pecans have been found to lower LDL cholesterol in people with normal lipid levels.
1 ounce (20 halves) of pecan nuts contains 196 calories

Pistachio Nuts

Pistachio nuts are a good source of protein, and contain valuable amounts of fiber, with some iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin A.
Pistachio nuts are a rich source of many phyto-chemical substances including carotenes, vitamin E, and polyphenolic antioxidant compounds, that protect the body from diseases, cancers, as well as infections.
They also contain significant amounts of vitamin E and potassium
One ounce of pistachios contains 161 calories

Peanuts

Actually belong in the legume family along with peas, beans and lentils
They are high in protein and comparatively low in fat
They are also a good source of fiber, magnesium, iron and zinc, and an excellent source of vitamin D
Try to buy the unsalted varieties when possible
One ounce of peanuts contains 161 calories

Walnuts

Walnuts are high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats
They provide protein, iron, zinc, vitamin E.
Walnuts contain a compound known as ellagic acid; ellagic acid bolsters the immune system and might have anti-cancer properties. The FDA, has recently declared that 1.5 ounce of walnuts per day may help reduce the risk of heart attack.
Walnuts have become well-known, for their high omega-3 fatty acid content.
One ounce of walnuts contains 185 calories

Cashew Nuts

Cashews are a good source of potassium, protein.
They also provide vitamin A and iron
Cashew nuts also contain zea-xanthin, an important pigment flavonoid antioxidant, which selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes. It is thought to provide antioxidant and protective UV ray filtering functions and helps prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Fresh nuts should last for 5-6 months stored shelled inside an airtight container in the refrigerator.
One ounce of cashew nuts contains 157 calories

Pumpkin Seeds

Seeds are lower in fat than most other nuts
They are a good source of fiber, magnesium and potassium, and an excellent source of protein, iron, phosphorus and zinc.
Pumpkin seeds contain protective compounds called phytosterols, which may be responsible for shrinking the prostate.
Eat them in both sweet or savory dishes, or spicy with chili powder on them.
One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains 153 calories

Sunflower Seeds

They are a good source of potassium and phosphorous
They also contain protein, B vitamins, iron, calcium, zinc. Sunflower seeds are incredible sources of folic acid. Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis.
They are one of the best sources of vitamin E
They can be eaten raw, toasted, or sprinkled over salads, breakfast cereals, muffins, or over grilled fish
1 ounce of sunflower seeds contains 165 calories

In a study reported in the June, 2007 Journal Of Lipids Research notes that in addition to being rich sources of oleic and palmitoleic acids, nuts contain polyphenol compounds that lead them to conclude that consumption of nuts can be expected to confer health benefits. They published a study that examined the effects of macadamia consumption on biomarkers of oxidative stress, coagulation and inflammation in males with high cholesterol levels. Seventeen such males were given macadamia nuts equivalent to 15% of energy intake for a period of 4 weeks. As expected by the researchers, monounsaturated fatty acids were elevated in the plasma lipids of all study participants following the period of consumption of macadamias. Plasma markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were significantly lower. This study demonstrated for the first time that short-term macadamia nut consumption favorably modifies the biomarkers of oxidative stress, thrombosis and inflammation, the risk factors for coronary artery disease, despite an increase in dietary fat intake.

Carry them along with you wherever you go

There is no need of special containers or carry boxes.

They have long shelf life. Unlike fruits and vegetables, nuts are almost non- perishable.

Compared to a McDonalds cheesburger, Nuts have 6% carbs (fiber), 80% fats (good fats), 14% protein. The cheesburger on the other hand has, 40% carbs (empty calorie white flour bun), 40% saturated fat (artery clogging fat) + trans-fats (artificial artery clogging fat's) 20% protein. Now nut's you can enjoy wherever you want, whenever you like. Nuts are storehouse of health benefiting poly-phenolic flavonoid antioxidants such as carotenes, resveratrol, lutein, cryptoxanthin etc. These compounds have been found to be protective against cancers, heart disease, degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer's disease, and viral/ fungal infections. They are rich source of all important omega-3 essential fatty acids like Linoleic acid, α-Linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid, Docosahexonic acid etc.

Research studies have suggested that n-3 or ω-3 fatty acids by their virtue of anti-inflammatory action helps to lower the risk of blood pressure, coronary artery disease, strokes and breast, colon and prostate cancers. They contain very good levels of vitamin-E, a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E is required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin; thus, protecting it from harmful oxygen free radicals. Nuts nutrition provides many vital B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. Nutrition is total in nuts in the sense that in addition to oils, vitamins and anti-oxidents they are rich source of minerals. A real super food nuts are. Unless you have a nut allergy in which case you have my sympathy. For the rest of us, a good nutritional choice when you're in a hurry or on the run or relaxing with a beer or cooking dinner. Just grab your nut's, but remember never grab your neighbors nuts, unless they ask you to. Good Luck...

Black Cumin

2018-02-14T16:26:00.001-08:00

Black Cumin Seeds, the most revered medicinal history

Black Cumin seed, is the seed of the Nigella Sativa. The seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant are black, and look something like sesame seeds. Both the seeds and seed oil are used as nutritional supplements. Black Cumin seed (also known as "black seed") has been consumed for centuries, especially in the Far East, Middle East, Egypt and India. It's both a spice and traditional medicine used to treat a range of hepatic and digestive disorders, as well as fever, headaches and skin diseases. The flowers are delicate, and usually colored pale blue and white, with five to ten petals. The fruit is a large and inflated capsule composed of three to seven united follicles, each containing numerous seeds. Its many uses have earned Black Cumin seed the Arabic approbation Habbatul barakah, meaning the "seed of blessing". Let's look at the history;

According to Zohary and Hopf, archaeological evidence they report N. Sativa seeds have been found in several sites from ancient Egypt, including Tutankhamun's tomb. (King Tut) Although its exact role in Egyptian culture is unknown, it is known that items entombed with a pharaoh were carefully selected to assist him in the afterlife. According to Wikipedia, the earliest written reference to N. sativa is thought to be in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament, where the reaping of nigella and wheat is contrasted (Isaiah 28: 25, 27). Easton's Bible dictionary states the Hebrew word ketsah refers to N. sativa without doubt. The prophet Mohammed reportedly said that seeds of the Black Cumin plant could cure "anything but death itself". According to Zohary and Hopf, N. sativa was another traditional condiment of the Old World during classical times, and its black seeds were extensively used to flavor food. Seeds were also found in Hittite flask in Turkey, dating from 2nd millennium BCE.

The NaturalNews, reports Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have discovered that an extract of Nigella Sativa seed oil, known as thymoquinone, can remedy one of the most virulent and difficult to treat cancers: pancreatic cancer. The extract does this by blocking pancreatic cell growth, and actually enhancing the built-in cellular function that causes programmed cell death, or apoptosis. According to Hwyda Arafat, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of Surgery at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, nigella sativa helps treat a broad array of diseases, including some immune and inflammatory disorders. Previous studies also have shown anticancer activity in prostate and colon cancers, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Using a human pancreatic cancer cell line, she and her team found that adding thymoquinone killed approximately 80% of the cancer cells. This study helps dispel the myth that herbs are just herbs, and are thus ineffective in treating disease. A study performed by S. Banerjee for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, showed that thymoquinone promotes anti-inflammatory effects, inhibits cancer cell growth and proliferation and even causes cell death in cancer cells. This study was mostly performed in cell cultures, but the results encouraged further examination of thymoquinone in clinical trials involving the human population. Studies have also shown that Black Cumin seeds can offer benefits as an anti-bacterial agent. One study examined the effects of Black Cumin seeds against the bacterial infection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA.

This study, performed by A. Hannan for the Department of Microbiology at the University of Health Sciences in Pakistan, showed that Black Cumin seeds offered an inhibitory effect against several strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. These results are significant because methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus can become resistant to antibiotics, so use of Black Cumin seeds may become more prevalent in the treatment of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus if resistance occurs. There is scientific evidence stating that administration of Black Cumin seeds can offer anti-convulsive benefits. According to "Medical Science Monitor," more than 15 percent of childhood epilepsy cases are resistant to treatment even though anti-epilepsy medications are widely available. A study performed by J. Akhondian for the Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran examined the use of extracts from black cumin seeds on 23 children, ages 13 months to 13 years, with refractory seizure disorder. The results of the study showed a significant reduction of the frequency of seizures in the group treated with black cumin seed extract. This herb is just one of many that are now being discovered as breaking the mold and defeating the lie. This herb proves useful and helpful in treating every day illnesses and complex illnesses as well.

One of Black Cumin's most popular and effective uses is the treatment of diseases related to the respiratory system, including asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism and cold symptoms. The seeds help increase body tone, stimulate menstrual period. Black Cumin seed oil helps calm the nervous system, quells colic pain, stimulates urine production, helps treat pertussis, improves digestion and helps prevent and lower high blood pressure. The seeds are very effective in curing abscesses and tumors of the eye, abdomen and liver, probably due in great part to the anti-tumor compound beta-sitosterol found in the seeds. For many years the medical community discounted the health benefits of Black Cumin seed oil in favor of modern drugs. It has been referred to as an old folk remedy, but scientists are now taking a closer look at the medicinal value of the seeds of Nigella Sativa. So let's review:

Black Cumin extract is anti-hypertensive, carminative and anti-parasitic.
Black Cumin is used to treat diseases related to the respiratory system, circulatory and immune system, stomach and intestines, kidneys and even the liver.
The seeds have been known to prove effective in fighting parasitic infections, asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism and cold symptoms.
They also provide health benefits like increasing body tone, stimulating menstrual period, increasing milk production in nursing mothers and increasing the flow of breast milk.
Black Cumin seed oil calms the nervous system, quells colic pain, stimulates excretion of urine, helps petrussis and improves digestion.
Black Cumin stimulates body's energy and helps in recovering from fatigue and dispiritedness.
It provides an effective cure for skin conditions such as allergies, eczema, acne, psoriasis and boils.
Black Cumin oil encourages the production of bone marrow and cells of the immune system, increases the production of interferon, protects normal cells from the damaging effects of viral diseases, destroys tumor cells and increases the number of antibody producing B cells.
Black Cumin contains potent sexual hormones, stimulants, digestive enzymes, antacids, and sedatives; all of which help boost the immune system and preempt diseases.
The seeds contain beta-sitosterol - an anti-tumor sterol. They are very effective in curing abscesses and tumors of the eye, abdomen and liver.
Black Cumin seeds are also used to treat flatulence, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, constipation and dysentery.
A teaspoon of Black Cumin seed oil, when mixed with honey and consumed regularly during breakfast, lunch and dinner, results in good health and strong immunity to diseases.
The seeds, when taken in capsulated form, help in strengthening hair as well as nails.

Black Cumin seed is a food as well as a traditional medicine, and it appears to be both nutritious and non-toxic. So, for those interested in experimenting with it, there are few problems associated with consuming the seeds or oil. Nonetheless, black seed products should be avoided by pregnant women, as one of the traditional uses is to induce abortion. I have a mortar & pestle that I use for crushing the smaller seeds into a powder to add to foods. If you don't the seeds will pass right through you. Seeds like cumin, flax, chia, hemp, all pulverize easily and can be added to oatmeal, smoothies, deserts, and baked goods. If you decide to use black cumin seed or oil, (why wouldn't you) check labels and product information carefully. Black Cumin is commonly referred to as black seed oil, black onion seed, black caraway, and black sesame seed, and other names, but only Nigella Sativa is true black cumin. Good Luck...

Was Popeye Right After All ??

2018-01-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

You'll be there to the finish, If you eat's your spinach!

I must admit when I was a child I practically packed my bags and left home every time my mom cooked spinach. She used to boil it to death until it smelled like the front lawn after a drenching rain, and I had to choke a helping down, because in those days you didn't leave the table," until you cleaned your plate!" When I grew up, I realized you could eat spinach raw, and my life was saved. There was spinach pasta, spinach stuffed croissants, and spinach dip. At last Popeye and I were on the same page.

Spinach originates from the Middle East, most likely Persia or modern-day Iran. Spinach, which does not grow well in hot weather, was successfully cultivated in the hot, and arid Mediterranean climate by Arab agronomists through the use of sophisticated irrigation techniques. The first references to spinach are from Sasanian Persia about 226-640 A.D., and we know that in 647 it was taken from Nepal to China where it was, and still is, known as the "Persian Green." The first written evidence of spinach in the Mediterranean are in three tenth-century works, the medical work by al-Razi and in two agricultural treatises, one by Ibn Wahshiya, and the other by Qustus al-Rumi. Spinach became a popular vegetable in the Arab Mediterranean, and arrived in Spain by the latter part of the twelfth century where a Arab agronomist called it the "captain of leafy greens." In 1533, Catherine de' Medici became queen of France. She liked spinach so much that she insisted it be served at every meal. To this day, dishes made with spinach are known as "Florentine", reflecting Catherine's birth in Florence. Cultivation of spinach began in the USA around 1800.

Spinach is an excellent source of bone-healthy vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, and calcium, heart-healthy folate, potassium, and vitamin B6, energy-producing iron and vitamin B2, and free radical-scavenging vitamin A and vitamin C. It is a very good source of digestion-supportive dietary fiber, muscle-building protein, energy-producing phosphorus, and the antioxidants copper, zinc and vitamin E. In addition, it is a good source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, and heart-healthy niacin and selenium. While this mixture of conventional nutrients gives spinach a unique status in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory department, it is the unusual mixture of phytonutrients in spinach that "seals the deal" in terms of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components. In terms of flavonoids, spinach is a unique source of methylenedioxyflavonol glucuronides, and in terms of carotenoids, its difficult to find a more helpful source of lutein and zeaxanthin. The epoxyxanthophyll carotenoids neoxanthin, and violaxanthin are also in spinach leaves. The natural nitrates found in spinach and other leafy greens feed muscular mitochondria, and thus help regulate blood pressure, immune defense, and cell metabolism. Inorganic nitrates, (which are different than the synthetic nitrates which are commonly added to processed foods) are used by the body to produce nitric oxide (NO), a vital molecular component that delivers oxygen to blood and performs a variety of other physiological and pathological processes in the body. Nitric oxide is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and vasodilation agent, all of which result in numerous health benefits, and Popeye's big muscles!

Lutein is a carotenoid found in spinach that is protective against eye diseases such as age-related cataracts and macular degeneration. There is some indication that it might be absorbed better if you eat it with a little fat, like a small amount of olive oil. Spinach, along with other green leafy vegetables, is commonly known to be a rich source of iron. However, the absorption of iron depends on a number of factors. In the case of spinach, it contains iron absorption inhibiting substances, including high levels of oxalate which can bind to the iron to form ferrous oxalate, that renders much of the iron in spinach unusable by the body. Spinach also has a high calcium content. However, the oxalate content in spinach also binds with calcium, decreasing its absorption. Calcium together with zinc, also limit iron absorption. According to Dr. Sue Rodwell Williams, author of many best-selling texts for practitioners over the past several decades, the calcium in spinach is the least bioavailable of calcium sources. By way of comparison, the body can absorb about half of the calcium present in broccoli, yet only around 5% of the calcium in spinach.

There are three basic types of spinach:

Savoy has dark green, crinkly and curly leaves. It is the type sold in fresh bunches in most supermarkets. Some heirloom varietys of savoy are Bloomsdale, and Merlo Nero a mild variety from Italy, and Viroflay a very large spinach.

Flat Leaf smooth spinach has broad, smooth leaves that are easier to clean than Savoy. Flat-leaf Baby Spinach is a variety. This type is often grown for canned and frozen spinach, as well as soups, baby foods, and processed foods.

Semi-Savoy is a hybrid variety with slightly crinkled leaves. It has the same texture as Savoy, but it is not as difficult to clean. It is grown for both fresh market and processing. Five Star, a widely grown variety.

Currently, California & Texas are the major USA spinach producers. On the left coast we can buy organic spinach all year around at our grocery stores, and farmers markets. Choose fresh crisp bunches with vibrantly green leaves with no sign of yellowing, wilting or bruising. Spinach pairs best with, Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, and Chenin Blanc wines. It also gets along with all aged cheeses like Parmesan and other dairy products. Now spinach is grown in sandy soil, so make sure you wash it thoroughly under water to remove all the grit. Cooking spinach causes it to have a more acidic flavor, so a lot of recipes will call for butter or cream added to counteract the strong flavor. Fresh raw organic spinach is my favorite. I use it in salads, and wraps along with lettuce, or sprouts. Ham or turkey spinach, stuffed croissants with cheese is another favorite. Use Baby spinach, for eating raw, it's smaller, and has a more tender leaf. After all no one here expects you to eat spinach squeezed out of a can, there's only one Popeye. Don't wash your spinach until you use it, it won't keep as well. Spinach doesn't store well so finish it or pitch it.

FYI, Spinach contain naturally occurring substances called purines. Purines can be broken down to form uric acid, excess accumulation of purines in the body can lead to excess accumulation of uric acid. The "gout" and also the formation of kidney stones from uric acid are two examples of uric acid-related problems that can be related to excessive intake of purine-containing foods. So, individuals with kidney problems or gout may want to limit or avoid intake of purine-containing foods such as spinach.

It is important to wash raw fruits, and vegetables before eating them to prevent an E. coli illness. It only takes a few cells of the bacteria to make a person sick. Most of the organism is destroyed through cooking. The risks of getting sick from E. coli increase with vegetables that have edible parts that touch the soil, such as leafy vegetables. Wash your spinach thoroughly under running water. This is important to remove not only E. coli but also pests,sand, and pesticide residue.Spinach is one of the high pesticide-containing foods, so it’s important to eat organic spinach if you can. Also available most places that produce is sold, are spray veggie wash products. USE THEM if you you don't buy organic, and plan to eat raw veggies. Good Luck...Was Popeye Right ??

2017-12-31T21:19:00.003-08:00

2017-12-24T16:34:00.000-08:00

Don't Forget The Cranberry Sauce!

2017-12-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

If you love cranberry sauce, you might be wondering if it is healthy for you or nothing but a sweet sugar-filled treat.

Read more: http://notecook.com/desserts/fruits/is-cranberry-sauce-good-for-you/#ixzz2Cth6lg7g

It is important to be aware of the health benefits of cranberries. Cranberries ward off heart disease and cancer, as they are high in antioxidants. These berries are also known to aid in stomach problems, reduce bad breath, and a diet which is rich in cranberries can help you lose weight

Read more: http://notecook.com/desserts/fruits/is-cranberry-sauce-good-for-you/#ixzz2CpL8yAqp

Cranberry sauce good for you , can of sugar not good.

t is important to be aware of the health benefits of cranberries. Cranberries ward off heart disease and cancer, as they are high in antioxidants. These berries are also known to aid in stomach problems, reduce bad breath, and a diet which is rich in cranberries can help you lose weight.

Read more: http://notecook.com/desserts/fruits/is-cranberry-sauce-good-for-you/#ixzz2CpKIJreK

It is important to be aware of the health benefits of cranberries. Cranberries ward off heart disease and cancer, as they are high in antioxidants. These berries are also known to aid in stomach problems, reduce bad breath, a

Read more: http://notecook.com/desserts/fruits/is-cranberry-sauce-good-for-you/#ixzz2CpKa0kWl

Well let me first say the cranberry sauce I'll be talking about here is homemade, not mass produced sugar jelly in BPA lined cans. On the health side, recent research shows that cranberry could become a possible cure for stomach infections. Animals with stomach viruses that were given cranberry, and had results that were overwhelmingly positive. The virus didn't spread nor did it latch on to red blood cells.

While cranberries were known throughout Northern Europe, it is commonly accepted that the Pilgrims were introduced to cranberries by Native Americans

Read more: About Cranberry Sauce | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_4679280_cranberry-sauce.html#ixzz2CtntnIyT

While cranberries were known throughout northern Europe,
cranberry sauces and juices were first made by American settlers in 1683. The Pilgrims learned all about cranberries from the Native Americans, who recognized the natural preservative power (benzoic acid) in the berries, and often mixed them into pemmican a dried meat mixture to extend its shelf life.They also used the berries for wound medicine, and dye. Calling the red berries Sassamanash, natives introduced cranberries to starving English settlers in Massachusetts who incorporated the berries into traditional Thanksgiving feasts. General Ulysses S. Grant ordered it served to the troops during the seige of Petersburg in 1864. Cranberry sauce was first commercially canned in 1912 by the Cape Cod Cranberry Company which marketed the product as "Ocean Spray Cape Cod Cranberry Sauce." Cranberries have a number of health benefits, and especially for all of you that have some excess fat to lose. Cranberries contains high levels of organic acids, which have an emulsifying effect upon fat deposits. When it comes to urinary tract infections caused by a strain of E coli bacteria, cranberries and cranberry juice have proved effective for relief. Some of the compounds in the cranberries block the bacteria from sticking to the cells in the body, so that the body can more easily flush the bacteria out.

According to researchers at the annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Results in a 2002 study suggest that cranberries may inhibit a type of bacteria that is a common cause of ear and respiratory infections in children. In this study it was found that cranberries can inhibit certain strains of Haemophilus Influenzae, a type of bacteria found in the nose and throat of 75% of healthy children and adults. The bacteria can also cause infections, and may be responsible for up to 40% of bacterially-derived middle ear infection. Cranberries are a good source of polyphenol antioxidants and phytochemicals, both of which are possible deterrents against cancer, and disorders of the cardiovascular and immune systems. That's a lot of benefits coming from a small fruit. Preservatives in foods, and beverages, contribute to the rise in urinary tract infection cases these days. Cranberry's anti-adhesion properties caused by the minerals found in the fruit help clense the body. Cranberries and it's unsweetened juice, have nothing but good news for the teeth and gums.

Experts say cranberry inhibits the growth of mouth bacteria that causes plaque. So eat up. A healthy dose of cranberry juice about two 16oz. glasses a day (about the size of a small bottled water) ensures your teeth are fresh and clean all the time. The presence of quinic acid have experts saying it is possible for cranberry to help prevent the development of kidney stones. It makes sense since cranberry can rid the body of wastes and bacteria. While cranberries are a natural diuretic they don't deplete your body of potassium like pharmaceutical diuretics, which can be very dangerous. So whatever you do this christmas don't pass on the Cranberry sauce. Good Luck..

Just in-case Bart's cranberry sauce wasn't good for you (and I hope it wasn't) try my favorite recipe...

Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp minced orange zest
1/4 tsp cinnamon
12 oz bag of fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup crushed pineapple
1/2 cup honey

Directions:

Bring orange juice, ginger, zest and cinnamon to a boil on high heat in a medium saucepan.
Rinse cranberries and add once boiling liquid. Reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes.
Add crushed pineapple and honey. Remove from heat and cool.

Now That's What I'm Talken About!!

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2017-12-04T20:30:00.000-08:00