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What are the Nutritional Needs?

2007-05-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

Nutrition as it applies to our daily lives means that we take in what we need to maintain our body’s healthy state. Nutrition has become an important word thanks to the involvement of the USDA in our daily food requirements, and the FDA’s involvement in determining what is and is not dangerous for us to consume.
But what is our responsibility in the nutrition game? Do we understand what our nutritional requirements are, how to fulfill those requirements, and how to look for real nutritional value in our foods?

I’m not sure that nutrition has been successfully addressed in its own right. We hear nutrition in relation to our vitamin intake, our fortified cereals and milk, and in the context that we need “nutritional value” from our food choices. But what really is nutrition when applied to our daily bodily functions?

Today, we must determine how much nourishment we need, how much physical exercise we need, and how best to accomplish those ends. Calorie needs, nutritional needs, physical needs, and education about those needs now is information we should all understand, at least as it applies to our individual self.

If you will visit your local doctor, library, or fitness center, there is massive amounts of information available to help educate and to help you make good health choices, no matter what the age group.

Nutrition refers to the nurturing of our body, in our ability to keep it healthy and functioning as it is supposed to do. Our ability to provide the body with all it’s necessary food, vitamins, and minerals so that we continue to thrive in our daily life processes.

If you were to take a cross section of the population, and check for adequate levels of the most used and fortified vitamins and minerals, you would probably find that as high as 80% or the population is lacking in a least one of the vitamins and minerals.

Now, that doesn’t sound too bad, until you stop to think, what if it’s calcium? A calcium deficiency brings on osteoporosis, a deteriorating of the bone. This disease alone costs millions in medical expense to the population.

Can you see how a little more cooperation and open-minded participation on the part of our medical field could result in far fewer health problems? It would also have provided the general population with a viable way to discern their nutrition, vitamin and mineral needs, accurately.

So how do we determine that we are providing the essential nutritional needs? That knowledge comes by educating ourselves about what our individual needs are, the needs of our family, and then taking that knowledge and applying it to the foods we buy, that we prepare, and that our families consume.

Quite often, our vitamin and mineral needs outweigh our caloric needs. In those instances, we turn to manufactured vitamins and minerals to fill the gap. This is a part of our nutritional needs, also.

Nutrition is one of the most complex areas to gain useful knowledge about, because there are so many components, and because each person has their own individual needs.

Women needs differ from those of men, and older women’s needs differ from those of a young girl. As we age, our needs constantly change; therefore continual education about nutrition is a fact of life. The nutritional needs of a cardiac patient are different than those of a healthy, middle-aged hiker.

Can you see the complexity of the situation now? What we really need is to develop a scale that determines the nutritional needs of our bodies on a cellular level, so that as we age, as our physical condition changes, or our health changes, we can recalculate our needs, based on cellular changes and content in our body.

Individuality is the key to understanding each person’s nutritional needs, and then working to educate us is the key to fulfilling those nutritional needs. Good nutrition should be the ultimate goal of every person alive.

About the author : Nishanth Reddy, is an author and publisher of many health related websites. For more information on how to be fit and healthy visit his website at http://www.fitness-wellness-guide.com

Are you GREEN?

2007-05-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

GREEN is all the buzz nowadays. It is no longer just a color but a word to describe environmental movements, ways of living, business models, products, and anything and everything that has to do with taking better care of Mother Earth. There is more awareness and concern now about the future of the Earth than in years past. From grassroots campaigns to Capitol Hill. How about you, are you green? Take the short quiz below and find out.

Quiz: Are You Green?

Test your environmental IQ

Find out what the newest earth-watching satellites tell us about our wild planet.

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

(Pass the time away. Watch wheatgrass growing on a tray)

What Mother’s Day Means to our Moms

Have you ever noticed how much moms look forward to celebrating Mother's Day, even more than celebrating their own birthday?
It isn't because their birthday is about getting a year older - after all, we get older every day, not just on our birthdays.
Mothers enjoy Mother's Day because they want to be acknowledged and appreciated for all they have done for their children throughout the years as their mom.

If you’re a parent, you know that most parental good deeds go unnoticed. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to think back on all that your mother has gone through for you. Remember the financial strain your mother endured to get you those braces? How she made you eat those carrots and green beans so you wouldn’t grow into an adult who only eats red meat for supper? All those times she told you not to swear so you wouldn't develop bad habits, even when you caught her saying one once in a while? And all the worrying she did over you when you first started school, first started to date, and took that big move away from home.

For those of us who aren't moms, such sacrifices and unconditional love can seem a little hard to relate to. Mother's Day can seem like just another holiday that we don’t get off work, and you just have to buy a card, a few flowers, and then you're off the hook. But for your mom, remember that the day has much more meaning. She looks to you to be with her after all the times she was there for you.

This year, surprise your mom and d o something special for her this Mother's Day. It isn’t the present that she’s looking forward to, it’s you. Appreciate her for all that she’s done, and all that she means to you.

Take Your Vitamins - But Take Them Sensibly

2007-05-06T16:39:00.000-07:00

The first thing to remember about vitamins is that pills or supplements shouldn't be your only source of vitamins. Nothing - not even a daily vitamin regimen - is a substitute for eating right. Some people tend to eat less healthy because of their lifestyles. They're just too busy to stop for a real meal. Dieting is a common problem because those on a strict diet may not be getting nearly all the vitamins the body needs to stay healthy.

If those situations sound familiar, there are some things you can do.

Don't do crash diets or diets that require you to only eat a specific food. The grapefruit diet was popular a few years ago, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that it's not a good idea from a health standpoint.

Talk to your doctor or to a dietician. Make a healthy plan and stick with it. Supplement your diet with regular exercise and be sure that you're eating the foods that will keep you healthy long enough to enjoy that slim new body you're working on.

If you think you're just too busy to eat healthy, think again. There are dozens of shortcuts toward healthy foods and healthy meals that will get you the daily recommended dose of most vitamins. Instead of eating chips or a candy bar for a snack, eat an apple, a banana, a handful of grapes, cherries or strawberries. These are completely portable, just like a candy bar. Many convenience stores are recognizing that customers want these healthier snacks and they're offering them at the counter.

Instead of stopping at a convenience store or fast food restaurant, allow yourself five extra minutes and make a quick stop at a grocer for your snack. Choose veggies - cooked are often an option if the grocery has a deli.

Make yourself a sandwich. Think sandwiches aren't healthy? Think again. If you choose wisely, you're getting meat, veggies (think bigger than just lettuce and tomato) and bread - and all the vitamins you'd get from most sit-down meals.

The next time you think that just popping a pill is the best way to get the vitamins your body needs, think again. It might be easier than taking time for a sandwich, but it's certainly not healthier. Vitamin pills and supplements should do just that - supplement your daily food intake.

[ Article from Lbry.com ]

Does Natural Pain Relief Really Exist?

2007-03-01T00:32:00.000-08:00

     Sometimes, however, pain isn’t done away with so easily - it remains with us despite all efforts to banish it. This is called ‘chronic’ pain, distinguishable from ‘acute’ pain by its persistence. Common examples of chronic pain include backaches, migraine headaches, and arthritis.
     The most popular treatment for chronic pain are prescription medications, but these often have adverse side effects ranging from nausea to fatigue, and can cease to be effective once a patient builds a tolerance.
Acupuncture has been used as a form of natural pain relief and cure for many chronic conditions for over two thousand years. Originating in China, acupuncture involves piercing the skin with thin needles on specific points of the body. Patients have claimed acupuncture has proven effective in treating ailments such as neck pain, migraine headaches, arthritic pain, and even depression.Herbal remedies offer another time-tested alternative to conventional therapies, providing natural pain relief to sufferers without many of the unwanted side effects of conventional medicines. There usually several herbal treatments for a particular condition; popular herbal remedies include emu oil, which can alleviate the pain of arthritis, and good old Vitamin E, which helps minimize scarring. The downside of herbal treatments is that they often take longer to achieve noticeable results; the upside is that you aren’t introducing man-made foreign compounds into your body, and run less risk of side effects or damaging your overall health.
     Although it may sound like well-worn advice with little glitter or pizzazz, perhaps the best advice is to take care of yourself - get proper nutrition by eating fewer processed foods and more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Take care to get enough sleep each night, and take time out of each day for exercise - even simple activities like taking the stairs at work or a walk around the block go a long way towards improving your health.

Good Nutrition

2006-08-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

With the amount of information that exists about good nutrition, you would think it was a big mystery. The truth of the matter is, there is no mystery involved in getting the proper nutrients that your body needs. Why should you care about getting the proper nutrients? Many people are under the misconception that eating healthy is for the young because they are growing. Tissue and cells are constantly being renewed in both children and adults. The failure for these elements to repair themselves can result in diseases of lifelong misery or worse, death. To lower your risk of developing a disease, you simply need to follow three simple steps of good nutrition.

Proper Hydration
Plain and simple, your body needs water. Being properly hydrated will benefit you from head to toe. Water keeps your cells hydrated and flowing throughout your body. It doesn't take long to witness the benefits of drinking sufficient water. Just a week of being hydrated and your skin will have a new glow. If you need to lose weight, water can help you achieve your goal. In many instances, people misinterpret thirst for hunger. Unless it's been a few hours since you have eaten, have a glass of water the next time you have hunger panes.

There are numerous guidelines for how much water to drink. Consuming eight glasses of water each day is the most popular guideline. People have different needs. A better indication of how hydrated you are is your urine. When you are properly hydrated your urine is almost clear. There is the possibility of water intoxication so you don't want your urine to be completely colorless.

Eating Healthy
In addition to being hydrated, you need to eat a variety of foods. Forget fad diets that restrict certain foods. The key to healthy eating is to eat in moderation and variety. Your food choices should include a large percentage from complex carbohydrates, which is sufficient for energy. You should also consume several servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy every day. You should limit your servings of protein and fats to two or three servings each day. By including all of these food groups in your diet, you are less likely to be hungry or have cravings for sweets and other non-nutritional foods.

Vitamin Supplementation
As long as you live in a country where food is plentiful and produced safely, you should have no problem obtaining the amount of vitamins and minerals your body needs. However, food allergies, dislikes, and illness may prevent you from eating certain foods. Some people, for example, are lactose intolerant and cannot consume dairy products. In these instances, supplementation should become a part of a plan for healthy nutrition. You don't need a prescription to purchase vitamins, but it is a good idea to discuss your particular needs with your medical doctor. Consuming excessive amounts of some vitamins can cause toxicity and unpleasant side effects.

John Gibb

GreenPower Kamut wheatgrass

2006-08-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

Green Power Kamut is a premium quality 100% pure,certified organic powder you mix with water or fruit juice to drink.It is a mild, rejuvenating 100% young deep green leaf !
The Kamut seed is an ancient food from the Nile-rich region of Egypt. It is non-hybrid, non-crossbred which is the reason for its exceptionally high nutritive value.
It is recognized by nutritionists as one of the purest nutrient rich foods on the planet. For centuries, Kamut has been called "the father of all foods",this is because its roots reach deep into the soil and capture vital nutrients.
Kamut are planted and grown at high altitude on an ancient volcanic lakebed nourished with mountain spring water. Once harvested,rinsed,juiced and dried at less than 88 degrees fahrenheit, no fillers or binders are added to this product. Kamut becomes the purest non-pasteurized powder available!
Kamut is designed to benefit the health and vitality of the human body. It is a potent source of anti-oxidants, alkaline, protein, chlorophyll, essential fatty acids, minerals, friendly bacteria and key enzymes.Trully NATURE'S GIFT TO MAN!
Green Power Kamut is an alkaline forming food. In order to assure absorption, take on an empty stomach at least 25 minutes before meals.Green Power Kamut contains no sugars or sweeteners.

How Essential Fatty Acids Improve Your Brain Power and Mental Health

2006-08-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

What is your brain made of?

Over 50% of your brain is made of good fat. Twenty percent of this good fat comes from EPA and DHA. Remember EPA and DHA comes from,

* omega-3 fatty acids
* eating fish
* borage oil
* primrose oil
* parilla oil
* NOK oil

I have covered all these oils in other articles except NKO Krill Oil. This oil is the new kid on the block. It comes from Antarctic krill, a crustacean found in the Antarctic waters. It provides EPA and DHA like borage oil does, but its chemical structure is phospholipids. Phospholipids are easier for your cells to absorb than borage oil's EPA and DHA, which is in the form of triglycerides.

The essential fatty acids provide the chemical molecules to make Phospholipids. These phospholipids gather together to form a protective barrier around each cell in your body.

If the fatty acids are in phospholipids form, your body is able to use them quicker and more efficiently.

This is what makes NOK oil a more bio-available advanced oil than borage or primrose oil.

If you are deficient in the essential fatty acids, you will be more susceptible to these conditions:

* Alzheimer's disease
* Anxiety and body stress
* Heart disease
* Attention deficit disorder
* Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
* Bipolar disorder
* Chronic fatigue syndrome
* Depression
* Learning disorders
* Memory impairment
* Parkinson's disease
* Schizophrenia

Making Your Brain Work Like It Should

Your brain needs a good daily supply of the essential fatty acid omega-3. It also uses omega-6 and AA (Arachidonic acid). So this means taking a good dose of NKO oil is a necessary daily routine for keeping your brain from shrinking.

Alzheimer's disease

Doctors believe that if every one lived to be over 120 years, they would come down with Alzheimer's disease. It is a disease that once your have it, all you can do, at this time, is to slow its progression using certain drugs and nutrients.

Before your brain starts to deteriorate to where it contains nodules of toxins, excess oxidation due to free radicals, and weaken and narrowing blood vessels, it might be a good idea to start feeding it the food it needs.

DHA is in order for Alzheimer's disease. When DHA is deficient in your diet, you can expect to have memory loss and become depressed as you age.

Lecithin is also in order since it helps to provide choline, a precursor to the memory neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It also provides the chemicals to produce RNA.

Heart disease is closely related to Alzheimer's because the heart must be strong enough to pump plenty of blood into the brain and the arteries must open enough to circulate enough blood through the brain and throughout your body.

Even if you don't come down with Alzheimer's or your family history doesn't support it, most of us are in line for dementia. Dementia is also attributed to deterioration of brain cells and support tissue. One of the causes of dementia is a diet that has been deficient in the essential fatty acids.

Here is my recommendation for supplementing with the essential fatty acids:

* Eat more good fish, at least once a week and occasionally twice a week
* Eat less fat and particularly saturated fat. A good number for daily fat intake is 15-20% of your overall calories.
* Take daily, flax seed oil and olive oil for the omega-3 and omega-6 oils
* Take a daily supplement of NKO or Borage oil, which supplies EPA and DHA

About the Author
Rudy Silva, natural nutritionist. To get more tips on how to maintain good health check out his latest newsletter at: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com/nl-127.html then go to sign up at http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Wheatgrass

2006-08-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

Wheatgrass is one of the most nutrient-rich green super food.
With one pound having as much nutrients as 23 pounds of vegetables, it is becoming one of the most widely used natural health supplement.
Before wheatgrass can be consumed, it must be juiced to have the optimum nutrition. It cannot be digested when not in liquid form because of its fibrous nature and high levels of cellulose. Roughly 70% of wheatgrass juice is chlorophyll which is what plants use to absorb the light from the sun.

Chlorophyll is remarkably similar to the chemical haemoglobin, which is the substance that carries the oxygen in red blood cells. It can be easily converted into haemoglobin, allowing the body to build more red blood cells. Therefore, it will improve your performance during exercise.

The chlorophyll can purify the body by counteracting toxins and having anti-bacterial and anti-yeast effect. Also, it can have a positive effect on ulcers, arthritis and sore throats by reducing the inflammation.

Wheatgrass contains hundreds of enzymes and approximately 20 amino acids for building and repairing cells and tissue. When grown in organic soil, it can contain up to 90 out of 102 minerals including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and calcium. It has a rich source of vitamins, A, C, E, K and the B complex. Also, despite being called ‘wheatgrass’ it is actually gluten-free.

Noni Fruit

2006-07-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

Noni fruit has gained worldwide notoriety in recent years for its health benefits, but also as a result of how those benefits have been exaggerated.
Noni fruit is packed with nutrients – some well known, others more mysterious – that can help you to live a healthier, longer life. Several animal studies have shown that noni fruit can help to reduce tumors, enhance the immune system, and relieve pain.

Scientists in both the public and private sectors have widely demonstrated that the health benefits of noni fruit, while often wildly exaggerated, are not to be dismissed.

Noni fruit comes from the noni tree. When ripe, a noni fruit is about the size and color of the inside of a pear. It contains many seeds and has a distinctive, pungent odor. It is soft and dripping with juice.

The tree grows up to 30 feet tall in a large variety of habitats: volcanic terrains, lava-strewn coasts, clearings, and limestone crops. Its resiliency has allowed it to spread from its native Southeast Asia to neighboring India and the Pacific Islands, and as far as New Zealand, Australia, and South America. Its leaves are large, dark green, shiny, and deeply veined. Its small white flowers give rise to fruit that is bright green when young, and yellow or white when ripe.

Over 2,000 years ago, the inhabitants of what is now known as the Polynesian Islands domesticated the noni tree. They used all parts of the tree as food, medicine, and dye. It is said to treat many maladies, including constipation, diarrhea, skin inflammation, infection, mouth sores, fever, contusions, and sprains. Many other cultures have used noni fruit as well. For example, the Chinese have used it for the digestive system, kidneys, heart, and liver.

Today, noni fruit is available in a wide variety of formats, including juices, powders, capsules, even soaps and shampoos. Used in conjunction with modern medicine, the noni fruit can be a valuable health supplement.

Watermelon best served unchilled

2006-07-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

"For Extra Health Benefit, Don't Chill Watermelon"
US Department of Agriculture scientists reported that watermelons stored at room temperature offer more nutrients than refrigerated or freshly picked melons. They found that watermelon stored at 70 F had up to 40% more lycopene and 50% to 139% more beta-carotene than freshly picked fruit. The researchers said their findings showed that watermelons continue to produce nutrients after they are picked and that chilling slows this process.

Grow Your Health With Herbs

2006-07-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Ask the average American to define herbs and he or she will tell you that herbs are green leaves that have some medicinal properties. Some may even add that herbs like Thyme and Sage are used for cooking. This is how most people define herbs; which is quite good knowledge considering that most folks are ambivalent about the actual use of herbs in their own lives.

A herb (the word rhymes with ‘curb’) is a plant that is grown for medicinal or culinary value.

Typically, the green leafy part of the herb is used, occasionally roots also are put to use. A culinary herb is non-woody and soft. Used for their aromatic flavor and texture, culinary herbs include bay leaf, basil, chervil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme.

The world of medicinal herbs is even more diverse and surprising. Even the most innocuous looking leaf blade may possess a treasure trove of medicinal properties. A medicinal herb is generally a shrub or other woody plant used for therapeutic purposes. Herbalism or Phytotherapy is the practice of folk or traditional medicine that aims to cure “dis-eases” in the body using plants and the active constituents found within them.

This resurgence of interest in herbs was brought about by various systems of holistic healing. Now, more than ever before, people are beginning to realize that good health does not refer to an absence of disease. Rather, it is a balance of physical, mental, emotional and social wellness. Herbal health care is becoming increasingly popular because herbs provide natural stimulants that activate the body’s own defense mechanisms.

When orthodox medicine took over the reins of mainstream health care, herbs and their medicinal values got relegated to the background. One reason could be the problem of availability. Another more important reason is that unlike a pill or a tonic, herbs usually take more time to bring about an effect.

Due to our sedentary lifestyle, processed foods and industrial advances, we have managed to discover a large number of chronic illnesses that were virtually unknown in the past. Medicines used to treat these diseases have side effects. In time, these medicines also become ineffective as the human body develops a resistance to the medicine. After battling it out for many years, practitioners of conventional medicine are finally willing to admit that herbal extracts are an effective source of healing.

Herbal medicines provide a healing system that is in tune with nature. The medicines are characterized by simplicity, depth and effectiveness. They are cost effective too. Absence of side effects also greatly enhances their allure.

Some interesting uses of herbs are:

- Chamomile tea sipped slowly throughout the day helps decrease acidity and soothes the digestive system

- Alfalfa is a highly nutritious herb as it is a natural source of vitamins and minerals.

- Valerian root can be used to treat insomnia.

- Two fresh garlic cloves taken at night increases ones resistance to flu and colds.

- Feverfew is a herb that if taken consistently, effectively reduces the frequency of migraines.

Herbs, like any drug, bring about a physiological change in the body. If taken continuously for prolonged periods, they may affect the body’s natural ability to heal. The aim of herbs is to bring the body back into ‘balance’ so that there is no longer any need for medicine. Herbal medicines may not be the best, pure or only form of medicine. Indeed, it should be used as a complementary medicine that helps doctors achieve the most important goal of all – that of total cure in the easiest, most effective and shortest route.

Alternative Holistic Medicine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Cho

WIKIPEDIA has a good list(alphabetical order) of most herbs and spices. Check it out at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_herbs

Health benefits of Green Tea

2006-07-17T23:37:00.000-07:00

Historical evidence suggests that tea leaves boiled in water were consumed as far back as 5,000 years ago in India and China. These two countries were the earliest users of tea. Tea also plays a very important part in social rituals of Japan. In Asian countries tea has long played an important cultural role.

Tea is derived from leaves of a plant called Camellia sinensis. The plant is grown in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

There are three types of tea - Green, black and oolong. All of these are derived from Camellia sinensis, the difference lying in the way the leaves are processed. Green tea is prepared from leaves that are not fermented; oolong tea is prepared from partially fermented leaves, while black tea leaves are fully fermented. Green and oolong tea are mostly consumed in Asian countries like China, Japan, India and Thailand, while black tea is preferred in United States.

In recent periods green tea has attracted a lost of attention due to many health benefits attributed to it. Many studies have been conducted which explore the link between consumption of green tea and incidence of certain diseases in the population. It has been observed that green tea is helpful in:

- preventing cancer,

- improving the ratio of 'good' (HDL) cholesterol to 'bad' cholesterol,

- cognition,

- treating flatulence,

- regulating blood sugar,

- regulating body temperature,

- improving digestion.

In some studies it was suggested that the lower incidence of heart related diseases in the French population in spite of the consumption of a fat rich diet is related to the drinking of large quantities of green tea by them. This may be compared to the lower incidence of heart diseases in Japanese population, 75% of which are heavy smokers.

The medicinal properties of green tea are attributed to the presence of polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent the damage caused by free radicals present in body. Free radicals occur naturally, but they grow in numbers due to some environmental conditions like pollution, ultra-violet light, cigarette smoke etc. Green tea contains 30% to 40% polyphenols, while black tea contains up to 10% polyphenols.

3 to 4 cups of green tea is recommended for an adult.

Green tea has been found to be beneficial in following conditions :

(1) People who drink green tea are found to have lower LDL cholesterol levels and higher HDL cholesterol levels. One study conducted in animals suggests that polyphenols may help inhibit the absorption of cholesterol by intestines thus helping in the excretion of cholesterol from body.

(2) Though it has not yet been conclusively proved that drinking of green tea is related to the lower incidence of caner in Japan, yet some studies conducted in animals indicate that polyphenols that act as antioxidants may be responsible for killing the cancer cells.

(3) It was found in certain studies that polyphenols help control Type 1 diabetes. The body stops producing insulin in Type 1 diabetes. Green tea can be helpful in regulating levels of glucose in the blood in such cases.

(4) Green tea has also been found to be beneficial for the liver. It helps control the damaging effect of alcohol on it. People who drink green tea are found to have lower incidence of liver diseases.

(5) Green tea may also be helpful in reducing weight in obese people. Though not conclusively proved, weight reducing properties of polyphenols have been noted in some studies.

In some cases, however, certain precautions need to be taken while taking green tea.

People with stomach ulcers, heart problems, hyperthyroidism and psychological disorders should not take green tea. Pregnant women should also avoid it. Green tea should also be avoided if one is taking any of the following medications: anti-biotics, Benzodiazepines, Beta blockers, blood thinning medicines, chemotherapy, oral contraceptives and lithium.

Michael Russell Your Independent Herbal guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Michael Russell - EzineArticles Expert Author

There are many reasons why a son admires his father

2006-06-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons why a son admires his father. Perhaps, it is the similarities that they share....

1) We have to be right or convinced otherwise.
2) We both understand good cooking:)
3) We call each other "Buck"
4) We understand social justice.
5) We are both business owners.
6) We are both re-born environmentalists.
7) We both strive for success and happiness.
8) We lose our temper and say things we dont mean.
9) We have both rode on Thunder Mountain Rail Road and yelled "JESUS H. CHRIST!"
10) We both have the "want things to happen right away" syndrome.
11) We both love dogs.
12) We both love technology, when it works.
13) We both like to do the dolphin in the swimming pool.
14) We understand practice versus preaching.
15) We love to hear ourselves talk.
16) We both fight for equality.
17) We are both risk takers.
18) We have big hearts.
19) We have good ideas, that will make us lots of money one day.
20) We both love our partners.
21) We both love to just be able to kick back and watch a football game.
22) We both get up early.
23) We both used to dance to Thriller.
24) We like watching the news.
25) We are both liberal.
26) We both know who the "guy" is.
27) We both believe in spirituality.
28) We both like to look work casual.
29) We both like the color green.
30) We are both related.

A useful guide

2006-06-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

A useful chart showing food sources for several important nutrients. Might come in handy when formulating your diet plan. Check it out here

phy·to·chem·i·cal(ft-km-kl)

2006-06-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Most people are not familiar with phytochemicals and their role in protecting our bodies from disease.Phytochemicals are basically non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties.They are also refered to as phytonutrients, which is a misnomer because unlike true nutrients, inadequate intake of phytonutrients do not lead to deficiency states.They are not needed to maintain normal bodily functions but their true value lie in their documented effects on the immune system,their activity against viruses and bacteria,anti-inflammatory effects,hormonal actions,stimulation of enzymes,interference with DNA replication(cancer cells),as well as their association with the treatment or prevention of many diseases affecting the body.Phytochemicals can be obtained from fruits and vegetables where they act as antioxidants and impart bright colors to them.Lutein makes corn yellow, Lycopene makes tomatoes red, Carotene makes carrots orange, to name a few.

Phytochemicals are grouped into different families. A good listing can be found here. For a more comprehensive listing with search capability visit the USDA Agriculture Research Service .

Phytochemicals are naturally present in many foods but it is expected that through bioengineering new plants will be developed,which will contain higher levels of phytochemicals. This would make it easier to incorporate enough phytochemicals with our food.The optimal dietary level for phytochemicals has not yet been established. For now,experts say, your best bet for good health and weight control is to follow a diet that contains a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Aim for at least 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

World Health Report 2006

2006-05-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

Working together for health contains an expert assessment of the current crisis in the global health workforce and ambitious proposals to tackle it over the next ten years, starting immediately. The report reveals an estimated shortage of almost 4.3 million doctors, midwives, nurses and support workers worldwide. The shortage is most severe in the poorest countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where health workers are most needed. Focusing on all stages of the health workers' career lifespan from entry to health training, to job recruitment through to retirement, the report lays out a ten-year action plan in which countries can build their health workforces, with the support of global partners.
Full report here:

Vitamin C and you

2006-05-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid is one of the most widely known and used vitamins today. Being a vitamin, which by definition is an organic molecule necessary for normal metabolism in animals, it is synthesized by all animals and plants except for humans. Consequently, it must be obtained from the diet or from nutritional supplements to meet the daily required dietary allowance. It is classed under the water-soluble vitamins, meaning very little is stored in the body(as opposed to fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamins A,D,E,K, which are stored).Vitamin C is a weak acid and is stable in weak acids. It is easily oxidized in air and is sensitive to heat and light(hence the amber colored supplement containers). Vitamin C was first isolated in 1928, and in 1932 it was proved to be the agent which prevents Scurvy( a disease caused by a lack of Vitamin C in the body).

Vitamin C can be obtained from either plant or animal sources:
Plant source/Amount                           Animal source/Amount
(mg per 100 grams)                               (mg per 100 grams)
Billy Goat plum/ 3150                            Calf liver (raw)/36
Camu Camu/ 2800                                  Beef liver (raw)/31
Wolfberry/2500                                      Oysters (raw)/30
Rose hip/ 2000                                       Cod roe (fried)/26
Acerola/ 1600                                        Pork liver (raw)/23
Amla/ 720                                            Lamb brain(boiled)/17
Seabuckthorn/ 600                              Chicken liver (fried)/13
Jujube/ 500                                           Lamb liver (fried)/12
Baobab/ 400                                         Lamb heart (roast)/11
Blackcurrant/ 200                               Lamb tongue (stewed)/6
Red pepper/ 190                                   Human milk (fresh)/4
Parsley/ 130                                          Goat milk (fresh)/2
Guava/ 100                                            Cow milk (fresh)/2
Kiwifruit/ 90                                         Beef steak (fried)/0
Broccoli/ 90                                            Hen's egg (raw)/0
Loganberry/ 80                                     Pork bacon (fried)/0
Redcurrant/ 80                                   Calf veal cutlet (fried)/0
Brussels sprouts/ 80                            Chicken leg (roast)/0
Lychee/ 70
Persimmon/ 60
Papaya/ 60
Strawberry/ 60
Orange/ 50
Lemon/ 40
Melon, cantaloupe/ 40
Cauliflower/ 40
Grapefruit/ 30
Raspberry/ 30
Tangerine/ 30
Mandarin orange/ 30
Passion fruit/ 30
Spinach/ 30
Cabbage raw green/ 30
Lime/ 20
Mango/ 20
Melon, honeydew/ 20
Tomato/ 10
Blueberry/ 10
Pineapple/ 10
Pawpaw/ 10
Grape/ 10
Apricot/ 10
Plum/ 10
Watermelon/ 10
Banana/ 9
Carrot/ 9
Avocado/ 8
Crabapple/ 8
Peach/ 7
Apple/ 6
Blackberry/ 6
Beetroot/ 5
Pear/ 4
Lettuce/ 4
Cucumber/ 3
Eggplant/ 2
Fig/ 2
Bilberry/ 1
Horned melon/ 0.5
Medlar/ 0.3

For an even more complete list of Vitamin C in foods visit the Vitamin C Foundation:Vitamin C in Foods(USDA)

As a participant in hydroxylation, Vitamin C is needed for the production of collagen in the connective tissue,which is found in skin, ligaments, cartilage, blood vessel walls,bones and teeth.These provide structure and stability to the body,helps wounds heal,and maintain healthy blood vessels.Vitamin C is required for synthesis of dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline in the nervous system or in the adrenal glands. Vitamin C is also needed to synthesize carnitine, important in the transfer of energy to the cell mitochondria. It is a strong antioxidant.People who have high levels of vitamin C do not show the expected mental and physical signs of stress when subjected to acute psychological challenges. What's more, they bounce back from stressful situations faster than people with low levels of vitamin C in their blood.Many medical problems have been found to be associated with low blood levels of vitamin C. These problems include various infections, colds, depression, high blood pressure, arthritis, vascular fragility, allergies, ulcers, and cholesterol gallstones.There is some concern that higher levels of vitamin C intake may cause kidney stones, specifically calcium oxalate stones, because of increased oxalic acid clearance through the kidneys due to vitamin C metabolism. This is a rare case, if it does exist.

As the most commonly consumed nutrient supplement, vitamin C comes in many formulations. But the best may be a time-released preparation that works over the course of a day, as the vitamin works rapidly and is short-acting. Alternatively, smaller-dose vitamin C supplements can be taken at intervals throughout the day.
The Vitamin C Foundation recommends that every man, woman and child over the age of 3 consume at least 3 g (3000 mg) vitamin C daily in order to enjoy optimum health. More during pregnancy (6000 mg), and much more during periods of disease (20,000 to 300,000 mg).

RDI Source/Population
60-95 mg U.S. Recommended Intake
200 mg Levin/NIH Recommendation
400 mg (recently increased) Current Linus Pauling Institute Recommendation
2500 mg Hickey/Roberts minimum
3000 mg Foundation's daily recommendation
6000-12000 mg Levy's daily recommendation
6000-18000 mg Pauling's daily recommendation
6000-9000 mg Pregnancy
6000-18000 mg Heart Disease
14000-30000 mg Cancer
20000-300000 mg Cathcart/Levy Cure for Infectious Diseases

References:

Pauling, Linus (1986) How to Live Longer and Feel Better W. H. Freeman and Company, ISBN 0-380-70289-4
Levy Thomas (2002). Vitamin C, Infectious Diseases, and Toxins. Xlibris Corporation (Paperback). ISBN 1401069630.
Hickey, Steve; Roberts, Hilary (May, 2004) Ascorbate: The Science of Vitamin C, Lulu Press, Inc. ISBN 1411607244
Elson M. Haas M.D. (Excerpted from Staying Healthy with Nutrition:
The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine, Celestial Arts)

Natural Powdered Fruit Juices

2006-05-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

Natural powdered fruit juices are processed right from the squeezed juice of fresh fruit. The fruit juice powder contain no preservatives, no artificial food coloring, no artificial flavoring, and no added sugar. It is a natural juice in powder form.

By not disturbing the nutrients present in the fruit when it is converted into powder form makes it in harmony with nature itself. As far as sweetness is concerned, you decide the amount of sugar to put or none at all.With natural powdered fruit juices, you can have the taste of freshly squeezed juice without the inconvenience of buying the fruit and squeezing it yourself.

The process of powdering natural fruit juice undergoes strict manufacturing practices and is BFAD(Bureau of Food and Drug Philippines) and FDA approved to ensure that the end product is free from contamination.

The buzz on the new Jooze

2006-05-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated opening of Joozebox.com's physical storefront finally happened on April 24,2006 when they opened their doors for the first time.

Established in 2006, Joozebox is a service provided by FreeSparrow,LLC focusing on promoting products using all-natural powdered fruit and herb extracts primarily to US and Canadian consumers,retailers,wholesalers, and third party manufacturers.

They specialize in serving all natural juices and smoothies. Made from calamansi(Philippine lemon),Dalandan(Philippine orange),mango, pineapple,and strawberry; they are not only healthy but also tantalizingly flavorful as well. With unique mixes like JoozeLine,JoozeSlush, and JoozeBlend, to name a few.

But their services extend beyond healthy juices and smoothies for they also serve pastries, fresh deli food to go, gourmet coffee and tea, and even wireless hotspot.

Trully more than your average coffee or juice shop, they offer a cozy and welcoming atmosphere to their guests who want to get a bright and early start to the day or relax and unwind at the end of a days work. With a cozy environment and a multitude of offerings, the Calamansi and Dalandan have indeed found their home.

Located at 1401 Sixth Avenue in downtown San Diego, they are open Monday to Friday from 7:30AM to 6:30PM ,and on Saturdays from 9AM to 5PM. For a map of their location click here

Visit their online storefront at choicextracts.com

More than one way to use calamansi singles

2006-05-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

Saw this post on tsogb (the scent of green bananas), dated February 4,2006. In it was a picture of our calamansi singles neatly displayed on top of a fancy designed cloth. The green containers blend well with the white and orange design. The caption said kawaii alert. Don't know exactly what that means but from reading through the comments, it probably means either very cute or innovative. If thats the case, then our calamansi singles are so kawaii. And indeed it is the first of its kind ever. Each plastic container holds the equivalent of up to seven fruit extracts. Trully innovative.

The fruit purees are spray-dried to remove the water content but retain most of their nutrients. Nothing else is added. No preservatives or additives. Just pure fruit powder.Our calamansi powder is used by many industries as an ingredient in their fruit drinks and seasonings.

Nothing beats freshly squeezed fruit but when the fresh fruit is not available, this is the closest you can get to the original, and might I say a lot of people can't tell the difference.Trully innovative and cute, or should I say kawaii.

Happy Mother's Day! (May 14th)

2006-05-10T22:28:00.000-07:00

Is it ok to drink orange juice?

2006-05-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

I happened across this article today in the Guardian Unlimited. Its by Leo Hickman. It talks about the multimillion dollar citrus industry and the findings you might not want to know about. Here is an excerpt:

" ...But beyond the health-giving veneer of orange juice as a source of Vitamin C, lie many problems for consumers to mull over.
First, it is the product of a highly industrialised farming and manufacturing process.Orange plantations are very thirsty, needing 6,000-9,000 cubic meters of water per hectare per year, even when modern drip-feed irrigation is used...
Another concern is pesticide use. The WWF says that orange production requires more intensive use of pesticides than any other major crops, including bananas...
Furthermore, the use of child labor on orange farms in Brazil and Mexico has long been reported, as has the illegal use of migrant farm workers in Florida..."

Read the full article by clicking on the title above .
Suggestion: Why not try calamansi or dalandan instead of orange juice.

Calamondin/Calamansi

2006-05-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

Scientifically known as Citrofortunella microcarpa, of the Family Rutaceae; calamansi is a fruit tree ranging in height from 2 meters to 71/2 meters when full grown. Alternate names are calamondin orange; Chinese or China orange; Panama orange; golden lime; scarlet lime; and in the Philippines, kalamondin, kalamunding, kalamansi, calamansi, limonsito, or agridulce.
Malayan names are limaukesturi(musk lime) and limauchuit. In Thailand it is ma-nao-wan.

The fruit is round, about 2 cm to 4.5cm in diameter, and greenish-yellow in color. Although known to be native to the Philippines or other areas of Southeast Asia, the tree is in fact the result of a hybrid between species in the Genera Citrofortunella and unknown in the wild.

Like its relatives, such as the mandarin, pomelo and sweet orange; the calamansi is rich in phosphorus,calcium,iron, and Vitamin C or ascorbic acid. It is the most commonly used citrus fruit in the Philippines, ranging in use from marinades to marmalade. The juice is quite sour and makes you pucker but mixed with water and sugar makes for a tasty and refreshing beverage. With its alkalinizing effect on the body, calamansi helps circulate blood evenly and facilitates normal digestion. It is also the simplest cure for Scurvy(a disease caused by a lack of Vitamin C in the body).

The plant grows well in cool and elevated areas and in sandy soils rich in organic matter. In North America, it is grown mainly as an ornamental plant and can be especially attractive when the fruit are present. It is frost sensitive and therefore limited to warmer climates. It is moderately drought-tolerant.

HealthFirst unsweetened calamansi powder in canisters. Now you can enjoy the taste of the Philippine Islands right in your own home.

References:
The Citrus Industry(Calamansi),Philippine Council for Agriculture,Forestry and Natural Resources Research Development,DOST,June 1999

Morton,J. 1987.Calamondin p. 176-178. In:Fruits of Warm climates. Julia F. Morton,Miami Florida

Mabberly,D.J. 1987. The Plant Book. A portable dictionary of the higher plants. Cambridge University Press,Cambridge. ISBN 0521340608

Doctor's Trust Vitamins - Save 40-80% on vitamins and supplements!

Joozebox

2006-05-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

SAN DIEGO HAS A NEW FLAVOR

Home of the CALAMANSI and DALANDAN

1401 6th Avenue, San Diego,Ca 92101
corner of 6th and ASH in downtown

We specialize in serving exotic and all natural juices and smoothies.

Fresh deli food to go,coffee,pastries,and wireless hotspot too.

Come check us out and taste the difference.

Check out our online store at http://www.choicextracts.com

See you there!

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