Allergic reactions to strawberries can take various forms from easy ones to very serious.

As many of you know strawberries are very useful and contain a big amount of antioxidant, anticancer, anti-neurodegenerative, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them very useful as a natural alternative to western medicine

But do these aroma therapy berries have any side effects, any risks?
Many of you already know the answer to this question. Yes, you may develop an allergy and the symptoms can be easy to bear or sometimes can easily pass and you’ll never notice or make a connection with strawberries. Sometimes eating strawberries can give more severe reactions.

The body identifies a food protein in strawberries as a pathogen, and the immune system “attacks” the protein by releasing antibodies. In the case of strawberries, the protein that triggers the allergic reaction may be tied somehow to strawberries’ red colour.

Allergy to strawberries is characterized by a complex of symptoms in the mouth, known as OAS, or Oral Allergy Syndromes. This complex of symptoms typically consists of allergic reactions to the throat and mouth, such as itching, swelling and paresthesia to the oral cavity (including gums, tongue, palate, inside of the cheeks) as well as lips. Urticaria, a common symptom in Oral Allergy Syndrome. Other allergic reactions include lacrimation, swelling and reddening, runny nose, inability to breathe through nose, itching and sneezing. In rare cases some subjects may develop more severe reactions such as urticaria, dermatitis and itching, asthma, rhinitis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and cramps.

According to a research people allergic to strawberries can develop other food allergies such as kiwi or pineapples allergy but it’s not a rule and it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to develop another kind of allergy since you have allergy to strawberries. In very rare cases it could end with anaphylactic reactions and asphyxia. What is the solution to this problem? The best treatment is prevention. If you know you have some allergic reactions to strawberries avoid eating any form of strawberries, including raw berries, jam and naturally-flavoured products.
Remember also that cooking strawberries does NOT reduce or remove allergic reactions!

Biochemists at Lund University in Sweden, for those suffering from strawberry allergies, proved that they may eat the white strawberry variety called Sofar because it has few to no quantities of the suspected allergen. White strawberries can be considered a safer alternative for those suffering from this kind of allergies. Of course the white variety is not as tasteful as the red one but scientists at Lund University are working on this and maybe soon people with allergy at strawberries will eat these berries without being afraid of any allergic symptom.

Until that happens if you suspect some allergic reactions to strawberries try to avoid any form of them and if the contact occurs, notify your physician immediately.

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Which products increase the level of cholesterol?
Bad food products for your cholesterol levels.

Lower your cholesterol levels without drugs. Know your enemy in face and decrease your LDL levels in a natural way.

For a while now, many people have been influenced of the opinion that foods that contain fats should be totally eliminated from their daily meal. First of all we should start with the idea that this opinion is completely wrong. We may not get cholesterol directly from food but human body produces the most of it and some researchers believe that less we consume, the more the body produces. It’s a paradox but it seems to be true.

1. MILK PRODUCTS. Milk, cheese, cream and other milk products which have a large amount of fats increase the level of cholesterol. In this case, if you like to consume milk it is recommended to find non-fat or low-fat milk products.

2. RED MEAT. If you care about your cholesterol try to avoid consuming pork or beef. The best choice in this case is the white meat, especially turkey: it is considered the most dietary bird meat. Before the consummation we have to remove the hide, because it contains an amount of harmful fat.

3. MARGARINE Most of manufacturers produce margarine based on so-called trans-fats, which according to researches “kill” over 150 000 people per year in USA. We have to remember that margarine is sold not only as a separate products in packages, but also is contained in many confectionary and baking food.

4. FAST-FOOD Many products of this type also contain trans-fats and namely pop-corn, donuts, chips. According the physicians, if you avoid these products you will decrease twice the level of cholesterol.
Other bad food or habits to reduce or totally eliminate: ALCOHOL, SMOKING, Chicken or Turkey fried in fat, Beef Bologna, Fried Shrimp, Egg Biscuit.

The real problem is when you try to combine few types of high cholesterol food. Knowing ‘bad foods’ and trying to reduce it from your menu doesn’t guarantee a significant cholesterol level. You might also take into consideration other methods of lowering cholesterol levels such as vegetables intake and exercise.

List of food not to eat with high cholesterol

Whole-milk dairy products, Butter, Margarines, Cream, Ice cream, Cream cheese, Certain shellfish (such as shrimp), Organ meats (such as kidney and brain), Duck and goose, Beef, Veal, Pork, Lamb, Poultry, Processed meats (such as hot dogs, sausage, bologna, and salami), Baked goods, Commercially baked goods , Coconuts and coconut oil, Snack foods, Fried foods

Remember that high cholesterol foods are GOOD if eaten in MODERATION!

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Food products that lower the cholesterol levels – natural remedies for lowering ldl cholesterol

19 products lowering LDL levels

1. CHERRIES. American scientists discovered that the daily consumption of cherries decrease the cholesterol, as well as the risk to get other diseases as diabetes and arthritis.  It is not necessarily to consume fresh cherries. It is also very useful in forms of juice, jam or compote. The darker cherries are, the better is their curing effect, because the darker pigment contains the healing elements.

2. ARTICHOKE. Traditionally the extracts of this plant leaves are used in healing the gastritis and urinary tracts.  Now the British researchers recommend consuming it also for cardiovascular diseases prevention.  The researches proved that daily consumption for a three month period, of artichoke extract decrease the level of cholesterol for a long period.

3. BILBERRIES. Researches carried by the Ministry of Agriculture of USA proved that bilberries are rich in Pterostilbene – an antioxidant which may also be found in grapes and in red wine. According the American scientists, this substance is capable to stimulate the cholesterol exchange in our body, thereby decreasing the amount of harmful molecules. It has the same healing power as a series of medications.

4. TEA. The researches regarding tea properties were carried in China – the country in which the tea culture is very important. The Chinese physicians state that black tea, as well as the green one is capable to decrease the level of cholesterol by 16%, but it is not enough to consume the tea as a drink. During the experiment, the patients were consuming capsules with tea extract which represented the equivalent of 35 cups of black tea and 7 cups of green tea. The consuming of daily quantity of this amount is impossible and harmful for health. But it is recommended to drink about 5 cups per day to feel it healthy effect on our organism.

5. WALNUT. Many nuts, including the Brazilian ones, almonds and chestnuts contain useful saturated fats which combat the cholesterol in our body and decrease the probability of getting diabetes. The walnuts contain the largest amount of this element. But the excessive use of these nuts may be not so good for our shape.

6. OLIVE OIL. One of the best products with well monounsaturated fats to lower cholesterol. It was demonstrated olive oil to lower LDL keeping HDL levels stable, protecting at the same time blood vessels. Contains the same amount of useful fats as the nuts do.

7. HARICOT. It contains a special sort of cellulose which is capable to take out the cholesterol out of our body. The experiment of the American scientist in nourishment – James U. Anderson, proved that 300 grams of boiled haricot is enough to decrease to 20% the cholesterol level in three weeks.

8. CRANBERRY JUICE. With its antioxidant properties can raise good cholesterol levels;

9. GRAPE JUICE. It contains resveratrol – a powerful antioxidant that lowers bad cholesterol and protects the lining arteries. Check the sugar content on the package or if you like better fresh juice don’t forget to dilute it with water. Don’t drink grape juice in the evening because you risk having a sleepless night.

10. OAT BRAN. This product has been demonstrated to substantially lower cholesterol levels being recognized by FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) as a hearth-healthy product.

11. GARLIC. Has been shown that garlic, with its high content of allicin, lowers LDL and raises the levels of HDL (‘good’ cholesterol)

Other very important food products:

*SOY MILK, OAT MEAL, CANNED SARDINES, MUSTARD, SOY, RED YEAST RICE, ROYAL JELLY, FLAX BREAD – lowers bad cholesterol (LDL)

Healthy LDL cholesterol levels

Total Cholesterol Level – Less than 200 mg/dL – Desirable

LDL Cholesterol Level – Less than 100 mg/dL – Desirable
or
Healthy levels of cholesterol are as follows:
* Total cholesterol – less than 5 mmol/L
* LDL cholesterol – less than 3 mmol/L
* HDL cholesterol – more than 1 mmol/L

How much daily cholesterol is healthy

The daily recommended cholesterol limit is less than 300 milligrams for people with normal LDL (bad) cholesterol levels

No matter whatever food product you choose for you cholesterol lowering diets always remember to test the product on allergic reactions.

Foods for long life, eat to live longer

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Fruits and Vegetables for a Slender Waist

A short guide with the most useful fruits and vegetables to lose your weight. Fastest way to lose weight and be healthy

The scientists from Tokyo discovered in their recent research that women which have in their ratio more liquid containing products have a lower index of weight and a more slender waist. Here is the list of products, in which the content of water is more than 90%.
It may sound like a paradox, but water helps us to lose weight. In this case we talk not about replacing solid food with liquid one, but about using in our ratio fruits and vegetables which contain a large amount of water.

Broccoli

This vegetable is one of the best sources of cellulose and calcium. It is recommended a short-time preparation in order to keep its nutritious substances, substances which are destroyed during intensive thermal treatment. It may be served with sesame, cashew nuts, oyster and soybean sauces.
It is the source of C Vitamins (as much as in citrus plants), A Vitamins (as much as in carrots and pumpkins) and U (only asparagus have more U Vitamins).

Cabbage
It is especially reach in antioxidants, a fact that favor the growth of immunity. In its fermented state cabbage is especially reach in C vitamins. Specialists recommend eating raw cabbage, especially in salads. It is good in combination with carrots and apples. Red headed cabbage is a good source of microelements.    
Cabbage is a source of potassium, magnesium, phosphor, calcium and C, K1, B2, B6, C, E, PP and U Vitamins.

Cauliflower
It is one of three vegetables which help to decelerate the evolution of cancer cells and prevent their formation. It is a reach source of C vitamin and folate (natural prototype of folic acid).It is better to be consumed in a raw state.
Cauliflower is a source of potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, carotene, C, K, B1, B2, B6 Vitamins.

Grapefruit
This fruit is a source of health for the heart. Due to a substance called naringin, which accelerate digestive processes, grapefruit favor the loss of weight. It is reach in C Vitamin, folic acid, potassium, pectin, soluble cellulose and constitutes an ideal ally in combating atherosclerosis. Red and pink grapefruits are rich in A Vitamins and lycopens which prevent the blood vessel walls from degradation. The heavier fruits are considered the most qualitative. It makes a perfect combination with avocado.  
Grapefruit is a source of potassium, calcium, magnesium and C and B Vitamins.

Lettuce

This plant is often included in different types of diets, due to its low calories level: 120-150 calories in one kilogram.
The romaine lettuce is one of the richest sources of B vitamin, folic acid and manganese. It stabilizes the content of sugar in blood and strengthens the immune system.
Pieces of lettuce leaf (of any sorts) with olive oil and balsamic vinegar constitute a great meal for those who wish to lose weight.  
Lettuce is a source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphor, B, A, C Vitamins and folic acid.

Radish
The roots of these vegetables are rich in folic acid and sulphur, it is also a strong antioxidant. Radish is crucial for the normalization of the digestive processes. It is curious that the stalks of this vegetable, contain up to 6 times more C Vitamin and calcium than the roots we consume.
Garden radish is a source of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphor, iron, fluorine, A, E, B1, B2, B6, C Vitamins, nicotine and salycilic acid.

Spinach
This plant is rich in iron, folic acid, K vitamin, antioxidants (beta-carotene and C vitamin) and luteine which beneficially influence the eyesight. Spinach in used in preparing different meals like: salads, soups and different side dishes.   
Spinach is a source of cellulose, potassium, calcium, phosphor, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, fluorine, B2, B6, PP, K, E Vitamins, folic acid, provitamin A.

There are a lot of methods of loosing weight these days but we choose the one which works in time and for good. Choose the right food and get the size that you want.

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7 ways to improve your metabolism

There are very few people who are able to eat everything they want and still not put on weight. Not many people have a perfect metabolism. In order to help the calories which enter our organism we have to respect certain rules.

Having breakfast

The metabolism decelerate in nighttime, when we don’t consume food for 9-12 hours. When we refuse to have breakfast we give a signal to our metabolism not to begin its activity and continue to sleep. The organism decide it have to protect its energy until the receipt of food. Breakfast has the capacity to stimulate the metabolism, in this way reminding the organism it has to begin the working process.

Drink green tea

Green tea is a fount of useful substances. But the most important is the fact that green tea contains phenols, which clean the liver, helping the organism to get read of toxins and thermogenics – substances, which have the property to burn fats, assuring a more efficient work of the metabolism.

Eat carefully

Concentrate not on the fact WHAT are you eating, but HOW are you eating. The process of digestion begins with the moment you smell the food you intend to eat. Therefore it is not recommended to eat in front of the monitor, while watching TV or while reading a book or a magazine. Concentrate on the process of food consummation, eat slowly and chew carefully.

Take into account the subtleties of diet

Our organism requires a diversity of products. The only exception can be our breakfast. The metabolism will reward us if we will eat porridge regularly (every morning). In order to be more tasteful we can add some fruits or natural yogurt. Fresh juice is also very useful in the morning (if it is too sweet, we may dissolve it with water).

Physical exercises will help us burn our fats

It is not important when you carry your physical exercises in the morning or in the evening. The morning exercises will help to activate the working process of your body and to line up the level of endorphins which will fill your day with positive emotions and good mood. On the other side in the evening the muscles are in their maximal tone, and it is less probably to get muscle pulls while making sports. In the evening the organism is in the peak of cheerfulness and calories are burnt faster. Active exercises will help you to increase the musculature and decrease the fat mass of your body. As bigger is the muscle mass as active is the metabolism, because the calories are expended for the muscles and not for the fat accumulation.

Try to walk more often

If you don’t have time to undertake walks or to do physical exercises try to use other methods. For example, don’t use the elevator at home or in your office. If your home or office is too high, you can walk a few floors by feet and the rest using the elevator. You can climb on the elevator and go down on the stairs. You can also replace the use of public transport with a few stations walk. The metabolism will show its gratitude in the future and will fill your day with positive mood.

Don’t ignore the vitamins and the minerals

Calcium, zinc, selenium will accelerate the metabolism and will stimulate the work of lymph system. Consult your physician, dietician, or fitness coach what kind of vitamins are better for you and for your body.

Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to maintain life. These processes allow organisms to grow and reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to their environment

Substitute junk food with healthy food, take longer walks and be an optimist – that’s the secret not only of a good metabolism but of a good life in general.

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When should we consider the alcohol useful? Which doses are considered being medicinal?

It is obvious that drinking is evil and the end of December is a period of the year when everyone understands the fact that you can not avoid drinking alcohol. We will try to find something useful in it.

Champaign

The “pro” arguments: the most festive drink. It has the capacity to take off the irritability, to restore the appetite and to enhance the gustatory sensations. It is also useful in cases of edemas and cardiac insufficiency, when we need to enhance the elimination of liquids out of the organism.

”Contra” arguments: it’s harmful for people with gastritis.
Facts: French scientist confirmed the efficiency of the old Cold healing method: put in Champaign two pieces of sugar, boil the solution and drink it before sleep. Tannins and sugar give impulse to develop the antibodies, magnesium helps to recovery and liquidate muscles tiredness; selenium helps to stop the development of the infection, sulphur and amino acids decrease the temperature.

Wine

The “pro” arguments: red wines are useful for heart, has antioxidant properties, decelerate the aging processes, favor the recovery of vital force and raise the tone and the cheerfulness. The wine is recommended in case of   gastrointestinal disturbances. White wine is good for thirst. Portwines and Vermouths help in case of lack of appetite, favoring a better release of gastric juice.

”Contra” arguments: white wines are not indicated in case of urolithiasis, which may lead to inflammatory process (nephritis, cystitis, etc.). It can not be drink while suffering from prostatitis .
Facts: In wine-making regions during the epidemics the amount of infected people, regularly consuming wine is much lower. The wine suppresses the tuberculosis, malaria bacteria, etc. The same effect is present if we dissolve the wine with water.

Cognac

The “pro” arguments: cognac widens the veins and removes the headache; 30 ml of this drink mixed with sugar will help in case of hypertension and stenocardia. One spoon of cognac will soothe the nerves and remove the stress.
”Contra” arguments: cognac must not be consumed in cases of diabetes and cholelithiasis.
Facts: As older is the drink, as efficient are its properties. On American market during the “dry law” cognac was sold in drug stores as a medication.

Vodka

The “pro” arguments: Pepper Vodka is efficient in cases of Cold and cough. In little doses it helps cure the headache (in large doses it becomes the reason of headache). A moderate dose influences the digestion. If we consume daily 25-30 grams of vodka it will decrease the level of our cholesterol.

”Contra” arguments: vodka may accomplish a faster alcohol dependency.
Facts: researches prove that strong drinks, based on refined alcohol (which is more pure from chemical point of view) lead to alcoholism, and during the healing process is much more difficult to heal the dependence of vodka than of cognac, for example. We should not think that vodka is the safest drink, because unlike cognac or whiskey, it’s more “pure”.

Do not flatter yourself!

The most probable causes of demise of an alcoholic are heart attacks, strokes, nervous system disorders. Alcohol have curing effects only on non-drinking or few drinking people. They have no effects on alcoholics. Alcohol blunts the speed of reaction.

Healthy alcohol consumption daily – healthy consumption alcohol per day
You know that all things are good when taking in small doses. Find out alcohol doses that wouldn’t harm your health or clarity of your mind

Relatively harmless dosages of alcohol per day:

•    vodka, cognac – 30-60 ml,
•    desert fortified wines – 150-200 ml
•    Champaign, simple wine – 200-300 ml
•    beer – 450-720 ml

Moderate drinking is defined as two drinks a day if you’re a male 65 and younger, or one drink a day if you’re a female or a male 66 and older. A drink is defined as 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of beer, 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine or 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof distilled spirits.

Health problems caused by alcohol

Regularly consuming alcohol is correlated with an increased risk of developing alcoholism, cardiovascular disease, malabsorption, chronic pancreatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and cancer. Damage to the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system can occur from sustained alcohol consumption.

Research has found a correlation between light consumption of alcohol, one to two alcoholic beverages per day, and reduced risk of heart disease as well as other health benefits, including reduction in all-cause mortality. However, some recent studies found that moderate consumption of alcohol did not decrease heart disease and that the positive effects may be due to methodological flaws in research studies. The subject is still controversial

Remember that these doses are approximate and that women’s reaction to alcohol is stronger than men’s.

Our advice is not to abuse and not to take excessive doses. Remember that excessive doses may harm your health!

Smoking may drive you nuts

Researches proved smoking being even dangerous for younger smokers’ brain – Smoking may influence the mood and temper not in the best manner

American researchers state that smoking in adolescence may lead to psychical disorders after several decades.The scientists of Florida University reached to this conclusion. A group headed by psychology professor Carlos Bolanos studied the influence of nicotineusing the laboratory rats. Don’t be surprised: even animal may be submitted to psychological disorders. In this way, the animals that participated inprofessor’s Bolanos researches fell into depression. They became more sensible to stress, were permanently nervous and fell no pleasure during the eatingprocess and of other external stimulants.

These are the main symptoms of depression among people. Thus the test proved that nicotine may lead to psychological disorders and the effect is postponed for years, even decades.

The experiment took place in two stages. Young rats were injected a small doze of nicotine. Then the scientists had to wait until the rats will grow older and carried their tests. One of them had as a purpose to analyze the rats’ reactions to stress, other to analyze their reaction to pleasure. Accordingly in these tests there participated “rats-smokers” and rats which didn’t get nicotine.

As it was expected the rats from the nicotine group proved signs of depression. They were reacting indifferently to rewards, ignored their favorite food andin stress situation practically showed a lack of any action. This reaction was common even for the rats that got a single doze of nicotine. As Bolanos explained, even the insignificant smoking experience may have an effect on the psychic setup.
– I was very surprised to find that even a one day influence of the nicotine can have such complicated consequences – stated Bolanos for Science Daily.

But it was discovered an interesting fact: the symptoms of depression that rats had were overcome by the antidepressants that were found in the samenicotine. The conclusion was that at some point the cigarettes have the same principle of action as drugs have.
Another interesting observation of scientists was the fact that this depressive action of nicotine may be observed only in early ages, mainly in adolescence.

If you begin to smoke in an older age the effect will not be the same. It is obvious that nicotine has its influence over the immature nervous system a factthat lead to serious consequences in its development. But the way these changes concretely occurs it is still unknown for the scientists.

The connection between smoking and psychical disorders were observed earlier in the physician’s researches. Taking into account the fact that human behavioris very complex and influenced by many factors the concrete role of smoking in this matter can not be proven by any experiment. But the researches of Florida doctors definitely show the fact that smoking can influence our mood and often not in the best manner.

Coffee, sex or alcohol: what is really harmful for our heart?

Heart related questions with keys – Find a lot of interesting things and facts about human’s heart

1. How and why is it working?
The main purpose of the heart is to disperse the blood through our organism. It practically contains two pumps: the first (the left one) favors the circulation of blood through arteries. This blood is called arterial and is rich in oxygen, glucose, minerals and vitamins. When it passes through blood veins, the organism is filled with the necessary substances and gets rid of unnecessary ones, like carbonic acid.
After a full cycle the blood is returning to the heart, this time to its right “pump” which lead it into lungs. There blood is filled with oxygen, gets rid of carbonic acid and is returned to the heart. Then the cycle restarts.

2. Are the heart diseases contagious?
Some of them are very contagious, because heart, as well as every other organ may be charged with infectious diseases. The most popular is infective endocarditis, which affected more often men than women. It is encountered among people after 50 years old and has a lethal consequence.

3. How to detect if you have problems with your heart?
There is a large amount of symptoms and signs that reveal heart diseases. Among them we may name chest ache, edemas of the lower parts of body and of feet, short breaths, insomnia (caused by breathing difficulties), headaches, tiredness and extra weight. All these symptoms may be caused by other diseases, but it is recommended to check your heart situation.

4. Does the first heart attack mean you will have the second?
In many cases – yes. Unfortunately, heart attack can easily be repeated. If you had one heart attack or a stroke, the risk to get the second one is much higher, than for other people.

5. Are the heart diseases hereditary?
Yes. According to researches the genetic factor defines 50% of heart diseases cases.

6.  Can the heart be treated with…alcohol?
It is not possible to cure your heart with alcohol, but in some cases consumption of moderate doses of alcohol is useful. Small portions of alcohol increased the amount of “good” cholesterol in your blood and favor a good state of the veins. Besides, alcohol has the property to dilute the blood and to favor the blood circulation. But the consumption of the alcohol should not be at all excessive.

7.  How aging favors the deterioration of your heart?
While aging the risk of contracting heart diseases is increasing, for example in case of coronary disease. As older we are, as less elastic are our vessels (veins). It favors the hypertension and the risk of heart attacks and strokes. There are heart attacks at 35 or 40 years, but these cases are very rare. The largest number of strokes and attacks are after 60.

8.  When you quit smoking the risk of heart diseases decreases?
According to researchers when you quit smoking the risk of death as a result of heart disease is reduced by 36%.

9. Whose heart is weaker: men’s heart or women’s heart?
It depends on the disease. As we mentioned men’s heart is more often submitted to infectious diseases. In cases of hypertension everything is much more difficult. Men aged between 30 and 44 more often have hypertension, while women have this problem especially after 55.

10. How the loss of blood, including donor-ship influences the heart?
It has a direct influence. After the blood loss, the blood pressure is decreasing, you experience headache, weakness, nausea. But the cardiovascular system has the property to compensate the lack of blood by increasing the heart rhythm and by vessels contraction. As a result the pressure will stabilize and you will feel better. Usually this process lasts for a few minutes and has no important consequences.

11. How does the early obesity influence the heart?
Negative. Fat children are more often submitted to cardiovascular diseases, even if in time they will loose the weight. According to statistics, about 155 millions children all around the world (about 10% of children between 5 and 17) have early obesity.

12. Is it possible to make a heart attack as a result of Viagra use?
Initially the drug, which is now called “Viagra” was elaborated as a medicine for a series of heart diseases. The “side effect” of this wonder pill, became initially their main function and was discovered accidentally during clinical experiments. When Sildenafil (the real name of the element) just appeared in sales some doctors state that these pills killed their patients. But the further researches proved that amount of people which died from Sildenafil is not higher than amount of demises of simple heart sufferers.

13.  What is the normal blood pressure?
As the researches proved, the smaller percent of cardiovascular problems have the people with permanent pressure 130/80.

14.  Is it possible to cure hypertension?
Not yet. Usually the cure for people with hypertension is permanent use of medications (usually their effect last for 24 hours and they have to take these medications daily).

15.  How harmful is coffee for the heart?
Caffeine has the property to increase heart beating, but is harmful for a healthy heart. But if you had already problems with this organ or if there are premises for heart disease (hereditary, for example) it is better to avoid coffee. It is important to know that caffeine is also present in other drinks like tea, especially green, in cola and in almost all energy drinks.

Take care about your body’s ‘engine’ and live a long happy life

Antioxidants – Useful information with practical application

All about antioxidants activity, details about different kind of antioxidants and the products with the greater amount of antioxidants – (Antioxidants are nutrients that protect against health-threatening “free radicals.” Antioxidants neutralize “free radicals” before they can attack healthy cells and cause damage.  There are over 50 degenerative diseases in which “free radicals” are implicated, including cancer and heart disease)

Fresh fruit and berry juices contain a large amount of antioxidant activity

Strong antioxidants, like anthocyanins and flavonoids are present in garnet, grape and citric juices. Beside juices, a large amount of these antioxidants are present in citric plants mesocarp – a white stratum under the peel. A large amount of this substance is also present in chokeberry( The chokeberries (Aronia) are two species of deciduous shrubs in the family Rosaceae, native to eastern North America. They are most commonly found in wet woods and swamps) juice and winter apples juice.

In order to avoid the oxidation process, on producing juices in factories, there are added different types of oxidation preventives, especially ascorbic acid. But due to the use of preservatives and stabilizers the energy of juices becomes lower.

This is why our ancestors used in their meals a lot of garlic, anions, cabbage, beet, carrot. The Cruciferae like radishes and turnips have almost the same amount of antioxidants like garlic. They also have sulfur-containing glycosides, indole compounds, vitamins. All these plants are successfully used in preventing oncology diseases.

Besides anion and garlic, parsley and celery also contain a large amount of volatile oils, which have antiseptic, bactericidal and spasmolytic effect on man’s gastrointestinal tract.

Many active biological substances, like proteins, sugar, tannins, alkaloids, vitamins and volatile oils are present in tea. The tea is useful in cases of poisoning, weakening of heart and respiratory activity. It also helps to improve our digestion.

Antioxidant activity of the tea depends on the condition in which it is cultivated and on technology of leaf processing: degree of blending (granulated, small-leaved or large-leaved), on condition of drying, fermentation and storage. The quality of the tea is generally measured depending on flavonoids content, which represent unstable connections that loose their energy in the process of oxidation. The ratio of non-oxidized flavonoids and oxidated product in a normal tea represents 1:10, in bad tea – 1:20, and it is not conceivable to consume tea with 1:25 ratio.

The tea should be drawn for 3-5 minutes and then consumed instantly. If it kept for a longer period it grows brown, turbid, loose its taste and aroma, but more important, it looses its antioxidant energy.

The largest amount of antioxidants is present in high quality (elite) tea. This kind of tea contains Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – an antioxidant which prevents the development of cancerous tumors and carcinogen activation (substances which causes cancer).

In black tea the amount of GEGK is decreased by 10% as a result of leaves fermentation. The ability of the green tea to decrease the impact of radioactive substances on body organism is characterized by the chemical reaction between strontium 90 and catechines present in tealeaves.

Green tea has anti-microbial properties, it is recommended to be consumed in cases of colitis and dyspepsia. This kind of tea improves the organism’s thermoregulation, increases the work efficiency, decreases the pressure and the level of cholesterol in blood. As a prophylactic mean it has to be consumed 3 times a day with a quantity of 60-80 ml of infusion. The tea is prepared by using one spoon of infusion with ½ glass of boiled water.

Many sorts of ordinary dry or strong grape and berry wines, as well as cognacs have healing properties. In wine made of grapes there is a large amount of active biological substances like polyphenol and carbohydrates, organic acids, pectin, amino acids, mineral salts and vitamins.

Wine improves the functioning of the pancreas, gall bladder, and intestine, has bactericidal and anti-stress activity, decrease the level of cholesterol and widen the heart arteries, block the shortening of vessels as a reaction to spasms caused by the stress.

In order to feel the healing effect of the wine it is recommended to use it three times a day during your meals. The daily doze represents 150-200 ml. Besides the alimentary products and drinks we mentioned earlier, antioxidant activity also may be encountered in coffee and beer.

Must know about antioxidants!

Vegetables and fruits that are high in antioxidants

ORAC units per 100 grams (about 3½ ounces)
Fruits: Prunes – 5570 : Raisins – 2830 : Blueberries – 2400 : Blackberries – 2036 : Strawberries – 1540 : Raspberries – 1220 : Plums – 949 : Oranges – 750 : Red grapes — 739 : Cherries — 670 : Kiwi fruit — 602 : Grapefruit, pink — 483

Vegetables: Kale – 11770 : Spinach – 11260 : Brussels sprout – 1980 : Alfalfa sprouts – 1930 : Broccoli Flowers – 1890 : Beets – 1840 : Red bell pepper — 1710 : Onion – 1450 : Corn – 1400 : Eggplant – 1390

So what conditions do antioxidants benefit in the long term?

Well it’s quite likely that as well as slowing down the aging process of our bodies the following could also be slowed down, even avoided or eradicated…

Heart disease :  Variety of Cancers :  Alzheimer’s disease : Parkinson’s disease : Stroke, and other diseases of aging

Healthy Mind – Healthy Body

Brain activity builds up a healthy body; listen to your mind – help you body

It is a known fact that positive imagery has the capacity to generate positive emotions. The connection between our state of mood and the healing process in some cases is very important. When someone visualizes positive pictures, the effect on its mind has a certain reflections over the physical state of the organism.  All these effects, including self-suggestion will eventually favor the healing process of the body.

THE BELIEF - healthy body, mind and soul

Our life experience is formed during years by acknowledging verbal and non-verbal information. We learn to become aware of the reality by acquiring associations and separating information according to our beliefs. An eventually what we become is what we think. The connection between mind and body is often formed using positive imagery. This connection creates a collective body and mind work which eventually will foster our organism and help the healing process.

MIND AND BODY WORKING TOGETHER

The connection between body and mind is quite obvious. Emotion first generates a felling, than transform it into a physical effect on our body. In order to analyze that we may use a simple example: for example you hear a bad news; let’s say one of your friends had an accident. On hearing this news you were receiving a negative suggestion through your perception and it generates an emotion of anxiety which turned into the physical sensation and makes you very worried, even if his situation is not so bad. You may produce positive emotions in this case by using positive pictures and visions that will encourage positive sensations of your body. In many cases it will work.

THE INFLUENCE OF OUR THOUGHTS OVER HEALING PROCESS

Our body generally reacts to the thoughts we generate. The endocrine system in our body is directly affected by the emotional and feelings we have. For example adrenaline is connected with the sensations of fright and horror. It is a strong interconnection between the sensation of fear and the adrenaline flow. The chemical reactions in our body are a result of our mind work.

The physical reaction to emotions is made in the emotional center of our brain – hypothalamus. The hypothalamus, as well as the receptor of neuro-peptides controls certain important functions and organs of our body as appetite, the level of sugar in blood, body temperature, glands that generate adrenaline, heart, lungs, digestions and blood circulation. Neuro-peptides make a connection of emotions, hormones and cells between mind and body. Its influence over the immune system is also a force that makes our brain and our body to work together as a whole mechanism.

THE BRAIN ACTIVITY

There are billions of pathways that connect our brain to every cell in our body, to every vital system. The brain is divided in two parts: the left one which is responsible for communication, logic, ration and the right one responsible for creativity and imagination. Our daily encounters and events are stocked in the left part of the brain and using the functions of the creative part we are able to make a balance in its work. The interconnection between brain and body helps as to accomplish the think we want. The creative (tight) side of the brain helps us to establish and accomplish our goals. It acts based on automatic judgment and that’s why the imaginary and visualization aim the right side of our brain.

OUR THOUGHTS ARE MADE BY OUR EMOTIONS

It is a known fact that our health and productivity depend on our mood and emotions we experience. Negative emotions decrease the efficiency of the immune system while positive emotions increase it and lead easier to the expected results.

VISUALIZATION IS A MIND STIMULATING INSTRUMENT

Visualization has the capacity to strengthen the healing process of our body. For a more efficient stimulation it requires the following:

1. Define your goal
In this case we make our body do what our brain thinks. If we want to accomplish a specific result, we must make our intention:

• Concrete
• Specific
• Accessible
• Believe in its accomplishment

2. Define the responsibility

In this case visualization without a certain responsibility is useless. In order to achieve your goal we must take action and responsibility. Visualization takes usually about 40 days and is done once in morning or in evening. Everyone’s mind and body has its specific characteristics and the results are achieved differently. The elements of responsibility are:

Be responsible to yourself.
• Make an engagement to yourself
• Visualize regularly
• Have patience
• Be optimistic

3. Your mind should be relaxed
In order to reach the subconscious we have to be in a positive relaxed state of mind. The steps to relax are:

• Try to relax in your favorite places.
• Try to be as comfortable as possible
• Arms, legs and other parts of your body should also be relaxed
• Focus on your breath
• Totally relax your body and mind.

4. Visualize
Visualization for healing is a general process. When you relaxed the next step is to realize your visualization.

• State your intention (you may think or state them loudly)
• Close your eye and concentrate on the healing
• Imagine your body healed already
• Try to feel the healing of your body
• Have a strong belief that healing will eventually accomplish

We propose you also some alternative methods:

• Use your imagination to create visions representing the fight of your immune system with the enemy or cells working in your body;
• Imagine a place you would like, a quiet, nice and pleasant place
• Try to make self-hypnosis, use your imagination more profoundly
• Listen to audio-visualization information. Many people use audio information in order to stimulate the perception.
• Try to record your own tape with your own voice

Visualization has the role to lead you to health and prosperity. If we want to be healed the physical intervention is not good enough, pay serious attention to your mind healing force, using visualization.

Being active helps keep a healthy mind !