PRUNES

The Best Ways to Stay Regular

2012-02-20T15:01:00.003-08:00

One of the most common concerns my patients have is how to stay regular. Although it rarely indicates a major health concern, constipation can cause discomfort, bloating and lack of energy. When you feel uncomfortable, it's not easy to focus on work, family and other important activities. Many people think harsh laxatives are the only answer to the problem, but that is not the case. Fortunately, there are natural treatments and easy ways to stay regular that don't require prescription drugs or cause annoying side effects.

Curing Constipation

If you have gone longer than two to three days without a bowel movement, there is a good chance you are suffering from constipation. Your first thought may be to pick up a laxative at the drug store, but these medicines can cause cramps, diarrhea or dehydration. To cure constipation naturally, you can turn to herbs and other natural remedies that have been used for centuries to gently restore balance to the body.

To tackle clogged bowels, psyllium husk is a highly effective option. Derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, this grainy substance is sold in natural food stores. Follow the directions on the package or simply stir a spoonful into a glass of juice and drink up.

Psyllium is often mixed with sweeteners and other artificial ingredients to make products like Metamucil and Fiber Con. Natural psyllium has no additives and is less expensive. You can drink psyllium up to three times per day to fight constipation and once a day to maintain regularity.

Ayurvedic medicine, which is popular in India, encompasses some natural cures for constipation. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend senna, an herb that encourages easier bowel movements. Licorice root has similar properties to senna, and the two may be used together. Coriander leaves, often used in Indian cooking, are another trusted remedy that helps balance the digestive system.

Hot liquids may encourage bowel movements, so teas and tonics are a good choice. Dandelion tea has many health properties and is thought to relieve constipation. You should be able to purchase dandelion tea bags in health food stores. Honey is a centuries-old home remedy for a variety of ailments, including constipation. Mix a tablespoon with hot water and sip after meals.

Natural Prevention

Even people with healthy digestive systems occasionally fall prey to constipation. Stress, travel or a change in eating habits may be to blame. Taking preventative steps can keep your body functioning smoothly, even when life gets hectic.

You've probably heard about the importance of fiber, especially as it relates to preventing constipation. Fiber is the natural bulk in whole grains, vegetables and fruit that is indigestible to the body. Fiber attaches to the stool and helps it move easily and quickly through the digestive track.

The surest way to get adequate fiber in your daily diet is to load up at breakfast. Look for cereals with at least 5 grams per serving. Eat whole grain or sprouted grain breads, English muffins or pitas. Breads should have at least 3 grams of fiber per slice. Add a piece of fiber-rich fruit, like pears, apricots, strawberries, apples, dried prunes or dates, peaches or pineapple.

Other high fiber foods that anyone can fit into their diet are beans, which can go into salads, burritos, soups or grain dishes; nuts, which are filling and packed with antioxidants; and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Ground flax is another superfood you can trust to keep you regular. Sprinkle it on yogurt, cereal, salads, grain dishes or soups. If you are too busy to change your diet, natural supplements can help. Look for those containing flax and probiotics, the good bacteria that keep your digestive track healthy.

The more high fiber, unprocessed foods and supplements you consume, the happier your digestive system will be. In case constipation does take you by surprise, look to natural cures that have been used for many years to restore balance and comfort. Constipation is an unfortunate condition most people have to deal with, but remember that you can choose to manage it naturally.

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging

www.vitalmaxvitamins.com
www.vitalmaxvitamins.com/blog

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Seven of the Most Popular Antioxidant Fruits

2012-02-20T15:01:00.001-08:00

Aside from herbs and vegetables, consumption of fresh fruits has been known to be the best way to keep our body naturally healthy and strong. Fresh fruits not only provide essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals but most importantly, they provide fibers and enzymes. Enzymes and fibers help our body to function properly in the process of absorption of nutrients. Enzymes help decrease the ill effects of free radicals in the body while fiber aids in proper elimination of body waste. So basically, what makes fresh fruits the best antioxidant is the presence of fiber and enzymes.

However, the amount of enzymes and fibers varies in each fruit. Some fruits contain more of one particular enzyme yet lack dietary fibers while another is the opposite. Nevertheless, we need to eat a variety of fresh fruits regularly in order to get the most benefits of what they can provide. Listed in this article are few of the most popular fruits that are rich in antioxidant properties.

Prunes - Prunes are rich in iron and potassium which is crucial to maintain a healthy blood. Other natural chemicals and fibers present in prunes aids in digestion and keep a regular bowel movement.

Pomegranate - An exotic fruit that originated in Middle East and Asia, pomegranate is has become popular nowadays because it is found to be rich in antioxidants that keep bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. It is also beneficial in keeping the blood from unwanted clotting. Other researchers also claim that it improves the amount of oxygen entering into the heart muscles thus can be beneficial to people suffering from coronary heart disease.

Blueberries -- Blueberries provide protection against aging and metabolic syndrome. Aside from high dietary fibers, vitamins and minerals, it contains anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and tannins that inhibit cancer cell development.

Grapes/Raisins - Raisins are dehydrated grapes through sun drying or oven. Despite the process of drying, raisin still contains flavonols but less phenols compared to fresh grapes. It is rich in boron, a mineral that provides protection from osteoporosis especially among women of advancing age. Like other fruits, grape or raisin is rich in vitamins as well as dietary fibers.

Cranberries - Cranberry juice is popularly known to prevent urinary tract infection (UTI). It is also rich in phytochemicals which act as antioxidants by neutralizing the harmful free radicals in the body, thus protects the cells that help fight against heart disease, cancer and metabolic syndrome. Regular consumption of cranberry juice can also prevent stomach cancer and ulcer by killing H.pylori bacteria. A regular consumption of 6 ounce per day will provide optimum health benefits, yet fresh, naturally processed cranberry juice is always highly recommended.

Mangosteen - Rich in xanthones, a class of phytonutrients that help boost the immune system. Mangosteen has been known to prevent Alzheimer disease, heart disease, lowers blood sugar, helps prevent the loss of bone mass, and other host of health benefits not found in other fruits. The benefits of mangosteen are available in especially processed fruit juice or through consumption of fresh fruit.

Apple - The most popular of all antioxidant fruits, apple and apple-derived product such as apple cider vinegar helps prevent many diseases and improves one's overall health. From cancer to heart ailments, to a simple indigestion and weight management, nothing beats the old proverb, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away."

Not only do fruits provide essential nutrients and help strengthen the immune system, but they also stimulate other bodily functions to keep us well nourished. All the same, aside from regular consumption of a variety of fruits, a healthy lifestyle is as important in order to maintain good health.

Vemma juice supplement contains mangosteen superfruit, vitamins, mineral blend, aloe vera and green tea. Be on top of your of your health and get yourself vemma juice now.

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Osteopenia Treatment - Is a Boron Supplement Necessary?

2012-02-20T15:00:00.001-08:00

A boron supplement can assist with the absorption and utilization of calcium and magnesium. It can also help vitamin D to convert to the active form needed to support calcium absorption into the bones. Fortunately, a few delicious snacks can also provide the boron we need for healthy bones.

Boron is a trace mineral (number five in the periodic table) that is most concentrated in our bones but is also found in our thyroid glands and associated organs. Boron has been linked to significant improvements in both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis through numerous studies over the past decades. The addition of a boron supplement to an osteoporosis treatment program has become common...but is it necessary?

WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?

Numerous studies have been conducted on the dietary intake of boron. A quick summary of the research is as follows.

Boron assists with the absorption and utilization of calcium and magnesium (Feinstein, 1996)
Boron may be essential in the conversion of vitamin D to the active form which supports calcium absorption. (Murray, 1996).
A diet low in boron may exacerbate vitamin D and magnesium deficiencies or any condition in which these minerals are lost in urine.
Boron is best if taken with a well balanced vitamin and mineral supplement including calcium, magnesium, and riboflavin (vitamin B2) (Hendler, 1991).
A study involving 12 postmenopausal women who supplemented their diet with 3 mg of boron daily resulted in reduced calcium excretion by 44 percent and dramatically increased the levels of beta-estradiol, the most biologically active estrogen. (FH Nielsen, 1987)
Boron deficiency causes decreased serum concentrations of estrogen and testosterone- which are associated with calcium loss and bone demineralization (Murray, 1996; Somer, 1995).
Taking boron if you are already healthy and athletic doesn't seem to make any difference in bone density.

These studies have not involved the large number of participants or the many controls required of a drug trial. But they are impressive because of their consistency in showing a positive impact of boron on bone health.

HOW MUCH BORON DO WE NEED?

Although there is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for boron, 1.5 to 3.0 milligrams daily is generally considered sufficient in a healthy diet. In 2004, the NCEA (United States National Center for Environmental Assessment) increased its allowable daily dose of boron to 14 milligrams per day. Studies have shown that dosages greater than 500 milligrams per day may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

WHERE IS BORON FOUND?

Boron is mostly found in fruits (especially dried fruits), vegetables, nuts and pulses. Rich sources (in descending order) are:

Soybeans
Prunes
Raisins
Almonds
Peanuts
Hazelnuts
Dates
Red Wine

Small quantities of these foods will meet our daily requirement. For example, a half cup of prunes (about 100 grams) fulfills the daily requirement of 2 to 3 mg of boron. A boron supplement is generally not necessary for people who maintain a well-balanced diet.

Unfortunately, a typical American diet provides only 1 mg of boron per day, partly because of the enthusiasm for meat and carbohydrates rather than fruits and vegetables. A radically low-carb diet may also lack sufficient boron unless the dieter is enriching it with greens and legumes. Similarly, an extreme low fat diet may exclude the nuts that are so rich in boron. In these cases, a boron supplement may be necessary if the dieter is unwilling to make the necessary adjustments. Fortunately, a boron supplement is usually well absorbed and is generally bioavailable.

WHAT ABOUT BORON IN WATER?

Water can be a great place to get boron but it is not a reliable source because concentrations vary so much throughout the world. In the US, boron in tap water is generally low (less than 1 milligram per liter) while in some cities in Canada it provides up to 2 milligrams per liter. Boron in US and European bottled water ranges from trace amounts to 4.35 milligrams per liter. Interestingly, water supplies in northern Chile provide a high concentration of 15.2 milligrams of boron per liter! So when we travel to Chili, we can forget our boron supplement. (For more information on water sources of boron, read Bill Sardi's "In Search of the World's Best Water")

Of course, for boron to assist with bone building we must be getting adequate calcium, magnesium and vitamin D either in our diet, through supplements or ideally a combination of the two sources. For information on how boron can be added to a natural osteoporosis prevention program, visit http://osteoporosis-vitamins.com/osteoporosis-treatment-guidelines.html

Darlene Varaleau is a lawyer and business person by profession. After being diagnosed with osteopenia, she developed http://osteoporosis-vitamins.com to explore natural osteoporosis treatment options. The site provides information on affordable calcium and vitamin supplements, strontium, progesterone cream and exercise. She loves getting suggestions for improving the site, so please drop by for a visit.

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Are Laxatives Beneficial To Weight Loss?

2012-02-20T14:59:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately the answer to the above question is no. Laxatives and weight loss is not good as usually due to fluid loss and the health dangers when using laxatives can be significant.

Unfortunately laxative abuse is a common form of weight control especially with people who suffer from eating disorders. The real purpose for a person to take a laxative is to stimulate the large bowel to empty and will only occur after food and calories have been absorbed into the body via the small intestines. So people who use laxatives to control their weight are actually causing harm to their body because they will lose fluid and this will then be followed by periods when water will be retained (bloating occurs). Then this causes the individual to use more laxatives in order to lose more weight.

The reason as to why some people seem to lose weight whilst taking laxatives is because they are usually reducing the amount of calories they have and how much food they eat as well as some of them are constantly exercising.

So in conclusion taking laxatives as a method of controlling your weight or for losing weight is neither good for losing fat or for your health. In fact prolonged use of laxatives will lead to cramps, bloating, water retention and then the added problem of withdrawal symptoms when a person ceases to use them.

For those people who abuse laxatives will often find themselves in a no win situation as they use laxatives as they "feel thin" which provides them with an immediate and positive result. Unfortunately an what actually happens is the opposite? These people find themselves "feeling fat" because of excessive water retention even though it is delayed.

Below are some steps which will help those to stop abusing laxatives.

Step 1

The most important step is to stop taking laxatives immediately. Do not take any more unless your doctor says so. It is important to remember that stimulant type laxatives are especially harmful to the human body.

Step 2

It is important that you drink at least 6-10 cups of water or decaffeinated drinks a day. By restricting your fluid intake you will only dehydrate your body which will worsen the effects associated with constipation.

Step 3

Include some form of physical activity in to your daily routine as this can help to regulate bowel functions although it is wise to talk to your doctor about the intensity and type of activity you take up. Unfortunately too much or vigorous exercise can make your constipation worse because of your metabolism and fluid being unbalanced.

Step 4

Ensure that you eat regularly. It is important that you spread the amount of food recommended to your on your diet plan across at least 3 meals each day and make sure that you eat them at regular intervals.

Step 5

Eat foods which promote normal bowel movements. By eating more whole grain breads, cereals, crackers, wheat bran or foods that have wheat bran added to them is the healthier way to promote normal bowel functions. You should carry out this approach whilst drinking more fluids. Also eating more fresh fruit and vegetables will help your bowel function normally. Unfortunately do not eat prunes or drink prune juice as they are actually an irritant laxative and long term use of these can leave you with the same problems as using laxatives long term.

Step 6

Keep a record of the frequency of your bowel movements and if you are constipated for more than 3 days then talk to your doctor, dietitian or psychotherapist.

So as you can see laxatives and weight loss does not work and therefore it is important that you change your diet and your lifestyle if you really want to lose weight.

Lee Dobbins writes for Low Carb and Weight Loss Resource where you can learn more about losing weight without sacrificing your health.

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Walnut and Paprika Vegan Sausages

2012-02-20T14:58:00.003-08:00

These delightfully easy meat-free sausages that I often make for our family will quickly become a favourite in your household! I sometimes make a large batch and either freeze them, or take them with on holiday so that I always have something in the refrigerator for family meals when the others want to BBQ. Although the chopped nuts give the sausages a nice crunch and texture, the grated carrot will do the same if you want to use any left-over nut pulp after making your own home-made nut milk. The nut sausages will simply have a more refined texture, but for a chunkier feel you can always add a tablespoon or so of extra texture in the form of sunflower seeds.

Thyme, paprika and turmeric combine with tart tamarind and finely grated vegetables to impart a wonderful aroma to these nutty sausages. The dried prunes and tahini paste help to bind the ingredients together, while the walnuts and quinoa provide a good measure of protein. The sausages have a nice crispy coating of psyllium husks and oat bran.

½ cup walnuts

½ cup finely grated carrot

½ cup finely grated baby marrow (zucchini)

2 fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

5 dried prunes, cut into tiny pieces

1 tsp paprika powder

½ tsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp quinoa flour

2 tsp tamarind pulp

1 tbsp tahini paste

2 tsp soy sauce

coating:

2 tbsp each psyllium husks and fine oat bran

4 tbsp rice bran oil, for frying

Method

Lightly toast the walnuts in the oven until fragrant. Crush the nuts to medium fine with a pestle and mortar.
Place the nuts with the grated carrot and baby marrow in a mixing bowl. Stir in the garlic, thyme and prunes and mix well.
Stir in the spices and flour, again mixing well.
Add the tamarind pulp, tahini paste and soy sauce. Stir this well into the walnut mixture.
Mix the psyllium husks and oat bran on a plate and spread out.
With wet hands, shape the walnut mixture into long patties, squeezing slightly as you shape. It is a wet mixture.
Then roll the sausages in the psyllium husk and oat bran mixture to coat. Rest the sausages in the refrigerator, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Heat the oil in a pan and fry the sausages, turning them to brown on all sides. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper.

Makes 5 sausages.

Cook's tip:

If quinoa flour is not available, use the same amount of cooked quinoa grains. Alternatively, use chickpea flour (both of which are high protein sources). You can also use oat bran instead of the psyllium husks to roll the sausages in, which will give them a more rough look but will impart a wonderfully nutty taste.

You can also give these sausages a more of a Thai flavour by using the same nuts, but for spices and herbs, use finely grated fresh ginger and turmeric, chopped garlic, coarsely ground coriander seeds and finely snipped Kaffir lime leaves and fresh coriander leaves. Make a brown jasmine rice dish to accompany the sausages, perhaps flavoured with star anise.

To give the sausages a French flavour, use the same nuts, but add lots more herbs, such as tarragon and sage with finely grated green apple and add chopped pitted green olives.

Laurinda Erasmus is a vegan chef and author of a vegan recipe book, called Benessere well-being: vegan & sugar-free eating for a healthy life-style, by Quinoa Publishing. The book has over 520 recipes, each with a colour photograph, taken by the author herself. The book won a gold medal at the Living Now Book Awards in New York, USA. She is passionate about the vast possibilities of creating plant-based meals, the increased wellness and energy through plant nutrition and making a smaller impact on our precious ecosystem. Through her book and vegan classes, she shows healthy and fun ways of how to bring more plant-based meals into one's diet. She also travels extensively, always collecting new recipes and re-writing them as vegan dishes. She shares her tips for vegan travellers accompanied by vegan travel recipes on her blogsite http://veganwellbeing.wordpress.com and to view her vegan recipe book, see http://www.veganwellbeing.net.

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ORAC Values and Antioxidants - Don't Get Fooled by the Numbers Game

2012-02-20T14:58:00.001-08:00

ORAC Values are a measure of the antioxidant capacity of fruits and vegetables. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity. This standard was developed by Brunswick Labs and adopted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

ORAC values indicate antioxidant capacity of a food by measuring how long it takes an antioxidant to react to free radicals, as well as the amount of antioxidants within the specific food. It combines these elements into one measurement that is commonly expressed in terms of a 100-gram serving.

Foods with a higher ORAC value have a greater antioxidant potential than those with low values. The foods that tend to rank the highest in ORAC values are fruits with bright colors, such as berries, red grapes, cherries.

Interpreting ORAC Values

Some question remains about whether or not ORAC values are actually the best way to determine the most beneficial antioxidant foods. For example, the methods used to obtain values listed in the ORAC tables only apply to water-soluble antioxidants, not fat-soluble ones, like the carotenoids. So, you won't find some carotene-rich foods high on the list, even though they may be more beneficial. Other labs have also designed their own standards for measuring antioxidant capacity, using different criteria. This raises another question about which method is more accurate and useful.

Some antioxidants can't be measured. You also have to keep in mind that there are thousands of phytonutrients (plant nutrients) that scientists have not yet been able to identify or isolate, and can't be measured by any standard. This means that there is no way to completely assess the full nutritional and antioxidant benefit of any given fruit or vegetable using the ORAC table. In general, though, there's no reason to doubt that foods high on the ORAC list should be considered a valuable source of antioxidants.

Retailers play the numbers game. Another problem with the ORAC table is that the numbers can be manipulated to make one nutritional product look more powerful than any other. Companies will use different sets of measurements--either dry weight, liquid measures, or typical serving sizes; they also will not include other foods that might compete with their numbers and make them look less impressive. This is common practice among the producers of various antioxidant juices on the market, such as acai and goji berries.

Using different types of measurements, different foods can appear to have higher ORAC scores than others. For example, prunes have an ORAC value of 5570, considerably higher than plums, which measure out at 949. The truth is that they're the same fruit, and a prune has no more antioxidant potential than the plum from which it was dried. It's just missing the water content, which makes up most of the weight. So do yourself a favor and don't worry about the numbers too much, just eat whichever fruits on the list you like.

ORAC Values don't account for the many different types of antioxidants. Most people don't realize how many different antioxidants there are. Some foods, such as onions, have dozens of known phytonutrients and an unknown number that have never been isolated and studied. Antioxidants found in carrots aren't the same as those found in tomatoes, or leafy greens, or broccoli.

Even among similar antioxidant fruits, the specific types of antioxidants differ. The antioxidants found in acai berries are different from those in mangosteen or goji berries. Ideally, you want many different types of antioxidants as much as you want a huge quantity of any particular one. Your body wants all of the different types, because antioxidants work together as a team, producing more effective results together than they can by themselves.

When it comes to antioxidant nutrition, variety counts as much as quantity. It's important to eat a variety of healthy foods, not only for their antioxidant levels, but for their other nutritional properties as well. So don't get hooked into the ORAC table numbers. Just eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to get most of what you need. Food especially rich in antioxidants include any type of berry, dried fruits such as prunes or raisins, dark-green leafy vegetables, and beans. There are numerous supplemental products that incorporate antioxidant-rich fruits such as acai and goji berries, or green powders such as chlorella and spirulina.

Stan Mrak has had a passion for antiaging nutrition for over 30 years. Visit his website at www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com for the most practical and useful information on antioxidants anywhere. Discover how antioxidants hold the secret for staying young and avoiding degenerative diseases.

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Some Tips on Natural Hemorrhoid Treatment

2012-02-20T14:57:00.003-08:00

Many people are looking for natural remedies to cure their hemorrhoid. Natural treatments for a hemorrhoid are better than medicinal treatment because they often don't cause any side effect. The lack of fiber is the main cause of a hemorrhoid. Therefore, you have to change your diet by increasing the fiber intake. By increasing the amount of fiber in your diet, you will find that it is easier to perform a bowel movement.

Fruits are generally rich in fiber. You should only eat 1 - 2 fruits per day to avoid high sugar levels in your blood. Prunes are widely known for their abilities to soften the stool. Eating too many prunes can cause diarrhea. You can eat a few prunes per day. After eating the prunes, you will have an urge of going to the toilet. Besides fruits, other types of foods such as whole grains, and beans are rich in fiber. Some hemorrhoid patients successfully cure their hemorrhoid conditions by increasing their fiber intake.

You should only go to the toilet when there is the urge to do so. It is not recommended that you strain yourself to push the stools out from the bowel. You should let the stool pass out from the bowel by itself. Straining yourself to defecate will cause wounds in the anal tissue. You must never wait for a few hours until there is no more urge to defecate. You must quickly go to the toilet as soon as you have the urge to purge. The best position to defecate is squatting. Squatting allows the bowel to moves easily.

If you have a problem defecating due to constipation, you should use a stool softener. Examples of stool softener include Colace, Correctol, Metamucil, Effer Syllium etc. Stool softener cannot produce long term results however. The best way to make the stool soft is to eat lots of fiber. Laxatives should not be used unless you are asked to do so by the doctor. Chemicals such as cascada sagrada and castor oil can damage the bowel tissue and cause the skin around the anal area to be irritated.

In addition, you should move around a lot. Moving around a lot can make your digestive system function more efficiently. There is no need to perform strenuous exercise such as weight lifting. Some of the exercises you can do to improve your digestive system include walking and jogging. Your rectal area should be kept clean at all times. After defecating, make sure you use a moist toilet paper to wipe it. Standard toilet paper should not be used because it can cause the skin to become irritated. After wiping the anal area, you can use tap water to rinse the area. You can get moist toilet paper from a local pharmacy.

You can purchase hemorrhoid cream from the drug store. Natural hemorrhoid cream is free from drug ingredients so it won't cause any harmful side effects. A Natural cream can get rid of the itchiness on your anal area. It will relieve the hemorrhoid pain, inflammation and swelling temporarily.

Want to learn the best hemorrhoid treatments? Visit the Treatments of Hemorrhoids blog.

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

Bowel Movement 101

2012-02-20T14:57:00.001-08:00

The following subject is something every single person who has ever lived on the planet Earth has done almost every single day of their life. No matter who you are or where or when you lived you have spent a few moments of everyday involved in a bowel movement. This may not seem like an interesting subject or a private matter that you feel uncomfortable discussing. The reason for this subject matter is because what you flush down the toilet is a daily "barometer" of what is going on inside your body. It is a production of what is right or wrong with your system. The next time you use the toilet stop and take a private moment to look at your feces to see the result of your diet.

First off how many times a day do you poop?

On average a healthy person will have three bowel movements everyday. All people need to evacuate at least once everyday. If you do not "go" at least everyday then you are constipated and if you go more than 3 times you have diarrhea. The diarrhea part most people understand but many do not realize how important it is to "go" each and everyday.

What about the smell?

The smell of your bowel movement is a direct result of the type of foods and drinks you consume. Generally speaking, feces will smell worse if you consume foods or liquids with many artificial flavors or chemicals. You can reduce the offensive odor by eating more natural foods that do not contain the artificial flavors or chemicals.

Does it float?

Whether or not your feces float is an indicator of a healthy diet. A good diet would result in the stool sinking to the bottom. A floating stool may be a symptom of a more serious problem but more than likely it is because you are eating too many fatty foods in your diet. Increased levels of nutrients in the stool are supplied to the normal bacteria that live in the gut, which in turn produce more gas. This results in more gas-rich stools that float. Lower the fat content of your food and your poop should sink.

How hard is it?

A good healthy poop should be like toothpaste. If you strain or have really solid poops then you need to adjust your diet. What you should do is increase the amount of fiber in the daily diet by eating foods like:

o Whole grain breads and cereals

o Fresh raw fruits with skins and seeds

o Fresh raw vegetables

o Fruit juices

o Dates, apricots, raisins, prunes, prune juice, nuts

What color should it be?

Feces will most often be light or dark brown which is natural. Consult a doctor immediately if there is blood with stools, if blood has colored a stool red, if a stool appears black and tarry, or very light or pale in color, as these changes can indicate a serious condition.

What is a good shape?

This question can bring an entire mental collage of thoughts that need no description here. So lets go straight to the description of what is healthy...
Well formed stools are soft and flexible. They have good texture, volume and weight and are passed easily (with out straining hard). They make a clean exit from the body and hold their shape. The length should be from four to seven inches.

So. if you are living a healthy lifestyle with the proper diet your bowel movements should follow a strict pattern. It is something you have to do quite often and I hope you will use this article to realize that your feces are not just something you flush away. It is a barometer of your diet and your body. So think twice before you just flush it away. I encourage you to further research this subject yourself because it really demonstrates what is going on inside your body.

http://www.IChooseThin.com Keith Quackenbush is a graduate of St. John's University, New York. He has spent considerable amount of time traveling throughout the world for the United States Government as a Marine Officer. He has spent considerable amount of time being educated in life through his very existence. Currently spends too many hours per week in big box retail management.

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Getting Rid of Constipation - 6 Simple Strategies

2012-02-20T14:56:00.001-08:00

Everybody experiences constipation at some point in their lives. Now that is no consolation for you if you're currently experiencing this because you are probably in so much discomfort all you are focused on is getting rid of constipation as quickly as possible. As you read through to the end of this article you will learn simple yet highly effective strategies you can implement starting the minute you finish reading that will help you on your quest of getting rid of constipation.

Constipation can become serious if left unchecked as it signals a problem with your digestive system. If you have chronic constipation which basically means it is more than just an occasional pain in the you know what, but is a frequent issue you deal with, then you need to pay close attention as it can lead to bigger issues such as hemorrhoids, colitis, diverticulosis and possibly even colon cancer.

Just so you know, many people are constipated and don't know it. This is because we are supposed to have a bowel movement after every meal so if we eat 3 meals a day then 3 bowel movements are supposed to follow. If not, we are constipated and the fecal matter that is not eliminated remains to rot in our intestines which is very unhealthy and can lead to very serious disease.

So here are some things you can do to get rid of constipation;

Drink Lots of Water - water helps our bodies to flush toxins out so it is essential that you drink water constantly throughout each day.
Drink warm milk or tea - this can help promote bowel movements
Add or Increase Fiber in Your Diet - The best sources are from fresh fruits and vegetables so aside from all of the beneficial nutrients you get from these they also help your body to stay regular
Exercise and Physical Activity- exercise is so necessary for our bodies for so many reasons. As far as constipation goes I think exercise just helps the body perform better which prevents us from becoming constipated in the first place
Eat Prunes - Prunes are well know to be like a natural laxative. You could also drink prune juice. Prunes are also high in fiber so you could add this to your diet on a regular basis if you suffer regularly from constipation.
Probiotics - Probiotics introduce good bacteria back into your intestines that years of taking antibiotics could have removed. They help balance the intestinal tract and restore it to a healthy level.

So there you have 6 things you can and should do or add to your diet to help you to get immediate relief from constipation and to prevent getting it in the future. Notice that all of these suggestions are all natural and besides having the benefit of being effective against constipation, also have added benefits for your body as a whole which is how you should approach any health issue ideally.

There are many other natural methods of getting rid of constipation but the above should help you get off to a good start.

For a FREE report on Disease Prevention,10 Natural Ways, visit http://www.TopNaturalRemedies.com. Also visit Top Natural Remedies now for additional natural remedies for the things that Cause Constipation.

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

Baked Whipped Fruit Dessert

2012-02-20T14:55:00.001-08:00

Desserts do not have to be loaded with fat and empty calories all the time. Fruit whips are simple to make and it seems like there is always room for a light, tasty end to a great meal. This dessert contains only 4 ingredients and none of them have hidden fat waiting to clog your arteries unless you want to smother it in whipped cream.

For this dessert I use dried fruit. Prunes will give you fiber which is usually not found in cakes or pastries. Apricots, raisins or dried cherries are also good to use. I remember my grandfather eating this with his breakfast. He would always make sure there was some left for his breakfast. I prefer it as a dessert.

To make this I take1/2-pound of pitted prunes and cover them with water and let them soak all night. The next morning I cook the prunes in the same water in which they were soaked until they are tender. I let them cool and puree them. Next I add 1/4-cup of sugar and cook for 5-minutes. Then I let them cool to room temperature.

Next I beat 2-egg whites until they are very stiff. Next I stir 1/2-tablespoon lemon juice into the prunes. I then fold the beaten egg whites into the prune mixture. I lightly butter a shallow baking dish and pour the mixture into it. I bake it for 20-minutes in a pre-heated 325-degree oven. This very good served warm or cold and with or without real whipped cream.

If other dried fruit is used just remember to use 1/2-pound of that fruit.

Everything I write about is from personal observation and life experiences. I love to cook and prepare foods in different ways. I like sharing my experiences about food and cooking. My website [http://www.pothaven.com] was created because of my interest in quality cookware and cooking.

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

Foods That Cause Acne

2012-02-20T14:54:00.001-08:00

The embarrassing condition of acne has been blamed on a wide variety of causes throughout the ages. Many people unjustly blame individuals with acne-prone skin of being dirty or failing to wash their faces properly. This is obviously far from the truth as acne can strike anyone, regardless of their personal hygiene habits. Others believe that eating large amounts of chocolate will ensure an acne breakout. This is also not the case, but research has linked acne to choices a person's diet. We are going to discuss some types of foods that cause acne.

Foods that are highly acidic tend to cause acne as they create an imbalance in your body's pH levels. The foods you should avoid include the following:

Vegetables: lentils, squash, corn
Fruits: currants, plums, prunes, cranberries and blueberries
Grains: barley, cornstarch, oatmeal, wheat bran, amaranth, rice, rye, wheat germ, noodles, macaroni, spaghetti, bread, soda crackers, white flour, rolled oats and wheat flour
Beans & Legumes: chick peas, green peas, kidney beans, pinto beans, red beans, soy beans, black beans and white beans
Dairy Products: butter, ice cream, processed cheese, butter and ice milk
Nuts & Butters: peanuts, pecans, walnuts, cashews and peanut butter
Animal Proteins: bacon, beef, pork, salmon, lamb, fish, clams, cod, mussels, sausage, scallops, turkey, venison, shrimp and lobster
Fats & Oils: canola oil, lard, olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, hemp seed oil and safflower oil
Sweeteners: corn syrup, sugar and carob
Alcohol: spirits, hard liquor, wine and beer
Condiments: vinegar, pepper, ketchup and mustard
Drinks: coffee and soft drinks
Drugs & chemicals: aspirin, pesticides, tobacco and herbicides

If you want to prevent or minimize acne breakouts, you should replace acidic food with alkaline food choices. Some examples include carrots, cucumbers, garlic, lettuce, tomatoes, apples, grapes, lemons, pineapples, raisins, strawberries, peaches, oranges and almonds. You may be surprised to see so many citrus fruits on this list. The reason is that the specific citric acid they each contain has an alkalinizing effect on your body that will actually reduce the level of acidity, rather than increase it.

Rather than making an effort to avoid one specific type of food, it is better to avoid groups of acidic foods that will enhance your acne. Replace some of the choices in the first list with more alkaline foods from the second list. You will soon discover that small changes in your diet can produce big results!

For information on foods that cause acne, try visiting http://www.acnehomeremedycure.com, a popular website that offers acne remedy home cure tips, advice and resources to include information on best acne treatments over the counter.

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

All-Bran Banana Bread is a Real Homemade Treat

2012-02-20T14:53:00.001-08:00

With rich, sugar-consuming desserts off the list for the duration, women are wondering how they are going to give their meals that extra something that satisfies. One answer is with homemade bread and muffins. When golden brown muffins or fragrant, freshly baked bread are served, no other dessert is necessary.

Fortunately, most of today's tastiest breads are quick bread, which means that they can be turned out in an hour or so. Secondly, they can be piled full of nutrition by using bran or whole grain flours; by adding nuts and dried fruits, and by serving with fresh, creamy dairy butter.

Probably the favorite-of-favorites among homemade bread is All-Bran Banana Nut Bread. Bananas give it a moist sweetness, nuts a crunchiness, and bran a toasted wheaty taste. Sliced and spread with butter, it's delectable.

Whole Wheat Prune Bread is another winner. In this tender textured, deep flavored loaf molasses pinch-hits for sugar, while the prunes do a fine job of flavoring. This, by the way, makes superb cream cheese sandwiches.

Two muffins that deserve attention as dessert substitutes are Apple Corn Muffins and All-Bran Cream Scones. The Corn Muffins, of course, can be baked in a shallow pan, johnnycake fashion, sliced pie-shape and served piping hot with butter. So tasty are the Bran Cream Scones when spread with strawberry preserves or honey, that no one's going to miss those before-the-war pies and cakes.

All-Bran Banana Nut Bread

1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup bran cereal
3/2 cups mashed bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon each, salt and soda
1/2 cup chopped nut meats

Blend shortening and sugar thoroughly; add egg and beat well. Add bran cereal, bananas and flavoring. Sift flour, baking powder, salt and soda together; add to first mixture with nut meats, stirring only until flour disappears. Bake in greased leaf pan (4.5 by 8.5 inches) with waxed paper in bottom, in moderate oven (350 degrees F.) about 1 hour.

Whole Wheat Prune Bread

1 cup sifted enriched flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
5/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup chopped cooked prunes
2 cups sour milk or buttermilk
1/2 cup molasses

Mix and sift enriched flour, baking powder, soda, salt and sugar; stir in whole wheat flour and prunes. Combine sour milk and molasses; add to flour mixture, stirring only until well mixed. Turn into greased loaf pan, 9x5x3 inches, and bake in moderate oven (350 degrees F.) about 1 hour.

Apple Corn Muffins

3/4 cup sifted flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons shortening, melted
3/4 cup finely diced apple

Mix and sift dry ingredients. Combine egg and milk, and add to flour mixture, stirring only until well mixed; stir in shortening and apple. Turn into greased, shallow pan or muffin pans and bake; in pan in hot oven (400 degrees F.) about 30 minutes; in muffin pans in hot oven (425 degrees F.) about 20 minutes. Makes 8 portions, or 8 medium-sized muffins.

All-Bran Cream Scones

2 cups flour
4 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup bran cereal
1/4 cup butter
2 egg
1/3 cup cream or top milk

Sift flour with baking powder, salt and sugar; add bran cereal. Cut in butter with pastry blender. Reserve small portion of egg white; beat remaining eggs and add to first mixture with cream. Stir until dough is formed. Toss on floured board, knead slightly and roll out to 3/4 inch thickness. Cut in triangle shapes; brush with egg white mixed with 1 teaspoon water, sprinkle with sugar and bake in hot oven (425 degrees F.) about 15 minutes. Makes 12 scones.

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

Foods That Relieve Constipation - 4 Foods That Will Help You Relieve Constipation Quickly

2012-02-20T14:52:00.003-08:00

If you are seeking foods that relieve constipation, you will be happy to know that there are at number of foods that can help you to relieve your constipation quickly. This article will detail four of these foods that have been proven to help anyone that is constipated.

Natural relief can be derived by consuming fruits and nuts which promote healthy, regular bowel movements. What's more, the foods used for constipation relief also have a number of superlative health benefits.

Red Apples

Consuming a single apple every day can help to alleviate problems with constipation. Apples contain natural phytochemicals which are cited as a natural remedy and preventive measure against certain types of cancers, including cancer of the colon too. The entire apple should be consumed, skin and all, since the rich red skin contains the most phytochemicals. Apples also naturally contain insoluble fiber so that you can have a well regulated digestive tract.

Blueberries

Blueberries are yet another fruit that is high in phytochemical content thereby making it a superb cancer defense. A single cup of fresh blueberries supplies you with 3.6 grams of constipation fighting fiber, and their low salt content ensures that you retain less fluid too. Finally, blueberries have immune system boosting properties too, so they are great for your overall health.

Prunes

Prunes are actually dried plums that can be consumed whole or as a juice. When you consume 100 grams of prunes, you get 7 grams of fiber. Prunes, like blueberries, are also super low in sodium content as well: a mere 2 grams of sodium are supplied in a 100 gram serving of prunes. Further, prunes are very high in Vitamin K content, which aids in the digestive process and reduces the potential for waste accumulation.

Almonds

Unsalted almonds contain 11 grams of fiber per every 100 gram serving. These nuts also have low sodium content, and once consumed, assist the body in moving bowels through the intestinal tract. Almonds also contain Manganese, which helps your body to naturally process amino acids, and to produce needed enzymes for adequate digestion. The Manganese in almonds also promotes the breakdown of fats.

Are you tired of feeling bloated and constipated all the time? There is a good chance that what you are eating is contributing or even causing all your constipation related problems. To get a free report on The Foods That Cause Constipation so that you can start to avoid these foods, and start to enjoy healthier bowel movements, CLICK HERE.

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

Happy Healthy Chocolate Birthday Cake

2012-02-20T14:52:00.001-08:00

Unlike most birthday cake indulgences this one won't make you feel nearly as guilty in the morning. I'm not going to say it's the healthiest thing since sprouted sliced whole grain bread because it does contain sugar-but it contains less than half of what's in most cakes (and not to worry, it's still sweet thanks to the pureed prunes). Truly, it really is WAY healthier than your average birthday cake. For most cakes I can't find more than about 2 healthy "whole food" ingredients (if that!)-this one has triple that!

The Happy Healthy Chocolate Birthday Cake has the following "whole food" ingredients:

Prunes
Whole wheat flour (I use "white" whole wheat flour because it's lighter in texture than regular whole wheat flour but still has all the same nutritional goodness-all the fiber, "germ" with nutrients, etc)
Unsweetened cocoa
Organic free-range eggs
Apples
Pecans
Extra virgin coconut oil

I'll admit, sweets (and wine) really are my two biggest vices-but I've found that by spiking my sweets with healthy "whole food" ingredients (such as nuts, fruit, whole grain flours, etc) I can help offset the damage. Plus I always limit myself to just one sweet treat a day (and I'm careful about reading ingredients on foods I buy and not eating hidden sugars all throughout the day). I haven't figured out what to spike my wine with though-maybe I could chase it with some powdered greens =)

Anyway, here's our healthy family cake recipe below (if you are serving the cake to kids don't worry about the Bailey's Irish Cream, there isn't enough in 1 serving to make a difference).

Cake
Ingredients (Serves 12)

3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon good quality instant espresso
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (such as Ghirardeli)
30 pitted prunes
3 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil (such as Barleans) plus more for greasing pans
12 organic, free-range eggs
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour (such as King Arthur Flour)
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
1 cup good quality unsweetened cocoa (such as Ghirardeli)
3 Granny Smith apple, unpeeled, finely chopped
1 cups finely chopped pecans

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Coat three 9-inch round cake pans with extra virgin coconut oil.
2. Pour the water into a small saucepan and heat over medium-high. Add the instant espresso and chocolate chips stirring to blend all ingredients. When chocolate melts, add the prunes and reduce the heat to low. Gently cook for 1 minute to soften the prunes. Add the oil. Remove saucepan from the heat and set mixture aside to cool.
3. Place the eggs in a blender and process for 1 minute, or until pale yellow and frothy. Add the vanilla extract and chocolate-prune mixture; process for an additional minute, or until prunes are completely pureed.
4. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and cocoa. Add the egg mixture and stir to combine. Stir in the chopped apples and pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared pans. 5. Bake in the center of the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
6. Remove the torte from the oven, immediately run a knife around the inside rim and set aside to cool. Set cakes on a wire rack and let cool for at least 2 hours before frosting.

Whipped Cream Topping

1 cup organic grass-fed whipping cream
2 tablespoons white sugar
6 tablespoons Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur

1. Pour the whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks begin to form, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar and liqueur and beat for several more seconds.

To get free daily updates on whole foods nutrition, whole foods cooking video demos, nutrition advice, 30-minute workouts, healthy product reviews and more visit Ivy Larson at http://www.HotandHealthyLiving.com

Ivy is a healthy lifestyle coach who runs http://www.HotandHealthyLiving.com. Along with her husband, Andy Larson, M.D., Ivy is the author of the bestselling Gold Coast Cure, Fitter Firmer Faster and Whole Foods Diet Cookbook. A popular figure among national media outlets, Ivy has appeared on such shows as Good Morning America, CNN, and Fox News. She currently makes regular appearances on Lifetime Television.

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

Silver Palate Glazed Baked Ham With Best Potato Gratin

2012-02-20T14:51:00.001-08:00

This dazzling fruit-studded baked-ham is one of the most popular recipes ever from the classic Silver Palate Cookbook by Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso. Delicious and relatively easy to prepare, it's a postcard-perfect centerpiece course that will be remembered for years. It serves 20, and any leftovers can be used to make Croque-Monsieur, Quiche Lorraine, or baked beans and ham.

Baked Ham With Glazed Apricots & Prunes:

Baste this frequently for a glistening baked ham, and slice the meat thinly for serving.

o1 ready-to-eat, bone-in ham (12 to 16 pounds)
oWhole cloves, to cover surface of the ham
o1/4 cup Dijon mustard
o1 cup dark-brown sugar
o3 cups apple juice
o1/2 pound dried apricots
o1 cup Madeira wine
o1/2 pound pitted prunes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Peel the skin from the ham and trim the fat, leaving about a 1/4-inch layer to protect the meat. With a sharp knife, score the fat in a diamond pattern.

3. Set the ham in a shallow roasting pan, insert a whole clove in the crossed point of each diamond and pat mustard evenly over the top and sides of the ham. Sprinkle the top with the brown sugar and pour apple juice into the bottom of the pan.

4. Bake the ham for 1 1/2 hours, basting frequently.

5. Combine the apricots and Madeira wine in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover and remove from heat.

6. Thirty minutes prior to the end of baking, add apricots, cooking liquid and prunes to the roasting pan; continue to bake and baste.

7. Transfer the ham to a large platter. Decorate the top of the ham with apricots and prunes, attaching them with toothpicks. Skim the fat from the pan juices and discard. Pour the pan juices into a sauceboat. Serve the ham with the pan juices and your favorite mustards and chutneys.

Silver Palate's Best Potato Gratin:

This dish can be assembled ahead of time.

o2 cups heavy cream
o1 cup milk
o7 cloves of garlic, crushed
o2 sprigs fresh rosemary
o4 sprigs fresh thyme
oSalt and white pepper, to taste
o6 Idaho potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled
o2 tablespoons butter

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Bring the cream, milk, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper to a low simmer; cook for 30 minutes. Strain into a bowl, discarding the herbs and garlic. Reserve.

3. While the mixture simmers, slice the potatoes 1/8-inch thick, rinse under cold water, drain and pat dry.

4. Grease a 9x13x2-inch gratin dish with 1 tablespoon butter. Arrange a layer of potatoes in rows, overlapping slightly; season with salt and pepper. Pour 1/2 cup of cream mixture over the potatoes. Repeat the process twice, then cover with remaining cream mixture. Dot with remaining butter; cover with foil.

5. Bake for 45 minutes; remove foil. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown, about 45 minutes more.

Wine suggestion:

From the Signature Series of the Gold Medal winning Tamayo Family Vineyards, Serve the rich and lively Celebration Rose 2006, or the luscious and fruity Bailey 2008 Viognier.

For more information click on: http://www.tamayofamilyvineyards.com/

© 2008 -Suzanne de Cornelia. All worldwide rights apply. This article may be reprinted on websites as long as the entire article, including website link and resource box below are included and unchanged. Suzanne de Cornelia is a freelance writer, and author of "French Heart." Contact Suzanne on Facebook, or Twitter @SuzanneDeC. And click-on her site now for a blogroll of free and fascinating resources: http://suzannedecornelia.com/

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

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole - Southern Style

2012-02-20T14:50:00.003-08:00

Yams and sweet potatoes have always been a Thanksgiving favorite for most families-especially in the South! But I'm from Southern California and we do things with the "usual" ingredients and give them a bit of a twist! This dish came about when my sister became a Weight Watcher. She always hosts our Thanksgiving potlucks and I am always in charge of the "TUBER BRIGADE" of recipes for our crowd. Not wanting to spoil her Thanksgiving, I came up with this very tasty yet low-fat casserole that has become as necessary to our holiday celebration as my potato and cauliflower mashers.

The ingredient amounts are adjustable to fit your crowd, I always figure about 4-6 ounces of sweet potatoes or yams per person. Because of all the fruits, you find yourself eating less of the dish. It's not only full of vitamin A and potassium, but lots of fiber as well!

Pre-heat your oven to 400. Spray a 2-1/2 quart casserole with butter-flavored Pam and set aside.

For two pounds of potatoes have ready:

1 large can sliced peaches in syrup

1 C each prunes and dried apricots, plumped up for 30 minutes in warm orange or pineapple juice (simply put fruit in a saucepan and cover with the juice, bring up to a simmer and then shut off the heat)

1 C fresh cranberries, frozen or fresh (defrost if using frozen)

1 to 1-1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

kosher salt and pepper

2 tbsps lite margarine

1/2 C toasted and chopped pecans

Some options that are always nice are to also plump up dried pears, dried apples and even for a different texture of the same fruit-dried peaches. Just remember to also plump them with the prunes and apricots as well.

Scrub and dry potatoes. Bake on a cookie sheet about 40 minutes or about 3/4's of the way roasted. Cool for about 10 minutes. Peel and cut into chucks not too much thicker than the peach slices and prunes.

Combine the potatoes with the peaches, syrup from the peaches, prunes with the juice, cranberries, cinnamon, ginger, salt and pepper to taste. Combine well.

Dot with margarine. Bake for about 15 minutes or until potatoes have finished baking. Top with toasted and chopped pecans. Serve.

Carine Nadel is on The Reader's Advisory Panel of Woman's Day magazine and has had numerous articles and recipes published both on various websites and print publications. To read more of her work, log onto: http://www.Carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com

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

The Glycemic Index List and Top Notch Fruits

2012-02-20T14:50:00.001-08:00

There are a lot of good reasons to choose foods that are low on the glycemic index list. The biggest of these reasons is that by choosing foods that are low on the glycemic index list, you are picking foods that slowly release glucose into your bloodstream. This means you will get to avoid the peaks and valleys of the sugar rush. If much of your diet centers on sugary processed foods, then one of the best moves you can make for your health is to satisfy your sweet tooth in a different way and that way is by selecting healthy fruit.

Many fruits are not only low on the glycemic index list, but are loaded with tons of nutrition as well. In the world of fruit, there are many picks that are great options for anyone looking to eat a nutritious diet and stay on the low end of the glycemic index list. However, it is important to note that, overall, vegetables in general, are lower on the GI than many fruits. That stated however, there are many great fruit picks, such as grapefruits, oranges and prunes.

Citrus on the Glycemic Index List

While much is always made of the Vitamin C content of grapefruits and oranges, it is important to note that they have respectable amounts of other nutrients as well. For example, grapefruits have a variety of B vitamins as well as minerals such as zinc, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Grapefruits are also a low-calorie pick for anyone on a diet. Why its even safe to state that the grapefruit is famous for being a filling food that is also low calorie. This is part of the reason it's a great choice for anyone wishing to incorporate more foods low on the glycemic index list.

Like the grapefruit, the orange is also a food that is low on the glycemic index list. Oranges are famous for being packed with Vitamin C, but like the grapefruit, oranges are also packed with numerous B Vitamins, such as thiamine, riboflavin and pantothenic acid. Surprisingly, oranges also contain a good amount of calcium and other minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. Both oranges and grapefruits are wonderful picks at the low end of the glycemic index list.

Dried Fruit

A prune is a dried plum, but it's a dried plum that packs a big time nutritional punch. Prunes have a very high ORAC value and that means that they are very good for you. ORAC is acronym for oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and is used as a measurement of the antioxidants contained within a food. As it turns out, prunes are one of the higher foods on the ORAC scale, which means that they can potentially help your body fight off the effects of aging. That's right, a little prune can do all of that.

There are lots of fruits that are simply fantastic for those looking to eat low glycemic index list foods. Grapefruits, oranges and prunes are three good bets as they are available for much of the year, will keep in your refrigerator for a long time, and are readily available.

For lots more info on the Glycemic Index List go to http://the-glycemic-index-guide.com. Also check out the FREE 10 part mini-course, "Glycemic Index Secrets", it might be all you'll ever need (and did I mention it was free!!)

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

Low Calorie And Vegetarian Recipes - 3 Fun Brownie Recipes

2012-02-20T14:49:00.001-08:00

Vegetarians, even those who follow the stricter "vegan" regimen often find ways to adapt recipes to account for their meatless diets. What follow are three brownie recipes suitable for those following the vegetarian regimen (those allowing the use of eggs and dairy products, unlike the stricter "vegan" diets which do not).

Wherever possible, it is recommended that organic products (those containing no additives) be used where ever possible.

Saucepan Brownies

These are called saucepan brownies because the original recipe called for a stick of butter which was melted in a saucepan. The texture of these brownies is more cake-like than fudge-like.

Mix in one bowl:

1/2 cup organic flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

In separate bowl mix:

1/2 cup pureed prunes (a 4 oz. jar of baby food prunes is perfect)
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 organic or free range eggs (or equivalent amount of egg substitute like Egg Beaters)

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Put in 8 x 8 inch square pan. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes or until edges look dry and start to pull away from the pan.

Fat-Free Fudge Brownies

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup unbleached flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 egg whites or equivalent egg substitutes *like Egg Beaters
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly moistened.

Pour batter into an 8x8 inch pan which has been sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 325 F. for 23-25 minutes, or just until the edges are firm and the center is set.

COOL TO ROOM TEMPERATURE and cut into squares.

The following recipe was originally taken from the L.A. Daily News.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY BROWNIES

By Charlotte Balcomb Lane

1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup fat-free egg substitutes
1 jar (10 oz.) sugar-free raspberry preserves (or apricot, or cherry)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup flour

Thoroughly coat a 9x13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. (cook's note: seems to me that a thorough dusting with flour will work instead.)

Set aside.

With an electric mixer, combine sugar and cocoa. Gradually pour in egg substitutes and raspberry jam, beating on low-speed until sugar is no longer grainy.

Add vanilla, salt, and almond extract and beat briefly to mix. Combine flour and baking soda and stir in with a flexible rubber spatula. Do not over mix. Turn into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated 325-degree oven for a 30-35 minutes. Brownies should be slightly underbaked but not runny in the center. Allow to cool and cut into 2x2"squares. Makes 24.

TEST KITCHEN NOTES:

Because of jam, these brownies are sticky to cut.

To reduce sticking, wet the knife between each cut or partially freeze the brownies before cutting. (Side note: this is assuming you've been able to wait till they were cool to cut them, rather than scooping some out with a spatula!)

Discover all the other great low calorie and vegetarian recipes just waiting for you at my low calorie and vegetarian recipes [http://www.low-calorie-and-vegetarian-recipes.org] website or at [http://www.low-calorie-and-vegetarian-recipes.org]

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

Wholesome Salads

2012-02-20T14:48:00.002-08:00

Kohlrabi is sometimes called Northern orange. This sort of cabbage contains much of vitamin PP, potassium and phosphorus.

SALAD OF KOHLRABI WITH APPLES AND GARLIC

Ingredients:

300 g of kohlrabi, 200 g of apples, 200 g of mayonnaise, 10 g of garlic, 10 g of marjoram, 30 mL of beet vinegar, pepper and salt to your liking.

Cut kohlrabi in straws. Grate apples. Add pounded garlic, salt, pepper, beet vinegar. Mix salad, pour it with mayonnaise and add marjoram.

Seeds of pomegranate look like a ruby. But they are not only beautiful. Juice of pomegranate contains vitamins, organic acids and tannin - substances, improving blood and contributing to better assimilation of food.

SALAD OF POMERGRANATE AND ONION

Ingredients:

1 big pomegranate, 2 middle-sized onions, salt to your liking.
Chop onion small and wash 2-3 times in hot water, then put in colander, squeeze juice off pomegranate seeds. Mix part of seeds with onion and pour with squeezed juice. Decorate salad with a rose cut off onion, filled with pomegranate seeds. Put it in the middle of salad, and put circles of onion around.
White cabbage contributes to normal metabolism and delays turning of carbohydrates into fat.

SALAD OF FRESH CABBAGE AND PRUNES

Ingredients:

400 g of white cabbage, 100 g of prunes, 50 g of carrot, lemon juice and sugar to your liking.
Soak prunes beforehand. Cut cabbage in straws, pour with some sugar and grind to receive juice. Now squeeze cabbage. Remove seeds off swelled prunes and cut it in small. Grate carrot. Mix everything and add lemon juice. Decorate salad with prunes and carrot slices.

Yana Mikheeva is the creator of All about women site, it is an on-line resource for women and about women. Here you can find articles on various subjects, such as: diets, receipts, health, cellulite, figure, aromatherapy, wholesome food, psychology of relationships, pregnancy, parenting, fashion and many others. She also has Blog for women [http://www.womanspassions.com/blog/]

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How to Stay Healthy

2012-02-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

Prunes is a type of plum species mostly European plum which is also called sugar plum because of its high sugar content. The fruit is usually sold as a dried fruit. The dried fruit normally has a wrinkly texture and chewy in the inside when eaten. In most cases fresh prunes are grown for the sole purpose to be eaten immediately as a whole or as a desert.

In the world one of the best cultivators are sunset growers and control a large portion of the market. There is a perception that normally people who eat prunes are old people, so there has been an effort to re brand the fruit so that it appeals to the younger generation.

There are various uses of prunes and some of them are as follows:

To produce oil
The kernel that is inside the fruit can be crushed and in the process produce oil that can be used in baking. But this is not possible now as the farming practices now are that the prunes are normally canned or dried and then sold,so getting oil in large quantities for export will be hard to accomplish.

Making brandy
Prunes can be made into brandy by using the residue which is the left over part from the prunes and then pressing them gently and in the process of this produces brandy.

As food
From eating them straight from the packet or stewing them and then eating them, they are a good source of food that has many health benefits to the person that eats them like reducing hunger and providing various vitamins and reduces constipation.

Used to make juice
When prunes is made into juice it helps in the prevention of complications such a s constipation which is a problem in passing of stools in the toilet.

So taking prunes does help to prevent constipation and is the best antioxidant fruit out there in the market. So in the long run prunes help to slow the aging process by helping to protect the cells from being damaged so in the process prevents the aging process.

Another benefit of eating prunes is that it also helps the heart in that the antioxidants help to reduce cholesterol in the blood stream which can lead to problems with the arteries being blocked which increases the risk of a heart attack. Prunes also helps to lower blood pressure because of the high concentration of fibers that is present in the fruit.

Prunes also are a good source of vitamin A which helps with our eye sight and also helps in the formation of strong and healthy bones of the body.

Prunes also have small amount of vitamin B3 that is helpful in the metabolism of carbohydrates,fats and proteins. It also helps the skin in keeping it healthy by providing it with the proper nutrients. And also an interesting fact is also that prunes help in the breaking down of sex hormones.

Prunes also are very helpful in that the fibers in them help in the slowing down in the rate that food leaves your stomach which makes a person less hungry and less likely to eat more. Prunes help in the preventing of type 2 diabetes which affects mostly people who are over weight .

So the drying of prunes has lead to the concentration amounts of nutrients which is more than fresh fruits have.
Prunes are found to have a good amount of potassium that helps in giving healthy bones. In addition to that prunes also has a good adequate supply of iron that helps to transport oxygen to various parts of the body and also helps in the metabolism process which is when you are eating the food is chewed and then turned into energy so that the body can use the energy.

Due to there sweetness in nature they can be used as a natural sweetener in cakes and cookies. It can also be used as a substitute for oil when you are baking. Prunes also have low glycemic load which helps in decreasing the rate of metabolism which means one is less hungry and also makes people have a low metabolic rate and have more energy in the process.

Prunes which naturally have a high content sugar which is perfect for the body as the high content of sugar is quickly absorbed into the body. Another advantage of prunes is that where the fruit is taken raw or is cooked they help in the restoration of hemoglobin which is the protein molecule which helps to carry oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues and then returns carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.

It also helps to restore cell count which help in the fighting of infections in the body. So if the fruit is eaten raw or cooked they are recommended for there quick source of energy and also are effective in the suppression of hunger which helps to avoid being over weight. And finally I hope you will take a journey with me to improving your health so do take that step to improve your health.

Michael onimbo is an expert in the field of healthy living and if you want to find out more visit http://loseweightdiet-michael.blogspot.com/

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Try the Flavour of Juicy Plum

2012-02-10T15:27:00.001-08:00

Plum is also known as gage is a stone fruit placed in the genus Prunus and subgenus Prunus. Plum can be distinguished from other members of family like peaches, cherries and bird cherries by its shoot which bears a terminal bud and the side buds are solitary. The stem is short and bears 1-5 flowers in groups. The fruit is characterized by the presence of one groove running across the surface with a stone like seed. Mature plum fruits have a dusty-white coating which gives them a glaucous appearance which can be rubbed off. This dusty-white coating is due to the layer of the epicuticular wax and is known as wax bloom. Dried fruits are known as plums or prunes but presently plum word is most appropriately used for them as prunes are other types of plums. The name plum has originated from a Latin word.

The fruit is sweet in taste with tart skin. It can be eaten fresh or may be used in making jams and other preparations as the fruit is juicy. Plum juice can be fermented to yield plum wine and after distillation it produces brandy known as Rakia in Eastern Europe. In Central England a cider like alcoholic beverage known as plum jerkum is produced from these fruits. Dried plum fruits are also sweet in taste, juicy and rich in efficient amounts of antioxidants. They along with prunes are popular for their laxative effects. This effect may be contributed due to the presence of a large number of chemical compounds namely dietary fiber, sorbitol and isatin. Prunes and prune juice are often used in treating some of the problems associated with the digestive system. Prunes can be beneficial in treating constipation also.

Dried and salted plums are often used as snacks and are sometimes known as salao. Various flavours of dried plums are available at Chinese grocers as well as all over the world. Pickled plums are also available at the Asian as well as the specialty stores. Like other members of the rose family they also contain cyanogenic glycosides, including amygdalin. These compounds upon metabolism decompose into sugar molecule and yield hydrogen cyanide gas. The seeds are not toxic but can affect human health if consumed in large proportion. Prune kernel oil is obtained from the inner layer of pit. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and colours ranging from red, yellow, white or green. They also produce flowers in the early spring and if conditions remain favourable about 50% of the flowers will produce successful fruits. If the weather conditions tend to remain dry the fruits drop as young green buds and may also suffer from fungal infections like brown rot. Plum is used as food by many larvae of Lepidotera.

About this Author

Navodita Maurice

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How to Prepare a Moroccan Tagine

2012-02-10T15:26:00.001-08:00

Food in Morocco plays an important role in traditional life. From weddings to baptisms to circumcisions, it is the basis of social gatherings and celebrations. From couscous to tagines and pastilles, the delicate flavors are a blend of tastes of many civilizations. Arab, Berber, Middle Eastern, French and Jewish are just some of the influences on what is today recognized as Moroccan cuisine.

Over the centuries, the chefs of the royal kitchens refined the cuisine to create local mouth-watering dishes to titillate our taste buds. Apricots, dates, figs and raisins local foods while almonds, pine nuts and pistachios are used exte3nsively. Spices such as cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, ginger, saffron and mint lend an exotic flavor. And mint tea is the favored drink, with freshly squeezed juices a close second.

A truly traditional Moroccan dish is a tagine, a stew of vegetables with poultry or beef and dried fruit. The fruit is added towards the end to give an overall sweetness to the dish.. The vegetables are set around the meat, which is placed in the center of the pot together with the fruit. The tagine is then covered and cooked slowly over a charcoal stove (called kanoun). Tagines also contain salted or preserved lemons, giving them a unique flavor that can't be replicated using fresh lemons. Traditionally, the tagine is served with couscous, rice or bread. When eating, start on the outside with the vegetables, working your way to the meat at the heart of the dish. Here is a recipe to get you started on a traditional tagine:

Chicken Tagine with Prunes and Almonds
1 chicken, cut up into 6 pieces
170 g (6 oz) dried prunes, chopped fine
60 g (2 oz) whole, blanched almonds
1 large white onion, finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
½ teaspoon powdered ginger
1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The day before, prepare the chicken marinade. Wash the chicken in salted water and drain. Mix crushed garlic with 1 tbsp salt to make a paste. Rub into the chicken and then rinse under running water until the chicken no longer smells of garlic. Drain and set aside. Rub the chicken pieces with salt, cumin, and pepper and let stand for 1 hour.

Cover the prunes with cold water, add the cinnamon and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or longer - until the prunes are tender.

Place the chicken pieces in a 5-quart deep casserole over medium heat and add the chopped onion, turmeric, ginger, salt, pepper and almonds. When the almonds are brown, remove with a perforated spoon and
drain on kitchen paper. When the chicken is browned, cover with water just so the chicken pieces are covered and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, add the prunes and some of the prune water to the casserole and continue cooking until the chicken and prunes are very tender.

Sprinkle with the almonds and serve at once.

About this Author

I'm a trip consultant, planner and manager who loves creating unique intercultural adventures for families. I want to impart information,tips and personal experiences especially related to family adventure travel.
http://www.familyadventuretravelworks.com
Sylvia@travelworks4u.com
http://www.familyadventuretravelworks.com/how-to-prepare-a-moroccan-tagine

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Christmas Recipes: Cakes & Tarts No 2 of 7 - Prune, Apple & Calvados Tart

2012-02-10T15:25:00.003-08:00

Christmas recipe serves: 8

calories per serving: 685

preparation time: 30 minutes + chilling

cooking time: 50 minutes

Suitable for freezing

Christmas recipe ingredients:

white flour, plain 175 g (6 oz)
butter, 225 g (8oz)
caster sugar, 124 g (4 oz)
orange, grated rind and juice from 1
egg yolk, 1
prunes, no-soak pitted 225 g (8 oz)
eating apple, 1
calvados, 60 ml (4 tbsp)
almonds, ground 25 g (8 oz)
eggs, beaten 2
almonds, slivered or flaked 25 g (1 oz)
apricot jam, 125 g (4 oz)
Greek yogurt or fresh cream

Christmas recipe instructions:

Food process grated orange rind, caster sugar (25 g, 1 oz), chilled diced butter (125 g, 4 oz). Continue until like breadcrumbs, then pour into a bowl.
Blend mixed egg yolk and water (30 ml, 2 tbsp) into the mixture from step 1 and form a ball. Cover and chill for about 30 minutes.
Pour grated apple and chopped prunes over the calvados. Mix the remaing caster sugar, beaten eggs, ground almonds with the remaining butter (melted).
Line a 9 inch tin (1.25 inch deep with loose base) with thin rolled pastry. Bake until set.
Take the almond mixture from step 3 and add the prunes and apples. Sprinkle with almonds and bake for 30 minutes at gas mark 5 (190 degrees centgrade, 375 F) or until a light brown color. Cool for about 20 minutes.
Sieve a mixture of melted jam and orange juice (15 ml, 1tbsp) and brush over the top of the cooked tart. Serve cold or warm with fresh cream or greek yogurt.

About this Author

Check out this great collection of Christmas recipes [http://www.cuzcominternetpublishing.com/christmas-recipes.html] and xmas meals.

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

Constipation And IBS

2012-02-10T15:25:00.001-08:00

The discomfort of constipation can have several causes, but diet is always an important factor and a good place to start when seeking relief. There are certain foods that are more prone to cause constipation in many people. There also are foods that relieve constipation just as effectively. These foods work much more slowly than fiber supplements, laxatives, and stool softeners. These foods also have the advantage of being natural.

What are the foods that cause constipation?

People who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), have the nerves in the lining of the bowel react to lectins, or identifying proteins, in certain foods. These lectins make the foods have the same effect on the bowel as a medication containing opium, such as paregoric. Commonly constipating foods in IBS include wheat, dairy products, beef, pork, and lamb. Constipation is a problem with low carb diets that allow large intake of meat and protein

People with a sensitivity to the gliadin or gluten protein in wheat, barley, and rye can experience alternating constipation and diarrhea, along with varying degrees of intestinal inflammation, weakened immunity, and chronic headaches. These IBS symptoms can be relatively mild but still caused by celiac disease.

When the problem is celiac disease, the answer is eliminating ALL gluten protein from the diet. Other foods do not aggravate condition.

What about the rest of us? For most people, constipation has more to do with not drinking enough water or not getting enough exercise. Taking too many laxatives or avoiding trips to the bathroom can aggrevate the situation also. There are, foods that can cause constipation, as well as foods that relieve constipation, in nearly anyone. It helps if you pay attention to your diet and note what food groups you may be overdoing it in.

Some foods cause constipation if you don't drink enough water with them, but ironically are foods that relieve constipation if you do drink plenty of water with them. Foods containing inulin (a starch, don't confuse it with insulin) such as bananas, chicory, leeks, and onions, provide food for the helpful bacteria that live in the gut.

These bacteria form a mass that makes the stool easier to move, provided there is enough water available to soften it. The value of that old adage about drinking plenty of water becomes apparent here. When there is adequate hydration, inulin helps the lining of the colon absorb calcium. And when the colon absorbs calcium, the risk of colon cancer is reduced.

Fiber supplements that many people use to treat constipation, can actually cause constipation if you don't drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day.

What are the foods that relieve constipation?

The best-known of the foods that relieve constipation is that old standby for relief of irregularity is the prune. Prunes are dried plums. Dried prunes are approximately 6 percent fiber, but prune juice (which is made from dried prunes) contains no fiber at all.

Prunes promote regularity by providing simple sugars that draw fluid into the intestine. The additional fluid makes stool softer and easier to expel. Prunes do not cause spikes in blood sugar, because their natural sweetening agents are fructose and sorbitol rather than sucrose, better known as white sugar. Too much sorbitol, of course, can cause diarrhea. If prunes are too much of a good thing for you, consider this list of high-fiber foods.

Soluble fiber is found in barley, beans and peas, apples and oranges, carrots, flax seed, oatmeal and oat bran, and psyllium (the fiber source used in Metamucil).

Insoluble fiber is found in peels and skins of fruits and vegetables, corn bran, flax seed, vegetables such as green beans and cauliflower, and whole-wheat products.

Fiber from fruits and vegetables is always more beneficial than any fiber supplements. That's because fruits and vegetables offer fiber in small doses. There's enough fiber to contribute to regularity but not so much fiber as to create its own clogs and road jams in your colon.

Wheat bran is considered a popular food that relieves constipation in adults, but it may not be best. Many people suffer mild sensitivity to gluten that can cause alternating constipation and diarrhea. For people with this condition, called celiac disease, wheat products aren't the solution, they're the problem.

Even if you aren't sensitive to wheat, the fiber in wheat bran is only effective if you eat the bran by itself, not if you eat it with other foods. Eating any bran food by itself can aggravate constipation. Better than wheat bran are psyllium, citrus fiber, or slippery elm.

About this Author

The author, Bill Urell, reviews only the best diet and fitness plans, tips, and articles that promote healthier lifestyles. Visit us and claim your FREE ebook, 101 Romantic Ideas as a welcome gift ==>http://www.online-weight-loss-resources.com

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How to Make Old Fashion Prune Cake and Strawberry Shortcut Cake

2012-02-10T15:24:00.001-08:00

More recipes for old fashion cakes like the ones from Grandma's recipe box. These recipes are for Prune Cake which starts with a yellow cake mix and uses lemon filling. Strawberry Shortcut Cake is a recipe from days in Southern Indiana. It is a great sheet cake.

Old Fashion Prune Cake

1 box yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup cooking oil
1/2 cup water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup cut-up, pitted, uncooked prunes
1 cup chopped nuts
Your favorite lemon filling
Whipped cream

Cover prunes with boiling water and let sit for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a jellyroll pan; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add the eggs, oil, and water; mix thoroughly. Drain the prunes and add to the mixture. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle the nuts over the batter. Bake about 35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, at 350 degrees. Cool cake completely then cut in half crosswise. Place one piece on a serving plate. Cover the top with your favorite lemon filling. Pipe whipped cream around the top edge of the cake with a smaller circle of whipped cream in the center. Garnish with some nut halves, if desired. Also pipe whipped cream around the bottom edge of the cake, if desired.

Strawberry Shortcut Cake

1 cup miniature marshmallows
2 cups frozen strawberries
3 oz pkg strawberry gelatin
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup shortening
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle marshmallows over the bottom of the baking pan. Combine strawberries and dry gelatin; set aside. Combine the flour and the remaining ingredients; beat at low speed of an electric mixer until moistened. Pour batter over the marshmallows in pan. Spoon strawberry mixture over the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Serve topped with whipped cream.

Enjoy!

About this Author

For more of Linda's old fashion recipes go to http://grandmasvintagerecipes.blogspot.com
For her diabetic recipes and information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.blogspot.com

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