Talat's Blog

There once a day i would watch every airplane,Praying U was on it.

2020-03-22T07:06:00.001-07:00

It binds us ..from a distance.

2020-03-21T08:09:00.001-07:00

14/09/2019 RS

I was just In love with you, now i respect your existence.

2020-03-21T06:29:00.001-07:00

photo clicked by :RS

Nothing is more beautiful than the smile that has struggled through the tears .

2020-03-19T07:41:00.001-07:00

Nobody but Somebody can make it out here ALONE.

2020-03-18T05:55:00.001-07:00

Photo clicked by:RS

2018-09-27T06:24:00.001-07:00

summertime blues

Blue vAlentine

2018-02-10T01:38:00.001-08:00

What Is Love ?
and why does love never find me
Instead Broken Hearts Surround Me
And once again the wrong man found me
Saying he wouldn't hurt me
but in the end he didn't deserve me
What Is Love?
and why doesn't love know my name
I prayed to God that it would change
But true love never came
What Is Love?
I ask myself time after time,
why is love so blind,
or I shouldn't waste my time
I guess Broken Hearts are only made for me,
Because love finds everyone else but love never found me....

Missing u

2017-12-19T06:06:00.001-08:00

Loneliness is cold,
like a blade dipped
in ice.
Cold is my feeling
warm is my bleeding.
Clouded is my vision
of a cold
lonely moon.

Loveafar

2017-11-19T13:28:00.001-08:00

Night promised me
will show her full moon
one day once.
Now in moonlight
she hides her face
stealthy always...
~~~
Don't look for me when it's bright
When I'm hiding in the night
Not sitting under the sun
But lying on the moon
With my right clutching the stars,as my left holding my heart
Wishing in the dark night
Wishing just for u

Star gazing

2017-10-31T01:19:00.001-07:00

Let's star gaze tonight.

2017-08-02T06:19:00.001-07:00

I don't like missing you
It is a very cold and lonely feeling.

Life's like that

2017-07-10T06:59:00.001-07:00

Life is about trusting your feelings and taking chances, losing and finding happiness, appreciating the memories, learning from the past and realizing people change.

EID Mubarak

2017-06-24T22:23:00.001-07:00

May EID be
Filled with the
LOVE of Family
And the Joy
Of Friends

Who's to Blame?

2017-06-21T05:20:00.001-07:00

Even when it is not your fault, you partner blames you for little things and big things in everyday life. They do not care enough about the healthy course your relationship can and should take and so, putting blames on you becomes habitual to them because holding someone else accountable for their own actions is easier to fulfil, is it not?
If they truly cared about you or your relationship, they would take the blame and not the other way around. It is just one of those small things we do in the name of love and friendship.
You two have a fight. One leaves. The other sits there wondering the why and how of it all. You’d expect them to have the decency to come to you and confront you about what happened, to clear things out. Seems like you had a blindfold on; for they never do, just blame you for everything without clearing things first. Maybe you aren’t in a position to; there can be many reasons. But if they really cared about the relationship, wouldn’t they come and sit with you and talk things out? The matter speaks for itself.

2017-03-22T06:41:00.001-07:00

I miss my blog.. I'll be back soon.

Taking A Nap Is Healthy, And This Is How Long You Should Nap For The Greatest Result

2016-08-13T00:51:00.001-07:00

It feels great when you take a nap after a long busy day, doesn’t it? Nevertheless, sometimes we might be wondering why we still feel tired, or even more tired than before the nap. The simple rule is this: A nap longer than half an hour is not a nap, but it is considered a deep sleep. That is the main reason why we feel exhausted after taking a nap which is longer than it should be, and still not enough to be a real sleep. After that 30 minutes it is very difficult for the body to recover from that sleep.
ing around 10-minute to 20-minute nap will work in a way that your brain’s mental capacity will increaseand you will be more alert. Just take a brief nap and enjoy its advantages. You will be quicker and more efficient after it.

If you have a lot of commitments and work to do, and you want to stay awake for a longer period of time or during the night, take several 20-minute naps during the day. After the short nap you will feel fresh and focused for a few hours. When you start losing alertness take one short nap again. However, you should not exaggerate with this, since your body needs some proper rest.

Moreover, your brain needs deep sleep to work properly. So, if you really need a lot of time to finish something and especially if it is connected with brain activity (as studying) take a longer nap – around one hour. That will refresh your brain and memory and your brain will be able to efficiently carry out the cognitive processes. If you want to stabilize the imagination levels and creative thinking as wellnap for 90 minutes.

If you want to take a nap,instead of setting up an alarm just position your body in a slightly sit up position so that you do not fall asleep. Dreaming during the naps is a sign of sleep deprivation. If you experience this go straight to bed and sleep for at least 8 hours.

Beautiful Benefits of Blueberries

2016-08-01T06:14:00.001-07:00

Every time you go to the grocery store, blueberries should be at the top of your list. There is a lot of nutrition packed into each one of those small berries and you don’t want to miss out on everything they have to offer.

Blueberries are one of the few fruits native to North America with the U. S. and Canada being by far the world’s largest growers of this berry. During the months of June and July is when blueberries reach their peak but thanks to imports from South America, blueberries are now available year-round. Whether fresh, frozen, dried, or canned, blueberries can be a part of your diet in various ways.

When choosing blueberries, look for firm, uniformly colored berries. Keep in the refrigerator or you can freeze them or buy blueberries already frozen. In fact, research has shown that frozen blueberries retain most of their anthocyanin content whereas cooking at temperatures above 350 degrees damages these polyphenols, so go easy on the blueberry muffins.

Health benefits of blueberries

The nutritional profile of one cup of blueberries looks like this:

· Only 80 calories

· No fat and almost no sodium

· Are a very good source of vitamin C, fiber, manganese and potassium

Blueberries have numerous health benefits primarily because of a compound they contain called phytochemicals.

Phytochemicals are found in many types of fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, and are responsible for giving them their richly colored blue hue. They are also said to be bioactive and very important for our health.

Phytochemicals have healthful properties acting as an antioxidant, anticancer, anti-neurodegenerative, and anti-inflammatory agent. They basically help in the prevention and treatment of health conditions ranging from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Blueberries and heart health

Blueberries love your heart and want to protect it so why not let it? Research has shown people who consume these delicious berries on a regular basis have the greatest benefit and lowest risk factors for heart disease.

A chemical found in blueberries called kaempferol, prevents oxidative damage of our cells, lipids, and DNA. Another compound found in blueberries called chlorogenic acid limits low density lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation, the major determinant of atherosclerosis.

Other studies have shown blueberries to improve blood pressure and reduce arterial stiffness with the average systolic blood pressure (the top number) declining by 5.1%, while the diastolic pressure dropping by 6.3%.

Blueberries and diabetes

The antioxidant chlorogenic acid found in blueberries may slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream, helping the body better handle this sugar. The anthocyanins in blueberries appear to improve pancreatic beta cell functioning.

Blueberries and vision

You don’t often hear of blueberries healthy effect on our vision but research shows that blueberries antioxidants help reduce eye strain, photo damage to the retina, and protect retinal cells from chemical toxins.

Blueberries and Alzheimer’s disease

The consumption of blueberries is believed to play a role in delaying the development of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s disease. Blueberry extract has been shown to reverse some age-related neuronal degeneration resulting in better spatial recall.

Anthocyanins richly found in blueberries, maybe the real star in boosting brain health. This important phytochemical is able to cross the blood-brain barrier possibly helping decrease vulnerability to the oxidative stress that occurs with aging by reducing inflammation and increasing signaling between neurons.

The Nurses’ Health Study looked at 16,000 women over the age of 70 and found that women who consumer two or more half-cup servings of blueberries or strawberries per week experienced slower mental decline which was the equivalent of up to two and a half years of delayed aging.

Animal studies have found that the addition of blueberries to their diet improved short-term memory, navigational skills, balance and coordination.

Blueberries and digestive health

All berries, including blueberries have a special health effect on the digestive tract. They help inhibit the growth of Heliobacter pylori. H pylori, a bacterial infection leading to peptic ulcer disease.

Berries can also inhibit the growth of several intestinal pathogens such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus.

Blueberries and urinary tract health

In the urinary tract, blueberry antioxidants fight infection, preventing the adhesion of harmful bacteria and act as an antimicrobial agent. Anthocyanin is responsible for preventing adhesion and proliferation activity of E. Coli bacteria in a urinary tract infection.

Blueberries and cancer

The anticancer benefits of blueberries remains limited at this time even though the American Institute for Cancer Research does include them on its list of cancer-fighting foods. In cell studies, blueberry phytochemicals have been shown to decrease free radical damage to DNA that can lead to cancer and to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Rain

2016-07-23T05:41:00.001-07:00

To most people, a smell isn’t just a fragrance — it’s a memory.( When a warm breeze blows the smell of fresh flowers, you’re instantly rocketed back to your first dance and the corsage your date brought.

And these nostalgic ties aren’t just a coincidence — there’s science behind why we cherish these aromas. Our olfactory response is directly linked to the emotional center of our brain, causing a flood of warm and fuzzy feelings with a simple sniff. Unlike touch or taste, scents are directly correlated with past experiences. It’s no wonder the smell of rain or the scent of a swimming pool makes us so reminiscent.

But aside from their memory-inducing powers, certain scents can also do amazing things for our mind and body. From stress relief to headache relief, certain aromas have a way of making an impact.

Improve Your life by sleeping in the Buff

2016-07-20T05:58:00.001-07:00

A study has been released stating that less than 10% of Americans sleep naked. How in the world is this number so low? I sleep naked whenever I can get away with it (ie. not expecting company, not camping, etc) and experts actually say that sleeping in the all-together is good for you. Below are just some of the health benefits, physically and psychologically, you can reap when you ditch the jammies and embrace those sheets!

1 – Statistically-speaking, people sleep better when they’re naked. Your body temperature naturally declines as you sleep and, when you sleep wearing thick pajamas or heavy blankets that keep you warm, keeping too warm will disrupt that cycle. This can cause you to toss and turn, reducing your quality of sleep and decreasing the amount of REM sleep you achieve.

2 – It airs you out, both upstairs and downstairs. This is good for men, but even better for women. This also helps those who have folds of fat. Sleeping in the nude helps prevent the growth of yeast and bacteria while drying out spots of perspiration and keeping the body comfortable.

3 – Speaking of which, chances are you’ll lose weight faster.When you sleep solidly through the night, it lowers cortisol levels. Waking up with too much of this hormone makes you hungrier and more likely to consume high-calorie, non-nutritional foods.

4 – Being too warm during the night also affects how the body releases some of its anti-aging hormones. When the temperature drops, the body releases more hormones that keep hair looking healthy and skin taut.

5 – You’ll be more likely to be frisky. Skin-to-skin contact increases bonding hormones such as oxytocin as well as making you more sensitized to your partner’s touch. It will increase feelings of trust, connectivity, and lower your heart rate… at least until the lovemaking begins.

6 – You’ll feel more confident during the day, as well as have more energy. Both of these are side effects of sleeping well, but they deserve their own mention because most people lack these feelings in their everyday lives.

7 – Wearing less clothes means more blood flow, which means less pain. This help eliminate discomfort from the abdominal region and even waist pain as well as tension. Tight elastic bands don’t do you any favors and should be either loosened or disregarded entirely for a more comfortable rest. There’s even research that shows sleeping naked benefits those who have difficulty sleeping, like insomniacs, as it feels comforting.

8 – There are some reports that bare skin absorbs nutrients more effectively than when clothes are on. Going naked accelerates the skin’s repair processes and uninterrupted airflow will help. Sleeping naked allows sebaceous glands to work at full capacity, which improves the body’s metabolic rate.

If you can’t shimmy out of those pajamas at the bedroom door for whatever reason, reducing your linens will be a big help. Don’t pile on the comforters and quilts, try for just a sheet for a while. Lose those pajama sets and skimp down to a nightshirt, foregoing underthings, at least right before you hit the hay.

Laughter the best Medicine

2016-06-22T06:42:00.001-07:00

7 Health Benefits of Laughter

One of the best feelings in the world is the deep-rooted belly laugh. It can bring people together and establish amazing connections. Everything from a slight giggle to a side-splitting guffaw can change the temperature of a room from chilly unfamiliarity to a warm family-like atmosphere.

There is so much to love about laughter that it seems greedy to look for more, but that’s exactly what researchers Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan at the Loma Linda University in California have done. These two doctors have researched the benefits of laughter and found amazing results. Get ready to get your giggle on!

1. Laughing lowers blood pressure

People who lower their blood pressure, even those who start at normal levels, will reduce their risk of strokes and heart attacks. So grab the Sunday paper, flip to the funny pages and enjoy your laughter medicine.

2. Reduces stress hormone levels

You benefit from reducing the level of stress hormones your body produces because hormone-level reduction simultaneously cuts the anxiety and stress impacting your body. Additionally, the reduction of stress hormones in your body may result in higher immune system performance. Just think: Laughing along as a co-worker tells a funny joke can relieve some of the day's stress and help you reap the health benefits of laughter.

3. Fun ab workout

One of the benefits of laughter is that it can help you tone your abs. When you are laughing, the muscles in your stomach expand and contract, similar to when you intentionally exercise your abs. Meanwhile, the muscles you are not using to laugh are getting an opportunity to relax. Add laughter to your ab routine and make getting a toned tummy more enjoyable.

4. Improves cardiac health

Laughter is a great cardio workout, especially for those who are incapable of doing other physical activity due to injury or illness. It gets your heart pumping and burns a similar amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace. So, laugh your heart into health.

5. Boosts T cells

T cells are specialized immune system cells just waiting in your body for activation. When you laugh, you activate T cells that immediately begin to help you fight off sickness. Next time you feel a cold coming on, add chuckling to your illness prevention plan.

6. Triggers the release of endorphins

Endorphins are the body’s natural pain killers. By laughing, you can release endorphins, which can help ease chronic pain and make you feel good all over.

7. Produces a general sense of well-being

Laughter can increase your overall sense of well-being. Doctors have found that people who have a positive outlook on life tend to fight diseases better than people who tend to be more negative. So smile, laugh and live

Reasons why Walking is Great for Health

2016-06-21T23:10:00.001-07:00

1. Walking strengthens your heart

Reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by walking regularly. It’s great cardio exercise, lowering levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. The Stroke Association says that a brisk 30-minute walk every day helps to prevent and control the high blood pressure that causes strokes, reducing the risk by up to 27 percent.

2. Walking lowers disease risk

A regular walking habit slashes the risk of type 2 diabetes by around 60 percent, and you’re 20 percent less likely to develop cancer of the colon, breast or womb with an active hobby such as walking.

3. Walking helps you lose weight

You’ll burn around 75 calories simply by walking at 2mph for 30 minutes. Up your speed to 3mph and it’s 99 calories, while 4mph is 150 calories (equivalent to three Jaffa cakes and a jam doughnut!). Work that short walk into your daily routine and you’ll shed the pounds in no time.

4. Walking prevents dementia

Older people who walk six miles or more per week are more likely to avoid brain shrinkage and preserve memory as the years pass. Since dementia affects one in 14 people over 65 and one in six over 80, we reckon that’s a pretty great idea.

5. Walking tones up legs, bums and tums

Give definition to calves, quads and hamstrings while lifting your glutes (bum muscles) with a good, regular walk. Add hill walking into the mix and it’s even more effective. Pay attention to your posture and you’ll also tone your abs and waist.

6. Walking boosts vitamin D

We all need to get outside more. Many people in the UK are vitamin D deficient, affecting important things like bone health and our immune systems. Walking is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while getting your vitamin D fix.

7. Walking gives you energy

You’ll get more done with more energy, and a brisk walk is one of the best natural energisers around. It boosts circulation and increases oxygen supply to every cell in your body, helping you to feel more alert and alive. Try walking on your lunch break to achieve more in the afternoon.

8. Walking makes you happy

It’s true – exercise boosts your mood. Studies show that a brisk walk is just as effective as antidepressants in mild to moderate cases of depression, releasing feel-good endorphins while reducing stress and anxiety. So for positive mental health, walking’s an absolute must.

THE ESSENCE OF FLOWERS

2016-06-21T00:56:00.001-07:00

Flowers..

Just as herbs hold their medicinal qualities, flowers have been found to have positive effects on our emotions.

Naturopaths can formulate you a flower essence remedy to assist with anything from fear, overwhelm, grief or neurosis.
It's no suprise that the scent of a flower and the beauty they withhold don't hold that secret power. 

Five powerful reasons why we eat slower

2016-06-20T06:39:00.001-07:00

One of the problems in our daily lives is that many of us rush through the day, with no time for anything … and when we have time to get a bite to eat, we gobble it down.

That leads to stressful, unhealthy living.

And with the simple but powerful act of eating slower, we can begin to reverse that lifestyle immediately. How hard is it? You take smaller bites, you chew each bite slower and longer, and you enjoy your meal longer.

It takes a few minutes extra each meal, and yet it can have profound effects.

You may have already heard of the Slow Food Movement, started in Italy almost two decades ago to counter the fast food movement. Everything that fast food is, Slow Food isn’t.

If you read the Slow Food Manifesto, you’ll see that it’s not just about health — it’s about a lifestyle. And whether you want to adopt that lifestyle or not, there are some reasons you should consider the simple act of eating slower:

Lose weight. A growing number of studies confirm that just by eating slower, you’ll consume fewer calories — in fact, enough to lose 20 pounds a year without doing anything different or eating anything different. The reason is that it takes about 20 minutes for our brains to register that we’re full. If we eat fast, we can continue eating past the point where we’re full. If we eat slowly, we have time to realize we’re full, and stop on time. Now, I would still recommend that you eat healthier foods, but if you’re looking to lose weight, eating slowly should be a part of your new lifestyle.

Enjoy your food. This reason is just as powerful, in my opinion. It’s hard to enjoy your food if it goes by too quickly. In fact, I think it’s fine to eat sinful foods, if you eat a small amount slowly. Think about it: you want to eat sinful foods (desserts, fried foods, pizza, etc.) because they taste good. But if you eat them fast, what’s the point? If you eat them slowly, you can get the same amount of great taste, but with less going into your stomach. That’s math that works for me. And that argument aside, I think you are just happier by tasting great food and enjoying it fully, by eating slowly. Make your meals a gastronomic pleasure, not a thing you do rushed, between stressful events.

Better digestion. If you eat slower, you’ll chew your food better, which leads to better digestion. Digestion actually starts in the mouth, so the more work you do up there, the less you’ll have to do in your stomach. This can help lead to fewer digestive problems.

Less stress. Eating slowly, and paying attention to our eating, can be a great form of mindfulness exercise. Be in the moment, rather than rushing through a meal thinking about what you need to do next. When you eat, you should eat. This kind of mindfulness, I believe, will lead to a less stressful life, and long-term happiness. Give it a try.

Rebel against fast food and fast life. Our hectic, fast-paced, stressful, chaotic lives — the Fast Life — leads to eating Fast Food, and eating it quickly. This is a lifestyle that is dehumanizing us, making us unhealthy, stressed out, and unhappy. We rush through our day, doing one mindless task after another, without taking the time to live life, to enjoy life, to relate to each other, to be human. That’s not a good thing in my book. Instead, rebel against that entire lifestyle and philosophy … with the small act of eating slower. Don’t eat Fast Food. Eat at a good restaurant, or better yet, cook your own food and enjoy it fully. Taste life itself.

2016-06-18T22:06:00.001-07:00

Health Benefits of Marigold Flowers

Not all marigolds are created equal. The National Institutes of Health explains that the marigold you find in most home gardens is of the tagetes variety, which are purely ornamental. The marigold variety that delivers health benefits is calendula. The flowers of the calendula marigold have been used for centuries for their health benefits.

High Antioxidant Content

Marigolds contain numerous antioxidant carotenoids that give the petals their bright orange and yellow colors. An antioxidant is a compound that helps protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals, or hazardous molecules. Free radicals are the by-products of normal body functions or environmental factors such as cigarette smoke or pollution. Free radicals can damage cells to the point that they damage DNA, and can lead to disease and various forms of cancer. High intake of antioxidants helps combat free radical damage. The primary carotenoids in marigolds are lutein and zeaxanthin, often paired together, and lycopene. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that lutein and zeaxanthin are the only antioxidants that are found in the retina of the eye, where they protect the eye from the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Lycopene is reported to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease.

Cancer Protection

The antioxidants in marigolds help fight and prevent cancer, according to a study in the October 1998 issue of The Journal of Nutrition. In this study, researchers from Washington State University examined the effects of lutein, an antioxidant extracted from marigolds, on breast cancer tumors. The results of their study show that lutein not only reduced the number of tumors in the breast, it also prevented new cancer cells from developing. Researchers found that even in small dietary amounts, the lutein from marigolds had a positive effect. Marigold has also been found effective against leukemia, colon and melanoma cancer cells.

Wound Healing

One of marigold's folk uses has been in the area of wound healing. Rubbed on burns, scrapes and irritated skin, marigolds provide relief. When tested on rats, researchers in Brazil found that one of the mechanisms for wound healing comes from marigolds having the ability to promote the growth of new skin tissue, as well as new blood vessels that feed the skin. In the February 2011 issue of the Brazilian medical journal Acta Cirurgica Brasileira researchers also state that marigold acts as an anti-inflammatory due to the presence of other compounds, including triterpenes and steroids.

How To Use

Calendula marigold petals can be dried and used as a spice in place of saffron, steeped in hot water for a tea or used fresh on salads. Keep in mind that marigolds are an herbal product, and as with any herb there is a risk of adverse reactions or side effects. If you are currently being treated for a medical condition or are on any medications, speak to your doctor before consuming any herbal products, even marigolds.

Experience of Herbs, Halo for Health.

2016-06-17T06:08:00.001-07:00

Herbs, those fragrant culinary delicacies, offer so much more than just flavoring and garnishing our food. Whether you buy them at the grocery store, a farmer’s market or grow your own, these tender plants harbor a wealth of health benefits just waiting for you to discover.

Since ancient times, herbs have been used for medicinal purposes concentrated in teas and tinctures. More recently, herbs health properties have been realized due to the various nutrients and polyphenols they provide. Think of herbs as an extension of fruits and vegetables – we all know the magnitude of nutrients they provide. Whenever we use herbs to spruce up the looks of a meal or flavor food helping us use less salt and fat, we gain big time in nutritional value.

Herbs can be used fresh or dried. Fresh herbs are perishable – wash with cold water, wrap in a paper towel then place upright covered with a plastic bag in a jar of water placed in the refrigerator to help extend their life. Dried herbs are easier to keep and their nutritional strength is sometimes more concentrated than fresh herbs, but they should be used within a year as their flavor potency will wane.

Following is a list of herbs and what nutritional advantages they offer. If you’re new to using herbs, use the suggestions on what types of food they pair best with. However, don’t be afraid to experiment and test your culinary skills. As with any food item, some herbs may interact with certain medications or cause allergic reactions. Use them in moderation and watch for any unusual symptoms.

Parsley –

· Rich in vitamins C, B12, K and A. Keeps immune system strong, improves bone health, helps flush out fluid from the body supporting kidney function and can help control blood pressure.

· Add to scrambled eggs, quiche, smoothie, homemade salad dressing or use as a garnish for just about any food.

· Due to its high content of vitamin K, anyone using a blood thinner such as Coumadin (warfarin) should use it sparingly.

Cilantro –

· The leaves of the plant are referred to as cilantro and the seeds are referred to as coriander.

· High in the antioxidants beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, all good for preventing macular degeneration and better brain functioning. Also helps clear heavy metals such as lead and mercury from the body by attaching itself to the metals, carrying them out of the body.

· Pairs particularly well with Mexican dishes and can also be added to vegetable dips or used as a garnish for soups and salads.

Rosemary –

· Good source of anitoxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that may boost the immune system, improve blood circulation, digestion, and eye health, enhances memory and concentration, and may reduce the formation of cancer-causing substances.

· This herb pairs well with chicken or lamb and often used in Mediterranean cooking. Can be used to flavor soups, baked vegetables, salads and meat dishes.

· Pregnant women should use it in moderation as it may cause miscarriages if consumed in large amounts.

Basil –

· Rich in vitamins A, C and K, magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium

· May help treat arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, reduces inflammation, can help prevent harmful effects of aging and is rich in antioxidants.

· Can be used in pesto sauces, salads, pizza, soups, and fish and seafood. When cooking with basil, put in at the end of the cooking process as heat can reduce its flavor.

Mint –

· Contains menthol, a natural decongestant helping to break up phlegm and mucus during a cold and can relieve a sore throat when combined with tea. It can also soothe an upset stomach and indigestion. Contains the antioxidant rosmarinic acid which may help relieve seasonal allergies.

· Mint pairs great with fresh fruit, Middle Eastern dishes like lamb, soups and salads, or combine mint with water and cucumber slices.

· If you have GERD, do not use mint to relieve symptoms as it may make them worse.

Oregano –

· Rich in vitamin K and antioxidants, it also contains iron, fiber, vitamin E, iron, calcium and omega fatty acids.

· It has been used to treat urinary tract disorders, menstrual cramps, respiratory tract disorders and gastrointestinal disorders.

· Often used in Italian cuisine, it can also be used in many other dishes for a bold flavor such as pizza, sautéed vegetables, chicken, beef or lamb, toasted or flatbread or added to a vinaigrette.

Thyme –

· Contains thymol, an essential oil which has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. The leaves are packed with potassium, iron, manganese, magnesium, vitamins C, A, K and E and B-complex vitamins.

· Thyme tea may help relieve coughs, sore throat and bronchitis symptoms.

· Its distinctive, intense flavor should be used sparingly in recipes. Can be used to flavor soups, sauces, marinate chicken, fish and meat.