Natural Health and Beauty

Eye care tips for computer users

noreply@blogger.com (Anne Edwards) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:45:00 +0000

Eye care tips for computer users

Most of our work is done on computers, and there is usually no escape from it. It is a visually intensive task and, unfortunately, our work pressure and lifestyles do not give us the opportunity to be kind to our eyes.

Which is why these tips should come in handy.

Tears: The first line of defence, they also serve as lubrication by keeping the eyes moist and nourished; they also have a corrective lens function.
Eyelids: Their main job is to protect your eyes from dirt, dust and harsh light.

Eyelashes: A protective net for your eyes.

Cornea: A refractive zone that guides light to reach the retina.

Pupil: Controls the amount of light that enters your eyes.

Lens: A refractive zone that also guides light into the retina.

Retina and Optic Nerve: A bunch of intricate wiring that carries vision signals between your brain and eyes.

ii. Exercise your eyes

A practising ophthalmologist (eye specialist), says that regular work hours should be infused with short breaks.

iii. Look away

While working for long hours, look at distant objects either in your office or outside. Looking at a distant object and then returning to your task helps your eyes focus better. Try taking such visual breaks for about five to 10 minutes every hour.

iv. Palming

Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind.

v.Splash water on your face

During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.

vi. Take a walk

After you"��re done with lunch, take a stroll outside your office for a few minutes. This will give your eyes a much-needed break and get them some fresh air.

vii. Use tea bags

Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax.

viii. Drink water

Drink plenty of water. It helps reduce puffiness. When a person is dehydrated, especially in an air-conditioned office, the body starts storing water as a defence mechanism. This adds to puffiness around the eyes.

ix. Eat healthy

Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.

~ Wear antiglare glasses while driving or at work

Antiglare glasses are mainly used for focused light such as full beam car headlights and serve well for night driving. These can also be used while working on the computer.
Using a pair of antiglare glasses while working on a computer can reduce the strain on the eyes to a certain extent. If you wear contact lenses, wear a pair of zero powered antiglare glasses for the same purpose.

~ Use re-wetting eye drops

An office environment that is predominantly air-conditioned, coupled with a computer intensive job, this is the perfect combination for dry eyes.In such cases, you can use re-wetting eye drops to give relief to your eyes.

~ Reduce your smoking and alcohol intake"Smoking and alcohol consumption (either alone or combined) causes irreversible optic nerve damage. As both nicotine and alcohol are nerve toxins, they affect the nerves in the long run. Over a period of time, this can lead to poor or weak eyesight," warn Doctors.

~ Never rub your eyes

Bianka is a successful author. Visit http://latest-beauty-tips.com/ to read more articles from Bianka

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More green stuff in your diet - increased nutrition, vitamins and wellbeing

noreply@blogger.com (Anne Edwards) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:39:00 +0000

by Robb Stark

Many health and diet columns praise greens but few have any imagination beyond mentioning salad and spinach. There and plenty of overlooked super healthy vegetables within the same category and there any many reasons to wolf them down because they are packed with nutrition and healthy ingredients. So skip the diet pills and read on for some tips and reasons on why you should go greener.

Vegetables are usually divided into two categories; fine vegetables and rough vegetables. Leaf vegetables belong to the fine category. The line between the two categories is distinguished by the amount of fibre they contain. Rough vegetables contain between two and three times more nutritious fibre than fine. In spite of the lower amount fibre in fine vegetables they are extremely healthy. This is because they contain many other favourable substances. Read on to learn about the four most important ones.

Chlorophyll is what makes leaves green. It also contains the mineral magnesium and is chemically reminiscent of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is present in meat and your blood, where it binds and transports oxygen. The difference is that haemoglobin is based on iron and not magnesium. Because they are similar, a diet containing a lot of green leaves helps prevent the cancerous effect meat can have on the lower intestines. This is why it is important to eat a lot of greens if you are a meat lover. Chlorophyll also prevents damage on the cells’ DNA molecules when they are attacked by cancerous substances in the form of Alfa toxins. DNA damage can be prevented by fifty five percent by an intake of one hundred milligrams of chlorophyll three times a day. This equals a little more than half a cup of chopped raw spinach every day. All you have to look for everyday is the colour; the greener the leaves, especially dark green, the more chlorophyll they contain.

Folic acid is a vitamin B which is present in many leaf vegetables. Folic acid is an important vitamin for the brain. If you add a lot of it to your diet you will be able to keep your head sharp and prevent the increasing memory loss as you get older. Folic acid keeps the level of homocystein in your blood on the lower side. Homocystein increases the loss of brain cells and keeping the levels low helps improve your general brain functions.

Green leaf vegetables also contain high levels of omega-3. Omega-3 is an essential acid, even more so if you do not have a lot of fish in your diet. Several researches have shown that a regular intake of omega-3 prevents heart and vascular diseases. It is probably important for everyone, fish eater or not, to remember to include omega-3 in their diet.

Vitamin K is also highly present in many green leaf vegetables. Vitamin K can probably decrease the deterioration of the skeleton, and is also able to bind the proteins in the skeleton which are responsible for the build up of calcium. Vitamin K is also a contributing factor when it comes to the blood’s ability to clot properly. This means that a lack of vitamin K hinders the effect blood thinning medicines have.

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Mother's Best Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Anne Edwards) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Mother's best friend, that's what it's called in Africa. If a nursing mother adds it to her daily diet, more milk is produced. A malnourished child eating it daily can regain his weight. This plant brings many benefits for the body and is easily grown in tropical locations.

The name of the plant is Moringa Oleifera, sometimes called the miracle tree because all of its parts; leaves, flowers, seeds, bark and roots has nutritional and medicinal uses. Not only that, oil extracted from the plant can be used as lubrication for delicate machineries like mechanical watches and clocks. It's oil, which does not become rancid can also be used for cooking.

Moringa Oleifera is native to India, Arabia and Africa. It also widely cultivated in tropical America, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Malabar Malaysia and the Philippine Islands.

It's also called with different names in different places. Malunggay or kamunggay in the Philippines, drumstick tree in India, benzolive in Haiti. Others also call it the horse radish tree because of its roots.

The nutrients, antioxidants from phytochemicals and medicinal constituents of this plant are too numerous to mention. A major aspect of this plant is that it is low in fat and carbohydrates. A gram for gram comparison to some of its nutrients with popular nutritious foods are listed below:

- Vitamin C: 7 times more than in oranges

- Vitamin A: 4 times more than in carrots

- Calcium : 4 times more than in milk

- Protein : 2 times more than in milk

- Iron : 3 times more than in spinach

Vitamin C can provide you with water soluble antioxidants and vitamin A provides you with fat soluble antioxidants.

According to a research done in Tanzania by Optima of Africa, Ltd., daily ingestion of 25 grams leaf powder of this plant will give a child the following percentage of recommended daily allowance:

- Protein 42%

- Calcium 125%

- Magnesium 61%

- Potassium 41%

- Iron 71%

- Vitamin A 272%

- Vitamin C 22%

In places where food is scare or if the cost of food is economically high, this plant can provide a good alternative considering it is easily grown in poor soil and can be planted in the backyard.

Some folk lore medicinal uses which scientists are beginning to confirm are the following:

- Juice from the leaves stabilizes blood pressure

- Flowers are anti inflammatory

- Pods can ease joint pains

- Roots can to treat rheumatism

- Bark can be chewed for digestive remedies

Other properties of this plant include: anti-fungicidal, anti-microbial and anti-cancer. The Phytochemicals glucosinolates and isothiocyanates helps in preventing lung and esophageal cancer and can also lower the risk of other cancer forms.

To treat minor cuts and sores, the leaves can be applied as a poultice because of its anti-microbial properties.

This plant can be propagated by either planting the seed or cutting a branch, 2 feet or longer, and then shoving about one third of the length to the ground. It can thrive even in poor soil.

This plant has little commercial use since anybody can plant it in their backyard. Only after a few months from planting, leaves can be harvested and ready to be eaten with all its nutrients and benefits for the body.

Plants where green tea and herbal teas come from needs to be taken care of and cultivated properly and the final product costs more. Whereas Moringa Oleifera can be planted almost anywhere. Truly it can be considered a poor man's food source of essential nutrients.

Nature has provided us with this miracle plant, why not plant one of our own in our backyard?

The author blogs about antioxidants where you can find a topic on herbal green tea. You may also want to learn more about green tea extract.

by Feel Good

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http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Mother-s-Best-Friend/332742

All Types Of Vitamins

noreply@blogger.com (Anne Edwards) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0000

by Jake Saab

Vitamins (combination of two words: Vital Amines) are the complex organic substance essential in small quantities to the metabolism (nutrition) in most animals. These are found in minute quantities in food, in some cases are produced by the body, and are also produced synthetically. The human body needs them to work properly, so that we can grow and develop just like we should. Their deficiency results in many serious disorders.
Vitamins are divided into two major groups: the 'fat-soluble vitamins' designated as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, and the 'water-soluble vitamins' which include vitamin C and the group of molecules referred to as the vitamin B complex. Each of them has its own special role in the development of human body.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a really big part in eyesight and helps us to see in dim light and also at night. Vitamin A is also involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. In addition, it is necessary for proper bone growth, tooth development, reproduction and for the development of epithelial cells (that line any opening to the body e.g.; nose, throat, lungs, mouth, stomach, intestines and urinary tract). Vitamin A can be found in eggs, milk, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, fish oil, liver (pork, lamb, chicken, turkey or beef), butter, broccoli, apricots, nectarines, cantaloupe, and orange or yellow vegetables or fruits. The deficiency of vitamin A can cause two major disorders like: night blindness and drying of skin.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B itself is a complex of different vitamins like: B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin and pantothenic acid. These B vitamins are very important in metabolic activity and in facilitating the red blood cell (which carry oxygen throughout your body). They also help your body make protein and energy.

The sources of vitamin B are leafy green vegetables seafood, beans, peas, citrus fruits, whole grains (such as wheat and oats), poultry, meats, eggs and dairy products (like milk and yogurt). Some bacteria in our large intestine also prepare some type of B-vitamins. The deficiency of vitamin B can cause the disease "Beri Beri", cracked lips, weak muscles, malformation of red blood cells, affects normal growth and disturbs the nervous system.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble, antioxidant vitamin that is vital to the production of collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. It is important for keeping body tissues, such as gums and muscles in good shape and it helps in quick healing of wounds. In addition, it helps protecting the fat-soluble vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation.

The vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits (like lemon & orange), cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and in other fresh fruits and vegetables. The deficiency of vitamin C affects the healthy skin; poor wound healing and can lead to a disease called "Scurvy" which causes bleeding in gums, easy bruising, bumps of coiled hair on the arms and legs, pain in the joints, muscle wasting, and many other problems.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates the formation of bone and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine. It helps to control the movement of calcium between bone and blood, and vice versa. It is this vitamin you need for strong bones and teeth. In addition it helps your body absorb the amount of calcium it needs.

Vitamin D can be found in fish liver oil, egg yolks, milk and other dairy products fortified with vitamin D. It is also produced in our body in the presence of ultra violet light and sunlight.

The deficiency of vitamin D can cause weak bones and bowed legs (in children). And its excess can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, headache, depression and deposits of calcium in the kidneys.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential for the inhibition of oxidation in body tissues, formation of red blood cells, and also prevents breakdown of body tissues. It maintains the body tissues and protects the lungs from becoming damaged by polluted air. This vitamin can be found in whole grains (such as wheat and oat), wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg yolks, nuts, bread, cereals and seeds. The deficiency of this vitamin can cause many diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

For tips on vitamin b17 and vitamin k foods, visit the Vitamin Information website.

Article Summary
Vitamins (combination of two words: Vital Amines) are the complex organic substance essential in small quantities to the metabolism (nutrition) in most animals. These are found in minute quantities in food, in some cases are produced by the body, and are also produced synthetically. The human body needs them to work properly, so that we can grow and develop just like we should. Their deficiency results in many

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Coconut Oil – A Bunch Of Reasons It Optimizes Health & Wellbeing

noreply@blogger.com (Anne Edwards) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:29:00 +0000

Most of us have been conditioned to literally cringe at the mention of the words “saturated fat”. Images of heart disease, obesity and poor health are conjured with the very thought! However, not all saturated fats were created equal. There needs to be an unmistakable understanding that the saturated fat contained in coconut oil is very different in function to the saturated fat contained in animal fats. It is now known the unique saturated fat contained in coconut oil actually helps prevent and treat a number of serious diseases and contributes to overall good health.

Coconut oil is composed predominately of a group of fat molecules known as medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). The majority of fats in the western diet, however, are composed almost entirely of long chain fatty acids (LCFA). The primary difference between MCFA and LCFA is the size of the molecule. Medium chain fatty acids are small enough to be absorbed directly into the blood stream in the same fashion as other nutrients are absorbed. However, long chain fatty acids are too large to be directly released into the bloodstream and must undergo a variety of complex transformations before they can be utilised. The other major difference is the cholesterol content; coconut oil does not contain cholesterol, while animal fats such as lard or butter contain significant amounts.

In brief, cholesterol is generally divided into two classes: HDL is known as ‘good’ cholesterol and LDL is known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. Researchers at Harvard Medical School have shown that coconut oil consumption increases HDL levels, hence, reducing the risk of heart disease. The cholesterol-lowering properties of coconut oil are a direct result of its ability to stimulate thyroid function.

Most commercially available (mono, poly) unsaturated dietary oils either contain trans-fats or have the potential to mutate into them by heating these oils for long periods at high temperatures, as in deep-frying. These trans-fats are a more recent introduction into our daily diet and are highly detrimental to health and wellbeing. Trans-fats are developed when fatty acid chains are altered from their original form as found in nature, by the oil refining process. Partially hydrogenated oil such as margarine contains trans-fatty acids due to the process used to manufacture it. Just to make it a little clearer; trans-fats may be polyunsaturated or monounsaturated but NEVER saturated.

Including cold-pressed oils in the diet would be a far better alternative to trans-fat containing unsaturated oils, however, using coconut oil as the main source of dietary fat is THE best alternative by far. In many aspects the human body is amazingly precise and efficient, unfortunately it is not perfect. To our body edible fat is edible fat, whether it’s good for it or bad for it the body will use it anyway. Unfortunately we are not programmed to recognise any difference between a healthy natural fat and an unhealthy manufactured trans-fat or hydrogenated fat. Upon consuming these, what I call ‘hybrid fats’ (manufactured fats), the body has no idea they are not capable of performing the functions for which nature had intended them, and therefore can lead to disease. It is now an undisputable fact that the presence of trans-fatty acids in the diet is linked to a variety of serious health problems such as Cardio-Vascular Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cancer, Obesity, Liver Dysfunction and Infertility, to name a few.

On the other hand, saturated fats, particularly those of vegetable origin, play a number of very important roles in contributing to our overall health and wellbeing.

Coconut oil has been used for centuries by traditional communities of tropical regions as a vital source of food for health and general wellbeing. Fortunately for us, the secret of this health-giving oil has been generously passed to the rest of the world and hopefully the ignorance surrounding coconut oil will diminish over time.

So, why is coconut oil so good for you? Below are a bunch of reasons it optimizes health and wellbeing:

The saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-microbial properties and help fight various bacteria, fungi and parasites.

As it contains the antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, coconut oil strengthens the immune system.

Coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing viral susceptibility of HIV and cancer patients.

Helps protect the body from harmful free-radicals that promote premature aging and other degenerative diseases.

Assists in relieving symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Coconut oil protects against kidney disease and bladder infections.

It helps fight harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.

An excellent conditioner which also assists in the re-growth of damaged hair.
Helps prevent premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.

Reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.

By increasing metabolism, coconut oil is able to control weight gain
As the small molecular structure of the oil allows for easy absorption through the skin, it is a great moisturizer and softener, giving the skin a soft, smooth texture.
Helps improves digestion and nutrient absorption.

Coconut oil has shown to be far superior compared to other vegetable oils for improving the nutritional status in malnourished people. Yes, even in our overindulgent society there are many people with malnutrition, thanks to the increase in factors such as poor quality fast foods and soil degradation leading to low quality vitamin content in fresh produce.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease because it is absorbed directly into the blood stream avoiding over-production of bile.

Other studies have clearly shown that traditional cultures who have significant amounts of coconut oil in their diet do not suffer from modern diseases, as seen in western cultures who heavily promote low-fat diets.

If you would like more information on other natural health remedies please visit my websiteat Free HealthxChange.com.