Tuesday, April 30, 2013

BENEFITS OF BLACK EYE PEAS



Black eyed pea also called as cowpeas, lobia or lobiya or chawli in Hindi. It is small soft textured oval creamy white bean with a black eye. This bean is available as fresh or dried bean and can be used for preparing soups and many side dishes. 

Black-eye peas low in fat and high in quality protein, they also have the added bonus of soluble fiber's disease-preventing qualities. The soluble fiber in beans dissolves in water, trapping bile acids in its gummy goo. This lowers blood levels of damaging LDL cholesterol, especially if LDL cholesterol levels were high to begin with, without compromising the level of protective HDL cholesterol.

Because beans are singled out for their soluble fiber, you may not realize they also provide substantial insoluble fiber, which helps combat constipation, colon cancer, and other conditions that afflict your digestive tract.

Black-eye peas contain several types of phytochemicals. They are rich in lingams’, which may play a role in preventing osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain cancers. The flavonoids in beans may help reduce heart disease and cancer risk. Phytosterols, also in legumes, help reduce blood cholesterol levels.

USING BLACK PEPPER IN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT



If you want to lose a little extra fat, consider using freshly ground black pepper.

WHAT IT DOES:
- Stimulates taste buds by alerting the stomach to increase hydrochloric acid secretion that helps improve digestion.
- It has antibacterial properties that helps balance the gut flora by eliminating the unfriendly bacteria and repopulate the friendly ones.
- Prevents diseases of the digestive tract, thus improving bowel movements and digestion.
- Promotes elimination of toxins through sweating and urination.
- Curbs unhealthy cravings that cause weight gain.
- Helps improve metabolism for burning fats many hours afterwards, and prevents formation of new fats.

TIPS FOR USING:
Remember ... A little goes a long way.
- Add freshly ground black pepper at the end of your cooking.
- Grind black pepper into your juices, stir and drink.
- Add into your homemade salad dressing: Olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Are raisins good for you?



You'd be surprised at the benefits that the tiny raisin offers. Obtained from drying black or green grapes in driers or in natural light, raisins are among the most loved dry fruits. Indeed they are like gems when their nutritional values and health benefits are considered.

Raisins have generous quantities of iron that are great for treating anaemia. It also contains many members of vitamin-B complex which are essential for formation of blood. Copper in them also help formation of red blood cells.

One of the interesting health benefits of raisins is that it is a great brain food. Raisins contain high amounts of boron that is an essential mineral for a well-functioning brain. 100mg of raisins contains 2.2mg of boron, which is a potent brain-boosting mineral. Boron improves concentration, hand-eye co-ordination and enhances memory.

Do you suffer from constipation often? Include raisins in your diet – they have fibre in them that puffs up and absorbs water, which in turn helps giving relief in constipation.

Being high in fiber and having considerably low calories, raisins are a better snack than most. They are also a great source of energy as they are packed with natural sugars and glucose. It's better to consume moderate amounts of raisins to avoid extra calories but if you're an active or athletic person, this needn't be much of a worry. While snacking on them, remember to keep in mind the great health benefits of raisins. Adding raisins to your diet may offer more benefits than you may think.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Popular Healthy Drink:






Green tea has increasingly become a very popular drink worldwide because of its immensely powerful health benefits. It is extraordinarily amazing what green tea can do for your health. And if you're not drinking three to four cups of green tea today, you're definitely not doing your health a big favor. 
Green tea helps prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the level of cholesterol. Even after the heart attack it prevents cell deaths and speeds up the recovery of heart cells.

Green tea contains an antioxidant known as polyphenols which fight against free radicals. What this means it helps you fight against aging and promotes longevity.

The antioxidant in green tea protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which cause wrinkling and skin aging. Green tea also helps fight against skin cancer.

STRESS RELIEVER



Have you been overworked and stressed lately? Or do you know someone who is undergoing anxiety, panic and trauma?

These negative emotions have a negative effect on the body as they overwork the adrenaline glands and produce two hormones: DHEA and cortisol -- both are 'shock absorber' hormones which buffer the negative impact that may affect mental and physical functions.

Prolonged negative emotions are detrimental to health. During this stressful time, this juice combo may help calm your nerves, improve your mood and sleep quality.

SUGGESTED JUICE FOR RELIEVING STRESS:
- 2 green apples
- A bunch of spinach
- 1/2 a cucumber
- 1 stick celery
- 1/4 lemon
- 1/2 inch ginger root (optional)

 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

ABOUT SLEEP ... DID YOU KNOW?


When we sleep, our brain regulates the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, immune functions and energizes the body. It also works to detoxify the liver, kidneys and other detoxification systems.

While we sleep, our body rejuvenates and heals and grows. The exercises we do during the day will only be "processed" when we sleep and fats will be burned. What we see, read and learned during the day will be organized and stored in the right places when the brain is at rest.

This is why it is so important to sleep sufficiently. It may be 6 or 7 or 8 hours for some, maybe even more for others. But be sure to get your sufficient sleep every night. Eliminate processed foods from your diet and regularly drink fresh juices which will gradually regulate your internal chemical balance for better sleep patterns.

If you are encountering a period of insomnia, try this juice to help calm the nerves and promote better sleep.

RECIPE:
- 2 green apples
- 2 ribs of celery
- A bunch of Romaine lettuce
- A bunch of cilantro
- 1/4 slice of lemon
- 1/2 inch ginger root piece (optional)

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Quinoa Porridge


Ingredients

1/2 cup quinoa {rinsed + drained} 
1 1/2 cups milk of choice (I used almond) 
1 tablespoon maple syrup {or to taste} 
pinch of ground cinnamon and/or nutmeg 
1/2 cup mixed fresh berries 
sliced banana 

Bring the milk and quinoa to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, cover the pot, and cook until the quinoa is tender, and most of the milk has been absorbed {about 15 minutes}.
Remove from heat, and stir in the maple syrup and cinnamon. Serve topped with berries and banana slices.

TREASURE YOUR EYESIGHT



Did you know that deep-fried (oily) foods and processed foods deteriorate your eyesight very quickly? If you're at an early stage of compromised vision, avoid these foods and start including high antioxidant foods in your diet.

Beta-carotene and lutein are two nutrients that are absolutely essential to supporting and protecting your eyesight as you age. Carrots, spinach and kale are some of the best food sources of both of these nutrients.

Regular consumption of foods high in antioxidants have been known to reduce the risks of eye problems like short or long-sightedeness, astigmatism and cataracts. Fresh plant foods that are deep in yellow-orange-red colors contain phytonutrients best suited for this purpose.

Grapes, blueberries, blackberries, bilberry, raspberries and strawberries are also known to be rich with a phytonutrient (anthocyanidins) that is effective in protecting against cell degeneration in our eyes.

RECIPE:
- 2 cups of strawberries
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1 cup of bilberries
- 1 cup of raspberries

Juice these using a masticating juicer or use a blender to blend into a smoothie. Serve chilled.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes (Yams):



Protection against Cardiovascular Disease

Sweet Potatoes (Yams) are a good source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is needed by the body to break down a substance called homocysteine, which can directly damage blood vessel walls. Individuals who suffer a heart attack despite having normal or even low cholesterol levels are often found to have high levels of homocysteine. Since high homocysteine levels are signficantly associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke, having a good supply of vitamin B6 on hand makes a great deal of sense. High intakes of vitamin B6 have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Sweet Potatoes (Yams) are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Dioscorin, a storage protein contained in Sweet Potatoes (Yams),  may also be of benefit to certain individuals with hypertension. Preliminary research suggests that dioscorin c can inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme, which would therefore lead to increased kidney blood flow and reduced blood pressure.

Blood Sugar and Weight Control:

Sweet Potatoe's (Yam's) complex carbohydrates and fiber deliver the goods gradually, slowing the rate at which their sugars are released and absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, because they're rich in fiber, Sweet Potatoes (Yams)  fill you up without filling out your hips and waistline. And one more benefit, Sweet Potatoes (Yams) are a good source of manganese, a trace mineral that helps with carbohydrate metabolism and is a co-factor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses.

MIGRAINE RELIEVER


If you're experiencing chronic migraine, check what you're eating. Some of the foods that trigger migraine: Fried foods, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flour products, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, food additives, chocolate and some nuts/seeds. 

A diet high in complex carbohydrates (whole grains and starchy vegetables) and low in protein is recommended for headache sufferers.

Most of the time, a migraine is the body’s way of signalling that it is dehydrated. Drink PLENTY of water, fresh fruit and vegetable juices to rid the body of the toxins that are the main culprit of headaches.

Most fruits and vegetables are rich in three very important minerals that help remedy migraine, namely: Potassium, calcium and magnesium. Some foods that especially help: Dark green vegetables, bananas, cantaloupe, celery, cucumber, lemon, pineapple, watermelon, and ginger.

Suggested MIGRAINE RELIEVER RECIPE:
- 1/2 pineapple
- 3-4 leaves kale or a bunch of spinach
- 1 stick of celery
- 1/4 lemon
- 1/2 inch ginger root (optional)

And drink LOTS of water!

Information by: www.juicing-for-health.com
 

Monday, April 8, 2013

Health Benefits of Sex...



The perks of sex extend well beyond the bedroom. 

1. Less Stress, Better Blood Pressure

Having sex could lower your stress and your blood pressure.

That finding comes from a Scottish study of 24 women and 22 men who kept records of their sexual activity. The researchers put them in stressful situations -- such as speaking in public and doing math out loud -- and checked their blood pressure.

People who had had intercourse responded better to stress than those who engaged in other sexual behaviors or abstained.

Another study found that diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number of your blood pressure) tends to be lower in people who live together and have sex often.
2. Sex Boosts Immunity

Having sex once or twice a week has been linked with higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, or IgA, which can protect you from getting colds and other infections. 

A Wilkes University study had 112 college students keep records of how often they had sex and also provide saliva samples for the study. Those who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of IgA, an antibody that could help you avoid a cold or other infection, than other students.
3. Sex Burns Calories

Thirty minutes of sex burns 85 calories or more. It may not sound like much, but it adds up: 42 half-hour sessions will burn 3,570 calories, more than enough to lose a pound. Doubling up, you could drop that pound in 21 hour-long sessions.

"Sex is a great mode of exercise," Los Angeles sexologist Patti Britton, says. It takes both physical and psychological work, though, to do it well, she says.
4. Sex Improves Heart Health

A 20-year-long British study shows that men who had sex two or more times a week were half as likely to have a fatal heart attack than men who had sex less than once a month.

And although some older folks may worry that sex could cause a stroke, the study found no link between how often men had sex and how likely they were to have a stroke. 
5. Better Self-Esteem

University of Texas researchers found that boosting self-esteem was one of 237 reasons people have sex.

That finding makes sense to sex, marriage, and family therapist Gina Ogden. She also says that those who already have self-esteem say they sometimes have sex to feel even better.

"One of the reasons people say they have sex is to feel good about themselves," she says. "Great sex begins with self-esteem. If the sex is loving, connected, and what you want, it raises it."

Of course, you don't have to have lots of sex to feel good about yourself. Your self-esteem is all about you -- not someone else. But if you're already feeling good about yourself, a great sex life may help you feel even better.

6. Deeper Intimacy

Having sex and orgasms boosts levels of the hormone oxytocin, the so-called love hormone, which helps people bond and build trust.

In a study of 59 women, researchers checked their oxytocin levels before and after the women hugged their partners. The women had higher oxytocin levels if they had more of that physical contact with their partner.

Higher oxytocin levels have also been linked with a feeling of generosity. So snuggle up -- it might help you feel more generous toward your partner.
7. Sex May Turn Down Pain

Oxytocin also boosts your body's painkillers, called endorphins. Headache, arthritis pain, or PMS symptoms may improve after sex.

In one study, 48 people inhaled oxytocin vapor and then had their fingers pricked. The oxytocin cut their pain threshold by more than half.
8. More Ejaculations May Make Prostate Cancer Less Likely

Research shows that frequent ejaculations, especially in 20-something men, may lower the risk of getting prostate cancer later in life.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that men who had 21 or more ejaculations a month were less likely to get prostate cancer than those who had four to seven ejaculations per month.

The study doesn't prove that ejaculations were the only factor that mattered. Many things affect a person's odds of developing cancer. But when the researchers took that into consideration, the findings still held.
9. Stronger Pelvic Floor Muscles

For women, doing pelvic floor muscle exercises called Kegels may mean more pleasure -- and, as a perk, less chance of incontinence later in life.

To do a basic Kegel exercise, tighten the muscles of your pelvic floor as if you're trying to stop the flow of urine. Count to three, then release.
10. Better Sleep

The oxytocin released during orgasm also promotes sleep, research shows.

Getting enough sleep has also been linked with a host of other health benefits, such as a healthy weight and better blood pressure. That's something to think about, especially if you've been wondering why your guy can be active one minute and snoring the next.

LIVER DETOX FOOD: TURMERIC



Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and is highly beneficial for helping with digestion and cleansing the liver. It is a food that is commonly used by Asians and may be available in your local Asian market. 

Turmeric has a phytonutrient called curcumin, which is a liver protectant compound that may help to shrink engorged hepatic ducts, making it useful for treating liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice. When liver is cleansed, it will also benefit skin conditions including: eczema, psoriasis and acne, for it is a potent detoxifier.

Turmeric stimulates the production and flow of bile, and the liver uses bile to eliminate toxins; bile also rejuvenates liver cells that breakdown harmful compounds. 

Other health benefits of turmeric:
- Anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory
- Anti-cancer, anti-ageing
- Helps remedy diseases of the digestive tract
- Prevents oxidation of cholesterol and reducing the risks of heart diseases
- Prevents deterioration of mental performance
- Improves intestinal flora, thus the health of the gastrointestines
- Good remedy for common cold
- Relieves sinusitis
And many more!

See suggestion on how to make a cup of ginger-turmeric tea:

LIVER DETOX FOOD: GARLIC



Garlic is remarkable for the number of medicinal properties it contains, including 17 amino acids, at least 33 known sulphur compounds, eight minerals and the vitamins A, B1 and C. It is interesting to note that garlic DOES NOT contain the wonder compound that it is commonly known for: allicin. How can this be?

Researchers have found that a perfect clove of garlic doesn't contain allicin, but once it is smashed, cut or ruptured, a phytochemical reaction occurs to FORM allicin.

The high sulfur content in garlic activates the enzymes responsible for flushing out toxins from the liver. It is capable of killing viruses, bacteria and fungi. The sulphur in garlic carries oxygen in the body directly to infected areas. Germs cannot live in a body with a good supply of oxygen, therefore, infections are cleared quickly.

The outstanding medicinal properties in garlic have been proven to help protect the liver from toxic damage, aid in the detoxification process and have many health benefits. When combined with cilantro, they work synergistically in detoxifying heavy metals from the system.

As garlic is a very POTENT detoxifier, just one or two cloves in your juice daily helps to keep a healthy intestinal flora. 

How do you eat your garlic?

Read more about garlic here:

SAGE



Sage is an herb that is known for its healing and medicinal properties. People have burned sage since ancient times to cleanse and purify objects and homes. Proponents of sage burning, also known as smudging, believe that the sage smoke is a way to bless your home and dispel it of negative energy and influences. You might wish to burn sage to purify and cleanse your current home or a new residence before moving in.

FOR HEALTH: Science has discovered that the healing properties in sage come from antibiotic agents they have identified. Some people boil sage and drink the water as a tea. Many have found relief in the smoke for sinus congestion and pain, and even for migraine headaches. For this purpose, break off a single leaf, and breathe the smoke through your nose. 

FOR PERSONAL CLEANSING: If your energy is low, or you feel depressed and out of sorts, or if you have been around negative people in a negative situation, try cleansing your entire energy field. The most effective way to do this is with a broad, strong feather, or a group of feathers in a fan. Have someone sweep the smoke over the entire outline of your body, front and back, head to toe. Don't forget the top of your head and bottom of your feet. If you don't have someone to do this for you, pass the sage bundle around your own body covering as much area as you can. Breathe deeply and calmly while doing this, and you'll notice the difference at once. 

Before going to bed, try using sage to clean away the physical and emotional grime and stress of the day. For a peaceful night's rest, break off a single leaf, and burn it carefully in your safe container. Be sure there's no paper around, or anything that can catch fire. Remember to blow the flame out at once. You don't want the fire......you want the smoke. :) 

FOR GROUP CLEANSING: If you're in a group where this would be appreciated and welcomed, this is an excellent practice. First of all, use the entire bundle to cleanse the room, or the area where you will be. Be careful of dropping hot embers if you're inside as they will burn a carpet. Start at the back of the room, walk along each wall reaching as high as you can, and then criss-cross the center of the room letting the smoke rise at its own pace. As you walk, ask that only positive energy be present, and that the group be blessed with experiences for their highest and best good. Then cleanse each person as they enter the room as described above in Personal Cleansing. Ask that they be made peaceful, and blessed with positive awareness and learning. 

FOR HOUSE CLEANSING: To cleanse and bless your house or apartment, again use the entire bundle to light. Open your front door. Go to the back of the house, and cover as much of the room as you can reach. Be sure to hold the bundle as high as you can. Don't forget the corners of the rooms. Work from the back toward the open door at the front. Go into every room, including bathrooms, closets, utility rooms, kitchen...everywhere. When you get to the front door, say "Anything not here for the highest and best good of those who live here, be gone. You are not wanted, and you are not welcome. This home has been cleansed and blessed." Then walk out the door, close it, and sage around the door and door frame. Leave the bundle outside to burn itself out. Make sure you put it on dirt, or on something that will not burn. 

Source-www.meyna.com

Friday, April 5, 2013

HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE


Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart

attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating

improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only

about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.



However, these victims can help themselves by coughing

repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should

be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep

and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep

inside the chest.



A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two

seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until

the heart is felt to be beating normally again.



Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing

movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood

circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also

helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart

attack victims can get to a hospital. Tell as many

other people as possible about this. It could save

their lives!!



A cardiologist says If everyone who gets this mail

sends it to 10 people, you can bet that we'll save at

least one life.

Rather sending jokes pls contribute by forwarding this info which can save a person's life.

The Health Benefits of Pineapple~



Many people love pineapple. They say that a juicy, ripe pineapple can satisfy sweet cravings as effectively as a chocolate bar. The fruit also offers many health benefits. 

Loaded With Vitamins and Minerals:
Pineapples are rich in vitamins and minerals including calcium, potassium, fiber and Vitamin C. The fruit is also low in fat and cholesterol. 

You can enjoy the health benefits of pineapple by consuming the fresh fruit, or eating the canned or frozen versions. Pineapple juice is just as healthy. 

Strengthens Bones:
Pineapple helps build healthy bones. This is because pineapples are rich in manganese, a trace mineral that is required to strengthen bones and connective tissues. 

One cup of pineapple provides 73 percent of the daily recommended intake of manganese. Pineapple consumption can boost the growth and development of bones in young people and strengthen bones among the elderly. 

Good for Colds and Coughs:
While many people take Vitamin C supplements or drink orange juice during a cold, few consider eating pineapple. The fruit provides the same benefits as orange juice in treating a cold or cough, but with an additional benefit. Bromelain, a substance found in pineapples, helps suppress coughs and loosen mucus

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Radiant Raw Chakra Salad




Radiant Raw Chakra Salad 

The chakras are the major energy centers in the body, of which there are seven. Beginning at the very base of the spine and moving upward to the crown of the head, chakras are said to be moving wheels of light, color and sound that regulate all energy entering and exiting the body. The energy that flows through the chakras regulates the healing abilities of our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves. 

Heart Chakra (Green): Kale
Power Chakra (Yellow): Lemon
Sacral Chakra (Orange): Sweet Potato and Carrot
Root Chakra (Red): Beet and Pomegranate Seeds

Dressing:
Lemon
Olive Oil
Honey
Salt n’ Pepper
Garlic
Red Onion
Sesame or Sunflower Seeds

1. Cut up the kale in thin slices and grate the beet, sweet potato, and carrot. Throw it all into a bowl with pomegranate seeds, mix in the dressing and voila!
 — 

Monday, April 1, 2013

ADD OATS IN YOUR DIET







In January this year we did juice feasting, focusing on colon cleanse. Following in the sequence is liver detox. (You may like to scroll back to my posts from Jan 1 for more information and recipes.)

Over the next few days I will be sharing about helpful liver cleansing/support foods. But firstly, I'd like to also encourage you to add oats into your diet as your daily breakfast as we prepare to add liver cleansing foods.

(NOT for you if you're allergic to grains, gluten, wheat and/or oats.)

There are a few types of oats, so any of these is fine. It's a matter of personal preference concerning the taste and texture of the oats:

ROLLED OATS - Rolled oats are created by steaming oat groats and then rolled into flakes. This process stabilizes the healthy oils in the oats, so they stay fresh longer, and helps the oats cook easier, by creating a greater surface area. I like to grind the oats using my masticating juicer to make it easier for consumption. You can use your blender or food processor for this purpose.

QUICK OATS: They are rolled oats that have been cut into smaller pieces and then rolled. This allows you to cook them in under 5 minutes, versus the 10-15 minutes for regular rolled oats.

INSTANT OATS: Are cut, rolled and then steamed to "pre-cook" them. They are ready as soon as you add hot/warm water to it. (This may have added sugar and not recommended for diabetics.)

OAT BRAN: This is the bran that has been separated from oats. It's higher in fiber content and lower in carbs (and calories) than whole oats. It also has a smoother texture like cream of wheat. This type of oat is preferred.

COMING UP NEXT: The Health Benefits of Oats.

Information by: www.juicing-for-health.com