More on Bananas

 

Banana, the once-exotic fruit, has found its way into our daily lives. Whether sliced over cereal or blended in a smoothie, here are eight great reasons to include about four bananas a week in your diet.

DIET
One banana has 11% of the RDA of dietary fiber and only about 108 calories. The fiber in bananas not only keeps digestion regular, but also helps maintain low blood sugar and curbs overeating.

LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
Studies show that the high amounts of potassium in bananas (over 13% of the RDA) can lower one's blood pressure, which in turn lessens the possibility of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

BONE HEALTH
Along with lowering blood pressure, potassium prevents the weakening of the body's bones. A high sodium intake, which is typical of many American diets, can cause excessive amount of calcium to be lost through the urine, which threatens not only the strength and general health of the bones, but also negatively affects blood clotting, proper muscle contraction, and normal nervous system function. The potassium found in bananas neutralizes the high amounts of sodium in one's diet, thus allowing for healthy amounts of calcium to remain within the body.

HIGH NUTRIENT ABSORPTION
The potassium in bananas is not the only means to ensure healthy levels of calcium in the body. Bananas also contain high levels of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) that--along with insulin--promotes calcium absorption. FOS further nourishes healthy bacteria in the colon that manufacture vitamins and digestive enzymes that boost the body's overall ability to absorb nutrients.
Healthy Digestive Tract Bananas can diminish the uncomfortable effects of diarrhea and constipation. The high amounts of potassium in bananas can restock electrolytes that are easily depleted when suffering from diarrhea -- potassium being an important electrolyte itself. Furthermore, bananas can relieve the body from constipation and help restore regular digestion with pectin, a soluble polysaccharide that helps normalize the digestive tract.

RUGGED GUT
Bananas protect the healthy constitution of the stomach in two ways. Firstly, they trigger the production of mucus in the stomach, which provides a protective barrier against stomach acids. Secondly, bananas possess protease inhibitors, a substance that breaks down bacteria in the stomach that cause ulcers. (Moreover, protease inhibitor also obstruct the replication of certain cells and viruses, including HIV.)

CANCER PREVENTION
A large study by the Internal Journal of Cancer illustrates that the probability of developing kidney cancer is greatly lessened by frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, though especially bananas. For instance, the probability of developing kidney cancer in female subjects decreased by 50% when eating bananas four to six times a week.

VITAMIN B6
One banana has an impressive 34% of the RDA of vitamin B6, which serves many important roles in the body's health. For example, the B6 in bananas acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps ward off cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, as well as obesity. B6 also contributes to the maintenance of the lymphoid glands that ensure the production of healthy white blood cells that protect the body from infection. Finally, the vitamin B6 in bananas plays a pivotal part in cell formation and proper nervous system function, making one banana a day a healthy and delicious choice.

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters... S.T..R ...

You can Save someone's life by sharing this.

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters... S.T..R ...
My friend sent this to me ...and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a party, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (they offered to call ambulance)

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.)
She had suffered a stroke at the party . Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. It only takes a minute to read this...

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions :

S * Ask the individual to SMILE ..
T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg 'It is sunny out today').
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE : Another 'sign' of a stroke is
1. Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue.
2. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

A prominent cardiologist says if everyone who gets this status shares it; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.......

Top 10 Reasons For You To Stop Eating Sugar

Top 10 Reasons For You To Stop Eating Sugar

Have you been hearing the hype about getting off of sugar? Are you wondering what all the fuss is about? Are you resistant to even considering decreasing refined goodness from your daily existence? 

Read on, dear friend...


1) Researchers from UCSF writing for the journal Nature have just recommended that because sugar is such a threat to public health (like alcohol and tobacco) it should be taxed and regulated like the other drugs. 
•They are recommending taxing either the products with added sugars (the consumer would pay) or the companies that add the sugars (corporations would pay)
•They are recommending that products with added sugar are banned in school zones
•they are recommending that you must be over 17 to buy products with added sugar.


2) Linked to allergies and digestive complaints
•Digestive Disorders:Namely gas and constipation, as over consumption of sugar inhibits enzyme production, and when enzymes aren’t working properly food putrifies in the small intestine. Sugar also increase gastric acidity, potentially leading to GERD.
•Allergies: Not coincidentally the foods which people most commonly are allergic to are those most commonly eaten with sugar - milk, corn, wheat, and chocolate (think ice cream, pastries). Sugar causes leaky gut, thereby increasing the permeability of large food proteins to enter the blood stream and causing an allergic reaction.
•Gallstones: Refined sugar may be one of the major dietary risk factors in gallstone disease. Gallstones are composed of fats and calcium. Sugar can upset all of the minerals, and one of the minerals, calcium, can become toxic or nonfunctioning, depositing itself anywhere in the body, including the gallbladder. Gallstones may go unnoticed or may cause pain-wrenching pain. Other symptoms might include bloating, belching, and intolerance to foods.


3) Sugar consumption is linked to high cholesterol and heart disease
•The Journal of the American Medical Association just reported that people w----at more sugar have higher triglycerides, higher "bad" cholesterol, and lower "good cholesterol
•This puts you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke!


4) Refined sugar is linked to depression, mood swings and behavioral issues in children
•Refined sugar depletes the body of nutrients essential for stable mood - including vitamin C and B vitamins
•Because we go for the quick energy and then get further depleted, sugar makes the depression cycle even harder to get out of!


5) Cancer and decreased immune function are linked to eating refined sugar
•Sugar fuels the rapidly reproducing cancer cells
•An article from the journal Cancer Research just linked fructose to pancreatic cancer
•One teaspoon of sugar can deplete the immune system for up to 6 hours!
•To avoid cold and flu season, here's a cheap trick - don't eat sugar!


6) Sugar can mess up your sleep cycle
•When we eat sugar, our insulin comes up. 
•That causes the blood sugar to rapidly decline, causing rapid low blood sugar
•Low blood sugar forces our body to produce cortisol to release stored sugar
•If we eat sugary things at night, we get an inappropriate release of cortisol, making it difficult to sleep
•Cortisol is a stress hormone - who needs more of that in their body?


7) Type II diabetes
•Sugar is a causative factor for diabetes
•This occurs when either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. 
•Remember that the processed food lobby is very politically powerful. 
•There is a lot of money at stake and the use of added sugar is often defended and promoted, despite health risks. 


8) Osteoporosis and tooth decay
•According to the Women’s Health Network, numerous studies have shown a direct link between unhealthy food such as sugar and Osteoporosis.
•Processed foods, sugars, and caffeine literally rob calcium from the body causing the body to become overly acidic.
•In attempt to balance the acidic environment and unbalanced phosphorus: calcium ratio in your body caused by these unhealthy foods, your body begins to leach calcium from your bones and teeth. 
•Sugar literally alters your body chemistry and makes nutrients unabsorbable


9) Kidney and liver disease
•According to the American Diabetes Association, high blood sugar can overwork the kidneys, causing them to stop working properly. 
•Excess sugar can also be deposited in the small blood vessels, like in your kidneys or eyes, and negatively impact function.
•The liver creates Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) from chromium, niacin and possibly glutathione.
•GTF is needed for insulin to properly regulate blood-sugar levels.
•However chromium levels are depleted by a diet high in refined sugars and carbohydrates.


10) Linked to low thyroid function, hormonal imbalances and PMS
•Because of the link between low blood sugar and the hormone cortisol, any time sugar is ingested in large amounts, it is a stress to the body.
•High cortisol impedes production of TSH, thereby slowing metabolism

Eat Cucumber Everyday!

The title may sound a little radical at first… everyday!? Well after you read on, and learn some of the amazing properties of this alkaline food, you will understand why I chose that title, and why you should eat more cucumbers, everyday.

Even though in some places, cucumbers are only used to make pickles, let’s forget about those for now, and think of the raw produce. The reason for this may be obvios for some of you, but let me state it. When cucumbers are pickled, most of its nutrients are lost, and it becomes an acidic food, loosing all of its alkalizing properties. So stay away from pickles, and embrace the real thing!

Cucumbers are type of melon and some of you may not know this, but they come from the same family, the gourd family, as watermelon, pumpkin, zucchini and other squash and melons. They are very hydrating, as 96% of a cucumber is water. Now it is not just any water, it is naturally distilled water, very alkalizing.

Talking about their nutritional value, cucumbers are rich in vitamin C and A, folate, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, silica, sulfur, vitamin B complex, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and chlorine. Now, keep in mind that a lot of these nutrients are in the peel, so you should eat them unpeeled. Now, as with any fruit or vegetable whose peel you eat, it is advisable to buy organic.

We have talked about the alkalizing powers of cucumbers in other articles for a good reason, they are great for you! When trying to maintain an alkaline diet, cucumbers should be a standard in your menu. They help regulate the pH in your blood, as well as your blood pressure, thanks to their potassium content.

They are rich in folate, which is particularly important during pregnancy as it helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the unborn baby. Folate has also been associated with a reduced the risk of heart disease because it helps lower the levels of homocysteine.

Silica is a mineral present in cucumber that contributes to the proper construction of connective tissues in our body. It is very good for the health of your bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is also a fantastic ally for having healthy nails, hair and skin.

Cucumber is also a natural diuretic, it works as a cleanser, facilitating disposal of waste through urination. It also helps in dissolving those nasty kidney stones. Cucumbers cleanse and alkalize, and for this reason, they have been  used for the treatment of eczema, and gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Alkaline foods in general are very good in fighting inflammation. But cucumbers specifically helps counter act uric acids that cause inflammation in the joints.  When we eat cucumber, it cleanses the joints, removing the uric acid, and alleviating pain. Thanks to this property, it has been said to help with conditions like arthritis, asthma, and gout.

Cucumber contain caffeic acid, which helps prevent water retention in your body. When applied topically, it also helps reduce puffy and swollen eyes.

Cucumbers are a great alternative for anyone trying to lose a weight. A medium size cucumber has only forty-two calories, yet it is quite filling due to its high fiber content. Not only are they a low calorie food, but they help you get rid of toxins, accumulated fat cells, and retained water.

Perfect for the summer, this refreshing food should be part of your next shopping list. Enjoy! 

Beating Cancer with Nutrition – Turmeric Slows Spread of Breast Cancer

Beating Cancer with Nutrition – Turmeric Slows Spread of Breast Cancer

Showcasing just one of the countless ways you can begin beating cancer with nutrition, research has shown that turmeric can slow down the spread of breast cancer. Studies out of the University of California, San Diego, published in the British Journal, NATURE, have previously discovered a molecule known as RANKL. This molecule is found in aggressive breast cancer cells, which predict more life threatening disease. Aggressive cancer cells predict that the breast cancer will spread throughout the body, putting the body in a state of metatasis. Breast cancer patients often pass after cancer has metastasized to other body parts, ruining the functioning of vital organs such as the liver, lungs or brain. Interestingly enough, cancer drugs have been shown to ‘metasize’ tumors in some research.

The findings suggest that if RANKL molecules were blocked, then early stages of breast cancer could be prevented, while advanced progression of the disease and metastasis could be halted. Curcumin has been found to possess properties that reduce the expression of these deadly molecules within cancer cells, and can potentially slow the spread of breast cancer.

Of course this isn’t the only time turmeric and curcumin have been shown to battle and prevent cancer. Researchers at UCLA found that curcumin — a natural phenol and primary compound of turmeric — exhibits cancer-blocking properties powerful enough to block cancer growth. In addition, curcumin has previously been found to reduce tumors by 81% in more than 9 studies, which also gives credence to the natural anti-cancer health benefits of turmeric and curcumin intake.

While many foods are powerful health enhancers, curcumin alone is known to positively impact over 560 diseases according to peer-reviewed research. Beating cancer with nutrition means to acquire the knowledge of how the foods people eat every day can be utilized to treat or prevent illness and disease. While the advancements humanity has made throughout history are great, mainstream medicine has been going down a dark road. It is time to shift from a pharmaceutical-dependent state to nutrition-based prevention and treatment.

Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/beating-cancer-with-nutrition-turmeric-slows-spread-breast-cancer/#ixzz1ueeyZnlV 

Let God Be God in Your Children's Lives

Let God Be God in Your Children's Lives by Rick Warren

"In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world." (John 17:18 MSG) Jesus released the disciples to serve God's purposes. As a parent, I am responsible to protect my kids as they're growing up, but that doesn't mean I protect them from taking risks for the glory of God. You can be so over-protective that you do not release your kids emotionally or maybe even physically to do what God wants them to.  You say, "Sure, I want my kids to serve God, as long as they stay here in the area" or "Yeah, I want my kids to do what God wants them to do. They can follow his plan andpurpose for their lives, as long as they live down the block. They can do whatever God says as long as they don't do something that's dangerous, where they could be hurt or killed." It is natural as parents not to want your kids to be hurt. But let me ask you this very frank question: Are you willing to let God be God in your kids' lives?  Or, are you still trying to be God in their lives? You have to let them go. I've seen some parents try to control their children's lives even after they are married; yet, the Bible teaches that for marriage, "a man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they become one" (Genesis 2:24 TEV). The point is this: It is God's plan for children to leave and, as parents, we must teach them while we have them, but then let them go to serve God's purposes. Jesus said, "In the same way you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world" (John 17:18 MSG). The whole goal of parenting is to eventually release your children. From the moment they are born, you are preparing them to be released into the world, not to hold onto them or control their lives for the rest of your life. Talk About It -- Talk about what you think of this statement: It is God's plan for children to leave and, as parents, we must teach them while we have them, but then let them go to serve God's purposes. What are ways you are preparing your children to be released into the world?

Protect Your Children's Minds

Protect Your Children's Minds by Rick Warren

"While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name … I protected them ..." (John 17:12 TEV) The mark of a spiritual leader is protection, so parents should protect the spiritual growth of their children. Jesus said, "While I was with them I kept them safe by the power of your name … I protected them" (John 17:12 TEV). Jesus guarded the disciples' spiritual growth by protecting their minds. As a parent, it is your job to protect your children's innocence. This is a huge task in the culture we live in today. Children are not mini-adults, and we need to protect the innocence of our children as they're growing up. They cannot handle things like violence or sex. These things are heavy subjects for a little mind.  When our three kids were growing up, Kay and I were very strict with what movies they could see, what TV programs they could watch, and what books and magazines they could read. We got all kinds of grief from our kids for it. When they were little and could only see a G-rated movie, they would say, "We want to go see this PG movie!" When they got a little bit older, they would say, "We want to go see this PG-13 movie!" We'd say, "You can when you're older, but right now you're not going to see it." And they ruthlessly criticized: "Dad! Mom! You guys are so narrow-minded! You're the only parents in the entire universe who are not letting their kids see this movie!" It is amazing to me how Christian parents let their kids, even teenagers, see all kinds of things they have no business seeing. We should care about their minds. My three kids have grown up and they are happy, well-adjusted kids. Why? Because when they were growing up, their minds weren't filled with garbage and vulgarities. Your children will be exposed to that soon enough in life. They don't need it at a young age. You have to protect what goes into their mind. Talk About It -- Think of the last movie you told your kids they could watch. Would you still let them see it in light of what you've read here? How are you encouraging your children to fill their minds with positive, life-giving, and instructional information and images? Are you more concerned with how your kids view you or with your responsibility as a parent to guard their minds?