healthy body tips

So what is food poisoning. It is the abnormal condition of the stomach caused by eating some culprit food. Here I would like to dedicate this post as symptoms food poisoning to the same purpose.

Symptoms Food Poisoning
1) Nausea
2) Vomiting
3) Cramping
4) Diarrhoea with or without blood
5) Dizziness or weakness

Cause of Food Poisoning
1) Uncooked meat (chickens, burgers, sushi, steaks, pork, etc).
2) Mayonised salad's kept at room temperature.
3) Food like egg, tuna, chicken salad, pasta and potato which is stored at room temperature.
4) Animal contact and failing to wash your hands before eating.

Avoid Food Poisoning
1) Wash your hands before eating
2) Don't cut the vegetables on the same board you used to cut the meat.
3) Store all the food in the refrigerator till just before and after the meal.
4) See if the food is properly cooked.

Low carb dieting has become fashionable in recent years especially with the publication of the Atkins diet. Losing weight is a goal for so many people and everybody is looking for the quick and easy way to lose weight. Some people do not need to lose weight at all but still get stressed over a couple of pounds. Others need to lose for medical reasons and may have one hundred pounds or more that they want to shed.

There are many different diets out there including low carbohydrate diets and the truth is that most of them will achieve weight loss if they are followed correctly. This does not mean always doing what the diet says every moment of every day. What is more important is how you deal with the inevitable occasion when you eat too much or feast on foods that are not on the plan. If you can write this off and return to the plan without giving yourself a hard time, you are likely to succeed. Everybody has those days - the important thing is to let them go and accept them as just another step on the road to permanent weight loss.

It is also important to find a diet that you can easily follow. Low carb diets suit many people because the rules are quite simple. As the name suggests, the diet consists of avoiding or limiting foods that are high in carbohydrates. These include bread, pasta, potatoes, rice and other grains. Sugar is also a carbohydrate. Once you understand what these foods are, it is a simple matter to choose dishes that avoid them.

Most criticism of low carbohydrate dieting is based on the fact that the dieters will get most of their daily calories from meat, dairy and other high fat products. This can lead to high cholesterol and other problems related to a high intake of saturated fats. Medical advice is advised before starting this type of diet. Sometimes weight loss is good in the early stages but people cannot handle the restrictions in the longer term and start to deviate from the diet.

One of the problems that many people have with low carb dieting is the elimination of bread and pasta. No more toast, spaghetti or pizza! Many of the foods that are quickest to prepare are based around carbohydrates - burgers in their buns, fries, sandwiches, pasta and sauce. Beer and other alcoholic drinks are high in carbs too. It is true that alcohol is generally restricted on any diet, because it is high in calories and very low in nutritional value, but low carb diets put particular emphasis on this.

Still there are many foods that can be enjoyed on a low carb diet. If you are fond of meat you will relish the opportunity to consume beef, chicken and other animal products. The popularity of these diets is clear from the length of time that they stay on the bestseller lists. It is just a matter of what suits you. Low carb dieting works for many people.

Talking to most women over 50 you will quickly find that menopause and weight gain are linked in their experience. It is very common to put on weight at this time and while some of this may be due to lifestyle changes, that does not explain why suddenly we develop a tendency to put on weight at different parts of the body, especially the abdomen, while any weight gained when we were younger tended to be centered on the hips.

The truth is that hormonal changes do have a part to play in this, although the process is not completely understood. At menopause a woman stops ovulating, her monthly menstruation periods end, and her body produces much lower levels of the female hormone estrogen which is responsible for the ovulation process. Low estrogen has been shown to cause weight gain in animals and it almost certainly is the reason why our bodies change shape. While women of childbearing age store fat in the lower body, after the menopause they store it on the abdomen instead, like men. This leads to a greater risk of heart disease.

At the same time, both men and women tend to find muscle turning to fat as they grow older, and the metabolism slows down. This means that if you do not adjust your eating habits you will probably find that your weight increases. A person of 60 just does not need as many calories as a person of 40.

Hormone therapy with estrogen is sometimes prescribed to control menopausal symptoms. Many women will be surprised to hear that studies have shown that hormone therapy does not cause weight gain. Some women experience bloating and water retention in the early stages of hormone therapy but this is usually temporary and they have not gained any fat. Hormone therapy can reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing the changes in storage of body fat around the abdomen and lowering cholesterol. However, hormone therapy has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in some studies.

If you find that you are gaining weight around the menopause, there are several things you can do.

- Eat a healthy, low fat diet with plenty of fiber, avoiding sugar.

- Take regular exercise. As people get older their physical activity levels naturally drop. Work often becomes less physically demanding, there are no kids to run around after, we take less active holidays and do things more slowly. 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day will help to balance out the effect of this.

- Maintain your muscle strength and mass. Use weights for arm muscles and walking or cycling for legs.

- Accept the changes to the shape of your body. If you are not overweight, but simply have a thicker waist and slimmer legs, that is fine.

Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program if you have any medical conditions or your fitness levels are low. Your doctor can also help with symptoms of the menopause and weight gain.

Many people are now turning to inexpensive and natural green tea weight loss plans to help them in their weight control efforts. It is simple too. Green tea can be drunk like any other tea, usually without milk or sweeteners, or if you do not like the taste you can purchase green tea extract.

Research has shown that green tea helps to reduce weight by stimulating the body's thermogenesis process, which increases the expenditure of energy and the oxidization of fat in the body. Many compounds found in plants have this effect. The special thing about green tea is that it does not increase the heart rate, and is therefore believed to be safer than diet pills such as ephidrine that also work by stimulating thermogenesis.

A lot of people who are overweight have or are at risk of developing hypertension and other cardiovascular problems, so the fact that green tea does not put pressure on the heart makes it a good choice. Ephidrine is not usually recommended if you are in this group but green tea is considered a safe option. It means that you can gradually increase your exercise levels without increasing your risk of heart problems.

There are only two ways to lose weight: one way is by eating less (consuming fewer calories) and the other is by increasing expenditure of energy (using up more calories). Green tea works by increasing output and this can be by around 4%. Most scientists believe that this is caused by the high quantity of catechin that is in the tea and its extract.

Green tea has the added benefit of containing powerful antioxidants that may be beneficial to your health in many ways, strengthening the immune system and protecting against disease.

Keep in mind that green tea does contain caffeine so you should cut out coffee and other forms of tea while you are taking it. Decaffeinated green tea is not recommended because the chemical processes that are used to remove the caffeine may destroy the beneficial properties of the plant.

At the same time you will need to exercise control in what you eat. If you eat more to compensate for the calories that are burnt by the tea, you will not lose any weight. Keeping to the same calorific intake that you have now and taking green tea should result in gradual weight loss and better energy levels over a few weeks. You can of course increase the speed of this by reducing calorie consumption and/or increasing exercise.

Green tea is a simple, easy and inexpensive weight control aid that can easily be incorporated into any weight loss program. The choice of tea or extract offers something for everybody. Natural and safe, green tea weight loss should feature in your program if you want to keep the weight off permanently.

Want to lose weight fast? It's easy to say goodbye to 10 pounds of unwanted fat with these easy diet tips. Just pay attention to what you eat and be sure to have good tasting, fresh and healthy food including snacks, fill up on vegetables and keep your taste buds happy with fruit.

No need to make sacrifices! Just follow these simple guidelines to lose your first 10 pounds, last 10 pounds or give your weight loss program a boost when it seems to have stuttered to a halt. This is a balanced and flexible plan that you can use for as long as you want.

1. Keep a note of everything that you eat and drink. You do not need to estimate calories. Just write down what it was that you had and the approximate quantity. You will find that being more aware of what you are eating helps you to plan healthy meals and snacks.

2. Halve your intake of all pure or added fats. This means using half as much butter or spread on your bread, toast, muffins and potatoes; half the usual amount of mayonnaise or sauce on your salad; and half the oil in the frypan every time.

3. Limit treats containing sugar to three times per week. This includes chocolate, ice cream, desserts, cake, pastries, cookies, etc.

4. Include a lower fat source of protein at most meals: chicken, fish, beans, cottage cheese, or low fat yogurt. Have eggs, nuts and red meat occasionally but not every day.

5. Plan at least one lunch and dinner every week without meat or cheese. Build those meals around whole grains, vegetables and beans to increase fiber and reduce fat.

6. Reduce the fat content in your milk products. If you are currently drinking whole milk, reduce to 2% fat. From 2% reduce to 1%. Choose lower fat cheese and yogurt. When you buy yogurt, also check that it does not contain sugar.

7. Have at least two servings of fruit every day. This can be for dessert or snacks. Choose fruit that is in season.

8. Drink water instead of sodas, juices, milky drinks or alcohol. Avoid diet soda - the sweet taste only encourages you to crave sugar. Hot water with a slice of lemon can be very refreshing in the morning.

9. Include at least two servings of vegetables at lunch and dinner. If you are getting hungry, have more.

10. Eat slowly. The body is slow to register when you are full and it is easy to eat too much if you are racing through your meals.

11. Grated carrot makes a great snack. You will find that a grated carrot is much more filling than a whole carrot. Strange but true.

12. Use whole grains wherever possible. The fiber will give you a fuller feeling and also help your digestion.

13. Choose food that you can chew. Again this will increase your fiber intake, and the act of chewing will make you feel more satisfied too. This means eating fruit instead of drinking juice. If you have soup, make sure it is chunky.

14. Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. Plan your shopping too - make a list of what you need and stick to it. If you just grab something when you are feeling hungry, you will probably choose high calorie food.

15. Always switch off the TV when you eat. That includes snacks as well as meals. Studies have proved that we eat larger portions in front of the TV, probably because we are much less aware of what we are eating. When you eat, only eat if you want to lose weight fast.

Flossing your teeth every day could add 6.4 years to your life, according to Michael Roizen, MD, author of RealAge. In his book, Roizen lists flossing as one of the most important daily activities -- along with exercise and quitting smoking -- that could extend life span.

Roizen's calculation may raise some eyebrows, but the idea that oral health is connected to overall health isn't far-fetched.

The mouth, after all, is an integral part of the body. "Teeth have a blood supply, and that blood supply comes from the heart," says Richard Price, DMD, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association (ADA).

Researchers suspect that the bacteria that produce dental plaque enter the bloodstream. They say these bacteria are somehow associated with the inflammation that occurs with plaque that blocks blood vessels and causes heart disease.

Other researchers have found links between oral bacteria and stroke, diabetes, and the birth of preterm babies and those that have low birth weight.

In addition to preventing disease, flossing and brushing can help keep your pearly whites intact for more than just cosmetic reasons. Teeth help you chew food, speak properly, and smile -- which, according to Price, can help you keep your dignity.

We already know that physical activity has a bounty of benefits, which makes it so puzzling why so many people just don't do it. According to the CDC, more than 60% of Americans do not get regular exercise.

In case you needed an incentive, here is a review of the advantages of exercise, per the National Cancer Institute:

* Helps control weight
* Maintains healthy bones, muscles, and joints
* Reduces risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes
* Promotes psychological well-being
* Reduces risk of death from heart disease
* Reduces risk of premature death

Studies have also shown a link between exercise and a reduced risk of certain cancers.

Besides its long-term effects, moving your body has immediate benefits, says Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. The short-term results of exercise include helping people to think and move better, manage stress, improve mood, and get an energy boost.

The excuses that people often give to not exercise are the precise reasons to exercise, says Bryant. People who say they are too tired or don't have time to workout don't realize that exercise gives people more energy and allows them to be more productive with the rest of their time.

Volunteer. Go to church. Join a club. Whatever you do, do it with people. Communal activities are good for your physical and mental health, according to a study published in the March/April 2004 issue of the American Journal of Health Behavior.

It makes sense, says C. David Jenkins, PhD, author of Building Better Health: A Handbook of Behavioral Change. He says social ties have many benefits, including:

* Providing information. You may think for instance your frequent nosebleeds, coughing, and sneezing episodes are trivial, but when a close friend or relative hears of it, he or she may encourage you to go to a doctor. If the symptoms turn out to be a serious condition, the social tie could have saved your life.
* Instrumental help. Friends and family can provide physical support in time of need. They may help with cooking, cleaning, running errands, doing grocery shopping, and driving to the doctor's office.
* Emotional support. Sharing a problem with a trusted person can help alleviate an internal burden. "It's a load off your chest," says Jenkins.
* Offering a sense of belonging. This feeling not only helps reinforce a person's identity, it also assists in preventing and overcoming depression and anxiety.

Community ties also help improve mental functioning, says Fleming. Group activities can help keep the mind active and maintain desirable levels of serotonin -- the brain chemical associated with mood. "Lack of social interaction will [decrease] serotonin levels," says Fleming.

"Your body has to have enough time to rest," says Michael Fleming, MD, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Otherwise, he says you may find yourself feeling cranky and tired.

This may sound like common sense, but according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), more than two-thirds of older adults suffer from sleep problems and many American adults don't get the minimum amount of shuteye needed to stay alert.

Sleep is vital to good health and to mental and emotional well-being. The NSF reports that people who don't get enough slumber are more likely than others to develop psychiatric problems and to use health care services. Plus, sleep deprivation can negatively affect memory, learning, and logical reasoning.

Not enough ZZZs can also be hazardous. More than one-half of adult drivers -- some 100 million people -- say they have driven drowsy in the past year, according to NSF polls. About one out of five of these drivers -- 32 million people -- say they've fallen asleep while driving.

Each year drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 car crashes, 1,500 deaths, and tens of thousands of injuries, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NSF recommends taking a 15 to 20 minute nap. Because it takes about 30 minutes for the caffeine to work, taking a nap while you wait for the caffeine to kick in can help restore alertness.

To avoid the pitfalls of insufficient sleep, make sure to get at least seven to 10 hours of slumber each night. Kids need more sleep, depending on their age.

It's time to take off the sneakers and socks and slip your feet into a sexy pair of sandals. Here's how to make sure that your feet look terrific.1. Soak your feet for about ten minutes.2. Pat feet dry.3. Clip toenails straight across. Or, if you would rather, use an emery board (but wait until toenails are completely dry).4. Using pumice stone, remove any rough areas.5. Massage cuticle area with

Health Benefits of Lady's Finger :

1) The vegetable is a good provider of good bacteria called the probiotics. Probiotics helps in biosynhtesis of vitamin B. They also help in proliferation
just like the yoghurt.

2) Nurture you hair : Lady's Finger can be applied to hair as the last rinse to make your hair bounce.

Follow the steps ahead

• Slice the lady's finger horizontally and boil it till the is brew is slim.
• Cool it off and add few drops of lemon juice to it.
• Apply this to your hair and enjoy the bouncy look.

3) Lady's finger has other health benefits as mentioned below.

1. Excellent laxative.
2. Treats Bowels.
3. Heals Ulcers.
4. Soothes the gastrointestinal tract.

It is time ( know I am a little late ) to set my goals towards my health.
1) Put on 5kg's extra this year : Currently I weight around 67 to 69 Kg. I want to put 5 kgs, so I am looking myself to weight 70 to 75 kg in 2009 Jan. I will be following some diet routines and importance of cholesterol in getting size in my coming posts. ( so keep looking at blog). I achieved my goal of putting 10kg last year. Maybe in future I will update the blog with my pictures.
2) Regular Joggging : In my earlier post my jogging track, I have placed the pictures of the place where I go for jogging. I will be a regular visitor there at least 5 times a week.
3) Quit smoking this year.
4) I am very poor at drinking water and I will make it sure this year to drink at least a glass of water every hour.
5) More fruits this year, less beverages and lot of green vegetables will be on chart.
6) Quit Tea.

When winter arrives, the sniffles loom threateningly. Each year when the weather changes. more people fall sick, ailments are aggravated and it takes longer to recover. These viral or bacterial attacks are a sign of bodily weakness and an impaired immune system. They attack when we are at our lowest ebb, as in winter the cold lowers our resistance. People who have weakened immune system lack the wherewithal to identify viruses and fight them off. People with healthy lifestyle are better able to combat diseases.

Most viral infections find a beginning in the sore throat, followed by cough, sneezing and finally ending in nasal discharge. This further leads to increases in breathing problems and allergies. Cold and viral infections spread like wildfire in this season. Both are capable of being transmitted within hour from person to person. Precaution in case of cold involves avoiding close contact with a patient since it is transmitted through droplets while sneezing. The infection period for both starts a day prior to the emergence of symptoms and lasts for about two days after complete recovery.

You could be carrier of infection even after it is completely washed out of your system. Take plenty of lukewarm liquids as it is beneficial in case a cold does catch up with you.
Since the skin looses all the moisture in winter due to dry winter air, skin are highly damaged.

Related Posts:
Avoid Dry Skin
Home Remedy for Cold

Pregnancy!! A great time for women with the feeling of being a mother on their mind. Pregnancy time is also a good time for hair. why? because this is the time when the body produces more and more estrogen, hormone that stimulates and keeps the hair in the growing phase. No wonder you see so many gorgeous pregnant woman around.
What about the hair loss after pregnancy? The estrogen levels drops in the body and the mane of hair the woman acquired before pregnancy starts to disappear. There is considerable loss of hair and woman often freak out with bunch of hair loss at the slightest touch of hand. The hair become weaker and thin due to dropped levels of estrogen. In some cases the scalp at the front and on the top become sore. This hair loss after pregnancy is called Telogen Effluvium. This process starts 3 months after pregnancy and is at its peak during the six month after pregnancy. Physical stress, hormone changes and lack of sleep adds to the hair loss after pregnancy.

How can you control hair loss after pregnancy?

a) Sleep for 8 hours at least.
b) Drink a glass of water every hour.
c) Eat food for hair like the almond, soya, dates and flax seeds.

On a leaving note, please take care when you are at telogen effluvium stage as the hair sometimes may get wrapped around baby's feet to cut off the blood circulation and the medical terms this as toe tourniquet syndrome.

Best of luck and take care. If the hair loss does not stop, women can nowadays consider a hair transplant.

Before going into the effects of second hand smoke on children let me tell you what a second hand smoke is all about. Second hand smoke is a mixture or combination of smoke exhaled by cigarette smoker and the smoke coming from the lighted end of the cigarette or whatever form of tobacco you smoke, also called as environmental tobacco smoke. It is the chemicals present in it which makes the second hand smoke so effective. From my research online I found there are almost 4000 chemicals present in the smoke of which 40 to 43 can cause cancer. Effects of second hand smoke on children are due to kid's growing/developing lungs which are more susceptible to the second hand smoke. In adults the lungs and other can be affected organs are fully grown, so they are not at a higher risk.

• Asthma
• SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
  
• Pneumonia and Bronchitis
• Middle Ear Infections
• Allergies
• Eye Irritations
• Headaches

A Study Second Hand Smoke Effect on Children:

A study was carried out in Hong King , which involved looking after 7,402 children newly born children in april and may 1997 for 8 years. It was found that, if a child was exposed to second hand tobacco smoke during the first six months, the chances to get admitted to the hospital for an infectious disease increased by 45%.


A personal suggestion to all. Please stop smoking. If you can't, then at least avoid being near to children to avoid the effects of second hand smoke on children.


Related Post :
Quit Smoking Inspiring Stories.

The taste of fruits and vegetables from the nature seems to be overshadowed in the glamorous setting of the food centers these days. Our body desperately needs vitamins and minerals along with enzymes to keep fit. Herbal juices have no alternative to level the reducing enzymes with the age. Herbal juice is the best healthy drink.

The place where I go jogging was distributing a brochure, which had importance of different types of herbal juices. I will present it without any changes to the brochure.

1) Herbal Neem Juice : Effective in diabetes, skin diseases, purifies blood and reduces heat and pimples.
2) Herbal Bitter Gourd Juice : Its amazing quality reduces the blood sugar level. The bitter juice is very effective with lemonade in curing many ailments such as whitening of hair, jaundice, increased fat, skin diseases, urinal diseases and many other. Regular consumption of this juice cures leucoderma and psoriasis.
3) Herbal Basil And Menthol Juice : Improves digestion, nervous system and helps in improving conditions in case of fever, cough, asthma, colitis, kidney functions, cholesterol levels, improves memory and effective in skin diseases.
4) Herbal Lemon Juice : Herbal lemon juice is effective in digestion, cold, cough, heart diseases, stomach diseases, swelling, urinal ailments, jaundice, piles, asthma, dropsy, etc.
5) Herbal Ginger Juice : Functions similar to lemon juice.
6) Herbal Amla Juice : Improves hair quality, eyesight, healthy, improves blood, effective against oral diseases, anaemia, arthritis, gum problems, recurring cold, cough, tonsils, urinal diseases, infertility, blood problems, jaundice, asthma, T.B., memory problems, old age problems, etc.
7) Herbal Kokam Juice : Effective for acidity, high quality thirst quencher, good for heart, effective in heat and cures diarrhea.
8) Herbal Carrot Juice : Beta Carotene's treasure, improves resistance power. Improves eye health, controls the oral and lungs cancer. Kids should consume this juice as it has iron and calcium.
9 ) Herbal Beetroot Juice : Enriched food, improves and calms blood, good appetizer by improving digestion. It increases power and enthusiasm.
10) Herbal Jamun Juice : Effective for burns, acidity and improves urinal flow, level diseases, diabetes, anaemia, spleen problems, burns in arethra, etc.
11) Herbal Bel Leaf Juice : Effective in urine stone, arthritis, joint pains and for diabetes upto some extent.
12) Herbal Gourd Juice : Best for heart, blood circulation and cholesterol control.

If you know of any other juice, it's benefits do post a comment on it.

Related posts :
Beetroot Juice Benefits.
Minerals required by the body.

The AHA recommends a serving of fish two times per week.

Besides being a good source of protein and a food relatively low in the bad type of dietary fat called saturated fat, fish has omega-3 fatty acids -- which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon, are rich in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Foods such as tofu, soybeans, canola, walnuts, flaxseed, and their oils contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which convert to omega-3 in the body. Even though the benefits of ALA are controversial, the AHA still recommends foods containing it as part of a healthy diet.

In addition to their heart-health benefits, there is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may also soothe an overactive immune system, says Johnson. Even though this benefit is still being studied, she says there appears to be a link between getting more omega-3s in your diet and reducing allergies, asthma, eczema, and autoimmune disorders.

Minerals are not produced by body so we have to take them externally in form of food. If you don't know minerals form 4% of the body mass. Since women loosed much more minerals than men, women requires a larger intake of minerals.


Here is a list of some important minerals the body needs and there functions,
1) Calcium : Body needs the calcium mineral for proper development of bones and teeth, nerve functioning, blood clotting and muscle contraction.
2) Magnesium : Instead of writing down where magnesium is used by body, I would just mention, it is required by almost every process that our body performs.
3) Phosphorus : Phosphorus is one of the mineral needs of the body as it constitutes to the bones, teeth, formation of enzyme which is used in energy conversion reaction. It also maintains a balance of the acids in the body.
4) Zinc : Zinc is vital mineral for strong immune system.
5) Chromium : Chromium is used by body to maintain a balance of sugar in human blood and thus is used to treat a diabetic patient.
6) Cobalt : Cobalt is required for maintaining the number of RBC's in body and to build a healthy nervous system.
7) Copper : RBC's production, maintaining healthy skin, cartilage and bones, promotion of skin color, hair color, maintain cholesterol levels and utilizes the vitamin C are some of the functions of copper.
8) Iodine : Iodine is required by body to prevent Goiter (swelling under the neck [my mother has it but it is under control and the swelling has decrease gradually in years from medications]).
9) Iron : Iron helps in transportation of oxygen through out the body.
10) Manganese : Helps in normal functioning of brain.
Some other minerals required by the body are Molybdenum, Selenium, Vanadium and Boron.

If you want to read each of the element in detail, there is a great site dedicated to minerals and deficiency.

Related Posts:
Tuna fish, a rich source of selenium

Chillies! Chillies! Haa Haa thing! Yes every thing has its own role in maintaining one's health so do the chillies. Chillies can provide 7 times more vitamin C than a orange. Chillies provide Vitamin A, B , C and E. Chillies also provide minerals like molybdenum, manganese, folate, potassium, thiamin, and copper.

Health Benefits of Chillies:
1) Pain Killer : Chillies cause the release of natural pain killers called endorphins.
2) Increases Metabolism : Chillies help in digestion of food, by detoxicating gastrointestines.
3) Releases Nasal Congestion :
4) Discourage Blood Clots : If there is an internal blood clot blocking the flow of blood to cerebral tissues, Cayenne clears the way for the blood flow to the required parts.
5) Anti-inflammatory Agent :
6) Antibiotics : Chillies has a property to increase the flow of fresh blood to the infected areas, thus bringing in more and more WBC's ( White Blood Cells ) to fight the infection.
7) Prevents Cancer.
8) Stimulates the Circulation of Blood.
9) Aids in Digestion.

After reading the article in a newspaper I decided to test the beetroot juice for the first time. (There are stalls of all types of juices where I go for jogging). So I ordered one and it was so truly mentioned in the article that beetroot juice is oily and somewhat hard to digest. But hey hold on, thats not the only thing. Let me jot down some of the benefits of beetroot juice.

Benefits Of Beetroot Juice
1) Controls Bile : Google defines bile to be a digestive juice, which is secreted by the liver and is stored in gall bladder and aids in digestion of fat.
2) It also aids in absorption of iron : Iron is required for oxidation - reduction reaction and oxygen transport in the body.
3) Provides betaine : Betaine is required by body to clean the intestine and stomach.
4) It is believed to be a powerful recovery agent in case of malignancy ( cancers) .
5) Beetroot juice is also effective in overall recovery process after being sick or injured to get normal again.
6) Reddens and vitalizes the body and improves the quality of blood.

Caffeine! A chemical found in coffee has number of advantages and disadvantages. Caffeine effects can be experienced when you are tired and with a cup of coffee, you suddenly you feel a lot more alive. I will quickly run through some of the caffeine effects in todays post.

Caffeine Effects:

1) Since caffeine improves the functionality of nerve cells to communicate, results in improved memory, alertness, reaction time and mental functionality.
2) Caffeine is a booster for Blood Pressure and heart.
3) Caffeine absorption in fetus's may result in low proportion of calcium and iron in a fetus. With a high dose it can even result in fetus breathing slow with increased heart bit.
4) Caffeine also promotes urination. Urination eventually cause loss of calcium from body and can result in not so strong bones and dehydration.

Hello All! Today I am not posting any tips, instead I would walk you through my everyday jogging track and the surroundings. The place where I jog is not a jogging park as such, instead it is a hilly area located at the heart of city, I live in. Everyday morning by about 7 o' clock me and a friend of mine reach the main gate leading into the lush green area with plenty of fresh air and peacocks (no kidding) . It's winter in here and the morning climate is awesome to jog these days.

I regularly start my day at the above location and position. What a feeling! Words won't be able to describe it. It is an experience. After some Vitamin D intake, I start jogging into the woods. These days plenty of peacocks pass through the jogging track (as mentioned earlier you can see in the first picture, it is not really a jogging track) and you can see them from a distance. After 15 minutes of jog. I trek a small hill, which is an added advantage for cardio routine.

At the end of 15 minutes it's time for some streching, situps, push ups and relaxation. Streching is for 5 minutes, push ups are for 5 to 8 minutes with a gap of 1 - 2 minutes between each sets of 25 to 30 push ups. Relaxation includes looking through the woods, piercing way to sky. Yes I really feel relaxed in the above position.

What is your routine? Do post a link to your jogging routine ( exercise routine) and the pics or links to the pics where you exercise. Thanks. You can read one of my post on jogging tips.

Here is basics easy enough for anyone to follow. ENJOY !Clean skin is a must before using makeup and having the correct "tools" is a necessity. Invest in good quality brushes for your application, and use a good skincare range everyday. Using makeup is fun - Practice with color, balance, blending, light and shade, and you should look beautiful.Makeup is applied to the face to improve appearance -

By Dulce Zamora
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD

Disregard them, and you may well be taking a big gamble with your mental and emotional well-being.

There are 13 ways to boost your chances of living a happy, healthy life. More can be added to this list, but, for simplicity's sake, we'll stick with this typically unlucky number.

Instead of bringing misfortune, however, the 13 habits promise a life of vigor and vivacity. There are, of course, no guarantees, but many of the practices mentioned here have been published in scientific journals. Disregard them, and you may well be taking a big gamble with your mental and emotional well-being.

Healthy Habit No. 1: Eat Breakfast Every Morning

Breakfast eaters are champions of good health. Research shows people who have a morning meal tend to take in more vitamins and minerals, and less fat and cholesterol. The result is often a leaner body, lower cholesterol count, and less chance of overeating.

"That one act [of eating breakfast] seems to make a difference in people's overall weight," says Melinda Johnson, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). She says breakfast can hold off hunger pangs until lunchtime and make high-calorie vending machine options less enticing.

Not only that, researchers at the 2003 American Heart Association conference reported that breakfast eaters are significantly less likely to be obese and get diabetes compared with nonbreakfast eaters.

Another study in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition showed that people who consumed breakfast cereal every day reported feeling better both physically and mentally than those who rarely ate cereal in the morning.

For kids, breakfast appears to enhance alertness, attention, and performance on standardized achievement tests, reports the ADA.

To get the full benefits of breakfast, the Mayo Clinic recommends a meal with carbohydrates, protein, and a small amount of fat. They say that because no single food gives you all of the nutrients you need, eating a variety of foods is essential to good health.

Yet, even with so much scientific support that breakfast does the body good; many people still make excuses not to eat in the morning. They include not having enough time and not feeling hungry. For these people, Johnson suggests tailoring breakfast to the day.

"When I'm getting ready in the morning, I don't really want to take the time to eat breakfast because that would mean sacrificing sleep," says Johnson. "So I bring my breakfast with me, and I know I have an hour when I'm reading emails in the office when I can eat it. By that time, I'm hungry because I've been up for almost a couple of hours." to be continue

Skin! the exterior by which a man/woman is known. The complexion that matters. Everyone likes to have a wonderful skin. Don't you stare at people with soft, moist skin. Ah! Who won't like that!

So why does the skin dries out in winter? The answers are low humidity, low temperature and strong wind blowing interfere with the lipid layer which protects our skin from being dry. To take it further, our skin is made of layers. The outermost layer is called stratum corneum and is made up of dead skin cells and natural oils that are produced from living skin cells. Stratum Corneum has two important functions. First is, it retains water from being evaporated to retain the moisture for the skin and secondly, it prevents germs from entering the skin. To summarize the natural oils (lipids) and dead cells contains water which is responsible for keeping the skin moist. So when these lipids reduce in number the skin becomes dry.

Tips to get rid of dry skin.
1) Use warm water instead of hot while bathing to avoid hot water pulling away the moisture from the skin.
2) Apply moisturizer after shower and hand washing when the skin is damp for best effects.
3) Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week for the moisturizer to be effective. Exfoliate face with facial scrub, while body with body scrub, reason being the difference in skin types.
4) Avoid soaps that turn your skin dry like the foamy ones and those which has cleanser like lye. Instead consider using a creamy moisturizer cleanser made up of glycerin and petrolatum.
5) Apply moisturizer and cover your hands and legs with gloves and socks respectively.
6) Stay hydrated in a limited way, as drinking a lot of water in any won't hydrate your skin from inside out.
7) Take care of your lips. Please don't move your tongues around them. It will never help them preserve the moisture. Instead they will loose it.
8) Extra Care for Face in winter is a must. Moving out of house in wind without a scarf and moisturizer on is a strict NO.

Other tips:
People with sensitive skin should not use tap water? Reason is harsh chemicals which will cause your skin to dry up.
Suggestions: Instead use Pond's like cold cream, which does not need rinsing. Special water containing selenium and chamomile.

What do you do to keep away dry skin in winter?

What's the best treatment for a cold?

There is no cure for the common cold. The most important thing you can do is drink a lot of fluids to keep your body hydrated. This will help prevent another infection from setting in. Avoid drinks like coffee, tea, and colas with caffeine. They rob your system of fluids. As for eating, follow your appetite. If you're not really hungry, try eating simple foods like white rice or broth.

Chicken soup is comforting, plus the steam helps break up nasal congestion. Ginger seems to settle an upset stomach. A hot toddy may help you sleep, but beware of mixing alcohol with other cold remedies.

Over-the-counter cold medicines can offer relief from aches and fever. However, doctors no longer believe in suppressing low-grade fever except in very young and very old people, or people with certain medical conditions such as heart or lung disease. Low-grade fever helps the body fight off infection by suppressing the growth of viruses or bacteria and by activating the immune system.

* Aspirin. Young people and children should not take aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
* Decongestants can help make breathing easier by shrinking swollen mucous membranes in the nose. Use for no more than two or three days.
* Saline nasal sprays can also open breathing passages and may be used freely.
* Cough preparations are not hugely effective. For minor coughs, water and fruit juices probably help the most.
* Gargling with salt water can help relieve a sore throat.

How effective are natural remedies like zinc, echinacea, and vitamin C?

Some studies show that zinc nasal sprays help cut a cold's severity and duration. The theory? Zinc sprays may coat the cold virus and prevent it from attaching to nasal cells where they enter the body. But other studies show that zinc is no more effective than placebo. Recent, well-done studies on echinacea show that it is not effective in preventing colds. However, in one study, 120 people with cold-like symptoms took 20 drops of echinacea every two hours for 10 days and had briefer colds than others.

As for vitamin C's effects, a recent survey of 65 years' worth of studies found limited benefit. The researchers found no evidence that vitamin C prevents colds. However, they did find evidence that vitamin C may shorten how long you suffer from a cold. One large study found that people who took a vitamin C megadose -- 8 grams on the first day of a cold -- shortened the duration of their colds.

To prevent colds the natural way, it's best to make sure you've got a well-nourished immune system. Dark greens foods like spinach are loaded with vitamins A and C. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation. Low-fat yogurt may help stimulate the immune system.

Regular exercise -- such as aerobics and walking -- also boosts the immune system. People who exercise may still catch a virus, but they have less severe symptoms. They may recover more quickly compared with less-healthy people.

WebMD Medical Reference
View Article Sources Sources

SOURCES: CDC: Q&A: "Preventing the Flu." CDC: "Q&A: Cold Vs. Flu." William Schaffner, MD, chairman, preventive medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. Tracy Wimbush, MD, emergency room specialist, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Douglas, R. Public Library of Science Medicine, June 2005; vol 2: pp 132-133. News release, Public Library of Science. University of Pennsylvania Office of Health Education: "Cold and Flu Remedies: Questions and Answers." WebMD Medical Reference: "Answers About Home Remedies for Cold and Flu." WebMD Feature: "Call in Sick or Go to Work?" WebMD Medical Reference: "When Should I See A Doctor for a Cold or the Flu?" WebMD Medical Reference: "12 Tips to Prevent Cold and Flu the 'Natural' Way." WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic: "Sinusitis." WebMD Medical News: "Vitamin C May Not Fight the Common Cold." WebMD Medical News: "Cure for the Common Cold - The Elusive Search." WebMD Medical News: "How to Short-Circuit a Cold - Maybe."
Reviewed by Jonathan L Gelfand, MD on November 21, 2007

Recently, a close friend of mine and the best realtor in Tampa Bay,Rae Catanese, were discussing the close of 2007 and beginning of a new year...a clean slate. Based on her introspective view of 2007 and plans for 2008 she crafted this amazing article I would like to share with you today. Happy New Year!

_____

First, we would like to thank you for your support this past year. As you know the real estate industry has had an effect on many people’s lives.

Unlike my usual real estate related articles, I‘ve decided to write a more personal message for 2008.

New Year’s Resolutions-2008 is going to be GREAT!

New Opportunities-Letting go of past inhibitions and fears allows yourself to experience new opportunities, meet new people and be open minded to new ways of thinking. One of the new social networking groups that I’ve joined is Facebook. Facebook connects you with people that have the same interests, whether it is on a business level or just for fun. It’s a great way to network.

Control your thoughts.- Realize you are in control of letting your thoughts and mind control your actions. You will become the person you think you are if you let yourself listen to your negative inner voice. If you say “I’m too old” or “I won’t be able to get that great job” then you are letting your thoughts control you. Turn your habits of thinking into positive reinforcement. This isn’t going to be easy and you will have to make a conscience effort to remind yourself to change your patterns.

Be confident-Have you ever noticed that people are drawn to other people who are confident, positive and project good energy? When you meet someone who resembles these qualities get to know them. Typically it is in their nature to want to share their own experiences. Don’t let fear take control by thinking “I can’t confide in someone, I will look weak.”

Distance yourself from negativity.-
Connect with positive minded people. For instance, base new relationships on building solid friendships. People you connect with on a particular level. It could be morally, spiritually, a love relationship or in a business environment. If you notice that the people you are surrounding yourself with are negative it will spread like a disease. The goal is to become a more positive person, so surround yourself with people who are like minded.

Change-If there is something you don’t like about your life change it. If everything stays the same you cannot change. My Mother always says “don’t expect different results by doing the same thing,” and she’s right. Change cannot happen unless you allow yourself to change. If your cup is full there is no room for change. Empty your mind to allow yourself to accept new things.

How to live in the present while reflecting on the past- The saying that “good things come to those who wait” isn’t my attitude. What are we waiting for exactly? Stop worrying about what may or may not happen tomorrow. Tomorrow may never come; therefore we really are never in complete control. Living in the present doesn’t mean that you cannot reflect on the past. If you reflect on the things you did right, on your success, this allows you to celebrate every little success. I subscribe to a blog site called Zen Habits. They have a great article on the 5 powerful reasons to make reflection a daily habit.

Let go of the past- If 2007 wasn’t the best year don’t dwell on it. Now is the time to let go and start fresh. If your childhood or past marriage was imperfect, realize you cannot change the past. Use what you've learned as a motivator to change your future.

Be Happy-The control we do have is our happiness. No amount of money will truly make you happy and to love yourself as a person. Isn’t happiness the TRUE meaning of life? How can you be happy if you allow yourself to base happiness on material possessions? There will never be an end to money, it will forever be apart of life. I like the quote from Dr. Wayne Dyer. “There is no way to happiness-happiness IS the way”

Loving yourself- But how does one love themselves? Love comes from giving and sharing, which will allow yourself to love the person you are. Anthony Robbins, one of the greatest self motivators of our time emphasizes on loving and accepting people for who they are. Focus on the good in people, life, and relationships. When you are truly happy about whom you are, you will start attracting people who are also loving and caring.

Set goals- Short term and long term. Make them achievable and realistic. If you don’t, you will become disappointed. Make a list and keep it somewhere that you can see it everyday. If your goals and expectations of your self and other people are too high you are bound to be hurt and frustrated when things don’t happen the way you’ve envisioned them.

Become who you want to be. Make the necessary steps by creating a list of how you envision your life. Remind yourself of these goals and determine how you are going to achieve them. Read self motivational books. Make the time and commit to being and feeling good. Treat others the way you want to be treated and it will be reciprocated. If felling good means losing 10 lbs, changing jobs, relocating to a different city, or finding your creative outlets then do it. He who hesitates is lost. Visualize being who you want to be. If you have a strong desire to make things happen, then they WILL happen.

Hope you enjoyed our New Years Resolutions article. Feel free to pass on with others.
We will continue to publish our Tampa Bay real estate updates throughout the year. We look forward to being a resource for you if are looking to buy or sell a home in 2008.
Remember 2008 is GOING to be great!

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Oranges are loved by people but some are not very much attracted to it. As everyone knows orange is abundant source for vitamin C? That's not enough! Here follows the list of other health benefits of orange.

1) Orange contains Beta carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant guarding the health of our cells.
2) Orange contains Calcium, which a school going knows how important is in healthy bones and teeth's.
3) Our brain needs folic acid for proper development which is found in Oranges.
4) Blood pressure can be kept in balance with magnesium found in Oranges.
5) To maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and to maintain electrolyte balance of cells, one can eat oranges for potassium it provides.
6) The food we take is converted into energy by thiamin found in orange.

Important tip :
The skin or the pith of the orange has as much vitamin c as the orange so one must try to eat it. You can add some spices to it, if you think it is not edible.

Next time you see a orange don't hesitate to take a piece. Which all fruits do you like? Do you have a list of fruits which you consume daily or frequently? Let us know!

Best Diet Tip No. 9:
Spice it up.

Add spices or chiles to your food for a flavor boost that can help you feel satisfied.

"Food that is loaded with flavor will stimulate your taste buds and be more satisfying so you won't eat as much," says Perdomo.

When you need something sweet, suck on a red-hot fireball candy for a long-lasting burst of sweetness with just a few calories.

Best Diet Tip No. 10:
Stock your kitchen with healthy convenience foods.

Having ready-to-eat snacks and meals-in-minutes staples on hand sets you up for success. You'll be less likely to hit the drive-through or call in a pizza order if you can make a healthy meal in 5 or 10 minutes.

Sass stocks her kitchen with:

* 94% fat-free microwave popcorn (20-25 calories per cup, and you can make it in two minutes or less)
* Frozen vegetables
* Bags of pre-washed greens
* Canned diced tomatoes
* Canned beans
* Whole-grain wraps or pitas
* Pre-cooked grilled chicken breasts
* A few containers of pre-cooked brown rice

Within minutes, she can toss together a healthy medley.

Best Diet Tip No. 11:
Order children’s portions at restaurants.

"When you are eating out, order a child's pizza or a small sandwich as an easy way to trim calories and get your portions under control," suggest Perdomo.

Another trick is to use smaller plates. This helps the portions look like more, and if your mind is satisfied, your stomach likely will be, too.

Best Diet Tip No. 12:
Eat foods in season.

"If you don't love certain fruits or vegetables, it could be because you ate them out of season when they have little taste or flavor," says Pensiero. "When you eat seasonally, fruits and vegetables are more flavorful, at their best, and I promise you won't be disappointed."

At GiGi's Trattoria, her restaurant in Rhinebeck, N.Y., she serves simple fruit desserts, like naturally sweet strawberries topped with aged balsamic vinegar, or low-fat yogurt or fresh berries in a compote.

Best Diet Tip No. 13:
Swap a cup of pasta for a cup of vegetables.

Simply by eating less pasta or bread and more veggies, you could lose a dress or pants size in a year.

"You can save from 100-200 calories if you reduce the portion of starch on your plate and increase the amount of vegetables," says Sass.

Best Diet Tip No. 14:
Use non-food alternatives to cope with stress.

Sooner or later, you're going to be faced with a stressful situation. Instead of turning to food for comfort, be prepared with some non-food tactics that work for you.

Sass suggests reading a few chapters in a novel, listening to music, writing in a journal, practicing meditative deep breathing, or looking at a photo album of loved ones.

Best Diet Tip No. 15:
Be physically active.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, don't use exercise either to punish yourself for eating or to "earn" the right to eat more.

"When you do, it sets up a negative thought pattern, which is why so many people say they hate to exercise," says May.

Instead, focus on how great you feel, how much better you sleep and how much more energy you have when you exercise. Physical activity is good for you whether you are trying to lose weight or not, so keep it positive and build a lifelong habit.

No one can deny getting cold one or the other time. Today I will write some home remedies to get over common cold.

1) Turmeric Powder : Using Turmeric as home remedy for cold is an ancient way followed, where 30 ml of milk, mixed with half spoon turmeric powder and the mixture is boiled. Take this once or twice a day and you are done with cold. When you are irritated with the runny nose one can inhale the smoke of the burning turmeric powder to increase the flow from nose for quick relief.
2) Lemon : Lemon juice rich is vitamin C is considered as most important home remedy for cold. It increases the resistance power of the body and reduced the time of illness. One can take a combination of lemon juice, warm water and a teaspoon of honey to get rid of cold.
3) Garlic : Garlic in soup form reduces the severity of cold. Garlic's antiseptic and cleansing respiratory passage properties makes it another important home remedy for cold. Take 3 or 4 pieces of garlic and boil it in water.
4) Ginger : One can always prepare a ginger tea and take it twice daily. Preparation is like normal tea. The only thing one has to do is add ginger to the tea.
5) Bitter Gourd Roots : The roots of bitter gourd are used in folk medicine to cure a cold. The contains should be teaspoon of root paste and same quantity of honey. Take it once a day.

Have you ever considered of being a vegetarian ever? Well after reading this post, maybe you can give vegetarian diet a thought! I came across a new term called Vegans. Vegans are those who eat no animals and animals products.

1) Living longer life: It has been stamped that those who are vegetarians can live 7 years more than non-vegetarians. Vegans can live 15 years more than meat fond people. Backed by China Health Project which states that vegetarians are less prone to cancer, heart attacks and other ailments.
2) Stronger Heart : Vegetarian diet is very low in calories and cholesterol levels than other diets. So cardiovascular diseases which are a reason for death of highest number of people in United States can be adopted instead of the high level of cholesterol and saturated fats found in American Diets.
3) Avoid Cancer : Cancers like Prostate, colon and skin cancer can be prevented by adopting a plant based diet. Tumor cells which are responsible for cancer are better controlled by vegetarian's immune system. Pineapple is one fruit which fights cancel cell wells. Read more about Pineapple and Facts.
4) Stay Slim : Many people want to stay slim and it has been like a stamped fact that vegetarians are a lot slimmer than meat eaters due to low fat and calorie but high protein vegetarian diet.
5) Detoxify Your Body : Vegetarian diet helps detoxification helping us in keeping away all the toxins. Remember a doctor always suggest a vegetarian diet before starting the detoxification programme.
6) Stronger Bones for Longer Time : Animal products like milk makes blood acidic and to maintain a balance our body pulls calcium from bones. So it is better to intake leafy vegetables like broccoli and legumes. In non-Veg diet, excess calcium intake has adverse effect on calcium absorption ad retention by body. In which case the body actually excrete calcium and results in bone disease like osteoporosis. A fact is vegetarian bone stays much longer than non-veg bone. ( I hope, I used the right line there )

Here are Some of My Beauty Tips of the Month: If you take some champagne and blend it with a little bit of sugar. Mix it in the palm of your hand and apply it with your fingers to your face. This is a very natural, and one of the best, and most affective method for exfoliating.Dark Chocolate is not only very good for your mood, but your well being, & health. But when applied as a mask it rewinds

Eye Makeup:Almond shaped eyes are considered to be the ideal. So when making up eyes, one tries with the help of light and dark eye makeup to make the necessary changes to give the eyes an almond appearance.EyeshadowApplication Technique:The following steps are followed in the application of eyeshadow shades.i. Using a fine, blunt-ended brush, gently apply the base colour to the entire lid from

Every fruit has its own role in healthy living. Certain fruits can give you required vitamins, while some can give you required enzymes. There is a lot, which I will posting subsequently in future. For today lets concentrate on what a pineapple can do?

Pineapple! Yes you heard it right. Pineapple though my favourite fruit, I never knew what positive effect it had on one's health. Fresh Pineapple is a good source of Bromelain, a enzyme which helps in digestion and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Bromelain is used in many experiments on cancer people to reduce the inflammation of cells and has proved to be a good agent at doing it's job in reducing swelling and inflammation. As a fact, pineapple will help reduce inflammatory conditions like acute sinusitis, arthritis. gout and sour throat.

When should one consume Pineapple? Pineapple consumption best effects when taken between two meals. The fact behind it is, the bromelain enzyme may only be used for digestive purpose than reducing the inflammatory condition if we consume it at meals. Also another fact is heat deactives the enzyme in pineapple. So canned pineapple or pineapple juice are not good sources of the enzyme. One should always try and consume fresh pineapple.