A Zinc Deficiency

We all need zinc to help protect against oxidative stress and complete DNA repair, but deficiencies in this trace mineral may be common and increase risks of cancer, DNA damage, infectious diseases and suboptimal immune function. The older you get, the greater the risk of running low on zinc. An estimated 12 percent of the U.S. population is probably at risk of zinc deficiency, and up to 40 percent of seniors may be deficient because absorption of zinc slows with age and because dietary intake may not meet your nutritional needs, according to experts at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. One recent study found that even a minor zinc deficiency can result in increased DNA damage. Zinc deficiencies have been linked to prostate cancer and to esophageal, breast and head and neck cancers and may contribute to infections and to autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, tests for zinc status aren't very good. The best dietary sources are beef and poultry; zinc is poorly absorbed from plants. The recommended daily allowance is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men, but I generally recommend taking 15 mg of zinc daily - or up to 30 mg daily if you don't eat many foods of animal origin.


The best plant sources of zinc are legumes (dried beans, garbanzos, black-eyed peas, lentils, peas, and whole soy products), pumpkin seeds, whole grains and nuts.

Dr. Weil

Green Tea

The health benefits of Green Tea have long been discussed by health guru’s and have been generally thought of and defined as "an immune system enhancer." The following study published by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition was therefore of particular interest. One interesting aspect of the study depicts the benefits of green tea for women only. The study is as follows:

Japanese women who drink even a little bit of green tea seem to have a lower risk of developing pneumonia, and those who drink five or more cups per day may be able to cut their risk by 47 percent. These findings are from a study published in the September 2009 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The researchers also found that drinking a single cup of green tea daily cut the risk of dying from pneumonia by 41 percent. But these results apply only to Japanese women, not men. Even with the gender differences, the investigators noted that their findings support the hypothesis that compounds in green tea can destroy or inhibit the growth of viruses and other microorganisms that cause pneumonia. This was a big study that followed more than 19,000 men and more than 21,000 women for more than 12 years. The participants' ages ranged from 40 to 79. The researchers saw the benefits in women (but not men) after controlling for age, physical function, smoking status and other health and dietary factors that might influence the risk of pneumonia.

For more information regarding Green Tea studies follow the link provided on this post.

Always be happy and healthy
Carl

Antioxidant rich spice

Rosemary

Another herb that is antioxidant-rich is "Rosemary". According to research, rosemary contains powerful antioxidants that may help to inhibit free radical damage to cells. Rosemary was been revealed to have even greater health benefits than paprika. Using rosemary to season fish, vegetables, egg-white omelets, and salads will give your system an antioxidant boost.

Rosemary is an excellent accompaniment to pork and chicken. In Mediterranean cuisine, rosemary is most often associated with vegetables sautéed in olive oil such as zucchini, tomatoes and eggplant. Sprinkle dried rosemary on charcoal when grilling for a delicious, aromatic treat.

Rosemary is very good with apricots, cabbage, cream cheese, eggplant, eggs, fish, lamb, lentils, mushrooms, onions, oranges, parsnips, pork, potatoes, poultry, rabbit, tomatoes, veal, and winter squashes

Rosemary combines well with bay leaves, chives, garlic granules, oregano, parsley, sage, savory and thyme.

Pack in the Antioxidants. Vitamins, and Minerals

Cauliflower Soup with Black Truffle Oil

Here is a treat that is as healthy as it is delicious.

Deliciously Organic

Family Favorites

Are there certain types recipes would you like to see on this blog? Are there family favorites that involve lots of processed ingredients that you'd like to see done using only organic ingredients? I'd love to hear your comments in hopes of giving you the recipes you are looking for.

The Benefits of Taking Alfalfa Supplements

Alfalfa A Superfood

Alfalfa supplements have been gaining popularity in the recent years.
The medicinal uses of alfalfa have existed for many years now and it is being used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for kidney problems. Alfalfa is an herbaceous legume that grows perennially. It has been used for a long time as livestock and horse feeds and are claimed to make horses and other livestock strong and swift. Alfalfa is an Arab term which means "Father of All Foods," and it has taken its name due to its beneficial effect.

Alfalfa Nutrition

Alfalfa naturally has about 300 nutrients and phytonutrients. The alfalfa plant is a good source of proteins as it is composed of 50% alfalfa protein. It is rich in vitamins such as beta carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, C, E and K, and is also a good source of minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and sulphur. It is also a natural source of amino acids, and provides rich sources of 9 essential amino acids. Last but not the least, it contains phytonutrients such as saponins, octasonols and isoflavones that is responsible for some of its medicinal effects. Alfalfa is indeed a very healthy food.
While eating alfalfa legumes and leaves can potentially give you all these nutrients, the full benefits of alfalfa can be achieved by the intake of alfalfa supplements.


Alfalfa Supplements

Alfalfa supplements come in many forms. There are dried leaves available and they are also being sold as alfalfa extracts in liquid form. Supplements also come as 250 milligram to 1000 milligram alfalfa tablets or alfalfa capsules, and they are available in drug and health stores all over the world. Alfalfa supplement is mostly taken in tablet and capsule form. Dried alfalfa leaves can also be steeped into one pint of water for 20 minutes to make alfalfa tea.

Alfalfa Health Benefits

Intake of alfalfa supplements offers a wide range of health benefits. These benefits include:
• Reducing of bad cholesterol
• Promoting liver health
• Detoxifying the body of harmful toxins in the blood
• Reduction of blood sugar levels
• Relieving muscle and joint pains
• Alleviating menopausal symptoms and side effects
• Increasing energy levels
• Reducing fatigue due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Alfalfa Dosage

There is no standard alfalfa dosage that has to be strictly followed. The recommended dosage depends particularly on the purpose of taking the drug. Alfalfa tabs and alfalfa pills, for example, are usually taken 2-3 times everyday after meals for lowering cholesterol. Drinking two cups of alfalfa tea achieves the best results. • •

Alfalfa Side Effects and Precautions

Generally, alfalfa is safe to take for those who are healthy. However, some isolated reports have been found on allergic reactions to alfalfa supplements. There have also been reports that mention that alfalfa seeds and alfalfa sprouts contain amino acids and other components that can be harmful for people with autoimmune diseases. If you suffer from any illness or are taking estrogens, immune-suppressing drugs, diabetes agents and water pills, it is best to consult your doctor before taking alfalfa supplements.

BELIEVING IS DECEIVING

BELIEVING IS DECEIVING

The vain tend to believe every flattery and no criticism.

The skeptic tends to believe every criticism and no flattery.

The Little Things

 

All couples get married expecting that their relationship will remain as warm, loving, and intimate as it was on their wedding day. And for many couples, it does. There's no secret and no luck involved: These couples have simply learned to devote time and attention to their marriage. Not just sometimes, but every day.
You see, it's not diamonds and flowers that make a marriage, but the little things. Each morning, he makes you coffee, while you make sure the freezer is always stocked with his favorite ice cream. You're still spontaneous, taking a Friday afternoon off to explore the countryside and stop at an out-of-the-way roadhouse for lunch. You're each other's best friend, there when things go right -- or wrong -- but still appreciate your time apart.

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Above all, you learn through the years to accept each other's shortcomings and to forgive each other for transgressions both large and small.

The good news is that in any relationship, particularly an intimate one, taking small, simple steps can bring big results.  Most fall in the category of what we can identify as "random acts of romance."

Be creative..you're sure to find more than a few ways to keep your love alive, vital, and evergreen, no matter how long you've been brushing your teeth side by side

Don't Trust Calorie Counts on Menus

According to researchers at Yale University, including calorie counts on menus seem to affect diner's choices. But what use is that if the reported calorie counts are wildly inaccurate?



A report in next month's Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds that the published calorie counts for so-called "reduced calorie" meals served at various chain restaurants were wildly inaccurate. On average, the actual calories were almost 20% higher, but the range of discrepancy was huge.


Some of the tested entrees contained fewer calories than advertised. For example, a slice of thin-crust cheese pizza from Domino's was listed at 180 calories but actually provided only 141. Several others were within 5% of the menu listings. A Taco Bell Crunchy Beef Taco was exactly as advertised: 191 calories.


However, an order of Szechuan-style asparagus from P.F. Chang's, which was listed at 260 calories, actually contained 558. And the Taco Bell Chicken Taco Salad, listed as 326 calories, was actually 607 calories.


In some cases, the serving size was the culprit. A side order of grits from Denny's is listed at 86 calories on the menu, for example. However, the 262-gram serving delivered to the table was twice as large as the 113-gram serving listed on the menu. Total calories: 258. Always be careful of SUPERSIZING specials.


Another problem was that low-calorie entrees often come with free side dishes that are not included in the posted calorie counts for the dish. For example, the petite sirloin steak served at Ruby Tuesday's weighed at 118 grams, exactly as advertised and, at 244 calories, actually came in slightly under the posted calorie count of 271. However, it came with a side of broccoli and a baked potato, which added another 667 calories to the meal.


Obviously putting calorie counts on menus is only going to help diners moderate their caloric intake if they bear some resemblance to reality. In the meantime, I'd take them with a grain of salt. If what arrives at your table looks like way too much food for the advertised calorie counts, it probably is. Be familiar with and pay attention to portion sizes. For example, do you know what a 118g (4-ounce) steak looks like? Check out this Portion Control Slide Show from WebMD( link is proved on this post located by the arrow). And finally, be aware of extras and sides that aren't included in the posted calorie counts.

Girls / Guys

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