The Benefits Of Sprouts

Health is something more and more people are getting serious about these days. Sprouts for the longest time have been considered a health food. Sprouts such as alfalfa, broccoli, and clover have become very popular in recent years. Alfalfa sprouts in recent studies has shown to be very effective helping reducing bad cholesterol. While many products also attack the good HDL fats alfalfa sprouts do not. The one thing that alfalfa sprouts also have is saponins. Besides lowering cholesterol, saponins also stimulate the immune system as well. The benefits of sprouts though do not end there as they have many other great benefits.
Many people also do not realize that sprouts also have a high concentrate of active antioxidants as well. These antioxidants help prevent aging and DNA destruction. Sprouts are also very high in fiber. Fiber helps the digestive system in our bodies and makes us feel fuller making us less likely to over eat and gain weight.
Eating plenty of sprouts also increases our protein count and gives us a good dose of Vitamin B and C. Calorie intake is something many of us worry about especially when we diet.
Sprouts are a low-calorie alternative to those high calorie items we love to digest. Sprouts also contain oxygen, which is essential for healthy cells. Oxygen rich food has been proven to repel viruses and kill bacteria in people. Without a doubt, sprouts have so many benefits they no longer can be ignore as a part of a healthy lifestyle for you.
http://growingsprouts.net/the-benefits-of-sprouts.html

BENEFITS OF ONIONS AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Recently there has been some e-mails circulating online regarding the use of onions for reducing or preventing flu symptoms. I have been asked to comment on this and give my opinion on the validity of this remedy. So here is what I have found.

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What centuries of grandmothers have instinctively known is now being confirmed by everyone from modern scientists to naturopathic doctors. Onions may have the ability to ward off and relieve symptoms of the common flu. And in a world where, according to the CDC, many Americans will get the seasonal flu every year, the simple method of boiling onions into a drinkable broth may be a good practice to return to.

Moreover, the outbreak of H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, has caused many people to consider getting flu vaccinations that, in my opinion, will do more harm than good. Prevention is the best method, and the following post will offer some insight into this ancient technique of using onions for flu prevention.

How Onions Help with the Flu

The idea that onions could ward off disease through their potent medicinal properties hails back thousands of years. Ancient Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine revered onions for their anti-inflammatory and congestion-relieving properties. The Ancient Greeks rubbed onions on sore muscles and the Native Americans used them to ward off the common cold and flu.

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In fact, the World Health Organization has even recognized the onion for its ability to help relieve symptoms of the flu such as coughs, congestion, respiratory infections and bronchitis. Some traditions have even recommended placing sliced onions beside the bed at night, or even just around the house, to help prevent yourself from getting the flu.
The theory was that the raw onion would absorb germs in the air, preventing them from entering the body. Even though, it must be noted, that one of the most common ways to get the flu, is by contact with contaminated surfaces or people. So remember to wash your hands, especially before eating or scratching your eyes.
In an early 1900′s Los Angeles Times article, the following suggestion was offered to the public:

“In a sickroom you cannot have a better disinfectant than the onion. It has a wonderful capacity for absorbing germs. A dish of sliced onions placed in a sickroom will draw away the disease; they must be removed as soon as they lose their odor and become discolored, and be replaced by fresh ones.”

Onions are known for both their anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also high in sulfuric compounds such as thiosulfinates, sulfoxides, and other odorous cysteine sulfoxides. These compounds give onions their pungent flavor and are what make you cry when cutting them. Research shows that the thiosulfinates in onions are responsible for their antimicrobial properties. Thiosulfinates have even been shown to kill off salmonella and E. coli. Sulfuric compounds also play a role in cancer and heart disease prevention, and therefore act as a great immune-boosting food for general disease prevention.

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Onions are also extremely high in the anti-oxidant quercetin. Quercetin helps the body fight free-radicals, and boosts the immune response. A recent study from the British Journal of Nutrition, showed that individuals who ate foods high in quercetin (onion soup was used in the study), had better immune responses and less likelihood for cardiovascular disease.
The Delmar’s Integrative Herb Guide states that, “Onions help break up or clear mucous and other substances that block the immune system from doing its work.” So this season, if you feel a cold or flu coming on, make yourself a big pot of soup using the simple recipe below.
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/onion-flu-remedy/

Onions, leeks, garlic, shallots, and scallions - the Allium vegetables - have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems, as well as anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effects. Their characteristic (and eye-irritating) organosulfur compounds have been shown to have several different anti-cancer effects. Plus, allium vegetables contain a number of other beneficial phytochemicals, including the cancer-fighting flavonoid, quercetin.
 Yours in good health,
 Dr. Fuhrman


3 High Protein Fruits to Include in Your Diet

High protein fruits are easy to find if you know where to look. Protein is broken down in your stomach during digestion, by enzymes called proteases. The purpose of this process is to give your body amino acids. High protein fruits should appeal to vegetarians in particular since they worry about getting enough protein in their diet. An attractive point to eating high protein fruits is the fact that they are low both in calories and fat. They're also rich in nutrients that are essential to maintenance, growth and body development. Not many people are aware of the presence of good amounts of protein in the following fruits.

1. High Protein Fruit: Avocado

The avocado is the first high protein fruit to include in your diet. Although it's often incorrectly labeled as a vegetable, an avocado is really a fruit. It is a rich source of other nutrients besides protein. It provides zinc, folic acid and fiber. Unlike other fruits, an avocado is a source of fats that are healthy for your heart. If there is one downside to an avocado, it is that its calorie content is relatively high. The amount of protein found in avocados is richer than that found in cow's milk. The protein in an avocado is more useful than that found in cooked steak, because cooked protein is not available to your liver. Your liver is the organ that makes all the protein in your body.

2. Peaches

Peaches are the second high protein fruit to include in your diet. One large, raw peach provides 2 grams of protein. Peaches are also high in other nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A and fiber. If there is one downside to peaches, it is that intolerance or peach allergy may develop in some people. This is mainly due to the high content of protein found in peaches. People will know they have a peach allergy if they experience local symptoms like contact urticaria or systemic symptoms such as anaphylaxis. If people find themselves allergic, it is due to the freshness of peaches. They can, therefore, solve this problem by eating canned or peeled peaches.

3. Figs

Dried figs are particularly high in protein. It is important to differentiate between fresh figs and dried figs. The content of protein in dried figs can be several times higher than in mere fresh figs. Athletes also know to eat a lot of figs for their nutritional properties. In addition to protein, figs contain fiber, potassium and calcium. Figs are a great snack due to how they taste and because eating them provides you with some of your daily intake requirements of fiber.
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/3-high-protein-fruits-to-include-in-your-diet.html

10 Seriously Disturbing Facts About Soda

Sugar has been linked to cause cancer, diabetes, obesity, kidney stones and other diseases and it also lowers your immune system.

According to the Beverage Marketing Corporation, Americans drink more than 50 gallons per capita of carbonated soft drinks each year. That adds up to thousands of extra calories, sugar, and who knows what else. For example, if Coke Classic is your drink at 96 calories per can, it adds up to 77,300 calories per year and 43,100 mg of caffeine per year.
Other drinks studied included bottled water, coffee, fruit beverages, milk, tea, beer, wine, spirits and carbonated soft drinks. Of the nine, soda made up the largest segment of beverages consumed and the U.S. as the highest per-capita soda consumer in the world. But what is all this soda doing to our bodies? To know exactly what you’re drinking, have a look at these ten seriously disturbing facts about soda.

Source : badpop.com
1. The Increased Risk of Osteoporosis : This disease is a serious condition that can result in tremendous pain with fractures caused by thinning of the bones. Those at risk include seniors, women, smokers, and now those who regularly consume soda. Experts speculate that replacing calcium rich drinks, such as milk, with soda is leading to a deficiency and therefore an increase in osteoporosis. WebMD has more in this expert article.
2. Passing Soda May be Harder Than You Think : According to a study in the “Journal of Clinical Epidemiology,” phosphate-based soft drinks have been proposed as a contributor to kidney stones. It looked at over 1,000 male patients who both formed kidney stones and were consumers of a significant amount of soda to see what effect soda might have on stone recurrence. Those who consumed phosphate-based sodas in the largest quantities had the highest rate of kidney stone recurrence.
3. Soda-holics on the Rise : Much like alcohol or any other narcotic, soda can become an addiction. In fact, due to its high levels of caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and sodium, it is difficult to tell which consumers become addicted to, if not all three. This addiction can lead to a variety of health problems, including weight gain, diabetes, and tooth erosion. This article at Suite 101 has loads more.
4. Annual Costs Can be Huge : With a twelve pack of soda averaging three to four dollars, have you ever stopped to think how much that costs per year? If your family drinks three per week, the annual cost is $546. With a soda tax looming, it can easily bloom to approximately $790.
5. Linked to Tooth Decay : According to a report published in “General Dentistry,” the phosphoric acid in soda causes tooth enamel erosion, even with minimal exposure. In fact, a spokesman for the Academy of General Dentistry says that the levels of acid found in sodas are comparable to that of a battery. There are also dangers for your teeth associated with the high sugar content of soda.
6. Mountain Dew Syndrome : Did you know that Central Appalachia is America’s number one spot for tooth decay? This is contributed to by poor diet, lack of access to dental care, and a love of soda, particularly Mountain Dew. The condition has become so common it is referred to as Mountain Dew Syndrome. Another disturbing fact about soda was that it was found to be used as a self-medicated anti-depressant.
7. Question Phosphorus Content : If you are concerned about the damages phosphorus content can cause, click here. With some sodas containing over 20 times the content as others, it is important to know who the culprits are. According to Belly Bytes, Coca-Cola is the highest offender with 69 mg per can. The lowest offenders were Canada Dry Ginger Ale and A & W Root Beer with three mg each. Diet sodas also ranked fairly high. View for yourself to see the list and get more disturbing facts about soda.



Source: sugarstacks.com
8. What’s Not on the Label : As if soda didn’t have enough problems with what’s in the can, a disturbing study was done on the soda served from fountains in fast food places and self-serve areas. Hollins University found that 48% of sodas tested from the fast food fountains contain coliform bacteria, which is linked to fecal matter. To make matters worse, the bacteria was found to be resistant to eleven antibiotics.
9. But Does it Cause Cancer? : In another entry by WebMD, the link between soda and pancreatic cancer was studied. Study details, slideshows, and more are discussed. Because this is such a serious disease, we have also included the original study and a rebuttal to give you both sides of the story.
10. Seeing is Believing : We all know that soda is infamous for large amounts of sugar but how can we see it? In this video from Science on the Brain, Marshall shows us how much sugar this soda exactly contains by putting it through a scientific process. More disturbing is the fact that the sugar contained in the soda seen in its true form after a spin on the stove is sticky and tar like.
http://pharmacytechniciancertification.net/10-seriously-disturbing-facts-about-soda/

Parsley Health Benefits

Today parsley is a valuable therapy for kidney stones, as a diuretic, for rheumatism, menstrual insufficiency and as a general stimulant. It settles the stomach and improves the appetite. The high content of vitamin C is not only useful in its own right, but also assists the absorption of the valuable quantity of iron.

Parsley juice, being a herbal drink, is quite powerful and is usually taken in quantities of about 2 fl oz (50ml) three times a day and is best mixed with other juices. The leaves can be deep frozen and are easily stored. It is a good idea to use parsley in cooking as well as in the form of juice. Dried parsley is not a very satisfactory alternative to fresh and has a coarser flavor.

Health Benefits of Parsley

Fights cancer. Parsley contains volatile oils that have been found to inhibit tumor formation in animal studies, particularly those in the lungs. The oils are not only cancer-fighting, they’re also known to neutralize carcinogens including those found in cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke. Parsley also contains folic acid, which has been found to help prevent colon and cervical cancers.

Antioxidant-rich. Parsley contains beneficial antioxidant compounds called flavonoids. These compounds combine with oxygen-containing molecules and help prevent oxygen-based damage to cells. Parsley extracts have also been found to increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood in animal studies.

Good for the heart. The folic acid in parsley is a critical nutrient in cardiovascular health. Specifically, folic acid helps convert potentially dangerous homocysteine into harmless molecules, a process that protects blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Protects against rheumatoid arthritis. A study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that people who ate the least amount of vitamin-C-rich foods (like parsley) had a three times greater chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis than those who ate the most.

http://www.healthinsuranceplan-s.us/120142-parsley-health-benefits/

Exercise and Your Health

The single most significant factor in improving one's health is exercise. Research strongly indicates that exercise alone can improve your health, decrease the risk of serious illness, and reverse some of the degenerative effects of aging. Here's what exercise does for you:

• Strengthens your heart. The heart is a muscle, and it benefits from regular cardiovascular exercise, which means aerobics that will boost your heart rate. A stronger heart can avert arteriosclerosis and reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Increases lung capacity. Exercise allows your lungs to increase their capacity to hold more oxygen. Exercise also lets your body use the oxygen it gets more efficiently, which increases your metabolism.
• Increases bone density. A woman who performs weight-bearing exercises regularly can increase her bone density and prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Studies show that even elderly women can benefit from weight-bearing exercise, such as lifting free weights or using the weight machines at the fitness center.
• Improves insulin utilization. Regular exercise lets your body reduce high levels of insulin, which reduces insulin resistance. High levels can lead to storing more fat, to metabolic syndrome, and ultimately, to Type 2 diabetes.
• Helps prevent cancer. Yes, you can reduce your risk of cancer by engaging in regular exercise.
• Reduces the effects of aging. Exercise improves muscle tone and counteracts the decrease in metabolic rate that comes with age.
• Lessens depression and anxiety. The release of endorphins that occurs after about 20 minutes of cardiovascular or aerobic exercise can lift one's mood for hours, perhaps even days. The endorphins soothe anxiety and reduce depression.
• Increases mental acuity. Studies indicate that people who exercise regularly have better mental alertness and prowess than those who don't.
• Helps balance hormones. Hormones are responsible for energy, sex drive, moods, digestion, and many other bodily functions. Having balanced hormones can reduce the effects of aging and boost your energy.

The health benefits of regular exercise will let you enjoy living at your ideal size. We especially like that endorphin-stimulating exercise can reduce depression and lessen anxiety.

Thinspiration

Instead of eating to tackle stress, work up a sweat. The endorphins released from 20 minutes of vigorous exercise can help you say good-bye forever to stress eating.

Read more on FamilyEducation: http://life.familyeducation.com/exercise/weight/46773.html#ixzz1vEBdcVLj

Foods that Help to Lower Cholesterol Naturally

By: Rachel MorkMaybe your doctor has encouraged you to change to a diet to lower cholesterol or maybe you're simply looking to make better food choices to support heart health before problems occur. While you may already know that cholesterol occurs naturally in foods like red meat and eggs, there are also foods that help to lower your cholesterol naturally and, not only are they good for you, but they're readily available and easy to add to just about any diet.
HDL and LDL Cholesterol
Cholesterol in our bodies comes from two primary sources: natural production by the liver and animal products like meat, dairy and eggs. Cholesterol plays a vital role in digesting fat, hormone production and the formation of Vitamin D in the skin. Your cholesterol level is an indicator of how much fat is being carried in your blood.
Having high total cholesterol, or low levels of HDL cholesterol (known as good cholesterol) in combination with high levels of LDL cholesterol (known as bad cholesterol), puts people at increased risk for developing heart disease. Technically, HDL and LDL are lipoproteins that transport cholesterol throughout the body; HDL delivers it to the liver for elimination, but LDL sticks to the walls of your arteries, compromising blood flow.
Obvious dietary changes that support healthy cholesterol levels include reducing the amount of animal products you consume, but you can do more than just reduce your intake of cholesterol-you can also consume foods that naturally lower it. The following foods all contain cholesterol-fighting properties that raise your HDL, lower or your LDL or both.
Oatmeal
Slow-cooked oatmeal, not instant, is one of the first foods the FDA endorsed for its cholesterol-lowering abilities. While you'll need to eat a sizable portion-3/4 of cup-the fiber content in oatmeal not only helps move cholesterol through the body, it fills you up providing the added benefit of supporting any weight loss goals you may have. Try having a bowl of slow-cooked oatmeal for breakfast with blueberries, almonds or flaxseed to start your day.
Cold-Water Fish
Salmon, sardines and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids (cross link) which are noted for their ability, like aspirin, to thin blood slightly to reduce the risk of clots. The American Heart Association recommends we eat two to three servings of cold-water fish per week, however, omega-3 essential fatty acids are also found in nuts, pumpkin and sesame seeds and even some leafy green vegetables. If you must fry your fish, choose canola or olive oil so you don't counteract the benefits of the fish with saturated fats.
Avocados
While it's true that avocados contain a significant amount of fat, the fat it contains is a healthy fat. Monosaturated fat, which is what avocados contain, provide the body with oleic acid which has been proven to lower your bad cholesterol and help raise your good cholesterol levels. Rich in taste and full of flavor, eating avocados often feels like a treat. Try it spread on toast in place of butter or spritz slices with lime or lemon juice for a guacamole-like snack.
Apples
An apple a day, does in fact, help keep the doctor away. In them, you'll find pectin, a antioxidants (cross link) and a healthy dose of fiber, all of which work with your body to lower LDL and raise HDL levels. Pair an apple with an ounce of low-fat cheese, sprinkle slices with cinnamon or tuck one in your bag to eat on the run.
Dark, leafy greens
Everyone can benefit from eating MyPyramid's (cross link) recommended number of fruit and vegetable servings, but you can increase the benefits to your healthy by choosing dark, leafy greens like kale, chard, spinach and even lettuce. These vegetables are power-packed with vitamin A, calcium, iron and provide a good dose of fiber.
Eating salads as part of your daily diet is the easiest way to increase your vegetable intake, but Try incorporating salads into your daily meal plans. If you're not a salad fan, prepare your greens as a side dish or use kale and chard in soups.
Legumes
Like oatmeal, apples and leafy greens, legumes are full of cholesterol-fighting fiber. Beans, peas and lentils are also excellent sources of protein, so they not only contribute to heart health, but keep you feeling fuller for longer between meals and give your body what it needs to repair muscle tissue. Choose dried beans and soak them yourself or if you must used canned, choose brands that are low in sodium and sugar. Add them to soups, stews, chili and casseroles.
Blueberries
Aside from being a summer favorite, blueberries are a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants believe to reduce the risk of certain cancers. But the good news doesn't end there. In addition to heart-healthy reservatol, which is found in grapes and red wine, blueberries contain a compound called which appears to have similar cholesterol-fighting properties as reservatol. Eat them plain or mix them with oatmeal or low-fat yogurt.
Nuts
Almonds and walnuts are known to lower cholesterol. These snacks are high calorie (so limit your intake if you are watching your weight) but are packed with protein, good-for-you fat (monounsaturated fat) and can stave off hunger because they are satisfying. Like avocados, nuts are still high in fat and even though it's the good kind, strive to limit your intake to your doctor's recommendations or MyPyramid's guidelines.
Toss a handful of almonds or walnuts on your salad instead of croutons to add a healthy crunch. For the most benefit, eat your nuts raw. When it comes to roasted nuts, choose dry-roasted instead of those roasted in oil.
Soy
Raw or minimally processed soy products like edamame, soy milk and soy nuts activate enzymes in the body that help clearbad cholesterol from your system. Heavily process soy, like that used in frozen veggie burger patties, isn't quite as effective. Swap peanuts for soy nuts as a snack, trade cow's milk for soy in smoothies or add some edamame to soups, salads and casseroles.
Flax Seed
With high amounts of omega-3 essential fatty acids, you could easily rely on flax seed in place of salmon to help lower your cholesterol (good news for vegetarians). Set flax seed to lowering your LDL and triglycerides levels by purchasing them whole or ground. Sprinkle them on cereal and salads, add a tablespoon to smoothies, or mix them into pancake or muffin recipes.
http://www.life123.com/health/nutrition/lower-cholesterol/foods-that-help-to-lower-cholesterol-naturally.shtml