Sex Drive and Fresh Food

Monday, August 09, 2010


The most important thing you can do to boost your libido is eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight, there are a number of specific foods that will have a direct effect on how amorous you feel.


What you eat during the day has a big impact on how you perform between the sheets at night. Some of these foods increase male and female sex hormones, while others elevate mood or boost sperm production. The most important foods, however, play a critical role in increasing blood flow. Sex drive is all about circuitry, and foods which stimulate your nervous and circulatory systems will send more blood flowing to your sex organs, resulting in enhanced sexual arousal and performance.

Keep in mind, of course, that we are not medical professionals. You should always consult with your physician before making any dramatic changes to your diet.

1. Watermelon  -- Watermelon is rich with citrulline, an amino acid that helps improve blood flow to the heart and genitalia, as well as to the rest of the body.
Citrulline is highly effective at relaxing blood vessels, producing an effect similar to drugs like Viagra. Result: Increased blood flow to your sexual organs.
One note: citrulline is actually found in higher concentrations in watermelon rind than in the flesh, but there’s still plenty citrulline in the delicious flesh to make eating it worthwhile.

2. Dark Chocolate — Long rumored to be an aphrodisiac, a 2006 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who ate chocolate on a daily basis had higher sexual function than those who didn’t. That’s because dark chocolate contains both serotonin, which boosts your mood, and phenylethylamine, which mimics the brain chemistry of a person in love.

3. Asparagus — Asparagus is rich in folate, a B vitamin that helps increase your production of histamine. Proper levels of histamine play an essential role in sex drive for both men and women.

4. Oysters — Oysters are packed full of zinc, essential for testosterone production and the maintenance of healthy sperm. Of course, you could just take a zinc supplement, but it’s not nearly as tasty!
Oysters also boost dopamine, a hormone which results in increased libido in both men and women.

5. Pumpkin seeds — Like oysters, pumpkin seeds are also extremely rich in zinc, and quite a bit cheaper. Another important note: Zinc deficiency can make a woman completely lose her sex drive.
Pumpkin seeds are also rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids, which act as a precursor of prostaglandins—hormone-like substances that play a key role in sexual health.

6. Garlic — Sure, it’ll do a number on your breath, but garlic also contains allicin, an compound thought to increase blood flow to the sexual organs.

Uncover The Truth About High Blood Pressure and How Lowering It Naturally Can Totally Rejuvenate Your Sex Life!


7. Sauerkraut — Fermented cabbage produces compounds known as isothiocyanates, shown in studies to prevent the growth of cancer cells. And if that’s not enough, it’s also packed with fiber, vitamins, calcium and minerals.

But what we’re really interested in is its libido boosting qualities. A 2002 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that 90 percent of men felt a noticeable libido boost after eating sauerkraut.

8. Bananas — Bananas are rich in the enzyme bromelain (as are pineapples). There is some evidence that bromelain will increase libido in men, although the verdict is out on exactly why. Bananas are also good sources of potassium and B vitamins like riboflavin, helping to increase the body’s overall energy levels.

9. Avocados — With tons of vitamin B6 to increase male hormone production, and potassium to regulate a woman’s thyroid gland, avocados play a role in boosting libido for both sexes. They’re also rich in folic acid, important for energy and stamina.

10. Nuts — All nuts play a role in supporting libido, since they contain high levels of essential fatty acids that are critical to the production of the hormones we all need to stay amorous. They’re also rich in L-Arginine, great for improving circulation and enhancing erectile response.
What’s more, the smell of almonds actually is purported to act as an aphrodisiac that attracts women. And pine nuts are packed with zinc, critical for healthy sperm.

11. Eggs — Rich in vitamins B5 and B6, both essential to maintaining balanced hormone levels and reducing stress. Plus, eggs are an excellent source of cholesterol, an important precursor to testosterone and estrogen.

12. Fish — Most fish (particularly mackerel and salmon) contain large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, which enhance the nervous system and boost circulation. And, as we know, a huge part of healthy sex for both men and women is increasing blood flow.
13. Chilies — Chilies are hot because they have tons of capsaicin, a chemical which also increases blood flow and triggers the release of mood-enhancing endorphins.

14. Nutmeg — Long used in Indian medicine to boost libido, at least one animal study has shown an extract of nutmeg to have the same effect on mating behavior as Viagra. Sprinkle some on your cappuccino.

Libido Boosting Foods Specifically for Men


Men have different dietary requirements when it comes to enhancing their performance in the bedroom. Specifically, men should consume foods high in zinc, which boosts sperm production, and foods that assist testosterone production, leading to stronger erections and an increased sex drive.

Starting around age 30, men’s testosterone levels begin to dip at a rate of about 1-2% a year. This corresponds with an overall drop in male sex hormones (androgens), a process called andropause. If a man experiences a significant drop in libido, that could indicate a medical condition. In that case they should get their teststosterone levels checked by a urologist, who may recommend testosterone replacement therapy.

But for milder cases where a man is experiencing a natural slow decline in testosterone production with age, there are ways to enhance your diet naturally to help the body produce more testosterone on its own.

15. Broccoli — High in Indole-3-carbinol, a compound that helps reduce estrogen levels, broccoli is a great libido booster in men (although it can have the opposite effect in women). Brussel sprouts are also a great source of Indole-3-carbinol.

16. Steak — Few foods are better at boosting testosterone than steak, plus it’s packed with protein, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Stick with grilled or broiled lean beef for best effects.

17. Beans — It doesn’t matter if they’re baked, canned, red, lima, kidney or navy, beans are the top performer when it comes to zinc-rich vegetables. And they’re loaded with protein and fiber too.

18. Celery — Raw celery boosts production of androsterone, an odorless hormone released through male perspiration. While you can’t smell it, androsterone apparently acts as a pheromone, triggering female attraction.

Libido Boosting Foods Specifically for Women

The best sex-drive enhancing foods for women are those that increase levels of estrogen, the female sex hormone. While most of the foods that boost libido in men have a similar effect in women, some (like broccoli) can actually diminish estrogen levels.

19. Soy — A 2008 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine showed that a healthy dose of soy each day may boost some women’s sexual drive and arousal, apparently due to the large phytoestrogen content of soy products.
Note, however, that women with a history of breast cancer should not eat large amounts of soy, as the binding of estrogen receptors can actually increase the chances of cancer’s reoccurrence.

More Esoteric Libido-Boosting Foods

20. Maca root — The lowly Lepidium meyenii or maca plant, native to the Andes, has a root that packed with minerals (especially selenium, calcium, magnesium and iron), fatty acids and amino acids.

Maca contains a chemical called p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which reputedly has aphrodisiac properties. Small-scale clinical trials have shown that maca extracts can heighten libido in men and improve semen quality, and maca has been shown to increase mating behavior in male mice and rats.

21. Goji berries — Also called Wolfberries, and available in most health food stores, these berries typically come in a dried form that’s boiled to make a tea. Goji berries are reputed to increase testosterone levels.

Increase Libido with Fresh Food


Low libido can hurt your marriage, since sex plays a major part in any good relationship. A low female libido can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, a lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, certain medications and hormones. Antidepressants can lower your libido and make it difficult to even get aroused.


Viagra for women is now on the market, but it can be too expensive for most people. Instead of spending money on prescribed medications, why not increase your libido the natural way by using herbs and supplements, eating the right kinds of foods and exercising? There are simple and inexpensive ways to increase a woman’s libido without laying out a large sum of money for a prescription.

Things You'll Need:

• Raw oysters
• Avocado
• Asparagus
• Bananas
• Figs
• Celery
• Eggs
• Fish
• Basil
• Brown rice
• Cheese
• Turkey
• Liver
• Aromatherapy essential oils
• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Vitamins A, B, C and E
• Ginkgo
• Ginseng
• Arginine
• Don Quai

Instructions:

1. Step 1
Eat raw oysters. Some people don't care for them, but if you can stand to eat them, add a few to your daily diet. Scrub the shells to remove dirt and bacteria, then open the shells and place them on some ice. Oysters are high in zinc, which is known to raise testosterone levels and sperm production in men. Try eating a few raw oysters a day and see if it helps increase your sex drive.

2. Step 2
Add avocado to your daily diet. Avocados have high levels of folic acid, Vitamin B6 and potassium, which all play important roles in female libido. Folic acid helps metabolize proteins, Vitamin B6 helps increase male hormone production and potassium helps regulate the female thyroid gland, which in turn helps increase female sex drive.

3. Step 3
Eat more asparagus. Asparagus is rich in Vitamin E, which helps stimulate the production of sex hormones. This is good for both the female and male libido.

4. Step 4
Eat a banana every day. Bananas are rich in potassium and Vitamin B, which are important in the production of sex hormones, or testosterone. Bananas are also great for increasing energy.

5. Step 5
Add figs to your diet. Figs are high in amino acids, which can increase female libido. Figs can also increase sexual stamina.

6. Step 6
Snack on celery throughout the day and add it to your lunch. Celery contains androsterone, an odorless hormone that is released through male perspiration and reportedly turns women on. Celery is also good for you and tastes great, too.

7. Step 7
Eat eggs for breakfast every morning. Eggs contain vitamins B5 and B6, which help fight stress levels. They also help balance hormone levels, which is important for a healthy libido. Stress is one cause of a low libido, so eat some delicious eggs for breakfast on an everyday basis

Sage,Salvia,Licorite Roots for Lyme Diseas

What is Lime disease and how is transmitted

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the Norther hemisphere. Bacteria Borrelia is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks belonging to a few species of the genus Ixodes (the "hard ticks"). Early symptoms can include flue-like symptomes like fever, headache, fatigue, depression, and a characteristic circular skin rash called erythema migrans.To some people with weak immunity, if illness was not healed, later symptoms may affect the joints, heart, and central neural system, but in most cases, the infection and its symptoms are successfuly eliminated by antibiotics, especially if the illness is treated early.
Thicks are common insects which leave mostly on our meadows and woods, but not all them spread the infections, plus if they are removed from skin in 36 hours, the risk of infection is almost zero. They feed themselves by human or animal blood, on the way that they stick their had in the skin and soak blood. After they finish the eating, they l stick out the head from the skin and leave it. While eating, they become several times bigger due to the reservoir for blood in their stomach, which looks like bag full of blood.

Bacteria Borrelia is Gram-negative spirochetal bacteria, there are 11 types of this bacteria, that one which causes Lyme disease is named Borrelia Burgdorferi. Gram-negative bacteries cause inflammations in the human body and immune system on this type of bacteria reacts with immediate reponse. So it means that incubation period is very short.

First sign of Lyme disease

People who develop Lyme disease, after getting beaten by thick, commonly develop bulls eye rashes on the skin, so this is the first sign of infection by Lyme disease. While spoting it, is time to react and heal the infection: according to personal preferences, everyone has two choices - antibiotics or antibacterial herbs of remedies. Further sympromes are basicaly flu-like symptomes, because gram-negative bacterias (like Borrelia is) can cause infections, on gram-negative bacterias our immune system immediatly responds with inflammation (skin rush, fever), and production of antibodies. Many people heal themselves spontaneously, and if they did not have any prolonged symptomes of illness, they do not be afraid that they will later on develop further complications. Immune system already did the job and produced antibodies against invador.

It is not possible not to notice thick byte - thicks do not remove themselves from the skin till they finish with eating (they soak the blood for 2-3 days), it is not easy to remove them even by manual methods, because their head gets stuck till they do not finish their meal, plus their byte iches.

A lot of horror is written about secret power of Lyme disease and its ability to cause at least 40 various autoimmune and psychological disorders in the following years.

Some researches show that majority of people of Northern Hemisphere already came in the contact with Borrelia so usually bactery is not causing any troubles, only to 12% of people infected.

But, like any other germ, Borrelia can help that some other weak spots in the body also become inflammed (f.E joints, knees, sometimes it can cause neural inflammation to some people) but only if somebody already has predisposition for this health problem and if immune system is already low. Even in this case, inflammation must occur - quickly after infestation.

While frightening the people with one new (actually very old) disease of humanity (like present ones are not enough) it is said that Borrelia bacteria can cause and by that mimic itself through the following disorders:

Physical Manifestations

Alzheimer's disease
Arthritis
Blindness
Cardiac conduction abnormalities
Conjunctivitis
Encephalitis
Fatigue
Insomnia
Meningitis
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis
Myocarditis
Parkinson's
Pericarditis
Scleroderma
Seizures
Strokes
Tourette's syndrome

Mental-Emotional Manifestations
Anorexia Nervosa
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Change in personality
Confusion
Dementia
Depression
Hallucinations
Irritability, anger
Mood swings
OCD
Panic attacks
Phobias
Psychosis
Schizophrenia

Herbs for treating lyme disease

Licorite Roots

Salvia Officinalli
Sage


All the above list of herbal can cure and prevent the Lyme diseas by rubbing it to the effected area.

Successful natural healing I recommend to the people, can be performed in several steps:


1. At first it is important to distinguish symptoms of Lyme disease from other health disorders (consultations are needed)

2. Heal inflammation and kill the bacteria - there are various remedies which can successfully replace antibiotics, without any side effects, according to the need of every person.

In radionics homeopathy we have extremely strong methods of healing infections and destroying bacterias which are present in the blood. Remedies are stronger than antibiotics and consist of many homeopathic and organo components which kill germs in the body, heal inflammation and improve immune system.

If needed, also I can additionally prepare the homeopathic remedies we call "nosodas" directly from the blood or any other secretion of the client. In homeopathy, similar heals similar, so when exposed to the high vibrations diseased tissue has healing properties, because on high potencies everything what was negative is transformed. On high potencies bacterias die, and blood tissue regenerates. Potensized vibration of blood (only vibration, not the blood) with the help of radionic device, is transferred to the remedy. On that way, it is possible to destroy all bacterias (or viruses) which are present in the blood of individual, and at the same time to improve quality of blood.

3. Improving immune system with diet, remedies, light exercising etc.

4. If needed, improving neural functions with certain vitamins (B,C) and certain amino acids which restore nerves

5. Regenerating the other organs which need regeneration after bacteries are destroyed- which can be performed with the help of remedies, bio-energy or visualisation techniques, or any other method somebody prefers. Combination of several methods is sometimes preferable.

Btw, these remedies also work for the pets, like dogs, who very often have problem with Lyme disease of joint conditions.

Fruits and Sex Drive


5 Fruits that Increase Libido - Increase Sex Drive and Treat Impotence naturally

There are many different types of foods you can try to help increase your sex drive and fight impotence, and most of the fruits that help to increase your sex drive will contain high levels of certain vitamins on minerals which may help to increase hormone levels, increase nitric oxide levels or ramp up your testosterone.
So to get straight into it the first fruit to increase your libido is...

Pomegranate

The pomegranate is probably one of the most well known fruits for increasing your sex drive. During a study into the benefits of pomegranate on lowering blood presure and reducing the the risk of heart disease. Scientists found that drinking pomegranate juice can actually increase sex drive.

A number of couples were given pomegranate juice to drink then asked to perform some erotic activities and couples who drank the pomegranate juice showed elevated levels of sexual interest.

The main reason reason pomegranate is so effective is that it helps the body to produce (NO) or nitric oxide which helps to open up blood vessels and increase to blood flow which is great news for the libido.

You can eat pomegranate or drink the juice, the juice is more potent but the fruit can also be very enjoyable to eat and its consider quite an exotic fruit to share with your partner (especially chilled with some shaved ice :) ).

Figs

Figs are also very effective at increasing libido in both males and females and its mainly due to the high levels of amino acids found in figs. Amino acids play a vital role in normal sexual function and will help increase levels of nitric oxide in the body.

The fig is said to increase sexual stamina as well as having quite a sexual appearance , flavour and smell to highten all our senses to improve our mood and let our libido's rise from there slumber.

Avocado

Avocado's are also great for our sex drive and not being your typical fruit is tends to get ignored a fair bit. The Avocado contains high levels of folic acid to help metabolize proteins giving you an energy boost.

Avocado contains good levels of vitamin B6 which help you to fight stress and give you the energy to keep going and also help with the production of testosterone. They are also known to benefit a women's libido due to the high potassium content.

Avocado's also contain healthy fat's we could all do with in our diets :).

Banana

The banana is a great way to start your day (banana diet craze) and it will help to boost your libido with the bromelain enzyme it contains. It has one of the highest levels of potassium to help regulate energy levels as well as B vitamins.

Dates

How about a date to fight those low energy levels and lack of sex drive , they are packed with amino acids for sexual stamina as well as a good dose of fruity sugars which make them sweet and an amazing pickup.

Give them a go if its been a while since you've had one , they are juicy succulent and very addictive.

Goji Berry from Himalayan is good to cure ailments

For 1,000’s of years Goji berries have been consumed by the Tibetan Himalayan people for their medicinal and anti-aging properties, as well as being acclaimed by numerous nutritional experts and clinical studies as possibly being the healthiest food source on Earth.

For all those who are in a regular touch with their health care experts, the name of Goji Berry products might not be gobbledegook. Scientifically known a Lycium Barbabarum the product is also known as Wolf berry. Botanists and Herbologists classify Goji Berry products as one of the revolutionary products in the herbal healthcare sector. Goji Berry has two boxthorn species in the Solanacenae Family. Among its siblings are potato, eggplant and tobacco. Its products carry great medicinal value and research work on determination of its exact utility to mankind is going on.

Goji Berry products include a number of derivatives like juices and powders etc. The products are known to be very useful in curing many of long time ailments suffered by people. Goji Berry products have become very popular in the world as well as American markets because more and more people have started to realize the importance of herbal healthcare. The boost comes because Goji berry products support the four exceptional polysaccharides, or phytonutrient compounds, which are stationed in the cadaver as directors and haulers of the instructions that the cells use to correspond with each other. It’s an age old saying that communication wins wars.

Healthcare professionals have confirmed that Himalayan Goji Berry products carry all the qualities of a truly balanced polysaccharide profile. The Goji berry products can therefore help in curing a number of ailments and have been classified as products with medicinal value.

Going through the botanical classification of Goji Berry we come to notice that the Goji Berries are classified in the botanical division named to the upper right, Magnoliophyta, which identifies plants that bear flower. The class of Magnoliopsida represents flowering plants (Dicotyledons) with two embryonic seed leaves called cotyledons appearing at germination. All Goji Berry plants bear a bright red berry, 1-2 cm in length and ellipsoid in nature with each Goji Berry containing roughly 10-30 tiny seeds yellow in color. This means that the products are well documented in the botanical charts and known to be purely herbal.

Goji berry products strengthen the immunity system of human body by providing a ready boost to polysaccharides known as "Master Molecules" who command and control many of the body’s most important defence systems against a variety of illnesses. With the increase in demand of Goji Berry products, it’s becoming extremely necessary to procure and maintain world class systems for making quality Goji Berry products. These standards are met only by gojiberries.us, the premiere supplier and processor of quality Goji berry products.

A Piece of fresh food a day

Admittedly I am not very good at getting my five-a-day fruit intake, because I very often forget or never seem to finish off the portion I prepare for myself. According the recent UK survey, the average person can only manage three or less of their five-a-day intake. Furthermore, people prefer to drink more fruit juices rather than eating a piece of fresh fruit. What people do not realise is that some fruit juices have added sugars and additives; therefore you are piling on the liquid calories.

This is not to say that fruits do not have a certain amount of calories, however they are not fattening and so people eating a good amount of fruit are more likely to curb their cravings, or prevent themselves from snacking in between meals. Overeating is the main source of weight gain, which is why when adopting the routine of eating fruits and vegetables more often, along with a portion of protein you are more likely not to snack in between meals.

It is more difficult to become adjusted to a weight loss diet; however, studies have shown that if your body does not go into calorie deficit then you will not lose as quickly as you would want to. Studies have also shown that no matter how much exercise you do in a week, if your diet is not at its optimum then you will not lose weight or your body will plateau. This is not to say that just eating fresh fruit portions a day will guarantee you a healthy weight loss, as it is about portion control, how often you eat and balancing your meals.

Furthermore, by eating more fruits and vegetables, and less saturated fat, will mean that you lower the risk of suffering from coronary heart disease. In a recent study involving the study of men eating less saturated fat and more fresh fruits and vegetables, were 76 percent less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. Studies had also shown that certain combinations of fruits and vegetables, further helped to protect the body from future heart diseases.

There are antioxidant vitamins that are believed to be most beneficial and contributing towards the protection of serious heart ailments. Vitamin C rich fruits are one of the most important sources for boosting the strength of your immune system. Other nutritional values to eating plenty of fruit and vegetables that contribute to a healthy heart are folate, fibre and potassium. Getting into a habit of keeping ready-to-eat veggies in the fridge is a good idea to becoming accustomed to snacking on healthy foods.

One other way of keeping up with your fresh fruit and vegetable intake is to stock these in your kitchen, and avoid buying things like crisps, chocolates, biscuits and other foods high in saturated fats. These tend to be high in salt content and the main cause for weight gain, as not many people are aware of the amount of calories in a single biscuit or piece of chocolate. These are fine in small doses; however, they become a problem when one begins to stock them up!

An alternative treat would be to bake your own vegetable crisps, by thinly slicing each vegetable (potato, carrots, yams, suede, etc), placing them onto baking trays and lightly coating them in olive oil. Bake in the oven under a high temperature until golden and crisp. These make for a healthier alternative and are good at satisfying any craving. Other treats could include dark chocolate (as they are rich in antioxidant cocoa), small glass of red wine, eating a portion of nuts and snacking on dried fruits (this will count in your five-a-day). You should even consider mixing your own smoothies, using honey to sweeten.

Antioxidants superbfood is Acai Berry

The acai berry is one of the world's most interesting and unique foods. It may also be one of its healthiest. Chock-full of antioxidants, amino acids, AND essential fatty acids, the tiny little acai berry packs a nutritional wallop rarely seen in the natural world. In fact, some experts consider it to be the world's most "complete" natural food.


Acai berries come from the acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee) palm tree of South America. The native peoples of Brazil have eaten the berry for centuries and there are, in fact, many local legends about acai's incredible healing and sustaining powers. It remains a popular "health and energy" food in that country today. Fortunately for North Americans and Europeans, in the last few years acai berry products have made their way to foreign shores. Now just about anyone can (and should) try this incredibly healthy food for themselves.

To give you an idea of just how powerful this fruit really is, consider the nutritional profile of acai berry pulp:
- 10-30 times the anthocyanins (strong antioxidants) of red wine

- an almost perfect essential amino acid complex (the "building blocks" of protein)

- 60% Oleic acid, an omega-9 monounsaturated essential fatty acid

- 12% Linoleic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid

- a full array of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements

- large amounts of plant sterols (phytochemicals with numerous health benefits)

- significant amounts of natural dietary fiber

- natural calcium!

As you can see, there aren't many things that the acai berry doesn't have! But the good news doesn't end there. Acai has a vibrant taste that most people find very, very pleasing. Though difficult to describe, some people compare the flavor of acai to tart, chocolate-covered cherries or blueberry ice cream with a hint of chocolate. Not bad for something so healthy!

A few of the more common benefits reported by people who consume acai berries on a regular basis include:
- Greater energy and vitality

- Increased stamina

- Improved circulation

- Improved digestion

- Better sleep

- Improved sexual function

- Healthier, better-looking skin

- Increased sense of overall "well-being"

By now you're probably aching to try this super-fruit for yourself. Fortunately it's becoming more and more widely available throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. Look for acai smoothies and acai berry juices at your local health foods shops. There are also several health supplements on the market which contain dried acai berry powder... but it would be a shame to miss out on the delicious and unique taste of this amazing berry!

10 Reasons why I like tomatoes


With a fascinating history, you'd never figure that the tomato is actually part of the nightshade family, where a few poisonous cousins exist. Interestingly, the lineage of the tomato is also connected to that of tobacco, eggplants, chili peppers, and the potato. A lot of our favorite ethnic recipes would not exist if there were no tomatoes. Overall, I find tomatoes a versatile vegetable, which shapes the many reasons why I celebrate their existence.

1) A Happy-Looking Vegetable
Tomatoes are colorful and not only come in the bright red variety, but also decorate dishes with orange, green, pink, purple, yellow, and even white selections. Some are multi-colored, while others display funky stripes. All in all, the tomato makes a rather attractive addition to a recipe that actually helps uplift a gloomy disposition.

2) Important Salad Ingredient
A salad isn't complete without tomatoes, as there are many different selections to consider. Tomatoes and cucumbers with Italian dressing make a great accessory to any dinner, which is also fast and easy to prepare. Add cubed cheese to this side dish and you have a filling, speedy lunch for on the go.

3) Hamburger Helper
Sprinkle a little salt on sliced tomatoes and you have a refreshing treat. A juicy hamburger with all the fixings isn't the same without a couple of slices, adding zip and matching perfectly with lettuce.

4) Please Pass the Ketchup!
Thanks to the tomato, the popular burger condiment of ketchup heightens the taste of freshly grilled items on a hot summer day. Pass the ketchup and watch it be slathered on the burgers, hot dogs, french fries and other fun foods?

5) Good Stuff for the Body
Red foods are known to supply the body with lycopene – a heart-healthy, powerful antioxidant proven to fight against cancer and other ailments. When you want to provide the body with the healthiest boost, seek out crushed-, tomato sauce- or paste products.

6) Fried Green Tomatoes
Fannie Flagg brought attention to this tasty treat when she published "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café." The novel was later turned into a comical drama starring Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy, prompting curious thoughts regarding the actual taste of fried green tomatoes. FYI: They're delicious!

7) Easy to Grow
Sometimes the price of tomatoes is ridiculous, but with a little patience – you can generate your very own supply in a homemade garden. While the rabbits nibble at strawberries and corn becomes riddled with bird pecks – you'll always have a healthy crop of tomatoes to enjoy. This easy-to-grow vegetable becomes so plentiful; you'll have enough to share with family and friends.

8) Pizza, Pizza!
Without tomatoes, the magical blend of most of the four food groups wouldn't come together in a neat pie slathered with tomato sauce. The added spices of rosemary, oregano, and other Italian selections bring the flavor of tomatoes to life in this rather vital component of pizza making.

9) A Taste of Italy
Joining pizza, the thousands of ways to prepare pasta, including heaping mounds of lasagna and the childhood favorite of spaghetti and meatballs isn't the same if tomato sauce and tomatoes aren't available.

10) Mexican Delight
Nothing tempts the palate at a Mexican restaurant like the taste of fresh salsa with sturdy tomatoes that burst inside your mouth. Whether they are used to decorate a plate or used in the recipe tomatoes are a big part of Mexican cooking.

Watermellons, A delicious way of a healthy lifestyle


Watermellons is a delectable fruit, with water content of over 90% makes watermelon the favorite thirst quencher for all. It is believed to be first cultivated in Egypt sometime before the 10th century. The shortage of water supply in this region made watermelon the most preferred thirst quencher. Later on, it became an instant favorite among the people of other countries in the Mediterranean region as well. Sometime in the 10th century, watermelons were first cultivated in China. Over the period of time, the rising demand of watermelon led other countries like Russia, Turkey, Iran and United states to start its commercial cultivation. However, besides being just a thirst quencher in the hot and humid days, the manifold nutritional benefits of watermelon makes it an all time favorite for daily meals and snacks.


Watermelon serves as an excellent source of vital vitamins like vitamin C, A, B6 and B1. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects body cells from damage by free radicals. Damage to the body cells may lead to serious health complications like cancer and chronic heart diseases. Consumption of watermelon reduces the risk of such diseases. Apart from that it regenerates the vitamin E supplies in the body and also improves iron absorption. Watermelon can be very helpful for people experiencing slow wound healing, frequent colds and lung related problems. Vitamin A, on the other hand has an overall positive effect on the body. It improves the eyesight, fights viral infections and promotes growth of cells. Vitamin B6 and B1 helps in fulfilling the pyridoxine and thiamin requirements of the body.

Hyperthyroidism and Hypokalemia are two illnesses that are caused due to potassium deficiency in the body. Watermelon is a good source of potassium and its proper intake helps in maintaining a balance in the potassium levels within the body. Proper potassium level helps in water and acid balance in blood and tissue cells, facilitates muscle building and transmits electrical signals between various cells and nerves.

Watermelon is high on lycopene content. Lycopene is an antioxidant that reduces the risk of cancer and some other chronic diseases. Frequent consumption of watermelon facilitates proper supply of lycopene that in turn reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and even male infertility.

A combination of low calorie, low fat and zero cholesterol diet leads to a healthy lifestyle. Watermelon is low on calorie, naturally low in fat and absolutely cholesterol free.

The nutritional benefits of watermelon are immense. It serves not only as a thirst quencher but also as a vital source of essential minerals that are needed to stay fit and healthy. Watermelons are truly a delicious way to a healthy lifestyle.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TOMATOES

We know that tomatoes are not toxic, and in fact are quite nutritious. First of all, tomatoes contain a lot of vitamin C, which is quite beneficial, as you've probably heard. Vitamin C helps the body to produce collagen, an important protein skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, helping to prevent cell damage by free radicals.


Tomatoes also contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene. Studies have shown that men consuming 10 servings of tomatoes a week cut the risk of prostate cancer by 45%. Lycopene also lower the risk of colorectal cancer and stomach cancer, and inhibits the growth of other types of cancer cells. Lycopene may also help older folks remain active.

Coumaric acid and chlorogenic acied are also found in tomatoes. These two compounds are thought to block the effects of nitrosamines, which are formed naturally in the body, but are also a strong carcinogen in tobacco smoke.

Tomatoes may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Tomatoes are a good source of potassium, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. Niacin has been used for years to lower cholesterol. Potassium has been shown to lower high blood pressure. And vitamin B6 and folate are used by the body to convert a dangerous chemical called homocysteine into more benign compounds.

Vitamin K, found in tomatoes helps to maintain healthy bones. Vitamin K1 activates a protein in the bones called osteocalcin, which anchors calcium inside the bone. Without enough vitamin K, bone mineralization is impaired.

When you buy tomatoes, be sure to buy the ones with the brightest red color. This indicates high amounts of beta-carotene and lycopene. Lycopene is found in the cell walls of the tomato, so by cooking it in a bit of oil, more lycopene is fully released. Also, cooking the tomato in a bit of olive oil helps your body to absorb the lycopene. If all you can find are canned tomatoes, that's fine. Cooking and canning don't cause tomatoes to lose any of their nutritional value. So cooked and processed tomatoes are just as beneficial as fresh tomatoes.

So tomatoes, once thought to be deadly poison, are now a nutritious staple of our diet. They help to fight cancer, and they contain a good amount of vitamin C, and other vitamins and minerals. So go ahead and start adding tomatoes to your diet.

Spaghetti Sauce:

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 small onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you want)

1 lb ground beef (optional)

4 28oz. cans of crushed tomatoes

1 28oz. can of tomato sauce

2 tsp worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp dried oregano

3 bay leaves

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion, and cook for a couple of minutes, until the onion is tender. Add the garlic, and cook briefly. Be sure not to burn the garlic.

If using ground beef, cook the meat in a skillet until browned. Drain the meat, and add it to the pot.

Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, worcestershire sauce, oregano, and bay leaves. Stir everything together, then turn the heat to medium low, and simmer for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Remove the sauce from the heat, and serve over pasta. The leftover sauce will freeze well.

FOOD is DEADLY POISON


Legend has it that a hardy Colonel named Robert Gibbon Johnson, tired of his superstitious and uninformed countrymen’s refusal to touch or eat tomatoes, sat in front of the Salem, New Jersey Courthouse with a basket full of the little red fruits. To the shock, horror, and eventual awe of the 2,000 person crowd, he consumed every last tomato without dropping dead.


Of course this isn’t true, nor are any other claims of American leeriness of tomato consumption. But there are plenty of foods we don’t eat because we think they’re bad for us when in reality they’re not. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at some misunderstood foods!

The Egg: harbinger of doom?
The humble egg, a baking and dietary staple nearly everywhere on earth, has hit its share of rough times. Though it’s an incredible source of protein and choline, an egg’s yolk also contains a large amount of cholesterol—cholesterol which was thought to be utterly terrible for the body. However, there’s endless dissent, with some researchers claiming that an egg’s cholesterol actually lowers "bad" cholesterol and raises "good" cholesterol, with other scientists claiming the opposite. Combine this hotly-contested nutritional value with the salmonella scare (how many times did mom tell you not to eat cookie dough?) and you get one woeful reputation for such a delicious and useful food.

Sure, you shouldn’t pig out on eggs every day, but by using them properly you can enjoy the taste—and the protein—without having to resort to egg whites in a carton!

Some good egg recipes include:
Scrambled Eggs in Baby Brioches with Smoked Salmon and Asparagus
Eggs Sardou
Egg Puff-Muffins
Old-Fashioned Egg Noodles

Coffee: those jitters are just the caffeine.
You remember the turning point. Suddenly health experts everywhere started talking about the perils of coffee and the dangers of caffeine. Gloomily, coffee drinkers everywhere switched to decaf or learned to get more sleep at night (God forbid). But while too much coffee is certainly bad for your health (go here to see some alternatives), drinking a moderate amount actually helps with more than your fatigue!

Coffee is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and other important nutritional components. Drinking three to five cups daily, researchers say, can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, kidney stones, Parkinson’s, depression, and suicide. And to think, it keeps you awake, too!

Chocolate: well, maybe...
The bane of overindulgent foodies and fat kids everywhere, our favorite sweet has caught a bad rap, but is it fully deserved? The jury’s still out on this one, because while studies have shown chocolate has a positive effect on HDL cholesterol and plenty of antioxidants, it’s still, well, chocolate. Just like red wine, chocolate can offer some nice health benefits, but make sure you moderate intake. A few ounces per week ought to do it!

Try some of these chocolate recipes:
Chocolate Chestnut Mousse
Easy Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate Brownies
German Chocolate Martini

But of course, while we’ve certainly got some much-maligned foods given an unfair rap by the public, there are other foods. Wolves in sheep’s clothing, if you will. These started out "healthy," but eager consumers got more than they bargained for. It's fascinating, watching the tide turn from public approval to public shun. First on the list and perhaps most infamous is…

Margarine: healthier than butter! We think.
Margarine first appeared on the scene in 1870, when Emperor Louis Napoleon III offered a reward to any man who could devise a substitute for butter. Louis himself wouldn’t be eating this, of course; it was meant for feeding soldiers and the poor. A Provencal man named Hippolyte Mège-Mouriez invented the first margarine, it since then the spread—based on an emulsification of natural oils in water—has proliferated and developed all around the world.

Proponents of margarine pointed out its lower saturated fat content and fewer calories than butter, and many an American child remembers his mother buying margarine to make healthier chow. Of course, there was an unforeseen downside to the partial hydrogenation process used to make margarine: trans fats. Unlike saturated and unsaturated fats, which at least hold some nutritional value, trans fats are completely devoid of anything remotely resembling health benefits. They are literally worthless, and it was only relatively recently that margarine cleaned up its image and dropped the trans fats. Same goes for margarine’s harder, whiter cousin, shortening.

Coca-Cola: cures what ails you! Including proper body mass.
Though it’s now criticized as a sweet indulgence riddled with unhealthy ingredients, Coke started out as a cure-all. When it first hit the market in 1885, its creator John S. Pemberton marketed the bubbly drink as a cure-all health tonic utilizing the "properties of the wonderful Coca plant and the famous Cola nuts."

Yep, coca plant, as in the source of cocaine. At one time the company’s secret recipe actually contained several milligrams of the drug, which was eventually dropped in favor of non-narcotic coca leaves. To this day, Coca-Cola is the only company allowed to import coca leaves into the United States. Fortunately, people quickly realized that while Coke was delicious, it wasn’t exactly healthy. Of course, we still drink it by the millions of gallons, but at least we don’t think it’s good for us.

Olestra: finally, fatty taste and no [major] consequences!
Consumer goods megacompany Proctor and Gamble’s invention Olestra, originally developed to help premature babies absorb fat, quickly showed a more commercially viable use. Its fat molecules are so huge and its compounds are so active that it passes unabsorbed through the digestive tract. Think of the implications: endless savory snacks, all tasting great but completely fat-free!

Unfortunately, the stuff turned out to have some deeply unpleasant side-effects, including the infamous "anal leakage" which Proctor and Gamble fought desperately to downplay. Olestra chips (including brands like Fritos WOW) remain on the market today, but are quickly vanishing from shelves, and it ain’t because we’re buying them.

Antioxidants in Cranbery

Cranberry antioxidants is a subject that has become a hot topic the last few years - and for good reason. We face a daily assault against our immunity which affects our appearance as well as our internal body systems and organs.


And nutrition experts have learned that cranberries are one of the richest sources of bioflavonoids, antioxidants proven to destroy tissue-damaging free radicals and reinforce the cells that make up blood vessel walls which results in significantly enhanced blood circulation.

Some beauty experts now tout cranberries and their juice and extract to be so powerful that just one eight ounce glass of pure cranberry juice (or the extract equivalent) daily will diminish cellulite dimples in as little as three weeks.

How do you keep free radicals at bay? By the use of free radical scavengers.

These free radical scavengers occur naturally in the body and neutralize free radicals. Certain enzymes serve this vital function and four important enzymes are superoxide dismutase (SOD), methione reductase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.
The body normally produces these enzymes but it needs help for full spectrum free radical prevention and damage control. That's where a diet rich in antioxidants is vital. These antioxidants are also scavengers, gobbling up the sometimes deadly free radical particles.

Many health care practitioners see the wisdom in daily intake of plenty of fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors. Some recommend daily: Intake of 1 quart (1.1 litre) purified water a day PLUS 1 quart (1.1 litre) fresh fruit or vegetable juice.

With juicing one can consume many more enzymes and natural antioxidants than a person normally would in a "good diet". Your body is composed of billions of microscopic cells and your every existence depends on these cells. They need live nourishment and this can be supplied very well in the form of juicing.
There are many juicers now available and you can achieve benefit from any of them. We like the newer, time-saving models that allow the user to place WHOLE fruits and vegetables in the unit and delicious, fresh juice emerges in a matter of seconds.

The more color and variety of produce, the more natural antioxidants one can consume. Carotenoids and flavonoids found in these fruits and vegetables can contribute to a very large extent to our program of antiaging. Why?

Because these natural chemical compounds slow or halt oxidative processes that may prevent or deter the onset of many diseases associated with aging, including heart disease, prostate cancer, diabetes, wrinkles and sun damage and much more.

By adding delicious and concentrated berry extracts, one has even more natural antioxidant tools. Once again, eating fresh is great. However, some companies now offer concentrated extracts of berries like elderberries, blueberries, cranberries, and bilberries for 10-15 times the amount of antioxidants as can be found in the fruit alone.

Researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center have found that blueberries rank number 1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables.

Anthycyanin - the pigment that makes blueberries blue - is thought to be responsible for this major health benefit. Blueberries also contain beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, ellagic acid and phenolics that can also act as antioxidants. Other health benefits one can expect form blueberries are:
•Support cognitive function, concentration and memory
•Maintain eye and retina health
•promote urinary tract health
•Support healthy glucose metabolism

Not just for urinary tract health, cranberry extracts are provide potent antioxidants that protect and detoxify. Combining cranberry with the therapeutically beneficial elderberry and lo han fruits results in a delicious herbal supplement that helps to maintain urinary tract health, promotes cardiovascular health, cellular health and even dental health. Because of its detoxifying properties, it increases your energy levels and improves mood.

Pomegranates too have been used for thousands of years by Mediterranean peoples. And pomegranates have recently been promoted for their beautiful skin-enhancing properties.

Pomegranates contain polyphenols, tannins, ellagic acid and anthocyanins. These compounds are believed to fight disease and pomegranates can also:

•Support healthy blood pressure levels
•Help maintain healthy blood vessels
•Reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol
•Support oral health
•Support skin health

Green, black and white teas have been studied for their antioxidant powers too. Many research organizations have demonstrated that the polyphenols, detected in these teas, help to support a healthy heart and cardiovascular system and are recommended for smokers, the obese and those under stress and duress, though anyone could benefit from their consumption.

Concentrated green tea extracts here.
Some vitamins are considered antioxidants such as vitamins E and C. As are the carotenoids (such as beta-carotene); selenium; and flavonoids (anthocyanidins, polyphenols, quercetin, glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q10. Vitamin E is the body's principal fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin and protects fatty cell components from free-radical oxidation. It works well in conjunction with selenium and vitamin C.

As an antioxidant, vitamin E protects DNA and other cell structures from damage. It also protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation which would otherwise trigger an early step in the development of cardiovascular disease.

There are other antioxidants so to verify a wide spectrum of protection, eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and consider a daily intake of a plant-based green "superfood" formula. Preferably one that contains foods from the allium family (onions, garlic, chives) and sprouts.

Sprouts from vegetables and legumes are extremely health-enhancing and often contain a concentrated form of antioxidant protection not found in the food alone. Broccoli sprouts, especially have been noted to provide more protection than just eating the cruciferous vegetables by themselves. Which is very important for immune enhancement and cancer prevention.

POMEGRANATE RICH ANTIOXIDANT


Studies have shown that pomegranates have beneficial effects on health. Thanks to the many antioxidants which can be found in pomegranates, this fruit is highly nutritious. The pomegranate is, for some, an uncommon fruit. However, the powers of these fruits filled with seeds (also known as 'arils') should not be underestimated. The pomegranate offers the body vitamins and important minerals. Nutritious and delicious, pomegranates should have a substantial role in the day to day diet.


What are pomegranates?

Pomegranate is the fruit of a shrub that grows primarily in warn climate regions and has been cultivated in parts of Mediterranean and Asia for a long time now, although it's cultivated in virtually every part of the world where the climate allows.The fruit is characterized by its rather tough exterior peel which encloses a large number of seeds. Folk Mythology indicates that the fruit has 365 seeds although observation suggests that the total number of seeds can vary from 329 to 1000

Benefits of pomegranates

Pomegranate is rich in Vitamin C, Folic Acid and Polyphenols which are the basis of the claim that pomegranate being rich in nutrients. Polyphenols find use as anti-oxidizing agents and remove free radicals from the human skin that help in strengthening the human immune system, along with having anti-inflammatory benefits. One of the most publicized benefits of pomegranate is that it helps slow down skin wrinkling. Because of this, pomegranate finds extensive use in anti-aging creams. Recent research has also shown that pomegranate can help reduce the deterioration of cartilage, helping slow down osteoarthritis. And extensive studies have also shown that pomegranate helps increase the blood flow to the heart helping those affected with ischermic heart disease.

With so many benefits of the seeded fruit coming to light, one can infer that Mediterranean fruit pomegranate does indeed have significant health effects. Pomegranate can be consumed in raw form or in the form of a concentrated juice, which is both nutritious and tasty. In addition, pomegranate health supplements are available in the form of tablets, which remove the less useful ingredients of the fruit such as sugar and calories. So go ahead and grab this Mediterranean delight and take a step ahead for a much healthier tomorrow.

Olive Oil for cancer and aging


Three recent studies in Spain document the positive effect of virgin olive oil on overall human wellbeing especially relating to cancer and aging:

1 - ‘Olive oil consumption blocks the generation of cancerous tissue’ –
The consumption of olive oil blocks the generation of oncogenic (cancerous) tissue, as explained at the first ‘Worldwide Nutrition Congress’ held in Barcelona by Angel Gil, an expert in the Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Granada.
In this recent study, over 40% of rats fed sunflower oil died of tumors, as opposed to olive oil fed rats that scarcely produced any deaths at all. Whereas sunflower oil and animal fat promoted the creation of the three main food related cancers, olive oil reduced the creation of these cancerous tumors.
While noting that this does not mean that the consumer of sunflower oil has a greater risk of developing cancer than those who consume olive oil, according to Gil, there is an influence. This is confirmed by the greater longevity of people living in the Mediterranean rim countries.

2 - Expert corroborates that the consumption of olive oil increases longevity –
According to an investigation reported by Jose Mataix, professor at the University of Granada, the consumption of olive oil increases longevity and helps maintain the body in good working order.
According Professor Mataix: "the animals in this study that consumed (olive oil) lived longer and, through the microscope, we perceive that their structures were better conserved than those that consumed seed oils. Also, the latter (the animals that consumed seed oils) developed more tumors". While noting that the results are not extrapolatable to humans ‘a priori’, professor Mataix added that "being as the aging mechanisms are similar, it can be deduced that virgin olive oil maintains this correlation both in (the animals) as well as in people"

3 - Olive oil, Good for almost everything, also to prevent cancer –
A new study confirms that (olive oil) contributes to stopping cancer. A scientific team at the Municipal Institute of Investigative Medicine, Barcelona, studied the degrees of oxidization of genetic material in 182 men, 20 – 60 years of age from the north, center and south of Europe.
The study, was published in the January 2007 edition of the FASEB Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
Virgin olive oil has a higher content of phenolic compounds than processed olive oil. These phenolic compounds may obstruct the harmful effect of cholesterol on blood vessels. The oxidization of genetic cellular material appears linked to the formation of some forms of cancer.
During two weeks the participants were given a daily dose of 25 ml. of olive. The analysis showed that the excretion of oxidative residue from the DNA and RNA in the urine was higher in the regions of northern Europe when compared to the central southern Europe. These findings uphold the suggestion that the intake of olive oil is beneficial and can reduce the oxidization of DNA.

What can we conclude? – Whereas the flavor enhancing qualities are reason enough for many consumers to include extra virgin olive oil as an integral part of their daily diet. When the documented health benefits are considered, the case for real extra virgin olive oil becomes all the more compelling.

CAULI FLOWER

Cauli Flower


Cauliflower is classified as a cruciferous vegetable, which includes broccoli and other vegetables. The wonderfully crunchy cauliflower is a hearty vegetable featured in many vegetable recipes. In this article, we'll talk about growing cauliflower, selecting and serving cauliflower, and the health benefits of cauliflower.



Health Benefits of Cauliflower

Cauliflower is one of several cruciferous vegetables. Cauliflower has no fat, is high in vitamin C, and can pass for a low-carb version of mashed potatoes with ease. Read on to discover how this edible flower can help you maintain a healthy diet.

After citrus fruits, cauliflower is your next best natural source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that appears to help combat cancer. It's also an important warrior in the continuous battle our bodies wage against infection. Cauliflower is also notable for its fiber, folic acid, and potassium contents, proving it's more nutritious than its white appearance would have you believe. Cauliflower may also be a natural cancer fighter. It contains phytochemicals, called indoles, that may stimulate enzymes that block cancer growth.

Selecting Cauliflower

Keep cauliflower on hand -- in your kitchen or vegetable garden -- and you'll always have a tasty, nutritious and satisfying vegetable to eat.

Though cauliflower is available year-round, it's more reasonably priced in season -- fall and winter. Look for creamy white heads with compact florets. Brown patches and opened florets are signs of aging. Store unwashed, uncut cauliflower loosely wrapped in a plastic bag in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. Keep upright to prevent moisture from collecting on the surface. It will keep two to five days.

Tips for Preparing and Serving Cauliflower

Remove outer leaves, break off florets, trim brown spots, and wash them under running water. Cauliflower serves up well both raw and cooked. Raw, its flavor is less intense and more acceptable to children. Let them dip it into fat-free dressing.

Steam cauliflower, but don't overcook it. Overcooking destroys its vitamin C and folic acid. Moreover, overcooking gives cauliflower a bitter, pungent flavor. To prevent this, steam it in a non-aluminum pan over a small amount of water, until a fork barely pierces a floret -- about five minutes. Remove the cover soon after cooking begins to release odoriferous sulfur compounds.

BROCCOLI


Broccoli takes the prize as the most nutritious vegetable around. Delicious raw or cooked, this vegetable boosts the flavor and nutrition of dozens of broccoli recipes.
Broccoli is a member of the cabbage, or cole, family. It grows 11/2 to 21/2 feet tall and looks a bit like cauliflower. Broccoli will grow in most areas of the United States at one season or another, but it is not a suitable crop for very hot climates.


Health Benefits of Broccoli
For years, parents have been right: Eating your broccoli is a good idea. This hearty, tasty vegetable is rich in dozens of nutrients. In fact, it packs the most nutritional punch of any vegetable.
Broccoli's noteworthy nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin A (mostly as beta-carotene), folic acid, calcium, and fiber. While the calcium content of one serving doesn't equal that of a glass of milk, broccoli is an important calcium source for those who don't consume dairy products. Calcium does more than build strong bones. Research shows that this mineral may play a role in the control of high blood pressure, and it may work to prevent colon cancer.


Beta-carotene and vitamin C are important antioxidants that have been linked to a reduced risk of numerous conditions, including cataracts, heart disease, and several cancers.


Broccoli is a fiber find. Not only is it a rich source, but half of its fiber is insoluble and half is soluble, helping to meet your needs for both types of fiber. But the story doesn't end with broccoli's rich array of nutrients. Broccoli provides a health bonus in the form of protective substances that may shield you from disease. Botanically, broccoli belongs to the cabbage family, collectively known as cruciferous vegetables.

Health organizations have singled out cruciferous vegetables as must-have foods, recommending we eat them several times a week. Why? They are linked to lower rates of cancer. Like all cruciferous vegetables, broccoli naturally contains two important phytochemicals -- indoles and isothiocyanates. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore isolated from broccoli an isothiocyanate, called sulforaphane, that increases the activity of a group of enzymes in our bodies that squelch cancer-causing agents



ASPARAGUS

The beautiful appearance and delicate flavor of asparagus make it a favorite among vegetable lovers. This nutrient-dense vegetable is also a delicious part of many vegetable recipes. In this article, we'll talk about growing asparagus, selecting and serving asparagus, and the health benefits of asparagus.

About Asparagus
Asparagus is a long-lived hardy perennial with fleshy roots and fernlike, feathery foliage. The plant grows about 3 feet tall. The part that is eaten is the tender young stem. The popular houseplant asparagus fern is not a fern at all but a diminutive relative of edible asparagus.

Common Name: Asparagus
Scientific Name: Asparagus officinalis
Hardiness: Hardy (may survive first frost)

Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus can almost be called the ideal vegetable. It's rich in nutrients, very low in calories and very high in flavor. When cooked properly, each asparagus spear retains its crunchy yet tender texture, making it satisfying and filling -- and, at less than four calories per spear, a great choice for those watching their weight.


Asparagus is ideal for young women; it's a winner when it comes to folic acid -- a vitamin that helps prevent neural-tube birth defects. Two major antioxidants -- beta-carotene and vitamin C -- are also abundant in asparagus. By neutralizing damaging particles in our bodies like smog and cigarette smoke, antioxidants are major contenders in the fight against heart disease, cancer, and cataracts.

OLIVES
















Small bitter oval fruit, green when unripe and black when ripe, used for food and for oil.

Olive oil
Olive oil is a fruit-juice. Olive oil is cold pressed olive juice and olives are a fruit. That’s why it's so healthy and is used in the finest cuisines all over the world. Cold pressed means that the olives are picked and squeezed and are not boiled before squeezing.

Sorts
There are three types of olive oil:
• Extra vierge: the purest oil with an excellent taste and a low acidic level;
• Vierge: oil with a very good taste and a higher acidic level;
• Normal olive oil: this consists of a mix of refined olive oil and an oil between extra vierge and vierge olive oil, it has a good to normal taste.

Wine
You can compare olive oil with wine. Its quality and taste is influenced by geographical factors such as land or region. You also have good and bad olive years, depending on the weather during a certain season. The quality depends of the good care of growers and producers. There are oils with a strong and with a mild taste, some are spicy and others have a grass taste or taste a bit like nuts. No olive oil is the same.
There is yellow and green olive oil. The color says something about the time of season the olives are harvested and not about the quality.

The benefits of olives and olive-oil
*In the mediterranean countries of Europe people eat a lot of olive oil. It is common to eat bread or toast just dipped in olive oil. Because of the daily use of olive oil the people that live in these countries suffer less from heart diseases than people of other countries in Europe.
* The use of olive oil has a positive effect on the cholesterol level in our blood.
*Because olives grow in a warm environment and the fruit has to protect itself from heat and bright sunshine, olives contain a lot of fenol-like substances. These substances could possibly play a role in the prevention and cure of thrombosis and arteriosclerosis.
*It is often said that olive oil causes problems with the stomach or intestines. This is simply not the case. Olive oil is very easy to digest and mild for the intestines!

Test it yourself
You can do a little test. If you spill some olive oil on your hands you can easily wash it off. It disappears fast in the sink and you don't need a lot of hot water and detergent to wash it away. Because your body is like a glass of water it reacts the same.
If you have eaten some olive oil your body will evaporate it within 1½ hour via your pores. This means your body can handle it easily and does not have to waste any energy to digest it. This works differently with baking butter and other products, especially those based on animal products. In this case you have to scrub hard and need hot water and detergent to dissolve the fat in the water so it can be washed away.

Use more olive oil
Oil and butter based on vegetables are to be preferred but olive oil is best of course and you can fry everything in it. To put it shortly: everything you eat should be based on fruit or vegetables. You will look and feel much healthier and younger too!

 
 
 

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