Diet Mengikut Sunnah Rasulullah S.A.W

Dalam aspek berkaitan etika pemakanan sihat, diet Rasulullah SAW boleh dijadikan panduan dan ikutan kerana baginda adalah contoh teladan yang terbaik buat semua umat manusia. Rasulullah SAW merupakan seorang yang mementingkan khasiat dan mutu makanan yang diambil agar dapat sepenuh keberkatan dan manfaat daripadanya.

Rasulullah SAW mengelakkan minuman susu bersama makanan berprotin dan melarang memakan campuran pelbagai jenis daging. Baginda SAW lebih banyak mengambil bijirin, sayuran dan buah-buahan kerana corak pemakanan sebegini adalah sihat dan berkhasiat seperti juga yang disarankan oleh pakar nutrisi pada hari ini.

Kebanyakan buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran mempunyai kadar lemak yang rendah. Justeru, pengambilannya mengurangkan lemak di dalam badan dan amat bermanfaat bagi mereka yang ingin mengawal kegemukan. Di samping itu, ia juga mengandungi zat dan vitamin lain yang seimbang untuk kesihatan badan di samping memantapkan lagi sistem pertahanan badan seseorang.

Rasullulah SAW tak pernah sakit perut sepanjang hayatnya kerana pandai jaga pemakanannya sehari2. Kita cubalah ikut cara diet Rasulullah SAW agar sentiasa sihat dan tidak mengalami sakit perut ataupun keracunan makanan.

Antara tatacara pemakanan sihat Rasulullah SAW adalah:

1. Rasulullah tidak minum susu sewaktu baginda memakan daging, ayam ataupun ikan. Nabi Muhammad SAW pernah melarang para sahabat daripada makan ikan bersama susu. Di kuatiri akan cepat mendapat penyakit. Ini terbukti oleh saintis yang menjumpai dimana dalam badan ayam ion+(Positive Ions) sedangkan dalam makanan laut mempunyai ion-(Negetive Ions), jika kedua-dua jenis makanan ini bercampur maka akan terjadinya tindakbalas biokimia (Biochemical reactions) yang aktif dalam tubuh sekaligus mampu menyebabkan perut dan usus rosak dengan teruk.

2. Rasulullah SAW melarang meminum susu bersama cuka.Kerana cuka boleh merencatkan penyerapan protin susu dan kemasamannya boleh menghakis perut melalui tahap keasidannya lama kelamaan boleh menyebabkan gastrik.

3. Elakkan meminum susu bersama makan buah. Contohnya koktel. kerana gabungan dua bahan ini boleh meningatkan kadar keasidannya perut yang menyebabkan sebu dan gastrik.

4. Rasulullah SAW tidak makan ikan bersama daging, telur atau daun salad.Dalam Kitab Al-Quran ada melarang manusia untuk makan makanan darat bercampur makanan laut misalnya memakan nasi berlaukkan tom yam dan lauk kenduri. Haiwan di laut dan di daratan mengandungi cas ion yang berbeza.. kalau kita campurkan juga, sistem usus dalam perut kita akan rosak. jadi, ia bakal mengundang penyakit dan membahayakan kesihatan.

5. Rasulullah SAW memakan buah-buahan terlebih dahulu sebelum makan makanan berat, seperti gandum atau roti. Makan buah sebelum makan (1/2 jam sebelum makan nasi). Kita tak sepatutnya makan buah selepas makan nasi. Buah-buahan mengandungi serat/ fibre yang tinggi. Apabila kita makan buah sebelum makan nasi, secara automatik perut kita telah penuh dengan serat. Jadi, kita tak akan makan nasi dalam kuantiti yang banyak.

6. Nabi Muhamad SAW biasa memakan bijirin seperti Habbatus Sawda’, barli dan oat.Menurut Bukhari-Muslim, Nabi SAW bersabda:“Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ mempunyai ubat bagi segala penyakit kecuali mati”. Pemakanan berasaskan bijian-bijian sememangnya berkhasiat kerana ia kaya dengan bahan phytonutrients. Phytonutrients adalah sejenis antioksidan yang berkuasa tinggi yang mampu meningkatkan sistem pertahanan badan, menyihatkan jantung, mengawal penyakit kencing manis dan kegemukan melampau (obesiti) serta juga mampu mencegah kanser. Al-Hakam Bin Uyainah berkata: “Adapun Rasulullah SAW tidaklah Baginda tidur malam sehingga Baginda memakan Habbatus Sawda’ dan madu. Begitulah jua amalan Baginda pada awal pagi untuk tenaga, hafalan dan menghilangkan masalah lendir (lelah/asma).”

7. Baginda SAW juga memakan roti yang diperbuat daripada gandum asli.Gandum sempurna (whole grain wheat) mempunyai perbezaan berbanding tepung gandum proses kerana ia mengandungi kadar protein, serat dan vitamin E tinggi yang mengurangkan risiko penyakit jantung dan merendahkan kadar kolesterol. Roti gandum mengandungi karbohidrat di mana setiap individu memerlukan 50 hingga 60 peratus karbohidrat setiap hari untuk membekalkan tenaga dan juga mempunyai zat-zat logam yang lain, vitamin dan serat untuk kepentingan kesihatan manusia. Dalam riwayat lain menurut Abu Daud, Yusuf bin Abdullah bin Salam ra meriwayatkan,“Aku melihat Rasulullah SAW mengambil sekeping roti gandum dan diletakkan tamar di atasnya dan memakannya”. Mengikut riwayat oleh Bukhari dan Muslim, Aisyah berkata,” Keluarga nabi tidak pernah kenyang dengan memakan roti gandum dua hari berturut-turut dan (pada hari mereka tidak memperolehi roti) mereka memakan tamar”.

8. Buah tamarsememangnya sinonim dalam kehidupan Nabi Muhammad SAW, ia dianggap sebagai makanan yang sempurna kerana ia mengandungi pelbagai khasiat yang diperlukan untuk kesihatan manusia. Kandungan serat yang tinggi dan lemak yang rendah serta gabungan beberapa zat lain yang terkandung di dalam buah tamar menyebabkan ia amat berkhasiat dan sentiasa digemari dan menjadi hidangan penting bagi nabi dan keluarga. Manakala buah tamar pula mempunyai unsur- unsur seperti karbohidrat, protein, serat, lemak serta zat logam yang lain untuk melengkapkan lagi hidangan tersebut. Bukhari dan Muslim meriwayatkan; bahawa Aisyah berkata,“Ada ketikanya dapur rumah kami tidak berasap selama sebulan. Yang ada (untuk dijadikan makanan) hanyalah buah tamar dan air. Melainkan kadangkala diberikan kepada kami sedikit daging”.

9. Nabi SAW juga memakan buah-buahan lain seperti tembikai.Sehubungan dengan ini, Abu Daud dan Tirmizi meriwayatkan bahawa Aisyah pernah berkata, “Rasulullah pernah memakan buah tembikai bersama-sama dengan buat tamar basah.” Tembikai mengandungi 92 peratus air dan 8 peratus gula serta mengandungi antioksidan yang disebut lycopene yang mampu mencegah daripada pelbagai penyakit terutamanya kanser.

10. Di samping itu, Rasulullah SAW juga mengemari sayuran dari jenis mentimun (cucumber). Mentimun kaya dengan air justeru ia menyejukkan badan. Di samping itu, mentimun juga mengandungi vitamin C yang mampu meredakan radang kulit dan juga mengandungi silika. Silika merupakan unsur penting yang diperlukan bagi menjamin kesihatan sistem saraf yang melibatkan otot, tendon, ligamen dan tulang. Oleh kerana mentimun mengandungi banyak air, maka pengambilannya dengan makanan yang berserat merupakan satu langkah yang baik kerana ia akan memberi manfaat yang lebih berkesan kepada kesihatan tubuh badan.

11. Nabi SAW juga menggalakkan penggambilan madu.Baginda SAW mengamalkan minum air sejuk yang bercampur sedikit madu setiap pagi. Ia mennghindar daripada segala penyakit.“Dari perut lebah itu keluar minuman (madu) yang bermacam-macam warnanya, di dalamnya ada ubat yang menyembuhkan bagi manusia. Sesungguhnya pada yang demikian itu benar-benar terdapat tanda (kebesaran Rabb) bagi orang yang memikirkan”– (An-Nahl: 68-69)

12. Nabi SAW sentiasa mengamalkan banyak meminum airdengan meneguk perlahan-perlahan sambil memegang gelas dengan tangan kanan dan melarang bernafas atau menghembus ke dalam air tersebut. Hal ini kerana udara yang sengaja dibuihkan dalam air itu mungkin mengandungi kuman dan bacteria yang merbahaya kepada kesihatan. Minum sebaik-baiknya sebelum makan. Jangan meneguk air ketika sesi menjamah makanan, minumlah air jika tersedak, berasa kekeringan ataupun setengah jam sesudah makan, hal ini makan melancarkan selera makan serta mengelakkan dari terkena penyakit kembung air. Meminum air sekurang-kurangnya setengah jam sesudah makan dapat mengembalikan tenaga yang hilang pada kadar tempoh yang lama serta mengembalikan keserian wajah dan awek muda.

13. Nabi Muhamad SAW melarang manusia makan dengan banyak dan melampau.Diriwayatkan bahwa para sahabat berkata dari Rasulullah SAW:نحن قوم لا نأكل حتى نجوع وإذا أكلنا لا نشبع“Kita (kaum muslimin) adalah kaum yang hanya makan bila lapar dan berhenti makan sebelum kenyang. “Sebaliknya manusia itu hanya perlu makan ketika ia lapar dan berhenti sebelum ia kenyang. Baginda SAW meminta seseorang itu untuk mengisi 1/3 daripada ruang perutnya dengan air, 1/3 dengan makanan dan selebihnya dengan ruang kosong (udara).

14. Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasalam juga menyuruh menjamah secubit garam sebelum makan untuk menolak 70 macam penyakit dan ambil secolek lagi dengan jari manis tangan kanan setelah makan.

15. Baca basmalah dan berdoa sebelum dan setelah makan. Cucilah tangan juga sebelum dan selepas makan. Doa sebelum makan; اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهِ وَأَطْعِمْنَا خَيْرًا مِنْهُ “Ya Allah berkatilah kami padanya (makanan kami) dan kurniakanlah kami makanan yang lebih baik darinya. ”Dari Muad bin Anas r.a. berkata: Rasulullah SAW bersabda, “Sesiapa yang selesai makan, kemudian menyebut, ‘Alhamdulillah- illazi ath’amani haaza, wa razaqanihi min ghairi haulin minni wa la quwwatin’, akan diampunkan dosa-dosanya yang telah lalu.” (HR Tirmidzi)

16. Nabi SAW juga mengajar untuk kita makan dengan tangan kanan tanpa sudu, garfu ataupun chopstick. Dari Jabir r.a. berkata, Rasulullah SAW bersabda:“Jangan engkau makan dengan (tangan) kirimu, sesungguhnya syaitan itu makan dan minum dengan (tangan) kirinya.” (HR Muslim) Apabila selesai hendaklah dijilat jari-jari tersebut. Ahli saintis telah menemukan bahawa enzim banyak terkandung di celah jari-jari, iaitu 10 kali ganda terdapat dalam air liur. (Enzim sejenis alat percerna makanan tanpanya makanan tidak hadam). “Dan janganlah ia mengelap tangannya dengan mindil/ tuala hendaklah ia menjilati tangannya, kerana seseorang itu tidak mengetahui pada makanannya yang mana yang mengandungi berkat untuknya, sesungguhnya syaitan itu selalu mengintai untuk merampas harta manusia dari segala penjuru sehingga di tempat makannya. Dan janganlah ia mengangkat shahfahnya (bekas makanan) hingga menjilatinya dengan tangan, kerana sesungguhnya pada akhir makanan itu mengandung berkat.” (Kitab Silsilah hadits-hadits shahih no. 1404). Berkata Imam Nawawi, tentang makna kalimat “Pada makanannya yang mana yang diberkahi.” Ia berkata: Sesungguhnya makanan yang dihidangkan untuk manusia itu mengandung berkat, sedang dia tidak mengetahui apakah berkat itu pada makanan yang ia makan atau pada sisa makanan yang melekat di tangannya atau pada sisa makanan di dalamshahfah atau pada suapan yang jatuh. Demikian hendaklah ia menjaga semua itu agar selalu mendapat berkat. (Fathul Bari 9/578).

17. Sebaiknya kita yang menunggu makanan dan bukan makanan yang menunggu kita. Makan dan minum perlulah dalam keadaan duduk tidak berdiri, baik sekali makan keadaan duduk dengan menegakkan sebelah lutut sambil menekan perut. Hikmahnya dapat mengawal kuantiti makanan disamping mengatasi kembung dan senak perut.

18. Makan berjamaah bersama keluarga atau sahabat.Berkenaan dengan seseorang yang datang kepadanya dan Rasulullah SAW bersbda;“Wahai Rasulullah, kami ini setiap kali makan tidak pernah kenyang.” Maka Rasulullah berkata: “Pasti masing-masing kamu makan sendiri-sendiri.” Orang itu menjawab: “Benar, Ya Rasulullah!” Rasulullah berkata: “Berjamaahlah dalam menyantap makananmu.”

19. Rasulullah SAW melarang meninggalkan makan malam. Sesiapa yang meninggalkan makan malamnya, dia akan mempercepatkan tua sebelum masanya kerana keasidan serta tahap kolestrol dalam darah dan badannya akan berganda. Makanlah sekadar mengisi perut (bukan kenyang) walaupun dengan sebiji kurma untuk proses penghazaman dan proses metabolisma gizi-gizi makanan ke saluran bahagian lain sebab semasa tidur pertumbuhan badan kita akan menentukan tahap kesihatan kita. Masa bayi terbukti prosesnya, masa dewasa ianya statik tetapi memperbaiki mana-mana unit dalam badan kita dapat difungsikan dan kerana itu kadang lepas bangun tidur seseorang merasa segar dan bertenaga. Para penzuhud berpendapat makan malam mampu memberi tenaga untuk berqiam malam untuk beribadat.

20. Elakkan kekenyangan sebelum tidurkerana ia berperangai seperti Firaun di samping mudah dipengaruhi syaitan. Suatu ketika Nabi Yahya a.s. berbual dengan iblis; Berkata iblis: “Ya ada, kadang-kadang kamu kenyang, lalu aku membuat kamu merasa berat untuk bersolat dan berzikir”. Dari segi kesihatan pula adalah tidak digalak makan sekurang kurang 2 jam sebelum tidur kerana tidur dengan kekenyangan boleh memudaratkan sistem tubuh badan. Makanlah sebelum jam 9.00 malam dan jika lapar selepas makan berat awal, pada jam 6-7 malam, ambillah hanya sedikit makanan sekurang-kurangnya 2 jam sebelum masuk tidur.

21. Berpuasa selama sebulan pada bulan Ramadhan dan disunatkan berpuasa pada hari-hari tertentu boleh menjamin kesihatan yang berkekalan sepanjang hayat.Apabila bersahur, minumlah sekurang-kurangnya segelas air sejam sebelum solat subuh dan selewat-lewatnya 10 minit sebelum masuk waktu imsak. Ini adalah perlu bagi menjamin kekuatan sewaktu menjalani ibadah puasa. Manakala apabila berbuka puasa pada waktu Maghrib, perlu disegerakan dengan memakan 3 biji kurma atau manisan dan segelas air terlebih dahulu.

22. Islam melarang penganutnya untuk meminum arak, memakan babi dan anjing serta keluarganya, binatang dan tumbuhan yang beracun, berbisa dan berbahaya. Dilarang juga memakan najis, (darah, nanah, air mazi dan sebagainya) serta serangga yang hidup melata, jijik lagi beracun.

Oleh itu, pengambilan diet dan menghindari larangan seperti di atas yang diamalkan oleh Rasulullah SAW merupakan aturan yang baik untuk mengekalkan kesihatan dan ia telah pun dibuktikan akan kelebihannya melalui kajian sains semasa. Justeru, amalan pemakanan yang dipamerkan oleh Rasulullah SAW seharusnya diikuti dan dicontohi oleh semua peringkat umur demi kesihatan yang mantap, kelangsungan hidup dan penyemprnaan ibadah yang bermutu.

Sumber: MyIbrah.com

A Facelift in the Fridge

By Cynthia Ross Cravit

Health experts say certain foods can slow down the aging process. Food rich in antioxidants not only help to combat chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, but they are also good for your skin.

The Right Diet

In fact, dermatologist and best selling author Dr. Nicholas Perricone says you can actually find a facelift “in the fridge.” “The right diet certainly decreases your risk of all age-related disease such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, but it can also make a great difference in the skin very rapidly,” he told CNN.
Foods that contain a high amount of antioxidants ease an ongoing bodily process called intracellular inflammation. “Because of the inflammation, the cell doesn’t function correctly. It doesn’t produce enough energy, you can’t expel waste, and you can’t get in nutrients properly,” said Perricone.

The long-term effects of cellular inflammation can be seen in the brain with premature senility and in the arteries with arteriosclerosis. And in the skin, it’s sagging and wrinkling, according to Perricone.

Skin-Friendly Foods

Skin-friendly foods include all types of berries, brightly coloured fruits and vegetables and cold-water fish such as wild salmon. Good fats such as olive oil and avocado should also be included in your diet.

Offenders

The offenders?
“Stay away from starches and sugars, because they are pro-inflammatory,” said Perricone. “And substitute green tea for coffee.” While good nutrition can help to slow down the biological clock, reducing stress is also important. “We recommend moderate exercise, meditation, tai chi, qigong, prayer, anything you can do decrease that type of daily anxiety we face,” said Perricone. For more skin benefits, quit smoking, drink lots of water, and don’t forget the sunscreen, he added.


Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/A-Facelift-in-the-Fridge.aspx?p=4#ixzz1hERqIusU

Amazing Vinegar Cures

Old-fashioned apple cider vinegar may not seem like an amazing product, but it can be used in lots of ways that could surprise you. Unlike lots of modern foods, apple cider vinegar is a simple, natural product that has been around for a long time. But even your grandmother may not have known about some of these “vinegar cures.”

Toxins

Drinking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in an 8 oz glass of water every day may slow the production of histamines and reduce your allergies. This home remedy is recommended to be done all year long, whether you are suffering from allergies or not. This regimen is also believed to help your body cleanse itself of toxins.


Pain

The Farmers’ Almanac (a compendium of home remedies) states that a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in warm water drunk every morning relieves arthritis pain and soothes stiff joints.

Herbal Vinegars

Herbal vinegars—which you can make yourself by adding dried herbs to vinegars—can help you absorb the minerals in your salad (and in the dried herbs) better by making for an acid environment (acid helps the body absorb vitamins and minerals better).

Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Wellness/Amazing-Vinegar-Cures.aspx?p=4#ixzz1g2FnYAi3

10 Tips to Destress from Work

By Laura Stack

Are you working your life away? Yes, you, the one working six days a week, 12 hours a day. Oh, so you "rest" on the seventh day? Hey, even God rested on the seventh day. You, however, put in a few more hours. When did you confuse your job with your life?

Leisure, wellness, fun, and stress reduction are all an essential part of any productive routine. If you have a hard time kicking back, here are a few suggestions you should try.

Close the Mental Office 'Door'

It's okay to love what you do; it's okay to have passion for your work. But you're not defined by what you do professionally. Stop being a workaholic, and learn to slow down and "turn off" work.

Leave Work on Time

Your personal life is at least as important as your work life. Facing this reality and learning to work with it will make you feel more successful and less stressed. So remember to get home and enjoy your home life.

Laugh a Little

Lighten up and laugh at life's absurdities. Remember, the lower your stress level, the higher your appreciation of life and your ability to care for others.

Rest, Relax, and Play Daily

Some 40 percent of people surveyed say they don't spend enough time enjoying leisure activities. The biggest obstacle to play? Ourselves. Give yourself permission to have fun.

Go on a Long Vacation

Everyone needs a change of pace and scenery andfunon a regular basis. Vacations offer the restorative power many people desperately need. Without the ability to recharge your batteries for a long period of time, you're on a slippery slope to burnout.

Create Fond Memories

Don't ignore your family in favor of earning a living. Create positive experiences that stir their emotions and will therefore impact them, so they'll remember the good times.

Have Regular 'Family Time'

The traditions you share with your family are important ways to nurture and express your love for the important people in your life, and to create those fond memories that make you a family.

Make Time for a Favorite Hobby

Having a hobby is a great way to re-energize. Whether you like to knit, create scrapbooks, or design clothes, do something regularly. Make time for it. Hobbies are a wonderful outlet for the creative expression missing in many people's lives.

Force Yourself to Slow Down

Time management doesn't mean packing your day like a moving van, ensuring every single minute is full. What's really at issue is not the quantity of time, but its texture.

Take Care of Yourself Regularly

This doesn't just mean going to the doctor and dentist regularly. Reconnect with your childhood, keep up an active social life, pamper yourself occasionally, and don't feel guilty about downtime.

Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/2008/09/10-Tips-to-Destress-from-Work.aspx?p=11#ixzz1fSsQ1z14

Foods that Boost Your Mood

By Cynthia Ross Cravit

People who follow a traditional Mediterranean diet are 30 per cent less likely to be depressed, a study finds. People who follow a traditional Mediterranean diet are 30 per cent less likely to be depressed, a study finds. Research has shown that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil and fish can help to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s disease. And now a new study indicates that it may also help to prevent depression. The Mediterranean diet has long been thought to explain the long life expectancy of southern Europeans. And because Mediterranean countries also have lower rates of depression and suicide than many other countries, researchers were curious about whether their diet might also affect mental health.

Research

For the study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, researchers looked at 10,000 healthy Spanish university graduates. Participants were asked to complete a food questionnaire at the start of the study, and they were then followed over the next four and a half years. In particular, they were asked if their diets contained the following components of a traditional Mediterranean diet:

– A high ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids (such as those found in olive oil) to saturated fatty acids (found in animal fats like butter and meat).

– Moderate use of alcohol and dairy products.– Low intake of meat.

– High intake of legumes, fruits, nuts, cereals, vegetables and fish.


Findings

The results? Those who ate ‘Mediterranean-style’ were about 30 percent less likely to be diagnosed with depression. Researchers say that the fatty acids in olive oil may play a role in lowering the rates of depression. “However, the role of the overall dietary pattern may be more important than the effect of single components,” writes lead study author Almudena Sánchez-Villegas of University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.“It is plausible that the synergistic combination of a sufficient provision of omega-three fatty acids together with other natural unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants from olive oil and nuts, flavonoids and other phytochemicals from fruit and other plant foods and large amounts of natural folates and other B vitamins in the overall Mediterranean dietary pattern may exert a fair degree of protection against depression.” More studies are needed to show a direct cause and effect from eating a Mediterranean-style diet and lowering depression, researchers say.


“It is plausible that the synergistic combination of a sufficient provision of omega-three fatty acids together with other natural unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants from olive oil and nuts, flavonoids and other phytochemicals from fruit and other plant foods and large amounts of natural folates and other B vitamins in the overall Mediterranean dietary pattern may exert a fair degree of protection against depression.” More studies are needed to show a direct cause and effect from eating a Mediterranean-style diet and lowering depression, researchers say.



I personally would like to thank you to Beliefnet.com because I really learn from this website and shared the knowledge with my friends.

Coke and Water

I got this information from an email sent by my friend.

COKE

#1. In many states the highway patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the trunk to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.

#2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in two days.

#3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the 'real thing' sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.

#4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.

#5. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.

#6. To loosen a rusted bolt: Apply a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.

#7. To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.

#8... To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of Coke into the load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

#1 The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. It will dissolve a nail in about four days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase of osteoporosis.

#2. To carry Coca-Cola syrup! (the concentrate) the commercial trucks must use a hazardous Material place cards reserved for highly corrosive materials.

#3. The distributors of Coke have been using it to clean engines of the trucks for about 20 years!

WATER - Would you like a glass of water?

#1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated (Likely applies to half the world population)

#2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger.

#3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as 3%.

#4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.

#5. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

#6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

#7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

#8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%., and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer. Are you drinking the amount of water you should drink every day?

The Wonders of Coconut?

It's tasty and versatile -- but is coconut the latest health food? We look at the benefits and myths behind this famed fruit.

BY: Elizabeth Rogers of 50Plus

Coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut water, coconut pulp — there’s been a lot of buzz in recent years about the health benefits of coconut. This tasty fruit has been a staple food and natural remedy in various cultures for centuries, but more recently its been making a comeback in North America. Some cooks swear by it, and some companies say their products can treat everything from kidney stones to HIV — and even help you lose weight. But is coconut really the latest superfood? Here’s a look at two of the products getting all the attention.

Coconut oil

Its benefits for skin and hair are widely known and generally not controversial — but eating coconut oil is another story. There is still a lot of debate about the health benefits versus potential harms of this ingredient turned dietary supplement. At first glance, the numbers aren’t promising: one tablespoon of coconut oil has 14 grams of fat and 12 grams of saturated fat (though it doesn’t have any cholesterol). Hydrogenated coconut oil — where hydrogen is added to turn the liquid into a solid form — also contains trans fats. Not surprisingly, coconut oil has gotten a bad reputation thanks to its high saturated fats. In comparison, lard has only 13 grams of fat and about 5 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. Extra virgin olive oil offers about 14 grams of fat but only 2 grams of saturated fat. When we’re warned to watch our consumption of saturated fat, coconut oil tends to lose out. However, there’s more to healthy eating than numbers. Coconut oil is regaining favour because of the type of saturated fat it contains. Essentially, our bodies use these medium-chain fatty acids — or medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) — differently than your usual long-chained saturated fats. Some research suggests these fats are more readily converted to energy rather than stored, and that they can even boost our metabolism. Besides, it has a unique flavour idea for cooking and baking — and it’s commonly used in certain cuisines and vegan fare.

However, the promised benefits don’t end there. Do some checking and you can compile a long list of things coconut oil and coconuts milk or pulp can help with, such as:

- dissolving kidney stones

- stimulating thyroid function (and thereby treating hypothyroidism)

- fighting tooth decay and gum disease

- relieving the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, Crohn’s disease and stomach ulcers

- improving cholesterol levels

- improving digestion and bowel function, and helping the body better absorb key nutrients

- protecting against heart disease, osteoporosis and liver disease

- boosting the immune system

- killing fungi, parasites, bacteria and viruses

- including the viruses behind pneumonia and HIV

Coconut water

Is this beverage really “Nature’s Gatorade”? With temperatures setting new highs recently, you may have heard that coconut water — the liquid inside young coconuts — is an all-natural way to stay hydrated. As the name suggests, it’s 94 per cent water — but it also contains potassium and other minerals like sodium which can help replenish depleted electrolytes. It’s also a source of B vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and plant hormones. An eight ounce serving has about 45-50 calories, but doesn’t have the added sugars, colours or flavours that put people off sports drinks. Coconut water even offers some dietary fibre — about 2.5-3 grams per serving — to balance the natural sugars. Unlike coconut milk — which is made from the pulp — coconut water doesn’t have any fat. Besides, many people enjoy the taste of coconut water as a beverage or in cooking in place of water.

But is it a good way to hydrate? Both nutritionists and natural food proponents say it’s one way to combat dehydration whether its due to heat or a bout of diarrhoea. One expert at the Mayo Clinic even recommends keeping some in your pantry. However, other experts warn that you’ll need to consume a lot of it to cure serious dehydration — especially if you’re exercising for long periods of time in the heat. However, staying hydrated is another story. As with fruit juices and sports drinks, the calories can still pile up and experts recommend drinking plain water most of the time. You don’t need to down glass after glass of coconut water on a hot day — plain water will do. Still, coconut water can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Coconut water does offer some nutrients, but they tend to be ones most people normally get in their diets. What about other potential health benefits like lowering blood pressure, taming menopause symptoms or controlling diabetes?

As with coconut oil, there is very little research to suggest drinking coconut water is beneficial. Same goes for coconut pulp and coconut flour — although there’s less hype about these products, the same rules apply. Overall, there’s still a lot of about coconut that experts don’t know, and research is still ongoing. If you don’t like the taste of coconut, chances are you aren’t missing miracle health benefits by leaving it on the store shelf.

Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Healthy-Living/The-Wonders-of-Coconut.aspx?p=3#ixzz1f63X25PE

Hidden Health Benefits Of Strawberries!

posted by amcdaniel

Lately I’ve been enjoying nature’s bounty strawberries! I made a batch simply with metled dark chocolate from the microwave. Nothing fancy, just delicious. They are waiting in the fridge for me. Read on for a little more information about the super food strawberries! “Everyone knows that strawberries are delicious. However, did you know just what a nutritional powerhouse they are? Here are eight reasons to include strawberries in your diet.

Diet

One cup of strawberries contains over 13% of the RDA of dietary fiber, yet only 43 calories. The dietary fiber in strawberries helps to keep digestion regular, as well as lowers blood pressure and curbs overeating.

Antioxidants

Strawberries contain a chemical compound called phenols. Anthocyanin, a particular phenol abundantly found in strawberries, lends the rich red color to the fruit. Though anthocyanin is known to have antioxidant properties within the fruit, it is debated as to whether the antioxidant agents in anthocyanin-rich foods can be absorbed into the body once digested. Fortunately, however, it is known that when anthocyanin-rich foods are consumed, the body’s uric acid levels increase, which serves as an antioxidant agent.

Anti-Inflammatory

The phenols in strawberries also fight against many inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis, asthma and atherosclerosis, by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the same way that the drugs aspirin and ibuprofen do. Strawberries, however, do not carry unwanted side effects like stomach and intestinal bleeding.

Anti-Cancer

The combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents found in strawberries is well-known to fight against the onset of many different forms of cancer. Thanks to the vitamin C, folate, and the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol that they also contain, strawberries are a delicious defense against potentially cancerous cells.

Healthy Eyes

The Archives of Opthalmology recently published a study in which three or more servings of strawberries (and other fruits) per day can decrease the possibility of contracting age-related macular degeneration by over one-third.

The Vigorous Vitamin C

One cup of strawberries contains an incredible 136% of the RDA of vitamin C, an effective antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure, ensure a healthy immune system, and ward off the development of age-related ocular diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Magnificent Manganese

One cup of strawberries contains 21% of manganese, an essential nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. By increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzyme responsible for protecting mitochonrdria exposed to oxygen, manganese not only helps to fight the battle against free radicals and oxidative stress, but also lessens cellular inflammation — another cause of numerous cardiovascular diseases.

Bone Health

Manganese is also great for the bones, helping in bone building and maintaining proper bone structure. The potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium in strawberries are also important for bone health Health Diaries.”

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/wholeliving/2011/05/hidden-health-benefits-of-strawberries.html#ixzz1euVHi9Gn

Red Dot Mark

This is an important information for all Muslims!


Be aware of the Red dot inside a red square symbol which shown on chocolate bars like : Bounty Chocolate bar / Mars/ sneakers ... it's shown specifically at the back beside the weight numbers.
That mark means that these products contains gelatin which is derived from PORK!!


They put that mark to warn vegetarian people that the chocolate bar have non-vegetarian contents/ingredients in it.


Please share this information with all your friends and remember that "The One Who Guides Others to Good Deeds is Like the One Who Does Them"

Depression in Men: How Is It Different?

by Krisha McCoy, MS

When some of us think of depression, we may think that women experience it more than men. Some health professionals say this is because women experience hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, which may both contribute to depression and complicate its treatment. But are men really less likely than women to get depressed, or are they just less likely to acknowledge it?

Depression in Men

To deal with male depression, we need to understand how it differs from female depression. Whether it is because some men are ashamed to admit they have a mental condition or they just are not as attuned to their mental health as women, symptoms of depression should not be ignored. Women may be more likely to have anxiety in association with their depression, while men are more likely to exhibit signs of substance abuse or conduct disorder. Some evidence indicates that depression may be even more dangerous for men than for women. Men are more likely than women to commit suicide, although women are more likely to attempt suicide. To make matters worse, many men may shy away from talking about their feelings, asking for help, and seeking treatment for depression.

Perhaps one of the reasons male depression may go undiagnosed is that men fear the repercussions of admitting they have a mental illness. They may be concerned that their coworkers, friends, and family would look down on them if they sought help for depression. Also, they may fear that their job security, promotion potential, and health benefits would be negatively affected if their coworkers or boss found out they were depressed.

Symptoms of Depression

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says the following symptoms are common in depression, regardless of gender: Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism Feelings of guilt and worthlessness Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex Decreased energy and increased fatigue Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping Appetite and/ or weight loss or overeating and weight gain Recurrent thoughts of death and/or suicide, suicide attempts Restlessness and irritability Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic painThese symptoms can appear in both men and women who are depressed and it is important to recognize them if they occur. Even symptoms that may seem like another illness coming on—headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain—may be associated with depression.Depressed men may be less likely to experience sadness, worthlessness, and guilt as symptoms of depression. They do, however, commonly experience fatigue, irritability, anger, loss of interest in relationships, decreased interest in hobbies, excessive time spent at work, and sleep disturbances. They may show frustration and discouragement, and become irritable, angry, or sometimes abusive. The more we find out about how depression differs between men and women, the better health professionals will become at recognizing and treating this condition in men.

Getting HelpIf you think you may be depressed, schedule a visit with your physician. It is possible that another condition—such as an infection, a thyroid disorder, or low testosterone—is causing you to feel depressed. Sometimes when these conditions are treated, your symptoms will disappear. If your physician determines that your symptoms are not caused by another condition, you will likely undergo a psychological evaluation for depression, either by your physician or a referred mental health professional.During a psychological evaluation, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms, your drug and alcohol use, whether or not you have had thoughts of death and suicide, and if depressive disorders run in your family. Also, the doctor will assess your mental status, including your speech, thought patterns, and memory. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment for depression may include a combination of medications, psychotherapies, and other therapies to help alleviate symptoms of depression. In addition to your prescribed therapy, the NIMH suggests you incorporate the following strategies into your life to help cope with depression:Participate in mild exercise. Go to the movies, ball games, or other social activities. Set realistic recovery goals.Make it a point to be around people.Find someone to confide in. Expect your mood to improve gradually, not overnight.Postpone important decisions, such as job changes or changes in your marital status, until your depression has lifted. Allow your family and friends help you cope with depression. It is important for men to understand that depression is a disease of the brain, not a sign of weakness. Depression can be successfully treated, and seeking treatment can improve the quality of life of any man who is depressed, as well as those close to him.

RESOURCES:

Mental Health America
http://www.nmha.org/National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Mental Health Association
http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org/References:Depression can differ in men and women.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. Available at: http://www.nih.gov/news/NIH-Record/05_15_2001/main.htm. Accessed August 13, 2003.Depression: what you need to know. Mental Health America website. Available at: http://www.nmha.org/go/depression. Accessed June 9, 2009.How can I help myself if I am depressed? National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at:http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/how-can-i-help-myself-if-i-am-depressed.shtml. Accessed May 11, 2011.How do men experience depression? National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at:http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/how-do-men-experience-depression.shtml. Accessed May 11, 2011.Real men, real depression. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://menanddepression.nimh.nih.gov/default.asp. Accessed July 31, 2003.What are the signs and symptoms of depression? National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at:http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-are-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-depression.shtml. Accessed May 11, 2011.

Last reviewed May 2011 by Brian Randall, MD
Last updated Updated: 5/12/2011Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © 2011 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

Can Folic Acid Help Ease Depression?

By: Karen Schroeder, MS, RD (beliefnet)

Folic acid (found in nature as folate), the B vitamin that is famous for its role in preventing birth defects, is now under scrutiny for its effects on depression. A group of researchers from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts found that blood levels of folate were much lower among people with depression than in people who were not depressed. Findings like these have suggested a link between low folate levels and depression. If low levels of this vitamin lead to depressive symptoms, it seems logical to conclude that giving folic acid supplements to people with depression will help their recovery. However, research shows that the connection is not that simple.

Folate in the Brain

Folate, which is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells, is quite active in the brain and central nervous system. It affects the production of certain essential compounds and neurotransmitters—substances that carry messages to different parts of the brain. For example, folate deficiency leads to lower levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) in the brain. Some research has suggested that supplementation with SAM can play a positive role in the treatment of depression. Therefore, one possible theory is that low folate levels leads to low SAM, which increases symptoms of depression. By improving folate status, SAM increases, and depressive symptoms drop.

What the Studies Have Found

Some studies have found depressed patients to be deficient in folate, while others have shown no statistically significant differences in folate levels between people with and without depression. And when a link is found, it is unclear which came first—the deficiency or the depression. Many depressed people tend to eat poor diets, which can lead to deficiencies of many vitamins and minerals, not just folate. Another possibility is that a third, unknown factor causes both folate deficiency and depression. However, there is a small amount of direct evidence to indicate that folate supplements might be helpful for depression.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that sufficient amounts of folate are needed for the brain to work well. Deficiencies may cause a higher risk for depression and worsen the response to antidepressant medication. In a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, a group of researchers gave fluoxetine (Prozac) to 213 patients with major depressive disorder. The researchers also measured blood levels of folate in all study volunteers. After eight weeks on fluoxetine, the patients with low folate levels were significantly less likely to show improvement from the drug therapy. Also, a study found that folic acid combined with fluoxetine was effective in the initial treatment of depression. However, this response was seen only in women; folic acid did not affect the men in the study. Researchers are not sure why only women responded, although it could have been that men needed a higher dose of folic acid. Should Folic Acid Be Part of Depression Treatment? Depression is a serious condition that requires careful, ongoing treatment with talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. The research looking into folic acid and depression is still quite new.

As the authors in an editorial in Psychotherapy and Psychosomaticsexplain, “Our understanding of the role of folate in mental disorders is still insufficient to make practical recommendations.” There are no clear guidelines for dosage or duration of treatment. Other researchers argue that it's reasonable to ask your doctor about folic acid since it may be helpful when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Also, the cost of the supplement is low. The Bottom LineIf you are living with depression, talk with your doctor about folic acid. If you are deficient, your doctor may recommend taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement as well as increasing your intake of foods rich in this vitamin. These include: Green leafy vegetables (like spinach and turnip greens) Legumes (black beans, lentils, peas, etc) Citrus fruits and juices. Fortified cereals and grain products (including rice, pasta, bread, and certain breakfast cereals) Note, however, do not take more than 400 micrograms daily of folic acid daily because a high intake may hide a vitamin B12 deficiency. Keep in mind that a deficiency of folate might increase the risk of heart disease and stroke . In addition, for women considering pregnancy, sufficient folic acid intake can help decrease the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. Folic acid certainly is a vitamin worth getting your fair share of; it’s just not yet clear if it can also help improve your mental state.

RESOURCES:

National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
http://www.nami.org/Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.DBSAlliance.org/CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canada's Food Guide
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/Canadian Psychological Association
http://www.cpa.ca/cpasite/home.asp/

References

Bjelland I, Useland PM, Vollset SE.

Folate and depression [editorial].

Psychother and Psychosom. 2003;72:59-60.

Bottiglieri T, Laundy M, Crellin R, Toone BK, Carney MW, Reynolds EH.

Homocysteine, folate, methylation, and monoamine metabolism in depression [abstract].

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2000;69:228-232.

Fava M, Borus JS, Alpert JE, Nierenberg AA, Rosenbaum JF, Bottiglieri T.

Folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine in major depressive disorder [abstract].

Am J Psychiatry. 1997;154:426-428.

Folate. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at:http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81. Accessed June 3, 2008.

Mischoulon D, Raab MF. The role of folate in depression and dementia—review article.

J Clin Psych. 2007;68(suppl):10:28-33.Morris MS, Fava M, Jacques PF, Selhub J, Rosenberg IH.

Depression and folate status in the US population [abstract].

Psychother and Psychosom. 2003;72:80-87.Skerritt UM.

A prevalence study of folate deficiency in a psychiatric in-patient population [abstract].

Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1998;97:28-232.

Tiemeier H, van Tuijl HR, Hofman A, Meijer J, Kiliaan AJ, Breteler MM.

Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine in depression: the Rotterdam Study [abstract].

Am J Psychiatry. 2002;159:2099-2101.

Young SN, Ghadirian AM. Folic acid and psychopathology [abstract].

Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1989;13:841-863.

Pet Hair on Furniture?

posted by goquin

We love our messy and oh-so hairy pets. They seem to leave hair everywhere, mainly on our furniture. You can prevent much of this by brushing/combing and washing pets regularly. However, if you see hairy remains on your couch or chairs, here are several ways to remove it. Wipe a lightly dampened clean sponge over it to lift off. You also can swipe the rubber bottom (sole) of a tennis sneaker to lift up hair or roll a couple of lengths of tape around your hand (sticky side out) to pick up small amounts of hair.

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/heloisehints/2011/09/pet-hair-on-furniture.html#ixzz1ebahlSYx

Brain Food

Berries are full of memory-boosting nutrients. Here's how they work: When we talk about getting "rusty" at certain tasks, we may not be far off. Oxidation, the process that causes metal to rust, can also damage brain cells. This oxidative stress as it's called, plays a part in many diseases associated with aging from dementia and Alzheimer's to Parkinson's.

Getting beneficial anti-oxidative compounds like vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and other nutrients through food may help prevent, or at least curtail, the damage, because they can disarm potentially cell-injuring free radicals circulating throughout the system.

Research has shown that beneficial chemicals called ellagatannis in raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are also found right in the hippocampus, the brain's memory control center. Talk about a direct hit!

Blueberries also contain proanthocyanins, which gravitate toward the striatum, which is more closely related to spatial memory. Scientists believe that that these compounds may enhance the performance of those parts of the brain, and indeed, actual animal studies have substantiated the evidence that they do improve memory.

Oxidation is not the only process associated with diseases of aging. Inflammation also plays a big role in everything from heart disease to dementia. Cherries are nature's own little anti-inflammatory pills. They contain Cox 2 inhibitors similar to those found in pain medications such as Vioxx and Celebrex, but they also contain compounds called polyphenols that keep platelets in the blood from clumping together, so they don't produce undesirable side effects— like heart attacks and strokes—which are risks associated with the manufactured drugs. Isn't Mother Nature clever?

That old adage about "an apple a day" is right on target. Turns out that apples contain a group of chemicals that could protect the brain from the type of damage that triggers neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. One of those compounds, a flavonoid called quercetin, has been shown to protect the brain from oxidative injury in animal studies.

Other chemicals such as phenolic acids and different flavonoids protect the apple itself against damage by bacteria, viruses and fungi—and if they protect the fruit, just imagine what they can do for us! Studies suggest that eating apples not only may help reduce the risk of cancer, but diminish the risk of neurodegenerative disorders too.

Turmeric, the yellow spice found in many curries, contains curcumin, which also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may even prove useful in treating Alzheimer's; one study showed a reduction in beta amyloid deposits, the plaques associated with the disease, in the brains of animals fed curcumin-enhanced food. In another study, elderly people who ate curry often or very often did better on tests of mental performance than those who never or rarely ate curry.


The egg has gotten bad press because of its cholesterol-rich yoke and the associations between dietary cholesterol and heart disease. However, that same yolk contains one of the most important nutrients for building better brains: choline.
Getting adequate amounts of choline, especially early in life—during fetal development and early childhood—may help us learn more readily and also help us retain what we learn. What's more, sufficient choline intake early on may give us the mental building blocks we need to help keep memory intact as we age.

We've all heard that fish is "brain food," and there's good reason for it. Fatty fish like budget-friendly sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to be instrumental in maintaining brain function from early development throughout life. DHA, an omega-3, is present right in the brain, so having those good-for-you omega-3s in your diet is thought to boost brain function.

In addition, components of fatty acids in fish go straight to the synapses of nerve cells, so they play an important role in how neurons communicate with one another, which may have a positive affect throughout life on learning and memory.

Speaking of seafood as brain food, consider the oyster, which is one food rich in both iron and zinc. If your mind wanders or you have memory lapses here and there, you may need more of the minerals zinc and iron in your diet. A lot of research has linked decreased iron and zinc levels with poorer mental performance in children, but newer studies on adults suggest these elements help keep grown-ups' minds sharp as well. In those studies, marginally low iron reserves reduced adults' ability to concentrate, and lower levels of zinc slowed test participants' ability to recall words.

When it's time for a treat, chocolate is not a bad way to go, for your brain as well as your taste buds. Several studies have shown that eating flavonol-rich cocoa can improve blood vessel function, boosting circulation throughout the body and blood flow to the brain. The beneficial compounds found in cocoa may even reduce the formation of damaging clots, which may cause heart attacks and strokes.However, while cocoa, the ingredient that carries "chocolate" flavor, is rich in beneficial compounds, it's often combined with high-fat ingredients in chocolate bars and other desserts, so it's best to keep chocolate treats to a healthy minimum.

Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/2009/05/Healthy-Foods-to-Feed-Your-Brain.aspx?p=9#ixzz1eUpvCY8n

Food for a Beautiful Face

The idea that food or components of food can support healthy-looking skin has literally been around for ages. More and more research has shown the importance of diet choices on overall health, including skin health.

Vegetables: Decreased skin wrinkling around the corners of the eyes was observed in women with higher intakes of green and yellow vegetables.

The Findings. Over the last few years there has been a surge in the interest of foods and food ingredients for healthier appearing skin. This renewed interest has been termed nutritional cosmetics, or nutricosmetics, to reflect the impact of nutrition on beauty and skin health.

Unfortunately, research in this area is still in its infancy with limited research in human subjects.
Nonetheless, studies are being done and more are likely on the horizon. A new skin nutrition study, published online ahead of print in the British Journal of Nutrition, is one such study. For this study, researchers measured skin hydration, surface lipids, skin elasticity and wrinkling in over 700 Japanese women. Differences based on dietary habits were determined by evaluating usual eating patterns with a food frequency questionnaire.

Fat. Researchers noted that a higher dietary intake of total fat, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat was associated with improved skin elasticity.

Wrinkling. Researchers also found that after adjustment for intake of green and yellow vegetables, higher levels of saturated fat were associated with worse skin wrinkling.

Vitamins and Antioxidants. Vegetables, including green and yellow vegetables, are rich in a number of vitamins and antioxidant phytonutrients that have been suggested to support healthy looking skin. Interestingly, fat intake was reported to provide some skin appearance benefits as well. However, it is important to remember that excess fat intake can negatively impact overall health.

Further research into the actual benefits of these ingredients and foods will need to be conducted before they become widely accepted. Nonetheless, research is underway and some of the more promising ingredients appear to be those backed by scientific studies. Some of my favorite ingredients include astaxanthin, tocotrienols, green tea, kiwi seed, lutein, lycopene, and coenzyme Q10 since research supports their potential benefits for healthy-looking skin.

Thank you to our advertisers for their support in bringing you these inspiring stories. Thanks to Bliefnet Health & Happiness for the useful article.