The Truth About Red Wine and Its Health Benefits

Every year there are numerous headlines about the health benefits of red wine. But can drinking it really make a difference? The good news is yes. Recent studies that there are many health benefits associated with moderate red wine consumption. Not only can consuming one to two glasses a day help protect us from heart disease, it also safeguards against many other ailments.
For many centuries, several cultures have found that wine is an important role in happiness and a healthy lifestyle. In the modern world, wine is accepted as a healthful drink, and in the United States are we are rediscovering its medicinal value and benefits.
The French Paradox
The French paradox was a term coined by Dr. Serge Renaud to describe the apparent unusual relationship where the French, especially those in the South of France, eat incredible amounts of artery clogging and heart-stopping saturated fats, smoke heavily, and exercise very little, yet their incidences of coronary heart disease are very low. Their daily and moderate consumption of red wine was given as the most likely factor for this phenomenon. His investigation into this paradox led to the conclusion that it was the French people's consumption of red wine protecting their hearts from the saturated fats they consume. Renaud appeared on 60 Minutes in 1991 to outline the details of his French paradox theory and within weeks of this program airing, sales of red wine in the United States increased by 40 percent (about 2.5 million bottles).

The Healing Properties of Red Wine
Red wine is made from a fruit which is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which help to protect our bodies from free radicals. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals. Today, many studies have shown that red wine derives its health benefits from high levels of an antioxidant called "resveratrol" present in the seeds, skins and fermented grapes. Because of the long process and extensive fermentation of grapes in red wine production, high levels of resveratrol are found in bottled red wine. As defined, resveratrol is a type of polyphenol known as "phytoalexin" that is a group a compounds that plants use to defend themselves attacks such as undue stress, possible injuries, or UV radiation, and certain diseases such a fungus and infection.
The Health Benefits of Consuming Red Wine

• It is good for the heart - There are specific substances in wines like tannins and flavonoids which can increase the levels of good cholesterol or high density lipoproteins (HDL) in an individual's blood. Wine's antioxidants also lower the bad cholesterol or low density lipoproteins (LDL) therefore preventing an individual from developing various cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, and strokes. It also contains resveratrol which has an anti-clotting effect, lowering the risk of stroke and heart attack.
• It may help prevent menopause, breast cancer - and estrogen related conditions in the body because resveratrol is also a phytoestrogen, which mimics the estrogen in the body
• Helps prevent the development of certain neuro-degenerative diseases - Studies have shown that that the resveratrol present in wine can help prevent aging individuals from developing diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, that affect people as they age.
• It can help prevent food poisoning - Certain compounds in the wine help cleanse toxins from the body. It can also help an individual to avoid dysentery and diarrhea.
• Red wine can prevent and cure various gum diseases - Gum disease which is caused by inflamed tissue in the gums is a common affliction, especially among smokers. Individuals with gum disease are often advised to drink red wine because the polyphenols in it can lower the levels of free-radicals that cause infection and bacterial growth in the mouth.
• Consumption can help prevent certain cancers - Due to the antioxidant effect of resveratrol, experts believe that moderate and regular consumption may help possible cancer cells from multiplying
• It can prevent the development and progression of dementia - especially in older individuals.

While many Europeans would argue that many glasses or even of bottles of wine each day with dinner is moderate and healthy, many experts define moderate consumption as two glasses a day for men and one glass a day for women (due to differences in metabolism and weight). Over four glasses a day, Renaud warns wine has an adverse effect on death rates. Although it still protects the heart, excessive drinking increases the risk of cancer and liver and kidney disease. In moderate amounts, detoxifying small amount of alcohol is not a strain on these organs. However, once you exceed four glasses a day the liver and kidneys become overworked cleaning out your system.

So where does all this leave us? Is red wine beneficial to our health?
The answer is certainly yes, but you must temper your enthusiasm for wine with responsibility. If you can drink moderately then you will benefit, if you cannot you may suffer the harmful effects of alcohol. In addition, wine is not a cure-all. Simply drinking wine is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet, regular exercise and not smoking. So drink to your health! But do so responsibly and moderately so that you may continue to enjoy great wine for many years to come!

 Source:

Hangover Recovery

During the course of the year we find ourselves going to all kinds of events such as birthdays, office luncheons, annual holidays, parties, and special occasions where alcohol is being served. Oftentimes along with feasting we also consume too much alcohol. As a result, we wake up the next morning with a hangover, which we then nurse for the next day or two. So as we approach the end of 2012 and the next New Year's Eve party, I wanted to offer this short article for dealing with a hangover.
This is a quick guide to alleviating or completely avoiding hangover symptoms through an understanding of alcohol itself, physiological changes related to alcohol consumption, and a variety of suggested remedies for specific hangover symptoms.
[Warning: First and foremost let me at least mention that you should always try to drink responsibly and arrange having a designated driver if you will be using your personal vehicle for transportation.]
Classes of Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. Beer and wine are produced by fermentation of sugar- or starch-containing plant material. Beverages produced by fermentation followed by distillation have higher alcohol content and are known as liquor or spirits. The alcoholic strength of beer is usually 4% to 6% alcohol by volume (ABV), but it may be less than 2% or greater than 25%. Beers having an ABV of 60% (120 proof) have been produced by freezing brewed beer and removing water in the form of ice, a process referred to as "ice distilling". Beer is part of the drinking culture of various nations and has acquired social traditions such as beer festivals, pub games, and pub crawling (sometimes known as bar hopping).
Wine is produced from grapes, and from fruits such as plums, cherries, or apples. Wine involves a longer fermentation process than beer and also a long aging process (months or years), resulting in an alcohol content of 9%-16% ABV. Sparkling wine can be made by means of a secondary fermentation. Fortified wine is wine (such as port or sherry), to which a distilled beverage (usually brandy) has been added.
Unsweetened, distilled, alcoholic beverages that have an alcohol content of at least 20% ABV are called spirits. Spirits are produced by the distillation of a fermented base product. Distilling concentrates the alcohol. For the most common distilled beverages, such as whiskey and vodka, the alcohol content is around 40%. Spirits can be added to wines to create fortified wines, such as port and sherry.
A 2009 study provided evidence that darker-colored liquors, such as bourbon, cause worse hangovers than lighter-colored liquors, such as vodka. The higher amount of "congeners" found in darker liquors compared to lighter ones was indicated as the cause. Studies that attempt to compare hangover producing potential and hangover severity of different alcoholic drinks suggest the following ordering (starting with the least hangover-inducing):
Distilled ethanol diluted in fruit juice, beer, vodka, gin, white wine, whisky, rum, red wine, and brandy.
Alcohol and its Effects, the Basics

Now let's cover some basics about alcohol. What is alcohol? Alcohol is a distilled or fermented beverage that transforms a grain, fruit, vegetable, or wood into ethanol. Ethanol, glucose, and sucrose are all in the same group of alcohols. Ethanol is the most common form of alcohol one finds in alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol is a psychoactive drug that has a depressant effect. Alcohol also stimulates insulin production, which speeds up glucose metabolism and can result in low blood sugar, causing irritability and (for diabetics) possible death. Alcohol intoxication affects the brain and causing symptoms such as slurred speech, delayed reflexes, vomiting or unconsciousness. Alcohol also limits the production of vasopressin (ADH) from the hypothalamus and the secretion of this hormone from the posterior pituitary gland. This is what causes the intense thirst that goes along with a hangover.
Now when alcohol builds up in the bloodstream faster than it can be metabolized by the liver, we enter a physiological state known as drunkenness or inebriation. Alcohol is metabolized by a normal liver at the rate of about one ounce (one two-ounce shot of spirits, a normal beer, a regular sized glass of wine) every 90 minutes. An "abnormal" liver with conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, gall bladder disease, and cancer will have a slower rate of metabolism.

Ethanol's acute effects are largely due to its nature as a central nervous system depressant, and are dependent on blood alcohol concentrations. Here's a breakdown of what effects one can expect to experience from alcohol consumption according to the quantity you consume:
20-99 mg/dL - Impaired coordination and euphoria
100-199 mg/dL - Ataxia, poor judgment, labile mood
200-299 mg/dL - Marked ataxia, slurred speech, poor judgment, labile mood, nausea and vomiting
300-399 mg/dL - Stage 1 anesthesia, memory lapse, labile mood
400+ mg/dL - Respiratory failure, coma
In addition to respiratory failure and accidents caused by effects on the central nervous system, alcohol causes significant metabolic derangements. Hypoglycemia occurs due to ethanol's inhibition of gluconeogenesis, especially in children, and may cause lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis and acute renal failure.
Some effects of alcohol intoxication are central to alcohol's desirability as a beverage. For example, some desirable effects from small quantities of alcohol consumption are euphoria and lowered social inhibitions. Other symptoms include slurred speech, impaired balance, loss of muscle coordination (ataxia), flushed face, dehydration, vomiting, reddened eyes, and erratic behavior. Other effects are unpleasant or dangerous because alcohol affects many different areas of the body at once.
This last point, the fact that alcohol affects many different areas of the body at once, is crucial to understanding the nature of a hangover. Why? Because everyone experiences different symptoms from their hangover, each hangover has to be dealt with individually. Here are 2 reasons underlying hangovers with completely different characteristics.

Many people from East Asian descent have a mutation in their genes that causes them to suffer from alcohol flush reaction, in which acetaldehyde accumulates after drinking, leading to immediate and severe hangover symptoms. Because for them a little alcohol goes a long way, they are also less likely to become alcoholics.
Older people report that their hangovers grow worse as they age. This is caused by declining supplies of alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme involved in metabolizing alcohol.
So what we've come to is the fact that there is currently no empirical proof for hangover prevention except reducing the amount of ethanol consumed or waiting for the body to metabolize the alcohol ingested. This only happens when the liver oxidizes the alcohol. So what this means is that the most effective way to avoid any of the symptoms of alcohol-induced hangover is to control or avoid drinking.
Thus, no two hangovers are the same.
The Physiology of a Hangover
Excessive consumption of alcohol causes a delayed effect called a hangover. The hangover starts after the euphoric effects of ethanol have subsided. Hypoglycemia, dehydration, acetaldehyde intoxication, and glutamine rebound are all theorized causes of hangover symptoms. Hangover symptoms may persist for several days after alcohol was last consumed. Some aspects of a hangover are even viewed as symptoms of acute ethanol withdrawal, similar to the longer-duration effects of withdrawal from alcoholism.
Because alcohol impairs the ability of the liver to compensate for a drop in blood glucose levels, especially for the brain, it can result in the depletion of the liver's supply of glutathione, a detoxification agent, reducing its ability to effectively remove alcohol and its byproducts from the bloodstream. Since glucose is the primary energy source of the brain, this lack of glucose (hypoglycemia) contributes to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, mood disturbances, and decreased attention and concentration related to a hangover.
The human body is a system of systems so physiological changes in one system changes others. That's why the best approach is to try to handle several symptoms by resolving alcohol-related issues in multiple body systems simultaneously. For example, when you ingest alcohol, the salivary glands secrete enzymes to combine with the alcoholic beverage to make it more suitable for processing in the stomach and intestines. As the alcohol circulates throughout the digestive system and blood stream it moves from one system to another. Just one drink affects the central nervous system, the digestive system, the endocrine system, the muscular system, the immune system, and the respiratory system, so with each additional drink the effects compound and the potential dangers increase. Because the alcohol moves around in the body rather than remaining in an organ, region, or system, its produces a wide range of negative physiological effects.
The most commonly reported characteristics of a hangover include headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, lethargy, dehydration, fatigue, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, weakness, elevated body temperature and heart rate, hypersalivation, difficulty concentrating, sweating, anxiety, irritability, erratic motor functions (including tremor), trouble sleeping, severe hunger, halitosis, and lack of depth perception. Many people will also be repulsed by the thought, taste or smell of alcohol during a hangover. The symptoms vary significantly from person to person, and it is not clear whether hangovers directly affect cognitive abilities. The effects of a hangover subside over time.
Just as with lesser cases of low alcohol consumption, cases where excessive amounts of alcohol have been consumed such as with alcohol poisoning treatment strives to stabilize the patient and maintain a clear airway and respiration, while waiting for the alcohol to metabolize. In general, health care professionals will provide treatment for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) with 50ml of 50% dextrose solution and saline flush, administer the vitamin thiamine to prevent seizure, check electrolytes to guide fluid replacement, apply hemodialysis (blood transfusion)if the blood concentration is dangerously high, or provide oxygen therapy.
Ineffective or unproven remedies
Recommendations for foods, drinks and activities to relieve hangover symptoms abound, here are some that have been found to be ineffective or unproven.
The "Prairie Oyster" restorative, introduced at the 1878 Paris World Exposition, calls for raw egg yolk mixed with Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt and pepper.
And in 1938, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel provided a hangover remedy in the form of a mixture of cola and milk. By some accounts, cola beverages are believed to have been invented as a hangover remedy.
Alcoholic writer Ernest Hemingway relied on tomato juice and beer.
The "Black Velvet" consists of equal parts champagne and flat Guinness Stout.
A 1957 survey by a Wayne State University folklorist found widespread belief in the efficacy of heavy fried foods, tomato juice and sexual activity.
Activities said to be restorative include a shower-alternating very hot and very cold water, exercise, and steam bath or sauna (although medical opinion holds this to be very dangerous, as the combination of alcohol and hyperthermia increases the likelihood of dangerous cardiac arrhythmias).
A 1976 research came to the conclusion that "The results indicate that both fructose and glucose effectively inhibit the metabolic disturbances induced by ethanol but they do not affect the symptoms or signs of alcohol intoxication and hangover." Nevertheless, consumption of honey (a significant fructose and glucose source) is often suggested as a way to reduce some of the effects of hangover.

Food and Alcohol Metabolism
Studies have found that when food is eaten before drinking alcohol, alcohol absorption is reduced and the rate at which alcohol is eliminated from the blood is increased. The mechanism for the faster alcohol elimination appears to be unrelated to the type of food. The likely mechanism is food-induced increases in alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and liver blood flow. While this may not decrease your chances for getting a hangover, it's a good idea to eat before you drink, but know that doing so will eliminate the alcohol from your system faster than normal.
Scientifically Based Remedies
Earlier I said that because alcohol affects many different areas of the body at once, each hangover has to be dealt with individually. Why? Because everyone experiences different symptoms from their hangover, different from everyone else, and even from one state of drunkenness compared to another time of drunkenness. So the conclusion here is that there is currently no empirical proof for hangover prevention except reducing the amount of ethanol consumed or waiting for the body to metabolize the alcohol ingested. What this means is that the most effective way to avoid any of the symptoms of alcohol-induced hangover is to control or avoid drinking.
But what are we supposed to do if we get a hangover? Sometimes it's not possible to wait for the effects of the hangover to wear off, while coping with the symptoms. We need a way to effectively deal with this situation. You're right, we do. Here's the realization I've come to about how to handle the symptoms of a hangover.

The primary realization is that a hangover is not a thing, instead it's a series of symptoms related to excessive alcohol consumption. That's key.
The second important point is that in order to deal with any one hangover experience effectively you have to deal with the exact symptoms you're going through during a specific hangover. Although there are many common symptoms experienced by most people routinely, sometimes new symptoms appear that were never part of previous hangovers. This is why it's best to handle the symptoms vs. trying to recover from a "hangover."
So below is a list of practices, substances, and products that deal with specific symptoms that should help you fight the effects of hangover whenever they occur. You may also want to go back and re-read this article as there were remedies - such as eating before drinking, timing one's intake per ounce of ingestion, and preventing vomiting by abstinence in order to protect the stomach lining from erosion by alcohol - mentioned earlier that will not appear in this list.
Rehydration: Effective interventions include rehydration, prostaglandin inhibitors, and vitamin B6.
Milk thistle: A small dosage before and after alcohol consumption has been found to alleviate the some of the effects of a hangover such as headaches, sluggishness and nausea. Milk thistle works to regenerate liver cells and when combined with an excessive vitamin D intake from the sun, subjects have experienced rapidly decreasing hangover effects.
Tolfenamic acid is useful for nausea, vomiting, irritation, tremor, thirst, and dryness of mouth.
Vitamin B6 (pyritinol) can help to reduce some, but not all, of the symptoms of hangovers. For this Brewers' yeast or a B6 supplement are recommended.
Chlormethiazole was found to lower blood pressure and adrenaline output and, furthermore, to relieve unpleasant physical symptoms, but did not affect fatigue and drowsiness. Subjects with severe subjective hangover seemed to benefit more from the chlormethiazole treatment than subjects with a mild hangover.
Pedialyte may be an effective remedy for hangovers due to its replacement of lost electrolytes.
Candy or sugar: to raise lowered blood sugar levels caused by alcohol intake. Other options for sweeteners to use are honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, agave nectar, and fructose.
Alcohol: There is a belief that consumption of additional alcohol in decreasing quantity over a period of hours after the onset of a hangover will relieve symptoms. This is based upon the theory that the hangover represents a form of withdrawal and that by satiating the body's need for alcohol the symptoms will be relieved. Certainly the additional alcohol has a sedating and anesthetic effect, which also helps with symptoms. The professional medical opinion holds that the practice merely postpones the symptoms, and courts alcohol dependence and addiction.
Medical marijuana: It is commonly believed that THC, the active chemical in marijuana, is an effective hangover remedy. THC may help ease the main symptoms of hangovers: nausea and headache. The advantage is two-fold; as once a sufferer's nausea has abated, and his appetite is stimulated, hypoglycemia becomes easier to resolve.
A traditional hangover remedy from India is to drink coconut water for the natural electrolytes which will assist in rehydration.
Acetyl-leucine sold under the brand name of Tanganil is believed to help pull you out of the "whirling pit" or spinning sensation felt by people under the influence of alcohol. This is caused by a dysfunction between the nerves which control the notion of balance in the ears and the brain. Tanganil is the standard remedy prescribed to people suffering from chronic vertigo.
Oxygen: There have been anecdotal reports from those with easy access to a breathing oxygen supply - medical staff, SCUBA divers and military pilots - that oxygen can also reduce the symptoms of hangovers caused by alcohol consumption. The theory is that the increased oxygen flow resulting from oxygen therapy improves the metabolic rate, and thus increases the speed at which toxins are broken down.

Source:

10 Ways Chlorophyll Can Change Your Life

Chlorophyll is the natural green pigment found in plants, which plays a key role in the process of photosynthesis. But did you know it is also a superfood? Naturopaths advocate taking liquid chlorophyll as a daily supplement for its health-giving properties, which can help with a wide range of conditions.
1. Weight Loss
Studies have shown that foods containing chlorophyll can help to control hunger and regulate blood sugar levels. Scientists also claim that chlorophyll contains lipolytic enzymes, which help to break down trapped fat cells, allowing them to be burned away during exercise.
2. Cancer
Chlorophyll acts as a natural detoxifier to block and eliminate cancer-causing toxins from your body. Low levels of dietary chlorophyll have been linked with an increased risk of colon cancer, and evidence suggests that eating plenty of chlorophyll-rich green leafy vegetables is the key to colon health.

3. Aging
Want to look and feel younger? Evidence suggests that drinking chlorophyll water can help to keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. Modern lifestyles cause us to become internally polluted by an accumulation of toxins that enter our bodies through food, water and the air. Chlorophyll helps to banish these toxins and free radicals that cause premature aging.



                                                                             




4. Wounds


Chlorophyll has impressive wound-healing properties, thanks to its ability to strengthen tissues and prevent the growth of bacteria. Liquid chlorophyll is a rich source of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, which are vital for skin health and help to repair damaged cells.
5. Anemia
With a similar structure to hemoglobin, chlorophyll has the ability to build red blood cells and increase oxygenation of the blood. As well as boosting our energy and immune system, this can be useful as a natural method to treat iron-deficiency anemia.
6. Bad Breath
Chlorophyll is a natural 'internal deodorant', which can help to mask bad breath and other bodily odors. Drinking liquid chlorophyll helps to detoxify the body by cleansing toxins from within. As well as eliminating odors in the mouth, it encourages a healthy digestive tract - which is usually the main source of bad breath.
7. Arthritis
Chlorophyll has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to ease the symptoms of arthritis. It has the ability to eliminate accumulated heavy metals - such as mercury - from the joints. Acidity exacerbates arthritic pain, so taking chlorophyll can offer relief by helping to naturally rebalance the pH of the body.
8. Digestive Problems
As a natural detoxifier, chlorophyll helps to remove toxins ingested through food, as well as cleansing the body of existing toxins stored in cells. This can help to bring relief to a range of inflammatory digestive disorders, such as IBS, colitis and constipation. By restoring the acid-alkali balance, chlorophyll also prevents the growth of yeasts and internal bacteria living in the gut.

9. Insomnia
As well as detoxifying the body, chlorophyll is nature's little helper when it comes to beating stress and insomnia. Studies have shown that eating chlorophyll-rich green leafy vegetables can help to relax the body and promote sleep - something that is so vital to our overall physical and mental wellbeing.
10. Colds
Feel a cold coming on? Stop it in its tracks by drinking liquid chlorophyll. As a natural immune booster, chlorophyll helps to fight infections, such as coughs and colds. Packed with nutrients, it helps to strengthen and alkalize your body - making it more difficult for germs to survive.

Just one of a few ways to detox your way to a sexier you next year! Its time to take control of your wellness!

 Source:

Ginger - The Wonder Root

Ever walk along the produce aisle and find yourself staring at the earthy fascination of a ginger root? Oddly shaped, and with a distinctive flavor, this "wonder root" is an excellent dietary addition because it includes varying amounts of magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vitamins B6, C, and E. Besides being loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, ginger root offers a variety of other health benefits. Some studies indicate it is an aid to digestion, is beneficial both to cholesterol levels and blood pressure, helps with arthritis, and even aids nausea. It is quite a versatile root to boot! Ginger can be incorporated into countless recipes and should be included in your regular diet.
Considered a staple in China and India, ginger root has been used for centuries in cooking and for medicinal purposes. It has a thick, tan, knotty, and bulbous appearance and grows somewhat horizontally. In actuality, it is not a root, but rather it is a "rhizome," an underground stem. Harvested year-round, ginger root is available fresh in most grocery stores, usually in the produce section.
Several studies have investigated the health benefits of ginger. The advantages range from decreased joint inflammation and arthritis to help with nausea, athlete's foot, heart disease, lowered cholesterol, and better circulation. Ever get bloated? Ginger may be the answer. Many people take the strange-looking stem in some form to help with their digestion. Ginger has also been shown to be anti-viral, making it a great support for your immune system during periods of increased risk of common colds and flu. It helps to reduce muscle spasms, and some women take ginger for menstrual cramping. Ginger is also an aid in managing fevers, bronchitis, respiratory symptoms, and headaches. Feel dizzy during a ride on an airplane or while traveling on a cruise? The characteristics of ginger have even been shown to help people with motion sickness.

In our practice, we have seen the most success when ginger is used to assist with digestive, bowel, and gastrointestinal issues, stomach cramping, and arthritis of the fingers. For many of our pregnant patients ginger has provided relief from their symptoms of nausea. Some individuals choose ginger in place of pain relievers. Ginger also benefits healing in cases of skin wounds, aiding in the decrease of pus and infected areas. Note that ginger is contraindicated for people with gallstones and gastric/peptic ulcers and should not be used by them. During a recent symposium hosted by the American Association of Cancer Research, a particular study demonstrated that ginger suppressed cancer cells and cleansed the body of toxins. Although more research is needed, the documented curative effects of ginger are welcome news.
Ginger can be taken in whole, liquid, or powder form. If the wonder root does not appeal to your taste buds, try taking it in capsules, which are available in most health food or nutritional stores. The dosage for adults is typically 25 to 100 milligrams (or 1.5 to 3 milliliters of liquid) daily, although for digestive issues it may be helpful to increase the dosage. Use of ginger root in its natural state is preferred, and it is particularly beneficial and tasty when steeped in hot water with green or white tea. See the recipe at the end of this article for a pleasant concoction known as "Oooss Juice."
Ginger has many uses beyond medicinal and is versatile in the kitchen. Several cultures include it in making wine, and it is an ingredient in various candies, teas, curry, sushi, and some French liquors. In the US, ginger is probably most popularly known as the basis for ginger ale, gingerbread men cookies, cakes (gingerbread), jellies, jams, and other delicious confections and flavorings. Consider adding ginger to your favorite stir-fry recipe, dressings, salads, and even barbecue sauce.

As already described, ginger is a multipurpose and extraordinary herb! Its numerous health-promoting and symptom-fighting components make it desirable and appreciated. Whether the issues are digestive or fighting inflammation and bloating, ginger can contribute to the good health of people at any age.
One of my favorite ginger-based "brews" is Oooss Juice, for which the recipe follows:
Oooss Juice
- Use a high-quality, heat-retaining, stainless steel 2- to 4-gallon pot.
- Boil 1 gallon of water; add ½ pound of sliced ginger; lightly boil for 5 minutes, and turn the burner off.
- Add 2 to 6 organic green tea bags, steep for 30 to 60 minutes, and remove.
- After 4 to 12 hours, strain out the ginger, place the juice in a glass container, and cool in the refrigerator. Drink cold or hot.
Ginger, the wonder root, is an ingredient in many interesting recipes, adds a pungent and exotic flavor to foods and beverages, and offers notable health benefits to those who add it to their diet.

 Source:

Foods That Cleanse The Liver | Best Health Tip And Food Tips | Education

Improve Your Health With a Natural Body Detox Diet

If you find yourself suffering from regular headaches, unusual skin irritation, or excessive fatigue there is a very good chance that the only remedy necessary is to detox your body. Detoxification is the act of cleansing your body of the pollutants which build up naturally through food, water and air. The human immune system is equipped with the ability to detox your body, neutralizing harmful substances by converting them chemically and flushing them from the system. Unfortunately, if your regular diet is deficient in certain antioxidants and nutrients like fiber, foreign toxins will eventually build up and cause your body to function poorly.
What is the detox diet?
The most commonly used method of body detox is the detox diet, which is a short-term, highly effective diet usually restricted to filtered water and vegetables that are high in fiber. A typical detox diet would require a person to eat only beans, carrots and cabbage, while drinking only pure filtered water for one week. Detox diets promote wellness and build the immune system by spurring the body to cleanse itself naturally. This will effectively promote your liver and kidneys to flush the harmful backup of toxins and waste from your body naturally. By adding a regular detox diet to your overall health regimen, you can ensure that harmful toxins are never allowed to reach dangerous levels before they are flushed from your system.
But I hate diets!
If a special diet does not sound appealing to you, individuals can easily detoxify their body using herbal supplements and special cleansing drinks. Whichever method you choose, the key to any detox is stimulating the body's natural protections. These detox techniques act to flush all dangerous substances from your system before they accumulate, preemptively stopping the buildup of chemicals and toxins before they start. Medical studies have proven that regularly using special diets, drinks, or other methods to detox your body is highly beneficial to overall health and well being.

Why you should start today
Body detox programs and natural detox schedules are proven to provide longer and more vibrant lives by strengthening the immune system and reducing stress on the body. While designed to cleanse the physical body, people who use body detox regularly typically experience increased mental wellness. With less time spent stressing over health issues, you can have more time to enjoy life, exercise, and explore the world around you. Body detox and detox diets are truly a natural miracle and prove that the human body is capable of healing itself from within.

Source

Bedtime Drink to Remove Belly Fat in a Single Night

How To Detox Your Liver

These 6 Warning Signs Show That Your Liver is Full of Toxins

Losing Weight by Cleaning Your Intestine - How Do You Remove Fat Inside Your Colon?

Our body accumulates a lot of toxins from the food that we eat and these are flushed out of our system by the colon. What is the colon? It is the last portion of our "digestive track" where all the wastes are segregated from the useful parts of the food we eat. Colon cleansing has been introduced in the past few years to aid in the flushing out of harmful toxins accumulated by our body. But did you know that fat is also accumulated in here and you can begin losing weight by cleaning your intestine? So how do you remove fat inside your colon? Read on and find out.

There are a lot of cleansers that are available in the market and they also come in various forms. You may find some tablets, capsules and even shakes. You'll see that are a lot to choose from. So how does losing weight by cleansing your intestine work? You do this by literally flushing out toxins from your intestines. How? You may take colon cleansers or you do this naturally. There are many foods that are good in cleaning your intestines. And these are foods that are rich in fiber. Foods that are high in chlorophyll content are also good in cleaning your intestines. Here are foods that you should eat and will help remove fat in your colon:

o Green leafy vegetables

o Fruits and juices

o Cereals and grass: wheat, barley, oatmeal, fax seeds

By maintaining a diet that is rich in fiber, you are able to remove the fat inside your colon. Fiber "drags" little bits of food that were not flushed out during normal bowel movement, including fat. Fiber-rich foods also give the feeling of being "satiated" and hence keep you from being hungry easily. When you have less food intake, you lose weight in the process. Keep your intestines clean and expect a huge effect on your lose weight plan.


 Source: 

The Benefits of Poo - How Many Times a Day Do You Go?

Let's have a bit of fun today and talk about something so rarely spoken of... Poo!

When I ask my clients to talk to me about their daily habits on the toilet, most get embarrassed and wonder why I'm asking.

Simply put... If you are not going to the toilet frequently, you are not releasing toxins.

Let's just say... today, you woke up and had your morning bacon and eggs. Then you go to work, sitting behind the wheel of your car in traffic. An hour later you show up and the food has just sat in your tummy.

Then you have your morning coffee on the way into work because you need that hit of caffeine to get your day started. You get to work and take the lift up to your floor and then sit behind your desk typing away at the keyboard.

You get a bit hungry and decide to have a pastry that the office has brought in for the staff. Then sit back down again.

Off to lunch where you have a sandwich that likely has more bread than fillings and remember the sugary sauce you add to it so that it tastes better.

Then back to the desk.

For your afternoon tea, if you remember to move away from your desk to eat it, is a piece of fruit.

Are you getting the picture? Eat... sit. Eat... sit.

Now, where in the day was the toilet stops? I am amazed at how many people think it's OK to spend even one day without going poo! Never mind the lack of water in people's diets, and consequently a lack of urination.

So why is it important to frequent ourselves at the toilet?

To EXPEL SH#T! Excuse my language but that's what you are doing! You take in all this food and please remember that food is not something we should eat just because it tastes nice and we are emotional beings, so we must eat to suit our cravings.

Food is a source of energy. Once the body has gotten what it needs out of the food, then the rest needs to be eliminated. When you don't eliminate it, then you get a build up of toxins in your body and your colon.

The toxic build up can actually cause decay in your body. This decay can attract viruses and bacteria and all sorts of yucky bugs to the area. When the yucky bugs are there many of the good bacteria that keep our system clean, gets killed off.

Imagine an animal killed on the street with bugs flying around it and eating it from the smell of the decay. That's what your insides can start to look like! YUCK! No Thanks!

All of the build up and bugs can lead to disease and sickness. The first symptoms may be fogginess, forgetfulness, restlessness, fatigue, and lack of endurance and energy.

So, in order to keep your insides healthy, you MUST POO! Going to the toilet a couple times a day is a GREAT thing! Also remember that you must drink water to flush out your system as well. If you don't have enough water in your body, then the fluids that move your food through get sticky and it makes it more difficult again for your body to flush out the toxins.

How can you keep your insides clean?

To start with, eating a diet high in fibre is part of a healthy lifestyle. This doesn't mean go out and buy some high fibre shake to get your bowels moving. Eat things with roughness that will clean you as they move through! Eating fruit and veggies is nature's way of cleaning you.

Exercise!

Get up and move and things inside of you move! You know you should do it. The question is, "Are you?"

To fast or not to fast?

The thought of not eating for some people sounds like the craziest, stupidest thing you can do. I know it did to me when I first heard about it. The more that I have learned about fasting, the more I understand it's wonderful benefits, if it's right for you.

The most common fasts that I have seen are...

Water fast, where you don't eat anything and only drink water and...

Juice fast, where you don't eat solid foods, but can juice anything and also drink water.

They can be done for different durations depending on the results you are after.

If a fast seems like too much for you, then you can do a cleanse.

There are multiple ways to cleanse. All of them should eliminate anything processed. That also means no added sugars to anything. All the ones that I have seen eliminate dairy as well. This leaves you with eating yummy fruits, vegetables and proteins.

The reason for doing your cleanse, will determine how far you take it.

For either a cleanse or a fast, please speak to a healthcare professional before you start to make sure that it is safe for you. Look for naturopaths or dieticians who specialize in this area or who have worked with these in the past.

The benefits to fasting or cleansing are amazing!

You will regain vitality, have glowing skin, can help with eczema, headaches, pains in the body, and respiratory and circulatory conditions, kick starts weight loss, increases your metabolism, boosts your energy and so much more.

I will give you fair warning from personal experience... Although these are the benefits and they do come eventually... The first few days can be horrible. Your body is releasing all the toxins and dead smelly stuff filled with bugs into the system to get it out. By doing so, it's likely you will feel worse before you feel better. Trust me though, it's worth it, so stick with it!

Colonics and Enemas... What the heck are they?

Okay, so this gets into messy territory. I know many of you don't want to imagine something being stuck up your bum filling with you with water so that you can have it all flow back out again. But you just did!

It took me a long time to get the courage up to actually try this. Since doing it, I'm a huge fan!

The difference between the two is simple. With a colonic, there is a tube gently placed up your bum and water is moved through so that it gets all the way through your colon. As it is happening, your faeces is happily moving through another tube and out of you, so you will not see or smell it. This is administered by a qualified practitioner.

You can do an enema at home with a kit that you can buy online or at some chemists. It only gets to the lower part of the colon. You allow the water to go up and let it sit for a while, then you go to the toilet and let it all come out. My husband and I did this together for the first time... Let me tell you it was a bonding experience.

At first it's a bit uncomfortable, having the pressure of water inside of you, but the results are wonderful!

My tummy is flatter, I feel clean, have more energy, my skin gets a glow back, I am more focused and my overall sense of well-being is lifted. It truly only takes 30 minutes at home, if you do an enema, and is well worth it!


 Source: 

The Dangers of Eating Pork

Pork is today one of the most widely eaten meats in the world. It is eaten throughout Europe, North and South America, Africa and many parts of Asia. Pork has become very popular because it is extremely cheap and easy to produce when compared to sheep or cattle. There are various cultures that do not eat pork, for example those who follow the Jewish or Muslim faiths. Let us put religion aside and concentrate on the facts about pork and the dangers that it contains.

Pigs are scavengers and will eat any food anywhere. This can include worms, rotting carcasses and dead insects. Worst of all, pigs eat their own waste excrement as well as that of other pigs. One can only imagine where all those toxins go. How do pigs get rid of their own toxins if they continue to eat their excrement? Did you know that pigs do not sweat; they cool themselves using water or mud. So getting rid of toxins via sweating is not an option. Surely, if pigs are unable to get rid of toxins, some of it has to be stored in their flesh. Think about that the next time you take a bite on a pork sausage.

Speaking about sausages, did you know that pork sausages are loaded with undesirable and unhealthy fat? A lot of coloring has to be used to make the meet look appetizing. Did you know that the European food safety authority recently found that the coloring used in cheap sausages can cause cancer? Most of us like crispy bacon with our eggs, right? Do you want to know why it is so tasty? The reason is the high levels of fat and salt that is contained in bacon. In fact, Bacon is one of the meats with the highest fat content. The same goes for salami; you must have noticed the marbling effect of the white fat in each slice.

Still craving for that crispy bacon? Are you still not convinced that eating pork can be dangerous? Okay, have you considered the genetic link between pigs and humans? Why would you, they are completely different species of animals to humans, right? Are we really that different? Some of you would be very disturbed to know the real truth about pigs and their genetic make-up. You may not want to think about it, but consider this, is ignorance really bliss?

We should really be a lot more careful about what you put into our bodies. Although certain foundations encourage the consumption of pork as a safe source of protein, they fail to inform us about the pitfalls. It is genuinely up to us to make up our own minds about what is good for us and what can be dangerous to health. The only way to do this, is to ensure that you improve your knowledge and understanding of the subject. Do not be confused by marketing of the pork industry. You may be shocked by what you learned, but at least you will know the truth.

 Source:

Benefits Of Himalayan Salts

In our everyday lives, salt has played a significant role in producing the best tasting foods that would come in contact with our palates, may it be at home or at a restaurant.

Most of us believe that salts come in merely two forms - the table and iodized salt. Between the two, the latter obtained a healthier reputation than the former.

However, with the days coming in progress, the search for a better option in almost all aspects, even for the humble salt, continued.

The benefits of Himalayan Salts are huge. Unlike the regular sea or table salt, Himalayan salts contain about 84 minerals which come in an ionic form, thus contributing to its easy-to-absorb and easy-to-use property. This type of salt has the ability to hydrate our body tissues and requires no digestion at all, which in turn allows the body to utilize it shortly after drinking some dissolved in water which by then has converted its molecular property to electrical property. Given this type of nature, it provides additional set of energy to our body which some other foods cannot render.

In addition to the differences between the Himalayan and table salt, the latter has undergone through different processes where most of its natural elements have been washed off. It is also rich in sodium chloride chemical which can cause re-crystallization of table salt if it accumulates in very high levels. The Himalayan salts, however, is a salt that comes in its natural form and has the ability to eliminate unwanted bacteria and toxins which poses a threat to the human body.

The Himalayan salt does not confine its usage merely in the four corners of the dining area but in other aspects of health as well. Himalayan salts, when placed in bath and drinking water, provide relief and relaxation to the body as well as detoxification and improvement in the blood circulation. It also helps combat certain health conditions such as allergies and respiratory problems and in addition, it can also contribute to skin rejuvenation, making it and its appearance healthier.

Salt is essential but it would be better to take into consideration its nature and with the availability of healthier options like the Himalayan salts, it would still pay to give it a try and gain its positive effects. You can check your neighboring and local stores for its availability or explore in some websites who offer such products.

 Source                                                                                                               

Bed Time Drink To Lose Belly Fat in a Week

7 Best Herbs for Kidney Cleansing

Why Your Body Needs Vitamins and Minerals

Our bodies are always calling out for the right vitamins and minerals. Our cells aren't just craving for nutrients every now and then, but it's a constant fight to have the right vitamins every second of our lives. If feeling under the weather, a cause for this can often be contributed to the lack of essential vitamins in our body.

Vitamins are organic or natural compounds that can be traced back to a lot of fresh foods and plants; getting a sufficient in-take of these vitamins is critical for our well-being. By and large, our bodies aren't designed to produce these types of nutrients (expect for Vitamin D3). So, in order to get the right in-take of vitamins it is either necessary to follow a healthy dietary plan or if unable to get the sufficient nutrients from that, it is possible to take a daily regimen of vitamin supplements.

The daily in-take of vitamins often depends on a person's age, lifestyle, sex, stress level, speed of metabolism, and several other factors. Generally, this means that each of us needs to take the right supplements based on our own individual requirements.

The vitamins are essential for a wide-range of functions, such as their ability transform food into a source of energy and to speed up certain biological functions. Essential nutrients also help form parts of the body's bones, skin, and blood, while also being able to eliminate particular toxins (coming from our polluted atmosphere) that get in our system.

If wishing to get the ideal quantity of vitamins the natural way by having a well-balanced and healthy diet, than your basic food supply should consist of such items as milk (or similar dairy products), meat, legumes, poultry, whole-grain cereals, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Vitamins can also be split into two distinct groups, firstly the water-soluble (or hygrophilous), which are the B and C compounds. These vitamins aren't stored in the body, with the excess being eliminated via the body's natural waste system. Because these aren't kept in the system for very long, it is necessary to ensure these vitamins are taken everyday, either via a healthy diet or supplements. Secondly, the fat soluble (or lipophilous), which are the A, D, E and K compounds, These vitamins are often stored up in the system for a period of time, so its important to avoid an excessive in-take of these types of vitamins if taking supplements.

Although, most people can get the ideal level of nutrients from their everyday diet, in certain groups a need to increase the level of vitamins and minerals in their system is heightened. Some of the people often requiring a vitamin boost include pregnant of nursing women, the mature or older person aged 60 plus, where the natural absorption process is starting to slow, in people involved in highly demanding jobs, such as top-level management, where there is an increased stress level, and just for health related matters, such as those concerning illness, after operations, various crises, or throughout a convalescence period.

 Source:

How To Lose Weight Fast - 5kg | Fat Cutter Drink

FOR SMOKERS AND EX-SMOKERS THIS DRINK WILL CLEANSE YOUR LUNGS

How the Spice Cumin Helps You Live a Healthier Life

Besides adding culinary sophistication to our cooking, integrating herbs and spices into the diet offers significant health benefits. Seasonings are known to have helpful and/or healing effects on many conditions, including nausea, infections, inflammatory problems, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and digestive disorders.

Every spice and herb used in my recipes has one or more of these benefits. For example, turmeric helps reduce symptoms of arthritis and tendonitis, while cayenne has anti-coagulating properties and aids in circulation. Garlic helps heal colds and sore throats, while coriander can relieve joint inflammation. In a nutshell, herbs and spices are generously used in my recipes for flavor as well as for their healing and medicinal properties.

Cumin is one of my favorite spices. It is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family. Its seeds were excavated at Tell ed-Der, a Syrian archeological site, around the second millennium BC, as well as at several ancient Egyptian sites. It's obviously been around for thousands of years.

Cumin stimulates the appetite and is invaluable as a digestive aid. In Ayurvedic circles it is considered a cleansing spice, as it helps eliminate digestive toxins. It also eases pain caused by indigestion, flatulence, or heaviness of the stomach, and reduces superficial inflammation by flushing toxins out of the body. Ayurvedic practitioners also believe cumin is an aphrodisiac.

Cumin is also known for increasing milk production in lactating mothers. Cumin is a skin-friendly herb and has a cooling effect on the body and reduces itching.

Used as a gargling solution, cumin freshens the mouth and eliminates foul odors. Prepared as a tea with a small piece of ginger it will relieve symptoms of the common cold.

It is delicious when added to a freshly chopped salad of tomatoes, cucumber, and a dab of olive oil.

If you would like to start using Cumin in your diet, I recommend the following delicious recipe that my uncle Hubert used to make when I used to live in India.

Cumin Chicken (Serves 4)

Ingredients 

1 large red onion 

2 cloves garlic 

2 teaspoons fresh ginger, chopped 

2 tablespoons water 

4 large pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts 

1 teaspoon ground cumin 

1/2 tsp turmeric 

4 bay leaves 

Salt and pepper to taste 

2 tablespoons canola oil 

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar 

1 each green and red bell pepper, chopped

Directions

1. In blender, puree onions, garlic, ginger and 2 tablespoons water. 

2. Except for bell peppers, mix ingredients in bowl with the paste from blender. Let sit 30 minutes. 

3. In a skillet, bring ingredients to a boil, then lower to simmer and cook, covered, until chicken is done. 

4. Add bell peppers and let sit 5 minutes to allow curry to absorb them. Serve over steamed rice.

To Your Longevity and Abundant Living!

Source: 

14 Foods that Cleanse the Liver