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HEALTHY FOOD OF THE MONTH |
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Broccoli
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Nearly everyone has an opinion when it comes to broccoli. Whether it's on your favs list or your never list one thing is certain, broccoli is extremely good for you.
Loaded with vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption, it also prevents the development of cataracts and eases the symptoms of the common cold.
The folic acid in broccoli helps women sustain normal tissue growth and is often used as a supplement when taking birth control pills and during pregnancies.
The potassium in broccoli aids those battling high blood pressure, while a large amount of calcium helps combat osteoporosis.
The vegetable is also fiber-rich, which enhances the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, as well as aims to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
In recent years, broccoli has made the headlines regarding three components found in the vegetable. For instance, indole-3-carbinol has captured the attention of those looking to prevent hormone-related cancers, such as breast- and prostate cancer.
I3C promotes "good" hormones, while working against destructive ones. The sulforaphane in broccoli also helps to increase the level of enzymes that block cancer, while the beta-carotene in broccoli transforms into vitamin A within the body, providing an effective antioxidant that destroys free radicals (responsible for weakening the defense of cells).
Additionally, the health benefits of broccoli have been linked to preventing and controlling the following medical concerns: Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, calcium deficiencies, stomach and colon cancer, malignant tumors, lung cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and even the aging process.
A compound found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts appears to be more effective than modern antibiotics against the bacteria which causes peptic ulcers. Moreover, tests in mice show that the compound offers tremendous protection against stomach cancer - the second most common form of cancer in the world.
Selection
Choose bunches that are dark green. Good color indicates high nutrient value. Florets that are dark green, purplish, or bluish green contain more beta-carotene and vitamin C than paler or yellowing ones. Choose bunches with stalks that are very firm. Stalks that bend or seem rubbery are of poor quality. Avoid broccoli with open, flowering, discolored, or water-soaked bud clusters and tough, woody stems.
Storage
Store broccoli unwashed, in an open plastic bag and place in the crisper drawer of refrigerator. It is best if used within a day or two after purchasing.
Fresh vs. Frozen
Packaged frozen broccoli differs from fresh in its nutrient content. The flower buds or florets are richer in beta-carotene than the stalks. Manufacturers typically cut off most of the stalk before packaging it, so frozen broccoli may contain 35% more beta-carotene by weight than fresh broccoli. The downside is that frozen broccoli has twice as much sodium as fresh (up to 68 mg per 10 oz. package), about half the calcium, and smaller amounts of iron, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin C.
Preparation and Cooking
The best way to cook broccoli is to steam, cook in the microwave or stir-fry with a little broth or water. These methods are better than boiling. Some of the vitamin and mineral content are lost from the vegetable and end up in the cooking water when they are boiled. Cooked broccoli should be tender enough so that it can be pierced with a sharp knife, and still remain crisp and bright green in color.
Another way to prepare broccoli is to roast it. This was made popular by Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa. Toss fresh broccoli spears, minced garlic and a little sea salt with a 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Roast in a 425 degree oven until the edges begin to brown. Sprinkle with lemon juice or shredded parmesan cheese and serve!
One cup (chopped) has 25 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Don't overcook broccoli - instead, microwave or steam lightly to preserve phytonutrients.
Bon Appetit!
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| Dog Adopts Monkey As It's Own |
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A two year-old pomeranian chose to become a loving mother to one baby orphan monkey. The two are inseparable -- mother nursing, baby traveling on her back or belly and the pair sleeping together. This is one adoption for the records! |
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SOURCES OF GOOD NEWS |
Here are some links to sources for good news.
www.goodnewsnetwork.org. Geri offers a free weekly e-newsletter as well as a subscription service. A great source of good news since 1979.
www.goodnewsdaily.com.
Another source of good news gathered from around the world and reported by real people.
Founded in 2005 and purchased by goggle.com in 2006 YouTube is "the premier destination to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience." There are alot of inspiring video stories but you sometimes have to search to find them.
As the name suggests most of these home videos are stupid but some of them are also very funny. A website to go to when you need a good laugh.
Another video website with some very funny content.
Need to send a greeting to a friend or loved one? Ecards.com is a great source. You can also add a gift.
Listing these websites does not mean that we endorse all of their content. Some of the content especially on video websites may not be suitable for children or those who are easily offended. |
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THE LAST LAUGH |
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I am passing this on to you because it has definitely worked for me. By following this simple advice, I finally have found Inner Peace:
"The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you've started."
So, I looked around the house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished... and before leaving the house this morning I have finished off a bottle of Scotch, a bottle of red wine, a bottle of Jack Daniel's, all my Prozac, and a small box of chocolates.
You have no idea how good I feel right how.
Pass this on to those you feel are in need of Inner Peace. | |
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 A Healing Touch Massage
A Healing Touch Massage
More than just a name... it's a promise!
Dan O'Clair & Roxie Reimer
480-215-9471 or 602-568-1531
PO Box 3070
Apache Junction, AZ 85299
Providing in-home therapeutic massage to the metropolitan Phoenix area since 2003.
Call for an appointment today! |
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"Pessimism is a luxury of good times. In difficult times, it is a
self-fulfilling, self-inflicted death sentence."
-Evelin Lindner
(German psychologist, physician and conflict researcher)
In 1983 Anne Murray released the song "A Little Good News" written by Charles Black, Rory Bourke and Thomas Rocco. Now more than ever we need "a little good news," so we are dedicating this issue of Staying In-Touch to good news.
The current media frenzy appears to be to search for all the bad news to report and then to report from every conceivable angle on just how bad everything is. I'm not going to deny that there are problems or that the media shouldn't be reporting on them, but come on, there are also good things happening in the world and we need to bring some balance to our perspective by giving the good news some presence in our lives as well.
Remember the 70s computer acronym GIGO (garbage in, garbage out)? The phrase came about because of the fact that a computer can only return information based on the input information-if the input is bad the output cannot improve. When we bring that idea into the realm of human thought we come up with the phrase, "You are what you think about." More than just New Age power of positive thinking jargon, there is something to this. You can change how you feel, how you think and how you act by changing how you think.
Join us in finding something positive to focus on everyday this month. Find a cute picture to make you smile and something funny to make you laugh. Take a moment to be grateful (even if it's not Sunday or Thanksgiving) for what you have. Pray for our President (even if you are not religious). Learn to breathe deeply. Deep breathing increases your blood oxygen levels, which will help your muscles to relax and reduce your stress. Get a massage. Massage reduces stress and calms the senses. It will help you to stay focused on the positive no matter what life throws at you!
Here is Anne Murray's "A Little Good News" in a YouTube video.
We hope this inspires you to "dig" for a little good news in the world. We've included some links in this months issue to help you on your journey. Enjoy! |
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TOP FIVE HERBS FOR DIGESTION |
Brandy S. Widner
Digestive problems can disrupt your life, and make eating a dreadful event; these problems can range from heartburn, to upset stomach, to gas, bloating and diarrhea. All too often doctors are quick to prescribe a chemical based drug to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. However, sometimes these drugs can actually aggravate digestive problems rather than alleviate them. Doctors agree that the majority of stomach issues are likely caused by a group of problems rather than just one thing.
Long ago roots and other such herbs were chosen as spices for food because of their amazing digestive properties. Nowadays digestive problems are so wide spread because of our obsessive need to eat processed foods that lack these ever so important nutrients. The truly great thing is supplementing your diet with these herbs daily has proven effective at alleviating most of the common digestive issues we face as a modern society. In this article I will talk about the top five herbs for digestion, and which condition they are most helpful in treating.
Ginger
The first herb on the list is Ginger. Ginger is an all around super herb that has been documented as effective in some of the earliest medicinal writings. Among other things Ginger possess amazing digestive health properties, and has been used as prevention and treatment for these digestive problems for centuries. Nowadays Ginger is most often used to treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome... this includes relieving symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
Fennel
The second herb is Fennel. Fennel is also a great spice that has been used for centuries for its ability to control and prevent stomach upset. Fennel can actually alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, cramping, and other general digestive issues. Some women place this herb in a tea and use it for relieving morning sickness, and yet others use it as a stomach claming agent after treatments such as chemo and radiation.
Aloe
Aloe, like Ginger, is one of those all around amazing herbs that should be on your daily list of herbal supplements. But, if you have digestion problem you should definitely make aloe one of those can't live without herbs. Aloe naturally contains essential amino acids, enzymes, and vitamin C; the really amazing thing is how it naturally soothes the stomach.
Gentian
Coming in at number four is Gentian. Gentian is a lesser known herb, but being lesser known does not make it any less effective. Gentian root has been used for centuries to support digestive functions. It works so well because of its bitterness, gentian root is one of the bitterest agents there is. The bitterness stimulates digestive juices thereby supporting the digestive system naturally; preventing stomach upset and digestive woes.
Peppermint
Last but certainly not least is peppermint. Peppermint is a glorious herb that has many potential benefits, and supporting digestion is one of them. The great thing with peppermint is there are so many ways to get your recommended dosage daily. As far as digestion, peppermint is linked to alleviating symptoms commonly associated with irritable bowl syndrome such as gas, bloating, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.
The greater majority of herbs on this top 5 list have so many other potential health benefits that taking one of them for digestive issues will improve your health greatly, as well as getting rid of your unwanted digestive problems. Taking expensive prescriptive medicine is not always the best answer to all medical conditions, but seeking out the advantages of herbal medicine is a wonderful and less expensive way of taking care of yourself. Remember when you take an herbal medicine you are treating your whole body not just one symptom.
The simplest way to take all of these herbs daily is to use a supplement called Herbal Digestive Complex. This herbal blend contains all 5 of the digestion herbs in one easy to use capsule.
For more health and nutrition information make sure to visit blog.n101.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandy_S._Widner |
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Talk About A Bizarre Massage! |
© Yonathan Weitzman / Reuters
While it's not for the faint of heart, Ada Barak's snake spa, in Talmei Elazar, northern Israel, uses California and Florida king snakes, corn snakes and milk snakes for her Snake Massage.
Barack's income comes mostly from exhibiting her carnivorius plants which eat everything from insects to small mammals. She discovered snakes' therapeutic value after letting people hold them after her act. "Some people said that holding the snakes made them feel better, relaxed," she says. "One old lady said it was soothing, like a cold compress."
She says that she was inspired by her belief that once people get over any initial misgivings, they find physical contact with the snakes to be stress relieving. Now she uses a combination of big snakes for deep massage and little ones for light massage, though all are non-venemous.
For about $70, she'll sic her non-venomous serpents on clients' aching muscles. As the snakes slip and slide down the spine, tension supposedly slithers away. |
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Apple A Day Keeps the Calories At Bay |
Nanci Hellmich, USA TODAY
NEW ORLEANS - The next diet craze may be the apple diet.
A new study shows an apple a day keeps the calories at bay. People who ate an apple about 15 minutes before lunch consumed almost 190 fewer calories than when they didn't have the apple.
The research was presented Tuesday at a meeting of the Obesity Society, an organization of weight-control scientists and professionals.
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University tested how the consumption of apples in different forms affects calorie intake.
They had 59 normal-weight men and women come to the lab for five weeks to eat breakfast and lunch.
Before lunch, the participants were given either nothing, 1½ medium peeled, cut-up apples (about 125 calories), or a similar caloric amount of applesauce, apple juice with added fiber or apple juice without fiber. About 15 minutes later, participants were served an entree of cheese tortellini and tomato sauce.
Participants who had the raw apple consumed 187 fewer calories than at the meals when they had applesauce, juice or nothing.
"This suggests that eating something like a piece of fruit that's low in calories before your meal might be a great strategy for reducing calorie intake," says Julie Flood, a researcher at Penn State. "It looks like solid fruit is more filling than fruit juice, and people perceive them differently. They look at an apple and think it's going to fill them up."
Barbara Rolls, a professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State, says the findings add to the knowledge that foods low in calories, such as soup, salad or fruit, at the beginning of a meal gives you an extra course, and you end up eating less.
"We expect the effect might have been bigger if we left the peeling on the apples," she says.
Brian Wansink, director of Cornell University's Food and Brand Lab in Ithaca, N.Y., says, "This is great evidence that it's not the calories, but it's the effort of eating that tricks us into thinking we're full."
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SOME HELPFUL CHARTS |
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Here are links to a couple of helpful charts. The first is the USDAs Food Pyramid chart. The other is a companion Activities chart created by the University of Missouri. Together they are helpful in planning your health and wellness. Take a look and see how you're doing. Then work at the necessary adjustments to make for a healthier year for you and your loved ones.
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I hope you've enjoyed our efforts at bringing you some good news and a little fun to brighten your day! Roxie and I hope you take our challenge to find something positive to focus on everyday this month. Call a friend and share some good news with them or go create a good time memory. Take a walk or go for a hike. Enjoy the outdoors before the heat of summer arrives. There's plenty of good news and fun things to do, we just have to find them. Once you get the ball rolling you'll see. The latest good news is that play is good for you. Go have some fun!
A Healing Touch Massage |
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