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Tuesday 1 August 2017

Old School Christmas Advertising (19 pics)


These vintage adverts might have been the norm back in the day but they wouldn’t go down well in modern times. 


















6 High-Fiber Foods That Will Fill You Up

Eating a high-fiber diet is a great way to consistently feel full while maintaining a healthy weight. Mayo Clinic states that dietary fiber has a myriad of noteworthy health benefits, including relieving constipation, maintaining bowel health, reducing your risk of diabetes and heart disease, and lowering your cholesterol levels. Men ages 50 or younger should consume 38 grams of fiber per day, while women of the same age should eat 25 grams. Mayo Clinic notes that men 51 or older should aim for 30 grams of fiber each day, and women that fall within that age range should get 21 grams.

Worried you aren’t getting enough fiber each day? Don’t worry — you can easily fix this by eating the right things. Work these 6 foods into your daily diet, and you’ll be hitting your daily goals in no time!

1. Bran
Boost your fiber intake by eating more bran. Today’s Dietitian states there are different types of bran, many of which contain ample amounts of dietary fiber. For example, oat bran is high in soluble fiber, containing 12 grams per 1 ounce. Wheat, corn, and rice brain, containing 12, 22, and 6 grams of fiber per ounce, respectively, are a great source of insoluble fiber, which ensures your digestive tract is healthy and functioning properly, according to Today’s Dietitian.

There are plenty of easy ways to eat more bran: sprinkle some into your oatmeal, start adding it into batters, and eat more high-fiber cereals and bars. Just be careful of some products that tout themselves as bran — they aren’t always healthy. Cooking Light warns that many bran muffins are often far too large, and can contain upwards of 350 calories and 600 milligrams of sodium. Livestrong states that one cup of Raisin Bran, a popular breakfast cereal, contains a whopping 20 grams of sugar.


2. Legumes, Nuts, and Seeds
Eating legumes, nuts, and seeds is a great way to ensure you’re getting enough fiber. Mayo Clinic notes that a one-cup serving of cooked split peas has 16.3 grams of fiber, while the same serving of lentils contains 15.6 grams. A cup of cooked black beans has a whopping 15 grams, and the same serving of lima beans has 13.2 grams. If you’d prefer to nosh on nuts and seeds, dry-roasted peanuts, walnuts, and popcorn are all great options. The Help Guide states that ¼ cup of peanuts has 3 grams of fiber, while the same serving of walnuts has 2 grams. In addition, one cup of popcorn will provide you with 1 gram of fiber, so make sure to serve some at your next movie night!

Not only do these foods provide you with a hearty dose of fiber, but they also contain other great health benefits. For example, Health explains that black beans’ dark color signals they have a high content of flavonoids, plant pigments that are powerful antioxidants. White beans, another great source of fiber, contain protein, iron, and potassium, making it a great legume to start incorporating into meals.

3. Vegetables
All vegetables contain fiber, but Web MD notes that the general rule is the darker the color of the veggie, the higher its fiber content. High-fiber veggies include carrots, beets, and broccoli. In addition, collard greens and Swiss chard have 4 grams of fiber per cup, while spinach has 7 grams per ½ cup (Popeye clearly knew what he was doing).

Artichokes are one of the most fiber-filled vegetables available, with one medium-size artichoke containing 10 grams. Best Health recommends working Brussels sprouts into your daily diet, as ½ cup cooked has 3 grams, in addition to parsnips, which have 2.7 grams per ½ cup.

4. Fruit
Fruits and Veggies — More Matters explains that fruit labeled as “high in fiber” must have at least 5 grams of fiber. Apples, blackberries, pears, and raspberries have all been deemed high-fiber fruits, while bananas, blueberries, dates, figs, kiwi, oranges, and dried plums are all considered to be “good sources of fiber,” meaning they contain between 2.5 and 4.9 grams of fiber, according to Fruits and Veggies — More Matters.

Looking for ways to eat more fruit every day? Stop snacking on chips and replace them with fruit, top your morning bowl of oatmeal or cereal with a few berries, whip up a fresh, fruit-filled smoothie, or incorporate them into your baked goods.

5. Whole Grains
For an easy way to up your fiber intake, use whole grains in place of the refined carbs you typically eat throughout the day. Toss your sugary cereals and replace with healthy options, like Uncle Sam Original Whole Wheat & Flaxseed Cereal, make whole-grain pasta dinners, and use whole-wheat bread instead of its white, more refined counterpart.

Health states that you’ll get 5.8 grams of fiber in two slices of dark rye bread, but only 1.9 grams from the same serving of white bread. Moreover, there are 5.5 grams of fiber per ½ cup uncooked brown rice. To compare, there are 2 grams in uncooked white rice and a measly 0.7 found in a serving of instant rice. It’s important to note that not all whole grains are high in fiber; Health suggests sticking with oats, barley, and bulgur.

6. White Potatoes
Surprised to see this starchy spud make the list? Poor potatoes are often labeled as unhealthy, but the truth is, they can keep you feeling full for hours. Livestrong reports that one medium potato contains 20% of your daily fiber needs. This does not, however, mean you should pig out on potato chips and fries. Instead, try baking, boiling, steaming, or roasting them, Courtney Grove, RD, told Livestrong.

It’s important to always make sure the potato hasn’t sprouted and isn’t soft or shriveled; these are signs that your spud is past its peak. In addition to being a fantastic source of fiber, Live Science states that as long as they’re prepared properly, potatoes contain a wide array of other vitamins and minerals. They’re a good source of vitamins C and B-6, manganese, phosphorous, niacin, and pantothenic acid. 

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Remedy

The health benefits of the apple cider vinegar and honey drink are widely known. This recipe has traditionally been used as an at-home self remedy for many ailments, and even as an anti-aging elixir. Many people have recognised and made use of its cleansing and disinfecting properties to self-detoxify their body. It is seen as a powerful cleansing agent and natural healing elixir with naturally occurring antibiotic and antiseptic that fights germs and bacteria.


Alkaline-Forming Diet



So, how does this vinegar and honey remedy actually work? As pointed out by most nutrition mantras, a person's bloodstream tends toward becoming acidic with our modern diet of fats, starches and processed foods, (e.g fast foods, meats, peanuts, seafoods, alcohol and coffee)and if your body is acidic, disease can flourish; if it is alkaline, it is in balance and can fight off germs and ailments such as bladder and kidney conditions, osteoporosis, brittle bones, joint pains, aching muscles, low energy and chronic fatigue, and slow digestion.
Raw fruits, leafy green vegetables, legumes, and tea are examples of alkaline forming or promoting foods. Interestingly and ironically, a food's acid or alkaline-forming tendency in the body has nothing to do with the actual pH of the food itself. For instance, lemons and limes are very acidic, however the end-products they produce after digestion and assimilation are very alkaline so lemons and limes are alkaline-forming in the body. Likewise, meat will test alkaline before digestion but it leaves very acidic residue in the body so, like nearly all animal products, meat is very acid-forming. It is important to know that stomach acid or the pH of the stomach is an entirely different matter from the pH of the body's fluids and tissues. The body has an acid-alkaline (or acid-base) ratio called the pH which is a balance between positively charges ions (acid-forming) and negatively charged ions (alkaline-forming). When this balance is compromised many problems can occur. The body is forced to borrow minerals, including calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium from vital organs and bones to neutralize the acid and safely remove it from the body. And severe damage can be done to the body due to high acidity. Ideally, for most people, the ideal diet is 75 percent alkalizing and 25 percent acidifying foods by volume. Allergic reactions and other forms of stress also tend to produce excessive acids in the body. The alkaline-forming ability of apple cider vinegar can correct excess acidity in our system and help prevent and fight infection.

Acidity of Vinegar for Health

Dr D. C. Jarvis, the author of the famous book "Folk Medicine" (1958), and great advocate of the vinegar and honey drink however explains the benefits of the concoction differently from the above theory. No reference of alkaline foods and acid producing foods was made in his premise. Instead he expounded on how cider vinegar could effectively acidify the urine and prevent urinary tract infections, and how the acidification of the vinegar could prevent colds, sinusitis, neuralgia, digestive ailments, headaches, and a myriad of other ailments. He also postulated that the powerful acidity of the vinegar could dissolve calcium deposits in the joints of the body in arthritic patients. Today, cider vinegar and honey is known to be a effective remedy for rheumatism and arthrits.

How about honey?

Honey added to the vinegar naturally makes the mixture more drinkable for people. Every sweet food has a low pH and that is the nature of sugar. However, researchers have discovered that 45 minutes after eating raw honey, blood tests showed more alkalinity. Diabetics also have lower blood sugar 45 minutes after eating honey. This is because, unlike processed sugar and artifical sweeteners, honey is very quickly absorbed into the body cells for fuel use, rather than sitting in the blood.
When you first drink the apple cider vinegar formula, it might not taste too pleasant, especially if your taste buds don't take well to fermented juice, but this is subjective. Nevertheless, the taste is often acquired over time and as your body becomes less acidic and more alkaline, it tends to taste better. The ailments that could be cured by this apple cider vinegar and honey treatment include:
1. Premature aging
2. Obesity
3. Food poisoning
4. Heat exhaustion
5. Acid Reflux/ Heartburn
6. Brittle nails
7. Bad breath
8. Arthritis
9. High blood pressure
10. High cholesterol level
11. Eczema

Try this healthy and refreshing vinegar and honey drink!

Essentially, to prepare:

* Mix apple cider vinegar (half to 1 tablespoon) and raw honey (half to 1 tablespoon). (Note: Apple cider vinegar is actually made from fresh, organic, crushed apples that are allowed to mature naturally in wooden barrels, but you can get it easily from the grocery shops or supermarkets.)
* Dissolve in a glass of water (10-20oz).
* Take it one or twice daily.

Why I will NEVER be a Vegetarian or a Vegan


Did you know that there is pretty much no evidence showing that being a vegetarian will protect you from cancer, heart disease and other health problems?
  
In fact, you need fats to be healthy because every cell in our body contains cholesterol and fat. Our hormones and neurotransmitters are made of cholesterol – only found in animal fats. A human brain is 60% fat, with over 25% of that being cholesterol.

 

Did you know that the human brain is about two-thirds fat? Fats, minerals, and amino acids found in animal products are essential for the production of neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, and neuron membranes, as well as neurotransmission.
Our brain consists of Both DHA and arachidonic acid (AA). This is why low-fat diets lead to depression, and anxiety. Staying away from animal-based nutrients alters the function of neurotransmitters in your brain that play an important role in mood and behavior. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to food addiction, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, adrenal fatigue, low blood sugar, chronic fatigue and much more.
  
B12 vitamin deficiency
A common myth suggest that is that it’s possible to get B12 from plant sources. Wrong!
B12 is the only vitamin that contains a trace element (cobalt). Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient involved in the development of red blood cells, maintenance of nerves and normal brain function. Cobalamin is produced in the gut of animals. It’s the only vitamin we can’t obtain from plants or sunlight. This means that vegetarians and vegans are at risk for B12 deficiency.
In the July issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, German researchers tracked 174 apparently healthy people living in Germany and the Netherlands.
They found that 92% of the vegans they studied — those who ate the strictest vegetarian diet, which shuns all animal products, including milk and eggs — had vitamin B12 deficiency. But two in three people who followed a vegetarian diet that included milk and eggs as their only animal foods also were deficient. Only 5% of those who consumed meats had vitamin B12 deficiency.
Our body is unable to make vitamin B12. Thus, it has to be taken  in through food or supplementation. According to a Harvard Health Medical report published  in January of 2013, B12 is essential for making red blood cells, DNA, nerves and various other function in the body. Our bodies do need B12 for cell metabolism, making DNA, creating red blood cells, and more.
Fat-soluble vitamins A and D Deficiency
One of the main problem with a vegetarian diet is fat soluble vitamins A and D deficiency. These important vitamins are  found almost exclusively in animal food such as seafood, organ meats, eggs and dairy products.
The vitamin A from animal sources is called retinol, while plant source vitamin A is carotenoids, such as beta carotene.
You body can easily utilize vitamin A from animal sources . Whereas, the vitamin A from plant sources must first be converted to retinol to be useful in the body.
Vitamin A is responsible for strong immune system, eyesight, skin, and fertility. Vitamin D regulates calcium metabolism, regulates immune function, reduces inflammation and protects against some forms of cancer.

Heart Disease 
You body and your heart requires complete protein, which you find in animal by-products. Complete means more than just the essential amino acids, it means those amino acids contain dietary sulfur. Without enough dietary sulfur, which is found almost exclusively in fish and pasture feed grass beef, the body will struggle with the biological activities of both protein and enzymes. A 2010 meta-analysis found “that there is no significant evidence for concluding that dietary saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of CHD or CVD.”
Having said that, I only recommend that you choose organic, grass fed meats over feedlot meats. Grass fed meats are more healthful because they have nutritional characteristics similar to wild animals.
Stop denying yourself essential healthy fats and live a little. Your body and brain will thank you.
References:
Enig, Mary, Ph.D. Know Your Fats : The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils and Cholesterol. Bethesda Press, 2000.
Guyenet, Stephan. Does Dietary Saturated Fat Increase Blood Cholesterol? An Informal Review of Observational Studies. January 13, 2011. http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2011/01/does-dietary-saturated-fat-increase.html
Siri-Tarino, Patty, et al. Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies evaluating the association of saturated fat with cardiovascular disease. January 13, 2010, doi: 10.3945/​ajcn.2009.27725 Am J Clin Nutr January 2010. http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2010/01/13/ajcn.2009.27725.abstract
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20030618/vegetarian-diet-b12-deficiency#1

Have You Tried Tigernuts?


Tigernuts are starchy tubers that are more similar to a potato. In fact, they are technically a root vegetable. A little nutty, a little earthy, and pleasantly sweet, these little chickpea-sized “nuts” pack a big nutritional punch.
Not only are tigernuts loaded with resistant starch—an incredible type of prebiotic that serves as fuel for the good bacteria that line the gut and assist in the fight against diabetes and obesity—but tigernuts are also allergen friendly. They’re gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, dairy-free, soy-free, etc. That means they are a pretty safe choice for most people. 
One study has shown that tubers like tigernuts played a huge role in our evolutionary transition to becoming modern humans. And it’s no surprise. Tigernuts provide iron, potassium and healthy fats (both monounsaturated and saturated) in additional to healthy starches. Per ounce, tiger nuts provide 2 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat and 10 grams of fiber. Of course, in modern times, they are also not cheap, ranking up there with almond flour in terms of cost. But a small handful packs in some powerful digestive and blood sugar balancing power.
But how should you actually use tiger nuts? Organic Gemini sells tigernuts whole or sliced for snacking or ground into a flour. They come dehydrated, which are edible, but require sometimes strenuous amounts of chewing. To solve that, simply soak a handful of the whole tigernuts in water overnight (anywhere between 12-48 hours). They will soften nicely and expand quite a bit. Snack away! But be aware, these are very high in fiber, so you will get really thirsty if you eat too many (I write from experience).
But you can be really creative with tigernuts, too. For starters, tigernuts make a tasty milk alternative. Just blend soaked tigernuts with water (and maybe a date or two for some indulgence) and strain. Behold, a non-dairy milk that is both nut and soy-free! Eureka!
Tigernut flour can also be used in baking, much like almond flour. I personally use the flour to create a delicious, fiber rich, craving-quelling cookie dough. Baking cookies or breads is also relatively easy with tigernut flour, as they are starchier and more naturally sweet than other flours like almond or coconut. Incredibly, it can be substituted for regular AP flour at a 1:1 ratio in most recipes.
Try experimenting with tiger nuts in your favorite recipes for an added touch of natural sweetness and fiber, especially if you are both gluten-free and nut-free. They are delicious, nutritious and make a great addition to baked goods, smoothies, snack packs and even main dishes.

Peppermint, a Powerful Herb With Countless Health Benefits

The stimulating aroma of fresh peppermint is a popular flavoring for toothpaste, tea and of course gum.  It also has numerous health benefits from digestion relief and increasing memory to keeping mosquitos away. My garden always has a big patch of mint growing in it for my salad, teas and smoothies. Why should you add some to your daily herb regimen?

Digestion Relief

The key ingredients in peppermint (menthol and methyl salicylate) are antispasmodic, which have a calming effect on the digestive tract.

Has a Soothing Effect

Those two ingredients in peppermint have a soothing effect on the stomach helping the digestive tract to settle down, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center.

Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is identified as an upset stomach with bloating, nausea and burping. It was found that peppermint oil, along with caraway oil, gave relief to the symptoms of dyspepsia in a study at the University Medical Clinic, in Bochum, Germany.

Colic in Infants

Research found that peppermint was as effective as simethicone in the treatment of colic in infants.

Nausea Induced by Chemotherapy

The peppermint oil helps reduce nausea created by chemotherapy which is much less expensive than standard drug-based treatments according to research.

Reduces IBS Symptoms

Peppermint oil was found to lessen spasms in the colon of IBS patients—in fact, the research found it reduced the symptoms more than the medication Buscopan.

Effectively Moves Food From Stomach to Intestines

It was found that peppermint oil improved the movement of food called ‘gastric emptying’ which is very helpful for those with digestive tract disorders. Learn about some more Home Remedies for Nausea 

Reduces Breastfeeding Nipple Pain and Damage

It was found that peppermint water helped to prevent nipple cracks and pain in a study of one hundred and ninety-six breastfeeding mothers.

Hair Growth Increased

Those going bald or with thinning hair now can use peppermint oil on their heads.  A study in Korea found it had a positive effect on new hair follicles without any negative side effects.

Tuberculosis

It was found that when the essential oil of peppermint was inhaled there was a rapid regression of tuberculosis inflammation in the research; they believe it may prevent recurrence of the disease.

Pain Relief

Applying peppermint oil (containing 10 percent menthol) can help relieve pain. As an example in a study, a woman applied it to her skin and got very quick pain relief which remained for 4-6 hours.

Inhibits Prostate Cancer

The menthol in peppermint was found to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer in clinical research.

Relief for Headaches

A combination of peppermint and eucalyptus oil were applied to the temples and forehead to help relieve headache pain in a study at the Neurological Clinic at the University of Kiel, Germany.  They found it reduced headaches.

Good for Teeth

Peppermint oil has been found to inhibit the formation of plaque, which is linked to cavities. Also, it is very useful for freshening the breath and whitening teeth.

Increases Memory

Scientists in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK did a study with peppermint oil and ylang-ylang oil and found that peppermint oil increased memory and alertness whereas ylang-ylang impaired it.

Soothing Skin Irritations

It can be helpful for skin irritations, like poison ivy.

Helps Stop Herpes from Spreading

It has been found in studies to inhibit drug-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1.

Keeps Mosquitoes Away

When they tested Australian bush mint essential oil to see if it would prevent mosquitoes from landing on arms and from biting, they found it to be effective.  It was more effective when there was a concentration of repellent action of the 8 percent essential oil which deterred the mosquitos by 97 percent for as long as 5 hours.  When it was only 6 percent essential oil it did repel all mosquitoes immediately but it went down to 75 percent after 5 hours.
Please Note: It is best not to use peppermint oil (not inhaled, taken by mouth or applied on the skin) for children under 8 years of age.
Peppermint can also decrease the absorption of iron when taken together. Take iron supplements and peppermint oil with at least 3 hours between the two. It also increases the absorption of quercetin, so again allow at least 3 hours between taking them together.
Fresh mint is the best with a greater flavor than dried mint.  When picking the peppermint, make sure the leaves are vibrant, rich green without dark spots or yellowing. Still, dried peppermint is good when you cannot get it fresh. Try to purchase it organically grown so that you can be sure it has not been irradiated.

Monday 31 July 2017

Total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017: Learn how you can participate in nation-wide science experiment


US space agency NASA is opening up an opportunity where eclipse viewers around the country can participate in a nation-wide science experiment by collecting cloud and temperature data from their phones.

The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment, or GLOBE, Program is a NASA-supported research and education program that encourages students and citizen scientists to collect and analyze environmental observations. GLOBE Observer is a free, easy-to-use app that guides citizen scientists through data collection.
For the first time in 99 years, on August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will occur across the entire continental United States.
NASA says crossing the country from Oregon to South Carolina over the course of an hour and a half, 14 states will experience night-like darkness for approximately two minutes in the middle of the day.
The eclipse enters the US at 10:15 a.m. PDT off the coast of Oregon and leaves US shores at approximately 2:50 p.m. EDT in South Carolina. And all of North America will experience at least a partial eclipse.
In order to participate, you need to first download the GLOBE Observer app and register to become a citizen scientist.
The app will instruct you on how to make the observations. You will also need to obtain a thermometer to measure air temperature.
Observations will be recorded on an interactive map.
To join in the fun, NASA says you can download the GLOBE Observer app https://observer.globe.gov/about/get-the-app.
After you log in, the app explains how to make eclipse observations.
Check out NASA video below to learn more about the GLOBE Observer eclipse app!

“No matter where you are in North America, whether it’s cloudy, clear or rainy, NASA wants as many people as possible to help with this citizen science project,” said Kristen Weaver, deputy coordinator for the project. “We want to inspire a million eclipse viewers to become eclipse scientists.”