Fairytale Like Christmas Celebration In Moscow

Christmas in Russia is different from Christmas celebrated in the rest of the world. For starters, they are celebrated on January 7, rather than on December 25. The date is different because the Russian Orthodox church uses the old Julian calendar for religious celebration days, and Christmas is mainly a religious event in Russia. Many orthodox Christians also avoid meat and fish during the 40-day Lent period preceding Christmas Day. The Lent period ends with the rise of the first star in the night sky on January 6. That day, many Christians go to the church to attend several long services including Christmas liturgy. Evening is time for family and friends and sumptuous dinners. 

British Diver Captures Interesting Things Sunk Beneath The Waves (7 Pics)

For those who have never been diving, it is safe to say that there are some odd things to be seen beneath the surface.  There are thousands of shipwrecks worldwide still lying on the seabed.  Most of them are probably known and their whereabouts documented, however, some may not ever be excavated due to laws concerning the protection of shipwrecks.

However, these laws did not stop a famous photographer from capturing some eerie beauty beneath the surface.  Alex Mustard is a British photographer who decided to travel the world to find some of the weirdest things that have sunk. Besides shipwrecks he has discovered an old motorbike that was once used by British troops in World War II. He has also found old, rusty British trucks that have been forgotten.  Other interesting pieces are rifles that haven’t been used, and even the shell of a VW Beetle.  Mustard said that these particular wrecks attract divers from all over because they cannot be seen from the surface, making it even more of a mystery to explore.  Apparently, the VW Beetle was purposely sunk to provide a place for divers to visit.  Mustard said that it is the most bizarre thing to see under water; like finding something familiar in the most alien place.

Foods You Probably Think Are Healthy but Actually Aren’t

It can be difficult to eat healthy when there are so many foods out there that claim to be good for you but aren’t. Foods that are low in fat are often high in sodium and sugars, and foods that are gluten free can be packed with fats. Here, we break down some of the foods that appear to be healthy but actually aren’t, and why.

Dried fruit 

Dried fruits do pack a lot of nutrients, which is why they come across as healthy. However, since the fruits have been dried and are smaller, it’s easy to eat a lot more of them. With that comes much more sugar, calories, and carbohydrates. One snack sized pack of raisins (dried grapes) has 20 grams of sugar. However, you’d have to consume nearly 1.5 cups of grapes to get the same amount of sugar. 

Sushi 

Some sushi can be extremely healthy. Other sushi can be extremely unhealthy. If you order a tuna roll with brown rice, you’re safe. However, more exotic rolls, such as anything that features white rice and tempura, can be full of calories, fat, and simple sugars. Sushi’s “spicy sauce” is also made with mayonnaise, which adds a lot of fat content. Always order your sushi with brown rice and avoid anything with too many extras, like fried seafood or spicy sauce. 

Gluten-free foods 

If you’re not dealing with celiac, it’s best to avoid gluten-free options. Items such as gluten-free doughs and pastas are often packed with extra fats and sugars to make them more palatable and much less healthy. Plus, whole grains are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and obesity, and should be embraced rather than avoided. 

Frozen yogurt 

Frozen yogurt is actually much higher in calories and sugar than you might expect. If you indulge in two cups of frozen yogurt, you’re consuming close to 400 calories and 76 grams of sugar, according to Shape.com. Plus, consumers often load it with unhealthy toppings like sugary syrups and candy. Although you’ve been told that frozen yogurt is full of probiotics, extreme temperatures can lower the amount of probiotics in this dessert. 

Sweet potato fries 

Anything that resembles the word “fried” is not very healthy. Sweet potatoes actually have more calories in them than regular potatoes, plus a lot more sugar. Also, restaurants tend to balance out the sweetness with extra salt, which quickly ups your sodium intake. Unless you’re baking the fries and not adding any extra salt, you might as well order regular fries. 

Protein bars 

When you’re deciding on a new protein bar or meal replacement bar, take a good look at the ingredients. While protein bars do have a lot of protein, they often also have a ton of calories and sugar. Some protein bars’ nutrition is similar to candy bars. If you’re looking for a decent protein bar, always check the nutrition facts and ingredients list to make sure it’s not teeming with calories and added sugar. 

Salad dressing 

Tangy, sweet, or spicy dressing is often what makes the whole salad. However, dressings are packed with fat and calories that your body doesn’t need. Store-bought dressings often have added artificial flavors and preservatives, too. Even “light” options are not always a good choice, since the lower fat content means a higher sugar and salt content for more flavor. You’re better off making your own salad dressing at home so you can control exactly what’s in it. 

Microwave popcorn 

While fat-free, butter-free popcorn is a great snack option, any popcorn with butter in it is a big no — butter is full of saturated fat. Plus, most microwave popcorn bags contain a chemical known as PFOA that has been linked to certain cancers. Skip the microwaveable bag and make some fat free Jiffy Pop. 

Fruit juice 

A glass of orange juice can provide essential vitamin C. Unfortunately, it can also provide a lot of unessential sugar and calories. Some fruit juices contain just as many calories as a soft drink, and, if it’s made from concentrate, it’s packed with unhealthy sugar. Even juices that are “100% natural” are often full of unhealthy ingredients. It’s best to eat an orange instead of sipping on a glass of orange juice. 

Veggie burger 

Most veggie burgers are not nearly as healthy as you wish they’d be. Packed with sodium and largely processed, veggie burgers can actually do more harm than good when it comes to your health. Plus, most veggie burgers are held together with either butter or oil, both of which are very unhealthy when consumed in excess. 

Deli meats 

A turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread sounds like a healthy lunch option, but if that turkey is processed deli meat, steer clear. Deli meats are full of sodium — sometimes over 200 milligrams just in one slice. Plus, the World Health Organization recently classified certain deli meats as carcinogenic. 

Flavored yogurt 

Yogurt does contain probiotics to help digestion, but flavored yogurts are often full of added sugars, corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners. The fruit in some flavored yogurts isn’t always real fruit, either. Greek yogurt topped with real fruit is a good way to ensure that you’re getting essential probiotics without putting tons of sugars into your body as well. 

‘Healthy’ frozen dinners 

Frozen dinner options that are marketed as healthy, like Lean Cuisine and Smart Ones, are not as healthy as they seem. While these meals tend to be low in calories and fat, they are often packed with sodium to add flavor. Lean Cuisine’s five-cheese lasagna also comes with 51 grams of carbohydrates and 14 grams of sugar. 

Low-fat soup 

Soup options that say “light” or “low fat” are not anything close to healthy. The reason is because of the uncanny amount of sodium in canned soup. A half-cup of Campbell’s condensed chicken noodle soup has nearly 900 milligrams of sodium in it — and that’s not even close to eating the entire can, which, let’s face it, most of us can do. Soups that have little or no fat can sometimes have even more sodium than that to try and make up for lost flavor. 

Veggie pasta 

It’s easy to assume that pasta infused with vegetables is good for you. However, when you take a closer look, it’s actually not. Most veggie pastas have one half cup of vegetables in every serving and are made with enriched wheat flour (white flour). This means that in order to get one cup of vegetables, you’d have to double the amount of pasta – which means doubling the amount of sugars and carbohydrates. You’re better off eating whole wheat pasta and filling your bowl with veggies.

This 1 Thing You’re Throwing Away Could Be the Key to Preventing Cancer

When it comes to cancer prevention, experts have known for a while that eating a proper diet can make a big difference. Vegetables, fruits, and garlic should be dietary staples if you’re hoping to remain cancer-free. And recently, scientists in South Texas discovered cancer-preventing properties in something you’re probably throwing away.

But first, diet matters 

So just how important is diet in preventing cancer? It’s pretty vital, and it’s especially essential to eat plants. As many as 30% of all cancers are linked to poor diet, with a whopping 70% of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract being linked to it. There are never any guarantees when it comes to cancer, but eating the right foods is one of the best things you can do to stop it in its tracks. 

Avocados are a super cancer-fighting food 

Avocados are known as one of the world’s healthiest foods, and they also happen to be natural cancer fighters. They’re full of potent antioxidants and phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. One of the best things you can do for your body is to eat avocados regularly. 

All about avocado seeds 

Most people throw away the pit of the avocado as soon as they peel it open. But as it turns out, that might be a mistake. Avocado seeds contain procyanidins and catechins, natural immunity boosters, and they contain anti-inflammatory properties that reduce stiffness, swelling, and joint pain. 

Eat the seeds; fight cancer? 

In a study published in Cancer Research, a peer-reviewed journal, researchers discovered that a compound in avocado seed extract called avocatin B was effective at fighting acute myeloid leukemia cells. And a group of Texas researchers recently found new chemical compounds in avocados that could help treat cancer and other diseases.

Not so fast 

While this news is exciting, it also requires a lot more research, cautions Dr. Debasish Bandyopadhyay, the head of the Texas research team. There are other compounds found in avocado seeds that are considered cancerous and should only be consumed after processing. While other studies have been done on the health benefits of avocado seeds, this was the first to reveal this particular information.

“We still haven’t completely published everything into a journal article because we want to get more information of our stuff and we want to have a clearer idea of what we’re working with,” says Orlando Castillo, one of the researchers on Bandyopadhyay’s team. 

How to eat the seeds 

Clearly, there are both pros and cons to eating avocado seeds. Should you decide to give it a try, there are several ways you can go about it. To get accustomed to the taste, carefully crush the seed with a meat mallet, and blend it up with a smoothie. Or add a little bit of the powder to your hot tea. 

Delicious avocado recipes 

The jury may still be out on whether avocado seeds should be eaten, but avocados themselves are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. And there are plenty of unique and delicious ways to get your avocado fix. Add some of this naturally creamy fruit to your morning smoothie or lunchtime salad, and you’ll soon be reaping the health benefits.

A Health Expert Says This Food Is so Unhealthy, You’re Better Off Eating Pizza

Most American cabinets and freezers provide shelter to plenty of unhealthy breakfast cereals and nutrient-deprived frozen pizzas. Their health consequences aren’t news. That’s why the internet freaks out when experts say you can eat your favorite unhealthy food for a “healthy breakfast” — as long as you stop eating another. Are they right?

We’ll compare a Tombstone Original pepperoni pizza and a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch to find out. Let’s be honest: You’ve probably eaten both first thing in the morning — more than once. But which one was the least terrible choice?

The ‘bad’ kind of fat 

An official serving of Cinnamon Toast Crunch is only ¾ cup. But you probably fill an entire bowl without thinking twice about it, so keep that in mind. There are 0.5 grams of saturated fat per serving — 3 grams total. All things considered, that’s not so bad.

A slice of Tombstone pizza contains about 5 grams of saturated fat —  and 12 in total — because of all that delicious cheese and mouth-watering pepperoni. 

The protein factor 

When it comes to protein, Cinnamon Toast Crunch doesn’t have much. Many cereals like it also lack an essential part of a decent early-morning meal. Just 1 gram of protein doesn’t give you the long-lasting energy you really do need to function.

Because there’s pepperoni on this pizza, there’s also a lot of protein, right? Nope. There isn’t any at all. All that cheese might not be worth it after all. 

The sugar high 

There are 9 grams of added sugars in just ¾ of a cup of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. For context, you’re really only supposed to have about 25 grams in a day. You might not want to use up your sugar allowance before you’re even fully caffeinated.

There are only 2 grams of added sugars per pizza slice, which isn’t too surprising. Still, that means the calories you’re getting don’t come from the best sources — and that’s a problem. 

The ‘wrong’ kind of energy 

At 130 calories per gram — a standard amount for many breakfast cereals — you’re not only getting minimal energy but the wrong kind. Most of it comes from sugar and not from fiber or protein, the calories that last longer.

You’ll get nearly 300 calories from just one slice of frozen pizza but not “quality” calories. You won’t get fiber or protein. You’re basically just eating salty carbs. Yum! 

How much salt is too much? 

You’re not supposed to eat more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium in a day — if you don’t want to die of heart disease, that is. There are 180 milligrams in a serving of cereal, which is fairly low.

Just 580 milligrams of sodium isn’t bad for a slice of pizza. The more cheese, sauce, and toppings you layer on, the saltier things get. Sticking to one slice, you might not do much damage unless your hydrating liquid of choice happens to be worse for you than the pizza itself. 

So which should you choose: Pizza or cereal? 

Not all cereals — not even all pizzas — are created equal. But looking at the numbers, the answer’s not hard to figure out. Both options, as breakfast choices, are pretty terrible.

When building a healthy breakfast, it’s not so much about what you are eating as it is about what you aren’t. A well-fueled body optimizes protein and fiber, burning quickly through its sugar reserves. You might enjoy these things early on in your day, but in truth, they’re just not good enough to sustain you. 

Do healthy breakfast cereals exist? 

Technically, yes. Healthy breakfast cereals, such as Kashi and FiberOne, provide — you guessed it — more fiber and higher-quality ingredients then the Cinnamon Toast Crunches of the breakfast world. Name your favorite unhealthy food, and there’s likely a slightly healthier version of it out there.

Just because it’s better, though, doesn’t mean it’s your best option. You need a “real” breakfast — one that’s just as quick and delicious as pouring sugar squares into a bowl. 

Healthier breakfast options just as easy as cereal 

You might not even like cereal that much — it’s just convenient. Surprise! So are dishes, such as oatmeal, toast, and pancakes. You can make these breakfasts in five minutes or less. The best part is, you won’t feel hungry two hours after finishing them.

And if you really can’t figure out a breakfast food that fits your needs, go ahead and redefine what “breakfast food” means for you. Baked potato? Sure. Turkey sandwich? Great. Leftover pizza? Maybe every now and then, if you’re desperate.

9 Natural Health Benefits of Honey

Suppress coughs 

One of the top benefits of honey? It can help you out in a pinch. This natural sweetener has been found to be just as effective as a typical over-the-counter dosage of dextromethorphan in suppressing coughs, possibly because honey acts as a demulcent, forming a film in the throat to provide relief from the irritation that causes coughing. Take 2 teaspoons before bed to ease nighttime coughing and help you sleep.  

Improve your cholesterol profile 

A Dubai study found that compared to participants who took a glucose solution, those consuming 250 milliliters of water with 75 grams of natural honey for 15 days lowered their total and “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while raising “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Moisturize skin 

Honey acts as a natural moisturizer because the sugar molecules hold water in the skin, says dermatologist Patricia Farris, MD. Honey leaves a film on the skin to seal in water and increase moisture, adds dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, who recommends skin-care products containing honey extract.

Treat acne 

Honey’s antimicrobial properties may reduce inflammation from acne, according to Joey Green, author of Joey Green’s Magic Health Remedies. For a perfect acne home remedy, mix equal parts honey and ground nutmeg, then leave on the pimple for 20 minutes before washing off.  

Soothe sore throats 

In addition to quelling coughs, honey can act as a mild antibacterial that can benefit you if you have a sore throat. Pour 1/2 cup of water over 1 teaspoon grated ginger, then add the juice of 1/2 of a lemon and 1 teaspoon of honey. Gargle the mixture for relief.  

Heal burns 

One classic study found that burns treated with honey healed faster and showed less inflammation than silver sulfadiazine, a common burn treatment.  

Raise low blood sugar 

Honey powder increased and maintained glucose levels more effectively than sucrose or maltodextrin, according to a study from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Large amounts of carbs and protein after exercise could cause hypoglycemia in some people, but the researchers concluded that honey could prevent such reactions. Patients with hypoglycemia can use honey’s high sugar content to give low blood glucose levels a boost.  

Eliminate dandruff 

Using a honey hair wash can soothe your scalp and help fight dandruff. (It's just one of the scalp conditions you should never ignore.) Researchers studied the use of honey on patients suffering from seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff and found that using a honey wash relieved itching and improved scaling. Even if you only have occasional dandruff, washing with honey can help. Honey has anti-fungal properties and moisturizes the scalp. Dilute honey with a bit of warm water and massage into scalp for 2-3 minutes.  

Use as a body wash 

Used as a body wash in the shower, honey will moisturize dry skin and kill bacteria that can cause acne or body odor. To make the bodywash, combine two teaspoons of honey with a tablespoon of olive oil. To increase the spa experience, add essential oils such as lavender, almond oil, or vitamin E oil. These oils are soothing and provide a pleasant smell. If you'd like to turn your body wash into a scrub, combine with 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
Make sure that your body wash does not contain water--honey itself has a very long shelf life, but adding water can contribute to mold growth, spoiling the wash quickly. But the benefits of honey don't stop there.  

What Are the Benefits of a Salt Water Gargle?

What is a salt water gargle?

Salt water gargles are a simple, safe, and frugal home remedy.

They’re most often used for sore throats, viral respiratory infections like colds, or sinus infections. They can also help with allergies or other mild health imbalances. Salt water gargles may be effective for both relieving infections and preventing them from getting worse as well.

Making a salt water gargle is quite easy. It requires only two ingredients — water and salt — and takes very little time to make and apply. It’s also completely safe for children over 6 years old to use and for those who can gargle easily.

Since it’s also a fairly natural, affordable, and convenient remedy, it’s considered a standard go-to home treatment for some ailments.

BENEFITS

Why should I use a salt water gargle?

Salt water gargles have become a popular standby for some nonserious discomforts. They’ve also been used successfully as alternative treatments since before modern medicine.

In fact, research and modern medicine still support salt water gargles today as an effective approach for certain mild health issues. Salt has been scientifically proven to help draw water out of oral tissues, while creating a salt barrier that locks out water and harmful pathogens from getting back inside.

This makes salt water gargles valuable for blocking viruses and bacteria, reducing the chance of infections in the mouth and throat, and relieving inflammation in certain health imbalances. These include:

Sore throat

While they’re very old home remedies, salt water gargles are still recommended for throat pain by doctors in clinical settings, noted in a 2011 clinical inquiry.

They’re especially effective for colds or flus that cause a mild sore throat — but they can relieve severe sore throats better with the help of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).

Sinus and respiratory infections

Studies also show that salt water may help reduce infection severity, whether it’s from a viral or bacterial infection. This includes:

• colds
• flus
• strep throat
• mononucleosis

A 2013 study on nonmedical flu prevention methods found that salt water gargles were perhaps even more effective for preventing reinfection than flu vaccinations. That is, when subjects were in contact with quite a few people.

Allergies

Since inflammation of the throat can also occur with certain allergies — such as pollen or dogand cat dander — salt water gargles may also help with uncomfortable sore throat symptoms due to allergic reactions.

Dental health

Salt water can draw out water and bacteria while protecting the gums, so gargles may be effective for improving gum and dental health. They may also help prevent gingivitis, periodontitis, and cavities.

A 2010 evaluation found that using salt water gargles on a daily basis helped lower harmful bacteria counts that are found in saliva.

Canker sores

Along the same lines as sore throats, salt water gargles could alleviate canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers. They may do this by easing the pain and inflammation these sores cause.

Salt water gargles were a top recommendation for children with mouth sores in a 2016 review.

PROCESS

The best ways to gargle salt water

Making a salt water gargle at home is very easy and straightforward. Children and adults of all ages can use it. However, it’s generally not recommended for children under the age of 6, or anyone else who could have a difficult time gargling.

How it’s made

The Mayo Clinic recommends mixing about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to every 8 ounces of water.

The water may be best warm, since warmth can be more relieving to a sore throat than cold. It’s also generally more pleasant. But if you prefer cold water, it won’t interfere with the remedy’s effectiveness.

Warm water may also help the salt dissolve into the water more easily. Better dissolving of salt might be ideal if you’re using coarse sea salts or kosher salts instead of finer iodized or table salts. You can use any type of salt for salt water gargles.

How it’s done

Gargle the water in the back of your throat for as long as you can handle. Then, swish the water around the mouth and teeth afterward. Spitting it out into a sink is recommended when you’re finished. However, it can be swallowed.

In the case of infections, spitting out salt water is considered better at keeping the infection at bay. Be careful if doing multiple mouth rinses per day and swallowing too much salt water, as it can dehydrate you. Drinking too much salt water can also have health risks, such as calcium deficiency and high blood pressure.

Gargling at least twice a day is recommended. You can safely gargle many more times than that, too.

If you’d like to improve the taste, try adding:

• honey
• lemon
• garlic
• herbs for colds and flu

These can be added as teas, tinctures, or essential oils. Keep in mind that there aren’t many studies on how these additions make salt water gargles more effective.

TAKEAWAY

The takeaway

For children and adults who are comfortable with them, salt water gargles can be great and successful home remedies.

They’re especially supported by doctors and clinicians to help with pain and inflammation of a sore throat. As an extra, they could help prevent and relieve certain oral bacterial and viral infections, colds, flus, and strep throat.

Marginally, salt water gargles could also be helpful for allergies, canker sores, and improving oral health. Best of all, salt water gargles are shown to be very safe and time-honored treatments. They’re also very easy to prepare at home.