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Sunday 30 July 2017

11 Superfoods That Work Better Together

Peanut butter and jelly. Soup and salad. Spaghetti and meatballs. There are a few classic pairings that will never go out of style. But some food duos do more than just excite your taste buds—they could even boost your health. It's a concept called "food synergy." While eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods is key for helping your body stay healthy, the idea is that some foods can interact in ways to provide even more value. So stick to eating your favorite superfoods, but know that serving these 11 combos could pack a more powerful punch of nutrition.
Black beans + red bell pepper
Black beans are a good source of iron. Thing is, the iron in plant foods, known as non-heme iron, isn't as readily absorbed as the iron you'll find in meat.
"Just 2 to 20 percent of the iron in plant foods makes its way from your digestive tract into your blood, compared to 15 to 35 percent from heme animal-based iron," said Cynthia Sass, RD, MPH, Health's contributing nutrition editor and author of “Slim Down Now: Shed Pounds and Inches with Real Food, Real Fast” ($27; amazon.com).
That's where vitamin C-rich foods, like red bell pepper, come in. They can increase the absorption of non-heme iron by six times, Sass said. Her go-to dish: black bean tacos topped with sautéed red bell peppers. 
Whole grains + onions + garlic
Like beans, the iron and zinc you find in whole grains have low bioavailability, meaning they get metabolized faster than your body can absorb them.
"Whole grains contain natural substances that may bind with minerals, which make them less absorbable," Sass said.
But research shows that sulfur-rich foods, such as garlic and onion, could make whole grains even more nutritious. A 2010 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that the addition of garlic and onion to cooked or raw food grains enhanced the accessibility of iron and zinc in both cases. Pair the two by baking onions or garlic right into bread, Sass said, or try adding a generous serving of onions to your sandwich.
Tomatoes + olive oil
You already know that olive oil is a heart-healthy fat shown to boost "good" HDL cholesterol and lower "bad" LDL cholesterol that can clog your arteries. When paired with tomatoes, though, it has even more superpowers. A 2000 study in Free Radical Biology and Medicine had people consume tomato products with extra-virgin olive oil or sunflower oil. Researchers found that olive oil raised the antioxidant activity of the lycopene in tomatoes, while no effect was seen with the sunflower oil.
"There are numerous delicious combinations, including bruschetta, roasted red pepper pesto, or simply sautéing tomatoes in olive oil with garlic and herbs to toss with lean protein and a small portion of whole grain pasta," Sass said. 
Salmon + collard greens
To get the most out of your calcium intake, consuming enough vitamin D is key.
"Vitamin D helps absorb calcium from the GI tract into the blood and helps maintain a normal calcium level in the blood," Sass said.
The National Institutes of Health recommends adult women get 600 IU of vitamin D daily. Bare skin exposed to sunlight triggers vitamin D production in your body, but you can also get it by eating certain foods, including salmon. Sass suggested grilling the fish over a bed of sautéed collard greens, which just happen to be rich in bone-boosting calcium.
Broccoli + tomatoes
When combined, these two appear to have some impressive cancer-fighting powers. In a 2007 study for Cancer Research, over five months rats were fed varying diets of either broccoli, tomatoes, or both foods. Researchers then tested how effective the different diet combinations were in slowing down the growth of prostate tumor implants. They found that diets containing 10 percent tomato and 10 percent broccoli caused a 52 percent decrease in tumor weights, whereas the diet with just tomatoes saw a 34 percent decrease and the diet with just broccoli had a 42 percent decrease.
"You could toss steamed broccoli with sundried tomato pesto," Sass suggested. "Or sauté the florets and tomatoes in olive oil with seasoning." 
Green tea + black pepper
Forget adding honey to green tea. Research shows you may be better off sprinkling in some black pepper. Green tea already has a special antioxidant called EGCG, which is thought to boost metabolism and protect against cancer. But the key chemical in black pepper, known as piperine, could make EGCG work even more efficiently. In a 2004 study for The Journal of Nutrition, researchers injected mice with either a combination of EGCG and piperine or EGCG alone. They found that piperine increased the absorption of EGCG, so it wasn't broken down as quickly in the blood stream. Don't want your tea to have a spicy kick? Use the pair to soak meat or seafood.
"Brewed tea with garlic, ginger, and black pepper makes a perfect marinade," Sass said.
Turmeric + black pepper
The piperine in black pepper works with more than one food. You may have heard turmeric called the healing spice. That's because it packs a powerful antioxidant, curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial agents, said Melissa Rifkin, RD, a bariatric dietitian at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. Thing is, curcumin gets metabolized quickly before it can be fully absorbed.
"If you pair the turmeric with the piperine, it improves the bioavailability of curcumin by 1000 times," Rifkin said. Her ideal food pairing: Prepare a chicken dish that's made with turmeric and add a little black pepper.
Brussels sprouts + olive oil
These mini-cabbages pack several key nutrients, including vitamin K.
"It regulates blood clotting in our bodies and it also may be helpful for bone health," said Keri Gans, RD, author of The Small Change Diet: 10 Steps to a Thinner and Healthier You($8; amazon.com).
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it's best absorbed in a meal that contains fat. That's where the olive oil comes in. It mostly containsmonounsaturated fats, which are thought to help lower your risk of heart disease. Prep these two by lightly sautéing the veggies in olive oil, Gans said. You'll boost your intake of vitamin K and keep your heart happy too.
Kale + almonds
Another veggie chockfull of vitamin K is kale, but the superfood is also a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that boosts our immune systems and protects against cancer and heart disease.
"Some research suggests it could also be good for healthy skin," Gans said.
But like vitamin K, vitamin E is fat-soluble, so you'll need a nutritious source of fat to increase its absorption. Almonds make a good partner for the veggie as the nut is full of monounsaturated fat. And pairing the two couldn't be easier. Gans suggested topping a kale salad with slivered almonds. Bonus: "Almonds have both vitamin E and are a healthy fat, so it's a win-win," Gans said. 
Dark chocolate + apples
This pairing won't just satisfy your sweet tooth. Together, dark chocolate and apples have the potential to improve cardiovascular health, Rifkin says. In their skins, apples—red delicious especially—contain the flavonoid quercetin, which acts like an anti-inflammatory. On the other hand, the cocoa in dark chocolate is rich in catechins, an antioxidant that helps prevent the hardening of arteries, Rifkin said.
"When paired, they have been shown to help break up blood clots," Rifkin said.
Even more reason to start dipping your apple slices in a little chocolate goodness. Just remember: the dark kind has six times more catechins than milk chocolate, Rifkin said.
Garlic + salmon
Garlic is one way to make your fish more flavorful. Together, the two foods may also work to decrease your risk of heart disease. A 1997 study in The American Journal of Nutrition tested the effects of the pair on men with high cholesterol. In the groups who consumed 900 milligrams of garlic and 12 grams of fish oil, total cholesterol levels and LDL levels decreased by 12.2 percent and 9.5 percent respectively. That's great news since too much cholesterol can clog up your blood vessels and impair blood flow. It's possible combining both garlic and salmon in a meal may offer similar benefits. Next time, try cooking up your fish with a little garlic, Rifkin suggested.

Cinnamon and honey's healing properties

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot.

Honey will crystallize if it is left in a cool dark place for the long time, but do not mistake this crystallization for it turning into sugar. Honey never will become sugar. If it does crystallize, simply loosen the lid and let the honey jar sit in boiled water, as this will allow the honey to re-liquefy naturally.

It is important to note that you do not put a honey jar in boiling water while still be heated or in a microwave as these will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Obviously, you will never read about this in the mainstream media because they are hookers for BigPharma and could interfere with their drug pushing profits if too many people learned about the effectiveness of sulfur-based remedies.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet and when taken in the right dosage as a "medicine", it will not and does not harm even diabetics.

Ok, all that being said, let's get to healing qualities of the sulfur-based cinnamon/honey combination as researched by Western scientists, who by the way, are clueless about the sulfur effectiveness or the fact that cinnamon and honey are sulfur based:

HEART DISEASE
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder and apply it on bread instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and could prevent a heart attack. If someone already had a heart attack and you take this combination, your next heart attack may never happen. The regular use of this combination relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; the cinnamon and honey combination revitalizes the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS
Arthritis patients should take, twice a day (morning and night), a cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken regularly, even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a research project conducted at Copenhagen University, it was found that when doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon of honey and a half-teaspoon of cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week 73 out of the 200 tested were totally relieved of pain. Within a month, most all of the people who had trouble walking or moving around because of their arthritis could walk without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It will destroy the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of water were found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, chronic cholesterol is cured. The scientists also found that pure honey taken with food on a daily basis relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon of lukewarm honey with one quarter of a spoonful for cinnamon powder daily for three days as this procedure will cure most chronic coughs, colds, and will clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers for its roots.

GAS
According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. The scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in larger amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles, where the DNA is contained, to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and aids in the digestion of the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural "ingredient", which kills the flu germs and will prevent the person from getting the flu. (I ain't no learned scientist but I do know that the natural "ingredient" is sulfur and that those that take the organic sulfur crystals never get the flu).

LONGEVITY
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make the tea. Drink one quarter of a cup three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and delays aging. Life spans increase and even those in their 90s plus, will have the energy of someone half their age. Allow me to inject some humor here: I play in two senior softball leagues. One of the guys, who is 87 asks me if the sulfur crystals are good for erectile dysfunction. I tell him that they are but they must be taken twice a day. About two weeks later I ask him if he is taking the crystals. He says he is. I then ask him if he is taking them twice a day. He says he is taking them once a day. I reminded him that their utmost effectiveness is by taking them twice a day. He says that he knows that but his wife can't handle it when he takes them twice a day.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT
When the throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip it until it is finished. Repeat this every three hours until the throat is without symptoms.
PIMPLES
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon power paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root (of course, eliminating sugar from the diet couldn't hurt).

SKIN INFECTIONS
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts to cure eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS
In the morning and one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon power three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. A Dr. Milton, who apparently does not have a first name, has done research showing that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH
Gargling with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning will keep the breath fresh all day.

HEARING LOSS
Allegedly, daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

TOOTHACHE
Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply it to the aching tooth three times a day until the ache is gone.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure and its accompanying symptoms of chest pain and dizziness disappeared in many patients' just weeks after an Italian researcher gave them regular doses of honey and cinnamon. Blood pressure improved and all 137 subjects felt better after a few weeks.

REGARDING CINNAMON

The cinnamon powder that you get in the super markets could very well be sawdust that has been colored and artificially flavored. I think it is better to get the bark and powder it yourself or but it from a reputable natural food store. Most spices are irradiated. This is supposedly done to eradicate bacteria, but spices are generally excellent bactericides so the irradiation is merely a way of destroying the precious properties of spices. Non-irradiated spices are available from most high-end health foods stores. Cinnamon can be confused for cassia and in fact many powdered forms use cassia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassia). It is also known as "bastard cinnamon". True cinnamon is also known as "Ceylon" cinnamon. There are other variants such as Indonesian and Vietnamese so avoid anything that is from these countries. Specifically ask for Ceylon Cinnamon. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is the botanical name for the purest and most potent form of cinnamon.

21 Reasons To Try Organic Sulfur Crystals. See if you notice the similarities in benefits.

1. Organic sulfur is not a drug or prescription medicine, but rather a nutrient that the body is deprived of.

2. It increases enzyme production within the glands of the body, substantially increasing resistance to illness.

3. It increases flexibility in the tissues within the body and increases blood circulation.

4. It reduces muscle and joint inflammation, promotes healing in the muscles and joints and prevents them from becoming sore. To the degree there is soreness, recovery and return to normality is quickened. Athletes, in particular, benefit from this as the intake of OS dramatically increases their recovery time.

5. It eliminates "free radicals" in the body. Allergies to pollens ad certain foods can be eliminated or reduced by its use.

6. It promotes healthy, increased growth of hair and fingernails.

7. Because of the oxygenation of the cells and tissues that the OS facilitates, the body is kept in a constant aerobic environment making it so that cancer cells cannot survive or exist.

8. Studies have shown it can help reverse symptoms of osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

9. It aids in healthy skin production and the reduction of "wrinkles". It is one of the main ingredients in moisturizing creams.

10. It helps the body properly regulate insulin production. Adequate OS in the diet may reduce the amount of insulin injections.

11. It helps alleviate chronic headaches and migraines. Increased circulation in the brain cells promotes proper blood circulation within the brain. Less pressure and pain result, reducing tendencies for headaches.

12. It helps alleviate emphysema by providing the body with material to manufacture new, healthy cells on lung walls.

13. Because of the ability to make cell walls more permeable. OS causes the body to rapidly release and reduce alcohol "hangover" toxins, removing them as waste from the body. The process quickens recovery time from a "hangover", often as quickly as 20 minutes.

14. It helps in reducing and often eliminating diverticulitis. Parasites living in the intestines are unable to remain attached to the walls due to the slippery coating that the OS produces. Because of this, hatching parasitic worms are flushed out as well because they cannot attach to the walls.

15. It reduces hypoglycemia in the body because it has made it easier for the body to introduce blood sugar through more permeable cell walls. Less insulin is demanded for the process, resulting in less overuse of the pancreas. Within several months of constant usage, OS can reduce or eliminate hypoglycemia entirely.

16. It helps alleviate PMS. Glandular production is enhanced by OS to have more "normal" levels of production. Acid, enzyme, and hormonal levels are more evenly balanced facilitating reduction of cramps, headaches, and nausea associated with the monthly cycle.

17. It helps promote better kidney function more efficiently. Water retention problems associated with poor kidney function can be alleviated.

18. It can help alleviate eye problems. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of the sulfur crystals in 4 ounces of water and use as eye drops as frequently as you like.

19. OS delivers the essential omega-3 throughout the body and also allows the body to produce vitamin B-12.

20. It has amazingly reversed countless cases of asthma and 18 cases of autism that we know about so far.

21. Last and certainly not least, it eliminates the continued need for Viagra or Cialis by reversing erectile dysfunction. 

Six ways turmeric heals your overburdened body



The benefits of turmeric, due to its active ingredient curcumin, have been demonstrated by modern Western medical research and centuries of empirical evidence from India and China.

The problem with turmeric's curcumin is that it has a hard time getting past the stomach and into the small intestines where it can be absorbed into the blood.

So before purchasing turmeric powder or extracted curcumin capsules, it's important to know a couple of tricks for getting the most beneficial absorption for turmeric's curcumin.

As an ingredient of curry, turmeric is traditionally mixed with a healthy fat and heated. That's a hint for what needs to be done in general with turmeric powder, certainly the least expensive way of benefiting from turmeric's curcumin.

Optimizing turmeric/curcumin absorption

Here's a convenient method of making "Golden Milk:" Take a quarter cup of high quality, certified or organic turmeric powder mixed in a half cup of pure water and simmer for a few minutes on medium heat, stirring constantly to form a slightly moist, thick paste.

Let it cool and put it into a glass jar. It can keep for weeks in the refrigerator. To consume a dose, dissolve a small portion of the turmeric paste in a bit of warm milk or coconut oil. Add some pepper to take advantage of piperine's nutrient absorbing properties.

If you want to avoid preparation hassles, there are curcumin capsules available that contain black pepper extract or piperine. Enteric-coated capsules can bypass the stomach and into the small intestines where their contents can absorbed.

You can boost the nutrient absorption further by emptying the capsule's contents in a small amount of warm, pure virgin olive or coconut oil. Add pepper if your curcumin capsules don't contain piperine.

Turmeric (curcumin) benefits

Turmeric's curcumin is a safe, effective anti-inflammatory. More and more health practitioners and researchers are realizing that inflammation is the source of most disease, even if the inflammation is not directly noticeable.
That means there are many benefits of using turmeric (curcumin). Here are six of them:

(1) It has been clinically proven to ease arthritic pain and promote increased flexibility in many studies. It's comparable to large doses of ibuprofen (800 mg daily) without side-effects while actually delivering other health benefits.

(2) It slows or delays liver damage that could develop into cirrhosis.

(3) It slows and helps reverse the onset of Alzheimer's disease as symptoms develop. It also helps eliminate cognitive decline normally attributed to "old age."

(4) It aids digestion, the root of good or bad health. It has been used successfully to ease the agony and help heal inflammatory bowel disease.

(5) Mixed with the appropriate veggies for specific cancer types, it helps fight cancer cells and prevents them from metastasizing.

It reduces carcinogenic heterocyclic amines that are formed when meat is cooked by up to 40 percent.

(6) It is a powerful antioxidant that helps promote heart health, memory, and boost the immune system. It has the potential to deliver more antioxidants then even vitamins E and C.

Amazingly, it can deliver even more antioxidant power than grape seed or pine bark extracts. It's strong enough to scavenge the hydroxyl radical considered the most reactive oxidant.

All these benefits add up to serving as an anti-aging agent, with direct results manifesting in the skin after daily use over an extended period of time.

Just keep in mind that to get maximum benefits, it needs to be high quality turmeric or curcumin in a form that optimizes curcuminoid absorption, as explained earlier in this article. 

How Long Should I keep my Food?

Although most people employ the "sniff test" to determine if their food is still good, this method can be misleading and dangerous. Many organisms that cause food borne illnesses do not create any odor or visual evidence of their presence. Use these brief guidelines to help determine how long food should be stored for maximum freshness and safety.

Leftovers
Leftovers may be the most susceptible to pathogens
 

because they often spend an elongated amount of time in the temperature danger zone (between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit) as they cool. Although bacteria is usually killed during the cooking process, it is quickly reintroduced from the environment after cooking. Leftovers should be placed in the refrigerator (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit) as soon as possible after cooking. Once refrigerated, leftovers should be kept for only 3 to 4 days. If promptly frozen, leftovers can be stored for 3 to 4 months.

Fresh, Uncooked Meats
Fresh, uncooked meat usually contains a fair amount of bacteria and should only be stored for a short time in the refrigerator before cooking. Fresh poultry and ground meats (hamburger or fresh sausages) should only be kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Solid cuts of beef, pork, or lamb can be kept refrigerated for 3 to 5 days prior to cooking. Cured meats, such as ham, can be kept a little longer or for 5 to 7 days.

Eggs
Eggs should always be stored refrigerated below
 

40 degrees Fahrenheit. Storing eggs in the main compartment of the refrigerator, rather than storage compartments on the inside of the door, will help ensure that they stay at the proper temperature. When stored properly, eggs can be kept for 3 to 5 weeks past the "sell by" date. If your eggs take on an undesirable or sulfur like smell, discard them.

Canned Goods
Canned goods can be divided into two categories as far as storage times: high acid and low acid. High acid canned foods, such as tomato products and pineapple, have a shorter shelf life of about one and a half years. Low acid canned foods, like most vegetables and meats, have a longer shelf life of about 5 years. If you cannot remember when the product was purchased, most cans are labeled with a "Best if Used By" date that can be used as a guide. If at any time you find a can that is dented, damaged, or bulging, discard it immediately. Damaged cans can have microscopic cracks which can allow bacteria entry.

Frozen Foods


Packaged frozen foods that have remained unopened should stay palatable for up to 3 months. Although freezing does not kill bacteria, it slows its growth significantly. Expiration dates on frozen foods are usually a guide to best quality rather than spoilage. Prolonged freezing can dry foods, cause ice crystals, and other common characteristics of "freezer burn." Opened packages can expose food to bacteria, air, and rogue smells. Once opened, frozen foods should only be kept 1 to 2 months in the freezer.

The 10 Weight-Loss Foods Hiding in Your Pantry



When it comes to weight-loss foods, it can be difficult to tell which ones actually work and are worth buying. Not to mention, which foods contain just the right amount of fiber, carbohydrates, and antioxidants to keep you from feeling hungry. Instead of spending your money on the latest ingredients that promise instant weight-loss benefits, we found 10 readily available foods in your kitchen to help you shed those unwanted pounds. From grapefruit to almonds, these foods will change how you diet.


1 Oatmeal

If you're looking to lose weight but still want to indulge in carbohydrates, oatmeal is the way to go. Science has proven that this breakfast staple lowers cholesterol levels and trims waist size. And the best part is the endless possible oatmeal combinations like fresh blueberries and cashews.


2 Apple Cider Vinegar

When you think of weight-loss foods, apple cider vinegar may not be at the top of your list. But it's actually rich in vitamins E and A and contains plenty of magnesium and calcium. Studies have also shown that vinegar keeps you from feeling hungry by slowing stomach emptying. Can't think of ways to use this ingredient? Try this delicious mustard apple cider vinaigrette.


3 Almonds

Almonds are one of those versatile nuts you can put in to anything or eat alone. They are the best workout snack since they're high in protein and carbs but are also lightweight and nonperishable. For weight loss, almonds will reduce your desire to overeat but still keep your energy levels high.


4 Grapefruit

Grapefruit has all the main components of a weight-loss food. It'll kick start your metabolism but still keep you feeling full. The fruit is also loaded with fiber. Whether you choose to eat one for breakfast or serve it on the side with grilled chicken, this fruit will nix any unhealthy cravings.


5 Sweet Potatoes

A great substitute for refined sugars in weight loss are sweet potatoes. These healthy tubers are naturally sweet and also help to regulate blood sugar levels. To keep their low-glycemic properties, boil or steam them for breakfast or dinner and then watch those extra pounds melt away.


6 Beans

Beans get a bad rap for making people feel bloated, but these nutritious little gems actually contain many weight-loss benefits. They are high in fiber, pack a protein punch, and, best of all, they are low in calories (for those worried about calorie counts). Follow these steps to avoid feeling bloated after eating beans, and see why this food will help you shed pounds.


7 Cottage Cheese

If you're wondering how cottage cheese will help you lose weight, we have three reasons why this food beats Greek yogurt. Cottage cheese is surprinsingly low in calories and won't leave you feeling sluggish after consumption. As a sweet treat, whip up a creamy fruit popsicle using the ingredient.

8 Mint

Besides its fragrant scent, peppermint also has many health benefits that will help you lose those unwanted pounds. Mint can control your appetite by suppressing cravings in addition to calming down your gastrointestinal tract. Next time you feel stressed either about work or needing to get fit, just sip a cup of peppermint tea.

9 Spices

Certain spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, and turmeric will help you burn more fat than you realize. If you're wary about the taste, we rounded up two delicious recipes for each spice that won't disappoint.

10 Matcha

Matcha is being hailed as the new super weight-loss food, and we can see why. This powdered form of steam and dried green tea leaves boosts metabolism and stops the growth of new fat cells. Matcha is also high in antioxidants and energy. It may be time to change your espresso habits to a cup of matcha.

Friday 28 July 2017

Nawaz's days are not over, party stands united, says PML-N after Pakistan SC ruling in Panama Papers case


Pakistan's ruling party - PML-N - put up a brave front after the country's top court disqualified Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for life in the Panama Papers case on Friday.
Reacting to the devastating Pakistan Supreme Court ruling, Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of outgoing Pakistani PM, said, 'Nawaz Sharif's days are not over.'
Maryam Nawaz took to Twitter and said, ''Another elected Prime Minister sent home, but only to see him return with greater force & support & soonest Insha'Allah. Stay strong PMLN."
Another elected Prime Minister sent home, but only to see him return with greater force & support & soonest Insha'Allah. Stay strong PMLN.
"Today will pave the way for Nawaz Sharif's resounding victory in 2018. He will be unstoppable. Insha'Allah. Rok sakte ho to rok lo", she asded.
Today will pave the way for Nawaz Sharif's resounding victory in 2018. He will be unstoppable. Insha'Allah. Rok sakte ho to rok lo !
Speaking to the DawnNews, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said, ''This is a difficult time for the PML-N. But the power to make party decisions will remain with Nawaz Sharif."
Addressing a press conference soon after the verdict, State Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said, "Nawaz does not need a chair, he is a reality. That day is not far, when he will be chosen for the fourth time."
"Some decisions happen in court, others in peoples courts. We may have lost one decision... which I am not surprised about but am saddened," Aurangzeb said.
The reactions from the ruling party came shortly after country's highest court unanimously disqualified Nawaz Sharif for life after an investigative panel found his family's wealth was far above their earnings in the Panama Papers case.
Sharif also stepped down as Pakistan PM soon after the catastrophic SC ruling. 
The development was confirmed by Pakistan Prime Minister's spokesperson.
In its verdict, the top court also ordered criminal cases be opened against Sharif and his family.
The five-judge bench ruled that the Prime Minister had been dishonest to Parliament and the courts and could not be deemed fit to hold office.
The Attorney General said that the bench disqualified the Prime Minister for life.
Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, who headed the implementation bench, said all material collected by the Joint Investigation Team would be sent to an accountability court within six weeks. 
He said cases should be opened against Maryam Nawaz (Sharif's daughter), Captain Muhammad Safdar (Maryam's husband), Hassan and Hussain Nawaz (PM Sharif's sons) as well as Prime Minister Sharif and a judgement should be announced within 30 days.
The five-judge bench -- including Justices Asif Saeed Khosa, Gulzar Ahmed, Sheikh Azmat Saeed, Ijazul Ahsan, besides Ejaz Afzal Khan --- announced the much-awaited verdict in Courtroom No. 1 of the Supreme Court in Islamabad.
The court also urged President Mamnoon Hussain to take charge of the country's affairs.
This is the third time that Nawaz Sharif has been unable to complete his term in office. 
It was unclear who will be appointed to take over the post till the next general elections, scheduled for 2018.
The bench also disqualified Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Captain Safdar, who is an Member of the National Assembly, from office.
Sharif, who became Prime Minister for the third time in 2013, had earlier denied wrongdoing and had warned that his ouster would destabilise Pakistan at a time when the economy was rebounding after a decade of political and security chaos. Sharif was the country's 20th Prime Minister.
The son of an industrialist, Sharif saw both of his first two stints in power cut short in the 1990s, including in a military coup by General Pervez Musharraf in 1999.
It is notable that not a single Prime Minister in Pakistan has been allowed to complete his or her tenure since the country's inception 70 years ago. 
The political situation in Pakistan has been bumpy ever since 1947, with four democratically elected governments thrown away by military dictators, one Prime Minister was murdered while another was hanged by the judiciary, and another dismissed by the Supreme Court.

Hypothetically speaking, US Admiral says ready for nuclear strike on China if Trump so ordered

The US Pacific Fleet commander, addressing a security conference in Australia, said in answer to a question on Thursday that he would be prepared to launch a nuclear strike on China if President Donald Trump so ordered.
The fleet spokesman later said the question was asked as an "outrageous hypothetical".
Admiral Scott Swift was speaking at the Australian National University in Canberra when he was asked whether he would be prepared to launch a nuclear attack on China if ordered to do so by Trump.
"The answer would be yes," he said.
Swift said that all members of the U.S. military had sworn an oath to obey officers and the U.S. president as commander in chief to defend the constitution.
"This is core to the American democracy," he said, in a recording of the event obtained by Reuters.
"Any time you have a military that is moving away from a focus, and an allegiance, to civilian control, then we really have significant problems."
Swift`s answer reaffirmed the principle of civilian control over the military and was based on an "outrageous hypothetical" in the question, Pacific Fleet spokesman Captain Charlie Brown told Reuters.
"Frankly, the premise of the question was ridiculous," he said. "It was posed as an outrageous hypothetical, but the admiral simply took it as an opportunity to say the fact is that we have civilian control of the military and we abide by that principle."
Speaking in Beijing on Friday, a spokesman of China`s Foreign Ministry also downplayed the remark.
"Many people have paid attention to this but the spokesman for the Pacific Fleet has pointed out the ridiculousness of this report," Lu Kang told a daily news briefing.
The United States and China enjoy a generally friendly relationship, with strong economic ties, albeit with frequent barbs about trade, jobs, currencies, human rights, Tibet, the South China Sea and North Korea.
Trump has held high hopes for greater cooperation from China to exert influence over North Korea, leaning heavily on Chinese President Xi Jinping for his assistance. The two leaders had a high-profile summit in Florida in April and Trump has frequently praised Xi.