10 Healthy Foods under $1.00

Even with rising food prices, it's possible to shop for healthy foods without spending a fortune.
Elaine Magee, MPH from WebMD says just because food prices are rising doesn't mean you can't make healthy food choices. Many foods that are good for you are also reasonabley proces. She gives a list of the top healthy foods you can find in your grocery store for under a dollar.

Prices may vary based on the store, location, and time of year.

1. Apples
Great for: Snacks, green salads, main dish salads, and fruit salads.

What's a serving? 1 large apple.

Price per serving: About $1. Apples sell for about $1.99 per pound, and an extra large crisp apple weighs about 1/2 pound.

Nutrition Info per serving: 117 calories, 5 grams fiber, 17% Daily Value for vitamin C, and 7% Daily Value for potassium.

2. Bananas
Great for: Snacks and fruit salads, yogurt parfaits, and smoothies.

What's a serving? 1 banana.

Price per serving: About 45 cents. Bananas sell for about $0.89 per pound, and a large banana weighs about 1/2 pound

Nutrition Info per serving: 121 calories, 3.5 grams fiber, 14% Daily Value for potassium (487 mg), 20% Daily Value for vitamin C.

3. Baby Carrots (in bags)
Great for: Snacks, casseroles, stews, veggie platters, and side dishes.

What's a serving? About 1/2 cup or 2 ounces raw.

Price per serving: 19 cents. A 16-ounce bag costs about $1 on sale and contains about 8 servings (2 ounces each).

Nutrition Info per serving: 27 calories, 2 grams of fiber, 200% Daily Value for vitamin A, and 7% Daily Value for vitamin C.

4. Canned Beans
Great for: Green salads, casseroles, stews, and chili. Types of beans range from 50% less sodium kidney beans and black beans to white beans and garbanzo beans.

What's a serving? Each can contains about 3.5 (1/2-cup) servings.

Price per serving: About 28 cents. You can buy a 15-ounce can for about $1 on sale.

Nutrition Info per serving: About 120 calories (for kidney beans), 7 grams protein, 6 grams fiber, and 6% Daily Value for calcium, and 10% Daily Value for iron.

5. Canned Tomatoes
Great for: Italian and Mexican recipes, chili, stew, and casseroles. Flavor options range from no-salt-added sliced stewed tomatoes to diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil.

What's a serving? One can contains about 3.5 (1/2-cup) servings.

Price per serving: About 28 cents. You can buy a 14.5-ounce can for about $1 on sale (often less for store brands).

Nutrition Info per serving: About 25 calories, 1 gram fiber, 10% Daily Value of vitamin A, and 15% Daily Value of vitamin C.

6. Oranges (extra large navel oranges)
Great for: Snacks, green salads, and fruit salads.

What's a serving? 1 large or extra large orange.

Price per serving: 40 cents for a large orange and 79 cents for an extra large orange. Oranges sell for around $0.79 per pound, and a large orange is about 1/2 pound, whereas an extra large orange is about 1 pound.

Nutrition Info per serving: (for an 8 ounce orange): 106 calories, 5.5 grams fiber, 10% Daily Value for vitamin A, 200% Daily Value vitamin C, 17% Daily Value for folate, 9% Daily Value for calcium, and 12% potassium.

7. Pears
Great for: Snacks, as an appetizer with cheese, green salads, and fruit salads.

What's a serving? 1 large pear

Price per serving: about 45 cents for a large pear. Pears sell for about $0.90 per pound, and a large pear weighs about 1/2 pound.

Nutrition Info per serving: 133 calories, 7 grams of fiber, 16% Daily Value for vitamin C, and 8% for potassium.

8. Lentils (dry)
Great for: Soups and stews, cold bean salads, and casseroles.

What's a serving? 2 ounces (dry)

Price per serving: 14 cents. A 16 ounce bag sells for $1.12 (on sale) and contains eight servings.

Nutrition Info per serving: 195 calories, 14 grams protein, 6 grams fiber, 24% Daily Value for Iron, 10% Daily Value for magnesium and potassium.

9. Pearl Barley (dry)
Great for: Soups and stews, cold salads, and casseroles.

What's a serving? 2 ounces (dry)

Price per serving: About 12 cents. A 16 ounce bag of dry pearl barley sells for about $0.94 and contains about 8 servings.

Nutrition Info per serving: 199 calories, 9 grams fiber, 2.5 grams soluble fiber, 6 grams protein, 8% Daily Value for iron, and 11% Daily Value for magnesium.

10. Yogurt (plain, lowfat, or fat-free)
Great for: Smoothies, yogurt parfait, dips, and dressings.

What's a serving? An 8-ounce or 6-ounce container is usually a serving.

Price per serving: 60 cents. This is usually the price for an 8-ounce container of plain yogurt.

Nutrition Info per serving: (for 8 ounces of fat-free plain yogurt): 130 calories, 13 grams of protein, 45% Daily Value for calcium, plus active cultures such as acidophilus and bifidus.

Source:
Web MD

14 New and Fast Fat-Burners

Quick tricks to help reduce calories.

1. Linger in the dairy aisle.
Women burned more fat and calories when they ate 1,000 to 1,400 milligrams of calcium per day, according to findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. That’s three to four servings of dairy.

2. Break a sweat in bursts.
Doing two 30-minute workouts with 20 minutes of rest in between burns more fat than exercising for a continuous 60 minutes, suggests research in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

3. Eat more meat ... and eggs and beans.
People who got 40 percent of their daily calories from protein lost significantly more body fat than those whose diets had only 15 percent protein, even though they consumed the same number of calories, a Skidmore College study found.

4. Get your kicks.
Playing soccer two or three times a week yielded greater fat loss and muscle gain than jogging, according to a study from the University of Copenhagen. And the more muscle you have, the more fat you’ll burn.

5. Start hard, finish easy.
Cyclists who ramped up the intensity during the first half of their workout and slowed down during the second half torched about 23 percent more fat than those who moved from low to high intensity, research from the College of New Jersey found.

6. Swig Java.
The caffeine in about two cups of coffee boosts your metabolism for at least an hour-and-a-half afterward, according to Skid- more College research. If you add sugar or cream to it, you’ll blunt the effect, so drink it study author Paul J. Arciero says.

7. Interval Train.
Women who did 20 minutes of intervals on a bike torched three times as much fat as those who stayed at one pace for 40 minutes, according to a study from the University of New South Wales.

8. Walk with Nordic poles.
You’ll increase your calorie-burn by 20 percent—plus, it’ll feel less taxing, according to the Cooper Institute in Dallas. Visit www.Health.com nordic for tips on proper form.

9. Start with whole grain.
Athletes who down whole-grain cereal first thing in the morning burn more fat during the day and during exercise than those who eat more-quickly-digested fare, like a bagel, British researchers say.

10. Crank it up.
Vigorous aerobic exercise for 40 minutes makes your body burn calories at a higher rate for nearly a full day afterward, one study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found.

11. Go casual.
When study volunteers wore jeans for the day, they walked 491 more steps (about an 8 percent increase) than when they wore normal work attire, resulting in more calories spent, according to research from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.

12. Don’t hang on for dear life.
If you cling to the handrails of your stepper or elliptical, you put less stress on your larger, more powerful lower- body muscles—and burn fewer calories, says Stephen Cabral, a personal trainer and weight-loss coach in Boston. If needed, grip loosely for balance only.

13. Pump iron.
Resistance training increases your resting metabolic rate by about 7 percent, so you’ll burn more calories throughout the day, even while sitting on your duff, according to Tufts University researchers, Aim for 30 minutes, three times a week.

14. Two words: circuit train.
Instead of resting for 60 seconds between weight-lifting sets, move straight from one exercise to another to keep your heart rate up and maximize calorie burn, says Wayne Westcott, author of Get Stronger, Feel Younger.

Reference:
Health.Com Jan 2009

Adequate Nutrition is critical to the develop & maintain a healthy Skeleton

In a recent scholarly review published in Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach, Iniversity of Michigan researchers concluded that adequate nutrition is essential for overall skeletal health of people of all ages and all activity levels.

Dr. Ronald Zernicke, Director of the University of Michigan Bone & Joint Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation Center, and his colleagues synthesized research conducted in the last 50 years on the role of diet on skeletal tissue and overall bone health.

They specifically looked at the effects of dietary proteins, fats, and carbohydrates on bone health. What they found not only supports current facts about bone health and prevention of bone loss, but also validates nutritional strategies to help preserve bone structure and strength.

Protein and Bone Health
Historically, there has been debate about whether protein is detrimental or beneficial to bone health. Some of the earliest research suggested that high-protein diets are detrimental to skeletal health - particularly diets high in animal protein (red-meats). Conversely, there have been numerous studies to show that high-protein diets increase bone mineral content, decrease the risk of fractures, and increase fracture repair time after injury. High-protein diets are often recommended for adolescent and child athletes undergoing rigorous training. According to Dr. Zernicke's team, research suggests that adequate protein is essential for developing and maintaining healthy skeletal tissue.

Simple Carbohydrates and Bone Health
Diets high in refined sugar have been studied extensively and shown to affect bone growth and mechanical strength. Surprisingly, something as simple as drinking carbonated beverages, such as soft drinks and even sports drinks, is associated with significant decreases in bone mineral density - both in males and females. Zernicke suggests that some of these detrimental changes in bone related to the consumption of soft drinks are due to the decreased consumption of milk and other available fluids in favor of soft drinks. Drinking soft drinks can also lead to weight gain, a decrease in lean muscle mass, and can contribute to the loss of calcium and iron which are crucial to health and athletic performance. Zernicke says, "While it's vitally important to hydrate during any type of sport or physical activity, it might be worthwhile to drink bottled or tap water, milk, orange juice, or drinks fortified with calcium instead of reaching for a sugar-filled sports drink."

Fats and Carbohydrates Beneficial to Bone Health
Not all fats and carbohydrates are bad for you. Current research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids and complex carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, may actually improve bone mass density and increase calcium absorption. Fruits and vegetables contain nondigestible carbohydrates, like inulin-type fructans, that cannot be digested by the small intestine. Hence, as they move toward the large intestine and begin to be processed, they produce organic acids that enhance the disbursement of calcium throughout the body.

Benefits of Calcium and Vitamin D
We have always been told that calcium and vitamin D are keys to good bone health, but these nutrients are proving to be just as important for muscle contraction, heartbeat regulation, nerve impulse transmission, regulation of blood pressure, and immune system function. The review looked at clinical recommendations of optimal calcium intake and determined that intake varied by sex and age. The daily adequate intake recommendation for young adults is at least 1,200 mg of calcium per day; women between the ages of 25 and 50 years need 1,000 mg per day; and postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy need 1,500 mg per day.

Getting the adequate daily dose of calcium can be as simple as eating foods like cheese, milk, and yogurt, but dairy products are not the only source of calcium. Kale, turnip greens, broccoli, tofu, and calcium-fortified foods like orange juice can also contribute to overall dietary calcium intake.

Based on their comprehensive review of the scientific literature, Zernicke and his team recommend the following dietary steps to achieve healthy bones:

1 Avoid foods and beverages with poor nutrient density (such as sugars, carbonated beverages, or food high in sodium or saturated fat) because these will leave the body and skeleton devoid of the nutrients essential for healthy development.

2 Incorporate high energy density foods (such as polyunsaturated fatty acids - foods containing omega-3 like salmon and walnuts - fruits and vegetables high in potassium and fiber and high-quality animal or plant based protein) into your diet to ensure vitamin and mineral adequacy.

3 If there are dietary deficiencies, supplements (such as calcium carbonate or calcium citrates) can be used to enhance skeletal health.

4 Athletes should be consuming at least 1,200 to 1,500 mg of calcium a day by way of low-fat, low-sodium dairy products, vegetable greens or supplements.

5 Protein is extremely important for proper bone growth, especially in young athletes and physically active, growing children.

The review from the U-M Bone & Joint Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation Center has shown that it's not only the quantity or the cost of bone health issues today that is cause for concern, it's the larger role that the skeletal system plays to protect vital organs against damage.

Zernicke summarized the group's findings by saying,
"Adequate nutrition is critical to the development and maintenance of a healthy skeleton. It's important for everyone, young and old, people who participate in sport and recreational activities, and everyone in between to make dietary choices that provide the foundation for overall bone health and physical performance."

Source
The University of Michigan Bone & Joint Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation Center
http://bjiprc.umich.edu

Best Home Remedies

Home Remedies are discussed by Herb Denenberg in the Bulletin posted on May 15. 2008. He says that one of the great distortions of modern medicine is the emphasis on prescription and over-the-counter drugs. "We pour billions into drugs, many of which don't work as well as drugs already on the market and many of which are dangerous or ineffective," he says.

Then the doctors prescribe these drugs, often the new ones, which are the most expensive and risky because the small numbers used in clinical trials. Hence the seven-year rule of the Health Research Group - don't use a new drug until it has been on the market for at least seven years, unless there is some compelling reason to do so."

He also mentions that on top of all that, drugs are easy to prescribe, making it easier to move a patient in and out in a hurry. It takes time to explain diet, exercise, stress control, adequate sleep and other elements of lifestyle changes that are the master keys to good health. Think about how easy it is to write a prescription, and that's especially true when the doctor offers little discussion of alternative non-drug remedies, side effects and all the rest they are supposed to discuss - in theory, at least.

Herb goes to say that we still know remarkably little about vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, phytochemicals and all the other miraculous nutrients in our food. They do not offer the fortunes of a drug with a patent when pushed on a brainwashed and subservient profession. So vitamins and other nutrients don't get the study and research they deserve.

Denenberg finishes by saying "I started thinking about all this when I came across the article "Home Remedies that Work: Some traditional cures have stood up to scientific scrutiny" in the Consumer Reports Newsletter on Health (June 2008).

There are only seven of these proven home remedies discussed, but there are probably hundreds that should be studied and made available to the public, often in place of more expensive and riskier prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Consider the improvement they often offer over existing drugs and other remedies."

Here some examples.

• Honey for Coughs
• The Wonders of Gum
• Staying Warm
• Chicken Soup
• Yogurt for Belly Aches
• Cranberries
• Saltwater Bath

Calcium Helps Ward Off Colon Cancer

Yikyung Park, a staff scientist at US National Cancer Institute led the study. Park and her colleagues relied on data for nearly 500,000 men and women who participated in the U.S. National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study. Participants filled out a food questionnaire when they enrolled and then were followed for an average of seven years.

The study found that that high dietary intake of calcium may reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, especially for women, but has no apparent effect in reducing other malignancies. Park notes that it is not clear why calcium should influence cancer risk differently in women versus men. "One can speculate that hormonal or metabolic factors contribute to this difference," she said.

The research was published in the February 2009 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine and showed that in both men and women, dairy food and calcium intakes were inversely associated with cancers of the digestive system.

The top one-fifth of women with the highest intake averaged 1,881 milligrams of calcium per day. This group experienced a 23 percent lower risk of colon cancer than those women in the lowest fifth of intake, who averaged 494 milligrams daily. The comparable reduction for men was 16 percent.

The U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends a daily calcium intake of 1,200 milligrams for adults 50 and older, roughly the amount found in three cups a day of the dairy products that are the main sources of calcium. Other sources of calcium include sardines and green, leafy vegetables.

Calcium has been shown to reduce abnormal growths and induce normal turnover of cells in the gastrointestinal system, the report noted.The study was done because calcium has been hypothesized to play different roles in different cancer sites, but testing has been incomplete, inconsistent and limited.

Marji McCullough, strategic director of nutritional epidemiology at the American Cancer Society regards this as an important one. "This is the first paper looking at calcium, dairy products and all cancers combined. The findings were consistent with the previous literature," she said.

For example, a controlled trial reported last year found no protective effect of calcium intake against breast cancer. The new report confirms that finding, and also finds that the nutrient offers no protective effect against prostate cancer.

No additional protective effect was found for calcium intakes greater than 1,300 milligrams a day, according to the NCI study.

The NCI study results "are consistent with guidelines for a healthy diet," McCullough said. "But it is important for people to understand that they shouldn't go overboard on calcium."

McCullough says that current calcium recommendations are best met by dietary sources rather than supplements because diet offers more than just calcium. "Calcium and vitamin D and are highly correlated in the diet, and it is difficult to isolate a single component," she said. "It may be that a combination of nutrients is important."

The combination of calcium of vitamin D is important, since vitamin D facilitates calcium's absorption by the digestive system. The skin makes vitamin D naturally through exposure to sunlight.

Another report in the same issue of the journal finds that that a combination of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid appears to reduce the risk among women of age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of vision loss for older Americans.

A controlled trial including more than 5,400 women 40 and older found a 34 percent lower incidence of the eye disorder in women taking the vitamins compared to those taking an inactive placebo, said the report by researchers at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston.

Source:
Health News US

Coconut oil can Help Lose Body Fat

People who incorporate medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil into their diets can lose body fat. Obesity and insulin resistance are major factors leading to the development of Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is an impaired ability of cells to respond to insulin.

Nigel Turner and Jiming Ye from Sydney's Garvan Institute of Medical Research compared fat metabolism and insulin resistance in mice fed coconut oil and lard based diets.

Turner says that the medium chain fatty acids like those found in coconut oil are interesting to us because they behave very differently to the fats normally found in our diets. Unlike the long chain fatty acids contained in animal fats, medium chain fatty acids are small enough to enter mitochondria - the cells' energy burning powerhouses - directly where they can then be converted to energy.

He says, "Unfortunately the downside to eating medium chain fatty acids is that they can lead to fat build up in the liver, an important fact to be taken into consideration by anyone considering using them as a weight loss therapy."

They say that fat storage is determined by the balance between how much fat is taken in by cells and how much of this fat is burned for energy. When people eat a high fat diet, their bodies attempt to compensate by increasing their capacity to oxidise fat.

"Obese humans usually eat 40-50 percent of their calories as fat. Our mice were fed 45 percent of their calories as fat," Turner said.

Source:
Diabetes

Common risk factors for developing Osteoporosis

Common risk factors for developing osteoporosis include:

--Having a small frame.

Thin people tend to have less dense bones than heavier people.
Part of the reason is that body weight puts stress on bone, stimulating it to form more bone.
Thin women may have less body fat and lower estrogen levels than heavier women.
Fat tissue produces some estrogen.

--Family history of osteoporosis.

If you have a close relative with osteoporosis, you're more likely to develop it.
The risk of developing osteoporosis is even higher when relatives have had a fracture as a result of osteoporosis.

--Menopausal or post-menopausal.

During and after menopause, declining estrogen slows bone construction and causes less absorption of calcium by the kidneys and intestines.
Each year during menopause, about 3 percent of bone is lost from the spine and 1 percent from arms, hips, and other sites.
Bone loss slows down to about 1 percent per year 4 years after menopause.

--Certain medications.

Long-term use of corticosteriods to treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohns Disease, and other inflammatory conditions can contribute to lower bone mass.
Anticonvulsants, thyroid medications, immunosuppressants given after organ transplant, chemotherapy, aromatase inhibitors, diuretics and blood thinners such as heparin can contribute to bone loss.

--Low calcium diet.
Those who do not consume enough calcium or who have Vitamin D deficiency throughout their lifetime are more likely to develop osteoporosis.
A negative balance of only 50-100 mg of calcium per day over a long period of time is sufficient to produce osteoporosis.

--Lack of exercise.

Bone is formed in response to weight-bearing activity.
Those who are less physically active throughout life are more likely to develop osteoporosis.

--Smoking.

Cigarette smoking increases risk because it interferes with the re-formation of bone.

Maintain Healthy Bones:

Bones are not static. They are always being broken down and rebuilt.
This process depends on a delicate balance of nutrients.
Bone loss is unavoidable but it can be slowed down with calcium intake and exercise.
Perhaps even more important than the amount of calcium ingested is the amount excreted as a result of calcium drainers in our diet.

Major calcium drainers include:

Caffeine:
Caffeine is a powerful diuretic, causing the kidneys to increase calcium excretion.
The more regularly you drink coffee, the more calcium is excreted in your urine.
The loss amounts to about five milligrams of calcium for every six ounces of coffee or two cans of cola.

Soft Drinks:
Carbonated soft drinks, also nicknamed "osteoporosis in a can" - can promote osteoporosis.
The carbonation irritates the stomach by moving calcium - a natural antacid - from the blood into the stomach.
The blood, now low on calcium, replenishes its supply from the bones to protect muscular and brain function, both of which heavily depend on calcium.
Also phosphoric acid in some soft drinks interferes with calcium absorption.

Excess Protein:
Protein promotes urinary calcium excretion.
This means that the more protein you eat, the more you will lose calcium via your urine.
Protein does not appear to effect people with sufficient intake of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.

Source:
kfsm.com

Does Fatty Food Curb Hunger?

According to Science Daily (Oct. 10, 2008) — Fatty foods may not be the healthiest diet choice, but those rich in unsaturated fats – such as avocados, nuts and olive oil – have been found to play a pivotal role in sending this important message to your brain: stop eating, you're full.

A new study by UC Irvine pharmacologists shows that these fats trigger production of a compound in the small intestine that curbs hunger pangs. This discovery, the researchers say, points toward new approaches to treating obesity and other eating disorders.

Louise Turner Arnold, Chair in Neurosciences, and his colleagues have studied how a fat-derived compound called oleoylethanolamide regulates hunger and body weight.

In their current work, which appears in the Oct. 8 issue of Cell Metabolism, they found that an unsaturated fatty acid called oleic acid stimulates production of OEA, which in turn decreases appetite.”

They explain that oleic acid is transformed into OEA by cells in the upper region of the small intestine. OEA then finds its way to nerve endings that carry the hunger-curbing message to the brain.

There, it activates a brain circuit that increases feelings of fullness. In previous studies, They found that increasing OEA levels can reduce appetite, produce weight loss and lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

They end by saying, "We are excited to find that OEA activates cell receptors that already have been the focus of successful drug development. This gives us hope for a new class of anti-obesity drugs based on the savvy use of natural appetite-controlling mechanisms."

Reference:
Source: www.ScienceDaily (Oct. 10, 2008)
Author: ScienceDaily (Oct. 10, 2008)

Ecology Health Center Cookbook

Ecology Health Center is proud to announce the re-release of their reknown EHC Cookbook that is designed to meet the specific needs of people who have changed their diets for a variety of reasons.

All recipes limit foods that are often found to be problematic - like common allergens or food sensitivities, foods known to support yeast proliferation (Candida Albicans) and also foods that may encourage the growth of pathogenic intestinal bacteria . All the recipes are:

• sugar free,
• dairy free,
• gluten free, and
• yeast free

Some recipes do contain gluten free grains (rice, millet & buckwheat).

The Cookbook may be purchased on line at www.Crohns.Net and www.Lulu.com.

Food sensitivities and Candidiasis burden the body’s immune system. Management, therefore, requires rebuilding immune function by removing stress factors. The recipes assist in reducing these stress factors to allow the body to begin functioning more efficiently again. Stevia, a sugar substitute, is used throughout the book, sweeten to taste. The recommended choice of cooking oil is Coconut oil which is safe to eat when heated at high temperatures.

The recipes are also suitable for those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and other challenging digestive complaints.

The Cookbook was originally compiled by the California Clinic of Preventive Medicine in 1984. The second edition was privately printed with permission from the California Clinic of Preventive Medicine by Ecology Medical Clinic, in November 1985. The third edition was privately printed with permission from Ecology Medical Clinic by Ecology Health Center, in November 1996. The most recent edition was published in January 2009.

For more information see www.Crohns.Net and www.Lulu.com

A E-book version is now available from Crohns.Net. Please see E-Cookbook information and specials.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids are Essential - throughout our Life Cycle - Young and old benefit... read more ...

Garden of Life Launches Lovely Legs Nutritional Formula to Reduce Visible Signs of Varicose and Spider Veins

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. For years, millions of women tried everything from heavy leg make up to dark pantyhose to cover up unsightly varicose and spider veins.

Now there's a better way to reduce the appearance of unwanted veins with Garden of Life's Lovely Legs, the only dietary supplement backed by extensive human clinical studies and millions of happy European women.

"The Lovely Legs formulation is used by millions of satisfied women worldwide for one reason - it works," said Garden of Life founder and CEO Jordan Rubin, who added that the 95 percent diosmin formula was previously only available in Europe where it was widely prescribed by physicians for decades.

Lovely Legs is a natural supplement that helps with the occasional bout of swelling, water retention and "heavy leg" sensation caused by standing or over exertion and the embarrassment of visible spider and varicose veins.

The main ingredient diosmin, a bioflavonoid derived from citrus fruit, acts as an antioxidant to neutralize damage to veins caused by oxidative stress. The formula is also vegan, gluten free, and dairy and soy free.

"Lovely Legs is an exciting product in our new Extraordinary Beauty line," said Garden of Life President Brian Ray. "Research shows that vein issues are normal during pregnancy, after weight gain, and even in athletes from years of strenuous exercise.

We're thrilled because we are already seeing a huge interest from customers asking for Lovely Legs."
One New York-based podiatrist and consultant to Garden of Life is so impressed with Lovely Legs that she routinely recommends it to patients in her practice.

Dr. Emily Splichal, aka "Dr. Legs," says tell-tale veins are a big issue with patients because visible veins affect self confidence.

"Women are unhappy with their appearance and can't comfortably wear skirts or shorts when veins are showing," said Splichal. "I'm confident recommending Lovely Legs because clinical studies show that diosmin provides nutritional support to improve vessel strength, improve the health and tone of capillaries, and to reduce visible signs of varicose and spider veins."

25 Aug 2009

Green Tea News

Gut-boosting Molecule could fight Stubborn Bugs

In the last article posted on 30 August 2008 , New Scientist magazine says that taking antibiotics can make us vulnerable to attack by tougher, antibiotics-resistant bacteria, leading to nasty stomach bugs and the spread of dangerous infections in hospitals. Now a molecule has been found that could be mixed with antibiotics to thwart these harmful invasions.

They also mention that the gut bacterium vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) has trouble taking root in a healthy intestine, but after a course of antibiotics, it can multiply a thousand-fold and spread to the blood. The reason for this was thought to be that antibiotics kill not only their target bacteria but also harmless gut microbes, freeing up nutrients and niches that allow VRE to thrive.

NewScientist reports that when Katharina Brandl of the Sloan-Kettering Institute in New York and colleagues treated mice with antibiotics, they found that levels of Reg3g, a protein made by "friendly" bacteria that kill VRE, dropped by 80%. This suggests that a lack of Reg3g is partly to blame for the VRE increase that follows antibiotic treatment.

NewScientist ends by saying "To see if boosting Reg3g levels could help, Brandl's team gave mice doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) along with antibiotics. LPS is a molecule found on the surface of some bacteria that stimulates the gut to make Reg3g.

These mice ended up with higher levels of Reg3g than mice that just took antibiotics, and they also had fewer VRE colonies - about the same number as mice that had taken no antibiotics (Nature, DOI: 10.1038/nature07250). Brandl suggests giving LPS orally to humans taking antibiotics.

Reference:
Source: Issue 2671 New Scientist Magazine, 30 August 2008, page 15
Article Name: Gut-boosting molecule could fight off stubborn bugs

Healthy Chocolate now available

BEDFORD — Xoçai Healthy Chocolate is being sold by Karen J. Rankin of Bedford through a direct-marketing sales approach. Made with unprocessed cacao powder and combined with açai berries and blueberries, the combination of these ingredients in their natural state provides a tasty product packed with powerful antioxidants.

The chocolate products include power squares, nuggets, cookies, an antioxidant beverage and protein bars.

Also, the company is selling Xobiotic Squares, which contain probiotics for intestinal health. The chocolates contain no caffeine, preservatives, fillers, waxes, processed sugar or trans fats.

Rankin points to 22 reasons why people should incorporate dark chocolate and açai into their health regimens, including that the chocolate is more nutritious, contains fiber, balances cholesterol, may aid in weight loss, scavenges free radicals, is full of antioxidants, fights pathogens, cleanses and detoxifies and boosts a person’s sense of well-being.

According to a company brochure, “Xoçai products are the perfect delivery system for the antioxidants your body needs while eliminating almost all of the fat and sugar typically found in other chocolate products.”

For more information on the products, call Rankin at 278-0215 or visit www.thehealthychocolateteam.com.

Important Sources of Vitamins and Nutrients

Louisville dietitian Michelle Eckhart highly recommends that those following a vegetarian diet include the following nutrients in their diet:

• Protein
has many important functions and is essential for growth and maintenance. Protein needs can easily be met by eating a variety of plant-based foods. Combining different protein sources in the same meal isn't necessary. Sources of protein for vegetarians include beans, nuts, nut butters, peas and soy products (examples: tofu, tempeh, veggie burgers). Milk products and eggs are also good protein sources.

• Iron
functions primarily as a carrier of oxygen in the blood. Sources include iron-fortified breakfast cereals, spinach, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, turnip greens, molasses, whole wheat breads, peas and some dried fruits (examples: dried apricots, prunes, raisins).

• Calcium
is used for building bones and teeth and maintaining bone strength. Sources other than milk products include fortified breakfast cereals, some soy products (examples: tofu, soy-based beverages that are calcium-fortified), calcium-fortified orange juice, and some dark-green, leafy vegetables (examples: collard greens, turnip greens, bok choy, mustard greens).

• Zinc
is necessary for many biochemical reactions and helps the immune system function. Sources include many types of beans (examples: white beans, kidney beans and chickpeas), zinc-fortified breakfast cereals, wheat germ and pumpkin seeds. Milk products also can be a source.

• Vitamin B12
is found in animal products and some fortified foods. Sources include milk products, eggs and foods that have been fortified with vitamin B12. These include breakfast cereals, soy-based beverages, veggie burgers and nutritional yeast. Special B12 pills or shots may be recommended for some vegetarians.

Kombucha Capsules from Garden of Life Rich in Vitamin B

Kombucha is drink derived from fermented tea that supplies a wealth of health benefits. Vitamin Code RAW Kombucha Vitamins offers a wide array of health benefits in vegan-friendly capsule.

Vitamin Code RAW's unique Kombucha formula contains Vitamin B Complex to provide energy and enhance metabolism. Kombucha also has a healthy and rich blend of black tea with antioxidants. This unique and powerful formula is built to boost and maintain energy.

Kombucha naturally contains microflora and immune system building nutrients and minerals that help protect the body and promote an overall sense of well being. Living probiotics boost the body's natural digestive tract and is combined with enzymes to make the entire digestive process more efficient.

Garden of Life Vitamin Code Kombucha is made from fermented tea, It provides a wealth of antioxidants and polyphenols that provide protection and energy that will last throughout the day. This tea-based supplement is easy for the body to digest and quickly absorbed.

Garden of Life offers the dynamic benefits of kombucha in a more convenient and more affordable pill form. Vitamin Code RAW Kombucha is uncooked, untreated and unadulterated. It is sugar-free, vegan, and gluten and dairy-free and does not contain soy allergens.

Low Levels of Vitamin B12 During Pregnancy May Increase the Risk of Neural Tube Defects

Brain and spinal cord of the fetus develop from the neural tube that is formed during the first month of pregnancy. Now, a recent study suggests that vitamin B12 deficiency just before and after conception may be associated with up to 5 times the risk of having babies with neural tube defects (NTD).

The study appears in the March Pediatrics. The study’s first author was Anne M. Molloy, Ph.D., Trinity College Dublin. Scientists from the Health Research Board of Ireland and two NIH institutes, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Human Genome Research Institute, also took part in the study.

Children born to women who have low blood levels of Vitamin B12 shortly before and after conception may have an increased risk of a neural tube defect, according to an analysis by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, Trinity College Dublin, and the Health Research Board of Ireland.

Women with the lowest B12 levels had 5 times the risk of having a child with a neural tube defect compared to women with the highest B12 levels.

Women who consume little or no meat or animal based foods are the most likely group of women to have low B12 levels, along with women who have intestinal disorders that prevent them from absorbing sufficient amounts of B12.

Neural tube defects are a class of birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord. One type, spina bifida, can cause partial paralysis. Another type, anencephaly, is a fatal defect in which the brain and skull are severely underdeveloped.

Researchers have known that taking another nutrient, folic acid, during the weeks before and after conception can greatly reduce a woman’s chances of having a child with a neural tube defect. Folic acid is the synthetic form of the vitamin folate. In the United States, cereal grains are fortified with folic acid to reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects in the U.S. population.

"Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of the nervous system and for the production of red blood cells,” said Duane Alexander, M.D., director of the NICHD. "The results of this study suggest that women with low levels of B12 not only may risk health problems of their own, but also may increase the chance that their children may be born with a serious birth defect."

Ireland has a high rate of neural tube defects, and NIH scientists have frequently collaborated with Irish researchers to gain insight into the causes of this group of disorders.

To conduct the study, the researchers analyzed stored blood samples originally collected during early pregnancy from three groups of Irish women between 1983 and 1990. During that time, pregnant women in Ireland rarely took vitamin supplements. The study authors reasoned that the lack of routine vitamin supplementation would allow them to identify a sufficient number of women with low Vitamin B12 to conduct their analysis.

For their analysis, the researchers classified the women into three groups. The first group consisted of 95 women who were pregnant with a child having a neural tube defect at the time the blood was taken. The second group was composed of 107 women who had previously given birth to a child with a neural tube defect but whose current pregnancy was not affected. Like the first group, women in the third group (a total of 76) were pregnant with a child having a neural tube defect at the time the blood sample was obtained, but were enrolled in a different study than the women in group 1. The researchers measured the Vitamin B12 and folate levels of the women’s blood samples, and compared them to those of control groups whose pregnancies were unaffected by a neural tube defect.

Because low folate levels are a known risk factor for neural tube defects, the researchers used statistical techniques to evaluate the role of Vitamin B12 independently of the role of folate. In all three groups, women with low B12 concentrations (estimated at less than 250 ng/L, before pregnancy) had 2.5-3 times the risk of having a child with a neural tube defect compared to those with higher levels. Women with levels in the deficient range (0-149 ng/L ) were at the highest risk: 5 times that of women with higher levels.

The study authors wrote that it is not known how B12 and folate might interact to influence the formation of the neural tube, the embryonic structure that gives rise to the spine and brain. They noted that the two vitamins are jointly involved with several key biochemical reactions, as well as with the synthesis of DNA. Lack of either Vitamin B12 or folate in any of these chemical processes theoretically could increase the risk of a neural tube defect.

The authors noted that their results needed to be confirmed by other studies among other populations of women. They suggested, however, that women should have Vitamin B12 levels above 300 ng/L before becoming pregnant. (Because B12 levels drop sharply during pregnancy, the researchers adjusted the levels measured during pregnancy to provide a target level for women to achieve before they become pregnant.)

Because Vitamin B12 comes from foods of animal origin, women who adhere to a strict vegan diet may be at risk for a B12 deficiency, said an NICHD author of the paper, James L. Mills, M.D., senior investigator in the Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research. He added it is advisable for women with digestive disorders that interfere with the absorption of foods to consult a physician before getting pregnant, to make sure they are receiving adequate amounts of B12.

Dr. Mills explained that critical events in the formation of the brain and spinal column occur very early in pregnancy—in the first 28 days after conception—before many women even realize they are pregnant.

He added that the U.S. Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. This amount assures that a woman will have adequate stores of the vitamin, in the event of an unintended pregnancy.

"If women wait until they realize that they are pregnant before they start taking folic acid, it is usually too late," Dr. Mills said.

Similarly, he said, it would be wise for all women of childbearing age to consume the recommended amount of Vitamin B12, whether they are planning a pregnancy or not. "Half of the women who become pregnant each year in the U.S. were not planning to become pregnant."

"Our results offer evidence that women who have adequate B12 levels before they become pregnant may further reduce the occurrence of this class of birth defects," Dr. Mills said.

Vitamin B12 is available in milk, meats, poultry, eggs, as well as fortified cereals and some other fortified foods. Information on foods that contain Vitamin B12, as well as the Recommended Dietary Allowances for the vitamin, is available from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Source:
NIH - National Institutes of Health News
March 2009

Makers Diet for Weight Loss | Jordan Rubin

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, January 31, 2009

- In these tough economic times, it's nice to know that you don't have to join a pricey weight loss program or hire a personal trainer to shed pounds.

"You don't have to shell out major bucks to lose weight,"claims natural health expert Jordan Rubin. The New York Times best selling author's latest book, The Maker's Diet for Weight Loss, recently hit newsstands nationwide and maintains that buying healthier, organic, whole foods are a bargain compared to packaged, processed, and convenience foods.

"It's a myth that eating healthier foods will drain your wallet," says Rubin. "People won't balk at paying three or four dollars for a box of crackers, but they mistakenly think organic vegetables and fruits are pricey. Compared to the price of most packaged goods, shopping for fresh produce is still a good bet."

Based on biblical principles of eating foods that God created, Rubin's book suggests that dieters can have more success when there's a spiritual aspect involved.

Rubin added, "If money had anything at all to do with weight loss, Oprah wouldn't be continually battling her weight issues after so many years. I think that introducing a spiritual element to her weight loss efforts could make it easier for her - or anyone else - to remain more disciplined and committed to a healthy lifestyle. It's something people can take more seriously than a New Year's resolution."

Rubin wrote the book after discovering that many followers of his 2004 New York Times best seller, The Maker's Diet, were concerned about losing weight in addition to being healthier. After reading hundreds of letters and meeting thousands of people on a six month tour last year, he created a streamlined sixteen-week program that includes many of the principles found in The Maker's Diet, but with a focus on making the program more user-friendly and effective.

The simplified sixteen-week program is designed to help readers achieve a lifelong, healthy eating plan. With solid medical advice from Bernard Bulwer, MD, an advanced clinical fellow at one of the premier teaching hospitals at Harvard Medical School, The Maker's Diet Book for Weight Loss also includes success stories about dieters who have lost as much as 85 pounds on Rubin's diet plan. The holistic approach stresses eating whole foods, taking daily dietary supplements, committing to moderate exercise, and reducing stress.

No-no's on the diet include artificial sweeteners, shellfish, diet sodas, and cooking with hydrogenated oils.

"The book encourages people to trim their waistline and not their wallets," added Rubin.

About the Author
Jordan S. Rubin is the founder and chairman of the Garden of Life Inc. wellness company in West Palm Beach. The author of numerous health books, including Patient Heal Thyself, Restoring Your Digestive Health, and the New York Times best seller The Maker's Diet, he has been featured on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, FOX and Friends, Inside Edition, USA Today, and Newsweek. He lives in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with his wife, Nicki, and family.

Match the Good-for-You Foods to your Body Parts

Here's a new way to eat smart for your body! Match the good-for-you foods to your body parts.

Eat this: Melons and citrus fruits
For this: Breasts
Here’s why: We knew there was a reason that our breasts resemble melons! Oranges and melons are rich in immune-boasting vitamin C, and some studies indicate that a C-heavy diet (from food, not supplernents) helps prevent breast cancer.

Eat this: Rhubarb and bok choy
For this: Bones
Here’s why: Baok choy is an excellent source of calcium, a mineral that’s essential for keeping bones strong and dense. And rhubarb, another bony-looking veggie, is rich in vitamin K, which helps activate three proteins involved in bone health and increases bone-mineral density.

Eat this: Olives
For this: Ovaries
Here’s why: An Italian study found that women whose diets included a lot of olive oil had a 30 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer. The reasons are unclear, but the healthy fats in the oil may help suppress genes predisposed to causing cancer.

Eat this: Walnuts
For this: Brain
Here’s why: Walnuts, with their funky lobe-like shape, are a great source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which help brain cells communicate with each other and are essential to cognitive performance, memory, and nerve health.

Eat this: Carrots
For this: Eyes
Here’s why: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Your eyes need A to maintain the health of the cells in your corneas, the transparent tissue that covers the eye and protects it from germs, dust inflammation, and infection. Is it any wonder, then, that a sliced carrot reveals concentric circles that look like your pupil and iris?

Eat this: Grapes
For this: Heart
Here’s why: Red and purple grapes (along with other dark fruits and vegetables) contain flavonoids, which experts say protect against heart disease, as well as cancer and brain-aging. A recent study from the University of Michigan also found that the heart-shaped clusters of fruit may help control your blood pressure.

Eat this: Sweet potato
For this: Pancreas
Here’s why: Pancreas-shaped sweet potatoes release sugars gradually into the bloodstream. That means they don’t stress the organ, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Reference:
Source: www.Health.Com, Feb 2009
Author: Brittani Renaud

Mens RAW Multi-Vitamin with Unique Formula from Garden of Life

Men benefit from a diet rich in nutrients and minerals to keep them functioning at their optimal levels of performance. However has been shown that men are less likely to pay proper attention to their health than women. For this reason men commonly have reduced immune function and so experience lack of energy. The primary reason for these problems is a nutrient deficiency in the foods that men eat.

Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW Mens provides all the rounded nutrition that men need.

Vitamin Code Men’s Formula is designed specifically to address all the fundamental aspects of the male physiology and provide the nutrients that men often overlook. It provides an ample source of
-vitamin E,
-lycopene,
-selenium and
-zinc.

These ingredients may seem simple but many men don’t get nearly enough of them in their daily diet to support overall wellness.

Engineered from the start to boost daily energy and mental capabilities to provide instant results in your daily routine, this system goes far beyond that. With a highly effective mixture of nutrients and minerals, Vitamin Code RAW provides prostate, heart and vision health care and maintains the utmost level of bodily health and function in men.

This multi vitamin provides a powerful blend of amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and probiotics that are designed to boost the core aspects of the male body. This unique approach to wellness and health is what makes Vitamin Code RAW a step ahead of its competitors and so widely praised for using a specific and targeted method to approach the unique health needs of its consumers.

The RAW system supplies food that is natural and hasn’t been corrupted in any way. By consuming these kinds of natural foods your body is receiving the nutrition and benefits of the foods you in consume in the healthy and beneficial way that nature had always intended. Many people are unaware that by simply heating the foods they eat they are destroying much of the vitamins and minerals the food would otherwise have.

RAW Mens Vitamins is the best way to ensure that you get the most from the foods you intake. Eating foods that have been chemically altered and tainted by industrial carelessness is truly a risk not worth taking. Your body needs to get the most from your foods and the best way to guarantee this is to get natural, pure foods from RAW supplements.

More Health Benefits of Antioxidants

By now we all know that antioxidants are beneficial to our health. But now, new research shows that consuming antioxidants during meals may result in additional health benefits, or more specifically, may reduce the negative impact of the foods consumed in the main meal.

The findings of the research, conducted by U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists based here, showed that the consumption of antioxidant rich foods along with meals reduces oxidative stress that results from foods high in carbohydrates, fat and protein.

The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, includes five clinical trials with six to 10 subjects per experiment. In the studies, subjects were given fruits rich in antioxidants with meals high in macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, protein) and blood samples were taken before and after the meals.

Overall, dried plums and dried plum juice had no effect on antioxidant levels, while the consumption of blueberries, mixed grape powder, kiwi fruit and cherries showed an increase in antioxidant levels.

Studies of a diet without antioxidant-rich sources of food and only sources of macronutrients resulted in a decrease in antioxidant capacity.

Natural Ways to Reduce Cancers - Anti-oxidants & Supplements

Suzy Cohen, from Dear Pharmacist, was asked about how to reduce the risk of getting cancer when it runs in the family.

She says that an estimated 1.5 million people were diagnosed with "cancer" in 2008. With cancer, you have to be mindful of the "free radicals" in your body. You want as few as possible. Free radicals are molecules that damage innocent cells. They are normally neutralized in a healthy body.

But she says that if you smoke, expose yourself to pesticides, sun damage or pollution, maintain a poor diet, or eat artificial sweeteners and preservatives, you severely reduce your body's defenses against those free radicals which cause "oxidative" damage.

Neutralizing it is the 'anti'-oxidants, such as vitamins A, C, E, D, selenium and ubiquinol.

Free radicals trigger the release of bad chemicals in your body such as IGF-1, IL6, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and TNF-a.

These chemicals increase pain, inflammation and the growth of cancer. Foods that increase inflammatory chemicals include processed meats (like hot dogs), red meat and eggs which are high in arachidonic acid, dairy protein (casein) and wheat protein (gluten).

Suzy Cohen recommends that if you cut down on foods that trigger immune reactions and eat more organic fruits and vegetables, you can improve immune function.

She also talk about the natural supplements and foods that increase vitality, energy and immune function. These include rosemary, broccoli, olives, ground flaxseed, probiotics, cat's claw, curcumin, omega 3 fatty acids, ginger, N-acetylcysteine, spirulina and finally, clinically tested brands of modified citrus pectin (MCP). Anecdotal evidence suggests some ingredients in Essiac supplements can strengthen the immune system too.

Source:
Suzy Cohen Dear Pharmacist

Raw Cleanse Hits the US Market

Garden of Life's RAW body cleanse is a new product that works wonders in improving the health of individuals who use it. RAW foods are quite the opposite of processed foods. While processed foods go through a protocl that may add preservatives and other kinds of synthetic ingredients to them, RAW food is exactly as it was found in nature, with all the benefits of enzymes and essential vitamins. Of course, the preservatives of processed food can add toxins to the body that may cause damage..

Eating food that contain many preservatives may hurt the body since the preservatives contain toxins. Excessive toxins in a body can disrupt a person’s sleep, thus leading to a run-down feeling.. This make s the body more vulnerable and not able to fight off sickness as well. Garden of Life RAW Cleanse gives a body an optimal cleaning to get it up and running in good condition.

RAW Cleanse is very easy to take. It may help individuals get their body back in working order. There are Probiotics in this products whihc add to its effective nature. Probiotics are live cultures, which studies have shown, help the host body. One set of probiotics set up the first line of defense: the mouth. By building a line of defense in the mouth, these probiotics fight off toxins as they try to make their way in the body.

Once the probiotics work to stop toxins from entering the body past the mouth, they also offer intestinal support and eliminate the toxins that were already present in the body. The digestive system works better once the toxins are eliminated. This not only aids in regulating digestion, but also works to build an immune system.

After the two lines of defense are in place, the rest of the body can follow. Probiotics begin the detoxification process and then antioxidants and enzymes follow. Eating processed foods encourages toxins to stay in our body. Many people do not realize just how much their bodies are compromised until they have feel the effectof a healthy, 'cleansed' body. The body is able to 'switch gears' smoothly.
RAW body cleanse allows individuals to take care of their body in an easy way.
Consider the Garden of Life Raw Cleanse today.

Raw Vitamin C Capsules now Available

SeekThat.Net tells us about a new Vitamin C that has become available on the market. They would prefer that you get your vitamin C from the Natural God Created sources like fruits and vegetables. But sometimes people just prefer to get it from the human made alternatives.

They say that the Vitamin C that they prefer and recommend is made by the Garden of Life company, which is very awesome and probably the best healthy products company there is. This Vitamin C is Raw, with 300mg or 500% of Daily Value, with live enzymes and probiotics, and with 100% of Active Ingredients. This RAW Vitamin C does not have any binders or fillers.

There are 60 vegan capsules in this bottle and its contents is Raw, Vegan, Gluten Free, and Dairy Free. Also, the fruits and vegetables in this Vitamin Code are Organically Grown. These Raw and healthy vitamin C capsules contain more 20mg of Raw Organic Fruit and Vegetable Blend made up of:

- Organic Strawberry
- Organic Cherry
- Organic Blackberry
- Organic Blueberry
- Organic Raspberry
- Organic Beet Juice
- Organic Carrot Juice
- Organic Broccoli Juice
- Organic Cucumber Juice
- Organic Tomato Juice
- Organic Kale Juice
- Organic Spinach Juice
- Organic Cabbage Juice
- Organic Cauliflower Juice
- Organic Celery Juice
- Organic Parsley Juice
- Organic Asparagus Juice
- Organic Brussels Sprout Juice
- Organic Green Bell Pepper Juice
- Organic Garlic Juice
- Organic Ginger Juice
- Organic Onion Juice

They mention how important Vitamin C is for your immune system, eyes, skin, bones, teeth, gums, wound healing, energy production, energy growth, memory, and even concentration.

Source:
SeekThat.Net
September 2009

Secrets of Vitamin C

Vitamin C also known as Ascorbic Acid is a water-soluble, antioxidant vitamin. It is important for the development of collagen. Collagen is a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. Collagen has many benefits, supports a range of the body’s structures and is necessary to the formation of bones and teeth
Humans, unlike most other animals, do not generate their own Vitamin C, and they need to take it through foods sources which are rich in Vitamin C. This vitamin is measured a cure-all for a lot of diseases and problems - from cancer to common cold.

Benefits of Vitamin C

1) Vitamin C in addition to avoiding Scurvy, it has been shown to diminish the length of colds and to lighten their severity. It does not, however, avoids colds or modifies their frequency. Vitamin C may help prevent lead poisoning, and some scientists suppose it can be used in the treatment of cancer.
2) Vitamin C serves a predominantly defensive position in the body.
3) It is a great antioxidant and helps defend the body against pollutants
4) It helps in the prevention of blood clotting and bruising, and strengthening the walls of the capillaries
5) Vitamin C helps in the prevention of degenerative diseases - such as cataracts, certain cancers and cardio vascular disease.
6) Ascorbic acid promotes healthy cell growth, proper calcium absorption, normal tissue growth and restore - like healing of wounds and burns.
7) Vitamin C is required for healthy gums, to help defend against infection, helps decrease cholesterol level, high blood pressure and avoids arteriosclerosis.

What can happen with the Vitamin C Deficiency?
Vitamin C Deficiency result in hemorrhages under the skin and a tendency to bruise effortlessly, poor wound healing, weakness, poor digestion, bleeding gums and loose teeth.
Low levels of vitamin C have been related with a number of conditions including hypertension, gallbladder disease, stroke and some cancers.
Edema (also called water retention) also takes place due to a Vitamin C deficiency, along with aching joints, bronchial infection and colds.

Vitamin C Dosage
The average (recommended dietary allowance) RDA is 60-80mg, per day.
For young people it is 80 mg, 75 mg for adults, 100 mg during pregnancy and 150 mg during lactation. Men should take more vitamin C than women and persons who smoke cigarettes are encouraged to consume 35-40 mg more vitamin C than average adults. This is because smoking reduces vitamin C levels in the body and is a catalyst for organic processes, which damage cells.

Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin C
Symptoms of scurvy, the vitamin C deficiency disease include –
1) Bleeding gums (also called gingivitis) and skin discoloration
2) Poor healing of wound.
3) Poor immune function, including susceptibility to cold and other infections.

Vitamin C Sources
Consuming the number of foods that contain vitamin C is the most excellent mode to get the required amount of Vitamin C each day. Healthy persons who eat a balanced diet do not need any Vitamin C supplements.
Amla (Indian gooseberry) is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C, whether fresh or the dried or in powdered form.
Some of the good sources of vitamin C are oranges, kiwi fruit, mango, broccoli olives, guava, green peppers, watermelon, papaya, strawberry, tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, and citrus juices or juices equipped with Vitamin C.
Raw and cooked green leafy vegetables, peppers, fresh tomatoes, potatoes, pineapple are also rich sources of Vitamin C.
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mangetout, red peppers, chilies, watercress, parsley, blackcurrants are also rich sources of Vitamin C.

How to retain vitamin C
To avoid loss of vitamin C:
• Serve fruits and vegetables raw as far as possible.
• Steam, boil, or cook foods in a very minute amount of water
• Store prepared juices in Refrigerator, but no more than two to three days.
• Store cut and raw fruits, vegetables in an airtight container and refrigerate - do not store in water because Vitamin C is water soluble and gets dissolved in the water.
Eating foods rich in Vitamin C in their fresh, raw form is the finest way to maximize intake of vitamin C.

Vitamin C Overdose
Vitamin C overdose of may result in diarrhea, lip swelling, and in very severe cases difficulty in breathing.
Vitamin C overdose causes stomachaches with a lot of side effects such as stomach pain and nausea.
Vitamin C Overdoes can also result in stomach cramps, skin rashes, and too much urination.
Vitamin C overdose should be avoided and must be avoided particularly by people with iron excess diseases such as Hemochromatosis.

For Complete Information on Vitamin C Deficiency and Vitamin C Overdose Visit Health Vitamins Guide - Information on Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids

Storage Tips to Avoid Food Poisoning

Foods may look, smell and even taste fine -- and still harbor bacteria that can cause food poisoning. The July issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource provides an overview of food storage safety and how to avoid bad bacteria, such as E coli and Salmonella.

Safe food storage matters. While diarrhea and vomiting caused by food poisoning usually resolve without treatment, about 325,000 people in the United States are hospitalized every year because of food poisoning. And, 5,000 people die.

Consider these food safety reminders:

•Observe the "two-hour" rule. Foods requiring refrigeration, including poultry, meat, eggs, cooked seafood, produce, leftovers and takeout food, shouldn't be at room temperature longer than two hours. When the air temperature is above 90 F, perishables should be refrigerated within one hour.

•Store leftovers safely. Hot foods can go straight into the refrigerator or freezer. They shouldn't be left out to cool on the counter. Hot foods can be rapidly cooled by dipping the bowl or container in ice or a cold-water bath. Leftovers from a large pot will cool more quickly when divided into smaller, shallower containers. In general, leftovers should be used or frozen within three to five days.

•Don't crowd. A refrigerator that is too full blocks air circulation, hampering the cooling process.

•Know when to toss. An opened package of luncheon meat can be safely stored in the refrigerator three to five days. Unopened, it will keep for two weeks. Three to five days is a safe storage time for deli or homemade egg, chicken, ham, tuna or pasta salads. Cooked or uncooked fish should be tossed after one to two days. The same goes for fresh sausage and uncooked ground beef.

•Set the temperature. A refrigerator temperature should be at or below 40 F. The freezer should be kept at 0 F.

•If in doubt, throw it out. Any foods that look or smell suspicious should be tossed.

July 2009
Mayo Clinic Women's Health Source
PRNewswire

Supplement your Prescription with Vitamins

It is a common problem that, due to an unbalanced education and massive advertising by the pharmaceutical industry, mainstream physicians over-prescribe drugs while failing to appreciate the importance of nutritional interventions.

This often leaves the responsibility for integrating the nutritional aspect of treatment to the patients; yet how can patients possibly work their way through mountains of lay material available in the nutritional field — some of poor quality — in order to figure out a science-based nutritional treatment program that is right for them?

With Supplement Your Prescription, Hyla Cass, MD, comes to their rescue. A well- known authority in Integrative Medicine, Dr. Cass has previously written a number of other books to help readers understand various aspects of Integrative Medicine. This time she tackles the important issue of drug-nutrient interactions.

Unlike authors who provide a simple list of drug-nutrient interactions you commonly see, Dr. Cass starts by explaining the principles behind the interactions. She then discusses the many factors that set the stage for nutrient depletion.

Next comes the heart of the book. She devotes several chapters to discussions of specific conditions where physicians are likely to employ nutrient-depleting drugs, teaching patients how to ensure that their medications do not cause undue side effects through nutrient depletion.

She ends the book with a discussion of polypharmacy and the special contribution that an integrative physician can make to treatment.

The book is written to be an easy read, yet it is thorough enough to teach patients the basis for taking better care of themselves while taking prescription drugs. Moreover, the recommendations are science-based. While all patients could benefit from reading Supplement Your Prescription, Dr. Cass’s contribution will be particularly valuable to the many patients whose physicians know little about nutritional medicine.

Supplement Your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Nutrition
by Hyla Cass, MD
Basic Health Publications, Inc., 28812 Top of the World Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651;
949-71 5-7327;
www.basichealthpub.com
Softcover; c. 2007; $14.95; 184 pp.

The Best Recommendation

The best recommendation for a variety of conditions:

The Challenge of Changing to Raw Foods

Going raw is easier than ever
These tried-and-true tips will help with your transition to healthier eating.

Raw-food restaurants are on the rise, boasting decadent desserts, an overwhelming array of smoothies, and dozens of appetizers, salads, and entrées that leave no doubt that raw food can satisfy both body and soul.

1 Start gradually by eating one fully raw meat per day such as a large salad with chopped vegetables and cold pressed oils

2 Eliminate white bread, refined sugars, and meat. “

3 Add those things in that you like - For example, nor everyone is going to jump for sprout juice, but a raw chocolate (cacao) smoothie would likely interest more people
4 Gradually transition to two fully raw meals a day or more. Cleansing and detoxification reactions can vary from mild to harsh. Raw food is healing and cleansing and this can stir up toxic materials stored in the body.
5 If going completely grain-free is daunting, consider incorporating quinoa and millet into your diet, Millet and quinoa are ‘non-stored’ grains, other grains are often subject to pest management procedures and can become host to molds or fungus. They are alkaline forming and don’t contribute to acidity.
6 Replace baked and yeasted bread with sprouted Ezekiel wheat or Manna bread.
7 Stock up on fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens, avocado, raw (unroasted) nuts, seeds and nut butters, extra-virgin olive oil, and cold- pressed flaxseed oil. Lettuce, celery, green-leafy sprouts, and non-sweet fruits such as cucumbers, tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, and red bell peppers are easier to digest.
8 If you have problems with cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, consider blending these or running them through a juicer. Green super food supplements help a lot.
9 Minimize dried fruits and nuts, if you are prone to Candida overgrowth, you will want to avoid dates, raisins, and other sugar dense fruits.

The Vitamin Code Takes Multivitamins to New Level

Vitasmin Code is the first Raw Multivitamin with Food-Created Nutrients.

Recent trends show that health conscious consumers are going "beyond organic" and looking for the numerous health benefits associated with raw foods and products. After three decades of research, a scientific breakthrough has yielded the first raw multivitamin (www.RawVitamins.com), a vast improvement upon vitamins that are heated, treated and often stuffed with food powders.

Garden of Life's The Vitamin CodeGarden of Life, Inc., (www.gardenoflife.com) a leading innovator in the Natural Products industry, has changed the way vitamins are made with the launch of The Vitamin Code™, a groundbreaking dietary supplement line created to change the way Americans take vitamins and minerals forever.

Unlike many synthetic multivitamins produced in laboratories, The Vitamin Code formulas are individually cultivated with their unique raw food created nutrients and Code Factors™ intact (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8rn6xGONZg). The raw vitamins deliver living enzymes and probiotics and are uncooked, untreated and unadulterated without added binders and fillers. In addition, the vitamins are 100 percent vegan and do not contain any soy allergens, gluten, dairy or fructose.

"We're excited about this breakthrough development because most consumers have no idea what they're getting when they purchase a bottle of 200 vitamins for ten dollars in the grocery store," said Jordan Rubin, founder and CEO of Garden of Life and best-selling author of The Maker's Diet and 18 other health titles. "People may think they are getting a bargain, but the vast array of nutrients and co-factors that are found in food--and missing from synthetic, highly processed vitamins--could be important for their personal health. The Vitamin Code delivers nutrients in a form that nature provides and that the body thrives upon."

The Vitamin Code features six targeted formulas: Vitamin Code Women's formula; Women 50 & Wiser; Vitamin Code Men's formula; Men 50 & Wiser; Vitamin Code Family formula for adults as well as children six and older; and the Vitamin Code Perfect Weight formula for those looking to effectively manage their weight. With the exception of the Ashwaganda used in the Perfect Weight Formula that is momentarily exposed to high heat, all ingredients are 100 percent active and have not been subjected to high heat used in some tablet manufacturing processes.

Validated by scientific research, The Vitamin Code is an exciting discovery linked to a Nobel Prize winner, a determined biochemist, and an escape from the Iron Curtain in the 1950s. Endre "Andy" Szalay, a Hungarian pharmacist, became interested in vitamin research when he sat in on lectures at the University of Szeged by Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, who won the Noble Prize in 1937 for discovering vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Szalay had a dream to find a way to provide mankind with vitamins and minerals that would not be isolated and synthetic but would be in the ideal form that the body could properly utilize. During political and military unrest, he and his family escaped the Iron Curtain during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956.

For more than 30 years, Szalay conducted painstaking experiments to find a way to reconnect vitamins and minerals to the food from which they originated. His relentless work resulted in the detection of nutrient-specific peptides unique to each growth organism that allowed for the proper uptake of nutrients. Szalay finally "cracked" the Vitamin Code and teamed up with Garden of Life to offer consumers the first raw food-created vitamins and minerals.

Source
tini blog
Rhonda Price

The Wonders of Cononut Oil

Which dietary oil provides the widest range of health benefits?
What oil can help
- protect you from heart disease,
- improve your digestion,
- increase your energy level,
- strengthen your immune system, and
- enhance your over all health?

The answer is coconut oil. Are you surprised? Most people are!

Coconut oil was once mistakenly believed to be bad for the heart because of its saturated fat content.

Coconut oil is now known to contain a 'unique form' of saturated fat that actually helps prevent heart attacks, stroke, and hardening of the arteries as well as provide many other health benefits.

Bruce Fife in his article "The Wonders of Coconut Oil" posted on September 10, 2008, says that Asian and Polynesian people who rely on coconuts and coconut oil as a part of their daily diet have the lowest heart disease rates in the world. Some of these people get as much as 50% of their total daily calories as saturated fat, primarily from coconut oil. If coconut oil caused heart disease, as some people used to believe, these islanders would have all died off centuries ago.

Those populations who consume large quantities of coconut oil have remarkably good cardiovascular health. Absent are the heart attacks and strokes characteristic in Western countries where coconut oil is rarely used.

He also says, "What many people don't realize is that there are many different types of saturated fat, just as there are different types of polyunsaturated fat. Each has a different effect on the body. The saturated fat in coconut oil is unlike the fat found in meat or even other vegetable fats. It is identical to a special group of fats found in human breast milk called medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) also referred to as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).

These special fatty acids have been shown to stimulate the metabolism, improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and protect against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections as well as protect the heart and arteries from the conditions that cause heart disease. For these and other reasons, coconut oil, in one form or another, has routinely been used commercial baby formulas".

According to him the fact that the fatty acids in coconut oil are used as fuel to generate energy, rather than put into storage like other fats, provides many remarkable health benefits. The most obvious is a boost in energy.

The energy boost is not like the kick you get from caffeine, it's more subtle but longer lasting. It is most noticeable as an increase in endurance. This effect is accumulative, that is, energy level increases with daily use. Studies have shown when athletes are given MCFA during training their performance and endurance improves. For this reason, coconut oil or fractionated coconut oil (also called MCT oil) is added to many sports drinks and energy bars.

Patients suffering from vitamin B deficiencies have been helped simply by giving them coconut oil. The oil itself doesn't supply any B vitamins but enhances the absorption of the vitamins already in the diet.

Coconut oil has also been used to enhance utilization and retention of Calcium and Magnesium when a deficiency of these minerals exists. This is especially true in the case of Rickets, which involves a vitamin D deficiency and the demineralization of the bones. Children suffering from rickets have recovered simply by adding coconut oil to their diet. For those who are concerned about developing osteoporosis as they get older, coconut oil may also be useful in helping to slow down this degenerative process by improving mineral absorption.

It's no wonder nature put MCFA (medium-chain fatty acids) in breast milk. The unique fatty acids are easy to digest, supply a source of quick energy, support thyroid function (which enhances healing and immune system function), and improves nutrient absorption. In addition, medical research indicates coconut oil may be useful in protecting against heart disease, breast and colon cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, candida, herpes, influenza, and numerous other infectious diseases.

He ends by saying "Fortunately, babies aren't the only ones who can benefit from MCFA. We can enjoy all of the benefits of MCFA by adding coconut oil to our diets."

Reference:
Source: www.mtmayon.com, September 10, 2008
Author: Dr. Bruce Fife
Article: Nature's Miracle Oil.

Veggies Help Block Cancer Cells

Researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James) have discovered how a substance that is produced when eating broccoli and Brussels sprouts can block the proliferation of cancer cells.

Compelling evidence indicates that the substance, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), may have anticancer effects and other health benefits, the researchers say. These findings show how I3C affects cancer cells and normal cells.

The laboratory and animal study discovered a connection between I3C and a molecule called Cdc25A, which is essential for cell division and proliferation. The research showed that I3C causes the destruction of that molecule and thereby blocks the growth of breast cancer cells.

The study was published online June 29 in the journal Cancer Prevention Research.

"Cdc25A is present at abnormally high levels in about half of breast cancer cases, and it is associated with a poor prognosis," says study leader Xianghong Zou, assistant professor of pathology at the Ohio State University Medical Center.

The molecule also occurs at abnormally high levels in cancers of the breast, prostate, liver, esophagus, endometrium and colon, and in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and in other diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, he noted.

"For this reason, a number of anti-Cdc25 agents have been identified, but they have not been successful for cancer prevention or treatment due to concerns about their safety or efficacy," says Zou, who is also a member of the OSUCCC-James Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention program.

"I3C can have striking effects on cancer cells," he explains, "and a better understanding of this mechanism may lead to the use of this dietary supplement as an effective and safe strategy for treating a variety of cancers and other human diseases associated with the overexpression of Cdc25A," Zou says.

For this study, Zou and his colleagues exposed three breast cancer cell lines to I3C. These experiments revealed that the substance caused the destruction of Cdc25A. They also pinpointed a specific location on that molecule that made it susceptible to I3C, showing that if that location is altered (because of a gene mutation), I3C no longer causes the molecule's destruction.

Last, the investigators tested the effectiveness of I3C in breast tumors in a mouse model. When the substance was given orally to the mice, it reduced tumor size by up to 65 percent. They also showed that I3C had no affect on breast-cell tumors in which the Cdc25A molecule had a mutation in that key location.

Source:
ScienceDaily
June 30, 2010

Vitamin B could lower risk of Macular Degeneration

Researcher, William Christen, an associate professor of medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, says that an estimated 1.75 million people have advanced age-related macular degeneration, and 7.3 million are in early stages of the disease.

"This is the first randomized trial to indicate a possible benefit of folic acid, B-6 and B-12 vitamin supplements in reducing the risks of age-related macular degeneration," he state.

Christen and his colleagues collected data from a cardiovascular disease trial involving more than 5,200 women over 40 who reported that they did not have macular degeneration at the study's start.

The women had been randomly assigned to take either a daily combination of folic acid, B-6, and B-12 supplements or a placebo. They also answered yearly questionnaires for about seven years to track pill adherence and the development of new diseases.

At study's end, 55 cases of age-related macular degeneration were confirmed in the vitamin group and 82 were confirmed in the placebo group.That means that those who took the supplements had a 41% lower risk of being diagnosed with the disease.

Even though the study involved only women, the researchers say, the findings probably apply to all older Americans.

Christen says that these finding are the first to suggest a possible early prevention measure and that more research is warranted, partly to determine the amounts of vitamins necessary to benefit eye health. The doses taken in the study were higher than the daily recommended doses.

Source:
USA Today News
Archives of Internal Medicine
Feb 2009

Vitamin D & More

The Importance of Vitamin D has surfaced.

Read all the latest infromation on how important is really is.

Why does a Low GI Meal Make You Feel Full?

Eating a meal with a low GI (glycaemic index) increases gut hormone production which leads to suppression of appetite and the feeling of fullness.This is the finding of new research being presented at the annual Society for Endocrinology BES meeting in Harrogate.

Researchers from King’s College London studied the effects of a low versus high GI meal on levels of gut hormones. This is the first study to provide clues as to how a low GI meal produces satiety.

GI is a ranking assigned to carbohydrates according to their effect on the body’s blood sugar levels. A low GI meal takes longer to digest and releases sugar into the bloodstream more slowly than a high GI meal. High GI foods include white bread, croissants and cornflakes, whereas granary bread, milk and most fruit and vegetables are all classed as low GI foods.

A low GI diet is known to cause reduced appetite(1) but the mechanisms behind this have so far remained unknown. To address this, Dr Reza Norouzy and colleagues at King’s College London looked at the effects of a single low versus high GI meal on gut hormone levels in twelve healthy volunteers. Each participant ate an identical medium GI meal for dinner, fasted overnight, and was given either a low (46) or high (66) GI meal for breakfast. Blood samples were then taken every 30 minutes for 150 minutes, and levels of the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and insulin measured. GLP-1 is a hormone produced by the gut that has been shown to cause a feeling of fullness and suppression of appetite(2).

Volunteers who ate a low GI breakfast had 20% higher blood plasma levels of GLP-1 (area under curve = 4839±1831) and 38% lower levels of insulin (10088±4757), compared to those who had consumed a high GI breakfast (3865±1630 and 16245±7600 respectively). These results show for the first time that eating a low GI meal increases GLP-1 production and suggest a physiological mechanism as to why a low GI meal makes you feel fuller than a high GI meal.

Researcher Dr Reza Norouzy said:

“Our results show for the first time the direct effect of a single GI meal on gut hormone levels. We already know that the hormone GLP-1 and a low GI meal independently lead to suppression of appetite. This study builds on these findings by providing a physiological mechanism to explain how a low GI meal makes you feel fuller than a high GI meal. GLP-1 is one of the most potent hormones for suppressing appetite. Our results suggest that low GI meals lead to a feeling of fullness because of increased levels of GLP-1 in the bloodstream. This is an exciting result which provides further clues about how our appetite is regulated, and offers an insight into how a low GI diet produces satiety. This is a preliminary study that only involved a small number of people. We now need expand these findings and look at the effects of low versus high GI meals in a larger cohort of people.”

Source:
ScienceDaily (Mar. 18, 2009)

Wilen Sisters Home Remedies

The Wilen sisters have been using home remedies all their lives, and for the last quarter of a century, they've been researching and writing about them as well.

Lydia and Joan Wilen may not always be able to
explain why the remedies work, but they work. All use ingredients readily available in most kitchens, supermarkets or health-food stores.

Sore Throat

At the first sign of a sore or scratchy throat, mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in six-to-eight ounces of warm water. Take a mouthful, gargle with it and spit it out, then swallow a mouthful.

Repeat the gargle/swallow pattern until there's nothing left in the glass.

Do this every hour until your throat is better - usually feel better within two or three hours.

Colds

The sisters eat chicken soup when they feel a cold coming on. Aside from being a comfort food, it helps prevent a cold from becoming full-blown and/or it shortens the duration of one.

They either prepare the soup from scratch, adding lots of veggies (carrots, onions, parsnip, celery, string beans), or they do the next best thing-buy packaged soup found in the supermarket's frozen food section, then add vegetables.

In either case, they add the most potent and health­ restoring ingredient,GARLIC

To derive the full healing powers of garlic, they suggest that you add one or two finely minced raw cloves after the warmed soup is in the bowl.

Stop Bleeding

A simple first-aid procedure to stop a minor cut or gash from bleeding is to cover the cut with cayenne pepper from your spice cabinet.
Gently pour on the pepper.
Yes, it will sting.
And yes, the bleeding will stop quickly.

Diarrhea

If you must be away from a restroom, prepare slippery elm tea (they use the inner bark powder available at health­ food stores).

Pour eight ounces of just­boiled water over a heaping teaspoon of the powder. Let it steep for about eight minutes, then strain the liquid into a mug and drink it. It works quickly.

For severe cases, do not strain it, just drink this soothing tea.

Heartburn

They use their mother's remedy. As soon as the burning starts, eat a palmful of almonds, that's about one ounce­ and the heartburn stops immediately.

Their mom used dry-roasted almonds.
They buy raw almond slivers.

Sty

A sty is an inflamed swelling on the eyelid. This classic folk remedy sounds ridiculous but has worked for them many times.

The minute you feel as though you're getting a sty, take a 14-carat gold ring (wash it first) and rub it several times across your eyelid every 15 minutes or so, until that "sty-ish" feeling disappears.. along with the sty. In their experience, it works right away.

Burned Fingertips

They have a unique way of treating minor first-degree burns, where the skin is painful and red but unbroken.
It's a form of acupressure. Place your thumb on the back side of your earlobe, and the burned fingertips on the front side of the same earlobe.

Press firmly. After a minute, the pain is gone.

Insomnia

Their new suggestion is walnuts.

They're rich in serotonin, the brain chemical that calms anxiety and allows us to turn off the pressure's of the day to get a good night's sleep.
Eat a palmful (one ounce) of raw walnuts before going to bed. It's important to chew each mouthful throughly, until the nut pieces are ground down.

FYI:
Lydia Wilen and Joan Wilen are folk-remedy experts based in New York City. The sisters are co-authors of many books.