Natural Health News Articles And Resources

Healthy Foods and Healthy Cooking Oils

Admin — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:20:00 +0000

When it comes to eating healthy, we all know that certain foods are better than others are, but how we prepare these healthy foods make a big difference. One of the most important topics on food preparation is what type of oils you should use to prepare the meal. Many products claim they are the best. However, Let us take a closer look at a few of these products so we could decide which is better and which to stay away from.

Canola oil is very popular, and is widely used by many. According to some experts, it has the ability to lower the risk of heart disease. Canola oil is low in saturated fat, but high in monounsaturated fat making it one of the better oils in terms of good fat - bad fat composition.

Canola oil is used mainly for sautéing, marinating, and can be used for frying in low temperatures. Many people like bland oils, which do not interfere with their high-spiced foods. Canola is the best oil for these types of people due to its light taste.

If you are not a big fan of oil, then butter might be right for you. Butter has lasted the test of time, and has been with us for many years. It is great tasting, and offers a litany of vitamins such as, A, E, and D. Butter is also made from natural ingredients and not artificially manufactured in a lab.

Butter is mainly used for cooking, baking, or a spread. It is also favorable to combine with sauces, marinades, and baked dishes. However, many people find butter irresistible as a spread on their favorite bread.

Out of all the products listed in this article, it is wise to say that this one is the worse. Margarine was first brought on the scene as an alternative to butter. This product is manufactured and is loaded with trans-fats, which helps to raise cholesterol levels.

However, if you must use margarine it can be used as cooking oil. Margarine has a pleasant taste to it, and is easily spread. It is also available as an ingredient in many of our processed products. The only upside to margarine is that it is high in vitamin E.

Last but definitely not least is the best oil of them all. Olive oil is also known as the king of oils for its flavor as well as its medicinal properties. Thanks to its high levels in monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic, olive oil protects against the most harmful effects of excessive cholesterol in the blood: arteriosclerosis. For this reason, olive oil is considered the most heart healthy of all the oils.

When it comes to frying and cooking – olive oil is by far the best oil to use, because it resists higher temperatures without decomposing. In addition, it is more stable since it contains fewer polyunsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, it lasts longer before becoming rancid and producing dangerous peroxides.

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Health and Fitness Myths you should be Aware of

Admin — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:09:30 +0000

As we all know, eating the right foods is crucial to our health. The right nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are very important to our well-being. Food is fuel for the body and without it we will crash and burn.

Below are health and fitness myths you should be aware of:

1. It is ok to exercise without food in your stomach.
Not only is this wrong – it is downright dangerous. If your stomach is growling, it is telling you it needs to be filled. Would you continue to dry your car up a steep hill on an empty tank? I would hope the answer is no, but that is what we do to our bodies when we ignore the cry for fuel. Before performing any type of workout, make sure you give your body something to work with, like a small fruit, an apple or an orange will do just fine.

2. It is ok to eat as many energy bars and drinks in place of meals as you like.
Energy bars and drinks have their good qualities, but they were not meant to replace regular food. Regular food like fruits and vegetables are your best bet because they contain antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. After eating a good breakfast, and you do not have time to grab a proper lunch, then an energy bar or drink could take the place of lunch for that day.

3. It is ok to skip breakfast sometimes.
The most important meal of the day if you do not already know is breakfast. The body needs to start with a well-balanced supply of vitamins and minerals to get you started on the right track. Skipping breakfast is never a good idea. Breakfast sets your mood for the day. A good breakfast could get your day going in the right direction. Someone who is always cranky in the morning probably skips breakfast on a regular basis.

4. All carbohydrates are bad for you.
Contrary to popular belief, your body needs carbohydrates for energy. Not all carbs are created equal. There are carbs you should stay away from, but there are carbs that are very good for you.

5. It is ok to eat anything you want.
Many people eat too much. Eating should be fun and exciting but done in moderation. If you want to overeat, do so with fruits and vegetables.

6. It is ok to drastically drop calories in order to lose weight quickly.
Losing weight too quickly is never a good sign. Some people lose weight by trying to starve themselves, but this does more harm than good. If you are not getting enough calories to sustain your body – it will take calories from elsewhere. Your muscles are an excellent source of energy when your body feels like it is starving. Your body will actually rob your muscles to sustain itself in times of starvation. The human body is an amazing machine that is designed to survive, so it is not quick to burn fat, which it stores in case of an emergency. Therefore, when you think you are losing fat, you are actually losing muscle mass. 1 - 2 pounds a week is a good healthy weight loss limit.

Improving your eating habits will definitely add years to your life. Young and old should take heed to this message. Eating right is not just for overweight people – slim people can benefit from a healthy eating lifestyle also. Eating right helps to keep away disease from coming upon you. The healthier you eat the better you will feel.

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Home Remedies for Stretch Marks

Admin — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:09:28 +0000

Stretch marks are caused by a break in the skins elastic fibers, caused by a degeneration of the connective tissue that forms them. They usually appear during pregnancy or because of weight changes. Nervous stress and constipation can also promote their appearance.

Many people who suffer from stretch marks usually opt for expensive laser surgery, which may or may not work. Other alternatives are out there, but for some people they can be too expensive. Over the counter creams are also available, but most people quit before seeing results. The best home remedies for stretch marks are everyday inexpensive items that you can find in your house or at the nearest farmers market.

Here are some home remedies for stretch marks:

Fucus – Soothing, anti-inflammatory. Useful for cellulitis, stretch marks, and flaccidity

Aloe – Revitalizes the skin, giving it resistance and beauty.

Horsetail – Improves flaccid skin, giving it smoothness and elasticity.

Avocado – Moisturizes the facial skin and makes it more beautiful, prevents stretch marks.

Pansy – Fights dryness, stretch marks, and wrinkles of the skin.

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B 12 Vitamins

Admin — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 04:26:57 +0000

B 12 vitamins are a very dependable and harmless way to stay healthy. Many individuals, who take B 12 vitamins regularly, attest to the benefits of this all-important vitamin. Food sources are a main source of B 12. Supplementation both orally or injected is another way to get this essential vitamin.

Within the human body, B 12 in correlation with other vitamins of the B group is essential to maintaining a healthy body. The nervous system along with cell division, formation of red blood cells, and many other vital functions all depend on B 12 vitamins. A lack of B 12 in your diet also affects energy levels. If you are tired all the time and do not know why, a B 12 supplement or injection could be a benefit to you.

The only living things capable of synthesizing this vitamin are bacteria and other microorganisms such as yeast. The bacteria usually found in the mouth or the intestine also produce B 12 vitamins; although it is not assured that the body can assimilate it.

Sources of B 12

Fish and mammals do not produce this vitamin, but they store it in their tissues, particularly in the liver. Milk and eggs also contain B 12, as do meat and fish. Plants and algae do not produce or store B 12. However, they may provide it in small amounts.

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Herbal Remedies for Menopause

Admin — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:44:57 +0000

Menopause is a period in a woman’s life in which menstruation and reproductive activity cease. It is not a disease, but a time of hormonal change, during which time a woman’s body must adapt to a decrease of ovarian functions.

Intake of herbal teas made with these plants can alleviate disorders, which belong to this stage of women life.

Herbal remedies for menopause

- Cypress: Vasoconstrictor, stops metrorrhagia of the menopause

- Which hazel: Stops hemorrhages, strengthens capillary and veins walls

- Grapevine: Hemostatic, protects capillary vessels, avoid abnormal blood loss

- Shepherd’s purse: Avoids abnormal menopause bleeding

- Sage: Promotes female hormone balance

- Wild betony: Alleviates uterine spasms and their pain

To find out more about these herbs and how to prepare or find them please consider purchasing the Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.

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Herbal Remedies for Acne

Admin — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:41:33 +0000

Pustules that form from the sebaceous glands of the skin characterize acne. Acne pustules are usually infected by a bacterium named anaerobic. The official cause of acne is still unknown, though it is related to hormonal and genetic factors. A diet rich in fats, and internal toxicity caused by chronic constipation are some of the factors that make it more severe.

Applications of these medicinal herbs can dry the pustules and improve the skin’s appearance.

Herbal remedies for acne

- Carrot: Soothes the skin and makes it more beautiful. Contains vitamin A

- Evening primrose: Nourishes the skin, fights rashes

- Sorrel: Emollient, cicatrizant, and cleanses the skin

- Onion: Soothes the skin and makes it more beautiful, cleans dirty skin

- Cabbage: Wound healer, vulnerary, cleanses skin

- Milfoil: Wound healer, antiseptic, cleanses skin

- Aloe: Wound healer, soothing, increases defenses

- Burdock: Antibiotic. Very useful for acne and skin rashes

- Pansy: Cleanses the blood of toxic waste which poisons the skin, wound healer, anti-inflammatory

- Black elder: Sudorific, depurative. Useful for eczema, furuncles, or acne

To find out more about these herbs and how to prepare or find them please consider purchasing the Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.

January 8, 2008 -- Herbal Remedies for Menopause
January 6, 2008 -- Herbal Flu Remedies
January 6, 2008 -- Herbal Remedies for Gout
January 4, 2008 -- Herbal Remedies for Panic Attacks

Herbal Flu Remedies

Admin — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:39:27 +0000

The flu also called influenza is an highly infectious disease caused by a virus, which it manifests itself as a fever, muscular pain, respiratory catarrh, and a trend toward bronchial and lung complications. There is no known cure for the flu. The best thing to treat influenza is to help the body to fight the virus, by enhancing its healing mechanisms.

These medicinal herbs increase perspiration and thus the elimination of toxins, as well as stimulating the defenses against infection. They also decrease the fever and alleviate the discomforts of the disease.

Herbal flu remedies

- Linden: Sedative, antispasmodic, alleviates headache

- Cypress: Perspirant, decreases fever, balsamic

- Lemon tree: Cleanses blood, decreases fever

- Coltsfoot: Perspirant, depurative, pectoral

- Buck bean: Decreases fever. Useful for influenza

- Meadowsweet: General invigorating of the body, diuretic, depurative, and appetizer

- Mountain holly: Increases perspiration and decreases fever

- Wild daisy: Perspirant, febrifuge, expectorant, promotes elimination of toxins

- Boxwood: Powerful febrifuge

- Echinacea: Stimulates defenses against infections (the best)

- Briar hip: Stimulates defenses, preventative for all infectious diseases

- Black elder: Very effective perspirant and depurative

- Nasturtium: Natural antibiotic, expectorant, invigorating

To find out more about these herbs and how to prepare or find them please consider purchasing the Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.

January 6, 2008 -- Herbal Remedies for Gout
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Herbal Remedies for Gout

Admin — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 16:40:11 +0000

Gout is an ailment that results from an increase of uric acid in the blood, and its deposit on the joints (known as uric arthritis or arthritis) as well in the renal tissues.

Gout only affects males, and its most characteristic symptom is a painful inflammation of the toe joint, though it can also affect other joints.

The following medicinal herbs are very effective in eliminating uric acid because of their uricosuric diuretic properties.

Herbal remedies for gout

1) Lemon tree: Alkalinizes bloods, promotes dissolution and elimination of uric acids and of urates (uric salts)

2) Watercress: Blood depurative, diuretic ” Recommended for gout”

3) Nettle: Depurative, diuretic, alkalinizant, promotes elimination of uric acid

4) Dandelion: Diuretic, depurative, promotes elimination of waste substances

5) Celery: Diuretic, promotes elimination of urea and uric acid

6) White birch: Diuretic, depurative, eliminates uric acid

7) Wild strawberry: Depurative, alkalinizant, eliminates uric acid

8. Juniper: Depurative, eliminates uric acid

9) Kidney bean: Diuretic eases elimination of uric acid

10) Winter cherry: Diuretic, good uricosuric

11) Meadow saffron: Anti-inflammatory, calms aches of gout attack

12) Meadowsweet : Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, calms joint aches

13) Ash tree: Diuretic, depurative, laxative, eliminates excess of uric acid

14) Devil’s claw: Anti-inflammatory, antirrheumatic, promotes elimination of uric acid

15) Burdock: Diuretic, depurative, sudorific, eliminates uric acid

To find out more about these herbs and how to prepare or find them please consider purchasing the Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.

January 6, 2008 -- Herbal Flu Remedies
January 8, 2008 -- Herbal Remedies for Menopause
January 8, 2008 -- Herbal Remedies for Acne
December 10, 2007 -- How to Stop Constipation in its Tracks

Back ache Remedies

Admin — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:56:15 +0000

Back aches are among the most common complaints when it comes to doctor visits. Everyday someone throws out his or her back either at work or at home. When someone goes to have their back pain treated – they are looking for immediate pain relief along with a cure for the situation.

The first thing a physician will have you do is limit activity to help reduce the chance of re- injuring yourself and adding further stress to the already inflamed back. When someone hurts their back, it is mostly because of heavy lifting, a sudden turn, or that person might just have weak back muscles. Some back problems go away on their own with rest and relaxation. It is also wise to put a hot and cold compress on the affected area. However, if for some reason your back ache does not go away after a few days, or seems to be getting worse – a chiropractor or a doctor might be the best bet. A qualified practitioner will be able to run tests and take x-rays to make sure it is not something more serious.

If for some reason your back pain turns out to be more serious, then surgery might be the only way to get relief. This option is only for extreme cases and for most back ache sufferers surgery will never be an option.

Back ache remedies you can use mostly consist of topical creams, which are effective in relieving many types of back pains. Back muscle strains or a tense back usually benefit most from these creams. These ointments like Ben-gay and many others work by alleviating the pain while reducing the swelling and tension. Having someone rub the cream onto the affected area will bring relief within minutes.

Heat pads are another form of back ache remedies. These pads are applied to the injured area of the back and soothe the muscle with a shot of heat. The heat in this case is used to relax the muscle and stop it from spasming.

Staying immobile using these treatments is essential – this will give the heat pads time to work on the affected area of the back. Laying still while the pads work will also give the back extra time to heal and allowing the muscles to relax even more.

Although these treatments are effective, some people will have to get more advanced treatments depending on their condition. A doctor or chiropractor will be best equipped to administer extra care after a session or two.

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Herbal Remedies for Panic Attacks

Admin — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:00:25 +0000

With the world being the way it is today – it is no wonder why record numbers of people are suffering from panic attacks. When someone suffers a panic attack, it is almost sudden and only lasts minutes. Early detection and treatment of panic attacks is essential in treating and possibly curing this debilitating affliction. Heart palpitations, trembling, fear, and feelings of impending doom are all symptoms to look for when suffering an episode. Before looking into herbal remedies for panic attacks talk to a physician first. Although there are herbs proven to treat this ailment, it is wise to consult a health care professional before using anything that manipulates the mind and mood.

Here is a list of herbs normally used to treat mental ailments:

Balm: Balances the nervous system.

Valerian: Mild sedative, decreases anxiety.

Mother of thyme: Invigorating and revitalizing.

Angelica: Invigorator and nervous system stabilizer.

Celery: General invigorator.

Ginseng: Antidepressant and anxiolytic.

Sage: Stimulates suprarenal gland function.

St. Johnswort: Invigorator and nervous system stabilizer.

Thyme: General invigorator. Stimulates intellectual performance.

The herbs listed above are known to treat panic attacks, and many other mental ailments. Not only are they effective they are safe and hold no nasty side effects like drug medications.

These herbal remedies for panic attacks can be found through an herbal doctor, and most do not need any special preparation. The herbal doctor can tell you the right dosage to take, and other advice pertaining to the particular illness.

January 8, 2008 -- Herbal Remedies for Menopause
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