Yoga vs. Walking to Treat Anxiety

Who doesnt feel a little anxious and "stressed out" from time to time? One of the best ways to "send stress packing" is to exercise, but what type of exercise is best? Two forms of exercise that doctors recommend to anxious patients are yoga or walking. Both forms of exercise require minimal equipment, other than a good pair of shoes, and theyre safe for most people to do. But which is better?

Yoga vs. Walking for Anxiety Treatment

According to a new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary medicine, yoga trumps walking when it comes to easing anxiety symptoms. Research shows that yoga increases levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA thats low in people who are anxious. Doctors often use medications that increase GABA levels to treat anxiety, but yoga increases levels of this "relaxing" brain chemical naturally. Just one the many benefits of yoga.

According to researchers at Boston University School of Medicine, yoga not only raises GABA levels, participants feel less anxious and "stressed out" after a session. Doing yoga poses increases the release of this powerful neurotransmitter that calms the mind and reduces anxiety.

What About Walking for Anxiety?

Walking at a low to moderate pace reduces levels of cortisol, the so-called stress hormone. This helps to reduce anxiety levels too, although it doesnt affect GABA levels in the same way yoga does. Walking outdoors in nature is particularly therapeutic for lowering cortisol levels and reducing stress and anxiety.

The Benefits of Yoga vs. Walking

Yoga vs. walking for anxiety - which should you choose? Either has its benefits for relieving stress, but yoga outperformed walking in this study. It would be ideal to combine both forms of exercise as a double-pronged approach to treating anxiety. Walk for thirty minutes one day, and do a thirty minute yoga session the next. This would offer a little variety too.

Yoga vs. Walking for Anxiety: The Bottom Line?

Yoga has powerful benefits when it comes to relieving anxiety, because it alters levels of the brain neurotransmitter GABA. On the other hand, walking outdoors has a calming effect too. Try combining these two forms of exercise, and feel your stress melt away - naturally.

References:

Medical News Today. "Yogas Ability to Improve Mood and Lessen Anxiety is Linked to Increased levels of a Critical Brain Chemical"

How to Get Rid of Roaches and Prevent Them from Coming Back!

Theyre not the prettiest things in the world! In fact, theyre right down scary looking especially when you find one crawling over your dishes or on your food! This will be a two part series on how to get rid of roaches. This part will tell you what you need to do to keep them out of your house so you never have to deal with them again. The second article will tell you what you need to do to eliminate roaches that are already in your house.

The best way to eliminate roaches is to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place. This is best done by keeping your house, particularly your kitchen and bathrooms scrupulously clean so theres no food to attract roaches and no place for them to hide. Use containers with tight seals as roaches have the uncanny ability to slip into even the tightest spaces. Theres nothing more upsetting than opening your favorite box of cereal and finding a big, healthy roach inside! Tupperware containers with tops that seal tightly make good storage containers for boxed items such as cereals.

Your next step is to make sure your door frames and windows are sealed properly. Also check for cracks in the foundation and floorboards of your home. These are all access points where roaches can enter your home. If in doubt, use caulk to seal any openings. Another point of entry is through your kitchen or bathroom drains. This is why its important to keep your drain as clean and free of food and moisture as possible. Never leave a source of open water such as water in a sink or bathtub. Roaches will be attracted by the moisture, not to mention other insects.

What about your trash cans? Make sure theyre emptied on a daily basis and any sticky debri is removed from their surfaces. Kitchen and bathroom counters should be kept free of crumbs and debri, and, of course, moisture.

To sum it up, you can prevent roaches from entering your home by keeping your counters, workspaces, and shelves free of crumbs, debri, and moisture and by limiting clutter so roaches have no place to hide. As an additional measure, you should make sure all entry points for roaches are sealed off such as windows, baseboards, and door frames. Screens should be placed over any pipes or vents that open to the outside.

If you take the above measures, its usually enough to prevent your home from getting infested with roaches. In the next article, well explore how to get rid of roaches that are already in your home.

Whats the Best Cradle Cap Treatment for My Baby?

You have a new baby! Congratulations on your new birth! Many new mothers are disturbed to find their baby has the symptoms of a harmless, but unsightly, condition known as cradle cap. Believing their baby has a serious skin condition, many mothers become frightened and seek treatment for this rather common condition. Fortunately, theres no need for alarm since this condition shouldnt cause long term problems for your baby.

Just what is cradle cap and how does a baby get it?

Cradle cap is a harmless condition of the scalp occurring in infants and newborns It presents with visible scaling and mild redness. Its really more unsightly than anything and is basically a harmless condition that will resolve on its own over a period of a few months whether its treated or not. Its reassuring to know this condition is not passed from baby to baby or from baby to adult and shouldnt cause any pain or discomfort to your baby.

Because of the benign nature of this condition, cradle cap treatment should be minimal and should consist of proper shampooing and gentle removal of the scales present on your babys scalp. Usually baby shampoo is the best choice for your babys shampoo as its pH is such that it wont irritate a babys sensitive scalp. A soft toothbrush along with a small amount of baby oil can be used to remove the scales from a babys scalp, although this should be done gently to prevent further irritation to an already sensitive scalp.

If the symptoms of cradle cap fail to resolve over several weeks, a doctor should be consulted for further workup and evaluation.. Other scalp conditions can cause scaling including ringworm which is best diagnosed and treated by your pediatrician. If the symptoms of cradle cap persist despite your best efforts at home, your doctor may prescribe a medicated shampoo to help dissolve the scales faster and return your babys scalp to normal. He may also recommend use of a cortisone cream if there is extensive scalp irritation.

Can cradle cap be prevented?

The best way to prevent cradle cap is to shampoo your infants scalp every few days with a mild baby shampoo.

Its reassuring to know cradle cap is common and benigh condition that will completely resolve even without treatment. Fortunately, by taking the above steps you can initiate your own cradle cap treatment and speed up the process considerably. Pretty soon your new baby will have a shiny and scale free scalp!

Why You Should Drink Milk After a Workout

Forgot those fancy, overpriced sports drinks. To replace lost fluids after a workout, milk may be the better answer. According to a new study, replacing some of the carbohydrates in sports drinks with milk protein normalizes body fluids faster than guzzling a Gatorade.

Milk after a Workout May Top Sports Drinks

When researchers compared a drink made with 65 grams per liter of carbohydrate to one containing 40 grams of carbohydrates and 25 grams of milk protein per liter, the latter helped to replace fluids lost through exercise more effectively. Researchers believe the proteins in milk slow down gastric emptying, which allows the body to reabsorb more fluid. This leads to faster re-hydration.

Milk after Exercise: How About Some Chocolate Milk?

When it comes to optimizing endurance and recovering quickly after a workout, chocolate milk may be the best sports drinks of all. In one study, cyclists who drank chocolate milk before a long cycle to exhaustion were able to bike fifty-percent longer than those who sipped on traditional carb-rich sports drinks.

During intense exercise, especially sprinting and resistance training, muscles develop small tears that need protein to heal - but the body also needs carbohydrates to replace glycogen stores. Milk has just the right ratio of carbohydrates-to-protein to maximize recovery from exercise.

Other Benefits of Milk after a Workout

Not only does milk and chocolate milk have an ideal ratio of carbs to protein, its also a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health and for effective muscle contractions. In addition, the flavanols in chocolate milk increase levels of nitric oxide in the body. This maximizes blood flow to hard-working muscles. Nitric oxide also helps to dilate arteries and lower the risk of heart disease by preventing blood clots caused by platelet aggregation. You dont get that when you drink a sports drink.

Milk after a Workout: The Bottom Line?

If youre looking for an inexpensive sports drink, a cup of chocolate milk after a workout may be your best bet. The bonus? It tastes great too.

References:

Dairyreporter.com. "Milk proteins may aid post exercise fluid retention"
Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2006; 16:78-91.

How to Decorate a Clutch Evening Bag for a Party

Do you have a plain clutch evening bag that could use a little added style? Dont be tempted to buy a new one when you can quickly and easily transform your plain clutch bag into a handcrafted work of art. With a little creativity, you can craft a handbag that will draw raves from your friends and compliments about your design talent. Heres how to decorate a clutch evening bag:

Decorate a clutch evening bag: Attach some semiprecious stone cabachons

Have you ever been to a high end boutique and seen the prices on purses that are decorated with stones? They can be astronomical. The good news is you dont have to pay those prices. Simply take your purse down to your local bead store and spend an hour arranging semiprecious cabachons on the front of your purse. Once you find an arrangement you like, buy fabric glue and attach them to create your design. Most bead stores have a good selection of stone cabachons in a variety of shapes and colors which will give you a lot of creative freedom. If you dont want to spend the money for semiprecious cabachons, glass ones will work as well.

Decorate a clutch evening bag: Attach rhinestones

If youll be carrying your clutch bag to a ritzy event, you may want a glitzier purse. To add a touch of glitz, glue rhinestones in a pretty design on the front of your clutch bag. Rhinestones are easy to attach using glue. Be sure to select a glue that dries clear and is specifically made for fabric.

Decorate a clutch evening bag: Attach an antique filigree

One way to instantly transform a purse and give it a vintage appeal is to attach an antique brass filigree to the front. If you cant find a true antique filigree, buy a filigree from your local craft store. While youre there, pick up a bottle of antiquing solution and darken the metal yourself. Once youve given the filigree an antique look, use hot glue to attach it to your purse. You can use several filigrees to create a design if you prefer. Remember, its your own unique work of art.

Decorate a clutch evening bag: Paint on your bag

If you have a bit of artistic talent, get some fabric paints and freehand your own design on the front of the bag. If your art talented is limited, buy stencils at your craft store to make you an instant artist.

Decorating a clutch evening bag is a great way to bring out your inner creativity as well as give you a fun new purse to carry to your next evening function.

Does a Low Fat, Low Calorie Donut Sound Good?

Does the word "donut" and "low fat" sound like an oxymoron to you? Certainly a warm, freshly glazed donut isnt health food in anyones book. But if youre committed to eating right yet salivate at the thought of a donut and a warm cup of coffee, theres still hope. Holey Donuts to the rescue! This unique company offers a stunning variety of mouthwatering donuts that are low in fat without trans fats that make snacking on a donut such an artery clogging experience.

Would you believe the average donut from Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Creme has between fifteen and twenty grams of fat? No wonder Holey Donuts is making its mark on the dessert world with its low fat donut selection - donuts which contain only four grams of fat. Plus, its reassuring to know theyre trans fat free. These tasty orbs are also low in calories, averaging between 150 and 200 calories per donut - less than half the calories of a traditional donut.

How did Holey Donut manage to create such a low fat, low calorie donut? They developed a unique cooking process which allows the creation of a tasty, low fat donut without deep frying - the process which adds most of the artery clogging fat to traditional donuts. By using this process theyre able to prepare, for example, a low-fat vanilla crumb donut with 148 calories and only 3 grams of fat. This is just one example of the many low fat donuts this company offers. Some of the other tempting flavors include low caramel apple, reduced fat vanilla frosted Boston cream, low fat caramel crumb, reduced fat raspberry graham, among others. Their best seller is a tempting coconut cream pie donut. When you tire of their low fat, low calorie donuts, they also make jumbo reduced fat cinnamon buns. Would you believe these buns only have between eighty and ninety calories per bun? If youre racking up calories with frequent trips to Cinnabon, this is a much healthier alternative.

More good news. Holey Donuts delivers and you can purchase individual donuts or assortments from their website. By all means, if you can live without donuts, its best to have fruit instead; but if your sweet tooth cant be satiated with an apple or bowl of strawberries, this is a healthier alternative than a trip to Dunkin Donuts. Keep in mind that even low fat donuts should be eaten in moderation since even the healthiest donuts are low in nutritional value. But if a sweet craving hits, these low fat, low calorie donuts are the ones to have on hand.

The Considerable Benefits of a Smile

It seems that nothing has more power to elevate a mood than the impact of a genuine smile. Surprisingly enough, the benefits of a smile extend not only to the recipient of the warm gesture but also to the smiles originator. Yes, the old quotation may be true. "A smile is a little curve that sets a lot of things straight." Here are some of the many benefits of a smile:

Benefits of a smile: A healthier immune system

Various studies conducted over the years have shown that smiling and laughter can boost the functioning of the immune system. This may help to reduce your risk of developing everything from the common cold to chronic diseases such as cancer. Could there be a less expensive medicine than this?

Benefits of a smile: Helps to relieve stress

Smiling and laughter helps to promote release of a "feel good" group of hormones called endorphins. These are the same group of hormones responsible for the runners high you hear so much about. If you dont have time to get to the gym for a hard run, try adding a smile and a bit of laughter to boost these natural, stress relieving hormones.

Benefits of a smile: A smile is beautiful

Why do American spend thousands of dollars on makeup and cosmetic procedures to look more attractive and then walk around with a scowl on their faces? The most beautiful face in the world wont be pleasing with down turned lips and a sour expression. In contrast, a plain face can be transformed by the power of a smile. If you want to look better, try adding a genuine smile.

Benefits of a smile: A smile inspires others

When you smile at a stranger you not only boost your own health and beauty, you also send a positive message that can potentially change someone elses mood for the better. The stranger you graced with your smile may go on to pass the kindness to someone else. Who knows how far your original smile will travel?

Benefits of a smile: Smiling can increase your chances for success

When you smile, you appear confident and capable. Given the choice between two equally qualified job candidates, the smiling candidate is going to be perceived as being more of a team player and easier to work with. Who do you think is more likely to get the job offer?

The next time youre tempted to face the world with a frown, remember another old quotation. "It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown".

How to Determine Your Dogs Breed If Its a Mutt

If youre the proud owner of a mixed breed dog or "mutt", you probably repeatedly hear the question, "What kind of dog is that?" Although you probably have a few ideas, you may be a bit perplexed yourself when it comes to identifying your dogs heritage. Unfortunately, theres no ancestry.com website you can use to research your dogs lineage. Luckily, finding out your dogs breed may be easier than you think thanks to several new companies that do genetic testing on mixed breed dogs looking for an identity.

One company that offers to determine a dogs breed is MetaMorphix, located in Beltsville, Maryland. If your dog is a mixture of one of forty breeds, it can be detected by using their Canine Heritage Breed Test. To test a dogs breed using this service, its as simple as taking a swab of your dogs saliva using a check swab collection brush. The sample is packaged and sent to the company for genetic testing. In four to six weeks, youll receive a certificate proudly indicating your dogs breed analysis. They also ask that you send in a digital photo which will be placed on your dogs breed certificate once its completed. How much does this testing cost? At the present time, the price is listed as $119, a seemingly reasonable price for such a unique service.

Other companies are now starting to offer a similar dog breed identification service.With dogs being such an important member of the family, it seems likely this type of service will remain in demand. Its an easy and relatively inexpensive way to settle the ongoing demand of what kind of dog Fido really is. Plus, when people ask at the dog park, youll have a definitive answer. You can also frame and proudly display your dogs breed certificate complete with digital photo in a prominent place in your home.

If you dont want to spend the money to have your dogs breed determined by genetic testing, a little reading and research on your own can give you clues as to what kind of mix your mutt really is. Its not only important to look at face and body features but also the personality characteristics of your dog and compare those traits to typical breeds. Another option is to get the opinion of your veterinarian who has the advantage of seeing hundreds of mixed breed dogs on a monthly basis.

It can be interesting to use genetic testing to determine your dogs breed, but no matter what the results, hell still be the special, one-of-kind dog youve grown to love.

Milk and Acne: Does Fermented Milk Help?

Acne can cause a great deal of frustration and heartache for both teens and adults. Its due to overproduction of sebum and poor skin sloughing, which blocks the pores. This overproduction of sebum is thought to be triggered by fluctuating levels of hormones, especially testosterone. When excess sebum and poor sloughing clogs a pore, bacteria feed on it and it becomes inflamed - leading to ugly, acne lesions. Not surprisingly, researchers have looked at the connection between acne and diet - dairy products, in particular. Interestingly, the effects of milk on acne could depend on what type of milk you drink.

Milk and Acne

Researchers speculated that milk may worsen acne by increasing levels of a hormone called IGF-1 that triggers acne outbreaks when it interacts with testosterone, also present in cows milk. Some, but not all, studies show that milk drinkers have a greater risk of developing severe acne lesions.

Fermented Milk to the Rescue

Not all milk is created equal when it comes to acne. More recent research shows that fermented milk may be beneficial for preventing acne outbreaks - especially fermented milk supplemented with 200 milligrams of lactoferrin.

In a study published in the journal Nutrition, researchers gave 36 young people fermented milk or fermented milk enriched with lactoferrin for 12 weeks. The group who drank the lactoferrin-enriched milk developed fewer acne lesions, less sebum and fewer painful inflammatory lesions than those who drank fermented milk without lactoferrin. They also had fewer skin surface lipids that could contribute to clogged pores.

Researchers believe lactoferrin-enriched fermented milk improves immune function and helps to keep the bacteria and inflammatory response in check so that a person gets fewer acne outbreaks and less inflammatory lesions. Lactoferrin also has anti-bacterial activity.

Milk and Acne: The Bottom Line?

Whether drinking regular milk worsens the symptoms of acne is unclear, but drinking lactoferrin-enriched fermented milk may have some benefits. Fermented milk is available at many natural food stores, and some people have an easier time digesting it than regular milk. If you have acne and you drink regular milk, switch over to fermented milk enriched with lactoferrin for a few weeks and keep a diary of your acne outbreaks to see if it helps.

References:

Nutrition. 2010 Sep; 26(9): 902-9.

How Unhealthy is the Wendys Baconator Sandwich?

Fast-food restaurants have earned the reputation of offering high-calorie fare thats also weak in the nutrition department. Wendys restaurant is no exception. One of their more recent launches is the Baconator. This sandwich is made of the stuff meat-lovers crave - hamburger and bacon. The Baconator sandwich might "hit the spot" for carnivores, but how bad is it from a health standpoint? Get the low-down on the Wendys Baconator sandwich.

Baconator Nutrition Facts: Its Not Health Food

Wendys offers three different versions of the Baconator - the single, double, and triple. The single has one four-ounce patty of beef, while the double and triple have two or three patties. Then Wendys adds strips of bacon, slices of American cheese, mayonnaise, and ketchup - and throws it on a bun to finish off the fast-food creation the world knows as the Baconator sandwich.

The Low Down on Baccinator Nutrition or the Lack Thereof

The Baconator sandwich has 610 calories and 34 grams of fat when you order it as a single - and not all of it is healthy fat. In fact, the Baconator has 14 grams of artery-clogging saturated fat and small amounts of trans-fat too. Add to that almost 1200 milligrams of salt, and you can see why your cardiologist makes money off of people who eat at Wendys. This isnt a heart-friendly sandwich. On the plus side, it has 32 grams of protein, which makes it filling.

Other Bad Baconator Nutrition Facts

The disturbing fact is this. The Baconator gives you lots of calories and fat, but very little fiber, vitamins, or antioxidants. You get some calcium from the cheese and iron and vitamin B12 from the meat as well as modest amounts of vitamins A and C - but its still weak on the nutritional front. Not to mention bad for the arteries.

The Bacinator Sandwich at Wendys Restaurant: Should You Eat It?

Save this fatty burger for a splurge - and order a single with lettuce, tomato, and mustard instead. If you absolutely must have the bacon, order a single slice of Applewood smoked bacon to go with your sandwich. Wendys offers this as an add-on. This revamping will save you over 200 calories and youll still get the great taste of bacon. Add a side-salad for more fiber. The bottom line? The Baconator sandwich tastes good if youre a meat lover, but there are healthier fast-food options. Order them instead.

References:

Wendys website.

Parsley for Breath Odor - Does it Work?

No one wants to offend someone with their breath. A person with bad breath will often feverishly search for the right product to make their breath smell sweeter. Unfortunately, many commercial mouthwashes mask the odor without addressing the underlying problem. There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause bad breath, but the usual cause is an overabundance of sulfur producing bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue. One solution thats often recommended for bad breath is chewing on fresh parsley. This age old solution has been passed down over the years; but does it really work? Is parsley for breath odor effective?

Because bad breath usually stems from sulfur producing bacteria in the mouth, the most effective way to eliminate the odor is to wipe out the offending bacteria. Theres evidence that the polyphenols found in green tea and the "good" bacteria found in yogurt can inhibit the growth of many of these odor producing bacteria. As far as parsley for breath odor, the news is not so good. Like mouthwashes and rinses that dont really solve the problem, chewing on parsley masks bad breath odor temporarily rather than truly solving the problem.

Still, parsley for breath odor is an old folk remedy that many people swear by. Parsley is believed to be effective because its a good source of chlorophyll, a compound thought to have anti-bacterial properties. Although some studies show that chlorophyll kills bacteria, study results have been inconsistent. In the case of bad breath odor, parsley doesnt seem to have enough anti-bacterial impact to wipe out the sulfur compounds that cause the breath to smell. Chewing on a sprig of parsley may temporarily reduce the odor of bad breath, but it may be no more effective than chewing on other herbs. Chewing on almost any fresh herb will have some short-term impact on breath odor by stimulating saliva flow. In fact, cinnamon may be a better herb to chew since it appears to have anti-bacterial activity and a refreshing smell as well.

The bottom line when it comes to parsley for breath odor? Chewing on parsley is likely only a temporary fix for bad breath odor. Chewing on a stick of cinnamon, sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol is a better option since both xylitol and cinnamon have anti-bacterial properties. The act of chewing gum also stimulates saliva flow which helps to wash out odor causing bacteria. Keep a pack in your pocket and save the parsley as a garnish instead.

Make Sugar Free Homemade Apple Butter Quickly and Easily! Delicious Recipe!

Do you love the sweet delicious taste of apple butter but want to avoid the excess sugar usually added to commercial apple butter? The answer might be to make your own homemade apple butter at home using sugar free ingredients. Apple butter is so versatile and quite healthy when you consider all of the vitamins, fiber and antioxidants found in apples. Plus, the process of cooking the apples helps to make the antioxidants easier for the body to absorb.Unfortunately, making homemade apple butter can be tedious, time consuming and messy. What if you could make apple butter in your microwave? Great news! You can do just that. Ive included a recipe for sugar free apple butter below followed by some ideas for how to use your homeade apple butter. Heres the basic recipe:

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

3 pounds of apples finely chopped

1/2 cup sugar free maple syrup (easy to find at most grocery stores)

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

In a microwave safe bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar free maple syrup, and cinnamon. Microwave on high power for 12 minutes. Remove from microwave and place into a blender or food processor. Blend until mixture is smooth. Place bowl back into microwave and cook for an additional 8 minutes. Allow the miexture to cool completely before placing into a jar.

Ill bet by now your kitchen is smelling pretty sweet! The smell of blended apples and cinnamons is quite satisfying which is why apple butter can be considered one of those old fashioned comfort foods we want more of these days.

Here are some ideas on how to use your freshly made apple butter:

1. Use it as a sandwich spread. You can apply it to one side of your bread and put low fat cream cheese on the other. Then add your primary sadnwich
material. Smoked turkey is a good choice.

2. Spread it on whole grain crackers for a tasty and delicious snack.

3. Add a spoonful of apple butter to your oatmeal as a quick breakfast food.,

4. Spread it onto waffles and pancakes. You need less syrup this way.

5. Use it in place of regular butter. Its healthy and lower in fat and calories than regular butter.

Offering your kids apple butter is a great way to help them get their daily quota of fruits. Theyll love the taste and youll love the health benefits. Give this recipe a try. Youll love the fresh taste. Youll never go back to store bought apple butter again!

Do Bananas Cause Constipation?

Doctors often recommend that people eat bananas when they have diarrhea - as part of the BRAT diet. (bananas, rice, applesauce, and tea). Because bananas help to relieve diarrhea, many people assume that bananas slow down bowel movements. Do bananas cause constipation?

Bananas and Constipation: Do Bananas Cause Constipation?

Bananas help to treat diarrhea because they contain pectin, a complex-carbohydrate that increases water absorption from the intestines. By causing more water to be reabsorbed from the bowels, the pectin in bananas decreases the number of loose, watery stools people with diarrhea experience. Bananas are also rich in potassium, a mineral which is depleted in people who have chronic diarrhea.

What about bananas and constipation? Bananas are a very good source of fiber, and fiber-rich foods, especially insoluble fiber, reduce constipation. Why the discrepancy? The effect bananas have on the colon depends partially on the type of banana you eat. Bananas that are ripe are best for keeping stool moving through the intestines, whereas unripe bananas are more likely to cause constipation due to their higher starch content.

Bananas and Constipation: Should You Eat Them if Youre Prone to Constipation?

Because of the "dual" effects of bananas on the intestines, its best to eat them in moderation if youre prone to constipation. They probably wont cause a slow-down in bowel movements unless you eat green bananas in large amounts.

On the other hand, there are better fruits for relieving constipation such as prunes, figs, apricots, pears, and peaches. Try eating some of these fruits in place of some of the bananas you normally eat - if you want to keep your bowels moving. Be sure to drink lots of liquids if youre prone to constipation. Dehydration will only make the symptoms worse.

Do Bananas Cause Constipation: The Bottom Line?

If youre prone to constipation, theres no need to completely give up bananas. Its okay to eat ripe bananas in moderation along with other high-fiber fruits - and follow up by drinking more liquids.

Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium, and its the plant food highest in vitamin B6. This tasty tropical fruit is a good source of energy - and it makes a great tasting smoothie thicker and even more delicious. Enjoy bananas, but do so in moderation.

References:

Worlds Healthiest Foods website.

Why Brewing Coffee with a French Press Tastes Better

Are you obsessed with brewing a good cup of coffee? If you want a superior cup of coffee without all the labor, brewing coffee with a French press coffee maker may be the answer. A French press is a convenient way to get a superlative cup of coffee, full of rich, strong bodied flavor. Plus, its easy to use whether youre at home or on the go. Yes, you can even use a small, portable French press to brew fresh coffee at work, but dont be surprised when no one drinks the office coffee anymore. Theyll be holding their cups out to you.

Why does a French press deliver a superior cup of coffee? When you prepare coffee with a French press, no filter is required. You simply add the coffee to the press followed by hot water. The coffee is allowed to brew for around four minutes. Then, the plunger is pushed down to separate the coffee grounds from the freshly brewed coffee. Because a paper filter isnt used, theres no opportunity for the aromatic essential oils to be soaked up by the paper which means more flavor ends up in your cup. Another reason why brewing coffee with a French press delivers more flavor is the fact that hot water completely surrounds the coffee beans, allowing the full flavor to be extracted from the beans.

Brewing coffee with a French press is especially handy when you only want a serving or two, not a whole pot. French presses come in all sizes. There are ones that brew only four ounces at a time as well as larger ones that brew up to sixteen ounces. The small, four ounce sizes are perfect if you happen to get a coffee craving on the run and dont want to pull into a Starbucks drive-thru. Besides, your coffee tastes better.

One word of warning. A medical study showed that brewing coffee with a French press may cause elevation of an amino acid known as homocysteine in the bloodsteam of coffee drinkers. High levels of this amino acid have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Coffee brewed with a French press also contains high levels of diterpenes which can raise cholesterol levels. For this reason, its best to limit the number of cups of French pressed coffee you drink. Even better, alternate cups of coffee with green tea. A French press coffee maker can also be used to make hot tea using loose leaf tea leaves. Its truly a multi-purpose machine.

The Health Benefits of Lime Juice

Ahh! Nothing tastes more refreshing on a hot summer day than a cold glass of limeade. Most limeade contains too much sugar to be called a healthy drink, but the lime juice you use to make it has some surprising health properties. What are the health benefits of lime juice?

Health Benefits of Lime Juice: Its Good for the Skin and Joints

A single cup of lime juice has almost seventy-three milligrams of vitamin C - more than a full days requirement for this important antioxidant vitamin thats involved in so many bodily functions. Vitamin C helps to build healthy skin, ligaments, and tendons by stimulating synthesis of collagen - the backbone of healthy skin and joints. It also gives the immune system a boost to help fight off colds and flu viruses. Did you know that you absorb more iron when you eat iron-rich foods with vitamin C rich drinks such as lime juice? Its also a tasty and refreshing break from orange juice.

Health Benefits of Lime Juice: Its Good for the Blood Pressure

Lime juice is a good source of potassium - an element needed by every cell in the body. Potassium is important for regulating the heart rhythm and helps to relax blood vessels and reduce the risk of hypertension. A diet low in potassium and high in sodium is a key factor in the development of hypertension for some people.

Health Benefits of Lime Juice: Cancer Prevention?

Limes are a good source of compounds called limonins which may help to protect against cancer of the lungs and digestive tract. The limonins found in citrus juices such as lime juice also activates liver enzymes that help to break down and detoxify cancer causing chemicals. In addition, theyre a good source of flavonoids to help counteract the free radical damage that can lead to cancer.

Health Benefits of Lime Juice: How to Use It

Use a citrus juicer to make fresh lime juice and keep it in the refrigerator to add flavor to recipes instead of lemon juice. It gives a tangy flavor edge that reduces the amount of salt thats needed in most recipes - a real bonus if you have high blood pressure. Sprinkle a little on a fresh garden or fruit salad for added zing. Use it to make tangy dressings and marinades. Of course, you can enjoy it the old fashioned way with a big glass of limeade - just go light on the sugar.

References:

http://www.whfoods.com

How to Wear Leopard Print This Season

If you feel like youre seeing spots this season, you may be right. One of the hottest looks for 2009 comes straight from the woodlands of Africa in the form of stylish leopard print fashions. Leopard prints can add a touch of the wild to your winter and spring wardrobe this season. Theres no quicker way to enhance the look of basic black than by adding a leopard print accessory such as a long leopard patterned scarf. Heres how to use leopard print to work magic on your wardrobe this year.

Although some people feel a little intimidated by leopard prints because they make such a bold statement, theres no reason to shy away from this look. While a leopard print dress may not be for everyone, there are a variety of ways to add the chic look of leopard without overpowering your figure or your wallet.

If a leopard dress or skirt is too strong of a statement for your taste, why not dress up a black knit top and pants with a dramatic leopard scarf and team it with a roomy leather tote bag or purse? Dont forget about leopard print shoes and belts. These are subtle ways to make a big fashion statement with the dramatic look of leopard.

If youre feeling bolder, invest in a pretty leopard skin silk blouse to wear with black pants and heels for an evening out on the town. This combination always looks chic and ultra-sophisticated. Most leopard patterned blouses can also be worn with dark brown and deep rust pants and skirts, so dont feel like youre restricted to black. Its a great pattern to dress up a wardrobe of neutrals that could use a quick update.

When choosing a leopard print keep in mind that the scale of the print you choose can have a big impact on the look. If you want to stand out, choose a larger, bolder print. You can also find leopard skin prints that are smaller and more discrete if you want a conservative look. Try using the size of the print to subtly enhance your figure. If you want to draw the eye up and away from your hips, wear a large, bold leopard pattern.

If you want a dramatic look, visit a vintage clothing store and find a leopard print coat. These were popular in the 1950s and 1960s and can be found in faux fur in a variety of styles including swing coats and trapeze styles. These pieces are very bold and look best against a simple background of black or dark brown. Theyre fun to wear on casual weekend excursions.

Have fun exploring the world of leopard prints this year!

Can a Vitamin Be Used to Treat Glaucoma?

Can vitamin E treat glaucoma? It sounds farfetched, but this fat soluble, antioxidant vitamin could make it easier for glaucoma sufferers to treat their eye disease. According to new research presented at the American Chemical Society meeting, vitamin E could soon be used to make glaucoma treatment more effective.

What is Glaucoma and How is It Treated?

Glaucoma is a common eye disease thats caused by the build-up of pressure behind the eye. If its left untreated, a person can completely lose their vision. Normally, medicated eyedrops are placed in the affected eye which helps to lower the pressure and prevent loss of vision. The problem is the eyes produce tears which dilutes out the drops and carry them away before they have their full effect.

Vitamin E to Treat Glaucoma: What Role Does Vitamin E Play?

Researchers have developed special contact lenses that are coated with vitamin E and an eye pressure lowering medication that would normally be used to treat glaucoma. Adding vitamin E in the contact lens creates a barrier so that the glaucoma medication isnt diluted out and removed by the tears that the eye produces. Vitamin E essentially serves as a barrier to keep the glaucoma medication in contact with the eye longer.

Can Using Vitamin E Help Other Eye Conditions?

Researchers hope to use vitamin E to treat other eye conditions such as dry eyes and cataracts too. Using vitamin E is a safe and natural way to treat glaucoma and, possibly, other eye problems since its an antioxidant vitamin that helps to keep the eyes healthy. Using vitamin E in this manner also helps to protect the eyes against the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. Another benefit? Some studies show that a diet rich in vitamin E lowers the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration of the eyes.

Vitamin E to Prevent Glaucoma

Vitamin E enhanced contact lenses to treat glaucoma arent available just yet. Animal studies need to be carried out to determine the safety of this treatment - and human studies should follow. The good news is these contact lenses are as easy to wear as regular contact lenses and could make it easier for people with glaucoma to treat their disease - safely and effectively.

References:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100324121002.htm