1. Garlic

The key to heart health is encouraging the “good” HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol and limiting the “bad” LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. LDL itself is not so bad. It becomes dangerous when it is oxidized by free radicals inside a blood vessel.

When that happens, it is attacked by the white blood cells, which become engorged and are then deposited on the arterial wall as plaque. This leads to the thickening of the arterial wall, narrowing of the passageway, and eventually blockage. HDL, on the other  hand, being denser and heavier, is not likely to attach itself to the arterial wall.

Instead, it actually picks up LDL, pulling it away from the blood vessel, and transporting it to the liver, where it can be broken down and excreted.

• Garlic reduces the free radicals that cause damage to cholesterol.
• Garlic also inhibits the infiltration of damaged fats and cholesterol through the wall of the arteries.

Garlic’s ability to lower serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, and its ability to reduce platelet aggregation and premature clotting, we can understand why garlic is the single most important food for protecting the heart and arteries.  

2. Ginger

Ginger affect the synthesis and deployment of a group of biological response moderators called eicosanoids, which mediate healing and immunity.

The body makes these important compounds from essential fatty acids and uses them to regulate critical cellular functions.

Three principal categories of eicosanoids – prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes.  Imbalances in eicosanoid synthesis and release underlie many common illnesses, from arthritis and peptic ulcer to the increased platelet aggregation that can trigger heart attacks and strokes.

Ginger modulates this system in ways that reduce abnormal inflammation and clotting.

3. Sunflower Seeds:

Sunflower seeds are very high  in potassium and low in sodium, a balance sorely needed by most of us these days with so many salted foods available.

One cup of sunflower seeds contains more than 1,300mg of potassium and only 4mg of sodium. This is helpful as a diuretic or for people who already take diuretics, to help replace some potassium.

The high amount of oil in sunflower seeds as polyunsaturated fats, essential linoleic acid, and vitamin E is also helpful in reducing cholesterol levels and improving or preventing cardiovascular disease.

If sunflower seeds are soaked overnight, it makes them more digestible and alkaline-forming.

4. Hawthorn:  

For centuries hawthorn has been used to treat heart ailments, particularly “ dropsy”, (congestive heart failure).

In addition, both Asian and European practitioners have used it for centuries to treat high blood pressure and angina pectoris. European researchers have discovered that the active ingredient in hawthorn is the oligomeric procyanidins, a complex of flavonoids.

This flavonoids complex helps the heart pump more efficiently by increasing blood supply to the heart muscle through vasodilatation through the coronary arteries, increasing the heart’s output of blood, and decreasing the peripheral vessel resistance, which improves blood flow.

The overall result is a stronger, healthier heart with improved circulation.  

5. Red Grapes and Wine:

Both red wine and red grape juice may protect against heart disease in several ways. First, both of these beverages are an excellent source of phenolic compounds, including catechin, epicatechin, and gallic acid.

Although red wine is a better source of phenolic compounds, they are also present in red grape juice. Phenolic compounds have been shown to prevent the formation of blood clots, which are a major cause of both heart attack and strokes in humans.

Second, phenolic compounds also help to adjust the effects of nitric oxide, an important free radical produced by the body. By controlling the muscular tone of the blood vessels, nitric oxide regulates circulation and normalises blood flow, but excessive amounts of nitric oxide can be harmful.

Thirdly, phenolic compounds are antioxidants which prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which can lead to atherosclerosis and ultimately to a heart attack. Red wine does not lower cholesterol levels, but it does prevent LDL from turning rancid, which can lead to the formation of plaque deposits in arteries.

Wine drinkers are not only less likely to get heart disease, but they appear to be less likely to get macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness among people over sixty-five.

 6. Sweet Potatoes

One medium-sized baked sweet potato offers about 24,700I.U. of retinol equivalents (from beta carotene or carotenoids), or five times the RDA for vitamin A, in addition to potassium and fiber. Making them a terrific heart protecting food !

 They have:

Vitamins A, B, and E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Short- and medium- chain fatty acids. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).  

Benefits: 

Higher proportion of short – and medium –chain fatty acids.

They have little effect on cholesterol levels.

They also make milk easier to digest. Conjugated  linolenic acid (CLA) is a cancer-fighting fat-reducing fat.

The fat globules in sheep and  goat’s milk are smaller than fat globules in cow’s milk, making it easier to digest.

 For the adventurous persons - Ghlindos known as Vlito are in season from June to October. Their English name is Amaranth. The tender stems and leaves are eaten boiled and served with an olive oil and lemon juice dressing or they may be cooked with pulses. Amaranth is loaded with calcium, potassium, vitamins C and beta-carotene, whereas the seeds are rich in protein, minerals (calcium and iron), and vitamins C, E and B complex. Tea made from the leaves may help people suffering from intestinal bleeding, dysentery, diarrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding, ulcers and swelling.

​When we’re at a restaurant, deciding what to eat is all about finding something tasty. And when it’s time to cook dinner at home, we usually look for meals that are both easy to make and delicious. But how often do we think about nutrition in these moments? 

The good news is, we can make simple, healthy choices that don’t compromise on taste. And with a few smart combinations, we can even boost the nutritional benefits of our food.

Here are some easy, nutritious food pairings that you can try at home:

1. Orange and Spinach

Did you know that while spinach is packed with iron, the body often has trouble absorbing it? That’s where vitamin C comes in—it helps our bodies better absorb iron. Oranges are full of vitamin C, so pairing orange with spinach (like in a fresh salad) makes the iron in spinach easier to absorb, maximizing the health benefits.

2. Oatmeal and Yogurt

You may have heard of probiotics (the good bacteria in yogurt that helps our digestive health), but did you know they’re even more effective when paired with prebiotics? Oatmeal is rich in fiber, which acts as a prebiotic, nourishing the probiotics in yogurt. So, a breakfast of oatmeal and yogurt is a fantastic way to support your gut health.

3. Beans and Brown Rice

This classic combo is especially great for vegetarians. Both beans and brown rice have some iron, and beans are a great source of protein. Together, they provide a more complete mix of amino acids, which our bodies need to build and repair tissues.

4. Vegetables and Olive Oil

Drizzling olive oil over your veggies isn’t just tasty—it also helps your body absorb antioxidants more effectively. Olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that work well with the vitamins and antioxidants in vegetables, making this a powerful health combo.

5. Whole Grains and Lean Meat

Whole grains provide slow-burning carbs and vitamins, while lean meat is packed with protein and essential nutrients. For athletes or anyone with an active lifestyle, this combination helps regulate blood sugar and supports muscle repair.

Each of these foods is nutritious on its own, but pairing them in the right way can give you a healthy boost and make your meals more balanced.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated—just try mixing and matching some of these powerhouse pairs for a delicious and nutritious boost to your diet.

 When it comes to food most of us have our ready made, pre packaged and often pre-cooked favourites.

​People realise that certain fast foods or sugar filled snacks are bad for us, but most people don't know exactly HOW bad some added ingredients actually are.

It's common knowledge if you want to stay as healthy as possible you should eat fresh nutritious food and drink a lot of water, as well as balancing a healthy diet with exercise. However the need to stay healthy shouldn't stop any of us from enjoying the occasional treat. Below however are some ingredients listed in many, many products that you may not know the hidden dangers of.


Aspartame: One of the most prevalent sweeteners used in food manufacturing. Research has shown that prolonged consumption of it can cause blurred vision, seizures and even neurological conditions. Not to mention the migraine headaches associated with it, any labels bearing it should be something you should consume little of, if not avoid completely. Also be mindful of Sucralose (Splenda), these low cal alternatives to sugar have actually been shown to PROMOTE weight gain.


Yeast Extract: Many food products that claim to be 100% natural actually contain Yeast Extract. This is an ingredient that actually sounds pretty naturally harmless itself and could be skimmed over in a list. This is why manufacturers love it. In reality it is a form of MSG in disguise and can contain up to 14% 'free glutamate' - aka 'the bad stuff'.


Phosphoric Acid: The name says it all really. Phosphoric acid is added to fizzy drinks to make it that little bit, well, fizzier and to add the sting in your nose when you gulp down too much pop. As well as annihilating tooth enamel, which is why dentists loathe fizzy drinks, phosphoric acid also has other uses outside of the beverages department. Think scrubbing rust off war ships, and dissolving steel nails. That sort of thing.

*VEGANS BEWARE*

Casein: Ironically, Casein is used in many many 'soy' based cheeses which vegetarians unknowingly buy to use as an alternative to cows milk based cheese. For those of you with a vegan lifestyle who buy brands that aren't directly aimed at vegans, be sure to skim through soy alternatives labels' to double check that Casein is NOT listed.


Lanolin: Often cloaked as 'gum base' on packets of chewing gum, Lanolin is actually the oils secreted from sheeps wool. Eughk!


Fake Vitamins: The keyword here is Hydrochloride and if you see it listed, it should ring some alarm bells if you're buying the product for it's 'healthy' value. Anything with hydrochloride added to the end (eg. Thiamin Hydrochloride) is actually a chemically produced form of synthetic B vitamins, which nutritionally are almost useless to you.


Sugar: Yep, plain old sugar. It's not rocket science to know it's bad for you in too high amounts however many people don't realise that during the process from sugar cane to the sweet white powder (thrown on pretty much everything), the good parts of the sugar can are actually lost. The 'good' part, called molasses are used by farmers to feed their animals. So, ironically, farm animals are given the better parts than what is sent off to be humanly consumed. Diabetes, obesity, nutritional deficiencies and mood swings are all associated with high-sugar diets.


Most foods sold today are created in laboratories rather than crafted in kitchens, which is why it is is better to always cook from as fresh as possible and source your food responsibly. The problem with this though is that the modern day worker doesn't have time to cook for hours, or mill around shops grabbing separate ingredients to then return home, only half way to a hot meal. The work that goes into food production, such as multi-variate data analysis and product research is vita, however there are some crafty angles food companies take in concealing so read up and learn the truth behind certain ingredients.

 
About the Author - James enjoys reading and writing about the risks of certain types of food. A good resource for anyone looking to do further research is http://www.camo.com because they offer a variety of helpful software.

​Periodontal disease is a health epidemic that is affecting a wide proportion of the adult population. Periodontal disease is the advanced form of gum disease and there is an urgent need for relevant information about its effects and how to prevent it.

​Since around 75 percent of adult Americans have developed some form of gum disease, there is a clear need for simple and easy-to-understand information about this condition and how to protect your oral health.

Plaque And Bacteria

Your mouth is home to a lot of bacteria – some of it good and some of it potentially damaging. Much of the damaging bacteria come from the food that you eat and the food particles that are left over from eating. These bacteria need to be removed daily through your oral health routine. If not they accumulate and can damage your gum tissue.

When the bacteria flourish in your mouth it mixes with your saliva and this creates a sticky, yellowy substance called plaque. This clings to your teeth and irritates the gums causing inflammation and swelling of the gum tissue. Over time when plaque builds up it hardens and becomes tartar, which is a substance that can only be removed from the teeth by your dentist.

Bacteria, plaque and tartar work together to infect the gum tissue and potentially destroy the gum bone and damage your teeth. When the gum tissue becomes severely infected, the teeth can become wobbly and you may even lose your natural teeth.

The Early Stages Of Gum Disease

Gum disease is divided into two key stages – gingivitis, the early stage of the condition, and periodontal disease, which is the advanced stage of the condition. There are a couple of clear, early symptoms of gingivitis that you should be on the lookout for. They include:

• Redness on the gums
• Swelling and inflammation of the gum tissue
• Bleeding especially after brushing your teeth
• Constant bad breath
• Bad taste in your mouth

If you notice any of these symptoms, then it is time to visit the dentist for a check-up and for them to make a diagnosis. Your dentist is able to offer a deep clean to remove the plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums and to suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

Periodontitis

At this stage, there is a risk of long-lasting damage to your oral health. You will most likely need to undergo some form of dental intervention – be it surgical or non-surgical.

Your dentist will have to determine the level of the condition and how you can best restore your oral health before you lose your natural teeth and suffer serious infection.

A new study by the UK and US researchers found that blood pressure is increased by every extra sugar-sweetened drink that is consumed per day.

Drinking just one sugar - laden drink a day may result in high blood pressure.

Harvard researchers found that women who drank one or more sugar-sweetened soft drinks per day were 83 % more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women who drank less than one a month.

The Harvard School of Public Health offers these ideas for low and no-sugar drinks:

1. Infused water: You can easily buy flavoured water, but it's just as simple to make your own by adding citrus fruits, ginger or fresh mint to a jug of water.
2. Herbal or Green Tea, hot or cold, tea is an excellent sugar-free beverage. Try fruit-flavoured herbal teas, or teas with cinnamon or other spices such as ginger.
3. Sparkling juice: Make your own with 350ml of sparkling water and 40ml of juice. For a flavour boost, add sliced citrus or fresh herbs.
4. Fresh fruit coolers: Smoothies are marketed as "health" foods, but they're loaded with sugar. Instead, make a refreshing fresh fruit cooler, blend ice, sparkling water and melon or berries until slushy. Garnish with mint or citrus slices.
5. Low-sodium broth: There's no rule that says we must satisfy our thirst with something sweet. A low-sodium variety of miso soup can be a satisfying way to give your body the fluid it needs. 

 A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that contains at least one unpaired electron. Electrons are negatively charged particles that usually occur in pairs, forming a chemically stable arrangement.

If an electron is unpaired, another atom or molecule can easily bond with it, causing a chemical reaction. Because they join so readily with other compounds, free radicals can effect dramatic changes in the body, and they can cause a lot of oxidative damage.

Each free radical may exist for only a tiny fraction of a second, but the damage it leaves behind can be irreversible, particularly damage to heart muscle cells, nerve cells, and certain immune system sensor cells.

Free radicals are normally present in the body in small numbers. Biochemical processes naturally lead to the formation of free radicals, and under normal circumstances the body can keep them in check.

Please note that not all free radicals are bad. Free radicals produced by the immune system destroy viruses and bacteria. Other free radicals are involved in producing vital hormones and activating enzymes that are needed for life.

We need free radicals to produce energy and various substances that the body requires. If there is excessive free radical formation, however, damage to cells and tissues can occur. The formation of a large number of free radicals stimulates the formation of more free radicals, leading to even more damage.

Causes of Free Radicals: 

• Exposure to radiation, whether from the sun or from medical x-rays
• Exposure to environmental pollutants e.g. tobacco smoke, car exhaust
• Diet high in fat can increase free radical activity because oxidation occurs more readily in fat molecules than it does in carbohydrate or protein molecules.
• Cooking fats at high temperatures, particularly frying foods in oil, can produce large numbers of free radicals.

The reason why free radicals may be dangerous is that they can alter the way in which the cells code genetic material.

Changes in protein structure can occur as a result of errors in protein synthesis. The body's immune system may then see this altered protein as a foreign substance and try to destroy it. The formation of mutated proteins can eventually damage the immune system and lead to leukemia and other types of cancer, as well as to many other diseases.

In addition to damaging genetic material, free radicals can destroy the protective cell membranes. Calcium levels in the body may be upset as well. Over time, the body produces more free radicals than it does scavengers. The resulting imbalance is what causes aging.

Substances known as antioxidants neutralise free radicals by binding to their free electrons. Antioxidants available in supplement form include the enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamins C and E; the minerals selenium and zinc, and the hormone melatonin.

By destroying free radicals, antioxidants help to detoxify and protect the body.

 Research: Ginger Selectively Kills Breast Cancer Cells | GreenMedInfo.

 A carefully scheduled high-fat diet resets metabolism and prevents obesity.

Ovarian cancer is a deadly form of cancer - it kills more women than any other type of cancer of the reproductive system. If diagnosed and treated early, however the survival rate is quite high.

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is known as a silent disease - it produces no symptoms until it is in its later stages, so the death rate is also quite high.

Ovarian cancer is the second most common cancer of the female reproductive system. It affects approximately 1 in 70 American women at some point in their lives. The risk of developing ovarian cancer heightens past the age of 40 and menopause further increases the risk.

Causes and Risk Factors

The cause or causes of ovarian cancer are not known.  Risk factors include :

• Not having gone through pregnancy and childbirth
• Exposure to asbestos or radiation
• High dietary fat intake
• The use of talcum powder in the genital area
• Personal history of breast, uterine, colon or nonpolyposis colon cancers
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• HPV infection
• Early onset and / or late cessation of menstruation
• Obesity
• Diet high in saturated animal fat and low in fiber

Taking birth control pills has been known to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 50 to 60 percent - although birth control pills may increase risk of breast cancer !

Signs and Symptoms

Often there are no obvious symptoms until the cancer is in its later stages of development. These symptoms may include enlargement of the abdomen, diarrhea or constipation, frequent urination, or in rare cases, vaginal bleeding.

Detection and Diagnosis

Any enlargement of the abdomen or persistent digestive disturbances that cannot be explained by any other condition should prompt you to see a gynaecologist for an examination.

Women who have a family history of ovarian cancer may want to be tested for genes with which it has been associated. Routine pelvic exams can detect a hardened or enlarged ovary or an ovarian growth, while Pap smears are not very useful in detecting this.

A tumour may also show up on a transvaginal ultrasound. A biopsy is needed to confirm any suspicions.

Dietary and Nutritional Factors

A diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated animal fats is a good defense against ovarian cancer. Quercetin has been found to have properties that protect against ovarian cancer. Low levels of selenium have been associated with a greater risk of ovarian cancer.

 In the United States, there is an unhealthy obsession with our appearance and looking young. We strive for a standard of beauty that is computer-generated and only loosely based on real human beings—a standard that literally does not exist. We know this, yet it has permeated the deepest part of our minds and we obsess over every imperfection. Being attractive and thin is highly valued and you are seen as being ‘’better.’’ Having traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, I see they have their own issues when it comes to preferred appearances —here, pale skin is highly prized because it is seen as more beautiful; dark skin means you are poor and labor in the fields all day. The people who appear in commercials, advertisements and movies are so light-skinned, they almost look caucasian. It can be 100 degrees outside and you see people in sweatshirts, gloves, stockings and all sorts of face coverings, not letting one bit of skin be exposed to sunlight—I feel like I could have heatstroke just looking at them.

We are human and we tend to give too much attention to the things we do not like and even the least vain of us want to be attractive and feel good about our bodies so it is understandable to feel self-conscious about certain things or to want certain things to be different. But, one thing I have learned is that since these issues cause us so much emotional  turmoil, we greatly overestimate how happy we would be if they were to get fixed. I have a ways to go, but in my personal development work, I have learned a few things that have helped me love my body more, which has brought me greater peace.

Appreciate the Wonders of Your Body and Be Grateful We take our body for granted, it is just there, but when you really stop to think about all the things it does, it is truly astounding. All the intricate functions, the legs that bring you where you need to go, the eyes that allow you to see so many amazing things. When you learn to really develop an appreciation for your body, you will be much less critical of it and what you perceive to be ‘’flaws.’’ I promise you that if you woke up tomorrow suddenly paralyzed, the cellulite on your thighs would be a non-issue; the trick is we need to work on adopting that mindset without being forced to.

Focus on What Like, Not What You Lack No matter how many thing you think are ‘’wrong’’ with your body, there is plenty that is right with it. We have the bad habit of always looking at what is bad and what is wrong with everything instead of what is good and right. What do you like about your body? Maybe you have beautiful blue eyes, great boobs or beautiful skin. Life is all about perspective and while you may never fully love yourself 100 percent all the time, giving more conscious thought to what you like about yourself will make you feel better and you will be more accepting of your flaws.

Take Good Care of Yourself Your body is good to you and you should be good to it. Taking good care of your body will not only help you feel better physically, you will feel better mentally and emotionally. When you feel better and feel healthier, you will see your body in a different light, a less critical one.

Change Your Inner Dialogue The thoughts we think all day long and our inner dialogue set the stage for everything that happens on the outside. Chances are, you are criticizing yourself all day long. You look in the mirror and you run a silent list of what you do not like and how you would change it. Then you feel like crap; all of this actually makes your physical appearance seem worse. Think about it—one day you think you look good and one day you think you look bad, but you look exactly the same each day, but you see a difference. If you look the same, what is it? It is your mind and what you are feeding it. Shut off the inner critic; focus on something you like.

Kelli Cooper is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about personal development and ways to be happier. Loving your wardrobe certainly cannot hurt your efforts to feel better about how you look; check out Supre.com for dresses and other fashionable clothing.

LET’S  DITCH THE LOW-FAT SCHOOL!

When God created mankind, he also provided all the nutrients we needed to maintain a healthy body. He did not hide those nutrients from us, and he didn’t package them separately in brightly coloured boxes or write books to explain to us the functions of each one of them.

 He simply put an abundance of nutrients in the foods that we would eat. These were not processed, packaged, artificially ripened, genetically altered, or overcooked. They were simply whole foods that God gave people to eat, knowing they were life-bearing foods containing all man needed to thrive, be happy and healthy.

Health And Dentition.

 At the turn of the century a perceptive, observant dentist from Cleveland, Ohio, noticed that his patients were suffering more and more chronic and degenerative diseases. He also noticed that his younger patients had increasingly deformed dental arches, crooked teeth, and cavities. These young children also suffered from frequent infections, allergies, asthma, poor vision, lack of coordination, fatigue and behavioural problems. These problems are also very familiar to mothers in the 21st century. Price did not believe that  such “physical degeneration” was God’s plan for mankind.

 Price had heard of native cultures who lived happy lives, free of disease. He decided to close down his busy dental practice and travel the world in search of these primitive cultures to find out if (1) they really are healthy, and (2)  find out what they're doing to keep themselves healthy.

 Together with his wife he traveled to distant locations and studied people who had not yet been touched by civilization. His research included Swiss village inhabitants, Eskimos, Indian tribes in Canada and the Florida Everglades, Southsea Islanders, Aborigines in Australia, Maoris in New Zealand, Peruvian and Amazonian Indians and tribesmen in Africa.

After gaining trust and confidence of the tribal and village elders, he did what came naturally to him – he counted cavities and physically examined them. To his surprise he found that less than 1% of permanent teeth were decayed. The 14 isolated groups that he found and studied were free from tooth decay, they had never seen or visited a dentist and they had never bushed their teeth!

 Dr. Price also noticed that, in addition to their healthy teeth and gums, all the people he discovered were hardy and strong, despite the sometimes difficult living conditions they had to endure. Degenerative diseases that are common today such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and infectious diseases that were common in Price’s day such as TB were absent from these “primitive” people.

 The Diets Of  The Healthy Natives.  The diets of these people were all different:

The Swiss mountain villagers subsisted primarily on unpasteurized and cultured dairy products, especially butter and cheese. Rye also formed an integral part of their diet. Occasionally, they ate meat (beef) as cows in their herds got older. Small amounts of bone broths, vegetables and berries rounded out the diet. Due to the high altitude, not much vegetation grew. The villagers would eat what they could in the short summer months, and pickle what was left over for the winter. The main foods, however, were full fat cheese, butter, and rye bread. The children’s teeth were covered in green slime, but he only found 1% tooth decay.

Gaelic fisher people living off the coast of Scotland ate no dairy products, but instead had their fill of cod and other sea foods, especially shell fish (when in season). Due to the poor soil, the only grain that could grow was oat, and it formed a major part of the diet. A traditional dish, one considered very important for growing children and expectant mothers, was cod's head stuffed with oats and mashed fish liver. Again, due to the extremely inhospitable climate, fruits and vegetables grew sparsely. Price noted that a young Gaelic girl reeled in puzzlement when offered an apple: she had never seen one!

Eskimo, or Innu, ate a diet of almost 100% animal products with hefty amounts of fish. Fish roe, walrus and seal, and other marine mammals also formed an integral part of the diet. Blubber (fat) was consumed with relish. Innu would gather nuts, berries, and some grasses during the short summer months, but their diet was basically all meat and fat. Price noted that the Innu would usually ferment their meat before eating it. That is, they would bury it and allow it to slightly putrefy before consuming it. Innu would also eat the partially digested grasses of caribou by cutting open their stomachs and intestines. Eskimo women gave birth to one healthy baby after another with little difficulty. They did not suffer from any health problems or cavities.

 The Maori of New Zealand, along with other South sea islanders, consumed sea food of every sort - fish, shark, octopus, sea worms, shellfish - along with fatty pork and a wide variety of plant foods including coconut and fruit.

African cattle-keeping tribes like the Masai consumed virtually no plant foods at all, just beef, raw milk, organ meats, and blood (in times of drought).

The Dinkas of the Sudan, whom Price claimed were the healthiest of all the African tribes he studied, ate a combination of fermented whole grains with fish, along with smaller amounts of red meat, vegetables, and fruit. The Bantu, on the other hand, the least hardy of the African tribes studied, were primarily agriculturists. Their diet consisted mostly of beans, squash, corn, millet, vegetables, and fruits, with small amounts of milk and meat. Price never found a totally vegetarian culture. Modern anthropological data support this: all cultures and peoples show a preference for animal foods and animal fat.

Hunter-gatherer peoples in Northern Canada, the Florida Everglades, the Amazon, and Australia, consumed game animals of all types, especially the organ meats, and a variety of grains, legumes, tubers, vegetables, and fruits when available.

Price noted that all peoples, except the Innu, consumed insects and their larvae. He also noted that all cultures consumed fermented foods each day. Foods such as cheese, cultured butter, yogurt, or fermented grain drinks like kaffir beer (made from millet) in Africa, or fermented fish as with the Innu were an important part of native diets.

Curiously, all native peoples studied made great efforts to obtain seafood, especially fish roe which was consumed so that we will have healthy children. Even mountain dwelling peoples would make semi annual trips to the sea to bring back seaweeds, fish eggs, and dried fish. Shrimp, rich in both cholesterol and vitamin D, was a standard food in many places, from Africa to the Orient.

The last major feature of native diets that Price found was that they were rich in fat, especially animal fat. Whether from insects, eggs, fish, game animals, or domesticated herds, primitive peoples knew that they would get sick if they did not consume enough fat. Explorers besides Dr. Price have also found this to be true.

Fallacies Of Modern Nutritionists Dr. Price’s findings contradict virtually everything that “politically correct” nutrition holds. If the studies are accurate then the low-fat school must be ditched. One can conclude from the Dr. Price’s findings that when the people were eating traditional fats like butter, lard and tallow made from organic milk and animals, degenerative diseases were still virtually unheard of. It was only when traditional fats were replaced by commercial vegetable oils that cancer and heart disease have soared. Saturated fatty acids constitute at least 50% of the cell membranes, giving them, necessary stiffness and integrity, they have a vital role in the health of our bones, they lower Liprotein A, a substance in the blood that is a good indicator of heart disease, they protect the liver from alcohol ingestion, they enhance the immune system, they are needed for the proper utilization of essential fatty acids, they are the preferred food for the heart, and they have important antimicrobial properties, protecting us against harmful microorganisms in the digestive tract.

Saturated Fat, Vitamin A & D And the “X” Factor. Animal fats are carriers of vital fat-soluble vitamins such as A and D, needed for prevention of birth defects, health of the immune system, and proper development of bones and teeth. Price was convinced that these “fat-soluble activators” were responsible for the perfect teeth with a band of dazzling whiteness, no crooked teeth, broad, round faces and an absence of disease. When he analysed these diets he found that they contained at least 4 times the minerals – calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and iron, and TEN times the fat-soluble vitamins that consisted the American diet of his day.

The richest sources of Vitamin A and D are the very foods that modern man avoids with a fervour for fear of developing disease.

Price also discovered another fat-soluble vitamin that was a more powerful catalyst for nutrient absorption than vitamins A and D. He called it “Activator X” or the “X” Factor. All the healthy groups Price studied had the X Factor in their diets. It could be found in certain special foods which these people considered sacred – cod liver oil, fish eggs, organ meats and deep yellow Spring and fall butter from cows eating rapidly growing green grasses. Price used the combination of high vitamin butter and cod liver oil with great success to treat osteoporosis, tooth decay, arthritis, rickets and failure to thrive in children.

What About Seeds and Grains? Traditional cultures prepare grains, nuts and seeds by sprouting, roasting, soaking, fermenting and sour leavening. Research has shown that legumes and grains contain enzyme inhibitors which help the seed hibernate for long periods of time – it is part of their natural cycle. However, when these inhibitors enter our bodies, they can inhibit a variety of enzyme systems, and additional phytic acid present in the bran of all grains, can prevent the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc.

Sprouts
A seed is a treasure chest of latent energy in the form of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. When it is soaked in water some remarkable changes occur. Enzymes which until then have lain dormant become active; they begin to break down stored starch into simple sugars such as glucose and fructose, they split long-chain proteins into free amino acids, and they convert saturated fats into free fatty acids. The tendency that some seeds have to produce flatulence when eaten unsprouted is drastically reduced. In fact enzyme activity in plants is never so intense as at this early sprouting stage. Physicians who use freshly grown sprouts as part of healing diets claim that it is this high level of enzyme activity that stimulates the body’s own enzymes into greater activity. Sprouts are, in effect, predigested and as such have many times the nutritional efficiency of the seeds from which they grew. Sprouts provide more nutrients ounce for ounce than any other natural food known.

 Experiments show that protein levels rise with germination, and that as germination proceeds the ratio of essential to non-essential amino acids changes, providing more of those the body needs. When maize seeds germinate,  for example, the concentration of lysine and tryptophan (two essential amino acids whose low levels in un sprouted corn make it a poor quality protein food if eaten on its own) increase, while the concentration of prolamine, an amino acid not necessary for human nutrition, decreases.

 The vitamin content of seeds also increases phenomenally when they germinate as mentioned below:

FACTS AND FINDINGS OF EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH FROM SEVEN UNIVERSITIES. -         Dr. Ralph Bogart, Kansas Agricultural Experimental Station, sprouted oats and found in a quantity of 40 grams, 15mg. Of Vitamin C, more than in the corresponding amount of fresh blueberries, blackberries, or honeydew melon.

-         Dr. Berry Mack, University of Pennsylvania, found that his sprouted soya beans by the end of 72 hours had a 553% increase in Vitamin C.

-         Dr. C. Bailey, University of Minnesota, found only negligible amounts of Vitamin c in wheat, but after a few days of sprouting, he found a 600% increase.

-         Dr. Andrea at McGill University, found 30mg. Of Vitamin C per 110 grams of sprouted dry peas, favourably comparable to orange juice.

-         Dr. Beeskow, Michigan Agricultural Experimental Station, found the maximum of Vitamin C in sprouts after 50 hours of sprouting.

-         Dr. Paul Burkholder, Yale University, found the Vitamin B2 content of sprouted oats increased by 1300%, and when the little green leaves appeared on the sprouts, the amount increased to over 2000%. He also found the following approximate increases in: Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): 500%, Pantothenic acid: (Vitamin B5) 200%, Folic Acid: 600%, Biotin: 50%, Inositol: 100%, and Nicotenic Acid: 500%.

-         Dr. Francis M. Pottenger, Jr., M.D., from California, found sprouted legumes and beans to contain first quality, complete proteins.

-         Dr. Clive McCay, Cornell University, wrote a series of articles recommending a “kitchen garden” of sprouts in every home to produce fresh sprouts through the year.

Soaking grains and seeds, which helps them ferment with natural bacteria, is also another way of breaking down the phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors. For example, in India, rice and lentils are fermented for at least two days before they are prepared as idli and dosas.

 What Is The Best Diet ?

The obvious conclusion of Price's research is that for humanity to survive, it must consume whole, fresh and unprocessed foods. More and more, people are beginning to see this and have been changing their eating patterns. Sadly for the majority, however, the continuation of negative dietary habits will inevitably lead to decreased vitality, unhealthy children, in short, the degeneration of the human race.

Whole foods are delicious! The first positive, happy lesson to be learned from traditional diets and Price's work is that good food can and should taste good. Its absolutely OK to saute vegetables and meats with butter. Its OK to consume whole (unpasteurized, non-homogenized, denatured, pesticide, antibiotic filled) milk, meat with its fat, eggs, shrimp and lobster, and liver with onions and bacon. Its OK and healthy to eat home made soups made from gelatin-rich bone broths and sauces made from drippings and cream.

The building blocks of our diet should be eating organic, wholesome, untampered, genetically modified, pesticide-free, plant foods raised on naturally enriched soils, and healthy animals that live free to graze and manure the paddocks of their farms, as opposed to standing in a cramped stall, never seeing sunlight, being fed soybeans and corn meal, and being shot up with steroids and antibiotics.

Another positive to eating whole foods is that it is beneficial to the environment and relatively cruel free with regards to the animals involved in food production.

Eating whole foods is an ethically better decision to make for the economy as well. Organic foods are usually raised by small farms. Each time you buy an organically raised plant or animal product, you are helping someone to earn a living. Isn't that preferable to giving your money to a multinational food company that mass produces its product, not caring about the health of the soil, the planet, the animals, or ourselves?

Finally, eating organic, whole foods is healthier. We humans evolved eating certain food stuffs in certain ways. You did not see a caveman trimming the fat off of his meat - he ate the whole thing. You did not see a Swiss Alps villager eating low fat cheese - she ate the whole thing. You did not see Maori fishermen avoiding shellfish for fear of cholesterol - they ate the whole thing. Foods are packaged in ways that Nature intended: they contain all the nutrients within themselves for optimal assimilation by our bodies. Eating whole foods insures us the highest amount of nutrients food has to offer. Tampering with them is not wise.

Westerners live in countries where food is readily available, unlike other parts of the world where people routinely starve or are malnourished. Further, we live with a choice between two ways of eating: the way of whole foods, and the way of processed, deranged junk food.  With such a privilege, we owe it to ourselves and our children to choose the way of life: the way of whole organic  foods. By making this decision, we can avoid the tide of chronic disease that threatens to consume our bodies and minds. Let us make that decision and embrace the ways of our ancestors. It is only by turning to the wisdom of traditional diets that we can find our biological salvation.

References:

Abrams, H. Leon. Vegetarianism: An Anthropological/Nutritional Evaluation, Jnl of Applied Nutrition, 32:2, 1980.

The Preference for Animal Protein and Fat: A Cross-Cultural Survey, Food and Evolution, Marvin Harris and Eric Ross, eds., Temple University Press, 1987.

Diorio, L.P., et al The Separate Effects of Protein and Calorie Malnutrition of the Development and Growth of Rat Bone and Teeth, Jnl of Nutrition 103:856-865, 1973.

Fallon, Sally. Nasty, Brutish, and Short? The Ecologist, Jan/Feb 1999.

Menaker & Navia Jnl of Dental Research, 52:680-687, 1973.

Navia, J. Nutrition, Diet, and Oral Health, Food and Nutrition News, 50:1-4, 1979.

Price, W. Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, Keats Publishing, 1943.

Spencer & Kramer Factors Contributing to Osteoporosis, Jnl of Nutr, 116:316-319, 1986.

Further Studies of the Effect of a High Protein Diet as Meat on Calcium Metabolism

The New Raw Energy – Leslie Kenton.

 Fennel is known for its strong anti-oxidant properties due to the presence of a number of phytonutrients.

Benefits of Fennel and its Seeds:

• Cancer preventative
• Reduces inflammation
• High in vitamin C - hence anti-microbial
• Due to its high fibre content it helps to reduce cholesterol levels. The fibre removes potentially carcinogenic toxins from the colon - hence very useful in the prevention of colon cancer.
• Folate in fennel - converts a dangerous molecule homocysteine into benign and harmless molecules. Homocysteine when present in concentrated amounts in the body causes damage to the blood vessel walls and in turn may lead to stroke or heart attacks.
• High in potassium - the nutrient which helps to lower blood pressure.

• Fennel seeds eaten raw are used to help improve eye-sight.
• Fennel tea applied on the eyes with cotton wool as a compress reduces eye soreness and inflammation.
• It is a diuretic
• Aids digestion
• Prevents kidney stones
• Enhances milk production for breast feeding mothers
• Coughs, asthma,
• Combats parasites of the digestive system
• Has some aphrodisiac properties

To prepare fennel tea, simply place 1 tsp of fennel seeds in a pot, add about 1/2 litre.

Boil for 2 minutes and let it steep for another 3/5 minutes.

Fennel Salad Recipe 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced

1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced

1 orange, segmented - save excess juice

1 ripe avocado, cut into wedges

8 mint leaves, torn

2 -3 baby spinach leaves chopped

1 lemon juiced

1/4 tsp freshly ground coriander seed

Pinch of fresh black pepper, red cayenne pepper and sea salt.

Chop in a bowl. Add in turn mint leaves and seasoning and toss gently. Let the salad stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the spinach leaves to soften and flavours to meld. Enjoy !

Note: You may substitute the spinach leaves with lettuce leaves for a milder flavour.

 You might think Green Tea is only good for boosting your metabolism, but these simple leaves can have a surprising affect on the health and protection of your skin. Packed full of antioxidants, catechins and polyphenols, numerous studies have found these nutrients to be important in the protection of your skin against free radicals, sun damage, infections and toxins.

 

And if you don’t believe us, take a look at the following skincare benefits that Green Tea has got to offer:

1. Anti-aging – no one wants to age early, but constant exposure to pollution, smoking and excess sunlight can increase the number of free radicals in your blood, leading to increased skin damage and premature aging.
   
   Now whilst us guys are meant to get better looking with age (according to all the female magazines), who wants to look 10 years older? Fortunately the high levels of antioxidants in Green Tea can help protect your body from the ill affects of free radicals keeping your skin healthy and youthful. At the same time, the polyphenols in Green Tea can help to slow down the signs of natural aging by diminishing wrinkles and increasing the elasticity of your skin.
   
   In one study Green Tea was found to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), which are enzymes that can cause your skin matrix to degrade when they are in excess. And as you can imagine, have too many of these enzymes in your system and your skin will begin to visibly show the effects of this degradation.
   
   
2. Sun damage – you don’t have to get burnt for excess sun to do damage to your skin. Research has found that Green Tea works to increase your skins sun damage protection by quenching the free radicals in your blood and reducing inflammation.
   
   So whilst you can’t use it on its own, apply a Green Tea formulation to your skin before your sun screen (preferably a zinc oxide based sunscreen) and you can offer your skin increased protection from burning.
   
   
3. Infections – even the best of us can nick our skin whilst shaving which will not only leave your skin feeling irritated and sore, but can leave you open to infection. Green Tea is widely known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties, so used as part of a shaving oil or cleanser can help reduce your chances of infection but also help treat minor cuts or rashes.

Do it yourself Green Tea care

 

There are a lot of Green Tea influenced men’s products on the market so whether you’re looking to combat aging, treat sunburn or simply offer yourself a better shave, there are a number of shaving oils, cleansers, lotions and scrubs you can choose from.

If, however you don’t fancy rushing to the chemists, you can easily make your own:

• Spritzer – take 100g of Green Tea and steep in 500ml of still mineral water for 1 hour, then strain. Once strained you can use it to sooth tired and strained eyes, treat minor cuts and rashes, sooth sunburn or get rid of spots and blemishes.
• Facemask – you might think girls are only allowed to enjoy facemasks, but you too can benefit for the healing properties it can have on your skin. Simply mix 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise with a teaspoon of organic green tea leaves, and you can apply this to your skin (for 20 minutes), rinse off and benefit from moisturised smooth skin.
• Toner – freeze some freshly brewed green tea as ice cubes, and once they start thawing you can apply to your skin as a toner.
• Cream/mask – there are a number of combos you can make depending on your skin type:
  
   - Dry Skin - blend 2tsp of green tea with 1tsp of water and 1 egg yolk
   - Dehydrated Skin – blend 2tsp of green tea with 1tsp of water and 1tsp of honey
   - Oily Skin – blend 2tsp of green tea with 1 tsp of water and 1tsp of witch hazel
   - Sensitive Skin – blend 2tsp of green tea with 1tsp of water and 1tsp of rose water
  
  Make, apply to your skin and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing.

I’m Ellie and I write on all natural remedies and natural beauty products for men and women of all ages.

Colon Cancer The large intestine is made up of the colon (the upper five to six feet) and the rectum (the last six to eight inches). This is where the last stage of digestion occurs and where solid waste is held until it is released. Colon cancer is second only to lung cancer among cancers that kill both men and women.

Mostly credited to an increase in screening for and removal of polyps, the incidence has been declining during the past decade.

Most colon cancers occur in people over fifty. It strikes men and women nearly equally. Colorectal cancer develops over a ten-to-fifteen-year period and produces no symptoms until it is advanced. If the disease is detected early enough and the tumour has not metastasized, the survival rate is quite high.

Causes and Risk Factors Of Colon Cancer

A genetic defect is linked with some forms of familial colon cancer. Other causes are not known. Risk factors associated with colorectal cancer include: 

• Calcium deficiency
• Colorectal polyps
• Family history of colon cancer (Lynch syndrome)
• Continued constipation and / or diarrhea
• Personal history of colon-related diseases or uterine or ovarian cancer such as polyps, non-polyps colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Build-up of toxins in the colon
• Possibly diabetes
• A diet high in saturated animal fat and low in fiber;
• High intake of charbroiled, burned, wood-smoked, or fried foods
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Cancer in another part of the body
• Studies show that active people are not as likely to develop colon tumors as those who do not regularly engage in physical activity.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Symptoms of colon cancer can include the following:

• rectal bleeding
• Blood in the stool
• Changes in bowel habits (persistent diarrhea, gas pains, and / or constipation)
• Persistent abdominal pain or bloating
• Anemia
• Significant weight loss
• Unusual paleness or fatigue
• Ulcerative Colitis

Detection and Diagnosis Of Colon Cancer

Screening for colon cancer is the best way to detect polyps before they turn cancerous. During regular checkups (and annually after age forty), men and women should have a rectal exam. Beginning at age fifty, one of the following tests should be performed along with a rectal exam:

1. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (if normal, reeat the FOBT yearly and the flexible sigmoidoscopy at 5-year intervals).
2. Colonoscopy (if normal, repeat at 10-year intervals).
3. Double contrast barium enema or colon x-ray (if normal, repeat at 5 - 10 year intervals)

If you have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, you should have a colonoscopy every one to two years. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you may have inherited a genetic mutation that can lead to polyps and or / cancers developing at an early age, even in the teenage years. Investigate any family history of colon cancer and discuss proper screening guidelines with your physician.

In addition, a test kit for detecting blood in the stool can be purchased at most pharmacies. 

Dietary and Nutritional Factors

 It was once believed that a high-fiber diet protects the colon by reducing the time any harmful carcinogens that are present in the stool are in contact with the intestinal wall.

There have since been conflicting reports on this, but most health professionals still recommend a high-fiber, low fat diet. A high-fat diet is strongly linked to colon cancer.

A Mediterranean diet is a well balanced diet which offers optimum dietary protection.  The traditional Mediterranean diet consists of fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, pulses, fish, seafood,  virgin olive oil, and red meat is eaten once a week.

Cut out all refined sugar and refined grain products such as white bread, cakes, cookies, limited consumption of red meat, saturated fat and processed foods high in sugar and refined grained products such as cakes and cookies.

Garlic, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, melons, and dark green, red, and yellow vegetables are recommended for their antioxidant and sulfur compounds. Tomatoes may lower risk. Quercetin found in onions has been shown to have anticancer properties with respect to colon cancer. Probiotics found in yoghurt may also inhibit colon cancer. Goat's and or sheep's yoghurt is best for human consumption as it is most easily digested.

Consumption of chlorinated water has been linked to a greater incidence of colon cancer. It would be best to drink filtered water.

 Invasive cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women and accounts for over 11 percent of all cancers around the world. The majority of cervical cancers grow gradually over several years with precancerous cells existing previous to the cancer cells. If precancerous cells (dysplasia) is detected early enough and removed, cervical cancer can often be prevented.

Causes and Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer.

• Most cervical cancers are associated with infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV), which can be transmitted sexually
• Associated risk factors include having had more than five complete pregnancies
• First intercourse before age eighteen
• Unprotected Sex
• Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, HPV, and genital herpes
• Early childbearing
• Multiple sex partners
• Infertility
• Low socioeconomic status
• Smoking
• Nutritional Deficiencies

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer usually causes no symptoms until it is advanced, which is why it is essential for women to have regular pelvic exams and Pap tests.

• It can cause bleeding between menstrual periods
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Bleeding after douching
• Unusual discharge
• Painful menstrual periods
• Painful heavy periods  

 

Detection and Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

The presence of abnormal cells can be detected by a Pap test, followed up with a biopsy. Women should begin having annual pelvic exams and Pap tests when sexually activity begins, or at age eighteen.
 

Dietary and Nutritional

A Mediterranean diet low in fatty meats (especially pork), red meat, cheeses, and white refined bread, and also inclusive of fermented soy products (such as miso, natto, tempeh), fruits, dark green vegetables, tomatoes, whole grains, and yoghurt offers the best protection. Shiitake mushrooms are also a good source of protection. 

When it comes to succeeding in the weight loss game, we encounter a lot of foes that thwart our efforts.

One of the biggest saboteurs is stress. We have a million things in our life that produce stress and our failure to get a grip on it causes us countless problems, including difficulty in making healthy lifestyle choices; namely eating a proper diet that promotes and maintains weight loss.

A lot of things can stand in our way and it may seem overwhelming having to battle them all, but the good news is, stress is at the core of most of these problems and learning to deal with it more effectively can kill a lot of birds with one stone.

Find Outlets Other Than Food to Combat Stress For many of us, we use food to soothe stress.

We eat for a lot of other reasons other than sustaining our bodies. We get pleasure out of it; we eat emotionally to deal with negative feelings. None of us are immune from negative feelings so if we cannot totally get rid of them, it is imperative to find ways to deal with them more effectively that do not involve eating entire boxes of donuts.

You will need to make a concerted effort to engage in activities that help you relieve stress so that you do not feel like stuffing your face is the only option.

Find something you enjoy, like a certain type of exercise, a hobby, even watching your favourite comedy or a  show that always makes you laugh; anything to keep you away from the kitchen or that vending machine at work full of junk food.

Practice Relaxation Techniques Relaxation techniques help reduce stress; they get your mind in a calmer place.

When your mind is in a calmer place, you have a better perspective. You watch your thoughts and feelings and you can better resist the urge to just react habitually with your usual destructive decisions, such as binge eating to soothe stress.

You get more comfortable with feeling uncomfortable and can ride out periods of stress or anxiety better without feeling like you need to immediately make the feelings go away.

You get better at watching your thoughts and feelings and in seeing their fleeting nature, you can resist the urge to make choices that you know you will regret later, such as going to the pizza place instead of the gym. Meditation is a particularly powerful tool; other good choices include yoga and deep breathing.

Keep a Journal Having an outlet to express your stress and anxiety is a great way to deal with it more effectively. By taking the time to actually write out what you are thinking and feeling, it gives you an opportunity to reflect and question. You can gain clarity on what is triggering stress in your life and why.

You will be able to work out solutions that do not involve destructive habits such as overeating.

You can reduce some of the intensity that comes with keeping thoughts and feelings suppressed and bottled up; you will physically feel lighter once you release them to paper. Do not censor or judge:  just write.

Can Pole Dancing Burn Fat Fast?

By Roger Pahuriray

One of the most talked about fitness methods these days is pole dancing. Those sensual moves as you slither, climb, and spin on the pole not only make you feel good on the inside, but on the outside too. Yes, the power required to move up and down that pole is no longer just for show, but for fitness as well. That’s pole dancing as a workout, and a lot of ladies – even gents – are getting hooked. The question now is, can pole dancing burn fat? How many calories does pole dancing burn in an hour’s session?

Before answering that question, it’s probably fitting to know a little bit more about pole dancing. Pole dancing started around the 1920s when tent poles were used as props by traveling show dancers. In the 1950s, poles began being used in bars. During the mid-2000s though, pole dancing became limited to strip clubs. Fast forward to today and pole dancing has become a well sought out fitness routine. The public’s perception of pole dancing has indeed changed. It’s now a fitness regimen that women of all ages and sizes can try out and enjoy.

What you need to know about pole dancing is that it’s not just about the tricks that you can do while on the pole. It’s all about the basics and all the other aspects needed to perform such tricks. Just the mere act of climbing the pole is not as easy as it seems, so beginners need to cover the basics first. And this means developing the strength and skill needed to climb that pole.

Climbing that pole requires a combination of upper body strength, agility, and flexibility. So before you can start climbing that pole, you may have to do some basic exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, squats, sit-ups, and more. Once you develop the skill and strength needed to climb that pole, that’s the only time you can start learning the tricks.

Of course, every beginner starts with the basic moves. Among these are attitude knee, back hook, basic cradle, ballerina, carousel, fireman basic, jump and slide, side spin, and more. As you do more moves and tricks, you’re not only enjoying but you’re also gaining the other benefits of pole dancing:

 Pole dancing helps build and tone your muscles, especially in the arms. It helps burn fat, specifically in the belly area. After several classes, your muscles will be more defined.

Pole dancing boosts your confidence. It can improve your posture and at the same time, build up your self-confidence.

Pole dancing can decrease your anxiety. It increases the amount of endorphins in your body, which makes you feel happy and better.

And last but not least, pole dancing can burn fat and calories. As many as 250 calories will be burned in one session. So if you need to burn 3500 calories to shed 1 pound of fat, you need at least 14 sessions to lose a pound. Of course, this will also depend on your diet and metabolism.

Pole dancing has indeed come a long way. It’s become one effective means to lose weight and build self-confidence, making you feel good inside and out.

Symptoms If you think you may have developed gum disease, then you are in good company. The vast proportion of adults in the U.S. has some kind of gum disease. However, there is no reason that you should become one of the people who suffer from the condition long term – it can be stopped and cured if you follow a stringent oral health program while seeking out the support of your dental professional.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The chief cause of gum disease is bacteria. After you eat something bacteria are reproducing in your mouth. The bacteria then mix with your saliva and produce a sticky substance known as plaque that clings to teeth. Plaque and bacteria need to be removed from your mouth regularly otherwise they will irritate the gums and cause disease of the gum tissue.

The Main Kinds Of Gum Disease

There are two common kinds of gum disease - gingivitis and periodontitis.  Gingivitis is the milder version of the condition. The gums become red, swollen and they bleed easily after brushing or flossing.  This condition is also characterized by pungent bad breath or a persistent bad taste in your mouth.

Periodontitis, however, is the advanced phase of the disease. If you develop periodontitis, then you are likely to be experiencing a great deal of pain, inflammation of the gums, receding gums and even wobbly teeth. By this stage the infection has become very bad and you are likely to need professional dental treatment in order to restore your gum health. There is a risk of tooth loss and permanent damage to your oral health at this stage.

Gum Disease Risk Factors

There are various factors that greatly increase your risk of developing gum disease:

• Smoking and tobacco chewing
• Hormonal fluctuations in women
• Diabetes
• Chronic diseases such as AIDS
• Some medications
• Genetic predisposition
• Diet

Who Is At Risk?

Basically, everyone is at risk unless they pay attention to their oral health needs. However, there is some evidence that women are more susceptible to the condition and people in their late thirties and up tend to develop gum disease more often than younger people.

In order to protect your oral health now and into the future, you should follow a consistent daily dental hygiene routine at home and visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and clean.

The OraMD 4-Step Oral Hygiene Program

OraMD is a natural oral health product that can help to prevent or treat gum disease. In addition, the product website offers a four-step oral hygiene program, which will maximize your oral health.

 My dad gave me a huge bunch of his home grown basil along with another two bagfuls of fresh, aromatic herbs (rosemary, sage, mint, dill and parsley),  lollo rosso lettuces, spinach, spring onions and aubergines.

Had to come up with a quick plan to use some of it up and quick. Our fridge is already packed and trying to fit anything else in it is like playing a really challenging game of Tetris.

Plan A : 

Made the Chilli Marinated Aubergines. That helped me use up the aubergines and the good thing is that you don't have to keep them in the fridge ! Changed the recipe slightly and added a lot more  fresh herbs than was recommended. I ended up adding parsley, garlic, chilli, basil, rosemary  and sage. Friends, they smell really good. Hope to have a first taste of them in a week when they are ready... hmmm .... wonder if we will stick out the week before we try them.





Plan B:

Super Quick and Easy Pesto: I used up the big bunch of basil to make this and some of the parsley.  All I did was take the leaves off the basil stalks,  threw them in a blender. Added about a quarter bunch of parsley, 2 cloves garlic, juice of two lemons, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup sunflower seeds. You may add some grated parmesan cheese (1/4 cup) to this for a non vegan version.  Blend and store in a jar. I love pesto and eat it with anything. I pour it over my vegetables for flavour, add it in salad dressings, use it as a spread with sandwiches, or with pasta. Use your imagination and you can use it with anything ! Yummy !By the way you can't get Pesto in Zambia. Tried to find it in a couple of the local supermarkets from Kitwe to Ndola right the way to Lusaka.... nope - was no where to be found ! 

The health benefits of basil are many.... it has anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for people suffering from arthritis, it is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the body from premature aging, anti-bacterial properties. It is high in beta-carotene, protects the eyes from age related macular disease especially in the elderly, protects against oral and lung cancers, and is high in minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper, magnesium and iron.


Plan C:

The rest of the herbs I washed and placed in a large tray to dry them out. Again they can be stored in jars to be used while cooking.

Enjoy !

The foods we eat have a major impact on our health and this includes the health of our hair. If yours has been looking lackluster, breaks a lot or has any other issues, your diet may be the culprit.

Our bodies need the nutrients in nutritious food for optimal functioning and when our diets lack them, it manifests itself in many ways, including unhealthy hair.

​The following diet tips can help bring your hair back to life.

Eat Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial fats that offer numerous health benefits.

They are most closely associated with heart health but can do wonders for our physical appearance as well.

When it comes to your hair, they promote a healthy scalp and prevent dryness. The best sources are salmon and other oily fish. If you are vegetarian, the richest sources include walnuts, flax seed and hemp seed.

Supplements are also an option, but diet is usually the optimal way to get the important nutrients we need. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may also be inappropriate if you have bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medications.

Eat Plenty of Healthy Proteins Proteins are the building blocks of your body and it needs ample, high quality sources to build and repair all parts of you including your hair.

Some of the top choices include lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds and soy products.

Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C Vitamin A and Vitamin C helps you body produce sebum, a substance that keeps the hair conditioned.

Good sources of vitamin A include dark, leafy green vegetables, carrots, butternut squash, cantaloupes, apricots and sweet potatoes. Rich sources of vitamin C include potatoes, papaya, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kiwi, oranges, kale and pineapple.

Get Plenty of Calcium While calcium is most strongly associated with bone health, it is also a necessary component for hair growth.

The richest sources include dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese; opt for low-fat as much as you can. Good plant sources of calcium include soy products, broccoli, bok choy, collards, Chinese cabbage, kale, mustard greens and okra.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet with Adequate Calories While the “eat a healthy balanced diet’’ mantra may elicit eye rolls, there is a reason it is so heavily touted---because that is the best thing to do for your hair and your health in general.

By eating ample amounts of healthy foods such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, you are giving your body all the nutrients it needs in the proper amounts.

Committing to this way of eating is an easy way to improve your appearance and your health without having to worry about following complicated eating plans.

We are always looking for a magic pill or food to solve all of our problems and it does not work that way.

What is Aids ?

AIDS is an immune system disorder in which the body's ability to defend itself is greatly diminished. When human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes AIDS) invades key white blood cells called T lymphocytes and multiplies, causing a breakdown in the body's defense system, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and / or cancer - and, ultimately, to death. 

Most deaths among people with AIDS are not caused by AIDS itself, but by one of the many infections or cancers to which the syndrome makes the body vulnerable. Essentially, AIDS is experienced as a series of various illnesses which come about by the initial HIV infection.

Risk factors for AIDS.

The more factors present, the greater the risk. They include the following:

• Overuse of certain drugs, especially antibiotics and steroids.
• High-risk sexual activity
• Substance abuse, including the use of alcohol, cigarettes, cocaine, amyl nitrate, marijuana, and other recreational drugs, especially intravenous drug use.
• Preexisting herpes infection, hepatitis, and / or mononucleosis.
• Preexisting sexually transmitted disease, especially syphilis.
• A diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and fat.
• Infection with yeast (Candida albicans) and / or parasites.

What are the symptoms of AIDS ? 

Many people who are infected with HIV are not even aware that they have it. While some people experience a mild flulike illness within two to four weeks of exposure to the virus, it generally takes at least two to five years before any symptoms of HIV infection appear.

The length of time between an initial HIV infection and a positive diagnosis of AIDS has been estimated to be between two and ten years or more.

The virus does not lie dormant during this time. It immediately attacks the immune system.

In many cases, the first symptoms of HIV and AIDS are nonspecific and variable. One of the most common is a tongue coated with white bumps. This is oral thrush, or candidiasis. Candidiasis indicates a compromised immune system. Intestinal parasites are another common problem.

Other possible symptoms include:

• Prolonged, unexplained fatigue.
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes)
• Unexplained fever lasting more than ten days
• Excessive sweating (especially at night)
• Mouth lesions, inclusing thrush and painful, swollen gums.
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Changes in bowel habits, including constipation.
• Frequent diarhea
• Symptoms of a specific opportunistic infection
• Tumor (Kaposi's sarcoma)
• Skin rashes or lesions of various types
• Unintentional weight loss
• General discomfort or uneasiness (malaise)
• Headache

Additional symptoms that may be associated with HIV and / or AIDS include:

• Speech impairment
• Memory loss
• Joint swelling, joint stiffness, joint pain, bone pain or tenderness
• A lump or lumps in the groin
• Blurred vision 
• Genital sores
• Muscle atrophy
• Decreasing intellectual function
• Unusual or strange behaviour
• Anxiety, stress, tension
• Generalised itching
• Sensitivity to light
• Decreased vision or blindness, blind spots in the field of vision
• Chest pain

No one should assume he or she is infected with HIV just because he or she has one or more of the above symptoms. These symptoms can be related to many illnesses, so being tested for HIV is the only way to be sure.

Testing HIV-positive does not mean that one has AIDS. It means that one has been exposed to HIV, as shown by the presence of the virus antibodies in the blood.  A confirmed positive HIV test result is often the earliest indication that the person may eventually develop AIDS. The medical criteria for a diagnosis of full blown AIDS are quite specific. They require the presence of one or more of the following infections or cancers known to be associated with HIV infection. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these include:

• Pneumoncystitis carinii pneumonia
• Candidal esophagitis, esophagitis from herpes simplex or cytomegalo virus
• Cryptosporidiosis of the intestine for more than four weeks.
• Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system.
• Kaposi's sarcoma
• Herpes simplex ulcers, extensive in location, lasting for more than one month.
• Toxoplasmosis of the brain

While this list is not all-inclusive, these are the more common AIDS-defining illnesses. Pneumocystitis carinii pneumonia alone accounts for over 50 percent of initial AIDS-defining conditions.

Anyone with HIV or AIDS can make a major contribution to his or her survival and quality of life by getting into an early treatment program, especially a program where immune enhancement is encouraged.  People with HIV or AIDS need higher than normal amounts of all nutrients because malabsorption is a common problem.

What Is Diarrhea ?

Diarrhea can be described as having frequent and loose, watery stools. Symptoms that may accompany diarrhea include vomiting, cramping, thirst, and abdominal pain. Some people may have a fever as well.

It is rarely a serious condition, except in young children and older adults. Diarrhea causes the loss of both fluids and electrolytes (minerals), which can lead to serious problems.

Causes Of Diarrhea ?

Diarrhea can exist alone or as a symptom of other problems. Among the many possible causes of diarrhea are: 

• incomplete digestion of food
• food poisoning
• food allergies
• excess alcohol consumption
• bacterial, viral or other infection
• consumption of contaminated water
• caffeine
• magnesium
• laxatives, and sorbitol (for young children), are all known to cause diarrhea in some people.
• The use of certain drugs, including antibiotics such as tetracycline, clindamycin (Cleocin), or ampicillin can also contribute to diarrhea.
• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or Crohn's disease, pancreatic disease and cancer may all lead to severe intestinal upsets.
• Emotional stress can also cause diarrhea 
• Acute diarrhea accompanied by fever and mucus or blood in the stool can be a sign of infection or the presence of parasites

Natural Remedies For Diarrhea

• Herbs drunk as teas:   chamomile, pau d'arco, raspberry leaves, fenugreek, ginger
• Grapefruit seed extract: has anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial  properties
• Wild Oregano Oil: antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral agents.
• Drink plenty of liquids such as hot carob drink (carob stops diarrhea), clear broth soups, weak tea with honey, carrot juice, a flat soft drink such as sprite with an added pinch or two of salt.
• Avoid high fiber foods
• Drink Rice water
• Avoid dairy products, fatty foods, gluten foods,

 In the summer we are generally outdoors a lot more, exposing ourselves to the sun rays which are harmful and damage our skin. Many of us know to stay out of the sun between 11am-3pm, and the three S’s; slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and slip on a shirt are firmly imbedded in our minds. However it is not only what we are putting on to bodies which is significant in protecting against the suns harmful rays but what we put into it.

Skin cancer is now the most common type of cancer in most nations. Although there is growing awareness of the effects of the sun and people are being smart about protection it seems strange that skin cancer is on the rise. Yet it has been found that the potentially harmful chemicals found in sunscreen formulas may actually be contributing to the development of skin cancers. The chemicals found in sunscreen can increase free radicals within the skin which can damage the DNA in skin cells contributing to the development of cancer.

Therefore it’s always a good idea to try and protect your skin naturally from within to give your body the best chance to combat the effects of harmful sun rays. A healthy skin comes from within so it’s vital to eat the right array of foods. Choose foods from the rainbow of fruit and vegetables so that your getting all the antioxidants you need. Eat the right fats, no fats or low fats will cause your skin to dry out and wrinkle. Drink plenty of water and your body and skin will become hydrated. Essentially sunburn is when the skin dries out and you become dehydrated so avoid alcohol as this will cause dehydration.

Eating foods that are rich in omega-3 like fish such as salmon, cod and halibut provides anti-inflammatory properties that offer protection against UV skin damage. Increasing your intake of vitamins C and E reduces sunburn reactions from UVB. In addition by combining vitamin E with foods rich in carotenoids like carrots, kales and spinach it will enhance your body’s natural sunburn protection mechanisms.

There are also a range of home remedies to protect the skin against the sun and alleviate sunburn:

Natural yoghurt - Apply to burned skin and leave for 10 minutes. It will ease the heat from the skin and make you feel comfortable.

Aloe Vera - Squeeze juice from the plant and apply to the damaged area and leave. It should absorb into the skin and ease any pain.

Tea Bags - If you feel sunburned to your face place cold tea bags on the eyelids and it will relieve pain and swelling.

Apple Cider Vinegar - Another 100% natural treatment which can be applied directly to the sunburned area for quick relief.

Coconut oil - Rich in healthy fatty acids that are soothing and moisturising.

Jojoba oil - This prevents scaling or dry skin.

Vitamin A - Applied topically it will keep skin cells healthy, hydrated and resistant to sunlight.

However prevention is better than the cure. By ensuring you sleep enough and eat the right foods, it will go a long way in naturally protecting your skin this summer.