Striving4Zen

Salmon (and other fish) develop a gray-brown layer of insulating fat between their skin and flesh. This is in addition to fat deposited within the flesh. Yes, it’s okay to eat it.

A large amount of the healthy omega-3 fats in salmon are found here. For cosmetic reasons, however, vendors who remove the skin also take off as much of the gray fat as they can. But you may still find some of it on your salmon fillets or smoked salmon.

In general, the fatty layer adds an intensity of flavor, but it has a consistency that some people may dislike. If you scrape it off, rest assured that you are still getting significant amounts of omega-3s from the flesh of the salmon.

Source

Labels: canned salmon, Fat, healthy cooking, healthy diet, Omega-3s, Omega-3s fish oil, salmon

Did you know that cabbage, like bok choy, is great for losing weight? One cup of raw bok choy contains only 22 calories while supplying you with a wealth of health-promoting nutrients.

Like its other cruciferous cousins, broccoli, kale and mustard greens, cabbage is not only an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, but also contains many unique sulfur-containing phytonutrients, such as indole-3-carbinole (I3C) and sulforaphane. I3C and sulforaphane help activate and stabilize the body's antioxidant and detoxification mechanisms. Other sulfur compounds, which are produced as a result of cutting, chewing or digesting cabbage, increase the liver's ability to produce enzymes that neutralize potentially toxic substances.

Cabbage is easily available, inexpensive, and easy to prepare.

Read More ...

Labels: bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, cruciferous vegetables, Green veggies, healthy diet, Kale, sulforaphane

Popcorn can be a healthy snack depending upon how it's prepared.

Some people make popcorn with extra virgin olive oil, unfortunately, it may not be a great idea to prepare popcorn with oil, even healthy oils, because heating of vegetable oils, including olive oil can cause it to oxidize and damage its delicate polyphenol antioxidants.

A more nourishing way to prepare this same snack would be to air-pop the popcorn in an air popper and then to add extra virgin olive oil and, if you want, a little sea salt after the popcorn was popped. How many calories you end up with depends on how much olive oil you use. One cup of air popped popcorn, for example, contains only 30 calories or so. Olive oil contains about 250 calories per ounce (2 tablespoons).

As for microwave popcorn, it's not a risk-free alternative. Because there has been some evidence that the Teflon-like coating of some bags used for microwave popcorn can get broken down with heat into unwanted substances, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The chemical, which appears to be potentially carcinogenic in lab animals, is partially released onto the popcorn when the bag is heated up and can then be absorbed, once again in partial amounts, into the blood stream. The FDA is currently studying the effects of this chemical in more detail. Additionally, the EPA is studying potential problems associated with the artificial butter flavoring used in microwave popcorn.

When purchasing the popcorn itself, consider organic popping corn. It's often not much higher in price than non-organic popping corn, and the potential health benefits here are important. Organic popping corn will not have the pesticide residues or other toxic residues commonly found on conventionally grown corn, and it will not have been genetically engineered (as genetic engineering is not allowed in production of certified organic foods).

Source

Labels: eating healthy, healthy snacks, organic food, popcorn, popped corn

Contrary to what you might think, horsetail does not, in fact, come from a horse's ass. Horsetail, a plant that is fernlike in quality, has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times for medicinal purposes, such as healing cuts and treating tuberculosis.

As far as beauty is concerned, the extracts from the horsetail plant help stimulate the skin and the production of elastin and collagen and protect the skin from oxidation. Hence, you'll often find this ingredient in antiaging products. This restorative ingredient not only helps to tone the skin but is also used to help repair brittle fingernails.

Try Honeybee Gardens Odorless Nail Polish Remover ($7) or The Glacial Facial Masque ($34) by Alaska Glacial Mud Company.

Source

Labels: anti-aging, collagen, elastin, herbs, horsetail, natural products, natural therapy

If you wash your skin with a bar of soap (no matter how much you paid for it), you immediately strip your skin of all its water which instantly creates dead skin cell buildup. Then you have to quickly put moisturizer on to put back exactly what you just took out--makes no sense!

The binders that hold a bar of soap together have a high pH balance making it too drying for most skin types. But they they also reverse the benefits from any exfoliants that you're using (AHA's, BHA's and facial scrubs) since those are intended to remove dry skin cells. Bar soaps are a no-no, so look for mild, sulfate-free, soap-free gel cleansers.

Source

Labels: aha's, bar soap, dry skin, skin care, soap

Did you know cucumbers have actually been found to be up to 20 degrees cooler than the outside air? It's no wonder that we want to be "cool as a cucumber" during the hot summer months!

Cucumbers are great for healthy skin--from both inside and out. While it may be recommended to add cucumbers to your diet to improve the complexion and health of the skin, cucumbers are also used topically to reduce swelling under the eyes and the effects of sunburn.

And for an extra boost of vitamin A, C and potassium, add cucumbers to your favorite summer salads and sandwiches. If you choose organic cucumbers, leave the skin on for extra nutrition--all you have to do is slice and serve.

Read more.....

Labels: cucumber, eating for good skin, food for dry skin, food for the face, healthy food, potassium, vegetable

Starting on September 1, 2007, it became illegal for 100% raw almonds to be manufactured and sold in the US, with two exceptions (discussed below). Read the new law and its specific provisions by going to California Almond Board.

The origins of this new law date back to 2001, when an outbreak of Salmonella poisoning in Canada was traced back to an almond grower in California. At that time, the California Department of Health Services worked with that grower to increase the safety of almond production. But when a second round of Salmonella problems occurred with an entirely different grower, the federal government stepped in to consider a more comprehensive set of actions. The USDA, together with the U.S. FDA, CDC, California Almond Board, and other agencies drafted legislation designed to prevent further Salmonella outbreaks based on post-harvest processing of almonds.

Specifically, these government agencies designed a mandatory pasteurization program in which handlers of almonds would be required to process the almonds in such a way that a dramatic reduction in the amount of Salmonella bacteria would take place. To achieve this dramatic reduction in Salmonella bacteria, two major alternatives were envisioned: (1) exposure to steam heat sufficient to raise the surface temperature of the almond kernels to about 200°F (93°C) or (2) insertion of the kernels into a closed chamber where they could be exposed to propylene oxide gas (please note that fumigation with propylene oxide is not allowed in the processing of almonds if the almonds are going to be sold as certified organic).

Two exceptions to these processing requirements were included in the legislation. First, almond growers can receive exemption from these requirements if they can show that their ordinary manufacturing process achieves the same minimum 4-log reduction in Salmonella content. For example, their ordinary manufacturing process might include enough dry roasting or blanching to accomplish this same goal. Second, almond growers can also receive exemption if they will only be selling their almonds directly to customers at local markets, with a limit of 100 pounds per person per day in direct farmer's market sales.

What are the health implications of this new legislation? First, I am expecting us to see a certain amount of potentially problematic almonds being prevented from entering the marketplace, and that prevention will be a good thing. Second, I am also expecting us to see some nutrient loss in steam-heated almonds that will be unwanted, and, in the case of many almonds, also unnecessary. Third, I am expecting us to see some propylene oxide residues in almonds that were gassed to reduce Salmonella concentrations, and this will be a bad thing because propylene oxide is classified by the U.S. EPA as a probable human carcinogen.

In the long run, I believe the only solution to the Salmonella-and-almonds predicament will be to understand the underlying reasons why Salmonella bacteria become present in certain batches of almonds and to correct these underlying problems. Problems which, I believe have evolved due to non-sustainable approaches to almond growing and inappropriate post-harvest processing. Yet, in the meantime, if you are looking for 100% raw, organically grown almonds, your only option is to purchase from a grower at a local farmer's market, from a grower who has received exemption from the mandatory processing rules, or from a certified organic almond grower outside of the United States who exports almonds to this country.

Source

Labels: almonds, blanching, dry roasted, FDA, Nuts, pasteurization, salmonella, toxic, toxins

Looking for a way to increase your stamina that doesn't involve carbo loading?

Beet juice could be the answer.

In a very small UK study, drinking beet juice daily was found to improve endurance by 16%, which translates into a two percent "reduction in the time taken to cover a set distance." The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, suggests that gains from drinking beet juice are greater than those that could be achieved with training.

This new research builds on earlier findings that beet juice lowers blood pressure. The scientists believe that nitrates in beets affect oxygen uptake and that this discovery could benefit people with cardiovascular and respiratory disease as well as professional and amateur athletes.

Thanks Fit!

Labels: beet juice, beets, blood pressure, cleanse, energy, healthy food, juicing, Stamina, study, vegetable

Did you know that grapes contain a nutrient called resveratrol that acts as a powerful antioxidant and has been found to help protect against heart disease and cancer?

Recent studies show that the flavonoids, such as resveratrol, found in grapes, particularly purple and red grapes, have powerful health-promoting properties. Much of this research was motivated by what has come to be known as the French Paradox: the interesting phenomenon of the low incidence of heart disease among the French despite their eating a diet high in fats. Increasing evidence suggests that the flavonoids found in grapes, grape juice and red wine, particularly resveratrol, may be a key to understanding this paradox since these foods are an important part of the French diet. Like calorie restriction, resveratrol activates a number of sirtuins, genes in the SIR (silent information regulator) family, which trigger cell signaling that:

• mobilizes the release of stored fat and its conversion into glucose
• promotes insulin secretion, so glucose is promptly delivered to cells
• boosts the aerobic capacity of the mitochondria (the energy production factories in our cells), so the glucose is efficiently converted into energy
• inactivates p53, a gene that plays a pivotal role in cellular senescence

The net result is a much more youthful metabolism in which fats and carbohydrates are efficiently converted into energy, increasing endurance and resistance to stress, instead of stockpiling and fueling inflammation, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Read More ...

Labels: antioxidant, flavonoids, French Paradox, fruit, grapes, healthy diet, healthy food, resveratrol

This just in from the University of Murcia in Spain:

Men with healthier, more balanced diets have higher quality semen. Control for everything -- smoking, BMI, age, toxic chemical exposure -- and "men who ate more dairy products and more meat, and less lettuce, tomatoes, and fruit, were more likely to have poor semen quality."

Got that?

Macho meat eaters firing more blanks than wimpy metrosexuals who get their fair share of carbs, fiber, folate, Vitamin C, and lycopene, (think tomatoes). The irony.

Source

Labels: diet and health, healthy diet, lycopene, macho men, poor diet, semen

Move over, chamomile. These science-tested sips leave you more focused, less frazzled.

Jones GABA is a non-caffeinated tea and juice blend that features GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an ingredient that helps rev the production of calming alpha brain waves and decrease beta brain waves, which are linked to nervousness. Grab it at a store near you.

Slow Cow calls itself the anti-energy drink. It contains L-Theanine, which is supposed to help you relax without causing sleepiness. Research suggests the ingredient can also improve your ability to learn and memorize new information. The beverage is only available in Canada for now, but will hit U.S. shelves soon.

Red Espresso isn't your normal cuppa joe--it's actually caffeine-free rooibos tea that you brew in a coffee maker or espresso machine. The ruby-hued brew packs more than 5 times the amount of brain-sharpening antioxidants as green tea and fans swear it eases insomnia, reduces anxiety and soothes digestion. Find it at Whole Foods or order it here.

THANKS!

Labels: anti-stress, beverages, bottled tea, calming, chamomile, cool new product, GABA, health trend, healthy beverage, l-theanine, rooibos

Vitamin D and calcium: Like most nutrients, calcium is absorbed primarily in the small intestine. If large quantities are present, the body can easily absorb it. But in smaller amounts, the mineral gets absorbed with active assistance from vitamin D. Right now, official nutrition guidelines recommend that adults get 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium and 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. For older adults, it’s a bit more. To give you an idea of how much that is, an 8-ounce glass of milk contains 300 mg of calcium and, because of fortification, 100 IU of vitamin D.

There’s debate these days about whether to revise the recommendations to reduce the goal for calcium intake (or at least de-emphasize it) and raise the goal for vitamin D by recommending a daily 1,000 IU vitamin D supplement.

Sodium and potassium: About 90% of the sodium we ingest comes in the form of sodium chloride — salt, in common parlance. Although sodium is an essential nutrient that helps maintain fluid levels in the body, the average American consumes far more of it each day than he or she needs.

Too much sodium can boost blood pressure, and with it, the chances of having a stroke or heart attack. Potassium counters the harmful cardiovascular effects of a surplus of sodium by encouraging the kidneys to excrete sodium. Many studies have shown a connection between high potassium intake and lower blood pressure. In fact, the potassium-to-sodium ratio may be more important than potassium—or sodium—alone.

Almost all of us need to have more potassium in our diets and a whole lot less sodium. And the best way to do that is to load up on fruits and vegetables (prime sources of potassium) and cut back on cookies, salty snacks, fast foods, and ready-made lunches and dinners (prime sources of sodium).

Vitamin B₁₂ and folate: Vitamin B₁₂ and folate work together to support some of the most fundamental processes of cell division and replication. They also metabolize homocysteine in tandem. Folate, which is itself one of the B vitamins, depends on vitamin B₁₂ to be absorbed, stored, and metabolized. Breakfast cereals with added vitamins and minerals typically contain vitamin B₁₂, and in the United States, cereal grains are fortified with folate.

Zinc and copper: Copper and zinc, both essential nutrients, compete for absorption sites in the small intestine. If there’s a lot of zinc around, copper tends to lose out and a copper deficiency may develop. Adults are supposed to get 900 micrograms of copper daily. The daily zinc goals are 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women. Getting enough zinc can lead to a copper deficiency, so it’s important to get enough of both to keep the nutrients in balance.

Neither mineral is rare in the American food supply, so copper and zinc deficiencies aren’t something most people need to worry about. One possible source of zinc overload is, of all things, denture cream.

Niacin and tryptophan: Niacin is probably best known for its cholesterol effects. Taken under medical supervision, large doses (500 mg to 1,500 mg per day) lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and increase “good” HDL cholesterol. But the daily niacin requirement is just 16 mg for men and 14 mg for women.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and tryptophan is one of nine that we need to ingest because the body doesn’t synthesize them on its own. Tryptophan is a supplier of niacin, courtesy of some rather complicated metabolism. So one way to avoid niacin shortfalls is to eat foods that contain a lot of tryptophan. Chicken and turkey are high on that list.

Source

Labels: calcium, copper, eating healthy, good health, supplements, Vitamins, zinc