Sunday, December 11, 2011

Meditation for your Health


Many people are afraid of meditation because they think it will make them become lost in thought and not know where they are. I have heard that some people think that they will put themselves in a trance or shut themselves off from world.

But the true about meditation is that it will help you to be more alert, calm, more focused, and you will not worry as much. It is really pleasant. Meditation is good for your health.

There are more benefits you can get from mediating:

1) You will be more positive and have more self-worth.
2) It will decrease tension, tension, anxiety and depression.
3) It improves the immune system and betters your health.
4) You will feel more spiritual.

Positions for meditating

You can sit with your back straight, lay down, or lotus position (sitting with legs crossed) you must be comfortable or it will distract from you meditation. If you sit in a chair, make sure your feet are flat on the floor. Place your hands on your lap palms down. It is very important that you do not slouch down. Make sure your clothes are loose and comfortable and the room is well ventilated. Breath through you nose if physically possible. It is good to meditate in the morning and at night. If you need to meditate in the middle of the day, then do it.

How To Begin Meditating?

Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Feel your body start to relax. Listen to your breathing. If your mind starts to wander, just focus on your breathing and this will bring you back. Try to concentrate on words like peace, tranquility, calmness, love. It is suggested that you meditate at least 20 minutes. If this is not possible, do less. You may need to set a timer when you first try this. As soon as you are done meditating, open your eyes and slowly start moving. It takes time to get used to meditating, so be kind and patient with yourself.

Meditation is so great for you that it has been known to help people suffering from allergies, high blood pressure, fatigue, and cancer. It is totally amazing.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Few Interesting Ideas to Get in Shape


The funnier program is the better it is. Give yourself the best chance of sticking with your exercise program by having an enjoyable routine. This article provides you with the advice you need in order build a good program.

Music is a good addition to any workout. The beat of the music will make your body to start moving automatically. It is natural for people to respond to music. Doing this dance will be so much fun that you will completely forget about feeling tired. Adding music to your routine will allow you to keep moving for longer.

Don't forget that exercising in groups is always easier and much more funnier. Make your workouts a social get-together. It will make them much more fun. While you are sharing the workout experience with somebody, time passes much faster. Friends can help focusing your attention on conversation which produces more energetic and prolonged workouts. Working out with friends can be very fun.

Very popular way to exercise is to use a workout video games. This is another way to take your mind off of the fatigue and discomfort that you may feel during a workout. You will pay less attention to how worn out or sore you may feel if you are concentrated on the video game. You will find that you do not get as tired as you usually do, and this way you will be able to get in a bit more exercise.

While out shopping, find exercise clothes that will you look and feel good when you put them on. Have fun when you're selecting your outfits. Let your personality shine by selecting workout clothes in the styles and colors you enjoy. If you are happy with what you are wearing, you will have a bigger sense of trust about your exercise regimen.

Varying and rotating your workouts to include new activities is a great way to not become bored with your exercise plan. To avoid abandoning  your exercise program, try new exercises or actions that will keep you interested and motivated. Bring enjoyment to your workouts by constantly creating new methods and plans, so you could stay excited. Never let yourself to stop, because you get bored. It's just too hard to get started again.

Give yourself a reward every so often as a way to reward yourself and stay on course. Your reward could be a thing that you really want to do so that it can help you stay on track. It needn't be anything over the top- only a little something to keep you working. Giving yourself reminders of how good you are making will give you the motivation you need.


How to have more energy


Recently I've been suffering with my own sleep and energy levels; as I am sure many of us nurses have at one point or another during our careers. With swing shifts, working nights, and being unable to create a sleep-wake cycle I am certain many nurses have had trouble falling and staying asleep. I'm not sure why my sleep is disrupted right now as I really haven't changed anything in my lifetime.

The cause I've become aware of this broken sleep is I feel more lethargic and less energetic during the day. This could as well be related to the seasons changing and earlier sunsets we experience during autumn however, I am certain my restless sleep is making my decreased energy levels.

This takes me to the topic - energy levels. We have more control through our energy than we think. People, in general, feel they are powerless over their energy increments and decreases throughout their day; falling victim to things like shift schedules, overtime, and staffing numbers. Fortunately, this is not the case. You do have control over your energy. I want to share with you several ways you can keep energy levels balanced.

* Get more rest. Instead of going to bed at 1 am, and getting only 4.5 hours of sleep, because you stayed up late browsing the web or logged on to Facebook; turn off the technology and settle in earlier. Make a set scheduled bed time, as much as you are able to, and keep it. Get 6-8 hours of straight sleep per night. Make a space that is conducive to sleep which means turning off distractions, keeping the room dark, cooling the temperature, reserving the bed for sleep.

* Exercise. A surefire way to increase your energy levels is to really do things that spend your energy. I know this sounds counterintuitive. Most times people protest, "I have no energy to work out; after work I just want to go home  and sleep." I assure you, once you get into a workout routine you will have more energy. As your heartbeat increases with exercise, more blood surges through the brain, more oxygen is absorbed by your cells, and you feel more mentally aware and energetic. Better-conditioned muscles make daily tasks easier. As you get stronger through exercise; so does your immune system.

* Drinking more water. This seems to be my answer for everything; but it works! Water accounts for approximately 60% of your body weight. Your organs need water in order to function properly.  By staying hydrous you will avoid feeling sluggish, tired.

* Stay away from "energy boosters." Things such as coffee, caffein, sugar, "energy" drinks are all ways to send your energy levels crashing. You ask why? You take them in for a quick burst of energy, but then since they are not natural your body "crashes" down off of them causing you to need more to sustain those energy levels you enjoyed. Excess sugar causes fluctuations in blood sugar, which can result in plummeting energy levels. Although coffee initially raises stress hormones and gives a rush of energy, consuming several cups of coffee per day can promote burnout. Avoid unnatural ways to boost energy.

* Make some time every day just for you. Make a daily ritual where you take 20 to 30 minutes for yourself just relaxing and doing nothing (no watching TV or surfing the net). Read a book, listen to music, meditate, have a cup of tea, or sit outside just being quiet. Make something that is just for you. Schedule it in as you do anything else.

* Go out. Nature is a great energizer. Rest in the fresh air. Get your dose of natural vitamin D from the sun.  Run around with kids, play a sport, or tackle some yard work. The more you are outside feeling the elements; the better rest you will get and ultimately the best energy you will have.

* Breathe. Energy, in Chinese Medicine, is called qi. Great important way we make qi is by breathing deeply. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing is a easy way you can improve energy levels.




Thursday, December 8, 2011

4 Simple Tips for Weight Loss


If you have overweight, you will never be Healthy person, so I will give you some simple tips to lose weight.

1) Get that body moving!

Being active is essential to your great health. Joining a gym, going for a walk, jog, or swimming are only a couple of ways to get and remain active. Parking your car the farthest distance from the supermarket or store will let you to walk more while your shopping or running errands. Go up and down on your toes while waiting in checkout line. Attempt to take on projects, like planting a garden,raking leaves,or walking the dog. Take the stairs not the escalator, walking stairs is a great cardio exercise.

2) Eat your vegetables.

Eating veggies is one of the smartest things you can do for optimum health. Leafy green veggies in particular are the best food on the planet, they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fibers, and phytochemicals. Non only do they have a very high nutrient content, but they also have a very low caloric rate. Foods with this combination of high nutrients, and low calories is ideal for your good health. Attempt to eat as much of these type of great foods as possible, this will supply your body with all the nourishment it needs to fight off diseases while allowing you to lose weight.

3) Drink plenty of water.

Water curbs your appetite naturally, and helps the body burn fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increment! Increasing your water consumption will lower the fat on your body!

Here's the reason why...

The kidneys cannot work properly without enough water. When they do not work to capacity, some of their load is dumped on the liver. One of the liver's primary works is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it cannot work at maxim efficiency. Water helps you feel your best. You've heard this since high school, and it's right. Water will do wonders for your looks! It flushes out toxins in your skin, leaving you with a clear, glowing complexion. It also makes your skin look younger. Skin that is becoming saggy, either due to aging or weight loss, plumps up very nicely when the skin cells are hydrated.

4) Eat lots fruits.

Begin eating some fruits that you haven't eaten before. Fruits come in all shape, sizes, and flavors. Put berries, apples, or bananas into your hot or cold breakfast cereals. Try to have some fruit with each and every meal. Allow for sliced carrot, apples, grapes, or any fruit in your lunch bag. A fruit salad is a outstanding perfect for lunch. Fruit is good for snacks. Encourage your kids also to snack with fruits instead  with cakes and candy.

They are rich in vitamins and minerals which keep the body healthy. They are filled with antioxidants, which are thought to protect against chemicals that get into the body and cause damage to the cells. Even So, the exact way in which they prevent disease is not fully understood.

3 Interesting Ways to Achieve Weight loss


What you eat and what you do for exercise is often the least main part of the equation when it gets to losing weight and going in shape.

Here are a a couple of strange conceptions that can assist you get into the right place mentally to finally shed that unwanted baggage, for good!

1. What you see it's what you get

Your reality is the way you see things - it is up to you to see them the way you want them to be!

The goal therefore, is to see more beauty, look at beautiful things more - focus on the good stuff! See more beauty - your life becomes more beautiful.

2. Self Respect and Love

Self-respect makes it harder to make poor food choices, harder to miss a workout (unless you are showing signs of over-training, which you will also be able to recognise if you stop fighting) and so much simpler to make better selections.

If you trust that you are worthy then your behaviour will naturally fall in line with that feeling. You won't have to push your way through your programme - the programme is designed to allow your lean, healthy self to emerge and develop.

3. Awareness, think where are you now?

The first thing we need to find before we can transfer things, is to be aware!

We need to turn aware of what we are doing - this is why writing a food diary is such a important tool, as most people are blissfully unaware of what and how much food they are actually consuming.

Being aware of our feelings when we eat, of our emotions, of the places in which we respond with overeating is all part of being able to make changes.

Awareness, then acknowledgement, then understanding leads to total transformation.

One things need more work than others, as they will be deeply embedded habits. But until we can identify what might be getting wrong, we will never be able to address it!

Sometimes, simply by drawing attention and awareness to a habit, belief or behaviour can be enough to see it off for good - but other things will take a bit more time and need some of the other approaches in this book to neutralise or replace.

If you do this, you will not need to follow the latest fad or craze - if you listen to what your body really needs it will become obvious!



Good Time Management tips


Effective time management can mean all the difference in your general quality of life. For instance, do you get to the end of the day and question where the time went? If so do you find that you're distracted all the way home by the tasks you know you should have finished?

Most people have some kind of experience like to this, but it doesn't have to be the norm. Let's take a look at strategies you can use to make the most of your professional time so you're not taking those tasks around mentally during your personal time.

* Good Time Management Means Getting Organized

Keep A To Do List - Writing it down leaves you free to concentrate on other things. Keep your list in front of you, and allow yourself the satisfaction of marking a task as complete.

Use Checklists - This is a little different from keeping To Do Lists. A checklist tracks tasks that need to be completed on a given project. If you find that you work on the same types of projects repeatedly, consider creating a checklist template for yourself so you can use it over and  again.

Clear Your Clutter - Keep your desk clear. Define a clutter-free condition for your work area. Make sure that you start and end your day with your workspace completed and clear.

Focus Your Attention - Focus your mind and your activities on the task at hand. Finish each task before you move onto the next one.

* Effective Time Management Means Planning Forward

Plan For Tomorrow - Map out what you're going to do tomorrow in front you finish your work today. Allow yourself the time it takes to do this advance activity.

Prepare For Tomorrow's Tasks - Once you've planned the work you need to do tomorrow, make sure you have the materials needed for each task. For example, if you're writing a report, be sure you've identified and accessed your research materials.

Allocate Time For Tasks - Decide forward of time how long you will devote to a specific job. That way as you're working on it, the knowledge that your allocated time is limited will hone your focus and sharpen your mind, allowing you to concentrate more fully on the task at hand.

* Effective Time Management Means Being Punctual

Keep A Calendar - When you make appointments with other people, use scheduling software or a calendar to hold track of these time-bound events. Likewise, since you've taken the time to plan your day, be meticulous in holding to your scheduled tasks. Don't let yourself be distracted.

Apply Task Management Software - One of my favorite tools for time management is a tool called the Focus Master. It lets you to program blocks of your time, including regular breaks, and when the time is up, the software notifies you that it's time to move onto the next task. There is nothing quite as important a having a meter running to keep you on task.

Let the Day Be Done - When you've invested the time you've allowed for your professional tasks, leave them alone until you're ready to get back to them. Be present to your friends and family and all the activities of your individual life.

They say that life is like a sweepstakes: Must be present to win! When you learn to handle your professional time and get the most out of it, all of your minutes, hours and days take on a sweet savor.

Stress Reduction Tips




Managing your stress level is an main factor to live a healthy and happy life that is often forgotten. Most will simply accept the stress instead than try to find ways to reduce it.
I will give you some simple stress reduction tips, so let's start.


Healthy food and exercise 

It may sound cliche but eating healthier and exercising are the two greatest things you can do to handle your stress. And mostly everyone already recognise this intuitively; handle your body right, give it the nutrients it needs, and it will operate better and more efficiently. 
Making dramatic transfers to your diet and exercise routine can be an added factor to stress in and of itself, so you'll want to make very small incremental transfers. This not only does such changes easier to handle and less stressful but it also makes those changes more likely to stick and become a habit. Do a few pushups in the morning, take the stairs alternatively of the elevator, add a banana or an apple to your lunch. Start making these very little changes and add on as time goes on.
Organize
You'd be surprised how much a difference it can make in reducing your stress by simply cleaning up and organizing your home and office. Living in a chaotic mess seems to reflect itself in our lives. Most people find that simply removing the clutter on their desk will improve their mindset and help boost productivity.
Being disorganized also leads to more stress in certain situations, such as when you can't find your car keys in the morning and you end up running late to work. Or perhaps you need to find an main paper or report but it is lost somewhere in the stack of documents on your desk.
Take Your Sleep 
Lack of quality sleep is one of the biggest factors to stress and yet it is the one most ignored. You can get through your day with only four hours of sleep, sure, but it is going to negatively affect your health and add to your stress.
Researchers are continually confirming and uncovering new negative affects of sleep deprivation.
If you find yourself having trouble getting to sleep there are free resources available on the internet that may help. The common tips to falling asleep easier include:
 Don't drink any caffeinated beverages 3 to 6 hours before you plan to go to sleep.
Avoid electronic screens such as computers or television 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to go to sleep because electronic light exposure before sleep disrupts natural body rhythms, excites your visuals and suppresses the release of the hormone melatonin which promotes sleep.
 Try reading a book in bed before going to sleep. Reading often helps people become drowsy and the drowsy effect is increased by reading in your bed.
If you don't feel tired when you plan to go to sleep, simply lay in bed and close your eyes and try not to think about anything. You may find that you'll soon become tired this way and is a better option than turning on the tube which, like mentioned, disrupts your quality of sleep and makes you even less tired.
Get a New Hobby 
Another experiences or taking up a fun hobby can dramatically reduce stress. Pick up hike as an outdoor recreational activity for illustration. Studies actually show that getting out into nature can have a positive effect on our moods. Or you could join a book club or some other group activity. Getting fun and enjoying yourself with hobbies and activities is a great way to reduce stress.
Quit Destructive Habits
If you drink too much alcohol or smoke cigarettes you may want to consider reducing if not stopping these habits completely. Smoking cigarettes actually does help reduce stress while you are smoking them, but it does bigger damage. Alcohol has a similar effect as cigarettes. It may temporarily reduce your stress in the moment but the health disruption it can cause may lead to a net increase in your stress level.
Other destructive habits may include eating unhealthy, over-spending or procrastination. Look for areas where you can improve yourself. Setting goals and reaching for excellence makes you feel better about yourself and will ultimately lead to less stress.

Camping


So, lets talk about camping, yeah it's also good for your health.
I bet you've got a normal sleeping bag. Problem is it's very restrictive. Have you ever wished you could walk around in your sleeping bag? What about sit round the camp fire? For the ultimate in sleeping bags, check out the Selk Bag it's a wearable sleeping bag. You can you can walk round, sit, wave your arms around and even cross your legs. This sleeping system has to be seen, to be believed, definitely a must have camping gadget!
If you don't have room for a full size pillow did you know you can get inflatable pillows? They are more comfortable than they sound. Simply pump in a bit of air, and sleep like a baby. Most of the newer style pillows come lined for ultimate comfort.
I used to take one of those portable ice coolers to every camping trip. While it worked well, once the ice melted it was game over! Enter the car fridge. This is a game changing addition to your camping equipment. A powered "car fridge" has completely revolutionised my camping, no more wet meat, no more warm beer. You will need to make some modifications to your vehicle to allow a car fridge to run all day and night, however you'll soon forget about that when you crack open that chilly cold beer.
Have you ever run out of batteries? We all have. When your camping this is a major inconvenience. You can forget all that when you have a wind up torch. Even if you have a great reliable torch and you have spare batteries it's always good to have a back up. LED and wind up technology has changed so much that that these torches are good enough for every day use.
The Leatherman multi tool is legendary in the world of outdoor camping and adventuring. This tool can do literally everything, well almost everything. I've used the Leatherman for cutting up food, repairing cars, cutting myself free from ropes, fixing motorbikes and dozens of other uses. It really is a must have camping gadget.
Camping doesn't have to be hardship and suffering. Sure there are you hardcore campers that go camping with nothing but a knife a tent, however, no one said you can't take a bit of technology...

Benefits of Fresh Veggies Juice


Pressing the juices from produce, juicing, benefits you by allowing you to combine very good nourishment together with a hectic style of living.
Getting real, washing, peeling, as well as artfully arranging veggies for a salad requires time that is very scarce in your life. Next, you have to chew all this consuming more time than the preparing. Plus the selection is pretty minimal,  lettuce, all kinds of peppers, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes. Truly, what else? Sure, you'll find the "other" highly recommended vegetables; those dark green and leafy ones, and the ones with funny names (along with funnier tastes) which you could purchase, but do not. Boredom beats the unknown.
Juicing helps to solve many of the difficulties of eating your vegetables while maintaining the assets of salads. The two versions, salads and juices, keep the produce raw. No one disagrees that raw is actually the ideal way to go. With no cooking, valuable and fragile micronutrients will be preserved.
The overall health benefits of specific fresh vegetables tend to be highly recommended, albeit by numerous questionable "authorities" and many fewer reputable sources. However it is most likely that you at least operate on the "it can't harm and may help" belief regarding these kinds of claims, so that's one more reason to consume all that excellent produce -- if you simply had the time.
Here are a number of ways juicing benefits you:
1) Preparation time reduction is very genuine. In the juicing world, you still need to wash fresh vegetables going into the juicer, however, you can quickly chop all of them -- simply no art or even much uniformity is needed. Small or softer items may require almost no dicing, depending on the juice extractor. Little skill and little time is needed.
2) Eating time will be minimal. You can easily drink the juice in a quite small fraction of the time you will need to eat a salad! The juice can easily be imbibed all day long -- something you almost certainly don't want to do with a salad. And a glass of juice will go down much easier compared to a slippery concoction of those artfully carved salad pieces!
3) Boredom will be eradicated. Flavor combos from a juice maker are just limited by what is at the grocers. You can try things out. There are absolutely no criteria -- for instance "lettuce is the basic component." You'll be able to juice a single item or possibly a dozen, based on your tastes. The majority of recipes seem to use a half-dozen or fewer, but it is up to your taste buds alone.
4) You are able to cover up the disgusting stuff, but still get its nutrients. Juicing makes it easy to include a lot more variety in your diet plan. You know the list of those oh-so-good-for-you veggies you should consume, but do not, right? When you are juicing, it isn't difficult to also include the products you are not so fond of alone, for instance perhaps kale or collard greens. Actually, juicing is the one practical way you can access the wheat grass benefits. It can be astonishing just how much good-for-you stuff you can cover in a juice heavy in carrots or tomatoes. Do not like tomatoes -- simply no need to use them. Remember, there are no rules.
Juicing offers you real freedom, real taste, real fast. It is not only for "health nuts." Juicing benefits actual men and women.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Healthiest Piece of Fruit


All fruit is healthy and as they say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but this can be said of any fruit. The healthiest fruit for you may depend on where you live, what is in season and how you feel. By this I mean that different fruit can help with different health problems.
In general berries, particularly black berries such as bilberries, blueberries and blackberries contain anthocyanins and vitamins and minerals which can help prevent cancers, because of their antioxidant properties, as well as keeping us healthy. Fruit has no cholesterol and berries can help lower blood cholesterol levels as well as helping improve vision, and delaying the onset of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Black grapes contain substances such as resveratrol and the vitamins and minerals provide antioxidant actions and, of course, red wine does too, which I regard as being the finished product of grapes. Red fruit, including the tomato contains lycopene, so watermelons, raspberries, strawberries and apricots can help protect against prostate cancer and breast cancer, among others.
Citrus fruit contains vitamin C and I have found that lemons provide an excellent source of this vitamin which the body can retain. If it is winter, then eating a piece of citrus fruit every day can help boost the immune system and help reduce the incidence of getting colds and flu. If you have a cold already vitamin C will help get rid of its symptoms more quickly.
Personally I love mangos which are packed full of flavour, vitamins and minerals which are essential for health and which for me certainly have a feel-good factor. Unfortunately these are summer fruits and so in winter I rely on kinnow mandarins and lemons, along with pommelo and grapefruit for my vitamin C intake. I also have tomatoes in most dishes and salads containing them as they are fresh all year round here in Pakistan.
Kiwi fruit are also healthy and can be obtained all year round and these small brown hairy fruit with their beautiful green flesh are one of the so-called super-fruit. Bananas are a rich source of potassium which is necessary for healthy nerve function, muscle control and it can lower blood pressure. Bananas are not the only fruit rich in potassium, but they are readily available and easy to eat. They are good if you have an upset stomach and can help whatever the problem, whether it is constipation that is bothering you or diarrhea. Young children can be given banana milkshakes or mashed bananas with milk and they generally like the taste.
Eat the fruit that is in season where you live and this will probably help you fight off any seasonal illnesses as it seems that nature provides food which we need at particular times; citrus fruit are in season in the winter months for example when colds are flu are prevalent.
Eat the fruit your body tells you it needs and you won't go far wrong. Just remember to have a couple of pieces of fruit every day as it contains dietary fibre which helps keep your digestive system working. Fruit also has many protective health benefits and should be eaten every day along with fresh vegetables and sources of protein. A well-balanced diet is very important for continued good health.

Secrets of Watermelon Juice


You may think that watermelons are just for quenching your thirst on a hot summer's day . However, although a watermelon is mainly made up of water it has some  health benefits too.
The thing about a watermelon is that it is large and you have to buy a whole one. You should look for ones that have a slightly paler side than the rest of the rind, as this indicates that the melon has been left to become fully ripe. The side will be paler because this is the part of the fruit that has been resting on the ground. The rind shouldn't be too shiny or dull either.
To make the juice, you need to take out the seeds  and you can dry them as they are a useful source of protein and dietary fibre. They also contain the minerals phosphorous, zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and copper as well as sodium and some of the B-complex vitamins. Don't throw them away. 
Don't throw the rind away either as it is a good source of citrulline which is a precursor to arginine, which has been shown to increase the blood circulation around the body and to increase glucose metabolism and insulin secretion, making it valuable in Type-2 diabetes. It can lower high blood glucose levels and can also help men with erectile dysfunctions as can watermelon juice and flesh. Citrulline can boost the levels f nitric oxide in the body and this relaxes the blood vessels, which means that circulation is increased and an erection is more likely to take place, if the erectile dysfunction is not caused by psychological problems. You can use the rind to make a delicious pickle, which is an old recipe from the southern states of America.
Watermelon juice contains vitamins C, E and A along with some of the B-complex vitamins and folate, biotin and the minerals copper, potassium, iron, phosphorous and zinc, making it very healthy for everyone but for men's sexual health especially.
It contains the phytonutrient, lycopene which makes it red, along with the beta-carotene present in it in the form of Vitamin A. Lycopene has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and has been called a natural Viagra, so watermelons have the potential of being aphrodisiacs.
Lycopene and beta-carotene need heat to unlock their potency, so it is best to store your watermelon at room temperature rather than have it in the fridge. These substances give fruit their red colour, so tomatoes are an excellent source too as are red raspberries and strawberries and apricots, among other fruit.
Watermelons were first cultivated in ancient Egypt it is believed; they feature in wall paintings in the pyramids and were buried with the pharaohs, indicating that they were held in high esteem, probably because of their thirst-quenching abilities or perhaps because of their medicinal properties which we have been slow in discovering.
Why not get a watermelon next time you go on a shopping expedition and juice it to get the benefits from this beautiful, juicy red fruit? And don't throw any part of it away- everything has its health benefits- even the rind.

Food To Combat Stress


Are you stressed out? Do you skip meals simply because you never seem to have enough hours in the day to sit down and refuel? If you've answered yes to these questions, the chances are you're already trapped in a vicious circle of unremitting stress. You may also be relying upon a diet that lacks the types of foods that can actually reduce your stress levels.
The fact of the matter is that certain foods can bolster the immune system and act as great stress-busters. And the good news is that simply increasing one's intake of such food items can have a marked effect on how we cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life.
So, which foods have the thumbs up as stress-busters? 
Polyunsaturated Fats (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
Foods containing polyunsaturated fats help reduce the risk of heart disease, a condition associated with stress. Oily fish, such as mackerel and tuna, are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Pantothenic Acid (B5), often dubbed the "anti-stress" vitamin can be found in a wide range of food items including beef, pork, liver, kidneys, fish, fresh vegetables, nuts, whole wheat and rye flour and brewer's yeast. Dandelion leaves are also a good source of Pantothenic Acid!
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C, arguably the single most important anti-stress nutrient, is vital for boosting the immune system. Now, stress is known to deplete the body of this essential vitamin. Fresh fruits, vegetables, (particularly broccoli and new potatoes, cooked in their skins) and fresh herbs are all high in Vitamin C.
Calcium
Calcium is essential for nerve transmission as well as the proper functioning of the heart. And, apart from its various other functions, such as helping the body absorb iron and magnesium, more effectively, calcium has also been shown to aid relaxation and to reduce tension in the body. Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese and yoghurt.
Magnesium
Magnesium acts as a natural tranquilliser. This important mineral can be found in meats, cereals, dairy products, shell fish such as shrimps, fruits, vegetables (particularly spinach and pumpkin), nuts including almonds and cashews, soy beans and, would you believe it, even in chocolate!
Potassium
Potassium is important for the physiological functions of the body that affect stress levels. Foods high in potassium include meats, vegetables, fruits, cereals and milk.
Zinc
Another essential mineral that can help reduce tension in the body, zinc can be found in a number of food items such as beef, chicken, sardines and oysters.
Iron
Iron plays a vital role in the functioning of the nerves and muscles, which, in turn, have a direct impact on how the body copes with stress. Sources of iron include red meats, fish, poultry, cereals, green leaf vegetables, wholemeal bread and egg yolk.
And finally...what to drink (and what not to drink) in order to de-stress...
The irony is that when we're stressed, tired, and tensions are running high, we tend to over-indulge in alcohol and caffeine which, as we all know, only serves to crank up our stress levels! We'd be better off substituting that extra cup of caffeine-laden tea or coffee with natural fruit or vegetable juices, or even a soothing banana "smoothie" or a glass of calcium-fortified soya milk. Herbal teas, such as camomile or dandelion can have an immediate calming effect, in times of stress. And, there's no harm in a glass or two of wine (preferably red and organically produced) provided, of course, that we imbibe in moderation.
The old adage that "we are what we eat" is certainly true, today. Indeed, research has shown that there is a direct link between what we eat (and drink!) and how we handle stress and the continuous demands placed upon by our increasingly busy lifestyles.
Choosing stress-busting foods and drinks can make a big difference.