nutritionwise

Exercise while you enjoy

2006-03-29T18:13:00.000-08:00

We all know how tedious and boring doing exercises can be sometimes. However if we intend to stay healthy and free from preventable diseases like Diabetes and Hypertension, in addition to eating healthy, we must maintain a regular schedule of exercise. (next post) Check out this ION 1807T-ME Treadmill with Built-in LCD TV Display being sold at Amazon.com . Watch T.V while you work out. Regular price is $1,499.99 but you can get it at for $1,199.99 thereby saving $300.00 which is a 20% savings.

Nigeria : Avian flu, HIV/Aids control

2006-03-17T12:39:00.000-08:00

A daily newspaper - This Day (Lagos) of March 17, 2006 reports that the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, has said the US Government has allocated up to $25 million to support Nigeria's quest at controlling Avian Influenza, Campbell said approximately, $163.1 million is also to be provided this year, through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Addressing the press in Abuja and Lagos in a teleconference yesterday, Campbell said, "we are working closely with the Government of Nigeria to programme these resources the best way possible." via allAfrica.com

Technorati Tags: avian flu HIV/AIDS Nigeria

An update on Bird flu

2006-03-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

Bird flu in Israel? Talk about being on the safe side! Yahoo News (march 17 2006) reports that tens of thousands of turkeys in Jerusalem were ordered destroyed on Friday as a protective measure, while officials waited to hear whether Israel has experienced its first outbreak of the deadly bird flu. About 11,000 turkeys have died in recent days, and after preliminary tests, Health Minister Yaakov Edri said there was a "very high chance that this is avian flu." No cases of human illness have been reported, Edri said. If the H5N1 strain of avian flu is confirmed, and in the unlikely event it spreads to humans, Israel has vaccinations for half a million of its 7 million people, he said. Since 2003, at least 97 people have died from the disease worldwide, with most victims infected directly by sick birds.The H5N1 strain has killed or forced the slaughter of tens of millions of chickens and ducks across Asia since 2003, and recently spread to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The fear of health officials worldwide is that the H5N1 could evolve into a virus that can be transmitted easily between people and become a global pandemic, Officials said there was no danger of infection from eating cooked chicken, turkey or eggs. Via Yahoo News

Technorati Tags: bird flu jerusalem H5N1

Being happy equals being healthy

2006-03-13T18:11:00.000-08:00

Negative and unhappy feelings have long been associated with disease conditions such as heart disease, depression, peptic ulcers, asthma and even cancer. So how do we get happy and stay happy? I believe that has been the sole pursuit of man since man came to be found on planet earth. Here's a thought to give some impetus to our search for Happiness :- "Your difficulty is not contained, primarily, in the situation which gave rise to it, but in the mental state with which you regard that situation and which you bring to bear upon it." - Byways of Blessedness It is one of the most difficult lessons to accept, understand and learn. Circumstances are not negative or positive, circumstances are neutral. It is our thinking, our mental state, our perspective, that makes a circumstance positive or negative. So we can see that every circumstance can be viewed in two ways. It’s the way we view a circumstance that determines it’s impact on our thinking and mental state. And that determines the quality of life that we live; whether we go about feeling sorry for ourselves or we try to put a smile on our faces all the time. No matter how bad the circumstance appears to be, taking another look, from another perspective, reveals to us the good. Or, as Napoleon Hill, author of the classic Think and Grow Rich, wrote, "Every adversity, every failure and every heartache carries with it the seed of an equivalent or a greater benefit."

Lower your cholesterol with Grapefruit

2006-03-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hi,guess what I just learnt. Recent (february 2006) scientific studies have confirmed what seasoned dieters and nutrition freaks have always known. That grapefruits "burn" fat . "The new study showing this adds to the mounting evidence of the heart benefits of citrus fruits. Nearly 60 patients who recently had coronary bypass surgery were divided into three treatment groups. They were either given red grapefruit, white grapefruit, or no grapefruit along with their meals for a month." It was discovered that at the end of the month, the patients who had grape fruit showed lowered triglyceride (fat,cholesterol) levels. Those who took the red grapefruit had lower levels than those who took the white grapefruit. Remember though, that Grapefruits contain a lot of natural sugars, so moderation as in all things, is the watchword. A Grapefruit a day should be adequate especially for us weight watchers. I would like to hear your own experiences from taking Grapefruit. Journal of Agric and Food Chemistry 3rd Feb 2006

Technorati Tags: fat-burner grapefruit cholesterol

An Essential Health Food Equipment

2006-03-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

The Moulinex Juice Master Plus (Graphite) The Juice Master Plus is perfect for those just starting out into the healthy way of life with juicing. However, not only is vegetable and fruit juice great for your body, its also great for your taste buds! Strawberry's, apples, oranges, carrots and many other delicious fruits and vegetable can be processed by this hardy equipment. A must for the kitchens of those who seek Better Living through Healthy Eating. via Amazon Technorati Tags: nutrition diet fitness

Can Type 2 Diabetes be Cured by Weight Control?

2006-03-08T16:18:00.000-08:00

Diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by a deficiency or resistance to insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone produced by the Pancreas that is responsible for glucose control and metabolism. The two main types of diabetes are ;-

Juvenile Onset (Type 1 ) - caused by lack or deficiency of insulin
Maturity Onset Diabetes (Type 2 ) - develops in older people usually above the age of 35yrs. Characterised by insulin resistance and usually brought on in the presence of rapid weight gain and lack of exercise. Heredity plays a strong role too.

The American Diabetes Association reports an estimated 18 million Americans have diabetes, while just over 16 million (about 90%) have Type 2 diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes cope with insulin resistance – the inability of the body to use insulin properly in order to metabolize glucose, starches and sugars into energy. Sugar levels can become dangerously high in the blood and insulin resistance can also lead to cardiovascular disease. Type 2 diabetes is managed through diet and careful monitoring of the blood, but can it be cured? In most cases, the onset of Type 2 diabetes is brought on by excessive weight gain and lack of exercise. A study by Barbara B Kahn M.D proved that there is a promising relationship between moderate weight loss and exercise. Many physicians are still sceptical about this because many people with type 2 Diabetes are not overweight and also if the overweight ones regain their lost weight, their sympoms are likely to return. It is clear however that if Type 2 Diabetic patients lose weight and carry out moderate exercise, they will experience significant lessening/disappearance of their symptoms

via Harvard Research Matters

Technorati Tags: diabetes obesity exercise

Update on Polio Eradication Programme in Nigeria

2006-03-08T15:47:00.000-08:00

The second round of NIDs (National Immunisation Days) will be commencing in Nigeria on saturday the 11th march 2006. The round will last for four days to end on tuesday 14th march. During this period all children in the target age group 0yrs to 5yrs will be immunized with two drops of the oral (Sabine) polio vaccine. Methodology: - the strategy employed is house to house. Each vaccinating team consists of six members which includes a supervisor, vaccinators, recorders and local guides. This teams move from house to house with tally sheets and daily route maps. Each house in which all the children have been vaccinated will be marked with white chalk and the base of the left thumbnail of each immunised child will be painted with indelible black ink. check out my previous post on polio eradication programme in Nigeria

Technorati Tags: polio eradication child health immunisations

A Banana a day keeps the Doctor away ?

2006-03-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

Many of us are familiar with the well worn phrase "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Recent findings however are making us to have a rethink and consider changing it to "a banana a day keeps the doctor away." Bananas are rich in potasium , iron, magnesium and many vitamins such as vitamin A, C, B6 and B12 . They also contain Tryptophan, a natural mood enhancer, which is converted in the body to Serotonin. Bananas provide a rich source of instant and sustained energy and it is said that just two bananas will provide enough energy for a 90 minute workout! Compared to apples, bananas contain four times more protein, three times more phosphorus, five times more vitamin A and iron, twice the carbohydrate and twice the other vitamins and minerals. As a result of the constituents, bananas have been found to be useful in various conditions such as:-

Depression and Affective disorders
Hypertension. Bananas reduce risk of stroke by up to 40%.
Peptic ulcers
Constipation
Anaemia
Stress and Obesity
Pre Menstrual Sndrome (PMS)
Morning sickness

Weight for weight, bananas contain more food value than apples and are therefore more beneficial. So tuck in.

via Vital Health News

Technorati Tags: nutrition disease banana

A Thought for the week

2006-03-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

"A person only begins to become the person he wants to be when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life." – As A Man Thinketh "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in the world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them." - George Bernard Shaw via Vic Johnson

A rejuvenating Pineapple drink

2006-03-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

I just thought to share with you a pineapple drink I often make at home when I'm feeling under weather. I feel very good when I take it. Maybe because pineapple is a source of xeronine which is also found abundantly in Noni I should know because I take Noni every day. I'm even a Tahitian Noni distributor (ID 163255) Method- After peeling the scrubbed ripe pineapple you place the peels in a saucepan or casserole and put in enough water to cover the contents. Add some grated ginger (two table spoons to one medium pineapple) to make the drink more healthful. Boil for about 10 minutes and then leave to cool. When cooled, strain with a metal sieve and drink. I also eat the peeled pineapple after slicing or dicing. Remove the hard core first! via How to cut a pineapple

Famous Quotes

2006-03-04T16:41:00.001-08:00

"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei "The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work." - Emile Zola (1840-1902) If A equals success, then the formula is: A = X + Y + Z, X is work. Y is play. Z is keep your mouth shut. - Albert Einstein

Taking Garlic in Pregnancy Prevents Pre - Eclampsia?

2006-02-23T14:53:00.000-08:00

Hi, Remember my previous post on Garlic? You won't believe what I just learnt; Recent recearches have shown that taking garlic during pregnancy may help to prevent the risk of pre-eclampsia ( a condition in pregnancy asociated with high blood pressure and convulsions/fits). That's real good news. It was also found that garlicky breast milk, rather than repulsing them, actually satisfies restless and selective babies. Babies of mothers taking garlic nursed for longer periods and showed no signs of discomfort. There was less occurence of low birth weight babies with mothers who took garlic in pregnancy.

As A Man Thinketh

2006-02-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

Almost 100 years ago James Allen in his book, Path to Prosperity wrote : "Disease and Health, like circumstances, are rooted in thought. Sickly thoughts will express themselves through a sickly body." Those thoughts sounded so alien at the time but now, the fact that all disease has its origin in the mind has become common knowledge. And that's something worth thinking about!

Quotable quotes

2006-02-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

Fellow Blogger, There is nothing more refreshing than to go through the day with a wise saying from one of the ancients warming your heart. Here's one:- "Be sober and temperate and you will be happy," by Benjamin Franklin a former president of the U.S.A That's worth thinking about!

Is there "Bird Flu" In Nigeria?

2006-02-15T17:02:00.000-08:00

What is Bird flu? Bird flu is actually Avian influenza. It had been infecting birds including domestic poultry for more than a century. However things took a different turn in 1997 when the disease appeared to be fatal to humans in Hong Kong. 18 people were infected out of which 6 died. This is because the bird flu virus had undergone mutation to develop strains that were highly deadly to humans. The most deadly strain is the H5N1. Bird flu is spread from place to place by wild migrating birds who then pass on the flu to other wild or domesticated birds like farm chickens and turkeys. Infection of humans is of great concern because our immune systems do not have the antibodies to combat a disease that used to be confined to animals. Symptoms of bird flu - fever, sore throat, cough. The fatal cases develop severe respiratory distress due to viral pneumonia. It is still quite difficult for humans to contact the disease from birds and it is very rare for humans to infect one another. The first case of bird flu in Africa was reported on a chicken farm in Jaji , Kaduna, in the Northern part of Nigeria on 8th february 2006. The disease was found among the chickens and not the humans on the farm. The World Health Organisation immediately sent a team of experts to the area. The WHO stated that the Nigerian Government swung swiftly to action quarantining the infected farm, as well as surrounding farms. Not less than 50,000 birds have been culled (destroyed). The area has been disinfected and the movement of animals within the country has also been restricted. Further reading CNN.com (15th feb 2006)

Poliomyelitis Eradication Programme in Nigeria

2006-02-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

The Nigerian Poliomyelitis (polio) eradication programme has kicked off again.The first round of the 2006 NIDs (national immunisation days) commenced on saturday 11th february. The round will last four days.During this period, a total of about 140,000 vaccinators nationwide, will go from house to house immunising all children aged 0 to 5 years with 2 drops of the oral polio vaccine.The purpose of this mass immunisation programme is to ensure the eradication of polio from Nigeria and of course the rest of the world by the end of 2006. There will be 4 rounds of immunisation this year.Polio is a crippling disease caused by infection with the polio virus. It affects the nervous system and causes paralysis of any or all of the upper or lower limbs. It could also be generalised affecting the whole body.The programme in Nigeria is co-ordinated by the NPI (national programme on immunisation). They are supported by WHO (World Health Organisation), UNICEF, USAID and ROTARY International.Other members of the Polio Eradication coalition include donor countries like Canada (CIDA), the United Kingdom (DFID), Japan (JICA), and the European Union. Humanitarian and non-governmental organizations (e.g. the International Red Cross) and other partners.

Sweet Potatoe : an anti - diabetic agent?

2006-02-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

Sweet potatoe is a food that one should regularly include in the family diet and not just in Thanksgiving dinners! It has been found to be the richest low-fat source of vitamin E. Sweet Potatoes are also rich in vitamin A ( as Beta Carotene), Vitamin C, antioxidants, Manganese, Copper, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Iron and a rich source of dietary fiber. As a result Sweet Potatoes have been found to help in a wide variety of conditions such as :- Cataracts, Macular degeneration, night blindness, sensitivity to sunlight (photophobia), Asthma, Atherosclerosis, Cancer (esp Lung cancer because of beta carotene), multiple sclerosis and heart disease (regulation of high blood pressure), improving iron absorption, strengthening bones, reducing risk of arthritis, auto-immune disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Sweet potatoes have also been shown to have anti diabetic properties; they stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. Sweet potatoes are tummy filling foods yet without fat so you can eat as much as you wish. Bon Appetit!! Via Worlds Healthiest Foods

Ginger Plant; an all round good guy!

2006-02-07T11:53:00.001-08:00

There's real science behind the legends and myths that are associated with ginger. Decades of research have revealed the wealth of health locked inside gingerroot. In addition to containing nutritional pluses such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and phytochemicals, this robust rhizome can soothe an upset tummy, kill harmful microbes, and help clear toxins from the blood. Best of all, you don't need to eat ginger by the pound to get the effects and benefits. Most studies have found that as little as a gram a day--less than a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger--gets fight to work helping to protect your system from a number of diseases. An all-around good guy Proposed Medical Benefits of Ginger :- Although officially recognized as a remedy for appetite loss, indigestion and motion sickness, ginger root has a proven ability to combat all forms of nausea and vomiting. It has also been taken to loosen phlegm, relieve gas, and tighten the tissues, although its effectiveness for these purposes hasn't been proven. Ginger may also ease sore throats, headaches, ulcerative colitis, some types of menstrual and arthritis pain, and fevers and aches caused by colds and flu. Ginger has also been used in connection with minor gastrointestinal problems such as gas or heartburn. It is thought to improve muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract. A few studies have provided preliminary evidence suggesting that ginger may be also useful in relieving both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Dosage and Administration For commercial preparations, the following dosages are most common. Indigestion: 2 to 4 grams a day Motion sickness: . Taking 1/4 teaspoon 20 minutes before a car or boat trip should give you about 4 hours of relief. Another popular remedy is 3 or 4 slices of sliced ginger in a cup of boiling water to make ginger tea. Sip as needed to relieve nausea caused by motion sickness. Arthritis: 1 to 2 grams daily Pregnancy: For nausea associated with pregnancy, women can take up to 1 gram daily, but should not use ginger for extended period of time. No dosage recommendations are made for children. Migraine Denmark researchers have discovered that ginger can block the effects of prostaglandins. These are substances that cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to migraines. Though the results are still experimental, 1/3 teaspoon of fresh of powdered ginger taken when you feel a migraine coming on can help stop pain before it starts. Arthritis Ginger has been found to produce "marked" relief in arthritis pain. The ginger tea described above or 1/2 teaspoon of ginger is recommended by Danish researchers for arthritis relief. Researches have discovered that ginger has an effect on blood clots that is similar to that of aspirin. Via :- Better homes and gardens Further Reading here

Beneficial Plants - Sweet Potatoes

2006-02-04T16:14:00.000-08:00

Sweet potato, with skin History Sweet potatoes are native to Central America and are one of the oldest vegetables known to man. They have been consumed since prehistoric times as evidenced by sweet potato relics dating back 10,000 years that have been discovered in Peruvian caves. Christopher Columbus brought sweet potatoes to Europe after his first voyage to the New World in 1492. By the 16th century, they were brought to the Philippines by Spanish explorers and to Africa, India, Indonesia and southern Asia by the Portuguese. Around this same time, sweet potatoes began to be cultivated in the southern United States, where they still remain a staple food in the traditional cuisine. In the mid-20th century, the orange-fleshed sweet potato was introduced to the United States and given the name "yam" to distinguish it from other sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a featured food in many Asian and Latin American cultures. Today, the main commercial producers of sweet potatoes include China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, India and Uganda. Read more 1 worlds healthiest foods 2

Beneficial Plants - Ginger

2006-02-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a large, fleshy rhizome (“gingerroot”, although it is not a root). In the fresh state, it has a characteristic staghorn-like appearance; dried ginger is usually sold in form of an off-white to very light brown powder. Ginger leaves are occasionally used for flavouring in ginger producing countries Refreshing, lemon-like smell; pungent, warm taste. Origin Ginger seems to originate from Southern China. Today, it is cultivated all over tropic and subtropical Asia (50% of the world's harvest is produced in India), in Brazil, Jamaica (whence the best quality is exported) and Nigeria, whose ginger is rather pungent, but lacks the fine aroma of other provenances. World-wide, ginger is among the most important and valued spices.Many people like raw ginger, and this is the form most popular in South East Asia: Fresh ginger is grated or finely chopped, optionally soaked in water for several hours, and then added to the dish not long before serving. This kind of usage will result in a fresh, spicy and pungent taste. If fresh ginger is cooked, it will increase in pungency but decrease in freshness. Ginger also has many health benefits. Check out the next post.

Health Benefits of Garlic

2006-02-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

Garlic was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians, chewed by Greek Olympian atheletes and thought to be essential for keeping vampires at bay! Garlic is considered to be Nature's very own antibiotic. Unlike most antibiotics, Garlic will not deplete the body of flora, and is considered to be the cure-all herb because of its effectiveness on the entire body. Popularly used as a digestive aid , Garlic increases bile production while enhancing digestion and reducing stomach gases. Garlic’s strong odor is due mostly to a sulfide called allicin. Garlic is a source of selenium, which must be present in the body for proper immune response, and which acts as an antioxidant in combination with vitamin E. Rich in potassium, zinc, selenium, and Vitamins A & C, Garlic is commonly used to fight infection, increase circulation and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Garlic has been known to detoxify the body by cleansing the kidneys and increasing urine flow. Furthermore, Garlic's healing properties make it an ideal agent for fighting colds and flu, bacteria, and fungi. Garlic has also been used for lowering cholesterol, reducing high blood pressure, and treating respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma. The dietary virtues of Garlic are well-known the world over. Garlic has served mankind for centuries. The only problem with getting garlic into the diet has always been the distinct odor it leaves on the breath. Recent technological breakthroughs have now made it possible to manufacture "odorless" Garlic. SCIENTIFIC STUDIES There are now over 12 well designed studies published around the world that confirm that garlic in several forms can reduce cholesterol. 1) Most recently researchers in Oxford and America have published some summaries of all the good data on garlic :- The authors state that garlic supplements have an important part to play in the treatment of high cholesterol and that this paper reviews all the published and unpublished data from around the world. Overall a 12% reduction in total cholesterol was shown over a placebo 2) The largest study so far was conducted in Germany where 261 patients from 30 general practices were given either garlic powder tablets or a placebo. After a 12 week treatment period mean serum cholesterol levels dropped by 12% in the garlic treated group and triglycerides dropped by 17% compared to the placebo group. 3) Recently the medical journal "Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy" have confirmed the chemotherapeutic Effects Of Garlic. 4) One study, appeared a recent issue of the American Society for Microbiology's Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, explains how allicin fights infection. 5) Another study, reported in "Biochimica Biophysica Acta," helps to clarify the role allicin plays in preventing heart disease and other disorders. . Allicin, created when garlic cloves are crushed, protects the plant from soil parasites and fungi and is also responsible for garlic's pungent smell. 6) A natural weapon against infection, the research reported in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy revealed that allicin disables dysentery-causing amoebas by blocking two groups of enzymes, cysteine proteinases and alcohol dehydrogenases. "It has long been argued that garlic can fight a wide range of infections and now we have provided biochemical evidence for this claim," the authors write. The role of allicin in warding off infection may be particularly valuable in light of the growing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. It is unlikely that bacteria would develop resistance to allicin because this would require modifying the very enzymes that make their activity possible. As we can see, there is plenty of information on garlic and its use in the following areas: Antibacterial, antifungal, blood pressure, cholesterol, circulation, impotence, pregnancy, diabetes, as a cardioprotective, anti-oxidant, coughs and colds, stomach conditions, cancer, garlic supplements, garlic and cooking, for pets and other animals, and synergistic (complimentary) effects with other health food supplements. culled from Garlic Information centre

Beneficial Plants - GARLIC

2006-02-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

I'm sure many of us are familiar with Garlic; That stinky onion - like plant that is credited with all kinds of "healing powers". Well I've got some good news for you. Most if the claims are true and have been scientifically proven. HAPPY READING! Garlic (Latin name - Allium sativum) is a member of the plant family that includes onions, leeks and shallots, and is native to Europe and Central Asia. The name Garlic is derived from an Anglo-Saxon term leac, meaning "pot herb", and gar, meaning "lance shape", after the shape of the leaf. Garlic, also known as Stinking Rose, Da Suan (Chinese), and Russian Penicillin, has long been used by many cultures to support a variety of health condition. For over 4,000 years, garlic has held many important roles in daily human life. It has been taken therapeutically and nutritionally. Folklore attributes garlic with good luck and protection against evil. The smell was said to ward off sorcerers, werewolves, and vampires. An Egyptian papyrus from 1,500 B.C. recommends garlic for 22 ailments. The Egyptians fed it to slaves building the pyramids, to increase their stamina.

In ancient Greece and Rome, it was claimed to have even more uses, like repelling scorpions, treating dog bites and bladder infections, curing leprosy and asthma. In the Middle Ages it was thought to prevent the plague.

Today, garlic is currently grown in temperate and tropical regions all over the world, and many different cultivated types have been developed to suit different climates.

Via : History of garlic

Next post - Health Benefits.

Health Benefits of NONI

2006-01-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

NONI www.tni.com, www.incc.org As a medicine, the fruit and its juices have been used in the treatment of diabetes, heart troubles and high blood pressure, with different portions prescribed for different illnesses. In these days of ozone depletion, noni is useful in the treatment of cancers. The juices can be diluted with clean water or a fruit juice such as apple, and drunk before meals and at resting periods. Treatment should always be at a relaxed time, not before going to work. Noni is believed to have been brought here centuries ago by early Polynesian settlers, and is a native of the Pacific islands, Asia and Australia. The late Uncle Harry Mitchell of Keanae, Maui, suggested using noni with garlic, both being great blood purifiers that enhance the immune system and cleanse bacteria from the body. He also mentioned boiling it for use with diabetes, and using it strained raw for heart problems and high blood pressure, as it is said to increase the flow of blood. Sometimes capsain (cayenne pepper) is added as an ingredient as well. The young unripe noni fruit can be pounded thoroughly with salt and the mixture placed carefully on deep cuts and on broken bones. Sometimes the juice is squeezed out of this mixture, boiled and applied to the wounds. The ripe fruit can be used as a poultice for facial blemishes, rubbed until the oil disappears, and also to draw out the pus and core from an infected sore or boil, such as with a staph infection. In the old days, this was tied on with a bandage of tapa bark cloth. The dressing of noni could be reapplied more than once for difficult cases. There are those who eat noni's fruit unripened, either as a food in times of scarcity, or as a tonic when needed. Other people make a tea using the leaves of this plant. The fruit can be used in recipes as a reputed remedy against tuberculosis, arthritis, cancer, rheumatism and the changes of old age. The leaves and bark of the stem can be pounded and strained, resulting in a liquid drunk as a tonic or for urinary disorders, muscle and joint pain. The juice of the fruit is applied to the hair to rid it of head lice, uku, followed whenever possible by a fragrant shampoo of `awapuhi kuahiwi or coconut water. Other uses for this ancient Polynesian plant: the bark yields a red dye, while a yellow dye can be prepared from the root. Both colors were use to dye the tapa cloth of the chiefs of ancient Hawai`i. Noni is a valuable plant to have nearby the home of anyone wishing to utilize the many natural healing properties of this remarkable life sustaining plant. Cultivation is either by seed or cutting. The many companies who produce Noni juice in commercial quantities have made it easy for everyone that is interested to benefit from the beneficial qualities of this AMAZING plant. NONI means Gift from God in Hawaian language. Happy drinking Regards Nike

Beneficial plants - NONI

2006-01-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

NONI (morinda citrifolia)

` NONI This is a fascinating plant, demanding of our respect. Its prolific beauty, she bears fruit year round...as if to say, "here I am, please use me." However, as you may already be aware, few of us are willing to make its intimate acquaintance. The aroma of its fruit is truly awesome, somewhat like bleu cheese. Some say "disgusting" or "horrid" or "stinks bad" or worse. And, it doesn't taste good either! Yet, it is well-known to be one of the main healers among the traditional Hawai`i medicinal plants. It is said that this plant food is to be used when we are feeling really ill or really old. The noni, also known as Indian Mulberry, with the scientific name of Morinda citrifolia, is a small evergreen shrub or tree, usually less than 10 feet high, occasionally rising to 20 feet. The conspicuous large dark green shiny leaves are generally paired, except where forming fruit. Thick and oval in shape, these leaves are deep veined, short-stemmed and 8 inches or longer. The flowers form in globose heads, about an inch long and bearing many small white flowers. The flower heads grow to become mature fruit, 3 to 4 inches in diameter. The fruits resemble those of ``Ulu,breadfruit, only smaller. The noni fruit begins green, turns yellow, and as mentioned, has an unpleasant, insipid, foul or fetid odor, especially as it ripens to whiteness and falls from the tree. The fruit is best picked in the morning and at its yellow stage.

Juice Extraction Methods :- (1) The Noni fruit is placed in a jar and capped tightly. The jar is then placed in a sunny spot, and allowed to set there for five days to a week or more, until the fruit turns to mush and sun-charged juices drain into the bottom of the jar. It is these juices that can be strained into a cleaner smaller jar, and then refrigerated until used. (2) Another method taught by Hawai`i's healers is to pick the fruit before ripe, letting it ripen within the home. When soft, place it in a blender with a little fresh water and make into a sauce. Then mash and strain through a sieve. This concoction can be refrigerated in a clean glass jar, and the person who wishes the medicine can take a clean straw and slurp two sucks from the jar, in the morning and in the evening. (3) Commercial Extraction -- The very first company to ever bottle Noni juice in commercial quantities is Morinda Inc,in 1996. It's subsidiary company; Tahitian Noni International (TNI) is responsible for the production of Noni juice (trade mark "Tahitian Noni Juice"). Its unpleasant taste was favourably modified by only the addition of grape juice and blueberry juice. I should know! I take it every day. At the present time, TNI has made a cummulative sales of over 3 billion dollars in just 10yrs. This tells us how effective and how much in demand Noni juice is. There are over 100 companies in the world today marketing Noni juice. TNI controls over 85% of total world sales.

Next Post :- Uses of Noni Juice

scenes of blood pressure monitoring

2006-01-27T04:44:00.000-08:00

Regular blood pressure (BP) monitoring is the key to effective blood pressure control. The advisable method of course is to visit your family doctor for blood pressure measurement using the conventional aneroid sphygmanometer ( as shown in the two pictures below). However in between visits, you can check your BP at home using various user - friendly equipment such as the wrist digital sphygmanometer shown below (R).

Eat your fruits and veggies

2006-01-27T03:10:00.000-08:00

A study has shown that eating more than the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can further reduce the odds of suffering a stroke, researchers said on Friday. A stroke is a sequel or complication of persistent uncontrolled high blood pressure. It could manifest as paralysis/weakness of half of the body, loss of speech,memory, sight or sudden death. An analysis of eight studies that looked into the impact of fruit and vegetables on stroke showed that the more healthy foods people consumed, the less likely they were to have a stroke, which is a leading cause of disability and death. "For the first time we have shown a quantitative relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and stroke," said Professor Graham MacGregor of St George's medical school at the University of London. "It has been known that fruit and vegetables seem to reduce stroke but it wasn't known how much they did it by," he added in an interview. In the analysis of research involving more than 257,500 people from Japan, Europe and the United States, the scientists found that people who ate more than five servings of fruit and vegetables a day had a 26 percent reduction in stroke compared to individuals who consumed less than three servings daily. "It is a very important finding because it really shows that the quantity of fruit and vegetables you should be eating is more than five a day," MacGregor said. The average fruit and vegetable consumption a day in most developed countries is 3-5 servings. A serving of vegetables is 77 grams (2.7 ounces) and 80 grams (2.8 ounces) for fruit, according to MacGregor and his tea INCREASED POTASSIUM Strokes are caused by a blockage in an artery leading to the brain or bleeding in or around the brain. About 17 million people die each year of cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, raised cholesterol, obesity and lack of exercise are risk factors. Fruit and vegetables are full of nutrients such as vitamin C, beta carotene and potassium as well as plant proteins and dietary fiber. The researchers suspect that potassium is an important factor in preventing stroke. "We've know that if you give people additional potassium it lowers blood pressure," said MacGregor, who reported the research in The Lancet medical journal. "By increasing fruits and vegetables to five servings a day from three you would increase your potassium intake by about 50 percent," he added. MacGregor said fruit and vegetables also are less calorie-dense, have very little fat and contain antioxidants which may also be beneficial. © 2006 Reuters Limited.

Did You Know ?

2006-01-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

Mild to moderate Hypertension i.e. raised blood pressure (Diastolic blood pressure of 90 - 100mmHg), can be successfuly controlled by an effective weight loss programme (healthy eating) coupled with regular exercise. Even those with severe hypertension can reduce their medication by half with this regimen! It is advised that everyone should do an average of about 30 minuites exercise at least 3 times a week. For those in the 45yrs and above it could even be in the form of a long walk. Mild to moderate, consistent exercise is more effective than vigorous exercise which is not consistent. cheers Nike

micronutrients and minerals

2006-01-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

KEY MESSAGES ON MICRONUTRIENTS Ø VITAMINS AND MINERALS ARE THE MICRONUTRIENTS THAT YOUR BODY NEEDS Ø VITAMINS AND MINERALS CAN NOT BE MANUFACTURED BY THE HUMAN BODY. YOU MUST GET THEM FROM YOUR DIET . Ø YOUR BODY NEEDS VERY SMALL BUT VERY IMPORTANT QUANTITIES. Ø WITHOUT VITAMINS AND MINERALS, YOUR BODY WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. Ø LACK OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS CAN LEAD TO DEATH, LEARNING DISABILITY, MENTAL RETARDATION, MISCARRIAGE, IMPAIRED WORK OUTPUT, NIGHT BLINDNESS, ILLNESS, ABNORMAL LETHARGY AND SO ON Ø SOME OF THE VITAMINS AND MINERALS ARE IRON, VITAMIN A, IODINE, ZINC, CALCIUM, FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN C Ø THESE VITAMINS/MINERALS CAN BE FOUND IN THESE TYPES OF FOODS : v VITAMIN A —– LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES, COLOURED FRUITS, PALM- OIL, COLOURED VEGETABLES v IRON —– LEGUMES, GRAINS, VEGETABLES, LIVER, RED MEAT, KIDNEY v IODINE —– SEAFOOD (CRAB, CRAY FISH, SHRIMPS), IODIZED SALT v ZINC —– GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES, FRUITS Ø LOW INCOME IS NOT AN EXCUSE, NEITHER IS HIGH INCOME A GUARANTEE. YOU MUST JUST CHOOSE AND EAT THE RIGHT FOODS Ø “MICRONUTRIENTS” DEFICIENCY (LACK OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS) IS CALLED “HIDDEN HUNGER” YOU MAY THINK YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN ARE EATING WELL AND YET ARE NOT EATING RIGHT Ø EAT RIGHT, EAT VEGETABLES, LIVER, RED MEAT, CRAY FISH, CRAB, SHRIMPS, PALM OIL, COLOURED FRUITS ETC.

welcome to my blog

2006-01-20T17:15:00.000-08:00

you are welcome to my blog site. I am sure you'll enjoy the visit.