Keep Warm with Pea Soup

Pea soup is a soup made, typically, from dried peas.  It is, with variations, a part of the cuisine of many cultures.  It is greyish-green or yellow in color depending on the regional variety of peas used.  Pea soup has been eaten since antiquity.  


Read about pea soup in other countries:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pea_soup
Recipes:  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/fresh-pea-soup-recipe/index.html , www.recipe.com/recipes/soup/pea , or recipes.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Category:Pea_Recipes

Drinks to Keep You Warm During the Winter: Chai Tea

Chai is a beverage from the Indian subcontinent made by brewing tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices and herbs.  The simplest traditional method of preparing masala chai is to actively simmer or boil a mixture of milk and water with loose leaf tea, sweeteners, and whole spices.  Indian markets all over the world sell various brands of "chai masala," for this purpose, though many households blend their own.  The solid tea and spice residues are strained off from masala chai before serving.  The method may vary according to taste or local custom:  for example, some households may combine all of the ingredients together at the start, bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately strain and serve; others may leave the mixture simmering for a longer amount of time, or begin by bringing the tea leaves to a boil and only add the spices toward the end.


Read more:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chai
Recipes:  http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chai/ , http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/kathleen-daelemans/chai-tea-recipe/index.html , or http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chai-Tea-Mix/Detail.aspx

Drinks to Keep You Warm During the Winter: Expresso

Caffe' expresso is a concentrated beverage brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee.  Generally, one uses an expresso machine to make expresso, although there are stove top expresso makers and hand operated devices such as the AeroPress.  The act of producing a shot of expresso is often termed "pulling" a shot, originating from lever expresso machines which require pulling down a handle attached to a spring-loaded piston, forcing hot water through the coffee at high pressure.  Today, however, it is more common for the pressure to be generated by steam or a pump.  


More info:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso
Recipes:  http://www.coffeeandteawarehouse.com/index.cfm?method=pages.ShowPage&pageid=101 , http://www.espressozone.com/espresso-recipes.aspx , or http://academic.scranton.edu/student/JENKINSL2/recipes.html

Keep Warm with Beef Noodle Soup

Beef noodle soup is a Chinese noodle soup made of stewed beef, beef broth, vegetables and Chinese noodles.  It exists in various forms throughout East Asia and Southeast Asia.  It was created by the Hui people during the Tang Dynasty of China.  In the West, this food may be served in a small portion as a soup.  In China, a large bowl of it is often taken as a whole meal with or without any side dish.  In Tiawan, vendors that sell beef noodle may also have optional, often cold side dishes, such as braised dried tofu, seaweed, or pork intestine.  Beef noodles is often served with suan cai (Chinese sauerkraut) on top, green onion, and sometimes other vegetables in the soup as well.


Recipes:  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Beef-Noodle-Soup/Detail.aspx , http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/295/BeefNoodleSoup64966.shtml , or http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/clearsoups/r/beefnoodlesoup.htm

Keep Warm with French Onion Soup

French onion soup is an onion and beef broth or a beef stock based soup traditionally served with croutons and cheese as toppings.  The rich flavor of the base is not due just to the broth, but to the caramelized onions.  Caramelization is the procedure in which the onions are cooked slowly until the melting sugars approach burning temperature, becoming brown.  Sweating the onions to draw out the liquid is an important step in caramelization.  In the final stages of cooking, cognac or sherry is often used to enhance the caramelized onion flavor and to deglaze the pan.


Recipes:  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/french-onion-soup-recipe2/index.html , http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/9739 , or http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001860014

Keep Warm with Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is a soup made by bringing to a boil and then simmering chicken parts and/or bones in water, with various vegetables and flavorings.  The classic chicken soup consists of a clear broth, often served with small pieces of chicken or vegetables, or with noodles or dumplings, or grains such as rice and barley.  Chicken soup has also acquired the reputation of a folk remedy for colds and flus, and in many countries is considered a classic comfort food.  


Read more:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_noodle_soup
Recipes:  http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/homemade-chicken-soup/Detail.aspx , http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/chicken-soup-recipe/index.html , or http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/best-recipes/chicken-soup-recipes

Drinks to Keep You Warm During the Winter: Warm Apple Cider

Apple cider is the name used in the United States and parts of Canada for an unfiltered, unsweetened, non-alcoholic drink made from apples.  Modern methods allow a formerly hand-made beverage to be commercially produced.  To make cider, apples are washed, cut and ground into a mash that is the consistency of applesauce.  Layers of mash are wrapped in cloth, and put between wooden racks.  A hydraulic press squeezes the layers, and the juice flows into refrigerated tanks.  This juice is bottled as apple cider.


To read more:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_cider
For recipes:  http://gonewengland.about.com/cs/recipes/a/aaciderdrinks.htm , http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/Hot-Apple-Cider/Detail.aspx , or http://hotapplecider.ca/recipes/

Drinks to Keep You Warm During the Winter: Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is a heated beverage typically consisting of shaved chocolate, melted chocolate buds or cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and sugar.  The first chocolate beverage is believed to have been created by the Mayan peoples around 2,000 years ago, and a cocoa beverage was an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD.  Today, hot chocolate is consumed throughout the world and comes in multiple variations including the very thick cioccolata densa served in Italy, and the thinner hot cocoa that is typically consumed in the United States.  


To read more:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_chocolate
For recipes:  http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Drinks/Hot-Chocolate/Top.aspx , http://coffeetea.about.com/od/chocolate/tp/tophotchocolate.htm , or http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Creamy-Hot-Chocolate/Detail.aspx

Drinks to Keep You Warm During the Winter: Eggnog

Eggnog is a sweetened dairy-based beverage traditionally made with milk and/or cream, sugar, beaten eggs (which gives it a frothy texture), and liquor.  Brandy, rum, moonshine, or whiskey is always added; and the finished serving would be garnished with a sprinkling of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.  Eggnog is a popular drink throughout the United States and Canada, and is usually associated with winter celebrations such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. 


To read more:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eggnog
For recipes:  http://www.eggnogrecipe.net/ , http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Drinks/Eggnog/Main.aspx , or http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/eggnog-recipe2/index.html

Drinks to Keep You Warm During the Winter: Korean Tea

Korean Tea refers to various types of tisane that can be served hot or cold.  Not necessarily related to "common" tea, they are made from diverse substances including fruits, leaves, roots, and grains used in traditional Korean medicine.  


To read more visit:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_tea
For recipes visit:  http://www.food.com/recipe/korean-ginger-tea-408717 , http://koreanrecipes.org/soojunggwa-cinnamon-ginger-tea-with-persimmons-recipe/ , or http://www.hannaone.com/Recipe/citrontea.html

Find Different Products Through Ads by Click on Them!!

Be sure to take a look at some ads to the right of the page and the bottom. 

Drinks to Keep You Warm During the Winter: Cappuccino

A cappuccino is a coffee drink topped with foamed milk.  It is made in a steam-producing expresso machine.  Expresso is poured into the bottom third of the cup, and is followed by a similar amount of hot milk.  The top third of the drink consists of firm milk froth prepared a minute or two earlier.  Shaved chocolate, raw sugar, cinnamon or other spices are often sprinkled onto the top of the finished drink.  The cappuccino is then consumed with a teaspoon.  Cappuccino was traditionally a taste largely appreciated in Europe, Australia, South Africa, South America, and some of North America.  


To read more visit:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappuccino
For recipes visit:  http://www.buzzle.com/articles/recipes-for-homemade-cappuccino.html , http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/cat/1063/ , or http://www.best-guide-to-espresso-machines.com/cappuccino-recipes.html

Drinks to Keep You Warm During the Winter: Herbal Tea

Herbal tea is a herbal infusion made from anything other than the leaves of the tea bush.  Herbal teas can be made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds or roots, generally by pouring boiling water over the plant parts and letting them steep for a few minutes.  Seeds and roots can also be boiled on a stove.


To read more about herbal tea visit:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbal_tea
For recipes visit:  http://coffeetea.about.com/od/herbaltearecipes/Herbal_Tea_Recipes.htm , http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/herbal-tea-recipes.html , or http://www.learn-about-tea.com/herbal-tea-recipes.html

Drinks to Keep You Warm During the Winter: Coffee

Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted seeds, commonly called coffee beans, of the coffee plant.  Coffee can be served hot or cold.  It originated in Ethiopia and was introduced in the 15th century.  Coffee can appear in color as light brown, black, beige, and dark brown.  Coffee is the third most popular drink in the world behind water and tea.  


To read more about coffee visit:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee
For coffee recipes visit:  http://allrecipes.com//Recipes/Drinks/Coffee/Main.aspx,
http://www.coffee-recipe.com/ , or  http://drink.betterrecipes.com/coffeerecipes.html

Find Healthy Products Through Ads!!!!

Be sure to take a look at some ads to the right of the page and the bottom.  They relate to my blog postings.  Feel free to look.

Flu Symptoms

We are in the midst of flu season.  You need to know the common symptoms so you'll know if you've caught it.
Symptoms include:

• Dry cough
• chills
• extreme tiredness
• high fever
• stomach symptoms
• Aching of muscles
• runny nose
• headache

Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Find Healthy Products through Ads!

Be sure to take a look at some ads to the right of the page and the bottom.  They relate to my blog postings.  Feel free to look.

A Quick Fact: Apricots

Because apricots contains Vitamin A, it can be used to improve or maintain your eyesight.
Insufficient amounts of this vitamin can cause blindness in the night or impaired vision.

Health Tip of the Day: Places Where Germs Hide

Bathroom

- Bath Tubs

-Toilet Seats

-Shower

Home

-Door Knobs

-Telephones

Kitchen

-Sinks 

-Refrigerator exteriors

-Garbage Cans

Soft Surfaces

-Couches/Sofas

-Mattresses

-Pet Beds

Suggested Cleaning Supplies:  Lysol Spray to spray throughout the house.  Clorox Anywhere Hard Surface to clean hard surfaces in the kitchen.  Febreeze Antibacterial to spray on soft surfaces.  For bathrooms try a disinfectant spray.  

**These cleaning supplies mentioned are what a selected number of people uses, and therefore are suggestions from others.  What some may prefer, others may not.  Just to keep in mind.**

Health Benefits of Blueberries

• Aging  The antioxidant in blueberries help reduces the damage caused by free radicals.  The presence of Vitamin C also helps slow down aging.
• Immune System  The vitamins that are present in blueberries such as Vitamins A,B,C, and E all help keep the immune system strong.
• Eye Health  Myopia, cataract, hypermetropia, and macular degeneration can be reduced by eating the blueberries.  
• Brain Disorders  A blueberry contains the Vitamins A,B,C, and E as well as anthocyanin, sodium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese.  These factors contribute in the prevention of brain disorders and plays a role in preventing and curing Alzheimer's disease as well as keeping the central nervous system in check.
• Urinary Tract Infection  The molecules in blueberries contain polymers in which antibiotics supports the functions of the polymers.
• Heart Health  Because a blueberry contains high fiber content, it makes a great choice for a dietary supplement in the event of curing heart disease.

Health Benefits of Raisins

• Rich in antioxidants
• Good source of fiber
• Good source of Vitamin B, Iron, Potassium, and Calcium
• Cholesterol-free
• 70% pure fructose digested for rapid energy
• Promote good oral hygiene
• Good for eyesight
• Helps to make bones stronger

Some Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds

• Rich source of Vitamin E
• Calms your brain
• Provides carbohydrates, proteins, and more
• Provides dietary fiber for easy digestion

Some Health Benefits of Orange Juice

• Provides high percentage of Vitamin C, which keeps the system immune to the common cold
• Reduce the risk of heart disease
• Contains potassium which is neccesary for the body
• Because it contains antioxidants, it can prevent different forms of cancer
• Helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol

Ways to Improve Your Eyesight

Looking for ways to improve your eyesight?   Well take a look at some of the ways you can.

• Sweet potatoes because they are high in Vitamin A which is great for improving your night vision.
• Fish twice a week because Omega-3 acids help fight off dry eye syndrome and keep your eyes in top shape.
• Red onions because they are high in quercetin, which helps prevents cataracts.
• Don't smoke because it is one of the leading causes of cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye syndrom and ARMD.
• Take your multivitamins because they improve your chances of preventing cataracts and other eye diseases.
• Place the computer screen below your eye level because it will ensure that your eyes stay half-closed the whole time which will prevent fluid evaporation and keep your eyes moist.
• Eat spinach twice a week because it has a lot of lutein, which is a nutrient that fights ARMD and cataracts.
• Keep grease and sweets away because they contain large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids which contributes to age-related macular degeneration.
• Aim the air conditioner away from your eyes because this will prevent your eyes from getting dry for long periods of time, which can lead to corneal abrasions as well as other issues.

Meat, Fish, Poultry

Nuts & Seeds
walnuts
sunflower seeds
sesame seeds
pumpkin seeds
pistacios
pecans
peanut butter
peanuts
mixed nuts
cashews
almonds
hazelnuts

Fish
(canned fish)
anchovies
sardines
clams
tuna
(finfish)
cod
catfish
haddock
flounder
tuna
trout
snapper
swordfish
sea bass
salmon
halibut
herring
mackerel
pollock
porgy
(shellfish)
shrimp
squid
scallops
octopus
oysters
lobster
mussels
crayfish
crab
clams

Eggs
chicken eggs and duck eggs

Poultry
chicken, duck, goose, turkey, ground chicken and turkey

Meats
Organ meats:  liver and giblets
Lean ground meats:  lamb, pork, and beef
Game meats:  bison, venison, and rabbit
Lean cuts:  beef, ham, lamb, pork, and veal

Bread, Grain, Rice, and Pasta

Refined Grains:

cornbread

corn tortillas

couscous

crackers

flour tortillas

grits

noodles

spaghetti

macaroni

pitas

pretzels

corn flakes

white bread

white rice

white sandwich rolls

Whole Grains:

brown rice

buckwheat

bulgur

popcorn

oatmeal

whole wheat cereal flakes

muesli

wild rice

whole wheat tortillas

whole wheat sandwich rolls

whole wheat pasta

whole wheat crackers

whole wheat bread

whole rye

whole grain barley

whole grain cornmeal

Fruits

Apples
Apricots
Avocados
Bananas
Strawberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Cherries
Grapefruit
Grapes
Kiwi fruit
Lemons
Limes
Mangoes
Cantaloupe
Honeydew
Watermelon
Fruit cocktail
Nectarines
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Papaya
Pineapple
Plums
Prunes
Raisins
Tangerines
Orange
Apple
Grape
Grapefruit

Vegetables

Vegetables and their subgroups






Orange vegetables

• acorn squash
• sweet potatoes
• butternut squash
• pumpkin
• carrots
• hubbard squash

Starchy vegetables

• potatoes
• green peas
• corn
• lima beans (green)

Dark green vegetables

• watercress
• bok choy
• turnip greens
• broccoli
• spinach
• romaine lettuce
• collard greens
• dark green leafy lettuce
• kale
• mesclun
• mustard greens

Dry beans and peas

• white beans
• tofu
• soy beans
• split beans
• navy beans
• pinto beans
• lima beans
• kidney beans
• lentils
• garbanzo beans
• black beans
• black-eyed peas

Other vegetables

• zucchini
• wax beans
• vegetable juice
• turnips
• tomatoes
• tomato juice
• parsnips
• okra
• onions
• mushrooms
• iceberg lettuce
• green beans
• green or red peppers
• eggplant
• cucumbers
• celery
• cauliflower
• cabbage
• beets
• Brussel sprouts
• bean sprouts
• asparagus
• artichokes

Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese

Milk
All fluid milk:
fat free (skim)
low fat (1%)
reduced fat (2%)
whole milk

lactose reduced milks
lactose free milks

Milk based deserts:
ice cream
frozen yogurt
ice milk
puddings that are made with milk

Types of yogurt:
fat-free
low-fat
reduced fat
whole milk yogurt

Cheese:
Processed cheeses:

• American

Soft cheeses:

• ricotta
• cottage cheese

Hard natural cheeses:

• cheddar
• mozzarella
• Swiss
• parmesan

Oils

Oils are fats that are liquid at room temperature.  Oils come from many different plants and from fish. 
Common oils include:

• sunflower oil
• soybean oil
• olive oil
• safflower oil
• canola oil
• corn oil
• cottonseed oil

Some oils can be used as flavorings, such as sesame oil and walnut oil. 
Some foods naturally high in oils are:

• avocados
• some fish
• nuts
• olives

Most oils are high in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats, and low in saturated fats.  Oils from plant sources, ex. vegetable and nut oils, do not contain any cholesterol.  A few plant oils, including palm kernel oil and coconut oil, are high in saturated fats and for nutritional purposes should be considered to be solid fats.
Solid fats are fats that are solid at room temperature, such as butter and shortening. 
Common solid fats are:

• butter
• shortening
• stick margarine
• pork fat (lard)
• chicken fat
• beef fat (tallow,suet)

http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/oils.html

The Food Guide Pyramid

Health Benefits of Coffee

• Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's disease and Dementia
• Reduced Risk of gallstone disease
• Reduced Risk of Parkinson's disease
• Improves cognitive performance
• Analgesic enhancement
• Reduced Risk of Diabetes mellitus
• Liver protection
• Reduced Risk of Oral, Esophageal, and Pharyngeal cancer
• Cardioprotective
• Laxative/Diuretic
• Antioxidant
• Prevention of Dental Caries
• Decreased Risk of Gout

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_coffee#Analgesic_enhancement

Health Benefits of Fish Oil

• Fights depression symptoms
• May help protect the brain during Alzheimer's disease
• Could prevent Parkinson's disease
• Improves mental health and reduce the risk of depression and suicide
• Reduces the risk of prominantly breast cancer and prostate cancer
• Helps regulate cholesterol

These are some of the health benefits of fish oil.  If you have any questions or comments please feel free to write them below.  Thank you.

Health Benefits of Black Tea

• Decreases glucose levels
• Postpones the aging process
• Prevents tooth decay and strengthens the enamel
• Decreases bad cholesterol
• Burns fat and speeds metabolism
• Slows the growth of cancer cells and fights against cancer
• Reduce the risks of heart attack and strokes
• Antioxidants reduce damage

Vitamin K and Sources

• involved in bone and tissue metabolism
• fat-soluble vitamin
• heat stable
• the k vitamins are readily destroyed by light, alkali, and alcohol

Sources and How Much Vitamin K They Contain

• Olive oil----55
• Brussel sprouts----177
• Broccoli----180
• Spinach----380
• Collared green----440
• Cabbage----145
• Okra----40
• Green beans----33
• Asparagus----60
• Lentils----22

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is need by the retina of the eye in the form of a special metabolite, the light-absorbing molecule retinal. 
Sources of Vitamin A:

• Liver
• Carrot
• Broccoli leaf
• Sweet Potato
• Butter
• Kale
• Spinach
• Pumpkin
• Collard Greens
• Cheddar Cheese
• Cantaloupe Melon
• Milk
• Pea
• Broccoli
• Mango
• Papaya
• Egg
• Apricot

Vitamin A plays an important role in these bodily functions:

• antioxidant activity
• skin health
• bone metabolism
• immune function
• vision
• gene transcription
• embryonic development and reproduction
• haematopoiesis

Vitamin E: Recommended Intake and Sources

RECOMMENDED INTAKE (DAILY)

• 0 to 6 months:  4 mg/day
• 7 to 12 months:  5 mg/day

Children

• 1 to 3 years:  6 mg/day
• 4 to 8 years:  7 mg/day
• 9 to 13 years: 11 mg/day

Adolescents and Adults

• 14 and older:  15 mg/day

SOURCES

• papayas
• broccoli
• asparagus
• mangoes
• rockfish
• canola oil
• blue crab
• sweet potato
• pumpkin
• tomato products
• green leafy vegetables, like spinach, turnip, beet, collard, and dandelion greens
• nuts and nut oils, like almonds and hazlenuts
• seeds and seed oils, like sunflower and safflower
• fortified cereals

Sources of Vitamin C from Animals

Animal Source                   Amount (mg/ 100g)



Calf liver (raw)                            36


Beef liver (raw)                           31


Oysters (raw)                             30


Cod roe (fried)                          26


Pork liver (raw)                        23


Lamb brain (boiled)                  17


Chicken liver (fried)                 13


Lamb liver (fried)                    12


Calf adrenals (raw)                  11


Lamb heart (roast)                   11


Lamb tongue (stewed)             6


Human milk (fresh)                   4


Goat milk (fresh)                      2


Camel milk (fresh)                   5


Cow milk (fresh)                     2

Health Benefits of White Tea

• Healthy Skin:  Free radicals from staying out in the sun too long, stress, and a poor diet can damage the skin and cause it to prematurely age.  By scavenging free radicals, white tea protects the skin and helps to reverse some of the damage.  Drinking white tea promotes healthy and radiant skin.
• Stronger Bones:  People who drink tea regularly had greater bone density and strength than non-drinkers.  White tea may also have beneficial effects for sufferers of arthritis and osteoporosis.
• Lower Blood Pressure:  Studies show that white tea can thin the blood and improve artery function.  It helps lower high blood pressure and maintain a healthy one.  By promoting strong and healthy blood vessels, white tea guards against the ravages of stroke.
• Healthy Teeth and Gums:  White tea contains small amounts of flouride and other nutrients which keeps the teeth strong and healthy.  It also kills the bacteria which causes plaque, tooth decay, and bad breath.
• White Tea Antioxidants:  Antioxidants are nutrients that protect the body from damage by free radicals.  Free radicals are nasty things that go around wreaking havoc on your body, damaging DNA and accelerating aging.  Antioxidants scoop them up and neutralize them.  White tea is loaded with these protective nutrients.
• Cancer Prevention:  White tea may have profound power against cancer-causing cells and against many different types of cancer, such as colon, prostate, and stomach cancers.  Flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the development of new ones.  In some caes, white tea has been found to work as well as prescription drugs, but without the side effects.

..........more health benefits click on the link below
http://www.whiteteaguide.com/whiteteahealthbenefits.htm

Why Water is Important

• Humans can survive several weeks without food, but only a few days without water.  The exact amount of water a human needs is highly different individually, it depends on the condition of the subject, the amount of physical exercise, and on the environmental temperature and humidity.  In the United States, the reference daily intake is 3.7 litres per day for human males older than 18, and 2.7 litres for human females older than 18 including water contained in food, beverages, and drinking water.  It is a common misconception that everyone should drink two litres of water per day and is not supported by scientific research.  For example, people in hotter climates will require greater water intake than those in cooler climates.  An individual's thirst provides a better guide for how much water they require rather than a specific, fixed number.  A normal person should urinate 4 times a day, and the urine should be a light yellow color.
• A constant supply is needed to replenish the fluids lost through normal physiological activities, such as respiration, perspiration, and urination.  Food contributes 0.5 to 1 litre, and the metabolism of protein, fat, and carbohydrates produces another 0.25 to 0.4 litres, which means that 2 to 3 litres of water for men and 1 to 2 litres of water for women should be taken in as fluid in order to meet the reference daily intake. 
• Water is essential for growth and maintenance of our bodies, as it is involved in a number of biological processes.  Abundant sweating can increase the need for electrolyte (salt) replacement.  Water intoxication, the process of consuming too much water too quickly, can be fatal.
• The human kidneys will normally adjust to varying levels of water intake.  The kidneys will require time to adjust to the new water intake level.  This can cause someone who drinks a lot of water to become dehydrated more easily than someone who routinely drinks less.  Survival classes recommend that someone who expects to be in an environment with little water (such as a desert), not to drink water excessively, but rather to drink gradually decreasing amounts for several days before their trip to accustom the kidneys to making concentrated urine.  Not using this method has been known to be fatal.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Researchers suggest that apples reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer, heart disease, weight loss, and controlling cholesterol, as they do not have cholesterol but fiber which reduces cholesterol by preventing reabsorption and are bulky for their caloric content.  Apples contain relatively low amounts of Vitamin C, but are a rich source of antioxidant compounds.  The fiber content helps regulate bowel movements and may thus reduce the risk of colon cancer.  

To learn more about the health benefits of Apples, click on the link below:
http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-apples.html

The 8 Healthiest Drinks

1.  Green Tea
     Benefits:

• Helps reduce risk of osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, and cavities. Green tea contains a rich concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols, natural antioxidants that may protect cells from carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and inhibit tumor growth by helping to neutralize free radicals in the body. The tea's antioxidants may also guard against heart disease by relaxing blood vessels, inhibiting the formation of blood clots that trigger heart attacks and strokes. Green tea also contains fluoride, which strengthens teeth; the flavonoids may build up bones as well, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and tooth decay.
• Calories:  0

2.  One Percent Reduced-Fat Milk
     Benefits:

• Curbs cravings and helps protect against osteoporosis. Because it has the components of a healthy meal -- carbohydrates, protein, and a little fat -- you absorb it slowly and stay full longer, says Molly Pelzer, RD, a nutrition educator in Tipton, Iowa. It also stabilizes blood sugar, so you're less susceptible to cravings. Milk is the ideal source of calcium, because it contains vitamin D, which is needed for maximum calcium absorption. It may also help your body stop storing fat. In a recent study, women who consumed three to four servings of low-fat dairy foods (milk being one) lost nearly twice as much weight as those who took in lower amounts. "The calcium causes your body's cells to burn the   fat instead of holding on to it," says Pelzer. "This makes it easier to reach and maintain your goal weight."
• Calories:  120 for 8 ounces

3.  Mint Tea
     Benefits:

• Eases cramps and helps ward off indigestion. "Mint is an antispasmodic, so it can relax muscles, which combats stiffness and aches," says Susan Lark, MD, author of The Chemistry of Success (Bay Books, 1999). It also aids in digestion by promoting the movement of food through the digestive tract.
• Calories:  0

4.  Soy Milk
     Benefits:

• Lowers risk of heart disease. Soy milk contains soluble fiber and soy protein, which lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and triglycerides, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. If you're drinking it instead of cow's milk, buy soy milk fortified with calcium and vitamins A and D. One caveat: Soy contains phytoestrogens, which may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about drinking soy milk if you have a family history of the disease or have had it yourself.
• Calories:  81 for 8 ounces

5.  Hot Chocolate
     Benefits:

• Improves mood and may help protect against heart disease. Chocolate increases the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is responsible for regulating mood. (Low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression.) Cocoa is also rich in polyphenols, plant-derived antioxidants that may protect cells against oxidative damage that can lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels, possibly putting you at higher  risk for a heart attack.
• Calories:  195 for 8 ounces homemade cocoa; 115 for a powdered mix

 6.  Low-Sodium Tomato Juice
      Benefits:

• May protect against numerous cancers. Processed tomato products are the richest source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been associated with a reduced risk of lung and stomach cancer, as well as pancreatic, colorectal, esophageal, oral, breast, and cervical cancers. Lycopene also appears to protect the lungs and heart against oxidative damage, helping to ward off cardiovascular disease.
• Calories:  31 for 6 ounces

7.  Cranberry Juice
     Benefits:

• Helps prevent gum disease. Research suggests that the same antibacterial properties present in cranberry juice that fight off urinary tract infections may also protect against periodontal disease. Experts theorize that a component of the juice called nondialysable material (NDM) inhibits bacteria from sticking to the gums. Many nutritionists are wary of fruit juices because of their sugar content, so limit your intake to no more than one glass (6 to 8 ounces) daily. "Make sure the label says 100 percent juice, not 'juice drink' or 'cocktail,'" suggests Heidi Reichenberger, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. You can find this type of juice in health-food stores and some supermarkets.
• Calories:  140 for 8 ounces

8.  Orange Juice
     Benefits:

• May ward off cataracts, cancers, and birth defects and boost immunity. An excellent source of vitamin C, orange juice is also a potent antioxidant that may protect against a variety of diseases including cataracts (a clouding of the eye's lens that can lead to blindness) and lung cancer. Vitamin C may prevent oxidative damage that can cause cells to become cancerous, and it improves immune-cell functioning, enabling your body to fight off infections more efficiently. And it's a good source of folate, which protects against neural-tube defects in fetuses. To get the extra benefit of bone protection, try some calcium-fortified orange juice.
• Calories:  115 for 8 ounces

Info from:  Fitness Magazine

Green Tea Preparation Guidelines

Size of leaves:  Small loose leaf green tea is the best choice, because it infuses quickly.  Tightly curled or large leaf tea requires a longer infusion time.

Loose leaf vs. teabags:  Loose leaves are preferable to teabags.  In order to increase the extraction of polyphenols, teabags should be continuously dunked in the teapot rather than left to float on the water.

Temperature:  Boiling water promotes the extraction of polyphenols.

Steeping Time:  Tea should be steeped for two to five minutes.  The polyphenol content of tea increases with steeping time, while a shorter steeping time results in a high caffeine content but low polyphenol content.

Green Tea: Health Effects

Green Tea:  Health Effects

Green tea contains salubrious polyphenos, particularly catechins, the most abundant of which epigallocatechin gallate, which is a potent antioxidant and therapeutic for cancer.  Green tea also contains carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), minerals such as chromium, manganese, selenium or zinc, and certain phytochemical compounds.  It is a more potent antioxidant than black tea, although black tea has substances which green tea does not such as theaflavin.

In vitro, animal, preliminary observational, and clinical human studies suggest that green tea can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, dental cavities, kidney stones, and cancer, while improving bone density and cognitive function. 

Green tea consumption is associated with reduced heart disease in epidemiological studies.  Animal studies have found that it can reduce cholesterol.  However, brief human trials have found that tea consumption did not reduce cholesterol in humans.  In 2003, a randomized clinical trial found that a green tea extract with added theaflavin from black tea reduced cholesterol.

A study performed at Birmingham University, showed that average fat oxidation rates were 17% higher after ingestion of green tea extract than after ingestion of a placebo.  Similarly, the contribution of fat oxidation to total energy expenditure was also significantly higher by a similar percentage following ingestion of green tea extract.  This implies that ingestion of green tea extract can not only increase oxidation during moderately intensive exercise but also improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in healthy young men.  Green tea is also effective in preventing glaucoma or systolic and diastolic blood pressure.