EATING YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHY LIFE

I found these lovely pictures from The Guiding Light FB website and thought I'd share it here.   Enjoy :)

Link:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Guiding-Light/321454251217141

EGG WHITES... WHO KNEW?

I received this forward from a friend through email and thought it worth sharing

BURNS

A young man sprinkling his lawn and bushes with pesticides wanted to check the contents of the barrel to see how much pesticide remained in it.  He raised the cover and lit his lighter; the vapors inflamed and engulfed him.  He jumped from his truck, screaming.   

His neighbor came out of her house with a dozen eggs, yelling: "bring me some eggs!"  She broke them, separating the whites from the yolks.  The neighbor woman helped her to apply the whites on the young man's face.  When the ambulance arrived and when the EMTs saw the young man, they asked who had done this.   Everyone pointed to the lady in charge.  They congratulated her and said: "You have saved his face."  By the end of the summer, the young man brought the lady a bouquet of roses to thank her. His face was like a baby's skin. HEALING MIRACLE FOR BURNS: Keep in mind this treatment of burns which is included in teaching beginner fireman this method.  First aid consists to spraying cold water on the affected area until the heat is reduced and stops burning the layers of skin.  Then, spread egg whites on the affected are. One woman burned a large part of her hand with boiling water.  In spite of the pain, she ran cold faucet water on her hand, separated 2 egg white from the yolk, beat them slightly and dipped her hand in the solution.  The whites then dried and formed a protective layer. She later learned that the egg white is a natural collagen and continued during at least one hour to apply layer upon layer of beaten egg white.     By afternoon she no longer felt any pain and the next day there was hardly a trace of the burn.  10 days later, no trace was left at all and her skin had regained its normal color.  The burned area was totally regenerated thanks to the collagen in the egg whites, a placenta full of vitamins.  tee..heee

WHAT IS COLLAGEN?

A friend of mine recently insisted that I buy the seaweed from her. The seaweed is a kind of sea kelp and is said to contain pure marine collagen. Some claim that it contains 10 times more collagen than shark fins and 24% more than 2 pieces of bird’s nest and some even said that it is a poor man’s bird’s nest! Bird’s nest is a prized health food well-known for its medicinal benefits. 

seaweed fresh from the sea

after it is dried

I've heard and read about the health benefits of this seaweed before but have not been tempted to buy until then.  If it does indeed contain that amount of collagen as  what has been claimed proven scientifically or otherwise, then why not.  I've yet to try it but would do so in a bit. :)

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the main component of our skin, cartilage, bone and connective tissues. Without enough production and supply of collagen, our skin will look old and wrinkled. Collagen is a naturally-occurring protein in humans and animals.

Its main functions are:-

Skin – It provides structure. Along with collagen is elastin, which provides      elasticity of the skin.

 Bones – It provides form, structure, strength and flexibility.

Muscles – It gives strength and structure.

Blood vessels – It is the main component of the blood vessel wall (vein, arteries and capillaries)

Unfortunately, the collagen supply in our body diminishes in time. This is due to age, pollutants, and lifestyle.

How to Restore Collagen in Skin Naturally

There are other factors than age that can retard collagen production: smoking and sun exposure are the worst culprits. Since collagen is too dense to be absorbed into the skin in creams unless it undergoes extensive chemical restructuring, our best bet is to eat plenty of foods that promote production of this important protein. By incorporating certain foods into our diet we can increase collagen production and bring that youthful look back to our skin. Though anti-aging creams claim to help retain a youthful look, many are made with harsh chemicals. We can, instead, attempt to restore the collagen in our skin naturally.

Several other types of food that can aid in increasing collagen production are Soy products, dark green vegetables, beans, red fruits and vegetables, vitamin C, prunes, omega acids, flaxseed, turkey, dark chocolate, rose hips and avocado oil.

Avocado fruits

Raspberries

Soya beans

Luckily, all of these foods are part of a healthy, low-fat diet (even the chocolate) and can be incorporated into every meal and snack we eat. Enjoy soy milk with breakfast, a large salad with chunks of turkey and avocado for lunch, and omega-containing fish for dinner; snack on dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 65 percent or higher and take supplements containing rose hips.

Soya bean milk

 Rosehip tea

Japanese Tofu

All of these foods contain powerful collagen-boosting substances like genistein, lutein, hyaluronic acid, lycopene, antioxidants, carnosine and plant steroids. These natural chemicals support the skin renewal process, rejuvenate skin damaged by free radicals and create a hospitable environment for collagen production.

Soy foods, such as soy milk, soy cheese and tofu, can help block the enzymes that break down and age skin. Leafy greens like spinach and kale boost skin hydration and elasticity, as does the carnosine in turkey. Beans help our body produce the powerful anti-aging agent hyaluronic acid, and the lycopenes in red fruits and vegetables are powerful antioxidants.

Purple seaweed - this type supposedly contains more collagen than the green type  

And lately, I came to know that a kind of sea kelp (seaweed) is said to contain pure marine collagen. 

Misconceptions

There are many expensive cosmetic anti-wrinkle creams on the market containing collagen. Unfortunately, there is no evidence such treatments do anything to boost collagen levels in the skin. In fact, the chemical makeup of collagen makes it too large to be absorbed into the skin when applied topically. Such products may be adequate moisturizers, but to stimulate collagen production it should work from the inside out, starting with our diet.

Prevention/Solution

The foods listed above do double-duty keeping our body healthy and our skin young-looking. To make these foods even more effective, don't smoke, always wear sunscreen, use a quality moisturizer and eat a healthy diet.

Source:  http://www.ehow.com/ 

All pictures are courtesy of the Net.

10 SUPER BEAUTY FOODS

In the course of my research for collagen and what it does for the skin and our health, I discovered several 'Beauty Foods' but the following are my favourites. Will write on collagen in my next post.

Blueberries are touted as one of the best sources of antioxidants out there. And they have a huge side benefit: They are indescribably delicious too. Wish they are available in our part of the world all the time.

Strawberries are filled with vitamin C, and guess what loves that? Our skin. So these wonderful berries, so good on cereal and ice cream, not to mention strawberry shortcake, keep our skin looking its best while we say "yummy." Wished they weren’t so expensive  though. ..sigh..

Don't peel these babies! You probably heard that from your mother, and she was right on target. The skin of the apple contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that protects against skin cancer. Apples also are a good source of fiber, meaning we feel full for hours after eating one.

Nuts, especially walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts, are high in omega-3 fat. And our skin really benefits from the moisture that brings. Nuts are also high in arginine, an amino acid that helps  burn fat.

Whoa! Chilis really turn on the heat. And capsaicin, which is the source of that heat, cuts back on those hunger pangs, according to a study in the June 2009 issue of the "European Journal of Nutrition." So that burning mouthful might be worth it.  Just wondering if the ‘belacan’ (shrimp paste) added to it will spoil the nutrients..:D

Vitamin A and potassium both make our skin radiant. And both are found in greens, particularly romaine lettuce. Dark leafy greens contain antioxidants that help our skin fight sun damage, such as wrinkles and skin cancer.

Salmon and tuna are known for their abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, and these fats help our body on the outside as well as the inside by keeping skin radiant.

Tea of all kinds is a major source of antioxidants, which fight free radicals and work against signs of aging. Green tea is also known for the compound EGCG, which gets some of those dying skin cells back in the alive zone!

Ahhhh, the fruit of the vine. Reservatrol is found in red wine, especially cabernet sauvignon, and this antioxidant is known to slow aging. So wine is one thing we can drink for our health, as they say. Just drink in moderation or all of its good effects are for naught.  Yes, sip slowly baby and feel how it penetrates into the system..:D

Chocolate! The happiest food... Bring it on. Dark chocolate is a good source of those age-fighting antioxidants, and it also contains the mood elevator phenylethylamine, according to the California Academy of Sciences. So no, it's not our imagination that we feel happy when we eat dark chocolate. Just don't overdo it; too much of a good thing might turn out to be a bad thing in this case.

Source:    http://www.ehow.com/

ARTIFICIAL RIPENING OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Fruits and vegetables are known to posses a lot of antioxidants and anti-aging miracles. But if they are loaded with harmful chemicals, then are you heading for fitness or drowning in the pool of unhealthy body??

Nowadays, there are plenty of buzz about artificial ripening of foods, mainly fruits and vegetables. 

Actually ripe foods are not easy to carry and they rot fast. So the traders use chemicals to ripen them and also to prolong their shelf life. They inject these chemicals into fruits and veggies which will increase their size overnight. Artificial coloring is also injected to them to make them appear juicy and fresh.  This is done to maximize their sales and profits.




But this process poses health hazards. For example, Ethylene, Bethylene and Ethephon are some of the chemicals that are used for this purpose. These chemicals give rise to many health disorders. It could damage the neurological system, eyes, skin, lungs, memory and prolonged hypoxia (a condition in which lack of oxygen supply occurs). 

Farmers are also known to use pesticides for their crops. These are detrimental to health.  To remove these pesticides, place fruits and vegetables in a sink filled with water. Add salt and lemon juice to it. Let the fruits float for around 5-7 minutes and then wash them with plain water. You should also avoid plastic-looking foods. Choose only normal-sized fruits or veggies with normal appearance.

Cheers.

Source: The Guiding Light

NUTRITION FACTS ABOUT DRAGON FRUIT

Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C which boost the immune system and prevent free radicals which causes cancer diseases and helps in healing colds and flu.

It is also a source of dietary fiber which

 is important for the digestive system. It prevents constipation, reduces fats and remove toxins from colon which may lead to colon cancer. Dietary fiber also controls sugar level so it plays great role in controlling diabetes.

Dragon fruit is important for skin health as it contains high amount of vitamin C, collagen and for healing wounds, for bones strength, teeth , cartilage, ligaments and tendons. 

Dragon fruit also contain vitamin B1 which helps in increased energy.  

The presence of vitaminB3 in the dragon fruit helps in reducing bad cholesterol levels.

How to eat the Dragon fruit

To eat the dragon fruit, cut it into halves and eat the flesh, you can make a cold fruit juice or make delicious fruit salad with ice cream.   Enjoy.. :)

TIPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN

Wash your face at least twice each day, using a pure soap such as Ivory, and clean water. Hot water opens pores, so wash with hot water. Cold water closes pores, so splash your face with cold water after washing to ensure that your pores are protected from the environment. Splash with cold water before applying makeup as well. 

·    Reduce the use of cosmetics as much as possible. These clog pores. If you must wear makeup, make sure that you are using hypoallergenic products, or products for sensitive skin. Splash your face with cold water before applying, and make sure you wash all the makeup away before going to bed.

·     Keep your hair and hands off your face. Hair and hands contain oils that can cause acne breakouts. When applying creams or makeup to the face, use applicators - not your hands. In the absence of applicators, ensure that your hands are completely clean.  Don't lean with your hands on your face either. Keep your hair pulled back off your face.

·       Hydrate the body - and the skin - with water. Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Water helps to detoxify our bodies, and our skin, ridding us of elements that make us ill, as well as elements that can cause acne.

·        Eat a well balanced diet, and make sure that you include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain quite a bit of natural vitamin A and vitamin E, which is essential to good skin care.

        Source: The Guiding Light 

HOME REMEDY: 3 Ways to Get Rid of Cold Sores Naturally

Hi Folks
I found this useful tip from who else...hehehe ..but from lovely Krishna's blog.    Please find the link to her blog below.

She's got so many useful tips but I thought I'd share this one as I too always get this especially if I do not drink enough water and the body is said to be 'heaty' or dehydrated.

Krishna says: 

WHAT CAUSES COLD SORES?
Stress
Anxiety
Cold
Too much exposure in sun

NATURAL TREATMENTS:

First of all AVOID salty and acidic foods as they can aggravate the cold sores and make them painful.

1.   Dab some tea tree oil on the cold sore with a cotton. It should disappear in 2-3 days. Dab it a few times in a day and before going to sleep.

2.   Place a damp tea bag on your cold sore. I would suggest green tea and keep it on for 1-2 mins. Don't wash it off after that.

3. You can also dab some coconut oil or lavender essential oil.

You can prevent them by using lip balms that has some SPF in it. I use Maybelline's Baby Lips Lip Balm. 

It is the SOFTEST and the most gorgeous lip balm ever. It isn't that expensive and it has SPF of 15.

You should take care you don't pass it on to someone because it is very contagious as it is a virus.
I hope you found your way out of those painful sores :( I know how it feels.

**************************************

Thanks for the useful tip Krishna...xoxox.. 
Do visit Krishna's blog for more awesome home remedies at
http://diybeautytutorials.blogspot.com

Cheers

GRAPES NUTRITION FACTS

Grapes nutrition facts

Widely popular, grapes are regarded in many cultures as “the queen of fruits," since centuries. These tiny berries are the storehouse of numerous health promoting phyto-nutrients such as poly-phenolic antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. No wonder why many of us include them as an integral part of our diet, be it in the form of fresh table fruits, juice, or in salads!

Botanically, they are small round berries; grow in clusters on a perennial and deciduous woody vine of the genus: Vitis. Grapes are native to Europe and Mediterranean regions but now widely cultivated all around the world.

In structure, each berry features semi-translucent flesh encased in a smooth, thin skin. Some varieties contain edible seeds, while others are seedless. The color to the fruit is because of the presence of poly-phenolic pigments in them. Red or purple berries are rich in anthocyanins while white-green berries contain more of tannins, especially, catechin. Interestingly, these antioxidant compounds are densely concentrated on the skin and seeds!

The three main species of grapes grown around the world are; European (Vitis vinifera), North American (Vitis labrusca and Vitis rotundifolia), and French hybrids.

·         Some of popular green cultivars are Thompson seedless, sugarone, and calmeria.

·         Red varieties include emperor, red globe, cardinal, and flame seedless.

·         Concord and zinfandel are some of flavorful blue-black cultivars.

Commercially, many cultivars of grapes are grown for different purposes either eaten as table fruit, fresh or dried (raisin, currant, sultana) or in wine production.

Health benefits of grapes

§  Grapes are rich in polyphenolic phytochemical compound resveratrol. Resveratrol is one of the powerful anti-oxidant, which has been found to play a protective role against cancers of colon and prostate, coronary heart disease (CHD), degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer's disease and viral/ fungal infections.

§  Resveratrol reduces stroke risk by altering the molecular mechanisms in the blood vessels. It does so firstly by reducing susceptibility of blood vessel damage through decreased activity of angiotensin (a systemic hormone causing blood vessel constriction that would otherwise elevate blood pressure) and secondly, through increased production of the vasodilator substance, nitric oxide (a beneficial compound that causes relaxation of blood vessels).

§  Anthocyanins are another class of polyphenolic anti-oxidants present abundantly in the red grapes. These phyto-chemicals have been found to have an anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, as well as anti-cancer activity.

§  Catechins, a type of flavonoid tannin group of anti-oxidants, found in the white/green varieties have also shown to possess these health-protective functions.

• In addition, the berries are very low in calories. 100 g fresh grapes just provide 69 calories but zero cholesterol levels.

§  Grapes are rich source of micronutrient minerals like copper, iron and manganese. Copper and manganese are an essential co-factor of antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is especially concentrated more in raisins. In addition, 100 g of fresh grapes contain about 191 mg of health benefiting electrolyte, potassium.

§  They are an also good source of vitamin-C, vitamin A, vitamin K, carotenes, B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamin.

Source: www.nutrition-and-you.com/grapes.html

Google. pic

DOWN MEMORY LANE

Grapes bring me down memory lane when I was a wee little girl of around 5 or 6. During one of those rare occasions, my dad (now late) decided to bring the whole family for a trip to town, now city of Kota Kinabalu.

We were a family of little means and that particular time, my dad must have acquired some money cos I remembered it was a joyful occasion. My mum, my younger sister and then my brother, who was the youngest then, excitedly woke up early in anticipation for that long walk to the main road where we would catch the bus downtown. My brother who was about 2, I think, was too young to walk and my dad would carry him on his shoulders.

Upon alighting from the bus, I was amazed at how big the town was. You see we seldom venture away from our kampong apart from going to that little town Inanam then and even that was rare. So we went to a stall to eat that biig bowl of mee soup and oh boy that was the tastiest food I have ever eaten ever, lol!

That meal was followed by a visit to a fruit market where rows and rows of fruits were sold, red apples, green apples, oranges, juicy grapes of various colours, green, red, purple.  I don't really know why we went there for I can't remember us buying anything other than going through that rows of juicy looking fruits. My mouth was watering every minute and I couldn't help but noticed those gorgeous looking grapes. So I tugged at my dad's hand and nervously whispered, "Pa, can I have some of those?" My dad didn't say anything but looked at me sadly and he looked at my mum. Mum said, "No, cos they are very expensive and we can't afford them." I nodded sadly and we started to walk away. I guessed my dad must have felt very sorry for me 'cos suddenly he stopped and asked the stall owner whether he could buy a small bunch of the grapes and how much would it cost.

I couldn't remember how much, but he managed to get a small bunch of the grapes and we happily divided it amongst us. It was the most delicious fruit I have tasted ever. I vowed to myself then, when I grow up, I would buy all the grapes that I can afford....haha..

Yours Truly with friends at a vineyard in Seddon, NZ.

Those are just harvested grapevines cultivated especially for wine-making. 

There were some left-over fruits on the vines and we just could not help popping them straight to our mouth. No worries, no pesticides were used.

Pic below:  Credit goes to my lovely friend Agnes for

 WatsApp-ing me this lovely picture of a vine in Perth Australia.  

She is home now and complaining about the weather hahaha.. 

Here is her WatsApp to me (I was already fast asleep) :

Agnes:  I niss the weather in Oz. Here I constantly feel sticky, bloody humid.

I brought back wine which is from a winery near the house. U c d tiny grapes. D vineyard is about 10 min from the hse. Food is good. Had kangaroo steak.

Me upon waking up: Adoii, sorry couldn't reply last nite I think I was fast zzzzzzzzzzz.  Love the grapevine pics. So green and fresh.

Hey what you mean your job here is done.... You still got plenty of work to do like accompany me go tamu (market) or eat ngiu cap (beef noodle soup).   hahaha.. (this is with reference to earlier conversation). We ere talking about some products that contain SLS which can cause cancer. I told her we shouldn't use the stuff then 'cos I want to live longer and she responded:   

Agnes:  Who cares, last last die also.

Me:      Hooii...hahaha.. but I want to last longer. 

Agnes: I don't know, I am ready to go. Siap already my job here..

Me:    Hey what you mean your job here is done.... You still got plenty of work to do

           like accompany me go tamu (market) or eat ngiu cap (beef noodle soup).  

Hahaha...crazy conversation... Agnes if you are reading this... so when you belanja me go eat ngiu cap?