Tired? It can be your best chance to be thinner and healthier

If you're too tired to think, you’d be surprised at how that might work to your advantage.
Authors Monika Lisjak (Erasmus University) and Angela Y. Lee (Kellogg School of Management) write in the Journal of Consumer Research that we make better health care decisions when we're feeling tired and run down: "We proposed that people are more motivated to engage in healthful behavior when they are depleted and perceive their safety to be at stake."

The study
Across five experiments, the researchers looked at how consumers use what they term "self-protective motivation" when it comes to avoiding danger. They also studied consumer preference for products that emphasize safety.

In one study, participants were asked to read a health message that both described the dangers of kidney disease and advocated the benefit of early detection. The risks associated with a family history of kidney disease were also highlighted in the message. The authors found that for people with a family history of kidney disease, those who were feeling depleted exhibited a higher likelihood of being tested than those who were feeling healthy. Participants without a family history of kidney disease expressed a similar low interest in being tested regardless of how they were feeling.

In a second study looking at product selection, participants were asked to fill out a survey on health and fitness habits either before or after working out at the gym. As a thank you gift, the participants were able to choose either sunblock or moisturizer. When participants were surveyed after working out, the likelihood of choosing sunblock was much greater than choosing the moisturizer.
"Consumers value products that emphasize safety features more when they are feeling depleted. Retailers may benefit from placing safety-related products near the checkout or running ads for security-related products at the end of the day," the authors conclude.

Bottom line
The results are surprising, given past research about how exhaustion affects the brain. According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, sleep deprivation affects our mood, appetite, and ability to focus. And gym-goers can attest to that feeling of denial when their alarm goes off in the morning.

But making wise health decisions is doable, even when you’re not feeling it, according to Will Torres, personal trainer and owner of Willspace, a gym in New York City: "If you’re truly exhausted, it’s best to just go to sleep, but if you just need to recharge, there are simple things you can do".

Get your heart rate up: Let’s say you’re exhausted because you’ve been slouched over your desk all morning. Simply straightening up will boost your energy levels. : "When you’re slumping, you can’t take a full breath because bad posture compresses the diaphragm," says Torres. "Sitting up straight allows your lungs to take in more air, which sends a message to your brain to wake up."
Eat more fiber: "People tend to reach for sugary foods to give them a quick boost of energy, but without fiber to slow digestion down, they’ll crash," says Torres. Rather than an energy bar or mixed-fruit smoothie (both of which are loaded with sugar), try a fiber-filled apple, piece of watermelon, or pear.
Stay away from new routines: You’ve been wanting to try kickboxing for ages, but when you're tired is not the time. "Starting a new type of workout takes coordination and focus and tired people have neither," says Torres. "When you’re exhausted, do things you’ve always done or try running, weight machines, or brisk walking to avoid injury."

Still tired? Studies show some vitamins and minerals—like vitamin B12—can boost your mood.
Let's start your day with this light and refreshing smoothie: it contains antioxidant-rich berries and banana, plus vitamin B12–rich yogurt.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MINT

A favorite herbal medicine of the ancients, peppermint leaves have been found in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1,000 BC. Modern scientific investigations have now confirmed that this remarkable plant has over a dozen healing properties.
What’s so sensational about this herb is that once you put a fresh leaf in your mouth it will leave a refreshing aftertaste, for a long time. This is one of the reasons why it is used in products like toothpaste, chewing gums, mouthwash and breath fresheners.
Let’s take a look at its nutritional facts. Its leaves are blessed with some powerful antioxidants in the form of some essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, beta carotene, folate and riboflavin. The beneficial minerals contained in it are calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and manganese. Besides being the power source of these essential nutrients this is what its magical leaves can do:

mint promotes digestion
One of the most important functions mint leaves can perform is that it supports the digestive system by activating the salivary glands and digestive enzymes. For best results, use mint tea. Moreover, the leaves are also beneficial for soothing colic pain and for gastrointestinal problems.

Mint can help weight loss
Mint can also help in your efforts to lose weight in a healthy way! Mint is a stimulant, and it also stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat and turn it into usable energy. Therefore, by adding mint to your diet, you are increasing the amount of fat that is being consumed and put to use, rather than being stored and contributing to your weight gain!

Mint is a good treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colic spasms
Peppermint oil capsules have been described as “the drug of first choice” in IBS patients, as it safely helps alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Research has shown that it is effective in children and adults alike, with one study showing a 50% reduction in “total irritable bowel syndrome score” among 75% of patients who tried it.
Peppermint oil is an effective alternative to drugs like Buscopan for reducing colonic spasms. It may also relax the muscles of your intestines, allowing gas to pass and easing abdominal pain. Try peppermint oil or leaves added to tea for gas relief.

Mint treats nausea and headache
The strong and refreshing aroma of mint is a quick and effective remedy for nausea. Even just the smell of mint oil or freshly crushed mint leaves or the use of any product with mint flavor, and your stomach issues will be alleviated. In fact, many people keep menthol oil or mint-flavored products with them at all time to avoid nausea. Balms with a mint base or basic mint oil, when rubbed on the forehead and nose, gives quick relief in case of headache. Mint is a naturally soothing substance, so it can alleviate the inflammation and temperature rise that is often associated with headaches and migraines.

Mint is an effective relief for respiratory disorders and coughs
The strong aroma of mint is very effective in clearing up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, which gives relief for respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and the common cold. As mint cools and soothes the throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it relieves the irritation which causes chronic coughing. This is the main reason why so many balms are based on mint.
Some studies have also revealed its benefits for the tuberculosis patients.
For an instant relief from congestion, add 4 to 5 mint leaves to the boiling water and inhale the steam.

Mint fights depression and fatigue
Mint is a natural stimulant, and the smell alone can be enough to charge your batteries and get your brain functioning on a high level again. If you are feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed, or simply exhausted, mint and its derivative essential oils can help. It can be ingested, applied topically in a salve form, or inhaled as a vapor, and all of those techniques can give you a much-needed boost! A popular way to get good results in an easy manner is to put a few drops of mint essential oil or menthol oil on your pillow at night and let it work on your body and mind while you sleep.

Mint improves memory
A recent study explored the effects that mint has on alertness, retention, and cognitive function. It found that people who frequently use chewing gum, whose major active ingredient is mint, had higher levels of memory retention and mental alertness than those who did not. The stimulant qualities of mint, once again, have shown yet another reason to pop that stick of gum in your mouth, or chew some leaves when you’re feeling less than brilliant!

Mint promotes oral health
Since mint has germicidal qualities and quickly freshens breath, it adds to oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside the mouth and by cleaning the tongue and teeth. This is why mint used to be rubbed directly on the teeth and gums to refresh the mouth and eliminate dangerous forms of growth. In modern times, for the same reason, mint is one of the most common elements in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other dental hygiene products. Of course, the easiest way to get these results is to simply chew on the leaves.

Mint can prevent cancer
The compound called menthol present in mint leaves has the power to treat various types of cancer, especially prostate cancer.

Mint is good for your skin health
While mint oil is a good antiseptic and anti-pruritic material, mint juice is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes skin, and helps to cure infections and itchiness, as well as being a good way to reduce pimples, and it can even relieve some of the symptoms of acne. Its anti-pruritic properties can be used for treating insect bites like those of mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets, wasps, and gnats.

Mint aids in shingles-associated pain and inhibits herpes simplex virus Type 1
A 2002 case study found that topical peppermint oil treatment resulted in a near immediate improvement of shingles associated neuropathic pain symptoms; the therapeutic effects persisted throughout the entire 2 months of follow-up treatment. Peppermint has also been shown to help inhibit drug-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1

Mint alleviates allergies and hay fever
Season allergies and hay fever (also known as rhinitis) affect millions of people around the world at certain times of the year. Extracts from mint leaves have been shown to inhibit the release of histamines, which often spur on the severe nasal symptoms that are associated with hay fever and seasonal allergies.

Mint protects against radiation-induced DNA damage
Preclinical research indicates peppermint protects against radiation-induced DNA damage and cell death.

Are you feeling tired or bored after reading all of that info on mint? Why don’t you have a cup of this chocolate-mint pudding? That may be just the refreshing boost you need!

The Longevity Diet: lessons from the world’s longest-living societies

It's no big secret that the developed world has a weight problem...
While America once lead the charge of the world's fattest people, countries across the world are catching up at an alarming speed — from China to Brazil and everywhere in between.
It's hard to argue that the Western diet of highly processed foods isn't to blame for our obesity, heart disease, and diabetes crisis: what follows can prove this point...

How long should we be living?
Steve Charter, in Eat More Raw: A guide for health and sustainability, cites Dr Joel Wallach, who emphasises the scientifically accepted view that the genetic potential for longevity in humans suggests we should live to around 120 to 140 years old.
Dr Wallach lists a few more cases to further support this, including Russian Georgians who commonly live to 120 and the Armenians and Ebkanians, where living to 140 is not uncommon.
Put into context, the average age for Americans was 75.5 years old in 1994. For doctors it was 58. Dr Wallach suggest that these figures suggest that there is great value in treating yourself (through nutritional and lifestyle changes), rather than putting your health in the hands of doctors. If you think about it logically, the reason there’s such a difference in our lifespan is that we are not eating our natural diet.

Diet of the longest-living cultures
John Robbins, in Healthy at 100: The Scientifically Proven Secrets of the World's Healthiest and Longest-Lived Peoples, describes the lifestyles and dietary patterns of the long-lived cultures of the Abkhasia of Southern Russia, the Vicalbamba Indians of the Ecuadorian Andes and the Hunza of North Pakistan.
He found that the percentage of calories they obtained daily was between 69-73% carbohydrates, 15-18% from fat and 10-13% from protein.
Overall daily calories ranged between 1,700 -1,800, while the Abkhasia ate 90% plant foods and the Vilcabamba and Hunza ate 99% plant foods.
All three ate low amounts of salt, zero sugar or processed food, and had no incidence of obesity and other common diseases.
He also discussed the Okinawa, who, though eating a more animal-based diet, had a similar lifestyle.

Lessons from the world’s longest-living societies
The longevity diet includes some common denominators. These are:

• Diet including whole mostly vegan, organic food with minimal animal products and fat.
• Vitamin D and exercise
• Strong community values
• Spirituality and a sense of purpose

Longevity diet lesson 1: Whole, organic fresh food
 One of the most striking characteristics of the longevity diet is that these long-living societies eat mostly vegan, whole organic and freshly-picked food. Though they include some animal products, they depend on locally-farmed, organic plant-based food for their survival (and apparent health).
The longevity diet is high in natural carbohydrates, low in protein and fat, and includes minimal amounts of fermented foods. Because it is largely raw, it contains lots of fibre, and is replete with nutrients and enzymes you get from fresh, raw food.
What’s more, there’s no such thing as processed food, pre-packaged or pre-cooked microwave meals, ever. They farm organically, using no pesticides, chemicals or fertilisers, and of course by not buying pre-made food you exclude GM foods, additives, colourings, preservatives, and high salt consumption. It’s also the most diet that does the most to save the earth, because there’s no packaging (thus no waste), no fossil fuels used for transportation and most often it’s eaten in it’s pure natural form (thus saving energy used on cooking).
So learn the valuable lesson these cultures teach us. If you want to live a long and healthy life, cut out the processed junk and eat as naturally as possible. Cut down on your meat and dairy consumption or go vegan, and ultimately try eating more fresh, raw food.

Longevity diet lesson 2: Vitamin D and exercise
Each of these cultures has another thing in common and that is exercise and sunlight. Because they’re often outdoors, cultivating, harvesting, and hiking, they are getting ample Vitamin D, essential for health and energy. The Vicalbamba, Abkhasia, Hunza and Okinawa also share a fairly heavy workload (by modern standards). As a result they are always fit, athletic, trim and muscular, something we all aspire to.
So try and exercise consistently every day and if possible do so outdoors. Getting at least 20 minutes of sunlight every day is indispensable for health.

Longevity diet lesson 3: Strong community values
 These tribes share a connection to nature and to the environment. They work closely with the land and frequently interact with each other. They have a strong sense of community and value the contributions of each and every person, no matter how young or old. Socially active, they form close bonds with neighbours, acquaintances and family members.
Our Western society is very different. We stick to our own, keep to ourselves, and most of us don’t even know (or acknowledge) our neighbours. Perhaps it’s time to question what we’re missing out on by living a typical urban lifestyle and embrace a stronger sense of community, even if just by joining some common-interest groups.

The Longevity diet lesson 4: Spirituality and a sense of purpose
Everyone in these communities is purposefully engaged, even at old age. Whether it be farming, healing (medicinal/herbal), or spiritual advancement, building, collecting water or harvesting food, everyone has a role to play that enriches the community. There is no such thing as greed or self-interest. What’s more, no matter what religion or spiritual practice they follow, they believe in something greater than themselves. They connect with the spiritual plane as well as the physical and this gives them faith to endure any hardships they may suffer, without complaint. They have a positive outlook and enjoy their simple lives, surrounding each other with love and laughter.

The Longevity diet: Conclusions
It’s clear that the diet of and lifestyle of these cultures makes them immune to the top killers in the West: heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic pulmonary disease, pneumonia/flu, diabetes, liver disease/cirrhosis, suicide and Alzheimer’s.
What's more these groups’ healthful propensity for longevity isn’t just a win at the genetic lottery, as demonstrated by the Okinawans who grew up in other countries. During the 20th century, 100,000 Okinawans migrated to Brazil, where they adopted the typical (meat-based) Brazilian diet.
A study called the Impact of diet on the cardiovascular risk profile of Japanese immigrants living in Brazil revealed that Okinawan's average lifespan decreased by 17 years when exposed to a 'Western' lifestyle. As their youth adopted a Western diet (replete with fast food), obesity levels, cardiovascular disease and premature deaths reached record highs in Japan.

So if you really want to acheive long-lasting health and virality, try and incorporate some of the lessons of the longevity diet in your lifestyle. For your efforts you'll acheive the greatest reward - a life filled with joy, happiness and abundant health right up to your old age.

Sources: http://www.oprah.com/, http://www.eco-friendly-africa-travel.com/, http://www.myhealthwire.com/

Coffee lovers perk up: caffeine may boost memory

Drinking a cup of coffee may wake you up in the morning, but that hot jolt of caffeine may even help jog your memory.
Whether it’s a cup of black tea, a morning espresso or an afternoon energy drink, there may be another purpose for your routine pick-me-up, John Hopkins University researchers say. "We’ve always known that caffeine has cognitive-enhancing effects, but its particular effects on strengthening memories and making them resistant to forgetting has never been examined in detail in humans," lead scientist Dr. Michael Yassa said. For the first time, his research suggests that caffeine "enhances" certain memories at least up to 24 hours. These results were published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
  

Two side-by-side images of rubber ducks show slight

differences in characteristics. The caffeinated group was

more easily able to distinguish between the two in a
memory test, according to Johns Hopkins University
researchers.

The study
Yassa and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University recruited 160 young, healthy participants, who did not regularly consume caffeinated products. The participants studied a series of images, then five minutes later, took either 200 milligrams of caffeine in tablet form, about the amount of caffeine in a strong cup of coffee, or a placebo.
The next day, participants were asked to identify images they had seen the day before. Some images were new, and some were similar but not exactly the same. For example, if they were shown a picture of a yellow rubber duck originally, the next day, it was a picture of a rubber duck that was shorter and thicker, says Yassa. The people who consumed caffeine were more likely to correctly identify the similar items as slightly different from the original picture.

The findings
"We found that those who were administered caffeine actually had better retention of the information we taught them the day before," Yassa said. "The caffeine enhanced their ability to say, 'This item was similar but not identical to the one I'd seen before.'" This pattern separation ability reflects a deeper level of memory retention, the researchers said, because a standard recognition test omitting the "tricky similar items" would likely show the caffeinated and non-caffeinated groups performing equally. Another example of pattern separation is remembering where one's car is parked today vs. yesterday, he says. "This type of discrimination is involved in every facet of memory," Yassa says.

A key aspect was the caffeine was administered after the memory task, rather than before it, which ensures that other caffeine-related factors, like attention, anxiety or energy are not what’s driving the phenomenon. "By administering caffeine after the experiment, we rule out all of these effects and make sure that if there is an enhancement, it’s due to memory and nothing else," Yassa said.

Bottom line
The researchers also had participants consume 100 milligrams and 300 milligrams of caffeine and found 100 milligrams was not effective at getting the memory boost, Yassa says. The 300-milligrams dose was no more effective than 200 milligrams, and at the higher amount, people started to report some side effects such as headaches and feeling jittery, he says. "The 200-milligram might be the most optimal dose to get this memory boost."
One strong cup of coffee might contain 200 milligrams of caffeine, he says. A typical espresso has 80 milligrams, so a double-shot latte will have 160 milligrams, he says.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, 90% of people worldwide consume caffeine in one form or another. The average adult has an intake of about 200 milligrams, the same amount used in the study, or roughly one strong cup of coffee or two small ones a day.
Dr Yassa said: "The next step for us is to figure out the brain mechanisms underlying this enhancement. We can use brain imaging techniques to address these questions. We also know caffeine is associated with healthy longevity and may have some protective effects from cognitive decline like Alzheimer’s disease. These are certainly important questions for the future."
Added Dr Yassa: "Caffeine enhanced performance 24 hours after administration. We conclude caffeine enhanced consolidation of long term memories in humans. Future experiments should be conducted to understand the mechanisms by which caffeine can potentiate memory. Given the widespread use of caffeine and the growing interest in its effects both as a cognitive enhancer and as a neuroprotectant, these questions are of critical importance."

Sources: http://consumer.healthday.com/, http://www.usatoday.com/, http://www.wardheernews.com/, http://www.cbc.ca/news/, http://globalnews.ca/news/

Are you running properly? - infographic

Some people believe that people are born with a given way of moving which they cannot change much, if at all. These same people say that some people are "designed" from birth to be good athletes or not to be particularly athletic at all.
I happen to believe you can make substantial changes in your body and how you move, no matter what kind of a body you were given at birth. With practice, you can change your running form forever. Keep these technique and training tips in mind during your next run.

 If you'd like to embed this infographic, here's the code: <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/easel.ly/all_easels/288334/Runningtechnique/image.jpg"/><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/easel.ly/all_easels/288334/Runningtechnique/image.jpg" alt="Runningtechnique title="easel.ly" /></a><br /><a href="http://easel.ly" style="text-align:left;" align="left">easel.ly</a>

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FENUGREEK

What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek (also known as Greek Hay and methi), is an herb that is grown in countries across the globe, but the majority is cultivated and consumed in India. It is a member of the bean family and its scientific family name is Fabaceae. There is even evidence that the ancient Egyptians understood the benefits of fenugreek, since fenugreek seeds have been found in tombs, particularly of Tutankhamen.
Fenugreek is interesting, because it can be used for three distinct purposes. The leaves can be dried and used as herbs, the seeds can be ground into a spice, and the plant matter itself can be used as a vegetable, like sprouts and microgreens. This makes fenugreek so important, because there are healthy attributes in all of those plant parts that can boost your health!

Nutritional Facts of Fenugreek
Fenugreek contains a wide variety of beneficial nutrients, including iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, as well as vitamin B6, protein, and dietary fiber. Fenugreek also contains a number of powerful phytonutrients, including diosgenin which is a compound that has properties similar to estrogen. Other active constituents in fenugreek are alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan, as well as steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin).

Health benefits of Fenugreek
Appetite suppressant: Fenugreek complements diet and exercise for weight loss.The natural soluble fiber galactomannan can swell in the stomach and thus suppress appetite by making you feel full. Include fenugreek in your weight loss diet by chewing soaked methi seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. The natural soluble fibre in the fenugreek can swell and fill the stomach thereby suppressing your appetite.

Reduces cholesterol: Research studies show that fenugreek consumption helps to reduce cholesterol level. Fenugreek helps to reduce the level of low density Lipoprotein (LDL) significantly, which can prevent various conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Fenugreek is a rich source of fiber, which scrapes excess cholesterol off of the arteries and blood vessels of the body. By reducing cholesterol content in the bloodstream, you reduce the chances of clots forming or becoming stuck in the vessels.

Reduces cardiovascular risk: Fenugreek seeds contain 25% galactomannan. This is a type of natural soluble fiber which specifically relates to a reduction in cardiovascular disease.

Controls diabetes: Fenugreek helps to alleviate type II diabetes. According to one study, it may also help people with Type I diabetes. Studies done by Indian researchers revealed that fenugreek added to type I diabetic patients’ diets helped to drop urinary sugar level by 54%. Because of the presence of the natural fiber galactomannan, fenugreek slows down the rate at which sugar is absorbed into bloodstream. A certain amino acid (4-hydroxyisoleucine) in fenugreek induces the production of insulin so therefore, 15-20 grams of fenugreek is recommended for controlling blood sugar on a daily basis. By slowly releasing insulin to the body rather than in massive chunks, overall bodily function is improved, and the plunges and peaks of blood sugar won’t be an issue for diabetic patients.

Relief for sore throats: Fenugreek’s soothing mucilage helps to relieve sore throat pain and cough.

Cures acid reflux or heartburn: Fenugreek is said to be an effective heartburn or acid reflux remedy because the mucilage in fenugreek seeds assists in soothing gastrointestinal inflammation, and coating the stomach and intestinal lining.  According to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, a 2-week intake of a fenugreek fiber product taken 30 minutes before two meals /day, by subjects with frequent heartburn, diminished heartburn severity. The researchers found that the effects were similar to that of ranitidine at 75mg, twice a day.

Relieves constipation: Fenugreek adds bulk to the stool due to its high fiber content. This also makes it helpful in treating constipation and diarrhea, while also relieving minor indigestion.

Prevents colon cancer: Fenugreek possesses anti-carcinogenic potential. The steroid diosgenin in Fenugreek has been specifically linked to colon cancer prevention. Furthermore, the various non-starch polysaccharides like saponins, hemicellulose, mucilage, tannin, and pectin, lower cholesterol levels and inhibit bile salts from being reabsorbed by the colon. This can bind to the toxins and protect the colon’s mucus membrane, which can reduce colorectal cancer and other conditions that can negatively affect the colon.

Good for kidney trouble: Traditional Chinese medicine recommends fenugreek for patients suffering from various kidney conditions.

Useful for skin infection: It can be used for treating boils, eczema, abscess etc.

Increases milk production: India’s traditional ayurvedic physicians prescribe fenugreek to nursing mothers. This benefit is attributed to the presence of diosgenin in fenugreek. This can help increase the amount of milk that is produced by the breasts, and the magnesium and vitamin content of fenugreek also help the milk’s quality to keep your infant healthy.

Reduces menstrual discomfort: Fenugreek is considered as a potent substance that eases the process of menstruation and relieves the associated symptoms. It is an emmenagogue, which means that it can open up obstructed menses to make the most feminine of processes work smoothly and comfortably.

Minimizes symptoms of menopause: Fenugreek contains the chemicals diosgenin and estrogenic isoflavones, which are similar to the female sex hormone, estrogen. Loss of estrogen causes menopausal symptoms. So, eating fenugreek helps to reduce menopausal symptoms like mood swings, depression, cramps, and abnormal hunger pangs. Fenugreek helps to monitor a number of other hormones as well, keeping many other bodily processes in line as well.

Other benefits: Fenugreek helps in battling free radicals due to its antioxidant capacity. It is also good at improving the body’s overall metabolism and health. Irritated skin conditions can even be soothed by the external application of fenugreek. Furthermore, fenugreek is used for fevers and muscle aches.

Side effects of Fenugreek While Fenugreek is generally considered to be safe when used moderately, there have been reports of a few minor side-effects. Nausea is one common side effect, while other people have reported gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea and/or gas). Also, when using this herb topically on the skin, it is important to watch out for skin irritations and rashes.
Fenugreek use during pregnancy is not recommended, since it has the potential to induce labor. If you are pregnant and wish to take it, you should do so only after consultation with your doctor.
If you are currently taking any oral medications, you should always use this herb at least 2 hours before or after these drugs. This is important since Fenugreek fiber has the potential to interfere with the absorption of oral medications due to its mucilaginous fiber (which gives it a moist and sticky texture).

How to buy Fenugreek: Fenugreek is often available in capsules, seed, and powder form at many health food stores or online. You may also be able to find packaged Fenugreek herbal tea bags.

Sources: http://www.medindia.net/, http://health.india.com, http://www.homeremediesweb.com/, http://www.organicfacts.net/

WHY FROZEN VEGETABLES ARE FRESHER THAN FRESH

Frozen fruit and vegetables can be healthier, with higher levels of vitamins and cancer fighting antioxidants, than leafy ‘fresh’ produce.

Two independent studies found more beneficial nutrients in everything from frozen broccoli florets and carrots to blueberries. In two out of three cases frozen fruit and vegetables scored better on antioxidant-type compounds – including Vitamin C, polyphenols, anthocyanins, lutein and beta-carotene. Consumption of these anti-oxidant compounds is considered beneficial in preventing cancer and supporting the working of the body, brain, skin and eyes.

The somewhat counterintuitive findings stem from the fact that fresh produce gradually loses nutrients as it passes through the supply chain. Although fresh apples, pears, and blueberries are marketed as “just-picked” products straight from harvest, most have spent several weeks in storage. In addition, a substantial amount of fresh fruit and vegetables will continue to degrade in the consumers’ refrigerators.
Conversely, frozen foods retain most of their antioxidants and vitamins, as they are chilled almost immediately upon harvest.

Two teams, one from Leatherhead Food Research and another from the University of Chester, carried out 40 tests to measure nutrient levels in produce which had been sitting in a fridge for three days versus the frozen equivalent.

Overall, frozen foods tended to exhibit higher levels of antioxidants and vitamins, with products like frozen carrots exceeding the “fresh” value by up to 300%.
“Unlike frozen, some fresh produce concentrations of antioxidant compounds exhibited a decrease during refrigerated storage to levels below those observed in the corresponding frozen produce,” said study author, Graham Bonwick, of the University of Chester. “The effects were most noticeable in soft fruits.”

That said, it wasn’t always a clear win for frozen versus fresh produce … for example:

• Frozen sprouts scored higher on all nutrient measures.
• Frozen spinach beat fresh spinach in some but not all nutrient tests.
• Frozen raspberries and peas were about equal to their fresh counterparts.
• Frozen cauliflower and baby sweetcorn showed no major advantages over fresh.
• Frozen blueberries and green beans had much higher levels of vitamin C and polyphenols.
• Frozen carrots had more vitamin C, more polyphenols, three times more lutein, and twice as much beta-carotene.
• Frozen broccoli had more vitamin C and lutein and four times more beta-carotene, while fresh broccoli had more polyphenols.

The findings demonstrate that eating newly picked produce is the healthiest option, however frozen can be almost as good and is often better that items sold as ‘fresh’.

Leatherhead’s Dr Rachel Burch, said: "We must disregard the mistaken opinion that ‘fresh’ food is always better for us than frozen food. These results demonstrate that frozen can be nutritionally comparable to ‘fresh’ produce."

What's your experience? Do you agree with these findings?

Sources: http://www.dailymail.co.uk , http://www.medicaldaily.com/