Honey, Yogurt Treats VVC During Pregnancy

Propolis has also been proven effective at treating Candida Albicans and begs the question, will they conduct another trial with the addition of propolis in the honey, yogurt mixture...

Bee-honey and yogurt: a novel mixture for treating patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis during pregnancy.

ArchGynecol Obstet 2012 Feb 8.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the clinical and mycological cure rates of a novel mixture consisting of Bee-honey and yogurt compared to local antifungal agents for treating patients with vulvo-vaginal candidiasis (VVC) during pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a prospective comparative study which included 129 patients with VVC during pregnancy. The participants were allocated into study group (n = 82) who received a mixture of Bee-honey and yogurt vaginally and control group (n = 47) who received local anti-fungal agents. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate the clinical and mycological cure rates and the side-effects of both modes of therapy.

RESULTS:

The clinical cure rate was significantly higher in the study than the control group (87.8 vs. 72.3%, respectively) while the mycological cure rate was higher in the control than the study group (91.5 vs. 76.9%, respectively). Both types of therapy were favorably tolerated by most of the patients. Side effects were reported only in 24.3 and 29.7% of patients in group I and II, respectively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The mixture of Bee-honey and yogurt produced a high clinical cure rate and a reasonable mycological cure rate. It can be used as a complementary or an alternative to antifungal agents especially in patients with VVC during pregnancy.

Dark chocolate and cocoa

This is good news for chocolate lovers! A new study by U.S. researchers found that this sweet snack is actually healthier than most juices made from fruit.

Dark chocolate vs. fruit

Chocolate is often eaten with pleasure, and several studies have shown that this may have some beneficial effects on human health. Chocolate, especially the "black" is rich in antioxidants, preventing damage to healthy cells. According to studies by U.S. researchers, dark chocolate containing high cocoa percentage, has a higher antioxidant capacity than even fruits. Tests were performed comparing the cocoa powder and dark chocolate with berries, blueberries and pomegranates.


The New York Daily News, citing results of studies, products witch are based on dark chocolate contains flavonoids and polyphenols, antioxidants categories currently looking for real help you can offer to treat and prevent many diseases of the body.


Dark chocolate, a super food!


"The compounds in dark chocolate are great for our immune system," said Dr. Debra Miller, an author of the study, insisting that chocolate should be labeled as a super food.


Study results published in Chemistry Central Journal showed that:

- Dark chocolate has a major role in lowering blood cholesterol levels and body


- Antioxidants present in this product are increasing nitric oxide levels in the blood and improve blood vessel function

- A dark chocolate per week reduces the risk of diabetes
- Phenylethylamine (produced by the brain when two people are in love) is found in small quantities in chocolate, and it improves mood and attention

Foods that improve your appearance

Beauty comes from within! Yes, very true, a pleasant personality makes you more attractive, but today will show you that beauty is the mirror of the food you eat. It is very important to have a proper diet and healthy eating for both your health and for your external appearance.

Foods that make you shine!


Spinach

When we hear about the food, thought we fly directly to Popey, famous sailor with muscles of steel. A good portion of spinach and have escaped all the problems. Suddenly become big, strong, invincible. I tried myself, but never worked. Popey probably has a little secret. But what I learned is that in addition to high iron content, spinach is rich in carotenoids and lutein, substances with skin pigmentation role in keeping the whites of your eyes.Can be consumed raw (in salads) or cooked.

Eggs

A cheap food, available to everyone and very healthy for human body when consumed in moderation. The rich in protein, iron and sulfur, it effectively fight hair loss, but also in maintaining a healthy gloss.
It is recommended that eggs be prepared in heat because if its used raw egg white theproteins will be difficult to assimilate.

Bananas

Due to impressive potassium, vitamins and minerals bananas are among the healthiest fruits. They are easily assimilated by the body and promote good digestion. Bananas do have a role in improving physical appearance due to its beneficial effects on skin, keeping it smooth and elastic.

Red Cabbage

With even greater nutritional value than green, red cabbage contains more antioxidants and vitamin C for at least five times. Components found in red cabbage help treat acne and ridding the body of toxins. Cabbage is a vegetable that is easily prepared, can be eaten raw in a salad or cooked in various styles.

Beetroot

Energizing, mineralizing, antianemic and stimulant activity of liver, beetroot improves appearance because both rich in vitamins (A, B, C, E, K) and large amounts of folic acid, calcium, iron and potassium. It is important to know that beets do not loose their benefits if it is boiled or cooked, giving us different ways of consumption.

Grape seed oil

Grape seed oil is relatively new on the market and can be used as an alternative to various other oils. The rich in vitamin E, it significantly reduces wrinkles. Can be used in salads or directly on a slice of toast.

Use food and products directly from nature. In addition to being very healthy for your body, they greatly improve your appearance and sometimes even more than creams you buy at prices not so low. Eat healthy, look healthy!

Honey Helps Lower High Blood Pressure

Eating honey has a tonic effect that is identifiable on many levels of the body, not only on high blood pressure... 

Honey Supplementation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Elicits Antihypertensive Effect via Amelioration of Renal Oxidative Stress

Oxid MedCell Longev, 2012;2012:374037, Epub 2012 Jan 23

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis and/or maintenance of elevated blood pressure in hypertension.

This study investigated the effect of honey on elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). It also evaluated the effect of honey on the amelioration of oxidative stress in the kidney of SHR as a possible mechanism of its antihypertensive effect.

SHR and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were randomly divided into 2 groups and administered distilled water or honey by oral gavage once daily for 12 weeks. The control SHR had significantly higher SBP and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels than did control WKY. The mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly downregulated while total antioxidant status (TAS) and activities of GST and catalase (CAT) were higher in the kidney of control SHR.

Honey supplementation significantly reduced SBP and MDA levels in SHR. Honey significantly reduced the activities of GST and CAT while it moderately but insignificantly upregulated the Nrf2 mRNA expression level in the kidney of SHR. These results indicate that Nrf2 expression is impaired in the kidney of SHR.

Honey supplementation considerably reduces elevated SBP via amelioration of oxidative stress in the kidney of SHR.

What do I do with my wildcrafted nettles?

Wow - what a great lunchtime lecture yesterday, Health and Culinary Benefits of Nettle, with expert ACHS instructor Scott Stuart! We were thrilled to fill the American College Apothecary Shoppe with more than thirty community members eager to learn more about the herbal, health, and culinary benefits of nettle (Urtica urens).

Did you know that nettle has a dry, slightly sweet and slightly salty taste, which comes from its enriching minerals? Nettle is also high in protein, which makes it a healthy and flavorful addition to your favorite recipes!

Nettle is a lot like spinach. For example, you can steam or sauté nettle and serve it plain or with a little sea salt as a healthy vegetable side dish. You can also add nettle into omelets, salads, pastas, soups, and stews, and use the herb to make teas and tinctures.

In fact, we posted a delicious nettle pesto recipe to ACHS Facebook you can download at facebook.com/ACHSedu. This recipe is part of the PowerPoint presentation Scott has shared with us for everyone who was unable to attend the live event. Download a PDF of the presentation here, including information about traditional and medicinal uses for nettle, and be sure to leave a comment!

How will you use nettles? Will you make a delicious meal? A body care product? A tincture? Tell us about it!

Interested in learning more about herbal medicine classes for health and wellness? American College accelerated online classes start March 19: Herb 101 Basics of Herbalism and Aroma 101 Introduction to Aromatherapy. >> Click here to request more information today.


Image: Health and Culinary Benefits of Nettle Lunchtime Lecture participants in the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe. Image © Dorene Petersen 2012.

*This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease.

Honey Helps Treat Stomach Ulcers

Reported for many years, honey is now proven to help heal ulcers, at least it's true with rats. Even though this has been documented anecdotally with humans for many years...

Gastric Cytoprotection and Honey Intake in Albino Rats

Nigerian Journal Physiol Sci, 2011 Nov 23

Beneficial effect of honey has been widely reported particularly on wound healings, gastrointestinal disorders and as antibacterial agent. However, there is paucity of report on its cytoprotective effect on the gastric mucosa despite its common usage worldwide including Nigeria.

This study was therefore carried out to evaluate the effect of this widely consumed substance on gastric mucosa using animal model and also to explore possible mechanism of its action on the gastric mucosa.

Twenty male adult albino rats of Wistar strain, weighing between 210-220g were used in the experiment. They were randomly assigned into two groups, the control group and the honey-fed (test) group, each containing ten rats. The Control group was fed on normal rat feed and water while the test group was fed on normal rat feed with honey added to its drinking water (1ml of honey for every initial 10ml of water for each rat daily) for twenty two weeks. After twenty two weeks the rats were weighed after being starved overnight. They were anaesthetized with urethane (0.6ml/100g body weight). Gastric ulceration was induced using 1.5ml acid-alcohol prepared from equivolume of 0.1NHCl and 70% methanol introduced into the stomach via a portex cannula tied and left in place following an incision made on the antral-pyloric junction of the stomach. The acid-alcohol was allowed to stay for 1hr. After 1hr, laparatomy was performed and the stomach isolated, cut open along the greater curvature, rinsed with normal saline and fastened in place with pins on a dissecting board for ulcer examination and scores. The result obtained showed mean ulcer scores of 14.5+0.70 for the control group and 1.6+0.11 for the test group. The result showed that honey significantly reduced ulcer scores as well as caused scanty haemorrhage in the test group compared with increased ulcer scores and multiple haemorrhage in the control group.

It is therefore concluded that honey intake offered cytoprotection on the gastric mucosa of albino rats.

ACHS Student Jane Thomas Awarded 2012 Rising Star of Entrepreneurship Award

We're proud to share some very good news ...

ACHS Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine
student Jane Thomas' health food store, JB's Healthmart, was recently awarded the
2012 Rising Star of Entrepreneurship Award at the 2012 Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) Stars of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase. Congratulations, Jane!

The Rising Star of Entrepreneurship Award is "given to SBTDC clients from traditional business sectors who offer forward-thinking products and services or develop new ways of doing business," explains the Missouri State University University Communications press release. "Since becoming clients of the Missouri State University-West Plains SBTDC office, JB’s Healthmart owners Dan and Jane Thomas have nearly doubled the business’ sales, added employees and developed an educational and e-commerce website. The Thomases also received a proclamation from the Missouri House of Representatives recognizing their efforts to invest in the local economy and honoring them for their award."

To learn more about this distinction and Jane's holistic health food store, check out the article "JB’s Healthmart Honored with Missouri Entrepreneur Award," including a link to a short radio clip!


References
1. Button, E. (30, January 2012). JB’s Healthmart Honored with Missouri Entrepreneur Award. Ozark Area Network. Retrieved from http://ozarkareanetwork.com/localnews/?p=737
2. Missouri State University. (2, February 2012). JB’s Healthmart receives SBTDC entrepreneurship award. University Communications. Retrieved from http://news.wp.missouristate.edu/2012/02/jbs-healthmart-receives-sbtdc-entrepreneurship-award/

Image Pictured (back row): MSU-WP Chancellor Drew Bennett, Ward Franz, and Darryl Hampsten, (front row) employee Lisa Newcomb, Jane and Dan Thomas, and employees Kara Pilz and Jason Hartgraves.
Image © Ozark Area Network. (30 January 2012). PostHeaderIcon JB’s Healthmart Honored with Missouri Entrepreneur Award. [Photo}. Retrieved from http://ozarkareanetwork.com/localnews/?p=737

Cakes and sweets for breakfast, a trick to the silhouette?

Cakes and sweets - spoiling the morning


Even sounds too good to be true, it seems that eating cakes and sweets for breakfast, without exaggeration, of course, not only affects us not the silhouette, but even we can help you lose weight. Of course, dessert breakfast need not represent itself, but is only part of a complete meal in the morning.

And we do not tell us, but a group of researchers from the University of Tel Aviv which, according to Dailymail.co.uk, found that one serving of sweet pudding or something included in a breakfast containing protein and carbohydrate, accumulating 600 calories, we can help you lose weight long term. The reason? For that, try to avoid sweets entirely, especially when we are craving, may have expected the opposite effect, developing a dependence for such snacks later.

When we allowed to eat cakes and sweets?


The study lasted 32 weeks, and participants who have added chocolate, cake or cookies for breakfast were able to take off more weight and have been able to stay longer in the test than those who did not touched sweets. It is because the morning meal regulates ghrelin, the hormone responsible for increased appetite, causing us to eat less and healthier throughout the day and helping us resist easy diet.

Adding candy for breakfast, you can control and combat easier craving sugar-rich foods throughout the day, morning and accelerated metabolism will help burn calories faster and we do not gain weight, as would if I eat cakes and sweets at night.


Free sweets and cakes ... at beginning of the day


Of course, this does not mean you have to exaggerate or to force you to eat chocolate if you do not feel like, but I am convinced that is terrific news for candy lovers, whatever time of day!

Source

Propolis Found to Inhibit Candida Albicans

The antifungal protection of Propolis is due to its rich, diverse flavonoid content and it's proven control of Candida Albicans has been validated in studies worldwide...

Structural and Genetic Alterations of Fungal Cells Caused by Mexican Propolis

Science against Microbial Pathogens: Communicating Current Research and Technological Advances, 2011, VOL. 2

In order to study the antifungal activity of propolis ethanol extracts (PEE) from Apis mellifera bees from Mexico we used optical microscopy and we were able to see that PEE induced inhibition of germ tube formation of C. albicans.


Ultrastructural findings were seen using transmission electron micrographs of ultrathin sections of Candida albicans revealed that these cells suffered vacuolization, increased formation of storage granules as well as alteration and disruption of the outer structures of yeast, with release of intracellular material. In order to describe the molecular mechanism of action, we evaluate gene expression...

We were able to identify some over- and under-expressed genes. ADH1 y PIK1 genes were under-expressed in a manner dependent on concentration and exposure time. On the other hand, our team has determined the chemical profile of several Mexican propolis, with interesting results as the diversity of content and different levels of antifungal and antibacterial activities…

Although many studies have focused on demonstrating the antifungal activity of propolis and different extracts, few have shown their effects on the morphology and structure of fungi. We have found important cell damage caused by contact with extracts using bright field optical microscopy studies as well as the fluorescent dye White Calcofluor and transmission electron microscopy...

Based on the above results, it can be stated that propolis from the States of Guanajuato and Queretaro showed a higher number of compounds with longer retention time (higher polarity), which was corroborated by the MS study, in which it was found that these compounds were of the flavonoid-type, mainly pinocembrin, naringenin and chrysin, compounds characteristic of plant specimens visited by bees in that geographic locality...

In summary, we succeeded in establishing the chemical content of propolis, with a significant presence of flavonoid type compounds, a prerequisite for such high activity. Similarly, we must remember that the characteristic flora of each region determines the type of propolis bees collect in that locality, and this accounted for the differences in the antimicrobial activity which we found in this study.

Effects of smoking: accelerated cognitive decline in men

Effects of smoking, beyond physical health


Cardiovascular disease, lung, skin aging, decreased fertility, damaging oral health effects of smoking are all well known to us all, but the list was completed recently with another terrifying result of this addiction: an accelerated cognitive decline for men over 45 years.


In other words, a smoker at age 50 may have a decline in mental capacity equivalent to that of a nonsmoker at the age of 60 years. And another thing: it seems that the number of cigarettes smoked per day has no importance, there was no significant difference between those who smoke heavy than those who light up a few cigarettes a day.


Reduced cognitive abilities, one of the main effects of smoking


According to a study published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry and quoted Healthland.time.com, conducted on a total of 7236 middle-aged people, both male and female, male smokers have recorded signs of cognitive aging with 10 years in addition to their actual age, regardless of overall health or educational level. The study, which lasted 25 years, aimed at testing memory, vocabulary, comprehension, verbal fluency and other cognitive abilities such and, surprisingly, the effect was visible only for men ... but that does not mean that women are sheltered, but can be attributed to lower number of women participating and diseases that cause many to withdraw from such long term studies.


And yet there is some good news: it seems that those who quit smoking at least 10 years before the study showed no cognitive problems, recording, in some cases even better results than those who never smoked. Here's another reason to leave this vice so dangerous.


Aging brain - among the most frightening effects of smoking


And if, in some cases, physical health can bring improvement not as easy is to recover our cognitive abilities or even to delay this type of aging. So if you are a smoker, think again when you turn on every cigarette, and if not ... warn your loved ones on the risk they are exposed to every smoke inhaled.


Source

Strawberries in chocolate: very delicious and so healthy!

Strawberries in chocolate - pure health


Dark chocolate (because it works best with fresh strawberries) seem to have the same effect as aspirin on blood, that it thins, improving circulation, lowers the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack and protect blood vessels. Furthermore, dark chocolate, rich in flavonoids (chemical compounds with antioxidant activity), lowers blood pressure, strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of heart disease, both dark chocolate and strawberries are foods very high in antioxidants, decreasing the risk of infections or cancer and slowing the aging process.

Strawberries, on the other hand, full of vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B3, B6, B9, E, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, zinc, even omega 3!), Help regulate cholesterol and insulin levels, slow the aging process of memory and prevent cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

And finally, I must say that not for nothing that this desert is associated with love: dark chocolate increases dopamine levels in the brain, "pleasure chemical" flavonoids in dark chocolate improves circulation and sugar from strawberry gives energy, however combined contribute to a greater appetite for ... love.

Strawberries in chocolate - a simple recipe, full of love


It only takes a few minutes to "cook" at home this delicious dessert - strawberries in chocolate - and certainly you will make a wonderful surprise your partner. You just need some fresh strawberries with stems, you wash them carefully and 100g of dark chocolate.

Put chocolate in a pot on the fire until melted, then take it from heat and let cool. Dip the stem strawberries halfway melted chocolate, arrange them nicely on a saucer and put in the refrigerator. Ready!

Bon appetite and a day full of love!

Source

Honey Protects Against Sexual Dysfunction Induced by Cigarettes

Yet another beneficial advantage to eating honey, this study shows the merits of eating honey for prophylactic protection, even if you aren't a smoker...

Protective Effect of Honey Against Cigarette Smoke Induced-Impaired Sexual Behavior and Fertility of Male Rats

Toxicol Ind Health, 2012 Jan 24

Cigarette smoking is associated with sexual dysfunction and impaired fertility in males. The aim of this study was to determine the potential protective effect of honey against the toxic effect of cigarette smoke (CS) on sexual behavior and fertility of male rats.

Thirty-two adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 rats/group) as control, honey (H), CS and H plus CS (H + CS) groups. Rats in control and CS groups received oral administration of distilled water daily while rats in H and H + CS groups received honey (1.2 g/kg body weight/day) by oral gavage. Rats in CS and H + CS groups were also exposed to CS for 8 min 3 times/day. From 10 to 13 weeks of treatment, each male rat was cohabited with 3 untreated female rats for sexual behavioral and reproductive performance studies.

Honey significantly increased the percentages of rats achieving intromission and ejaculation as well as increased mating and fertility indexes of male rats exposed to CS. Thus, honey has a protective effect against CS-induced impaired sexual behavior and fertility in male rats.

Potatoes - medicine, but also tasty food

      This apparently trivial vegetable, if boiled or braised in steam, detoxify the body, due to its high in potassium. Helps eliminate uric acid, as indicated in rheumatism and arthritis. Poor hypnotic and soothing, potato is great for people nervous, with cramps, insomnia, nervous cough on. It is recommended to people with diabetes, baked in ashes, in such a way as to not lose any flavor or nutritional quality. Potato reduce glycosuria, causes an improvement in general condition and, in patients with surgical complications, a revival of tissues, by promoting the healing process. Potatoes contain provitamin A, vitamin K (antihemoragica and anemic), sulfur (combat excess oil and iron). Is one of the main sources of vitamin C of the French, who consume about 120 kg of potatoes per year per person. Dr. Leon Binet showed that this vegetable contains a substance nitrogen, tuberina, which favors raising children. Especially potatoes are rich in tuberina.

Potatoes are not fattening


     Potato modern medicine is recommended as a healthy, nutritious, energetic, especially for fat people. Promotes bowel function, fight ulcer and is healing. If not prepared with fat, potatoes are not fattening. Even if it is bulky, potato has 80% water, a little less than milk. A medium size potato weighs about 150 grams and provides the body with only 100-110 calories, how a glass of orange juice. A potato has just 10 milligrams sodium (400 times less than the daily intake of sodium). Potassium is, however, in full: three times more than an orange and even more than a banana. Are harder to digest french fries because they contain more fat. Boiled potatoes should not keep more than 24 hours. Do not eat green portions of potatoes. Are toxic!

Raw potato juice


Potato juice has no equal in the treatment of gastric acid and gastric ulcers. Calm digestive mucous membranes and scars. It is antispasmodic, diuretic, emollient. In a wine glass, put two fingers warm juice and remaining water. Drink in the morning on an empty stomach. It can also be mixed with soup or stew. Like all juices, and the potatoes are altering quickly, so it must be extracted and consumed immediately. Millions of people suffer from arthritis, but few know the beneficial action of potato juice against the disease. Crude extract is shown in hepatitis and gallstones, constipation, hemorrhoids, scurvy. Pink varieties of potato juice contains carbohydrates, protides, lipids, minerals, vitamins (B1, B6, C, K). Potato starch is antiinflammatory in gastrointestinal diseases, and in poisoning with toxic substances.


The skin medicinal


For burns, frostbite, skin cracks, sores, swelling of eyelids: Cut enough raw potato and apply on the spot, mixed with a teaspoon of honey or olive oil, leaving at least two hours to act; is fixed with a bandage. Poultice change during the day, until complete healing. Sunburn, put potatoes in thin slices. Leave on a few minutes. Ringworm pass with raw potato, given the mixer, allow 10 minutes, then rinse. Potato flour is a good painkiller in case of burns, erysipelas, varicose ulcers, skin rashes and cracks. Is fixed with a bandage and leave an hour or two. The operation is repeated twice daily until complete healing. The warts, place with raw potato, grated, once every morning and afternoon. Sweating of the feet are treated with potato flour powder on the skin, after washing the feet.

So, do not avoid the potatoes in your diet. At dinner, 100-200 g of cottage cheese and a few baked potatoes are a health system better than any medicine in the world.


Source

Diabetic Foot Ulcers Healed With Royal Jelly

With over 185 organic compounds identified in Royal Jelly, is it any wonder that it possesses the same wound healing capacity as honey...

The Efficacy of Topical Royal Jelly on Diabetic Foot Ulcers Healing: A Case Series

J Res Medical Sciences, 2011 July

BACKGROUND:

Foot ulcers and infections are the major sources of morbidity in individuals with diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical Royal Jelly (a worker honey bee product) on healing diabetic foot ulcers.

METHODS:

Diabetic patients with foot ulcers that were referred to our clinic at Khorshid Hospital, Isfahan, Iran; were evaluated three times a week and treated according to standard treatments consisted of offloading, infection control, vascular improvement and debridement if required. In addition, all ulcers were measured and then topical sterile 5% Royal Jelly was applied on the total surface area of the wounds. Eventually, they were covered with sterile dressings. Each patient was followed for a period of three months or until the complete healing.

RESULTS:

A total of eight patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, two had two ulcers and, therefore, ten ulcers were evaluated. Two ulcers were excluded. Seven of the remained eight ulcers healed. Mean duration of complete healing was 41 days. One ulcer did not completely heal but improved to 40% smaller in length, 32% in width and 28% in depth. The mean length, width and depth reduction rates were 0.35 mm/day, 0.28 mm/day and 0.11 mm/day, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Royal Jelly dressing may be an effective method for treating diabetic foot ulcers besides standard treatments.

3 foods essential for good mood

Good mood at a snack away

For all it's Wednesday, one day too long and frequently lacks good spirit, today we offer three tasty treats, healthy and wonderful for the improvement of mood. And no, it's not chocolate, sweets and coffee, you can eat these foods even when holding a diet with a low calorie and very low.

What is recommended to eat for good mood?

- Oranges, to relieve stress


Being extremely rich in vitamin C (about 69.7mg in a medium orange), oranges helps reduce stress hormones, and regulate the voltage, it is increasing in stressful situations. If you anticipate these situations, the better: eating an orange one hour before an exam or an important meeting and the effect will occur on time!

Good mood, mood swings? Eat asparagus!                          


Because low folate or vitamin B9 is closely linked to depression, asparagus is a vegetable that can be carried in your diet as often as possible, covering one cup of asparagus, as doctoroz.com, 66% of daily requirement of folic acid. You can eat asparagus in salads, as garnish, in omelets or simply.

- For anxiety, drink kefir!


Kefir calms us down because it has a lot of tryptophan, an essential amino acid the human body, but an excellent antidepressant, contributing to increasing levels of serotonin and reducing anxiety hub. A glass of kefir a day is a natural calming and refreshing!

Good mood, teaspoon by teaspoon


Here, there are foods that not only protects our health, but we also bring a smile even though sometimes we do not recognize the merits and putting everything to external events. A small dose of happiness can be found in plate so choose foods for taste, but also good mood!

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Propolis, Modulator for Immune & Inflammatory Responses

Propolis is truly a remarkable therapeutic agent, proven here to be an effective cellular regulator, independently and with its complementary co-phyto ingredients...

The Effects of Propolis and Its Isolated Compounds on Cytokine Production by Murine Macrophages

PhytotherapyResearch, 25 January 2012

Since propolis and phenolic compounds, such as cinnamic and coumaric acids, have several biological properties, their immunomodulatory effect on cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10) was investigated.

Peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice were incubated with propolis, coumaric and cinnamic acids in different concentrations and the concentrations that inhibited cytokine production were tested before or after macrophage challenge with LPS, to evaluate a possible immunomodulatory action. Propolis and the acids stimulated IL-1β production, while IL-6 production was significantly inhibited after incubation with propolis (5, 50 and 100 µg/well), coumaric and cinnamic acids (50 and 100 µg/well).

In LPS-challenge protocols, inhibitory concentrations of cinnamic and coumaric acids after LPS incubation prevented efficiently its effects on IL-6 production, whereas propolis inhibited LPS effects both before and after its addition. Propolis, coumaric and cinnamic acids (50 and 100 µg/well) inhibited IL-10 production as well. Both acids showed a similar inhibitory activity on IL-10 production when added after LPS challenge, while propolis counteracted LPS action when added before and after LPS incubation.

Propolis modulated the immune/inflammatory response, depending on the concentration. Its efficiency may occur due to the synergistic effect of its compounds, and cinnamic and coumaric acids may be involved in the action of propolis on cytokine production.

Cashew nuts, ...fruits with special benefits

Cashew nuts - great benefits in small "recipients"


Ever tried Cashew  nuts? Crunchy and tasty, they are actually seeds that grow in the fruit, called  cashew apple, a fruit with sweet and refreshing taste and with a size of 5 - 11cm, which can be in shades of yellow or red. And the fruit and leaves are edible and very healthy, but the Cashew  nuts are a delight rich in valuable properties for humans.

With a lot of vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, E, K) and minerals (calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, potassium, copper) but also fiber and protein, cashew nuts are a particularly valuable food especially for those with a vegetarian diet, but not only, it improves both appearance, and our physical and mental health.

Cashew nuts, top benefits


Cashew nuts - for heart health: cashew nuts have a lot of healthy fats, monounsaturated such as oleic acid, present in the precious olive oil, which help lower bad cholesterol levels - LDL and increase good cholesterol - HDL . Also, large amounts of magnesium and antioxidants help regulate blood pressure and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cashew nuts - to keep the silhouette: Although high in calories (553 calories / 100g Cashew nuts), they decrease the risk of gaining weight. According to The Sun, people who eat nuts (any kind) regularly are less likely to gain weight because they give a feeling of fullness rapid and long term, helping them avoid snacks high in fat or sugar.

Cashew nut - for eagle eyesight: due to its high zeaxanthin, an important carotenoid, regular consumption of cashew nuts improves vision and eye health and prevent macular degeneration with age.


Cashew nuts - for bone and teeth: due to its high phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, regular consumption of cashew nuts strengthens bones and keeps us healthy teeth longer.


Cashew nuts - the nervous system: are high in magnesium (292mg / 100g cashew), cashew nuts helps remove headaches, the fatigue and anxiety, improving health, nervous system, and the blood vessels or muscles.


Cashew nuts, snack ideal for a slim silhouette


You can add cashew nuts in salads, you can eat with fresh fruit ..or simply. And another tips: for when you lust for something to chew or feel a slight sensation of hunger will not rush on eating sweets and fast food, take with you a little bag with cashew nuts or almonds and You will score on the "health" chapter.


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Power of concentration - 5 Essential Tips

Power of concentration - so valuable when is ... missing ...

Whether you have a hard day at work, you have to respect a deadline, to do a research or to learn for an exam ... we never seem to concentrate power as to accomplish the task. And the clock is ticking and we do not manage to gather our forces ...
The good news is that there are simple tricks that you can improve your concentration power and can help give you maximum performance in any activity you undertake. Here are some of them:

Power of concentration - Upgrade!


1. Optimism: even if you have a big exam or a major report delivered in 2 days, if you start in completing the task with thoughts such as "I have time", "it is impossible to fail", "may not understand, I can not focus "... you lose the home. Remove these troublesome thoughts and try to focus strictly on the issue itself and will give another performance.


2. Powers of concentration ... to the right place: sitting position, clutter on the desk, a temperature too high or too low in the room, a poor lighting, annoying background noise ... all these can be obstacles in the way of your power of concentration. So if you have something important to do and when you pressed, are keen to eliminate all stressors around you and, from time to time, to change place. A change of "scenery" may make the difference.


3. Jamming sources: phone, outside noise, TV in the background, Facebook page, all must go to the power of concentration to be at its peak. When we have something difficult to do, mind automatically seeks "ways out", which is one of the reasons why Facebook's eating you so much valuable time in the office ...


4. Periodic breaks: even if you're pressed by time, is not a solution to work for hours without any temporary respite, for which a 5-10 minute break per hour are absolutely necessary and you will receive the momentum so precious. But checking email, talking of telephone or other such activities can remove your mind from the main task, is recommended to use this short time to move, stretch yourself, take a snack or refreshing drink.
It is also important to realize is that time of day when energy and your power of concentration is usually at its peak. Personal knowledge of this rate can help you organize your time and take advantage of moments for heavier tasks such as those involving the analysis, creation or problem solving ability.

5. Diet: it seems that the power of concentration depends very much on iron and zinc intake, zinc deficiency leading to a low storage capacity and an ability to reduce iron concentration. So, try to eat as often as iron and zinc rich foods: red meat, seeds and nuts, whole grains and green vegetables.

Missing: the focus power. Offering a reward!


To get an invincible power of concentration, it is important first to know yourself very well and figure out what works and what does not when trying to gather your thoughts.

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Red beet - 5 miraculous health properties

Red beet - beneficial properties and tastefully


Besides a delicious snack, beetroot is a real source of health and vitality, body guarding some of the serious diseases and offering him some vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, B6, B9, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, say, manganese, and potassium. 100g of red beets contain only 75 calories and helps eliminate fat what is really wonderful is that beetroot retains all the properties even after the cooking process.

Here are the most important properties of this vegetable - prodigy - beetroot:


Red beet - essential properties against cardiovascular diseases; regular consumption of beets not only regulates blood pressure but through the content of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and betaine,, beetroot has an essential role in reducing homocystinuria, bad amino for vessels blood, reducing the modern day heart disease risk. More frequently consumed beets reduce bad cholesterol and keep blood vessels elastic.

Red beet - detoxifying properties: due to liver health benefits, beetroot is recommended especially for people with a diet high in animal fat, it contributes substantially to eliminate toxins from the liver and improve its functioning (because it contains betanin) and automatically break down fat more efficiently, alleviating our efforts to lose weight.

Red beet - against anemia and increased fatigue: due to its high iron and magnesium, beetroot is ideal for removing anemia or during convalescence. Moreover, beetroot has a strong tonic, removes fatigue and acting as an energetic overloaded during periods of physical or intellectual, is great for athletes, beetroot consumption before exercise improves performance and resistance to effort.

Red beet - essential for moms: due to its high folic acid, red beet should not miss the diet of pregnant women, preventing spinal malformations in the fetus, and preterm birth.

Red beet - beneficial properties for digestion: frequent consumption of beetroot removes constipation, improves metabolism and functioning of intestinal tract, also eliminating excess water from the body.


Red beet - other essential properties

Besides all that, beetroot has anticancer properties, aphrodisiac, to slow the aging process and improve vision, but also of health and beauty hair and skin.

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Dried apricots - an excellent natural medicine!

      Dried apricots, ideal dessert of cold days
  One of the disadvantages of the cold season is offering low fruit and vegetables that we provide a great deal of vitamins, minerals and energy we need every day ... But let us not give up and not fall into the temptation of sweets and chips but to remember the dried fruits, good sources of pure health! Of these, the most popular are apricots ... and not without reason!

       Dried apricots, a natural desert


  Apricots are true sources of vitamins (Vitamin A, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9) and minerals (magnesium, iron, phosphorus, calcium or potassium), but dried apricots presents trace of minerals and elements even 5 times higher than fresh! For example, 100g fresh apricot is 0.54mg iron, 296mg potassium, 14mg of Calcium and Zinc 0.26mg, while the same quantity of dried apricots is 6.31mg iron, 1850mg potassium, 61mg calcium and 1 mg of zinc.


  But the truly remarkable is the difference in terms of vitamin content of raw and dried apricots: 100g fresh apricot pulp containing 2612 IU of vitamin A, while the same quantity of dried apricots contains 12,669 IU of vitaminan A! This is especially important as foods rich in beta - carotene are real weapons against one of the most feared diseases - cancer.


Thus, some dried apricots a day are recommended, especially those who struggle with anemia, hypertension or circulatory problems, and those suffering from digestive problems, and dried apricots having a slight laxative effect.


     Dried apricots, for the nervous system


Due to its high vitamin B3 (3.58mg / 100g dried apricots from 0.6mg to 100g fresh apricot), a handful of dried apricots a day helps get rid of nervousness, anxiety, irritability, for mild depression or even insomnia!


Moreover, apricots are very filling and perfect substitute foods high in fat or sweet snacks, without calorie very high: about 300 calories per 100g. It also offers a unique flavor desserts, salads and dishes and turn a simple meal into a true culinary delight!