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!

Fresh dill - 7 properties with strong flavor !

Fresh dill - important properties for a strong body


I do not know how often you get used to add dill in dishes or in salads, but ... you should do it more often. Why? For apart from strong aroma,intense taste and  that increase "shelf life" of food, preventing the onset of fermentation, dill has many properties essential for health, from anticancer and antimicrobial to the overall strengthening body or to improve oral health.This is why the dill is a true wonder of nature for healthy body:




Dill - the most diverse properties:


Dill - properties to prevent osteoporosis: frequent consumption of dill prevents loss of bone texture, is a rich source of calcium, and magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium and manganese.

Dill - properties to improve digestion: dill consumption not only prevents excessive diarrhea and gas accumulation in the intestine, but stimulates digestion due to high amount of fiber contained, regulates the acid from the stomach and removes bad breath.

Dill-properties against stress and insomnia: dill essential oils have a calming effect on the entire body, eliminate insomnia, headaches and hiccups!

Dill - good for oral health: the dill disinfectants and anti-inflammatory properties, thus preventing gingivitis, oral infections and bad breath.

Dill - against menstrual pain: is a powerful phytoestrogen with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, dill reduces menstrual disorders and helps regulate it. Moreover, it seems that eating dill frequently would slow down the growth rate of hairiness in people experiencing this problem.

Dill - natural remedy against cholesterol: regular consumption of dill help reduce bad cholesterol significantly - LDL, thus increasing protection against cardiovascular disease.

Dill - anticancer properties: large amount of flavonoids in its composition, dill often included in the diet reduces the risk of cancer by inhibiting tumor growth and destroy malignant cells, also helping the body fight free radicals.


Dill - properties for good health


Besides these properties, dill is rich in vitamins A, C, B6, regulate insulin levels, prevents infections, urinary tract health improves, slows the aging process, maintain tissue firmness and gives it a velvety skin.

Only benefits on this aromatic plants! Bon appetite!

Researchers Identify 185 Organic Compounds in Royal Jelly

The super-tonic effects of royal jelly are identified chromatically, along with their physiological benefits as a bactericide, a source of free amino acids and storage requirements for fresh royal jelly...

Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Investigation of Volatile and Extractable Compounds of Crude Royal Jelly

J ChromatogrB Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci, 2011 Dec 30

Using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by diethyl ether and methanol extraction, it was possible to isolate as many as 185 organic compounds out of 17 samples of crude royal jelly (RJ). Of the above compound number, 169 compounds were positively identified by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The volatile fraction of RJ consists of 25 different compounds where approximately 47% of the total ion current (TIC) of volatile compound chromatograms were composed of substances characterized by bactericidal (phenols) and repelling (octanoic acid and 2-heptanone) activities. Preliminary investigations have shown that RJ stored for 10 months at -18°C and 4°C keeps its composition of volatile compounds unchanged, however, at the same time at room temperature RJ phenol contents is decreased twice, whereas the fraction of aliphatic acids is increased 2.8 times due to the presence of both acetic and butyric acids.

The chromatogram of RJ ether extracts showed 85 different compounds, however about 88% of TIC consisted exclusively of 8 compounds, i.e. 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic, 10-hydroxydecanoic, 3,10-dihydroxydecanoic, 8-hydroxyoctanoic, 2-decene-1,10-dioc and (Z)-9-hydroxy-2-decenoic acids. Nine aliphatic acids, which were detected for the first time, are the homologues of hydroxy- and oxo-acids identified earlier in RJ. In the RJ methanol extracts 82 compounds were identified, mainly carbohydrates and their derivatives.

Approximately 87% of TIC consisted of fructose, glucose and sucrose. Special attention was paid to discrepancies between obtained and literature data concerning the presence of free amino acids in RJ. It was suggested that these inconsistencies can be explained by the differences in the methods of RJ collection and/or sample preparation.

Conclusion:

► Volatile compounds of fresh royal jelly. 

► Bactericidal and repelling activities. 

► Markers of inappropriate storage. 

► Extractable compounds of royal jelly. 

► Possible source of free amino acids.

Vitamins and Minerals - Pineapple

Vitamins:

Vitamin C: 78.9mg

Vitamin B1: 0.13mg

Vitamin B2: 0.053mg

Vitamin B5: 0.351mg

Vitamin B9: 30mcg

Vitamin E: 0.03mg

Vitamin K: 1.2mcg



     minerals:

Potassium: 180mg

Magnesium: 20mg

Calcium: 21mg

Phosphorus: 13mg

Sodium: 2mg

Iron: 0.48mg

Manganese: 1.53mg

Zinc: 0.2mg

Copper: 0.181mg

A cup of fresh pineapple contains, on average, 82 calories, 0.89g protein, 2.3g fiber.

Olive oil. A miracle of the gods

Olive oil - an elixir as old as the world


No wonder Homer called olive oil "liquid gold" and not in vain the ancient Greek women applied olive oil on their hair and entire body after wash. Olive oil has many therapeutic properties (in fact recognized by Hippocrates), why should not we avoid to include it, as can often, in our diet.


Olive oil is more like a juice than oil because it is obtained by pressing olives, as Juicing, one obtained from the first spinning process is extra-virgin olive oil, which makes it the most valuable ... to literally and figuratively.


Beneficial effects of olive oil has on our body, both inside and out, so many that we can understand why the olive tree once was considered sacred: really do wonders.

Olive oil - skin, hair and nails health


Olive oil is one of the richest sources of unsaturated fats and antioxidants, a tablespoon of olive oil contains only 120 calories, while a sunflower oil-about 150 calories! Consumption of olive oil can help in the fight against cholesterol, as evidenced by the small number of cardiovascular disease in its countries of "origin", such as Greece, Italy or Spain.

So olive oil keeps your silhouette, and beauty. He is famous for its effects on skin health and appearance, being very effective in combating the dryness of the skin or stretch marks, sunburn healing (by massaging areas with problems every day). If you have problems with hair loss, massage your scalp every night for a week, with olive oil, let it act overnight and rinse out the morning. Your hair will become stronger, and more beautiful!

Nails that break easily and thick cuticle? The fix: Soak nails for three nights in a mixture of 3 parts olive oil slightly warm and some lemon juice, put on a pair of canvas gloves and let it act overnight.

Olive oil should not miss in any home ...


... For almost any problem you have, olive oil can help. Earache, wax or snoring just some of the problems that you look with olive oil.

As for more serious diseases, know that olive oil prevents diabetes, regulating blood sugar levels, thee of cardiovascular disease or hypertension and decreased risk of heart attack. Consuming olive oil on a regular basis, you will enjoy a better view, quick and healthy bones!

And for that list to be complete, you should know that olive oil prevents cancer, especially the skin, the high amount of antioxidants, inhibiting also the development of cancer cells. He also help prevent bowel cancer, esophagus and prostate and is recommended especially smokers, exposed, especially lung cancer. What else can you ever want from a simple oil?

Aromatherapy for Valentine's Day: How to Create a Romantic Atmosphere

The combination of scent and touch is a powerful mood enhancer.

This Valentine’s Day, create a romantic atmosphere with aromatic essential oils.

Traditional "romance" oils like jasmine, rose, and ylang ylang work well in blends with neroli, but for a little extra spice, you may also want to try adding essential oils like black pepper, bergamot, patchouli, and vetiver.

To create a sensual atmosphere, you can:

• Create a private space.
• Fill your space with your favorite colors and fabrics, including pillows and/or blankets.
• Minimize outside noise.
• Details: relaxing music, aromatherapy candles, and fresh flowers.

To enhance romantic massage you can:

• Diffuse the essential oil of your choice into the room (essential oils can also be added directly into massage oils and bath water; see the recipe included below).
• Focus on comfort and intent.
• Communicate through all of your senses; don’t focus on conversation only.
• Play. Laugh. Enjoy yourself.

To get started, try this basic aromatic massage recipe, and augment with your favorite essential oils. For massage, essential oils are best added into a carrier oil like jojoba, almond, or avocado.

Basic Aromatic Massage Oil

• Sweet almond oil: 4 oz
• Rose Rosa damascena oil: 1-2 drops
• Jasmine Jasmine grandiflorum: 1-2 drops

For more aromatherapy recipes and tips, visit the free downloads section of the Apothecary Shoppe College Store website online here.

To learn more about the health benefits of aromatherapy for personal and professional use, check out ACHS's aromatherapy training programs and aromatherapy classes online here: http://www.achs.edu/academics/aromatherapy/courses

Vitamins and Minerals - Olives

Minerals:

Potassium: 1mg

Calcium: 7mg

Sodium: 73mg

Iron: 0.28mg

Selenium: 0.1mcg

Copper: 0.021mg

Zinc: 0.02mg

     vitamins:

Vitamin A: 34UI

Vitamin B3: 0.003mg

Vitamin C: 0.1mg

Vitamin E: 0.14mg

Vitamin K: 0.1mcg

A tablespoon of olive ripe contains only 10 calories, 0.7g protein and 0.3g of fiber.