I’m going to start this article with a statement that might surprise some people: a hand powered juicer is by far the best option when it comes to juicing wheat grass. Why would I say this?

Coconuts are a bountiful gift to this planet. In Sanskrit (the mother language of India), the coconut palm is known as ‘kalpa vriksha’, meaning ‘ the tree that supplies all that is needed to live.’ An ancient plant that is distantly related to grasses, the coconut has been used as a food and medicine since the dawn of history. Ayurveda (the art of science and medicine that has its roots in India) has long advocated the therapeutic, medicinal and cosmetic properties of coconuts.

Taking approximately nine months to filter each liter of water in its shell, the coconut makes an amazing natural water filter. The water is drawn up through micro-fibers which purify it before it ends in the actual nut of the coconut. This clear life-giving coconut water isone of the highest sources of electrolytes found in all of nature. Coconut water is a wonderful re-hydrator and makes an excellent sports drink. When we consume a drink consisting of 55% fresh coconut water and 45% fresh green-leaf juice, or blue-green algaes, we give ourselves an instantaneous infusion of life energy.

In the inquiry on healthy versus unhealthy fats, coconut oil tips the scales in terms of its nutritional value. While it is a saturated fat, not all saturated fats are harmful for us. Coconut oil is cholesterol-free and does not change into a trans-fat, which means it can be used at high heat. It has also been shown that coconut oil is more powerful than olive oil in controlling cholesterol. Also, because it is a medium-chain fatty acid, it is easier for the body to digest, meaning the fat can be used more readily as fuel.

In terms of its nutritive and cosmetic applications, coconut oil is one of the most important oils in the spectrum of fats. It is useful to the thyroid, helping the production of anti-aging steroids, DHEA, pregnenolone and progesterone. Heart disease, cancer, obesity, senility and other common diseases related to aging are abated by these steroids. Capryllic and lauric acid are also found in coconut, which both help control bacteria, funguses and viruses in the body. In fact, caprilyc acid is the most effective combatant for yeast invasions, making coconut a good oil to work with regulating systemic and localized flare-ups. If these qualities aren’t enough, using coconut oil as your oil of choice in cooking can help regulate blood sugar, aiding harmony in all body systems. When using coconut oil medicinally, adults should use at least two or three tablespoons daily.

Cooking with coconut oil is a delightful way to introduce this supplement into your life. Try using it instead of margarine, butter or other vegetable oils. Also, consider using fresh coconuts that are not too old (i.e., forgo the coconut shavings and buy a whole coconut instead).The flesh is primarily fat, and it can be chopped and eaten with fruit for a delectable treat. Coconut oil is also great as an oil for veggies, tossed into your morning smoothie or slathered on bread with spices or preserves. If you’re looking for a way to enhance oats or rice, coconut oil adds a special note to a normally humble dish.

Coconut’s reputation as a skin nutrient is well-documented, and people with many skin types can benefit from its moisture-giving qualities. In aromatherapy, both virgin and fractionated coconut oils are used. A way to see the difference is to remember that virgin coconut oil looks more like coconut flesh. It is a solid fat that is used in both cooking and body care, and it can be mixed with aromatic oils. While it is certainly a dense oil, virgin coconut oil doesn’t leave the skin feeling too oily, as it is absorbed rapidly. Fractionated coconut has similar qualities, but it is made by physically reducing the size of the fat molecule, removing the section of the molecule that makes it a solid. This creates a liquid oil that has no odor, lasts a long time (its molecular structure makes it “fully saturated,” meaning it has no atomic space for oxygen to attach, thereby deteriorating the oil) and is quickly consumed by the skin. Sometimes coconut is mixed with other oils, like jojoba, resulting in a nutrient-rich cream. With so many coconut oils to choose from, mixing coconut with aromatic oils is a simple way to add to your health and beauty regimen.

A final thought on coconuts: in addition to being a medicine, a food and a skin moisturizer, coconut oil is also an excellent erotic oil. The smell and taste of this oil can enhance sexual intercourse. Try making a yummy natural body lotion including coconut oil blended with essential oils of cacao and vanilla. Lather this on the skin of your beloved and enjoy the results.

If you’re searching for a multi-use, healthy oil, search no further than the coconut. Whether you use it in skin blends, salads or massage creams, the coconut is an all-around excellent choice as both a carrier and edible oil. It takes essential oils beautifully and will not leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy. Use it in its many forms and see how this unique plant continues to benefit us in our day to day lives.

Aromatherapy with therapy-grade oils is a wonderful means of lifting your spirits in the winter months. Try essential oils like Bergamot and Rose for their well-known mood-brightening effects.

Tags : Alternative Health, Alternative Medicine, Aromatherapy, Cooking, food, health, home, natural, women

By Anne Harvester

Food labeling can be a bit confusing. Words like “natural” and “wholesome” are thrown around with abandon, but really have little meaning in terms of actual standards of quality being met. However, the term “organic” does have a standardized meaning when it is used in food labeling. This also applies to organic herbs, which are available online as dried herbs and bulk herbs. These organic herbs can be used in cooking, as teas and as an ingredient in household and personal care products.

What Does Organic Mean?

Organic herbs have been grown following stringent guidelines in order to assure their quality. Namely, organic herbs must be grown without the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, food additives and antibiotics or genetically modified organisms. The land upon which these bulk herbs are grown must not have had these chemicals used on it for several years prior to the production of organic food. The farmer or company needs to keep detailed records that provide an audit trail concerning how the food crops were grown. Organic food products have to be kept separate from non-organically grown foods to avoid cross contamination, and onsite inspections are performed by governing agencies in order to ensure that the foods being produced by the farmers or companies comply with organic standards. The oversight agencies involved with organic food certification are the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Organic Program. Certification is handled at the state level, by federally recognized private or non-profit agencies. Organic herbs will have a label and symbol stating their organic status as having met these quality guidelines.

Dried Herbs For Cooking

Keeping a variety of dried herbs on hand in your kitchen comes in very handy when the mood to cook strikes. Certain herbs and spices are connected with various cuisines from around the world. Greek cuisine relies on dried herbs such as oregano, lemon rind, mint and spices like garlic to produce wonderful dishes such as dolmathes, or rice-and- meat-stuffed grape leaves, and for seasoning Greek-style leg of lamb. Italian dishes from different regions gain their zest from dried herbs including basil, thyme, bay leaf and spices such as ground black pepper.

Herbs as Tea

There are many black teas that are founded in herbs such as Camellia sinensis, the leaves of which form the basis for traditional black tea. Green tea, chai tea and herbal teas all make wonderful drinks morning, noon or night that are naturally low calorie and many offer spiciness and sweetness as part of their charm.

You can find many organic herbs from online retailers, who can answer questions and provide you with these quality products.

In this article, Anne Harvester writes about organic herbs.

Article Source: Anne Harvester == Organic Herbs For Cooking, Drinking and Around the Home

1. Drink plenty of water! Water regulates body temperature and carries nutrients and waste products throughout the body. Low fat milk, 100% juice, tea (black or green) and moderate amounts of coffee sum up the healthy beverage list. As a “functional beverage” however, and training more than 1 hour, try a commercial sports drink (or a homemade sports drink: “diluted orange or cranberry juice”: cup juice per 1 cup water, & a tiny pinch of salt) to provide fluid and fuel to muscles – salt helps retain hydration, and the carbs will: fuel to allow maximal efforts right to the end of a game/training session, prevent the use of protein as a fuel source and inhibit stress hormone release linked to suppressed immune function.

2. Eat breakfast! What you eat today, fuels tomorrow’s workout. Glycogen (muscle fuel) storage today will be critical as an energy source tomorrow. Carbohydrates fuel exercise. Eat fruit, healthy muffins, bagel or toast & peanut butter, cereal, pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Add eggs, yogurt or glass of milk for protein, & add a banana or orange juice for potassium.

3. Calcium, found in milk, soy milk, yogurt, cheeses, cottage cheese, tofu, and green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, collard greens, and kale is needed for strong bones and may protect against muscle cramps. Calcium strengthens bone density. Select 3 to 4 servings per day of calcium rich low-fat dairy products & 1-2 servings of green leafy vegetables.

4. Carbohydrates are the fuel source for muscles and the brain, and they spare muscle protein. These are the primary energy sources for all types of exercise. 55-65% (6-10+ g/kg bodyweight) of calories should come from carbohydrates: whole grain breads, cereals, and pasta; potatoes, rice, beans, fruit & vegetables. Select 9-15+ servings of carbohydrate foods (fruits, veggies & grain products) per day. At least one third of the plate should be covered with carbohydrate foods.

5. Eat fruits and vegetables for fiber, potassium, and vitamins C & A, and lots of phytochemical antioxidants. Green & black teas also have lots of antioxidant power. Select 3-5 servings of vegetables (at least 1 green leafy veg), and 3-5 servings of fruits (at least 1 citrus fruit) DAILY. Optimal health/immunity means your best sport performance & recovery from training!

6. Meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, tofu, dairy products and nuts are protein sources needed for muscle development & repair, sources of B vitamins, and iron. 2-3 servings are needed per day. 12-15% (1.2-1.6 g/kg bodyweight) of the day’s total calories should come from protein sources. Try eating small amounts of protein often throughout the day, as it is not stored in the body, and amino acid concentration in blood dictates the rate of muscle growth/recovery.

7. Fats and oils should be used sparingly. 20-25% of the day’s total calories should come from fat (mostly good fats!). Good fats include nuts, seeds, olive oil & other plant-based sources. Fatty fish (eg salmon) are an important source of omega-3 fats – this can be taken as a fish oil supplement to ensure consistency/reduction of heavy metals common in ocean fish. Limit the unhealthy fats found in whole fat dairy products (choose low fat varieties), fried foods, meat, poultry, hot dogs, fast food burgers & watch trans or saturated fats in snack foods (chips, cookies, pastries, muffins, fries, doughnuts, ice-cream, milkshakes).

8. Snacks can be healthy – select bagels, low fat muffins, cereal, fruit leather, energy bars, fig Newton’s, yogurt, bananas, apples, oranges, peanut butter and crackers, popcorn, raisins, carrots, & some unsalted nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews, walnuts, peanuts). Snacks supply additional protein for muscle development, and carbohydrates for muscle fuel & maintenance of blood sugar levels. Plan ahead so you always have snacks available before & after training (keep “healthy” trail mix, energy bars, protein bars, cheese strings, raisins, apples & bananas, sport drink (Gatorade) in your school/gym bag or car).

Chris & Steve Parker are the founding members of http://www.farparker.com your complete online recreational hockey resource destination. Find out more about your favorite hockey team in our forum section, we also have the best articles, blogs and games room on the net. If you like hockey, you will love FarParker “Life is Short, Park Wisely, Play Hard

Tags : eating habits, health, health food, Healthy Diet, Healthy Eating

Any fresh juice has a profound purifying effect on our body. Fruit and vegetable juices contain many amino acids, minerals, salts, enzymes and vitamins; you just have to consume them immediately after preparation. These natural drinks are necessary as a supplement, even if you don’t follow a special diet.

Natural juices provide to the body the necessary carbohydrates and sugars. A fresh can be prepared by squeezing fruits, vegetables and herbs. The market offers a wide range of preserved fruit juices, which are pasteurized, containing ascorbic acid.

Is t possible to gain weight by consuming fresh juice? Nutritionists say it depends on what product you choose. If you opt for natural juices with a lower content of sugar, then you won’t gain weight. Even more, this will act as a real weight loss diet, because fresh juices clean the body and help you to get rid of toxins. They are also a rich source of vitamin C. You don’t have to consume a fresh juice every day, but it’s better to do it as often as possible.

The vitamins found in fresh juice increase your immunity. It’s good to drink juices with pulp, which are rich in fiber. I’m talking here about fresh juices and not about preserved drinks. You can opt for light juices, as those of apple, grapefruit or tomatoes. They contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidants that protect you from certain cancers and heart diseases. Some juices even improve the condition of those who suffer from hypertension.

Tomato juice benefits are due to the vitamins contained. A 250 ml glass of tomato juice provides to our body the required daily amount of vitamin A and C. In order to realize the importance of vitamin A, it’s enough to mention some of the complication that may occur in its absence: risk of infections, the appearance of disturbances in tooth growth, eye diseases, etc. Vitamin C is also important for the body, because it detoxifies and regenerates the body cells. An insufficient amount of vitamin C in food reduces the body resistance against infections and induces fatigue and depression.

It’s indicated to drink fresh juice immediately after exercising. Your energy will increase and the body fluid will be restored.

Carrot juice is recognized for its healing proprieties. Also, it protects the skin against daily aggressions. Therefore, to slow the aging process, make sure that your skin is perfectly hydrated and consume fresh juices and water. The nutrients contained by carrot juice are able to reduce photosensitivity, protecting the skin from the harmful action of sunlight.

Celery juice is recommended in case of slow digestion, fatigue, overwork, convalescence, adrenal insufficiency, anxiety, bladder disease, heart disease, cardio-renal edema, diabetes, kidney stones, anorexia, urinary retention, obesity, gout, fever intermittent, bronchitis and chronic cough.

Fruit juices are even more appreciated due to their special flavor. Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, helping you to fight against flu and fatigue. Besides its pleasant taste and nutrients, orange juice helps you to cure anemia and to get rid of toxins.

Apple juice is one of the best natural remedies, being a tonic of the nervous system. This drink cleans the blood and acts favorably in case of hypertension, reducing the level of cholesterol.

Grape juice has a powerful antioxidant and detoxifying effect. It also contains calcium, iron, and phosphorus.

Max Tain writes articles about the Jack Lalanne Power Juicer at Jack Lalanne Power Juicer Trial.

Tags : fresh juice, fruits and vegetables, Healthy Diet, Healthy Eating, juicing