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Natural Food and Lifestyle Leader Addresses Issues within the Natural Community through Three-Day Summit

Kashi Company, the premier natural food and lifestyle company, today announced the findings of its Darzana summit, an invitation-only event that serves as a natural foods think tank.  The event brought together thought leaders from the broader natural foods community to assess timely issues that affect natural living.  This year's topic of discussion was the nation's large-scale food system and how society can best support natural food within this system.  Darzana, a Sanskrit word meaning "meet, observe, understand and intellect," was initiated by Kashi and first hosted in 2008. 

As part of its continued mission to make it easier for consumers to take action in support of natural food, Kashi, along with a select group of 18 esteemed natural experts, deemed education and transparency to be the key factors impacting the modern food system.  A series of specific actions aimed at creating a mindset in support of natural food resulted from the three-day summit held last fall in Sundance, Utah.  

"At Kashi, we believe that there is a fundamental gap in the quality and accessibility of natural food in our modern food system," said Keegan Sheridan, natural food and lifestyle expert at Kashi.  "We attribute much of this to the lack of education and transparency at a very basic level, as these issues lead to decreased demand and expectations.  Because of the diverse range of knowledge from our expert attendees, we were able to identify attainable actions individuals can participate in to create lasting change at multiple levels of our food system from the farm to the classroom to the kitchen."

Over this three day summit, Kashi developed specific actions to provide individuals a better understanding of their role and ability to impact natural food today and in the future. Each of the actions are supported by a selection of challenges and resources on Kashi.com to help get people involved and provide support in their process to supporting natural food.  The actions include:

1. Educate yourself on the issues affecting natural food in our modern system
2. Understand the food life cycle
3. Learn to cook natural foods
4. Become politically aware and get involved
5. Be a steward of the environment
6. Volunteer your time to the natural foods movement
7. Take time to appreciate Mother Nature

Among the participants this year was Jeffrey B. Blumberg, professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and senior scientist and director, Antioxidants Research Laboratory at Tufts University. "Our focus is on creating new and effective ways in which everyone - government, industry and individual consumers - can work together to support sustainable ways to produce our food, promote our health and protect our planet."

Fellow Darzana attendee, Russell H. Greenfield, M.D., director of Greenfield Integrative Healthcare, PLLC and president of Greenfield Consulting, LLC, echoed Blumberg's sentiments, "In the end, what was so inspiring was that people of such disparate backgrounds and interests indeed did find commonality and were able to design a cogent set of plans to help address the major issues facing the provision of natural, healthy food to people. If a successful business can make doing so a priority, it seems each and every one of us can, too."

Kashi Darzana represented a wide range of industries and disciplines, from agriculture and farming, to manufacturing and policy, and included the following participants:

• Daniel Fabricant, PhD, interim executive director & CEO, Natural Products Association
• Marty Matlock, PhD, PE, CSE, area director, Center for Agricultural and Rural Sustainability, professor of ecological engineering, University of Arkansas
• Edward Bauman, M.Ed., Ph.D., best-selling author and executive director at Bauman College
• Jeffrey B. Blumberg PhD, FACN, CNS, professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and senior scientist and director, Antioxidants Research Laboratory at Tufts University
• Nicki Briggs, MS, RD, director of communications, Chobani Greek Yogurt, past program director of the Mediterranean Foods Alliance at Oldways Preservation and Exchange
• Jennifer Curtis, founder and CEO, Curtis Consulting - environment and agricultural consulting
• Jen Dalton, Slow Food Nation Organizer
• Steve Demos, CEO and founder, Next Foods, founder and former president White Wave Inc.
• Anthony Flaccavento, executive director, Appalachian Sustainable Development
• Zonya Foco, RD, CHFI, CSP, Zonya Health International
• Russell H. Greenfield, M.D., director, Greenfield Integrative Healthcare, PLLC and president, Greenfield Consulting, LLC
• Alissa Hamilton, PhD, JD, food & society policy fellow, Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy
• Sally Lamont, N.D., L.AC., licensed naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, Marin Natural Medicine Clinic
• Paul Maschka, naturalist and organic farmer, urban farming instructor
• Mark Overbay, marketing and communications manager, Counter Culture Coffee
• Amy Paxton, nutrition graduate student in farm to school programs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Kathie Swift MS RD LDN, nutritionist, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
• Jeff Johnson, MS nutrition science, natural lifestyle associate director at Kashi
• Keegan Sheridan, licensed naturopathic doctor, natural food and lifestyle expert at Kashi  
• Dae Lee, MBA, associate director marketing at Kashi
• Sarah Ceccarelli, MS human nutrition, senior brand manager at Kashi

To learn more about Darzana or additional resources individuals can use in order to promote natural foods and healthy living, visit www.Kashi.com/darzana.

SOURCE Kashi Company

We've all made mistakes: bell bottoms, scrunchies and laying out in the sun without sunscreen. All that's in the past. Thanks to advances in skin care and advice from experts, we now know sun worshipping isn't chic. In fact, it's downright dangerous. According to the National Cancer Institute, there will be 1 million new cases of skin cancer in 2009 resulting in about 1,000 deaths. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and if you do your homework, it's one of the most preventable. May is Skin Cancer Awareness month and the perfect time to learn about spa solutions that can help protect your skin at the spa.

"Spas educate consumers on healthy skin care and a major factor in that is sun protection," said ISPA President Lynne McNees. "Spa treatments like microdermabrasion and glycolic acid peels can help repair the damage caused by over exposing your skin to the sun. There are so many great choices at the spa to help prevent and restore your skin from sun damage."

Wave goodbye to sun spots, wrinkles and leathery skin with a sampling of these ISPA member products that you can find in spas around the world:

• Biodroga Systems/Regent Bond Inc. - Repair Eye Care SPF 15 - reverses sun damage and counteracts free radicals. Free with all orders over $125 in May.
• Epicuren Discovery - Silk Mist Sunscreen SPF 15 - during May buy one, get one free. $46
• kaplanMD Inc. - LIP 20 - anti-aging lip treatment that hydrates, repairs and protects. During May 10 percent of profits will be donated to charity. $30
• Somme Institute - Double Defense SPF 30 with MDT5 Parsol 1789 - protects skin from premature aging while moisturizing. During May purchase any two products and get a free A-Bomb GWP, a cell renewing cream.
• Spiller U.S. - UV Protect Day Cream SPF 30 - hydrating day cream offering full spectrum protection. Normally $32, May special 10 percent off.
• Travertine Spa, Inc. - Hydrating Body Mist - invigorates and nourishes sun exposed skin. Normally $44, May special $31.

Be proactive. By following some easy rules that your local spa can help you with, you'll be sun smart in no time. Many spas have installed cabanas, umbrellas and covered porches to keep spa-goers out of the sun; at home or at the beach, stay on your porch or take an umbrella. Talk with an esthetician about ways to block UVB (the rays that cause sunburn) and UVA rays (the rays that age you). Ask about the FDA four-star rating system for sunscreens, the rating is linked to UVA rays, and spa lines like Skin Authority are taking note. Add an extra layer of protection by wearing makeup that contains an SPF; there are many mineral-based lines you can find at the spa. Try self tanners instead of sunbathing, and look for ones that contain an AHA for better penetration. Toss out your leftover product from last year, because the active ingredients can deteriorate over time. To find a full listing of spas that can help with your sun care needs visit www.experienceispa.com.

SOURCE International SPA Association

Water, an element crucial to human existence, is becoming more and more scarce. From the bread we eat to the meat we consume, the global population is contributing to the depletion of the world's water resources, say experts at the 5th World Water Forum taking place in Istanbul, Turkey this week. The Forum is bringing attention to practices of not only corporations, but also individuals that are increasingly depleting the earth's water supply, and it hopes to create a new era of awareness that will launch what the Forum calls "Worldwide Diet of Wasteful Water Consumption."

Virtual water consumption is a notion rarely recognized by the general population, but is a major factor impacting the world's water supply. Water that is embedded in food or other products, which is needed for their consumption, is referred to as "virtual water." Meat-eaters play a large role in the water shortage the world is quickly approaching, according to the experts.

"Water consumption is extremely high for meat due to its high-maintenance production cycle; one kilo (2.21 lbs.) of meat requires about 1600 liters of water. A vegetarian diet is much more water-friendly, as vegetable production requires less virtual water consumption," says Prof Dr. Ahmet Saatci, vice-secretary general of the 5th World Water Forum, the world's largest water event which brought together a record-breaking 28,000 participants this year. "We use only a tiny portion of water resources for drinking (10 percent), but use an enormous amount of drinking-quality water on agriculture (70 percent). For example, one kilo (2.2lbs) of wheat requires 1000 liters of water to bring to harvest. We have to start utilizing reused waste-water for irrigation purposes to put a stop to the depletion of our water resources."

One of the world's leading experts on water issues, Saatci takes advantage of his own recycling system in his bathroom where he uses only recycled water for his toilet flush. He dreams of a world where everyone practices the "Wasteful Water Consumption Diet," and employs the user-friendly and cost-efficient water renewal technologies accessible to consumers, that he believes will save the lives of many suffering from water shortage.

"I want everyone to know that each time we refuse to buy a water-saving toilet, without a water recycling system, we are refusing to help a child in Africa dying from lack of access to a clean water source," says Saatci. "When each of us learns to live without wasting a drop, our planet may have a chance at survival."

Throughout the next week, the Forum will focus on water issues that include international discussions, political agenda and water sustainability.

For more information about the World Water Forum, please visit www.worldwaterforum5.org

SOURCE World Water Forum

In difficult economic times, when people's stress levels - both psychological and financial - increase, eating healthfully becomes more essential than ever, according to the experts at the American Dietetic Association.

"When people are under pressure, like so many are today, we need all the help we can get to weather the storm," says registered dietitian and ADA Spokesperson Amy Jamieson-Petonic. "While eating healthfully is always important, the food you put in your body can get you through tough times."

Jamieson-Petonic encourages individuals and families alike to turn to a registered dietitian for workable solutions that include saving money on groceries and lowering health-care costs. "An RD is a health coach who can help you make small changes that add up, making recommendations that fit into your lifestyle," she says.

Her advice comes in advance of the second annual Registered Dietitian Day, to be commemorated on March 11 during National Nutrition Month(R). Registered Dietitian Day was created by the American Dietetic Association to increase awareness of RDs as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services, and to recognize their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

"Stress and anxiety can make it hard just to get through the day," Jamieson-Petonic says. "Food has such an impact, not only on our physical health but our mental health and spiritual health. It is connected to so many levels of our being.

"When we get stressed, we tend to eat foods that are lower in nutritional value, which is a double-edged sword: Now, you are in a cycle that just leads to feeling worse," Jamieson-Petonic says.

"People often don't realize how good they feel when they start eating well. It can give you a better outlook and the clarity of mind and body to face tough situations."

Research shows you can save money by buying healthier foods, Jamieson-Petonic says. "Eating right, being physically active and achieving a healthy weight all have a positive impact on your overall health.

"For certain chronic health conditions such as obesity or high blood pressure, working with an RD to develop a personalized eating plan can lead to both improved health status and lower health-care costs. For example, if you have high blood pressure, following the DASH Diet - eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables and cutting down on sodium - may reduce the cost of blood pressure medications," Jamieson-Petonic says.

The American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

SOURCE American Dietetic Association

Ask a roomful of vegetarians why they decided to make the meat-free leap, and you'll likely get a roomful of answers. Some might love animals. Some might have ecological reasons. Some might have eschewed their steak-eating days to lose weight.

Me? I did it for yoga. I read that yogis are vegetarian, so I decided to try it for a month, and after two weeks, I realized I'd probably never go back. I felt better. I felt less dense, physically and mentally.

Sure, I've since eyed a piece of bacon and thought, Mmmmm, bacon, with my inner Homer Simpson voice. I've even confessed that if I ever return to my meat-eating ways, it would be for a chicken wing. But here's the truth: I've never once questioned the wisdom of becoming a vegetarian, and my health has remained stellar since I did.

I must admit, when I became a vegetarian over a decade ago, I (like many veggie converts) really didn't have a clue what I was getting myself into. And, perhaps more importantly, I couldn't tell if my body was ready for my new, meat-free experiment. I didn't know where I was getting my protein--everyone's favorite vegetarian question--and I wasn't sure if the rice and beans and veggie burgers I was eating instead of chicken and beef and fish would give me all the nutrients I needed.

Thankfully, I worked all of that out. And, also thankfully, the voices supporting the wisdom of my choice are growing stronger.

Why plants promote good health
According to Brooke Alpert, MS, RD, a nutritionist in New York City, a well-planned vegetarian diet can be very beneficial. "Vegetarian diets are often lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, and higher in fiber, folate, and anti-oxidants than meat-based diets," says Alpert. Because of this, vegetarians tend to have a lower risk of high blood pressure and heart disease than meat eaters. Which is all very logical when you consider that saturated fats come almost exclusively from animal products, and animal fat is the sole source of cholesterol.

Fiber--often lacking in Americans' diets--comes part and parcel with eating a plant-based diet. Vegetables, fruit, legumes, and grains are all loaded with both soluble and insoluble fiber. "I'm feeling irregular" will be a sentiment you can pretty much put to rest when you're a vegetarian.

A small sampling of recent studies shows how the wisdom of vegetarianism, and subsequent reduction in disease, is being borne out by science. In Japan--a country widely lauded for its healthy eating habits--a study found middle-aged vegetarians get more nutrients than their meat-eating counterparts, including higher calcium, iron, and fiber levels. In Australia, adolescents who followed a mostly vegetarian diet were found to be healthier, with better body mass index scores, waist circumference, cholesterol levels, and other markers of cardio-vascular health. David Simon, MD, medical director of the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California, isn't surprised. "Most scientific studies that compare herbivore and carnivore diets find that vegetarians have overall better health, including a reduction in cardiovascular disease, cancer rates, and depression."

Notice a trend, though, of experts citing a well-planned and balanced vegetarian diet. Trading out meat for potato chips and pasta every night doesn't cut it.

When vegetarianism doesn't work
"If you're going to try a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can't just give up meat and dairy and think, Now I'm a vegetarian or vegan," says Ann Gentry, founder and CEO of Los Angeles-based vegan restaurants Real Food Daily and author of The Real Food Daily Cookbook (Ten Speed Press, 2005). "A varied plant-based diet is crucial," says Gentry. Translation: A poorly planned, imbalanced, same-foods-all-the-time vegetarian diet--also known as a "junk food vegetarian" diet loaded with simple carbs like bread and french fries--can cause a host of nutrient deficiencies. My sister tried this and, of course, her vegetarian days didn't last long. She was in college. Becoming a vegetarian was a phase. And because she wasn't able to get off the french fries and on the stir-fries, her experiment in vegetarianism became an experiment in not eating well--antithetical to going vegetarian in the first place. "A poorly planned vegetarian diet can make you tired, prevent healthy metabolism, and cause nervous system damage, weak bones, vision issues, and poor brain function," says Alpert.

Luckily, before I became vegetarian, I was a fairly robust eater. I liked food. All food. It turned out to be a trait that served me well in those early years after I switched to a plant-based diet. I easily avoided eating the same vegetarian foods over and over again because I traded meat for any and all vegetables and veg-friendly products I could get my hands on. But for those who think the main concern when it comes to being a vegetarian is getting enough protein, here's some news: rice and beans--complete protein. Soy--complete protein. Peanut butter and whole-wheat bread--complete protein. It's that simple. And to be clear, a "complete" or "perfect" protein supplies all the amino acids that must be consumed because the body cannot make them on its own.

However, there are other serious nutritional deficiencies that can result from a poorly planned vegetarian diet. When you cut out meat and chicken and don't eat enough beans, iron deficiency can result and lead to anemia. Not eating fish or dark leafy greens? You may not be getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, which can lead to inflammation in the body. And a lack of iodine--found in shellfish and some cheeses--can lead to thyroid enlargement and goiter.

Some of these deficiencies will be easy to detect. You'll know if you're tired. A goiter, well, you'll know that too. But will you know if your brain's cell membranes are starving for fatty acids? Maybe not.

"Making sure you're getting the right amount of nutrients may require more attention than you're used to and force you to become more aware of how your body feels in relation to what you're eating," says Simon. "But every study that looks at vegetarianism finds that if you follow a healthy, balanced diet, you can get all the nutrients you need."

Healthy vegetarianism
Despite the potential drawbacks, eating a well-planned vegetarian diet is less complicated than you think. It just takes a little more planning--and a new mind-set. "There's a large contingency of people, whether

they're vegetarian or not, who want to eat more vegetables and whole grains, but they find it hard to do," says Gentry. "Getting past the resistance in your head is a good first step."

Another important one: Make sure you stock the right kinds of foods. Is your pantry full of processed and prepackaged foods? Ditch those, and start storing rice, beans, legumes, and other basics of a good vegetarian diet (for a list of smart choices, see "8 Must-Have Foods for Vegetarians, above). Also, prepare yourself for spending more time planning and cooking meals--especially at first. But the more comfortable you get experimenting with new foods, the easier preparation will become.

And keep that little reminder voice in the back of your head: varied, balanced, well-planned. This mantra will be your guide to healthy vegetarianism. "The best tactic for vegetarians is to make sure each meal includes foods with a variety of colors," says Alpert. "It's an easy way to cheat to help you get all the nutrients you need." And that's good advice for everyone.

Bryce Edmonds is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer.


What-a-tarian?

Flexitarian. Do you eat a vegetarian diet most of the time, but still love a burger every so often? Are you concerned about health issues but need those chicken wings? Congratulations, you're a flexitarian.
Pescatarian. So you love sushi and just can't give it up. (You've tried, but it's just so good.) Not to mention a nice piece of salmon or ceviche or maybe even a crab cake or two. OK, then, pescatarian it is.
Vegetarian. You don't eat meat--not chicken, not fish, not steak, not any. You do, however, probably enjoy your morning yogurt and an egg sandwich. That sits you in the lacto-ovo vegetarian section. Don't do the eggs, and you qualify as a lacto vegetarian. Mix and match as you please, but don't start adding beef flavoring. (See "Poseurtarian" below.)
Vegan. Do you run screaming from any animal product? You won't eat dairy or honey. You probably tossed your leather belts and wear canvas shoes. Wave your vegan flag proudly.
Poseurtarian. Ever uttered these words? "I'm a vegetarian." Pause. "But I sometimes eat fish and chicken and maybe a burger now and again." Well, then, you are a poseurtarian.


8 Must-Have Foods for Vegetarians

Quinoa. The United Nations labels this "grain" (actually a seed) a "super crop" because it is a complete and nutrient-dense protein. Good source of iron, protein, and zinc.
Almond butter. It's loaded with protein, iron, zinc, and calcium. And kids love it.
Wheat germ. The core of the wheat kernel teems with iron and zinc.
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Two more great sources of iron and zinc.
Nutritional yeast. This is a natural source of vitamin B12, especially important if you're following a vegan diet.
Tempeh. This fermented soy product is an excellent source of protein.
Miso. Made from fermented soy, this paste is loaded with protein, vitamin K, and iron.
By Bryce Edmonds - Courtesy of Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living/Alternative Medicine/InnoVision Health Media

Money is tight these days, so people are paying close attention to how they spend their precious dollars. This can include eating at home more and canceling pricey gym memberships. In this new economic era, unrestrained spending is out. But don't allow tight times to compromise the health of you or your family. To help health seekers navigate the new terrain, the editors at Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living magazine have published "31 Ways to Stay Healthy and Save Money" in their March issue -- on newsstands now.

"The things that keep us healthy are often the first to go when we clamp down on our spending," said Linda Sparrowe, Natural Solutions' editor-in-chief. "We can't stop paying the mortgage or the utilities, so we downgrade our healthy lifestyle expenditures to 'dispensable.'" Turns out that's not such a healthy idea. Uncertain times like these, Sparrowe says, create an inordinate amount of stress, which is reason alone to find a way to keep what keeps you sane. How can you do that without breaking the bank?

• Barter. Many service providers are willing to strike a trade. To keep a healthful practice, such as yoga classes or regular massages, offer valuable skills in trade.
• Strike a deal. Let a massage student practice on you for free. Offer to pay for a yearlong gym membership for a discount over the month-to-month price, or join budgets with a friend to hire a personal trainer who will let each person pay half the fee.
• Plan ahead when you shop. In addition to sale items, zero in on the store's private-label brand (for food and supplements), the bulk-foods section, and value packs of meat, poultry, and fish. Buy seasonal produce with a friend and take weekly turns chopping it to avoid expensive pre-cut produce.

SOURCE Natural Solutions

Here's an interesting article in the New York Times about vitamin supplements.  The article, by Tara Parker-Pope, talks about whether vitamins are "worth it". Stating, "In the past few years, several high-quality studies have failed to show that extra vitamins, at least in pill form, help prevent chronic disease or prolong life."

Banana can be a wholesome meal as 2 bananas provide enough energy and strength for a 90 minutes workout. Banana is a fruit which most of us love to have and after you see the benefits it gives, you will be more than pleased to include it in your daily diet.
Banana contains all the three natural sugars, glucose, fructose, sucrose, along with the fibers to give instant boost of energy. It contains B6 which regulates the blood glucose levels affecting the mood; being rich in fiber it maintains regular bowel system hence preventing constipation.
High iron content stimulates the production of hemoglobin in the blood, thus beneficial in cases of anemia. People suffering from depression feel elated after consumption of banana because of a protein tryptophan that the body converts into serotonin known to make you feel relaxed and happier.
The potassium packed fruit is shown to boost brain power and assist in learning by making the students more alert. Snacking on bananas keeps morning sickness at bay as it keeps the blood sugar levels up. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over chronicler cases, it also neutralizes over- acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Eating bananas on a regular basis can cut the risk of death by a stroke by as much as 40%. A natural remedy to kill off warts is to place a piece of banana skin with the yellow side out on the wart and hold it with a surgical tape or plaster and see it vanish in just a few days. Last but not the least bananas being high in vitamin B have a calming effect on the nervous system. Remember eat a yellow banana as t is more beneficial than a green raw banana. 

Pic courtesy Jason Gulledge on www.flickr.com

"Oh no! Rita is again down with fever and had a severe spasm last night",  was what a friend of mine told the other day, this is a common problem citied in most of the houses where the kids are totally on junk or cooked food. Now a day's kids are more prone to have unhealthy eating habits as parents themselves are least concerned about it and try to find an easy way out.
As a result kids tend to be more fussy and stubborn about what they eat and do not indulge into eating any type of healthy food, which they actually should be eating. The level of success of improving your child's diet depends a lot on the parent's confidence and persistence.
No child will willingly opt for raw veggies or fruits if an option like chips or pasta is given to him, it is the parent's conscious efforts to convince the child to enjoy the raw food and how beneficial it would be for him. For achieving this goal we as parents have to be convinced, because if we are ambivalent about making healthy changes in our lifestyle, we cannot expect our children do accept it readily.
The positive effect that diet has on the behavior, mental and physical conditions is unbelievable. After all it is we, who have to pave the way towards improving our children's quality and quantity of life. 

Pic courtesy superbez on www.flickr.com 

All types of nuts are high in calories and walnut is one of them, but the best plant sources of protein. Scientific evidence shows that incorporating walnut in everyday diet reduces heart risks by reducing plaque accumulation and improving the elasticity of blood vessels. However, moderation is the key to any type of high calorie food source, so have a regular intake of walnut, but not add excessive calories to your diet.
Walnuts are rich in fibre, vitamin B, vitamin E, antioxidants, and omega 3 fatty acids. These omega 3 fatty acids are good as they help lower the bad cholesterol.
Other health benefits of walnut include better mental function, anti- inflammatory benefits in asthma, eczema, and psoriasis.
So next time you want to eat a walnut you do not have to think just go ahead and munch on it.

Pic courtesy funadium on www.flickr.com

                                                                                                       

Pizza as big as a dinner plate, pancakes as big as a 4 feet round table. That is the reason of the increasing waistlines of people now a days, it is directly proportionate to the increasing portion of food.
Since the late 80’s the portion, size has been ballooning and does not seem to stop. People also have good appetite than they used to have. Not only that they actually do not need so much as the metabolic rate of our bodies is not so fast. The amount of calorie intake is very high as compared to the requirement of the body, which most of the people do not realise.
Overeating causes various problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems, obesity, joint problems, well the list can be very long, so we have to take the steering of our vehicle in our own hands. Limit our diet, supporting it with proper exercise and always read the label of instruction on any carton.
Here the U.S. Department of agriculture comes in the picture suggesting the MyPyramid dividing food in six groups to help people figure out how much of these food they should eat at different age and according to their gender.
1. Grains
2. Vegetables
3. Fruits
4. Oil
5. Dairy
6. Meat and Beans

Pic courtesy on www.flickr.com by Ray Tomes

Almonds are nature's capsules that help our body fight cancer and fight free radicals. Packed with flavonoids (plant metabolites that are known for their anti-oxidative properties), almonds taste good too.

In a recently conducted study, it was proven that almonds also reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Whether you love roasted, salted almonds or just raw almonds, they help lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol which is essential for a healthy heart but unfortunately are ineffective against high density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure. It's better to avoid the salted ones though, because if the almonds are helping you, the excess salt isn't.

To get a detailed understanding about the benefits of almonds whether eaten raw or soaked overnight and eaten in the morning click here.

It is a fact as our colons are the first to be affected by the food we eat and also our daily eating habits. People are eating food as a part of regime and need of the physical body. Food does not only affect ones body fitness but also the mind and soul.
The daily diet consists of fatty, junk, and oily food which increases the unwanted and harmful bacteria in the body that survive in our colons. Unhealthy eating habits develop a fecal impaction, so it is of utmost important to reverse this effect by concentrating on our diet.
This is not all that cumbersome if a little attention is paid towards making small changes in our eating habits to detoxify our body. First of all avoid eating fatty and acidic food stuff, beware of the dangerous hydrogenated oils, say no to alcohol and smoking, avoid drinking soda in any form and also preserved food. Stop taking anything which has the flavor enhancer MSM (monosodium glutamate). Instead drink plenty of water eat natural and green vegetables which will reverse the effect of production of the harmful bacteria in the colons. 

Pic courtesy www.flickr.com by annemiel

Everyone keeps talking about the benefits of fruits and vegetables with anti- oxidative capabilities. As a matter of fact I mentioned it in this blog just yesterday but I'm still not sure why anti- oxidants are so important. That's why I have decided to dedicate this blog to understanding why we need to eat our greens.

In a sentence, anti- oxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules of oxygen that have lost an electron and hence are reactive. They run around our bodies wreaking havoc on our cells by trying to poach an electron off them. Thus they are linked with several disorders, the most severe being cancer (of course, what doesn't cause cancer right?), arteriosclerosis (blockages of arteries), strokes, osteoporosis, ulcers and some studies indicate that free radicals are the culprits behind ageing as well. They are created through normal chemical processes in body and have their function as well. They help destroy old cells that have lost their use and they bolster our immunity. However, when created in excess, they destroy everything in sight and have to be controlled.

How embarrassing. For all of humanity's greatness we fall prey to crazed molecules and strands of DNA (viruses). This is where antioxidants come in. Our knights in shining armor, these nutrients occur naturally, but a body's supply needs an antioxidant boost from food. Common antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and certain compounds called carotenoids (like lutein and beta-carotene). Antioxidants help prevent widespread cellular damage by donating components to stabilize free radicals. So eat food with anti- oxidative properties and give your body a hand.

What diets promote longer lives? In recent times, the way foods, specifically those containing free radicals, work to age us has been the subject of a lot of research and study. From this, many recommendations of healthy and organic foods have emerged. Of course, it was evident from grandma's time that we needed to eat fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. But what is the quantity of such foods we should have in our diet, what foods we should avoid, the relative merits of raw and cooked food are major concerns when we plan a healthy diet for ourselves. Find all these answers in this well-researched academic site on diets and longevity.

Funnily, a lot of the recommendations about calorie restriction for longer lives have come from research done on fruit flies! Get details about the advocacy of low fat and low protein diets and consider what changes you can safely bring into your own daily intake. Dem fruit flies can teach us a 'ting or two.

Finally, the most important thing about what you eat and whether it does you good seems to still be: enjoy what you eat - happiness counts! 

One of the features I find most attractive about going to a Chinese restaurant or eating a sushi dinner is the quantities of green tea that one can drink. I have always found this mild beverage a wonderful way to wash down a meal, though this is not a feeling shared by every body in the family. Being a tea drinker in the midst of coffee-loving friends and family, I kept fairly quiet about my preference, till the benefits of drinking green tea became fairly common knowledge.

In fact, the presence of a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in green tea is said to give it strongly antioxidant properties, and could be one of the reasons why Japanese men are less liable to have heart attacks and strokes even though their diets and lifestyles are comparable to Americans. Getting used to drinking a couple of cups of hot water every day, flavoured with wholesome green tea, seems to have a great deal to recommend it. Of course, the purity of the tea, and it's judicious use are important prerequisites to getting the best out of it. Find out more about warnings doctors have issued against excessive use. You may also be interested in one absolutely fabulous feature of green tea - it's helpful role in losing weight!

All in all, the green cup is one more reason to go Oriental. 

Garlic has been recognized as a healthy ingredient of food for so long that research into it also brought a string of garlic capsules and garlic products to market. If you have a natural aversion to the unmistakable flavor of pure garlic, and still want to benefit from its healthy ingredients, such products may be what you need. In its natural form, some of garlic's benefits are delivered by its being eaten in combination with other foods. Therefore, the sanitized version of garlic may be operating in a narrower band width of health than we know. Find out more from this interview with an expert.

Finally whether or not you eat garlic for its health benefits, you will undoubtedly be led to it by your taste buds. Some of the most delectable dishes from France and Italy rely heavily on garlic. Gourmets all over the world use garlic in different ways, whole cloves, crushed, sliced, cooked or raw. Learn more on the wonder herb and also check out some garlic recipes that you can try.

No one has to be a real detective to find out when you've been eating garlic. The fumes that this herb leaves behind are usually a disincentive to consuming it in large quantities. Although garlic is a popular ingredient in cuisines around the world, particularly Mediterranean, as well as Chinese and Thai, it is not the most popular item on the menu of many people for a variety of reasons. Snobs don't eat garlic because they associate it with less refined recipes! Spiritual seekers , particularly those who have acquired gurus from the East, may well frown upon garlic as a stimulant to be avoided. Eastern spiritual practices often forbid the intake of strongly spicy or aromatic food.

And yet, garlic has every reason to be championed by cooks and medicine men. The health benefits of this amazing herb, a natural anti-bacterial due to its key ingredient allicin, are well known. Garlic prevents stomach cancers, resists the build up of harmful metals in the body, lowers harmful cholesterol, and even has anti-viral properties. However, what has to be understood by the average garlic enthusiast is that how garlic is cooked is very important in delivering it's benefits to those who eat it. Find out more about the chemical properties of garlic and how its different enzymes work.

If nuts were allowed a pageant, the consistent winner would surely be the almond, that endearing eye-shaped nut we are so fond of eating - either by itself, or as glazed candy, or in recipes from around the world. While eating nuts is often avoided by the calorie conscious, almonds have been endorsed by growers and health authorities alike.

Almonds are indeed special. Mostly because they are especially high in calcium, besides being rich in minerals, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. The mono-unsaturated fat in almonds helps to lower cholesterol, especially the bad cholesterol (LDL). Almonds also contain a high degree of oleic acid, which is believed to be the ingredient in olive oil that protects against heart disease.

Apart from the ingredients in almonds that have their own importance for nutrition, even the brown, sturdy peel of this nut is considered valuable from the point of view of possessing anti-oxidant properties. So eating whole almonds makes more sense than eating peeled ones.

Soaking almonds before eating is a traditional method of rendering them more palatable. In traditional societies like India and the Middle East, parents consider almonds 'brain food' and regularly soak almonds for children studying for exams! The beautiful pink and white almond blossoms that were native to the Mediterranean countries are now grown widely in many areas of the world and in California in the US.

You can find many delicious reasons for a regular diet of almonds, not the least of which are increased protection against heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis. Look for almond recipes that do your taste buds most justice. Or just take the best route of all - chewing on tasty, full-bodied almonds every single day.

The omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) are vital nutrients essential to health. A family of polyunsaturated fatty acids, they protect against disease and can combat illnesses such as cardiovascular disease. In heart patients, omega-3 EFAs have been seen to decrease risk of arrhythmias, decrease triglyceride levels, decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque and somewhat lower blood pressure.

Of three kinds, ALA, EPA and DHA, these fatty acids must be obtained from diet as they are not efficiently synthesized in the body.

Oil-rich fish and supplements such as fish oil and cod liver oil are the most readily available sources of Omega-3. While fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in EPA and DHA, since fish also carries potentially toxic mercury, other sources of these fatty acids like tofu, soybeans, walnuts and flaxseed and its oil are recommended.

Heart patients may even be advised an Omega-3 dietary supplement.

Should I or shouldn’t I? You’ve often debated the subject of enzyme, mineral and/or vitamin supplementation with friends and your family doctor.

The Connecticut Center for Health carries an interesting article on why you should opt for supplements. The article mentions that after more than 50 years, leading medical journals now recommend all adults take multivitamins. Both the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association have concluded that:

Most people do not consume an optimal amount of all vitamins by diet alone.

Inadequate intake of several vitamins has been linked to chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.

Suboptimal folic acid levels, along with suboptimal levels of vitamins B6 and B12, are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects, and colon and breast cancer; low levels of vitamin D contribute to osteoporosis and bone fracture; and low levels of the antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, E and C) may increase risk for several chronic diseases.

It appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements.

Read the 22 reasons pro supplements mentioned on the site or refer 1stHolistic.com for yet another 24 reasons to reach for supplements.

Research increasingly indicates that complementing your daily nutrition with supplements reduces your risk of many chronic diseases, besides which it improves the quality and duration of your life.

Lingchi is a basidiomycete, lamellaless fungus belonging to the family of polyporaceae. It is also known as Lingzhi (in Traditional Chinese Medicine), Reishi, Mannentake and Ganoderma Lucidum. It is commonly referred to as “God's Herb” or “King of Herbs”. In fact, Lingzhi translates to “herb of spiritual potency” in Chinese.

Lingchi is found in densely wooded mountains of high humidity and dim lighting. A large woody mushroom, it flourishes on the dried trunks or logs or stumps of decaying plum, guercus serrata or pasonia trees. It is said that out of 10,000 such dead woody sources, only 2 or 3 may be found to have lingchi growth. No wonder it is so scarce!

Fortunately, lingchi is now being cultivated commercially under special conditions making it easily available in the market.

Lingchi is systematically applied in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its place both as a medicine and as a dietary supplement is well-documented in Chinese pharmacopoeia since over 2000 years. The oldest Chinese medicinal text, known in Japan as Shinnoh Honsohkyo, accepted as a master text of Oriental medical science, classifies around 365 medicines into 3 categories: superior medicines, average medicines and fair medicines.

The superior category of medicines prescribed to prolong youthfulness, are referred to as “God's Herbs”. These medicines may be prescribed for long periods of time as their ingestion causes no side-effects. Lingchi is rated the most potent medicine in this category, say the numero uno medicine.

As an elixir of life, lingchi is known to increase vigor and vitality, largely achieving this through improved blood circulation by eliminating thrombi (blood clots or clumps that result from coagulation of blood) in the blood streams. Lingchi is effective against a wide range of diseases that arise from high serum cholesterol level compounded by a lack of blood circulation such as cholesterosis, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, fatty liver, hemorrhoid, tooth-infections, obesity, stroke, cerebravascular accident, coronary insufficiency, myocardial infarction and phlebitis, basically problems that arise directly from arterial blockage.

The intake of lingchi has no associated side-effects hence it is considered a highly effective preventative dietary supplement.

As an antitumour agent, scientists are researching the high concentration of polysaccharides found in high quality red lingchi specimens. Of the currently available anti-cancer agents, many are derivatives of natural substances, for instance paclitaxel (Taxol), and camptothecin (Hycamtin). In the case of lingchi, it is the presence of polysaccharides that links it to cancer remission, and why it is being increasingly prescribed as an aid to patients recovering from cancer.

The high concentration of polysaccharides also helps normalize blood-sugar levels and strengthen the immune system. Lingchi is also found to be effective in the treatment of problems related to allergic reactions such as typical dermatitis, bronchitis asthma, allergy rhinitis and chronic hepatitis.

Note: If you take regular medication for any medical condition, it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting on lingchi.

What can you do to energize your soul? As it happens plenty actually. For instance, you can start off by reviewing the food you eat. You eat to energize your body, right? But in the process, your spirit or soul also receives or gets depleted of energy. Yes, this happens irrespective of the calorie content of the food you eat.

As far as diet goes the path to spirituality starts out by understanding and implementing the old adage, eat to live, don’t live to eat.

There is a subtle link between diet and spirituality. Perhaps since spirituality is all about evolving to a higher level of consciousness, it is generally experienced that persons who include more fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet, as opposed to greater portions of meat, find it easier to appreciate consciousness in the world around them and are more respectful of all life forms. The reverse is also true. People who are more conscious of and respect all forms of life are generally vegetarian.

Albert Einstein, a vegetarian said, “It is my view that the vegetarian manner of living by its purely physical effect on the human temperament would most beneficially influence the lot of mankind.”