Traducteur

Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts

Apr 1, 2011

Strawberries for weight loss

Taken from EatenWell

As spring nudges its way forward, some of us are left with an unpleasant souvenir of winter—an extra “layer.” Though that winter coat might have kept us warm through the long, cold season, by spring it’s time to shed the padding. The good news is many springtime foods promote weight loss naturally, and not just because they’re lighter than those hearty winter dishes. Here are my top picks for spring foods to help you slim down.
Don't Miss: 28-Day Meal Plan for a Slimmer You
Strawberries
Strawberries’ fiber content makes them a good choice for weight loss. A two-year study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that people who ate 8 extra grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories per day lost about 4 1/2 pounds. (Women who decreased their fiber intake actually gained weight.) One cup of strawberries has a respectable 3 grams of fiber and more than a full day’s recommended dose of vitamin C—an antioxidant that helps keep skin healthy.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Strawberries for weight loss

Taken from EatenWell

As spring nudges its way forward, some of us are left with an unpleasant souvenir of winter—an extra “layer.” Though that winter coat might have kept us warm through the long, cold season, by spring it’s time to shed the padding. The good news is many springtime foods promote weight loss naturally, and not just because they’re lighter than those hearty winter dishes. Here are my top picks for spring foods to help you slim down.
Don't Miss: 28-Day Meal Plan for a Slimmer You
Strawberries
Strawberries’ fiber content makes them a good choice for weight loss. A two-year study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that people who ate 8 extra grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories per day lost about 4 1/2 pounds. (Women who decreased their fiber intake actually gained weight.) One cup of strawberries has a respectable 3 grams of fiber and more than a full day’s recommended dose of vitamin C—an antioxidant that helps keep skin healthy.
Enhanced by Zemanta

7 Foods That Do the Weight-Loss Work for You


Want to lose weight? Try increasing your daily fiber intake in the form of nutrient-rich high-fiber foods. Why fiber? Recent research in the Journal of Nutrition suggests eating more fiber as a way to prevent weight gain or even encourage weight loss. Over the course of the two-year study, the researchers found that boosting fiber by 8 grams for every 1,000 calories resulted in about 4 ½ pounds of weight lost.
Try it for yourself. If you’re consuming 2,000 calories per day, aim to increase your fiber by 16 grams.
Here are 7 fiber-rich foods that help do the weight-loss work for you »


Taken from (EatenWell)
Enhanced by Zemanta

7 Foods That Do the Weight-Loss Work for You


Want to lose weight? Try increasing your daily fiber intake in the form of nutrient-rich high-fiber foods. Why fiber? Recent research in the Journal of Nutrition suggests eating more fiber as a way to prevent weight gain or even encourage weight loss. Over the course of the two-year study, the researchers found that boosting fiber by 8 grams for every 1,000 calories resulted in about 4 ½ pounds of weight lost.
Try it for yourself. If you’re consuming 2,000 calories per day, aim to increase your fiber by 16 grams.
Here are 7 fiber-rich foods that help do the weight-loss work for you »


Taken from (EatenWell)
Enhanced by Zemanta

Dec 6, 2010

Where to get your Herbs?

A Christmas market in Clifton Mill, Ohio, Unit...Image via Wikipedia


Just a few days ago I was asked where can to find all the products I post about here , Well the best I can say is your local Health Food Store, if you are lucky enough to have one near you if not , there are many good suppliers on the internet.You can also find what you are looking for in the shopping tab above, either with Ritchers or Mountain Rose Herbs.
But you know many of the posts I add here are also made with herbs you can find at your grocers .
 This is not meant to be complicated , in fact it's all about living simply.


As Christmas is almost here I know we are all very busy I know I am , So I would like to Wish everyone a
Great Great Holiday Season.
I may not be posting as much as I usually do for the next few weeks .
 But I will be back full time in January
 Again Happy Holidays
Debbie
Enhanced by Zemanta

Where to get your Herbs?

A Christmas market in Clifton Mill, Ohio, Unit...Image via Wikipedia


Just a few days ago I was asked where can to find all the products I post about here , Well the best I can say is your local Health Food Store, if you are lucky enough to have one near you if not , there are many good suppliers on the internet.You can also find what you are looking for in the shopping tab above, either with Ritchers or Mountain Rose Herbs.
But you know many of the posts I add here are also made with herbs you can find at your grocers .
 This is not meant to be complicated , in fact it's all about living simply.


As Christmas is almost here I know we are all very busy I know I am , So I would like to Wish everyone a
Great Great Holiday Season.
I may not be posting as much as I usually do for the next few weeks .
 But I will be back full time in January
 Again Happy Holidays
Debbie
Enhanced by Zemanta

Dec 5, 2010

Natural Diet Aids

Chickweed
By an eHow Contributor
One of the fastest-growing areas of the health and fitness industry involves the use of herbs. Herbs from around the world can be used to ease cravings, provide vital minerals to aid digestion and support dozens of other actions to help you with overeating. You need to use herbs responsibly with a sound diet plan to decrease food cravings.

Add Herbs to Your New Diet





Consult with an acupuncturist to determine potential Chinese herbs that can help you deal with overeating. You can use a light amount of acupuncture and prescribed herbs authorized by the practitioner to suppress your appetite.



Purchase some chickweed from an organic food store to help you with overeating. Chickweed helps burn fat and increase the efficiency of your endocrine system when used in small doses



Apply lemon balm to foods and drinks allowed in your dietary plan to help you stop overeating. Lemon balm is a plant that is a natural anti-bacterial agent as well as an aid for glandular functions. You can also use lemon balm brewed as a tea to calm yourself, which can help you prevent comfort eating.



Sprinkle in bits of stevia when making tea or other healthy drinks to help you deal with overeating. Stevia is an herb that acts as a natural sweetener without the chemical basis of artificial sweeteners.




Enhanced by Zemanta

Natural Diet Aids

Chickweed
By an eHow Contributor
One of the fastest-growing areas of the health and fitness industry involves the use of herbs. Herbs from around the world can be used to ease cravings, provide vital minerals to aid digestion and support dozens of other actions to help you with overeating. You need to use herbs responsibly with a sound diet plan to decrease food cravings.

Add Herbs to Your New Diet





Consult with an acupuncturist to determine potential Chinese herbs that can help you deal with overeating. You can use a light amount of acupuncture and prescribed herbs authorized by the practitioner to suppress your appetite.



Purchase some chickweed from an organic food store to help you with overeating. Chickweed helps burn fat and increase the efficiency of your endocrine system when used in small doses



Apply lemon balm to foods and drinks allowed in your dietary plan to help you stop overeating. Lemon balm is a plant that is a natural anti-bacterial agent as well as an aid for glandular functions. You can also use lemon balm brewed as a tea to calm yourself, which can help you prevent comfort eating.



Sprinkle in bits of stevia when making tea or other healthy drinks to help you deal with overeating. Stevia is an herb that acts as a natural sweetener without the chemical basis of artificial sweeteners.




Enhanced by Zemanta

Nov 26, 2010

Decorating with Herbs

Dried Herbs




  • Bunches of dried herbs suspended from a pot rack call to mind old-fashioned country cottages. Trim the bunches with ribbon in colors that match your kitchen for a romantic look. Cut long stems of herbs such as oregano, dill, lavender and rosemary. Gather into bunches and wrap the stems with rubber bands. The rubber bands will tighten as the stems shrink as they dry, keeping the bunches together. Cover the rubber band with a ribbon bow and hang the bunches upside down from the pot rack. As the herbs dry, they'll scent the air. Snip off what you need as you cook.






  • Bottled Herbs




  • Collect various shapes and sizes of glass bottles and fill them with olive oil or vinegar, to which you add dried herbs. Use old condiment bottles or decorative glass bottles from craft stores. Tie ribbon or raffia bows around the bottles. A row of these bottles on a windowsill, shelf or counter top is both colorful and practical. Use the flavored oils and vinegars in salad dressings and sauces.






  • Wreaths or Swags




  • Make a wreath or a swag to go over a window or door from herbs. Attach bunches of different kinds of herbs to a straw wreath form with florist's wire. Layer the herbs all the way around the wreath and finish with a raffia or ribbon bow. For a swag, attach bunches of herbs to a grapevine arch. Mix and match different colors and textures of herbs.






  • Dried Arrangements




  • Arrange dried herbs in bouquets in stoneware jugs or old canning jars. Mix different colors and textures of herbs, such as lavender, oregano and yarrow. You can also pin springs of dried herbs to the ribbon around the crown of a straw hat for a casual wall decoration.








  • Read more: Craft Ideas for Decorating Kitchen With Herbs | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5783771_craft-ideas-decorating-kitchen-herbs.html#ixzz16OfzWcAg
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Decorating with Herbs

    Dried Herbs




  • Bunches of dried herbs suspended from a pot rack call to mind old-fashioned country cottages. Trim the bunches with ribbon in colors that match your kitchen for a romantic look. Cut long stems of herbs such as oregano, dill, lavender and rosemary. Gather into bunches and wrap the stems with rubber bands. The rubber bands will tighten as the stems shrink as they dry, keeping the bunches together. Cover the rubber band with a ribbon bow and hang the bunches upside down from the pot rack. As the herbs dry, they'll scent the air. Snip off what you need as you cook.






  • Bottled Herbs

    Nov 23, 2010

    Headache Remedy Tea

    Click to Purchase
    Developed for a customer who gets migraines, this blend of Lavender, Peppermint and Spearmint is fragrant and soothing to the spirit and the nerves.
    The gentle, floral fragrance of the Lavender is relaxing and soothing, while the vapors from the mints help to clear the head.
    Internally, mint is a vaso-dilator, relieving the tightness and constriction of the bloodvessels in the body (especially in the head) allowing the blood to flow more freely. Since a major cause of headache is constriction of the bloodvessels, this is a big help.
    Mint, along with Lavender, is also a muscle relaxer, thus lessening the tension in the head and neck region - another main cause of headaches.
    And, since it is totally caffiene-free, there is no chance of a caffiene-induced worsening of the headache, or of a rebound effect.
    Ingredients: French "Super-Blue" Whole Lavendar Blossoms, Spearmint and Peppermint Leaves, Rose Petals.
    Use 1 Tablespoon per 16-24oz pot.
    Use Very Hot (195ºF) Water.
    Steep for 3 to 5 minutes
    Caffiene Free
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Headache Remedy Tea

    Click to Purchase
    Developed for a customer who gets migraines, this blend of Lavender, Peppermint and Spearmint is fragrant and soothing to the spirit and the nerves.
    The gentle, floral fragrance of the Lavender is relaxing and soothing, while the vapors from the mints help to clear the head.
    Internally, mint is a vaso-dilator, relieving the tightness and constriction of the bloodvessels in the body (especially in the head) allowing the blood to flow more freely. Since a major cause of headache is constriction of the bloodvessels, this is a big help.
    Mint, along with Lavender, is also a muscle relaxer, thus lessening the tension in the head and neck region - another main cause of headaches.
    And, since it is totally caffiene-free, there is no chance of a caffiene-induced worsening of the headache, or of a rebound effect.
    Ingredients: French "Super-Blue" Whole Lavendar Blossoms, Spearmint and Peppermint Leaves, Rose Petals.
    Use 1 Tablespoon per 16-24oz pot.
    Use Very Hot (195ºF) Water.
    Steep for 3 to 5 minutes
    Caffiene Free
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Nov 18, 2010

    Homemade herbal remedies

    Luckily, you can treat yourself to homemade herbal remedies straight from your garden! These simple recipes can turn classic herbs into medicinal preparations that soothe, heal, and rejuvenate. Rosemary and Thyme are natural pain relievers with antiseptic properties, plus Rosemary increases circulation. Lavender, Calendula, and Chamomile are calming, anti-inflammatory, and healing making them useful for treating minor abrasions, cuts, and scrapes. Peppermint and Eucalyptus are refreshing, cooling, and relieve soreness. Sage helps deodorize feet and can be used as a disinfectant for minor cuts and abrasions. Oregano is one of the best herbal antiseptics available and has been used historically for aching muscles and spider bites. How amazing that we can grow all of this medicine right in our own gardens!

    Aloe Vera, Lavender, & Peppermint Sunburn Spray

    Aloe Vera and Lavender offer immediate relief, shorten healing times, and are soothing while Peppermint is cooling and refreshing. 4 oz organic Aloe Vera Gel 15 drops organic Lavender essential oil 10 drops Vitamin E Oil 2-5 drops organic Peppermint essential oil Mix all ingredients, pour into a 4 ounce bottle, and apply to the skin as often as desired. Store in refrigerator to increase its cooling effect upon the skin.

    Herbal Liniment

    Herbal liniments offer instant relief for pain, inflamed muscles, bruises, and sprains. Rubbing Alcohol Fresh or dried herbs - combine any of the following: Calendula flowers, Chamomile flowers, Eucalyptus leaves, Lavender flowers, Peppermint leaves, Rosemary, Thyme, or Oregano. Chop herbs finely and place in a clean glass jar. Cover thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and cap with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a warm area and shake daily or as often as possible. After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs out using cheesecloth and pour the remaining liquid into glass bottles with mister tops. When properly stored in a cool dark place, the liniment will keep almost indefinitely. Make sure to label the liniment for "External Use Only".

    Herbal Massage Oil

    This botanical-infused goodness accelerates healing times and soothes aching muscles, sprains, and areas that are inflamed or swollen. 4 oz herbal infused oil* - choose one or a combination: Calendula, Chamomile, or Lavender. 10 drops Organic Peppermint essential oil 10 drops Organic Rosemary essential oil 5 drops Organic Eucalyptus essential oil 5 drops Organic Juniper Berry essential oil Pour all ingredients into a glass bottle and roll between palms to distribute the oils evenly. Massage into sore and tender muscles. If in a pinch, organic extra-virgin olive oil may be substituted for the herbal infused oil oils, but it will not have quite the same medicinal effects.

    Calendula, Lavender, & Shea Butter Balm

    A soothing and healing balm. Rub into sore muscles or apply to minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, rashes, chapped skin, and other skin irritations. 3 oz Calendula flower infused herbal oil* 1 oz Shea Butter 1/2 oz Beeswax 20 drops organic Lavender essential oil Melt beeswax, Shea butter, and Calendula oil over a double boiler until melted, then remove from burner and mix in the Lavender oil. Quickly pour into tins or glass jars and allow to cool thoroughly before using or capping jar.

    Milk & Oatmeal Herbal Bath

    Nothing feels better on sore muscles than a peaceful soak in a bathtub! 1 cup organic Milk 1 cup organic Oatmeal 1 handful fresh Chamomile flowers or 2 TBSP dried 1 handful fresh Lavender flowers or 2 TBSP dried 1 sprig fresh Rosemary or 1 TBSP dried Place oatmeal and herbs into a cloth or muslin bag and tie under the tub faucet. Turn hot water on and allow it to run through the bag so that the bathwater will be infused with the healing properties of the herbs and oatmeal. Once that the bathwater has reached desired temperature, pour the milk directly in. You can continue to use the bag like a washcloth and rub it along your skin, especially in areas that need some extra care!

    Herbal Foot Soak

    Soak those tired "dogs" with this rejuvenating and therapeutic blend of salt and herbs fresh from your garden. 1/2 cup Epsom Salt 1 tsp Olive Oil Sprigs of fresh Chamomile flowers, Eucalyptus leaves, Lavender flowers, Peppermint leaves, Rosemary, Thyme, or Oregano. If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with dried herbs or a few drops of essential oil. Boil water and pour over herbs, then add salt and olive oil. Once the water has cooled to a comfortable temperature, soak feet for as long as desired. For an even more luxurious experience, place a few smooth stones into the bottom and gently roll your feet over the stones to naturally massage and relax them.

    *Making Herbal Infused Oils:

    Place herbs in a clean, dry glass jar. If using fresh herbs, then wilt them first for 12 hours to remove most of the moisture (too much moisture will cause the oil to go rancid), cut into small pieces, and crush with a mortar and pestle before adding to the jar. You can skip these extra steps if your herbs are dried. Pour olive oil into the jar, making sure to cover herbs by at least 1 inch of oil so they will have space to expand. Stir well and cap the jar tightly. Place the jar in a warm, sunny windowsill and shake once or more per day. After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs out of the oil using cheesecloth. Make sure to squeeze out every precious drop of oil! Pour into glass bottles and store in a cool dark place.
    Content and recipes written by Irene Wolansky. Irene is the Marketing Director at Mountain Rose Herbs, and when not at work, she is often found in her kitchen creating herbal concoctions. All content Copyright Mountain Rose Herbs
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Homemade herbal remedies

    Luckily, you can treat yourself to homemade herbal remedies straight from your garden! These simple recipes can turn classic herbs into medicinal preparations that soothe, heal, and rejuvenate. Rosemary and Thyme are natural pain relievers with antiseptic properties, plus Rosemary increases circulation. Lavender, Calendula, and Chamomile are calming, anti-inflammatory, and healing making them useful for treating minor abrasions, cuts, and scrapes. Peppermint and Eucalyptus are refreshing, cooling, and relieve soreness. Sage helps deodorize feet and can be used as a disinfectant for minor cuts and abrasions. Oregano is one of the best herbal antiseptics available and has been used historically for aching muscles and spider bites. How amazing that we can grow all of this medicine right in our own gardens!

    Aloe Vera, Lavender, & Peppermint Sunburn Spray

    Aloe Vera and Lavender offer immediate relief, shorten healing times, and are soothing while Peppermint is cooling and refreshing. 4 oz organic Aloe Vera Gel 15 drops organic Lavender essential oil 10 drops Vitamin E Oil 2-5 drops organic Peppermint essential oil Mix all ingredients, pour into a 4 ounce bottle, and apply to the skin as often as desired. Store in refrigerator to increase its cooling effect upon the skin.

    Herbal Liniment

    Herbal liniments offer instant relief for pain, inflamed muscles, bruises, and sprains. Rubbing Alcohol Fresh or dried herbs - combine any of the following: Calendula flowers, Chamomile flowers, Eucalyptus leaves, Lavender flowers, Peppermint leaves, Rosemary, Thyme, or Oregano. Chop herbs finely and place in a clean glass jar. Cover thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and cap with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a warm area and shake daily or as often as possible. After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs out using cheesecloth and pour the remaining liquid into glass bottles with mister tops. When properly stored in a cool dark place, the liniment will keep almost indefinitely. Make sure to label the liniment for "External Use Only".

    Herbal Massage Oil

    This botanical-infused goodness accelerates healing times and soothes aching muscles, sprains, and areas that are inflamed or swollen. 4 oz herbal infused oil* - choose one or a combination: Calendula, Chamomile, or Lavender. 10 drops Organic Peppermint essential oil 10 drops Organic Rosemary essential oil 5 drops Organic Eucalyptus essential oil 5 drops Organic Juniper Berry essential oil Pour all ingredients into a glass bottle and roll between palms to distribute the oils evenly. Massage into sore and tender muscles. If in a pinch, organic extra-virgin olive oil may be substituted for the herbal infused oil oils, but it will not have quite the same medicinal effects.

    Calendula, Lavender, & Shea Butter Balm

    A soothing and healing balm. Rub into sore muscles or apply to minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, rashes, chapped skin, and other skin irritations. 3 oz Calendula flower infused herbal oil* 1 oz Shea Butter 1/2 oz Beeswax 20 drops organic Lavender essential oil Melt beeswax, Shea butter, and Calendula oil over a double boiler until melted, then remove from burner and mix in the Lavender oil. Quickly pour into tins or glass jars and allow to cool thoroughly before using or capping jar.

    Milk & Oatmeal Herbal Bath

    Nothing feels better on sore muscles than a peaceful soak in a bathtub! 1 cup organic Milk 1 cup organic Oatmeal 1 handful fresh Chamomile flowers or 2 TBSP dried 1 handful fresh Lavender flowers or 2 TBSP dried 1 sprig fresh Rosemary or 1 TBSP dried Place oatmeal and herbs into a cloth or muslin bag and tie under the tub faucet. Turn hot water on and allow it to run through the bag so that the bathwater will be infused with the healing properties of the herbs and oatmeal. Once that the bathwater has reached desired temperature, pour the milk directly in. You can continue to use the bag like a washcloth and rub it along your skin, especially in areas that need some extra care!

    Herbal Foot Soak

    Soak those tired "dogs" with this rejuvenating and therapeutic blend of salt and herbs fresh from your garden. 1/2 cup Epsom Salt 1 tsp Olive Oil Sprigs of fresh Chamomile flowers, Eucalyptus leaves, Lavender flowers, Peppermint leaves, Rosemary, Thyme, or Oregano. If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with dried herbs or a few drops of essential oil. Boil water and pour over herbs, then add salt and olive oil. Once the water has cooled to a comfortable temperature, soak feet for as long as desired. For an even more luxurious experience, place a few smooth stones into the bottom and gently roll your feet over the stones to naturally massage and relax them.

    *Making Herbal Infused Oils:

    Place herbs in a clean, dry glass jar. If using fresh herbs, then wilt them first for 12 hours to remove most of the moisture (too much moisture will cause the oil to go rancid), cut into small pieces, and crush with a mortar and pestle before adding to the jar. You can skip these extra steps if your herbs are dried. Pour olive oil into the jar, making sure to cover herbs by at least 1 inch of oil so they will have space to expand. Stir well and cap the jar tightly. Place the jar in a warm, sunny windowsill and shake once or more per day. After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs out of the oil using cheesecloth. Make sure to squeeze out every precious drop of oil! Pour into glass bottles and store in a cool dark place.
    Content and recipes written by Irene Wolansky. Irene is the Marketing Director at Mountain Rose Herbs, and when not at work, she is often found in her kitchen creating herbal concoctions. All content Copyright Mountain Rose Herbs
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Nov 7, 2010

    Herbal Teas for Children

    Lemon balm herbal teaImage via Wikipedia
    I found this at...
    http://thesupermom.com/are-herbal-teas-ok-for-kids

  • This is a no brainer. Make sure they are caffeine free. I mean, honestly, if you want to punish yourself, can’t you think of another way?



  • I would avoid teas that are used medicinally, such as St John’s Wort, or Comfrey. It is sometimes forgotten or overlooked that herbal remedies can still do damage to ones body depending on the doses given, and with children you never can be sure how their bodies process it.



  • The following teas seem to be safe for children to drink; red teas with rosehips and hibiscus, lemon balm, ginger, lemongrass, chamomile, mint, honeybush, rooibos and tulsi.


  • The general consensus regarding children and herbal teas is that they are completely safe and a much better alternative to giving them fruit juice, which I agree with. A herbal tea with a smidgen of honey is far better than sugar laden (natural or not) fruit juice for hydrating your child. I also think that its a great idea to introduce their palettes to the taste of teas early on in life as well.
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Herbal Teas for Children

    Lemon balm herbal teaImage via Wikipedia
    I found this at...
    http://thesupermom.com/are-herbal-teas-ok-for-kids

  • This is a no brainer. Make sure they are caffeine free. I mean, honestly, if you want to punish yourself, can’t you think of another way?



  • I would avoid teas that are used medicinally, such as St John’s Wort, or Comfrey. It is sometimes forgotten or overlooked that herbal remedies can still do damage to ones body depending on the doses given, and with children you never can be sure how their bodies process it.



  • The following teas seem to be safe for children to drink; red teas with rosehips and hibiscus, lemon balm, ginger, lemongrass, chamomile, mint, honeybush, rooibos and tulsi.


  • The general consensus regarding children and herbal teas is that they are completely safe and a much better alternative to giving them fruit juice, which I agree with. A herbal tea with a smidgen of honey is far better than sugar laden (natural or not) fruit juice for hydrating your child. I also think that its a great idea to introduce their palettes to the taste of teas early on in life as well.
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Aug 2, 2010

    Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon

    I found this Article in Care2 Newsletter

    Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon

    posted by Terri Hall-Jackson Aug 1, 2010 4:03 pm
     
    Some foods are fun to eat, and watermelon is definitely one of them.  That triangular wedge of bright red/white/green, sweet juiciness forbids us to take life too seriously and shouts, “SUMMER!!!” As if that weren’t enough, watermelon is packed full of nutrition, hydrates and is low-fat. While many of us think of watermelon as a great snack option, when you tally up its nutritive value, you might consider making this all-star a feature player in your cuisine.
    Watermelons are an excellent source of several vitamins: vitamin A, which helps maintain eye health and is an antioxidant; vitamin C, which helps strengthen immunity, heal wounds, prevent cell damage, promote healthy teeth and gums; and vitamin B6, which helps brain function and helps convert protein to energy.
    Tomatoes have been highly touted as a great source for lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight heart disease and several types of cancer — prostate cancer in particular.  Watermelon, however, has the highest concentrations of lycopene of any fresh fruit or vegetable.
    If your little ones don’t dig into their swiss chard, lima beans or spinach — all great sources of potassium — consider offering them a serving of watermelon instead.  It is a great source of potassium, which helps muscle and nerve function, helps maintain the body’s proper electrolyte and acid-base balance, and helps lower the risk of high blood pressure.
    Watermelon also contains the amino acids citrulline and arginine, which can help maintain arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular function.
    Alone or in a fruit salad are the most common ways many of us eat watermelon. While eating the meat of the fruit is the best way to take advantage of all of its nutrients, this is one of my favorite bits of summer refreshment. I get a version of this from my local burrito truck. The key to making this great: don’t oversweeten it. With just a touch of sweetness, it’s heavenly.
    Watermelon Agua Fresca (Fresh Water)
    • 3 cups cubed, seeded watermelon
    • 1 1/2 cups water
    • juice from 2-3 limes
    • natural sweetner, to taste
    In a blender, puree the watermelon, then strain it through a fine sieve. In a pitcher, mix the strained juice with water. Add lime juice and natural sweetener to taste. Serve cold over ice.
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon

    I found this Article in Care2 Newsletter

    Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon

    posted by Terri Hall-Jackson Aug 1, 2010 4:03 pm
     
    Some foods are fun to eat, and watermelon is definitely one of them.  That triangular wedge of bright red/white/green, sweet juiciness forbids us to take life too seriously and shouts, “SUMMER!!!” As if that weren’t enough, watermelon is packed full of nutrition, hydrates and is low-fat. While many of us think of watermelon as a great snack option, when you tally up its nutritive value, you might consider making this all-star a feature player in your cuisine.
    Watermelons are an excellent source of several vitamins: vitamin A, which helps maintain eye health and is an antioxidant; vitamin C, which helps strengthen immunity, heal wounds, prevent cell damage, promote healthy teeth and gums; and vitamin B6, which helps brain function and helps convert protein to energy.
    Tomatoes have been highly touted as a great source for lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight heart disease and several types of cancer — prostate cancer in particular.  Watermelon, however, has the highest concentrations of lycopene of any fresh fruit or vegetable.
    If your little ones don’t dig into their swiss chard, lima beans or spinach — all great sources of potassium — consider offering them a serving of watermelon instead.  It is a great source of potassium, which helps muscle and nerve function, helps maintain the body’s proper electrolyte and acid-base balance, and helps lower the risk of high blood pressure.
    Watermelon also contains the amino acids citrulline and arginine, which can help maintain arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular function.
    Alone or in a fruit salad are the most common ways many of us eat watermelon. While eating the meat of the fruit is the best way to take advantage of all of its nutrients, this is one of my favorite bits of summer refreshment. I get a version of this from my local burrito truck. The key to making this great: don’t oversweeten it. With just a touch of sweetness, it’s heavenly.
    Watermelon Agua Fresca (Fresh Water)
    • 3 cups cubed, seeded watermelon
    • 1 1/2 cups water
    • juice from 2-3 limes
    • natural sweetner, to taste
    In a blender, puree the watermelon, then strain it through a fine sieve. In a pitcher, mix the strained juice with water. Add lime juice and natural sweetener to taste. Serve cold over ice.
    Enhanced by Zemanta