Why Produce Benefits Breast Cancer Survivors

by Karen Collins, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.

After breast cancer treatment, women who eat more vegetables and fruits have a better chance of preventing the disease from returning. That’s the bottom line conclusion from a study linking blood levels of a group of nutrients known as carotenoids with lower odds of facing the disease again. Past studies have shown inconsistent results about which nutrients might be protective. Now, researchers say, the total amount and variety of fruits and vegetables may be the key to prevention.

Researchers for this new study followed more than 1,500 women, beginning on average two years after the women finished treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Initial tests confirmed that women with higher levels of carotenoids in their blood, which are markers of carotenoids in the diet, ate more vegetables and fruits. After about seven years, women who began with the highest levels of carotenoids in their blood showed 43 percent less risk of developing breast cancer again when compared to women with the lowest carotenoid levels. Since dietary supplements can also provide carotenoids, researchers conducted a separate analysis with women whose carotenoids came only from food. The results were the same. Carotene-containing supplements were not necessary to substantially reduce recurrence.

For quite a few years, research on the prevention of primary and recurring cancers has focused on the benefits from specific nutrients and phytochemicals, like vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene (a carotenoid primarily from tomatoes) and flavonoids. Many of these substances are antioxidants, which can block or repair damaged cells that may begin the process of cancer development. Antioxidants can also affect enzymes that regulate the activation and detoxification of carcinogens in the body. In addition, they can inhibit the growth and promote the self-destruction of cancer cells.

The results of past studies on vegetable and fruit consumption and the risk of initial or recurring cancers are inconsistent, however. Some show a protective link, while others make no connection. Part of the problem with past studies may be reliance upon self-reported vegetable and fruit intakes. People can inaccurately report what or how much they eat. The database on the content of carotenoids and other phytochemicals in foods is also incomplete. A more reliable method, which this new study uses, is measuring blood levels of carotenoids. Researchers are better able to analyze the impact of these substances because they are definitely present in the body.

Although carotenoids are primarily found in vegetables and fruits that are orange, deep yellow, dark green and red, the message of this new study is not to eat more of these specific vegetables and fruits. Since the overwhelming majority of the carotenoids in our diet come from vegetables and fruits, blood carotenoid levels indicate total vegetable and fruit consumption.

Carotenoids themselves might not be responsible for all the protection seen in this study. Vegetables and fruits that are blue, purple, light green and even white (like onions) contain other compounds that also seem protective. The implications from this study are to focus on a wide variety of produce. Make vegetables and fruits a major part of what you eat all day long.

Fruits and vegetables aren’t the only place to look for protection from the return of breast cancer. In this study, statistical analysis controlled for the impact of weight. Yet other research suggests that three factors may lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence: a healthy weight, little or no weight gain after diagnosis of your primary breast cancer and physical activity. To lower your risk, combine these elements with a habit of eating a plentiful variety of produce for the best protection bet. Read More About Breast Cancer on MSN Health & Fitness: 1. Will a Lowfat Diet Fight Breast Cancer?  2. Insulin Resistance and Breast Cancer Risk 3. The Psychology of Sisterhood: Why More Women Seek Breast Cancer Support   4. Breast Cancer Message Board

Provided by the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C.

Juice Plus  is a convenient way to help fill in the gaps by getting 17 fruits and vegetables daily.

        

I had a reader ask a really great question about the shelf life of herbs and Spices after my last post. What I found I posted below. Some of these things I did not know, but I do now, and you will too if you didn't already, Read on! 

Herbs



Basil
Basil is rich in rosmarinic and caffeic acid, which are phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant properties. Other phytochemicals in basil include orientin and vicerin, flavnoids that protect cells from damage; volatile oils, such as camphor and 1,8-cineole, that have antibacterial properties; and carotenoids such as beta-carotene.

Arugula
Arugula is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, folic acid, calcium, maganese, and magnesium. It's also a very good source of potassium, iron, zinc, riboflavin, and copper.

Chives
Chives help improve circulation of blood and lowers blood pressure, it is a good source of vitamins A and C, it is a good source of calcium, potassium and folic acid, may reduce the growth of tumors and cancer. Chives are also helpful with stomach and esophageal cancers as well as prostrate cancer.

Thyme
Thyme has been used for centuries as a cough remedy, digestive aid and treatment for intestinal parasites. The active ingredient in this common herb is thymol which can be found in listerine mouthwash because of its well-known antibacterial and antifungal properties. In fact, in Germany concoctions made with thyme are often prescribed for coughs, including those resulting from whooping cough, bronchitis and emphysema. 

For Cilantro; See Coriander in my last article.



Yours in Health.
Robin

        

What is your favorite herb or spice? Hopefully you at least use one of these if not several in your dishes, because not only do herbs and spices spice up our food, they also add significant health benefits.

They do come from plants, and many plants as scientist are learning, contain a variety of healing substances... often found in high concentrations in the seeds, oils, and other plant parts that make up herbs and spices.

There are dozens of herbs and spices that contain useful plant compounds, but these 10 are the healing knockouts, so why not grab a cup of tea, relax and stay awhile, because if you are like me, you want to know.

1. Cayenne
Cayenne is thought to act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Studies find that it also has some anticancer properties, and researchers are exploring its potential as a cancer treatment.

In at least one study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers  found that people with diabetes who ate a meal containing liberal amounts of chile pepper required less postmeal insulin to reduce their blood sugar, suggesting the spice may have antidiabetes benefits.

2. Cinnamon
It is hard to believe something so good has so many health benefits, but cinnamon is actually one of the most powerful healing spices. It has become most famous for its ability to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

They say the apple pie spice can even help prevent blood clots, making it especially heart smart. Like many other spices, cinnamon has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, It has been shown to to conquer E. Coli, among other bacteria types.

Researchers have even discovered recently that cinnamon is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols...another reason it is good for your heart. It is also high in fiber and can reduce heart-burn in some people.

Sprinkle it on your Oatmeal, in your smoothie or on your toast.  I even sprinkle it on my peanut butter sandwiches very tasty!

3. Cloves
Cloves contain an anti-inflammatory chemical called eugenol. In recent animal studies, this chemical inhibited COX-2, a protein that spurs inflammation. Cloves also ranked very high in antioxidant properties in one study.

The combination of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties spells heaps of health benefits, from boosting protection from heart disease to helping stave off cancer, as well as slowing the cartilage and bone damage caused by arthritis.

Clove has a numbing effect in addition to bacteria-fighting powers. Have a toothache? Put a couple of whole cloves in your mouth. Let them soften a bit, then bite on them gently with good molars to release their oil. Then move them next to the painful tooth and keep them there for up to half an hour.

Cloves will also kill certain bacteria that were resistant to antibiotics.

4. Coriander
Coriander seeds have been used for thousand of years as a digestive aid.  Coriander seeds yield cilantro, also known as Chinese parsley, a staple herb in Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian cooking.

Try making a strong tea from crushed seeds (strain before drinking). The herb may also be helpful to some people that have irritable bowl syndrome, as it calms intestinal spasms that can lead to diarrhea.

A preliminary study showed  that It's essential oil appears to fight bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella.
 
According to one study, cilantro leaves provide the most antioxidant punch.

5. Garlic
Garlic's famous odor comes from byproducts of allicin, the sulfur compound believed to be responsible for most of the herb's medicinal benefits.

Some say when eaten daily, garlic can help lower heart disease risk by as much as 76 percent. It does this by moderately reducing cholesterol levels (by 5 and 10 percent in some studies), by thinning the blood and thereby staving off dangerous clots, and by by acting as an antioxidant.

It appears that Garlic's sulfur compounds ward off cancer, especially stomach and colorectal cancer. The compounds flush out carcinogens before they can damage cell DNA, and they force cancer cells that do develop to self-destruct.

Garlic can help with yeast infections, some sinus infections and the common cold. It can even repel tics (as well as other people if you eat enough...smile)!

6. Ginger
Ginger is a rich source of powerful antioxidants such as gingerols, shogaols, and zingerones.

A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that 125mg of ginger extract consumed four times per day for four days significantly reduced morning sickness in women less than 20 weeks pregnant.

In a randomized, double-blind study researchers found that those participants with osteoarthritis who had consumed ginger extract experienced much greater reduction in knee pain than those in the control group.

A mouse study found that the antioxidant 6-gingerol, which gives ginger its flavor, resulted in fewer tumors and their size was considerably smaller than those of mice who did not receive gingerol.

Ginger induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) and autophagy (cells digesting themselves) in ovarian cancer cells. Ginger was also effective at controlling inflammation, thus stopping the cancer cells from growing.

Ginger was also found to protect against the formation of colon cancer in mice injected with cancer cells (a mouse with colon cancer...sounds funny, I'm just sayin).

Ginger has blood-thinning qualities and may be contraindicated if you are on blood thinners. Check with your doctor or a registered dietician for advice on the inclusion of ginger.

7. Mustard
Mustard seeds contain compounds that studies suggest may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Mustard is made from the seeds of a plant in the cabbage family...a strongly anticancer group of plants.

Like cayenne pepper, it has the ability to deplete nerve cells of substance P, a chemical that transmits pain signals to the brain, when used externally. A mustard compress also brings more blood to the fingers for people with Raynaud's phenomenon, a circulatory problem that causes frigid fingers.

A bit of mustard powder added to a foot bath helps kill athletes foot fungus.  Mustard is also said to simulate appetite by increasing the flow of saliva and digestive juices.

8. Nutmeg
Nutmeg was one of the key spices that give the Spice Islands their name, and some historians link its popularity in the spice trade to the hallucinatory effects that result from ingesting large amounts.

The euphoria, which is due to nutmeg's active ingredient, myristicin, is described as similar to that caused by the drug ecstasy (bet you didn't know that, I sure didn't, till researching for this article). However; it packs some nasty side effects, and poisoning is a very real risk.

Medically, nutmeg and mace have strong antibacterial properties. It has been found to kill a number of bacteria in the mouth that contribute to cavities.

Myristicin has also been shown to inhibit an enzyme in the brain that contributes to Alzheimer's disease and to improve memory in mice, and researchers are currently studying its potential as an antidepressant (interesting).

9. Sage
This herb is know as describing a wise person (that would be you...smile); the herb is a known memory enhancer and has been shown in some lab studies to protect the brain against certain processes that lead to Alzheimer's disease.

In a British study, healthy young adults performed better on word recall tests after taking sage-oil capsules.

One of it's phytochemicals is thujone, best known as a chemical in the liquor absinthe that is said (falsely) to have hallucinatory effects.

Today sage shows potential as a diabetes treatment. It appears to boost the action of insulin and reduce blood sugar.  Sage is sometimes called nature's metformin since it performs like the common antidiabetes drug.

Some researchers have already suggested that sage supplements may help prevent type 2 diabetes.

10. Turmeric
Tumeric contains important vitamins and minerals such as iron, manganese, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
Curcumin is a phytochemical found in trumeric that has strong antioxidant properties and which has been well researched for its cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lab Studies showed that supplementation with curcumin was found to counteract the oxidative damage and cognitive impairment encountered in the injured brain.

One lab study confirmed that curcumin significantly lowers oxidized proteins and inflammatory cytokines associated with Alzheimer's. Elderly people who ate curry at least once a month scored better on tests to measure cognitive function than those who reported they ate less curry.

Lab Studies also showed turmeric was shown to reduce skin tumor size by thirty percent and skin tumor occurrence by eighty-seven percent compared to the control group. A study out of the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston treated three melanoma cell lines with curcumin. Cell growth was inhibited and increased tumor cell death was observed.

Researchers found that curcumin inhibited metastasis to the lungs of mice with breast cancer. The researchers also found that curcumin helps make taxol, a chemotherapeutic drug for breast cancer, less toxic and even more effective. Rats given large doses of turmeric each day over a five day period had significant inhibition of breast tumors.

In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that curcumin reduces the expression of prostate cancer genes, tumor volume and quantity of nodules in treated groups.

In a small study, patients who had precancerous polyps were treated with curcumin for six months. The average number of polyps dropped sixty percent, and the average size dropped by fifty percent.

Rats who where fed higher doses of curcumin in their diet had significantly lower liver triacylglycerols and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol.

Conclusion; Stock up on your herbs and Spices, but use some sparingly...or you may walk around like your happy or something. I know I am not a bit funny, but it made me laugh...Ha, Ha!

Yours in Health,
Robin

        

The back extension focuses on strengthening your lower back. Performing this exercise can help give you the lower back support necessary for many daily activities. In addition to strengthening your lower back, the back extension also works your buttocks and your deep abdominal muscles. To perform this exercise, you will need a exercise ball.

When performing the back extension, try to keep the ball steady at all times. The effort of keeping yourself steady on the ball also helps to work your core muscles, which includes your back and abdominal muscles.

As with other exercises, remember to perform the back extension in a slow, controlled manner and to maintain proper form throughout the entire exercise. Keep your knees slightly bent at all times and do not bend your neck as you raise and lower your upper body. You should try to always keep your head, neck and back in a straight line.


You should not perform this exercise if you are suffering from lower back problems.

1.  Lie on your stomach on a ball with your feet roughly shoulder width apart, your knees slightly bent and the balls of your feet on the floor.

2.  Place your hands behind your head and position your elbows out to the sides. Do not interlock your fingers.

3.  Slowly raise your upper body until your hips and back are in a straight line.
 
4.  Slowly lower your upper body back to the starting position


Beginner...
You can make this back extension easier by placing your feet against a wall for better support. You can also place your arms across your chest or perform a shorter range of motion by not raising your upper body as high.

Advanced...
There are a few ways to make the back extension harder. You can hold a weight plate across your chest for added resistance or reposition your self higher on the exercise ball so that you are lying on your hips instead of your stomach. For another variation, lie on your stomach on an exercise ball with your legs together and straight. With your hands on the floor, palms down and roughly shoulder width apart, slowly raise your legs until they are slightly above the level of your buttocks and then lower your legs back down.


Muscles Targeted...

1. Lower Back (erector spinae)

Additional muscles:

2. Buttocks (gluteus maximus)
3.  Deep abdominal muscles (transverse abdominis)

Check it out...




Yours in Health, Robin

        

Did you know eating a diet high in micronutrients from fruits and vegetables, can counteract toxins?  The more micronutrients you have running through your system the more likely you will be able to fight off any disease these bad boys my trigger.

Ensuring a sufficient supply of micronutrients plays a particularly important role in keeping the human body healthy. Micronutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential fatty acids and phytonutrients are either not produced by the organism at all or are not produced in sufficient quantities. A regular external supply is therefore necessary. The necessary quantity depends on various external and internal factors, e.g. our way of living, our eating habits, health status, age or environmental impacts.

All links of a chain must be strong and stable. Only then will the chain hold and perform its function. Micronutrients are linked together in the body’s metabolism; they complement and support one another. The body’s needs are only adequately fulfilled if a broad range of micronutrients are consumed.

But please do not go out and buy a man-made vitamin to get these micronutrients, the same vitamins that are naturally found in organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seeds. It is not the same...think added toxins and unknown reactions. 

In the laboratory, chemists can duplicate sea water that is chemically identical to natural sea water, but if you put fish in this synthetic water they will die. Obviously, there is a life-supporting difference between natural and synthetic.

Synthetic vitamins have only one component out of a whole family of micronutrients that accompany them in their natural state.

If I ever compare natural or whole food supplements to the actual whole food,  I am referring to products that have Gold standard research to back that they actually contain the total complex family of micronutrients (known and unknown) just as they are found in nature.

These micronutrients are indispensable for proper vitamin absorption and maximum utilization. That's the only way you can have optimum nutrition. Synthetic vitamins lack this wonderfully marvelous supporting family.

The vitamins you are now using are very likely synthetic if they do not come from the actual whole food. Synthetic vitamins in some sensitive people may actually have an adverse reaction. Anything going on with your body that you can't pinpoint the cause? You may want to throw out those vitamins.


Did you Know?

1. that possibly 95% of all diseases are degenerative?

2. that scientific evidence links nutrition to disease prevention?

3. that likely 80% of all cancer comes from environmental pollution (the air we breath, the water we drink, and the chemically tainted foods we eat).

4. that the average American consumes 6 pounds of artificial chemicals a year.

5. that the housewife is the person most at risk from these dangers.

6. that maybe 15% of all Americans are in vital good health.

Why aren't we getting the micronutrients we need from the food we eat?

1.The foods you eat are stripped of nutrients through refining and processing.

2. The foods you eat are laden with fats, sugars, and salts, and devoid of other essential nutrients.

3. A USDA government survey of 21,500 people found that not one single person consumed 100% of the U.S. RDA, from the foods they ate.

4. Due to the time it takes fresh foods to get from the farm to your table, 57% or more of the nutritional value can be lost.

5. The foods you eat can be harmful from the use of pesticides, fungicides, sulfites, and preservatives

Solution...

Eat freshly picked, organic foods, grown in soil that has been re-mineralized, then served raw or slightly cooked, in a way that is as close to their natural form as possible. Eat whole grain breads/pastas made from flour ground fresh daily.

If you can't or won't,  then I suggest find yourself a good whole food supplement that has Gold Standard research to back it up.

And remember the synthetic vitamin dealers would like you to believe that there's no difference between natural and synthetic, because synthetic vitamins are much cheaper to make and mean much more profit for the company. They are not efficiently utilized in the body as natural supplements due to  the lack of complete families which include all surrounding micro-nutrients. So please quit doing your body more harm than good and throw them out. Your body will thank you in the years to come, I know mine is!!!


Yours in Health, Robin

        

 
  
I must rave about my new Vitamix 5200! Before sweet Vita there was only one other whole food nutritional must have worth mentioning. Why?  Because if it isn't the best in the market, why bother!

This whole food miracle juicer compliments not only my other addiction Juice Plus+, but everything I stand for!
 
I am officially addicted to another prized health possession. Seriously I have no idea how I have went 40 years without this miraculous appliance! This is the best thing that has ever happened to me in the health arena since my dearest friend introduced me to Juice Plus + back in 2003!

 I am sure you can feel my excitement by now! Right?  I purchased this bad girl in "Red" just like the one in the picture, love red in everything except my clothes, not much into red on me, She is a beauty, oh ya, gotta love her!

Since getting my Vitamix, I have hardly left the house, actually last night was the first night I have eaten out since I received VITA via UPS and that is only because I scheduled a meet-up a month before Vita arrived to eat at the Blue Bird Bistro with "My Everything Health Diva's" or I would have had dinner here at home with sweet Vita and my lovely son again!

It seems I just can't get away. I keep thinking of really cool things to put in Vita. It is a wonder I haven't put on weight, with as much whole food creations I have created for me and my son. 

I haven't quite convinced the hubby to eat the way my angel (son) and I eat yet. If you have ever heard the saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks"  well that be my hubby...smile!

Unfortunately I can tell the difference this morning in the way I feel. I ate whole cooked fresh organic food at the Blue Bird Bistro  off of Summit downtown Kansas City, Missouri last night with two of my wonderful girlfriends, the owner Jane, the manager and another couple. 

The Blue Bird Bistro  has quite the set up, Jane calls it  Wednesday night table. You pay 40 dollars and you get to sit with everyone that reserves for that night and converse while enjoying a delicious fresh 4 course meal. Blue Bird Bistro is a fabulous restaurant that only uses fresh, local organic food, but it is cooked.

I kind of feel a bit blah this morning, my body sure can tell the difference, raw is so much better than cooked! I never knew I could feel this good and believe me I felt awesome before Vita, now I am in a new league that only Vita can achieve! Is there a such thing as being too healthy? That be me...smile!

If you don't have a Vitamix yet, don't waste your money on other products like I did over the years, I could of owned several Vita's over, why?  Because I was trying to save money, but in actuality I lost money by replacing my blenders every year or so and I won't mention any names but they weren't all that cheap either just a bit less than Vita.

I am happy to say I have already made my money back with this amazing machine. I am no longer spending 10 bucks a day at smoothie joints to get what they have on their menu, now my options are unlimited and I know where the produce comes from... local farmers! Plus the money I am saving by not eating out every other day and knowing my dearest Angel (son) is getting all the nutrition he needs daily, makes it where I can sleep even better!

It is obvious you do need one as soon as possible and when you decide to make that leap you can get the shipping for free if you order through me (just click any banner on my sidebar or in this review). Darn right I have become affiliate of the most awesome machine around (how could I not promote something that makes the world healthier and actually works) and you will too after you receive your bad girl via UPS. No worries here, you will thank me later...smile!




Yours in Health, Robin

        

Argan Tree


My friend and cometologists gave me some great suggestions when I asked her to please Help me with my frizzy unruly hair, that the humidity in my town has gradually taken over. It seems the older I get, the more noticeable the frizz has become...imagine that!

She sent me back the name of a couple of products, but the one that caught my fancy was the Moraccanoil  that she stated "was amazing, and that she had only been using the oil, but was positive the Shamp/cond would be as well."

So of course I wanted to know what  was in this Oil... not only for my benefit but for yours too,  I wanted to know what if any chemical's existed in it and all that other good stuff,  so I did some research and found out exactly that.

The Moroccanoil Commitment states : None of the products use animal ingredients, their ingredients are not animal tested and that whenever possible use recycled packaging materials. so far so good.


MOROCCANOIL  

Ingredients;
Cyclopentasiloxane , Dimethicone , Cyclomethicone , Butylphenyl , MethylPropional , Argania Spinoza Kernal Oil (Aragan Oil ), Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum) Extract , Fragrance Supplement , D&C Yellow-11 , D&C Red-17 , Coumarin , Benzyl Benzoate , Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone .

So then I went over to Skin deep cosmetic safety database and typed in the ingredients, because I have not heard of several of these and anytime I see colors added like D&C Red-17 , I cringe.

Since they clearly state they do not use any Animal ingredients and do not test on Animals, I am going to assume that they are using the alternatives: grapes, beets, turmeric, saffron, carrots, chlorophyll, annatto, alkanet. Same goes for the Yellow-11.

Why do they have to add bad stuff to amazing ingredients and ruin them...I know and you know, so I will spare you details.

Most of these ingredients fall under a 2, but when you get to Coumarin a high 8, I started to worry. I don't know about you, but I decided to go do more research to find this Moroccan Oil in a more wholesome form and guess what? I did!!!  With Josie Maran's 100% Organic Argan Oil . No bad ingredients just the whole truth! 


Argan Oil  

Check out Josie Maran's Luxury with a Conscience ...love it! I went up to the closest Sephora and found the 100% Organic Argan Oil in a travel size to try out and love it! I am going to have to buy the rest online because for some reason our Sephora only carries the travel size of the one product.

On my wish list is the Protect SPF 40+ Natural Daily Sun Protection  and her Argan Bronzing Oil , did I mention her products are versatile, that means you can use them in your hair and on your skin. No need to buy two products, all you need is one!

Unfortunately she does not have a shampoo or conditioner out, so I will keep researching till I find one that qualifies...any suggestions? Do you use a great Shampoo and conditioner without the harmful ingredients that is not tested on animals or that does not use animal ingredients? If so please share the wealth!

Yours in Health,
Robin

        

I read Tosca Reno's book "The eat-clean diet Recharged " about 9 months ago and since then I have been on the Bee Pollen craze. She mentioned sprinkling it on her cereal and that is all it took to get me going. So, I of course had to find out every little detail about this natural creation and did I ever. I think it is worth sharing with you because everyone deserves good stuff!

First off did you know that Bee Pollen according to Dr Betty Lee Morales "is the only known food which contains every essential nutrient  needed by mankind for perfect health".  Another doctor by the name of Dr. Leo Conway treated over 60,000 verified cases of allergies with Bee Pollen and said  “pollen immunization can be achieved by incorporating pollen in food.

Resistance is built by continuing ingestion of bee gathered pollens from any location.” Say good by to allergies! Allergies have never been a problem of mine, but I would be very interested in hearing of someone that has treated their allergy symptoms with Bee Pollen.

If it be known Hippocrates even stated bee pollen contained the secret against old age. For me that says allot, he was obviously not a dumb guy that I am aware of.  You know?

Did you know that bee pollen is richer in protein than meat (which contains only 17 to 22%), fish, eggs and cheese?  According to Dr Stefan Stangaciu MD, "35 to 50 g of pollen a day can cover the needs in protein for man".

Did you know that bee pollen has anti-aging benefits as well.  
Your skin can become younger looking and less vulnerable to wrinkles, smoother and healthier with the use of bee pollen (both internally and externally ).

The mineral selenium is also found in bee pollen, this mineral slows down the aging of cells. Arginine helps to prevent impotency, frigidity and sterility. These amino acids support the functioning of the prostate. It also contains many nucleic acids in the chromosomes, very important for cellular regeneration and thus for diminishing the risk of genetic diseases.

Did you know bee pollen is anti- stress! Who doesn't need a destresser in this day?  It's richness in the B vitamins and in amino acids necessary to the nervous system gives it anti-stress qualities. Pollen contains all of the amino acids necessary in the production of endorphins (our happy hormones) in the nervous system.

Did I mention energy! Thanks to its richness in amino acids, pollen has a positive action on physical and intellectual tiredness. Proteins, the minerals (calcium, phosphorus) and vitamins (pro vitamin A, the B Vitamins...) it contains enhance the development of young children.

I could go on and on forever about the benefits of this bomb of nature, but I will let you read more at this awesome site that I came across after reviewing several hype sites claiming supposed miracle cures. I am a health freak, but I am no fool...smile and enjoy! 

http://www.bee-pollen-buzz.com/health-benefits-of-bee-pollen.html

Yours in Health,
Robin

        

One of my favorite exercises is the Plank! Why? Well for several reasons! The Plank not only works all of your abdominal muscles, but it also works your lower and middle back, buttocks and your shoulders. Now to me any exercise that can work several muscles at once is worth my time and yours!

The Plank is a core stability exercise as it helps to strengthen your abdominal and lower back muscles, which are at the center, or core, of your body. Core stability exercises are important for improving your posture and making you less prone to injury when lifting heavy objects or bending.

When you lift your hips off the floor, try to hold the position for about 15 seconds. Then lower your hips and rest for about 10 seconds before repeating.

When you begin practicing the plank, you may not be able to perform more than 2 repetitions of the exercise, but you can increase the duration and number of repetitions as you progress. When you are able to keep your body off the floor for more than 2 minutes you should try a more challenging variation of the exercise which I explain in detail further down this post.

Lets get started...

1. First off lie on your stomach on a mat with your legs together and the balls of your feet on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles.

2. Lift your upper body off the mat and then use your forearms to support your upper body. Position your elbows directly under your shoulders, with your hands clasped.

3. Supporting your weight on your forearms and the balls of your feet, slowly lift your hips off the mat until your body is parallel to the floor.

4. Hold the position for about 15 seconds and then slowly lower your hips back to the mat. 


Please Don't...

 

• Do not lift your hips too high. Keep your entire body parallel to the floor.
• Do not bend your neck. Keep your head, neck and back in a straight line.
• Do not hunch your shoulders or arch your back.
• Do not hold your breath.

Beginner...
You can make the Plank easier by keeping your knees on the floor as your perform the exercise. This is useful if you are a beginner or have a weak back.


Advanced...
You can make the Plank harder by placing the balls of your feet on a stable bench, instead of on the floor. You can vary the height of the bench to change the level of difficulty. Then perform the exercise as described in the steps above.


Buttocks...
To work your buttocks more, perform the steps above, except lift your left leg off the floor as you lift your hips and keep your leg raised for the entire 15 seconds. Then return to the starting position and repeat with your right leg raised. This is an advanced variation of the Plank, since you are balancing on one foot instead of two. You can further increase the difficulty of this variation by extending the arm opposite to your raised leg.

 
Muscles worked the most...

1. Abdominal muscles (transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques).

2. Lower Back (erector spinae)


Additional Muscles...

3. Buttocks (gluteus maximus)

4. Shoulders (deltoids)

5. Middle back (rhomboids)


Shall I mention another awesome reason to do this exercise...well it requires no gym membership or any kind of equipment, so what are you waiting for...work it!!!!

Yours in Health,
 Robin

 

 

        

 

 

Boost Your Healthy Simply by Alkalizing your Diet!

 

 

You've probably heard of alkalizing your body by now and how it will boost your health. But in order to fully appreciate how an alkaline body helps in our daily living, it is imperative to know the components of an alkaline diet and the importance of maintaining the pH of our body.

 

pH refers to the measure of acidity or basicity of a solution. More accurately, it pertains to the extent of dissociation of hydrogen ions of our body. If we consume the right types and amounts of nutrients and minerals conducive to our body's development, our body is able to maintain the right pH balance. But you may wonder for a moment what exactly are the 'right' nutrients and minerals? This is where alkaline diet comes into the picture.

 

The concept of alkaline diet is ultimately about foods that leaves an alkaline residue in our body after digestion. Our body's pH balance fluctuates with each intake of food, and in order to maintain it at the optimum pH, our body must have enough alkaline reserves which can only be obtained if we include at the minimum 80% of alkaline foods in our diet.

 

How do we classify foods into acidic or alkaline foods?

Chlorine, phosphorus and sulfur in food will probably give acidic residue after the food has been digested. Conversely, minerals such as calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium found in food will leave an alkaline residue.

 

We should always bear in mind that all foods leave residue in our body after digestion. If you recall the food pyramid taught in Health education classes, meat and seafood, dairy products, alcoholic drinks, chemical sweeteners, sweets and chocolates, and even grains forms acidic residue! However, green leafy vegetables and fruits low in sugar contain organic aids and are full of alkaline goodness after digestion. So do remember to include a larger proportion of greens and fruits in your diet to maintain an alkaline pH in your body.

 

Why is it Important to Alkalize the Body?

People living in the modern society are plagued with many diseases and the growing number of sufferers far outstripped our ancestors? Why is such a scenario happening? It can be attributed to our diet which is heavily acidic. Foods that leaves a high content of acidic residues revolves in our circulatory system and are not rid of by our kidneys, lungs and bowels.

 

According to Dr Theodore Baroody, author of the critically acclaimed book "Alkalize or Diet", the reason for these diseases was due to excessive acidic residue in our body. Acidic mediums are conducive for the breeding of diet-related diseases, which will lead to death. When our body is deprived of the essential alkaline reserves, nutrients and minerals, excessive acids in our

bloodstream may lead to slow poisoning of our body due to our diet which comprises of a high percentage of acidic foods. Excess acids will also weaken and in severe cases, damage our bodily functions and cellular actives such as respiration, digestion, hormone production and blood circulation.

 

Start with an Alkaline Diet Today!

If you are guilty of consuming acid-rich food, fret not. You can definitely reverse the situation through alkalizing your body today. We will be able to enjoy a new lease of energy if we maintain the pH balance in our body. On top of that, another benefit of the alkaline diet is to remove the acidic environment that serves as the breeding ground of acidic toxins which will over time result in an onslaught of diseases. Nutritionists and medical doctors recommends a daily consumption of at least five servings of vegetables and green foods which are highly alkaline .

 

Affluence and technology have resulted in an epidemic of diet-related diseases. However, there is no need to remain pessimistic. Instead of blindness pursuit of wealth and fame, which will come to naught without good health, why not change your health for the better starting today?

We should all grab this opportunity and start incorporating the alkaline diet into our everyday life. It may be difficult to give up your favorite acidic foods at the start, but be assured that your efforts will pay off when you see your overall health being restored. Instead of consuming supplements and medicine, start with the root of the problem - diet. And the solution is to begin alkalizing your body by providing an alkaline environment for every cells and bodily functions in your body to thrive.

 

About the Author –Emma Deangela is one of the key authors for <a href="http://thealkalinediet.org">Alkaline Diet</a>. She loves to share her experience with her readers on tips to stay healthy, disease free, and how to lose weight the alkaline way.

Her alkaline diet newsletter is available at <a href="http://thealkalinediet.org/registration/”>http://thealkalinediet.org/registration/</a> if you would like to find out more about juicy alkaline diet tips and recipes.