Are You Taking Good or Bad Carbs?

Most of people I know who are on diet are basically conscious with their carbohydrates intake. When I was in Cebu, I usually take a van for hire when I have to go to the city. One day, an obviously on-a- diet 'fleshy' lady beside me at the front seat took out a pack of crackers and munch it while we are on our way. Perhaps the kind of look I threw at her gave her a hint of what was at the back of my mind and voluntarily told me along that she was indeed on a diet before I could even say a word, LOL!

It wasn't the first time for me to see dieters who only consider taking crackers as their first meal of the day infact, I have known quite a few... including myself. Yes, I tried this too before but it never really help because I can be very undetermined too sometimes. Did I feel bad about it? Yes, somehow... but now no more after what I have just learned about the bottom line of the whole thing...

Choosing good ones instead of taking the wrong or no carbs at all! Are crackers good carbs? Hmm... let's see!

CATEGORIZATION OF CARBOHYDRATES

A. Very Good Carbohydrates

• Aspargus, brocolli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, green beans, greens, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, palm hearts, green peppers, red peppers, spinanch, tomatoes, turnips, watercress and zucchini.

B. Good Carbohydrates

• Kidney beans and red beans (both rich in protein), apples, appricots, beans, beets, blueberries, cantaloupe, carrots, grapefruit, kiwi, lemons, lime, onions, oranges, peaches, pears, green peas, pineapple, prunes, raspberries, stawberries and water melon.

C. Medium Carbohydrates

• Bananas, bean sprouts, whole wheat bread, cherries, whole dark chocolate, cocoa, corn, grapes, muffin, baked potatoes, steamed potatoes and whole grain rice.

D. Bad Carbohydrates

• Cake, candy, caramel, cornflakes, crackers, croissant, honey, jam, milk, pancakes, pasta, pastry, pie, fried potatoes and potato chips.

From here I have learned that seeking for advice is still important and of great help all along, especiallyin deciding for important things in life.

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Kiss of the Sun

Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer as well as premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. In proper amounts however, the sun's rays can be good for your health.

 What are some of the good things about sunlight?

A lot!

To begin with, sunlight kills germs. That's why it is important to sun and air out blankets, quilts and other items that are not washed regularly and sterilized in an automatic  dryer.

Proper amount of sun also give the skin a healthy glow and help make it smooth and pliable. A moderately tanned skin is resistant to infections and sunburns that untanned skin.

Sunlight also elevates the mood of most people, producing a sense of well-being. Combined with active exercise, sunshine is an important adjunct in treating acute and chronic depressions. Remember, when depressed during cold and gloomy months, try to catch any possible ray of sunshine.

Sunlight also helps:

• enhance the immune system


• alleviate pain from swollen arthritic joints


• relieve certain symptoms of PMS


• some reports suggest that sunlight may also help lower blood cholesterol levels.

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Health Benefits of Sardines and Mackerel

According to a Japanese Health Researcher, mackerel and sardines can make your blood fresh and thinner, prevent heart attacks, and are also 1,500 times better than medicines?

To all the moms and housewives out there, here's an easy steps on how to prepare it yourself instead of buying canned sardines and mackerels at the nearby convenience stores or malls.

Just remove the intestines of fishes and place them inside the pressure cooker. Probably, 500 grams to 1 kilogram (1–2 lbs.) are reasonable quantity for a week of consumption. Add a tablespoon of salt, grated ginger, garlic, a cup of water, and other spices like few drops of sesame oil or olive oil. Put all together and cook for 45 minutes with the pressure cooker. That's it!

You can eat everything including bones and fish head. It is so soft and tasty. If you want to add some ketchup, you may put it together. They are so pleasant to eat on your meal or with sandwiches.

Eat at least once a day or every other day. If you can make your blood flow more easily and prevent unwanted blood clots, then you will be free from high blood pressure which makes it 1,500 times better than any medicines.

You can store the cooked fish in your refrigerator for about 10 days or more.


photo courtesy of yahoo flicker

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Angina

... an uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that occurs when your heart doesn’t get as much blood and oxygen as it needs.

High cholesterol can lead to partially blocked arteries, potentially leaving you with painful Angina. But there's something you can do to avoid it. Try these tips:

•  Slow down or take rest breaks, if angina comes on with exertion.


•  Avoid large meals and rich foods that leave you feeling stuffed, if angina comes on after a heavy meal.


•  Try to avoid situations that make you upset or stressed, if angina comes on with stress. Learn techniques to handle stress that can't be avoided.


• Eat a healthy diet to prevent or reduce high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and obesity. Supplement intake such as B17/amygdalin also help.


• Quit smoking, if you smoke.


• Be physically active, as directed by your doctor.


• Lose weight, if you are overweight or obese.


• Follow your doctor's orders and take all medicines as directed, especially if you have diabetes.

 

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Are You a Mindless Eater?

 

It's easy to do: You're on a movie marathon and before you knew it, you've polished off an entire bag of chips. New research says, the reason it can be difficult to eat healthily is that "hidden persuaders" can lead you into bad eating habits. To get rid of it, try these 7 simple steps to avoid mindless eating.

 

• Be aware of the size and shape of containers. It's the amount of food that counts, not what it looks like.


• Use smaller plates and bowls. Empty plates and bowls, even those of a smaller size, cue some people to stop eating.


• Read nutrition labels, paying attention to the serving size listed. Consider the facts; don't guess at how many calories you're eating.


• Look past the packaging. The wording on a food's package or the language on a menu can influence you to actually like a food better, increasing your risk of overeating.


• Keep visual reminders of how much you're eating. Keep wrappers, empty containers, bones, and other reminders of how much you've eaten nearby.


• Think about eating a meal that's healthier overall. Don't just focus on separate parts of the meal.


• Control your impulse purchases. Don't let signs encourage you to buy more than you need.

article source: everydayhealth.com

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Procrastination: Signs and Indications

Often I browse the web for tips and guides on how to do this and that. I got this thing I have been doing for a long time and don't even know how it's called until I've read signs of compulsive procrastination. Here, let me quote some of them - things that I exactly do when such situation strikes me.

You are compulsively procrastinating when...

1. You get a sudden strong desire to make a 3rd cup of coffee or to grab a snack

2. You become easily annoyed by clutter on your desk and without a further “adieu” you start cleaning out the drawers

3. You check your mail box every half an hour, so you will not miss an important email.

4. You have 20 tabs opened on your computer and probably including behringer b1800x.

5. Something “highly” urgent comes up and you feel that you must put everything else on hold.

Procrastinating is sure not a fun thing to do but Arina's Self Help Blog has it - fun ways to overcome procrastination.
Such an awesome read!

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The Importance of Sleeping and Waking Up Regularly

Wonder what’s going on inside your body system while you’re asleep? How about what your system does while waking up?

Read on….

Reasons for Sleeping and Waking Up Early.

Evening at 9 - 11pm: is the time for eliminating unnecessary/toxic chemicals (detoxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes). This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music. If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on health.

Evening at 11pm - 1am: is the detoxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 1 - 3am: detoxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 3 - 5am: detoxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the detoxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.

Morning 5 - 7am: detoxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.

Morning 7 - 9am: absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick. Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 - 10am rather than no meal at all.

Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals. Aside from that, midnight to 4:00 am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH, live life without limits!

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Costless and Effective Ways to Fight Depression

Depression -- I am personally very much prone into this. The problem is... I cannot distinguish whether it's a case-related or is it because I just chose to be unhappy and eventually get depressed... or could be both.

Study says one of the most destructive states for your mind and body is depression. Its triggering elements are infinite. Both external and inner factor often attack the mind and body together, making depression a profoundly negative aspect in our lives.

Here are few helpful, easy tips on how to conquer the negative mood and get the most joy out of our daily routine:

1. Go outside (Perhaps go shopping. Find mother’s ring designs for your mom or your wife.)
2. Get involved
3. Allow some time for relaxation
4. Balance your diet and take care of your fitness
5. Socialize

But with the new lifestyle I am having now, I have all the above mentioned considered “DONE!” :)

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Beauty Eats

7 Foods Every Woman Must Eat

Here's good-food news: The more you munch on healthy eats, the less you need to worry about Friday night's fat burger and fries. Harvard's medical school has found that women who routinely nibble nutritiously slash their risk of dying from the usual culprits, including heart disease and cancer. To up your odds of living a long and healthy life--despite occasional blow-outs --make sure you regularly include these 7 nutritional powerhouses in your diet.They're the cream of the healthy-foods crop.

1. BERRIES
Ounce for ounce, berries have more protective plant antioxidants than almost any other food. These compounds not only lower your disease risks, they help prevent memory loss. Since berries are high in fill-you-up fiber, they may also help curb weight gain.

(Other popular fruits that are rich in antioxidants are blueberries, kiwi and raspberry but since all these are seasonal apart from being quite expensive, local tropical fruits like oranges, citrus, lime and the most common banana would do.)

2. SALMON

Sure salmon is a prime source of omega-3s, the healthy fats that fend off heart disease and maybe more, but are you aware that a mere 3 ounces of the fish serves up 170% of your daily vitamin B12 and more than 80% of your D.

3. LEAFY GREENS

It's almost impossible to meet your nutritional needs without eating dark leafy greens, from spinach and romaine to collard greens and chard. They're huge sources of fiber; vitamins C and K; folic acid (a B vitamin that guards the heart and memory and fights birth defects); lutein, a vision protector; and four essential minerals: calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium.

(Other common fibrous leafy greens are lettuce, cabbage and the local pechay.)

4. WHOLE GRAINS

They have up to 96 percent more fiber, magnesium, zinc, chromium and vitamins E and B6 than refined grains. This nutritional powerhouse helps prevent the same health problems that refined grains help cause: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and even obesity.

5. NUTS

They're excellent sources of protein, magnesium, B vitamins and E--trusty fighters in the war against heart disease and cancer. Yes, nuts are high in fat calories, but their fat is the heart-healthy kind. Replace junky snacks with them and you won't gain an ounce.

6. GOLDEN VEGGIES

Just one serving of fiber-filled, deep-yellow-orange vegetables supplies five times the beta carotene you need daily to lower your cancer risk, defend against colds and other infections, and protect your skin from sun damage. The potassium in these veggies also keeps your heartbeat in sync and your blood pressure down.

7. YOGURT

Low- or no-fat plain yogurt is a terrific source of B vitamins, protein, calcium and --if it has active cultures--the healthy bacteria known as probiotics, which crowd out disease-causing germs.

The payback part? As one of the Harvard researchers would likely tell you, eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.

by Elizabeth Somer, RD.

RealAge

 

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Grapefruit Diet - For Real

Have a glass of grapefruit juice before your next cookie swap, and you may actually give away more goodies than you eat this year. When obese adults who were dieting ate half a grapefruit or drank a half cup of grapefruit juice or a half cup of water 20 minutes before each of their three daily meals, they all experience significant drops in weight, BMI and waist circumference, losing an average of 15 pounds over the course of 12 weeks, a Vanderbilt University study found. But the juice drinkers also reported less hunger compared with the water sippers. And – important for your heart – both grapefruit group (juice and whole fruit) experienced a significant jump in good HDL cholesterol, a boost that could make you healthier.

 

Source: Good Housekeeping Mag, March 2012 issue

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Make No Mistake

Do you wonder why water not calms the tongue after eating hot spicy food?

The spices in most of the hot foods that we eat are oily, and like what our high school science teacher taught us, oil and water don't mix. In this case, the water just rolls over the oily spices.To calm that aching tongue, try to eat bread. The bread will absorb the oily spices.

Or drink milk. Milk contains a substance called "casein" which will bind to the spices and carry them away.

And to those men (and women too) who can't get rid of alcohol, hmm... make no mistake about it. Alcohol may dissolve oily spices but mind you... drinking out of moderation can dissolve your liver too!

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Make No Mistake

Do you wonder why water not calms the tongue after eating hot spicy food?

The spices in most of the hot foods that we eat are oily, and like what our high school science teacher taught us, oil and water don't mix. In this case, the water just rolls over the oily spices. To calm that aching tongue, try to eat bread. The bread will absorb the oily spices.

Or drink milk. Milk contains a substance called "casein" which will bind to the spices and carry them away.

And to those men (and women too) who can't get rid of alcohol, hmm... make no mistake about it. Alcohol may dissolve oily spices but mind you... drinking out of moderation can dissolve your liver too!

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Myth or Fact

Myth or Fact! The 7 DON’T’s after meal according to health experts.

1. DON'T SMOKE - fact: the bad effect of smoking cigarette becomes ten times worse. The natural bodily absorption rate following a meal is heightened, magnifying the ill-effects of tobacco (nicotine) on our system.

2. DON'T EAT FRUITS IMMEDIATELY - myth: this will cause the stomach to bloat with air. This is not true. Fruits improve our digestion. However, there are people who have some degree of intolerance to fruits (fructose intolerance), who will have the sense of bloating after ingestion of fruits. In general, eating fruits right after a meal is good and well-tolerated by the body.

3. DON'T DRINK TEA - fact: it is high in tannic acid and would harden the protein and make it difficult to digest...But the rest of the statement is false. Tea, as a matter of fact, improves our digestion. It is a tonic that invigorates the brain, speeds up the circulation, and makes the stomach digest food easier.

4. DON'T LOOSEN YOUR BELT - this will cause your intestines to twist and get blocked up. The first part of the statement is a sound advice, but not for the reason given. Not loosening your belt after a meal makes you more conscious that your stomach is full enough, so you do not overeat. Also, the "normal tightness" of the belt provides one a natural "suck-in-the-abdomen technic" of controlling your waistline. It has been shown that sucking in the abdomen does help prevent "bulging waistlines," since sucking in the belly is nothing but an exercise to contract the muscles of the abdomen. The part about intestinal twisting and obstruction is false.

5. DON'T BATHE AFTER MEAL - myth: this will weaken the digestion. While taking a bath (especially a warm one) will divert some blood from the stomach to the skin, taking a bath after a meal will not significantly impair digestion. The general rule is: after a meal, do not do strenuous activities that will divert a lot of the blood away from the stomach, which needs "enough" blood for digestion. What's enough for one person may be different from another individual's physiologic need.

6. DON'T WALK AFTER MEAL - myth: the digestive system will be unable to absorb the food. Walking or strolling after a meal is not bad at all. It will help burn up some calories without significantly diverting blood from the stomach. Only strenuous physical and mental activities are discouraged immediately after a meal.

7. DON'T SLEEP IMMEDIATELY - food will not be digested properly and will lead to gastric infection. The first part is true: it is not healthy to sleep with a full stomach. Not that it will cause "bangungot" or pancreatitis (as another myth claims), but gastric distention can lead to some heart irregularity in some people. Habitually sleeping immediately after a meal will also increase the tendency to obesity. As far as gastric infection is concerned, that claim is false.

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Myth or Fact

Myth or Fact! The 7 DON’T’s after meal according to health experts.

1. DON'T SMOKE - fact: the bad effect of smoking cigarette becomes ten times worse. The natural bodily absorption rate following a meal is heightened, magnifying the ill-effects of tobacco (nicotine) on our system.

2. DON'T EAT FRUITS IMMEDIATELY - myth: this will cause the stomach to bloat with air. This is not true. Fruits improve our digestion. However, there are people who have some degree of intolerance to fruits (fructose intolerance), who will have the sense of bloating after ingestion of fruits. In general, eating fruits right after a meal is good and well-tolerated by the body.

3. DON'T DRINK TEA - fact: it is high in tannic acid and would harden the protein and make it difficult to digest...But the rest of the statement is false. Tea, as a matter of fact, improves our digestion. It is a tonic that invigorates the brain, speeds up the circulation, and makes the stomach digest food easier.

4. DON'T LOOSEN YOUR BELT - this will cause your intestines to twist and get blocked up. The first part of the statement is a sound advice, but not for the reason given. Not loosening your belt after a meal makes you more conscious that your stomach is full enough, so you do not overeat. Also, the "normal tightness" of the belt provides one a natural "suck-in-the-abdomen technic" of controlling your waistline. It has been shown that sucking in the abdomen does help prevent "bulging waistlines," since sucking in the belly is nothing but an exercise to contract the muscles of the abdomen. The part about intestinal twisting and obstruction is false.

5. DON'T BATHE AFTER MEAL - myth: this will weaken the digestion. While taking a bath (especially a warm one) will divert some blood from the stomach to the skin, taking a bath after a meal will not significantly impair digestion. The general rule is: after a meal, do not do strenuous activities that will divert a lot of the blood away from the stomach, which needs "enough" blood for digestion. What's enough for one person may be different from another individual's physiologic need.

6. DON'T WALK AFTER MEAL - myth: the digestive system will be unable to absorb the food. Walking or strolling after a meal is not bad at all. It will help burn up some calories without significantly diverting blood from the stomach. Only strenuous physical and mental activities are discouraged immediately after a meal.

7. DON'T SLEEP IMMEDIATELY - food will not be digested properly and will lead to gastric infection. The first part is true: it is not healthy to sleep with a full stomach. Not that it will cause "bangungot" or pancreatitis (as another myth claims), but gastric distention can lead to some heart irregularity in some people. Habitually sleeping immediately after a meal will also increase the tendency to obesity. As far as gastric infection is concerned, that claim is false.

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The Power of Banana

After reading this, you'll never look banana the same way again.

BANANA. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. 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.

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many health problems. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

So maybe it is now time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Continue Reading

The Power of Banana

After reading this, you'll never look banana the same way again.

BANANA. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. 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.

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many health problems. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

So maybe it is now time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Continue Reading