My Christmas Fruit

        Amazing!  This is how it looks like when you cut the papaya in half HORIZONTALLY.  Since there is already a star fruit (Balimbing) and star apple (Kaimito) so I call it Christmas fruit because the star is one of the most famous symbols of Christmas.

        Have a meaningful CHRISTmas and a healthylicious food!!!

       

Natural Beauty

        Physical beauty is fleeting says Proverbs 31:30 yet the Book of Solomon teaches that beauty should NOT be considered as unspiritual.

         
        It is just normal to look good.  But I have been hesitant to use cosmetic products ever since I became aware of its harmful ingredients like the parabens.  So why should I spend too much money on them if I can get plenty of natural ingredients from my very own kitchen that are cost-effective, gentle and safe. 

         
Here are some of my ingredients:

Calamansi – to lighten scars

Milk or Olive Oil – to soften skin

Honey – to diminish freckles

Egg White or Oat Meal – to tighten skin
Cucumber - to moisturize eyes

            
            I am also not a fan of cosmetic surgery.  In fact, I have never been to a derma clinic.  Something natural is always beautiful for me!

           
             Cory Quirino Cosmetic surgery is definitely NOT the key to maintain our good looks. Only in cases where there are natural deformities or damage to one’s features caused by accidents that cosmetic surgery becomes a necessity, says Ms. Cory Quirino.

            It is ok to go for physical beauty.  Just don’t forget to beautify your inside; to develop our inner character :))

La Tuna Saladier de LoiReel

            

            I have just invented my own salad recipe that I considered healthy despite the mayonnaise dressing.  

            Instead of meat, I use the low-cholesterol tuna that adds omega-3 fatty acids to our diet to help lower heart disease risk.  I prefer Century Corned Tuna in regular flavor.  It is tasty and convenient! – no need to sauté.

            I fondly call my kind of salad ‘La Tuna Saladier de Loireel’.  In English: The Tuna Salad of LawReal :)

Ingredients:   

                        (6-8 servings)

·        1 can (184g) Century Corned Tuna

·        200g Safoco multi-colored vegetable pasta (can be found at SM supermarket)

·        1small chopped onion

·        ½ of 180g Kraft Eden Cheese (shredded cheese)

·        ½ cup of minced carrots

·        1 small can of Delmonte pineapple tidbits

·        1/2 kilo mayonnaise

·        lettuce

·        chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

            Cook pasta in boiling water then drain.  Mix the salad recipe ingredients except the lettuce. Garnish with chopped parsley.  

            To serve, place lettuce leaf on plate then wrap the salad like a burrito and enjoy!

 

Wellness101 for the 1st Century

Event:	Wellness101 for the 1st Century
Time:         August 30, 2010, Tomorrow · 3:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:	Crossroad 77 - Mother Ignacia St., Quezon City
Speaker:	Rev. Butch  L.   Conde  (listen to his 15 years of health studies)
w/ Taichi presentation and cooking demo For more info pls. call 372-5407

The Top 5 Cancer-Causing Foods

           I started avoiding these foods AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE when I got this e-mail 2 years ago simply because it is scientifically true:

The top five cancer-causing foods are:

1. Hot dogs 

 
Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month.   If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.


2. Processed meats and bacon

 
Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease.   The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.


3. Doughnuts

 
Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble.   First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.


4. French fries

 
Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures.   They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process.   They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams .
 

5. Chips, crackers, and cookies

 
All are usually made with white flour and sugar.   Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.

RELATED ARTICLE:

Harmful Effects of Fast Food

Falling in love is healthy. Is it???

"Let (married) women be what God intended, a helpmate for man........."

- Queen Victoria -

        Marriage was designed and instituted by God when He intended Eve to be a helpmate for Adam.  That is why, “to love and being in love” is just normal and healthy.

        But why does a person being intoxicated by love experience or suffer from the following symptoms, not to mention heartaches symptoms (as evidenced by the thousands of popular love songs).   Is it really “healthy”???

1. Heart Palpitation (Heart Attack???)

My_Heart_Beats_Like_A_Drum

(by ATC)

Tonight it is right
Stars shine bright
I just really wanna be with you
I celebrate pray for that day
When all my wishes will be coming true

My heart beats like a drum - like a drum
Dam dam dam dam dam dam
And my feet step the beats like a drum
Dam dam dam dam dam dam

2. Sleepless Night (Insomia???)

 

Constantly

by MYMP

I knew it was there
Though I tried to hide it
The feeling just kept on shining through
Haven’t known you that long
So I try to deny it
But the feeling was much too
Much too strong

Could this be love
Deep down inside
Tearing me apart
I feel it in my heart

Constantly, you’re on my mind
Thinking about you all the time
I can’t sleep no matter what I do
I just keep on thinking ‘bout you

3. Absent mindedness / forgetfulness. (Alzheimer’s Disease???)

Lost In Your Eyes

Debbie Gibson :

 

I get lost in your eyes
And I feel my spirits rise
And soar like the wind..
Is it love that I am in?

I get weak in a glance
Isn't that what's called romance?
...And now I know
'Cause when I'm lost I can't let go

4. Shivering or trembling of hands/feet. (Parkinson’s Disease????)

5. Blushing (Leukemia????)

6. Constant Smiling (Bell’s Palsy???)

Mr. Dreamboy
By Sheryl Cruz

Ang isip ko'y litong-lito
Di ko alam ang gagawin
Hirap ako sa paghuli ng 'yong pansin
Kapag nasasalubong ka

Dibdib ko'y kakaba-kaba
Pati ang tuhod ko'y nanlalambot na rin.
Hayan na nga't sumulyap na
Ang mapupungay mong mga mata
Kasalanan ko ba ang mapatulala,
ha, ha, ha?

REFRAIN:
Mr. Dreamboy, Mr. Dreamboy
Ano kaya ang nasa isip mo?
Mr. Dreamboy, Mr. Dreamboy
Lagi kang nasa panaginip ko.

Doo'y kinakausap ka
At sweet na sweet kang talaga
Medyo may holding hands pa nga
Parang ayoko nang magising pa.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Pimple and Love: are they really relevant?

Bakit SINGLE and status ko at status mo?

10 Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights

    U.S. made NATURAL health products can be bought at Healthy Options store, hence this is where I buy my multi-vitamins, calcium, etc. During my most recent visit, I was issued a free magazine containing the following article. Now, I am seriously considering going to the gym!

10 Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights

by Elizabeth Quinn

1. You Will Be Physically Stronger.

……….weight training can increase a woman’s strength by 30 to 50%.

2. You Will Lose Body Fat.

……….average woman who strength trains 2 to 3 times a week for 2 months will gain nearly 2 pounds of muscles and will lose 3.5 pounds. As your lean muscles increases so does your resting metabolism, and you burn more calories all day long.

3. You Will Gain Strength Without Bulk.

……….women typically don’t gain size from strength training, because compared men, women have 10 to 30 times less of the hormones that cause muscle hypertrophy.

4. You Decrease Your Risk of Osteoporosis.

……….weight training can increase spinal bone mineral density by 13% in 6 months.

5. You Will Improve Your Athletic Performance.

6. You Will Reduce Your Risk of Injury , Back Pain and Arthritis.

………Strength training not only builds stronger muscles, but also builds stronger connective tissues and increases joint stability.

7. You Will Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease.

………weight training can improve cardiovascular health in several ways, including lowering LDL (bad) Cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.

8. You Will Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes.

…….. weight training can increase glucose utilization in the body by 23% in 4 months.

9. It’s Never Too Late To Benefit.

…......strength improvements are possible at any age.

10.You Will Improve Your Attitude and Fight Depression.

.........A Harvard study found that 10 weeks of strength training reduced clinical depression symptoms more successfully than standard counseling did.

RELATED ARTICLE:

Natural Ways to Stay YOUNG, ENERGETIC and SEXY

Pimple and Love: are they really relevant?

They say, the formation of pimple is a sign of being in love. It may be true since pimple occurs because of hormonal changes. Scientifically, the levels of testosterone in men in love are lower, while it is higher in women in love.

Menstrual cycle also causes changes in our hormone levels. So for the past few days, I have been bothered by the tiny pimples associated with menstrual period. But they have just healed, after treating them with vinegar and salt for 2 consecutive nights. There is no use in buying cream or gel with benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid. Truly, natural remedies can be found right in our own kitchen!

RELATED ARTICLES:

Natural Ways to Stay YOUNG, ENERGETIC and SEXY

The Benefits of Ginger

Natural Ways to Stay YOUNG, ENERGETIC and SEXY

“WHAT YOU LOOK ON THE OUTSIDE DEPENDS A LOT ON WHAT YOU DO FOR YOURSELF ON THE INSIDE.”

-Dr. Earl Mindell-
 

The cause of aging is the deterioration or the degeneration of cells. For that reason, the aging body and the mind both need maintenance just like any machine.

  

Cosmetic surgery is definitely NOT the key to maintain our good looks. Only in cases where there are natural deformities or damage to one’s features caused by accidents that cosmetic surgery becomes a necessity, says Ms. Cory Quirino. There are also cosmetic products nowadays that have harmful ingredients like the parabens.

Below are the NATURAL ways I have gathered to stay YES! - Young, Energetic , Sexy, and beautiful or handsome.

1. EXERCISE. - It delays aging and strengthens bones;

2. RELAX. – meditation (prayer and Bible) and relaxation are stress busters.

3. READ regularly and do crossword puzzles. – keep learning, it prevents memory loss.

4. SLEEP – 8 hours of sleep is enough for me.

5. WATER or buko juice/tea. – drink 8 glasses daily.

6. LAUGH a lot – the best medicine!

7. Proper DIET - Eat more Fiber. (vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes)

8. Right Supplements/Vitamins.

9. Steam (do not boil) or eat your veggies raw to preserve the vitamins.

10. Always wear a bright smile. - ANG MASUNGIT PANGIT! :)

In addition, according to the book “Vitamin Bible” by Dr. Earl Mindell, an American nutritionist, AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE we must keep away also from:

- fast food
- chocolates
- sofdrinks
- coffee
- excessive sugar
- junk food

Sleeping Beauty Has Insomia

    These past few weeks I was suffering from unfinished sleep insomnia (hhmm…I guess someone out there was thinking deeply about me, wish ko lang…sigh..)  It is a type of insomnia when you fall sleep quickly but wake up at 3a.m. or 4a.m. and can no longer back to sleep.

    But this morning, a bright smile adorned my face as i show up for my daily appointment with God for being able to finish my normal average 8-hour of sleep.   Getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep is part of my healthy lifestyle albeit I am an adult Thumbelina already.   Considering older people typically have trouble sleeping, I still recommend to have enough sleep since the body is gradually becoming weak.  Also, a power nap of 15-minute at noon can boost our memory and productivity during daytime.

    My beauty icon, forever young, Ms. Cory Quirino is an advocate of NATURAL remedies for wellness, health and beauty.  She is the grand daughter of our late President Elpidio Quirino.   In her numerous articles I have clipped from a certain newspaper, she suggested some various therapies to combat sleep disorder or insomnia the natural way.

Bedtime Habits
 

1. Do not take sleeping pills because they will only leave you irritable and restless the next day.

2. If you are not sleep in 10 minutes, get up and do something not intellectually stimulating, like sewing or watering plants hmmm.. I love to do both!
 
3. Use your bed only for sleeping. Don’t do your homework or office in it.
 
4. Go to bed only when drowsy. Free your mind of disturbing thoughts and worries.

5. Have a youthful lifestyle. Exercise!
 
6. Take a hot bath or soak bath.
 
7. Never go to bed hungry.
 
8. Drink a glass of warm non-fat milk or have a turkey dinner.
 
9. Do light relaxation or meditation. (Prayer and Bible) or imagine you are in your ideal or fantasy spot like Palawan and Boracay.
 
10. Take a vitamin mineral therapy.
 
11. Do the slow breathing exercise.
 
12. Eat a light dinner.
 

GOOD NEWS TO ALL SMOKERS!!!

GOOD NEWS TO ALL SMOKERS!!!

The Dragon Tobacco Corp., on its Golden Anniversary wishes to invite smokers of all ages to join its biggest anniversary sweepstakes draw, where every smoker is a sure winner. All smokers have the chance to win the following major prizes.

1^st Prize:

· A Brand New Cancer (Lung Cancer)

· Heart Disease

· Cerebral Tumor

· Paralysis Hypertension

2^nd Prize:

· Hepatitis, Meningitis

· Bronchial Infection Goiter

· Bronchitis

3^rd Prize:

· Sinusitis, Migraine

· Emphysema, Gingivitis

You can also have a chance to win Consolation Prizes such as:

· Tartar Deposit

· Bad Breath

· Stained Teeth

· Appetite Loss

· Swelled Gums

JOIN NOW!!!

Remember that the more sticks you puff, the more chances of winning! Our fabulous prizes are waiting for you!!!!.....YOU CAN BE THE NEXT WINNER.

HURRY!!! THIS PROMO IS LIMITED OFFER. SEE YOUR X-RAY RESULT FOR MORE DETAILS.

Good news!

Last year 2008, when carrot was not part my diet, my vision was 100/125. I am nearsighted but I try not to be a myopic person.

But today, I was so surprised when the optometrist told me I have 100/100 vision now. Whew! My sight has been improved after half a year of taking carrot juice or carrot shake in the morning. I wish it were possible to have 20/20 vision again. So now it is time to go to the supermarket to grab a sack of carrot!

Related Article:

Yacon and Carrot

Yacon and Carrot

Last night, inside a supermarket, I curiously asked a woman picking up sweet potatoes right beside yacon or yakon, if the latter needs to be cooked. She said it can be eaten raw. Then she asked what benefit we can get from yacon. I replied, “According to my cousin, who is a doctor, it is good for diabetes. I do not have such kind of disease, I only believe in a trite saying that PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.”

Yacon is high fiber and low sugar perennial plant. It is sometimes called apple of the earth or “ground apple” because its texture and flavour is similar to that of a fresh apple, watermelon and native turnip (singkamas) .

We were glad to discover that we both have the same church (Bread of Life Ministries http://www.crossroad77.com/). Then she confessed she has a malignant brain tumor. Her doctor said she may die anytime soon, it is only the sustaining grace of God that makes her able to do grocery shopping.  I suggested that consuming carrot regularly can help fight cancer.  I, myself, in the morning, drink carrot shake (with whey milk sometimes) or a cup of carrot juice blended with fruits like apple or banana and other vegetables at least thrice a week.

The high amounts of beta carotene of carrot that changes into Vitamin A in the body, helps eliminate cancer-causing free radicals. As we all know, Vitamin A is also essential for good eyesight. Deficiencies in Vitamin A can cause poor vision, including night vision. However, excessive carrot consumption (3 cups or 3 pounds of carrot juice a day) can cause hypercarotenemia, a condition in which the skin turns orange.

Take a closer look at a sliced carrot; it looks like a human eye, right? That is the wonder of God's creation!

       I suddenly remembered my cancer survivor friend who is using alternative medicine and from whom I have learned that although chemotherapy stops cancer cells from multiplying, it can also harm healthy cells in the body.

I got the woman's contact number.  I was teary-eyed as I bid her goodbye. I promised to pray for her. I was too concerned of her financial condition since she has a 2-year-old son and a husband who gave up his job to take care of her (what a loving husband!). She said God’s mercy nourishes them. At the age of 30, she is too young to die and her family, especially the little child, would definitely miss her. Likewise, she would not be able to continue the accomplishment of the mission of God that she was vigorously telling me.

My heavy heart still managed to thank God for that event which motivated me to be more enthusiastic in achieving a healthy lifestyle.

The Benefits of Ginger

I am very thankful to God because I have never been confined in a hospital and I do not wish it either.  I have been dealing only with minor ailments.

Indeed, the Lord has provided everything for us including the natural herbal remedies that are easily available and cost-effective yet gentle and safe.  That is why, every time cough, cold or migraine attack, I immediately exploit the benefit of ginger which is a well-known, common spice ingredients of kitchen. I usually take it as a sugar candy before going to bed. It gives me an instant antidote.

The pain due to headaches, muscle cramps, arthritis, comes mostly from inflammation— a protective response to destruction and swelling of tissues. For this reason, most people rely on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like “vitamin I,” aka ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, for aches and pains relief.

    But unfortunately, studies show NSAIDs have adverse effects and increase the risk of ulcers, bleeding in the stomach, strokes, heart attack, and kidney damage because it interferes with prostaglandins, the hormone-like compounds that play a role in a wide variety of physiological processes such as the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle, the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, control of blood pressure, and modulation of inflammation as defined by medicinenet.com.

    So say goodbye to NSAIDs and go for safe and tested Herbal Remedies!

Medicinal Uses of Ginger:

1. Ginger is an effective cure for congestion, cough and cold.

2. It promotes the release of bile from the gallbladder which aids the process

of digestion of lipids.

3. It may also decrease joint pain from arthritis.

4. Ginger compounds are active against a form of diarrhea.

5. It has been found effective treating nausea.

6. It may be useful for treating diabetes.

7. Ginger is a stimulant and carminative, and used frequently for dyspepsia and colic.