The Avocado Store

making avocados ripe

If I have 10 box of avocado and want to make them ripe in one night. What temp I should keep them?

Thanks.

I am not sure temperature would help it along so much. You could try to wrap them in a brown bag and put them in a dark place overnight. It works with other fruits. Good luck.

Have you been avoiding avocados because you’ve heard that they are high in fat? Well, it’s time to take another look at the avocado. Creamy, soft and delicious, avocados are rich in heart healthy monounsaturated fat, packed with 20 vitamins and minerals and low in calories. When you consider all of the nutritional benefits and think of all of the great ways they can be served, surely you will agree that avocados deserve a place at your table.

Heart-healthy fat?

Avocados have taken a beating because of their high fat content – In some circles they are known as a “butter pear”. Avocados do contain 30 grams of fat, but the fat in avocados is monounsaturated, the good fat recommended by the American Heart Association. Recent studies have shown that people eating an avocado a day for a week can lower blood cholesterol by as much as 17%, raise HDL or good cholesterol levels and lower LDL or bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Avocados, nuts and olives are the only plant foods that contain monounsaturated fat. A serving of avocado is 1 ounce - 2 tablespoons or about one-sixth of an avocado, and contains 5 grams of fat and 55 calories. But when you compare that to butter, cheese or mayonnaise, all weighing in at around 200 calories and 22 grams of fat per 2-tablespoon serving, avocados look pretty good. Plus, avocados are a delicious replacement for cheese and butter on sandwiches, in salads, on toast and with spicy foods.

20 Vitamins and Minerals

Avocados bring 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients to the table, making them a nutritional superstar. Naturally rich in their own right and full of vitamin E, vitamin C, folate and beta-carotene, avocados are also known to be a nutrient-booster, helping the body to absorb more of the nutrients in other foods when they are eaten with avocados.

How Do I Know When It’s Ripe?

Look for firm, slightly soft avocados. They tend to be more black then green when they are ripe. Avocados don’t start to ripen until after they are picked, so often hard avocados are all that is available. If they are hard when you buy them, put them in a paper sack for a day or two and let them ripen. Don’t store uncut avocados in the fridge, keep them on the counter on in a sunny window and use them within a day or two.

To store half of an avocado, replace the seed and store in an airtight bag or re-useable plastic container in the refrigerator. Storing the avocado with the seed will keep the flesh from turning black. Black avocado flesh won’t hurt you, it just isn’t very pretty.

So go ahead – make guacamole. Add avocados to your BLTs. Have a slice or two on your sandwich. Avocados are good for you!

About the Author:

Want more tips on saving your waistline along with your budget? Check out The Deceptive Diet for great results!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Healthy Benefits of Avocados

prawn avocado salad

It's been a popular misconception for a long time now that ingesting fat will MAKE you fat.  Unfortunately, this is not true and anyone subscribing to this theory is doing themselves a huge disservice.

Did you know that if you starve your body of fats, it will start to hang on to fat even harder, which makes it even harder for you to lose the fat on your body.  Don't kid yourself.  Dietary fat is not the same as body fat.  Nowhere even close.

That being said there is a huge difference between the types of dietary fat you can choose to consume.  Some are very harmful while others are highly beneficial.  The trick here is to avoid hydrogenated oils and trans fats at all costs.  As a matter of fact, the main rule of thumb is to avoid anything that's 'processed' and try to stick with oils and fats that are as close to their natural state as possible.

So, stop being freaked out about eating foods that contain fat, and start eating in a way that will not only help you in your fat loss goals but will make you a healthier person overall.

Here's some great foods that contain 'healthy fats' that you can incorporate into your diet.

Avocados

Avocados are full of oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat) which can help lower cholesterol.  They are also high in potassium and countless other vitamins and minerals.  They should be on the top of your eating list.  Add them to salads or smear the pulp on toast for a tasty treat.

Nuts

Raw nuts are also a great source of healthy fats, as well as many vitamins and minerals.  Don't make the mistake of buying the salted and roasted kind.  Usually they've been roasted in some kind of unhealthy oil, but just the act of cooking the nuts destroys some of the healthy properties otherwise found in raw nuts.  Keep them raw for full health benefits and to keep the healthy fats intact.  Some great ones are Almonds and Walnuts.  Use them in salads or snack on them alone or with fruit and vegetables.

Seeds

Similar to nuts, these are also chock full of healthy fats.  Again, don't get the roasted and salted kind.  Eat them raw.  They're great on salads, or even mixed in with your favorite yogurt to give it a little extra crunch.  Some fantastic seeds to incorporate into your diet are Sunflower, Pumpkin and Sesame seeds.

Flax Seed is also a great source of healthy oils.  You can buy Flax Seed Oil at almost any store these days, but one word of caution:  it is very unstable and can go rancid fast unless refrigerated.  ONLY buy it from a store that keeps it in a refrigeration unit and get it home and into your own refrigerator immediately to avoid spoilage.

Salmon

Salmon is absolutely full of omega 3 fish oil, which has been proven wildly beneficial to health as well as fat loss diet programs.  Make sure you're getting enough salmon.  Do yourself an even bigger favor and try to eat wild salmon as opposed to the farmed stuff whenever possible.  The wild salmon tend to have higher levels of omega 3 and other excellent nutrients.  If you aren't a fan of seafood, pick up some Krill Oil capsules in your local health food store.  You'll get the same great benefits from consuming your fish oil this way.

Other Seafood

Tuna is also a great source of healthy fats, but beware to eat only in moderation due to mercury counts.  Once a week is plenty.  Shrimp, prawns and other shellfish are also full of healthy fats but tend to be higher in cholesterol.  However, there is good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL) and unless you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol, I wouldn't worry too much about the cholesterol in shellfish.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil has long been given a bad rap as being high in trans fat.  However, this is one of the most healthy good fats you can ingest and happens to also be a very stable oil, which makes it ideal for cooking with.  So, don't be afraid of coconut oil anymore.  Turns out it's good for you.

Keep in mind as you incorporate these foods into your diet, that fat is more calorie dense than carbohydrates and protein so while you SHOULD be eating them, moderation is key so you don't accidentally sabotage your weight loss efforts.  Keep an eye on that caloric intake and keep it in check while adding these foods into your dietary mix.

Check out what Jackie's got to say about Mike Geary's Fat Burning Kitchen over on her health and fitness blog

About the Author:

Jackie Burgmann is a Registered Weight Trainer and Registered Personal Trainer who also runs a popular fitness-oriented video blog using the pseudonym Girlwithnoname at Girlwithnoname.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Dietary Fat is NOT Bad For You

The details of Diets

Anyone in diet grapefruit plan will not hesitate to call it a great diet plan fruit qualities - The freedom to eat as you like while in silence helps burn fat. So here are the instructions of the grapefruit diet.

Drink 8 glasses of water a day. A glass should contain 8 oz and by 8 glasses a dietician means that you need to drink 64 oz or 2 liters.

Eat till you are full without leaving or eliminating anything

Do not change the amount of grapefruit juice and its inclusion for all, as is the case that the burning of fat inflammation.

Do not change the quantity of grapefruit or its juice intake for anything as it is the thing that kindles the burning of fat.

Foods that are fried in butter are ok and you can use butter too. There are no restrictions on the meat.

Repeat the course in stretches of 12 days with a 2 days break thrown in.

Remember to show the grapefruit diet plan for at least 2 months to comply with reliable results.

Briefly Explain Sample Grapefruit Diet Plan

The heart healthy diet is distributed throughout the day. And every time you have to take grapefruit or its juice, the better the result of advance in all cases.

Grapefruit Diet Plan

Breakfast: Eat half a grapefruit or drink a glass of juice to break their fast. You can have two eggs and two slices of bacon, too.

Lunch: The same routine for the grapefruit goes with lunch. To the side and main dishes, you can have salad dressings, and certainly not as much meat as you want and in any style.

Dinner: Continue the half grapefruit or a glass for dinner routine. Here you can enjoy the luxury, spicy, vegetables, butter and red or green salad. Take advantage of meat or fish cooked in all kinds of needs. You can have a coffee or tea. Snack before bed: A simple glass of skim milk or tomato juice.

Remember if you choose to take grapefruit juice instead of the fruit itself, keep juice unsweetened as per the dictates of directions to diet. With the salad, you can enjoy the variety, for example, you can have spinach, celery, prawn, chicken, avocado and red onion alternately with your favorite salad. In addition, there are dos and don'ts to follow for the heart healthy grapefruit diet to give any result to you. You can consult your dietician for a detailed list. Here is a brief list

Dos of a good grapefruit diet plan: You can eat red onions, bell peppers, Radishes, Broccoli, Cereal Low-fat / fat free or diet salad dressings etc.

Don'ts of grapefruit diet plan: Mayonnaise, chilly, potato chips, white onions, cucumbers, any cheese, hot dogs, dill or bread / butter pickles etc.

About the Author:

Loss Weight Diet Guide - Providing diet resources such as articles, forums, and link directory - Diet That Really Work. We're also welcome all authors to come and submit their diet related articles.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Grapefruit - Number one natural and healthy diet

store avocado in fridge

How long does it take for an avocado to unripe?

Came back from the grocery store with some avocados, but they're still kinda hard. I like them mushy! How long will it take for them to soften up? Should I leave them in room temperature, or in the fridge?

Not in the fridge. Put them in a brown paper bag for a couple of days. That works very well.

What are the best fruits to put in a smoothie if I want to get the most antioxidants in one serving?

All fresh fruits are good options. Firstly, aim to consume at least two portions of fruit a day, but you can happily increase that to four.

I would also always suggest those that are in season. And, if you are looking to get the most value, then always go for variety. Remember fruits are also typically nutritious in a variety of other ways. They contain fiber, have vitamins and minerals that are not necessarily antioxidants, and have naturally occurring phyto-chemicals unique to foods.

The USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston has developed an assay called ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), which qualifies the antioxidant capacity of foods. Fresh blueberries have a high level of ORAC, 2 400 per 100g.

Bass Recipe

3 Medium ripe bananas
750ml low fat yoghurt
3 tablespoons honey
Blend together and store in the fridge
Makes 4 portions

Hangover Soother

Add:

4 large pieces of seeded watermelon
1 kiwi fruit (either juiced or blended without the skin, which adds more pulp)
Juice of half a lime
2 hulled strawberries, cut into eighths
Ice, to serve

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Garnish with a thin spear made from the watermelon rind.

Why? This mix contains ultra-hydrating watermelon, vitamin B3-rich kiwi fruit, vitamin C-packed lime and antioxidant-rich strawberries. Keeping the watermelon seeds in ups the antioxidant content further, plus watermelon is very high in vitamin A, great for a detox.

Immunity Booster

Add:

2 tbsp fresh grated ginger
Half tbsp cayenne pepper
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 green apple

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Why? Packed with warming spices to ward off bacteria. Ginger is a strong antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. It's also good for fever and headaches, while cayenne pepper's B vitamins, zinc and vitamins C and E ease sore throats.

Mood Lifter

Add:

Half mango pitted and peeled
8 fresh blueberries
1 tsp ground flax seeds
Juice of half a lemon
1 tsp omega-3 oils
Ice, to serve

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Garnish with lemon and fresh blueberries.

Why? By adding a teaspoon of oil as well as the natural oil of some ground flaxseeds you can help your body combat mood swings. Ground flaxseeds are a great source of B vitamins, protein, zinc and omega-3 essential fats that aid brain function and balance blood sugar levels, thus balancing your mood.

Stress Buster

Add:

8 leaves of fresh mint
2 quarter-slices of avocado, skinned
Half cup fresh roughly chopped fennel
1 cup pineapple juice (fresh if possible)
Ice, to serve

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint and a pineapple leaf.

Why? The mint in this 'breakfast drink' both soothes and stimulates, while the B vitamins in avocado, fennel and pineapple calm the nervous system. Fennel promotes the function of the kidneys and liver, while settling digestive system spasms associated with stress.

About the Author:

Sandra Prior runs her own bodybuilding website at http://bodybuild.rr.nu.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Health Benefits of a Smoothie

vegetarian avocado recipes

Sandwich Ideas?

I want to make some kind of a sandwich using this Avocado Hummus recipe I found.

take you r bread or tortilla, spread on hummus, add chopped onions, diced tomatoes,cheese, and maybe even alfalfa sprouts , thinly sliced cucumbers , or portabella mushrooms.

Eating healthy is essential nowadays, with some even embracing the vegan way of living. It's not easy to find delicious vegan recipes, especially if you're craving ethnic cuisine such as Mexican food. Though its not know to be the healthiest cuisine (with all the saturated fat and lard in most dishes) you may be surprised at how many key ingredients are actually healthy. A good example of the ingredients are staples such as beans, tomatoes, avocados, chillies, corn and peppers. These rich ingredients are packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. Combine these ingredients and a few more you will be able to create wonderful recipes like a healthy tostada. Tostadas are tortilla shells that have been toasted topped with bean, salsa, cheese and practically anything you want. To toast the shells brush them lightly on each side with your oil of choice (try olive or peanut oil) and place them on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 400. Bake them for about 3-6 minutes or until light brown.

These three recipes shows you the versatility of the dish. For those who are not Vegans, you can add shredded chicken, shredded pork and even seafood.

Tofu Tostadas

Ingredients
1 cake (8oz.) firm TOFU, diced
2 tbsp. Vegetable Oil
1 can(4oz) diced Green Chiles
1/2 tsp. Garlic Salt
12 Tostadas Shells
1 can Vegetarian Re-fried Beans
1/2 head Lettuce, shredded
1 cup shredded Longhorn Cheese
2 Tomatoes, diced
Sour Cream
Salsa

Directions
*In a pan set to medium heat, fry the tofu until slightly brown
*Add chillies and garlic
*Saute for 2 minutes and set aside

*Heat beans in a separate pan or in the microwave

*Spoon them evenly in tostada shells

*Add the lettuce, tomatoes, fried tofu with chillies and garlic

*Sprinkle cheese on the top

*a spicy salsa or sour cream sauce goes well with the tostadas

Tostada with Avocado and Cheese

Ingredients

4 8-inch corn tortillas for tostada shells
1 1/2 tbsp Olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp Vinegar
1 cup  lettuce, shredded
1 can Red Salsa
1/4 can  jalapeños, sliced
6 tbsp ripe avocado
1/4 cup Crumbled goat cheese or feta or shredded Monterrey Jack or Cheddar
12 Olives
1 can Refried beans
salt and pepper

Direction

*Mashed the avocados

*Heat re-fried beans in pan or microwave

*First layer: Spoon bean evenly on the tostada shells

*Second layer: Spoon avocado on the first layer

* Add in lettuce, jalapeños, and salsa over the avocado

*Season with salt and pepper

*Sprinkle with cheese and a splash olive oil

Spicy Bean and Feta Cheese Tostada

Ingredients

1 28 ounce can vegetarian baked beans
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp olive oil
4 8-inch corn tortillas for tostada shells
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped olives
3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Direction

* In a pan heat oil and saute onions

* Seasoned it with chili powere and cumin

*Add beans and saute them all together

*In a bowl, mix together tomatoes, olives, cilantro and cheese.

*Heat tostada shells

* Spread bean mixture and cheese mixture on the tostada shell

* Sprinkle more cheese if desired

About the Author:

Mateo Gomez is a mexican food lover, and the founder of Allaboutmexicanfood.com. Be sure to visit his site for more great tostada recipes.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Mexican Vegan Recipes: Tostadas

frozen avocado

How can i freeze avocados?

Yes, but peel them first, they will loose some of their flavor though when you freeze them

We eat to nourish our bodies and stay healthy and strong. But which food is best? That is, if you could survive on eating only one thing for the rest of your life, what would that perfect food be?

Here are the top contenders (in no particular order):

Blueberries — packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals, they are delicious. Widely available year-round fresh or frozen, they may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and colon cancer, plus they improve nighttime visual acuity and help fight aging by reducing wrinkles.

Avocadoes — provide more than 25 essential nutrients, including potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins, and folic acid. One serving (about one-fifth of a medium avocado) contains 55 calories, most of which come from monounsaturated fat, thought to help maintain heart health. They are also a great source of fiber.

Sweet potato — naturally sweet, low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals (including beta-carotene, vitamin C, manganese, copper, vitamin B6, potassium, and iron), the sweet potato is king. Note that the moist, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are NOT to be confused with yams, which are not related to sweet potatoes, and not usually found in local grocery stores.

Yogurt — has live cultures (probiotics), calcium, and B vitamins, which work together to help mitigate lactose intolerance, allergies, colon and breast cancer, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections. In addition, the calcium in yogurt helps reduce the chance of osteoporosis and keep our teeth strong. The protein helps our muscles to get stronger.

Salmon — a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids (more highly concentrated in the wild kind), salmon reduces inflammation and improves cholesterol levels, thereby reducing risk of heart attack and stroke.

Eggs — high in quality protein and essential fatty acids, they offer many ingredients needed to build and maintain strong health. Eggs also provide significant amounts of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Soybeans — found in foods like soy milk, soy sauce, miso (soybean paste), tempeh (which is kind of like a soy cake), and tofu, soy products provide a good source of protein (and healthy meat alternative), as well as iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, B vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, and fiber.

Whole grains — contain valuable antioxidants not found in fruits and vegetables. They also contain B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, and fiber. Their main benefits include heart disease and stroke risk reduction, and type 2 diabetes risk reduction.

Broccoli — packed with vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and phytonutrients, it is filling, high in fiber, and low in calories. It also contains many cancer-fighting antioxidants and can help prevent cataracts, heart disease, and arthritis.

Bananas — a sweet source of potassium (an electrolyte necessary for maintaining many functions in the body), vitamin C, and several amino acids, bananas make a wonderful addition to any meal of the day for all age groups.

Chocolate — perhaps most delicious of all, chocolate contains heart-healthy antioxidants called flavonoids, which may reduce damage to arteries by preventing the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. About one-third of the fat is monounsaturated, which can even slightly lower cholesterol. Additionally, it appears that cocoa (chocolate without the fat) has an aspirin-like effect, helping to prevent blood clots known to cause heart attacks. Also, new studies have shown cocoa may lower blood pressure and improve the body’s processing of sugar.

And the Winner is …

So, which food is most perfect? None of them! That’s right. Because our bodies cannot function without all essential nutrients, and no food exists that provides every single one, we could not possibly live on any one food.

Bon appetite!

- Robin Brett Wechsler

Modern Menus Staff Nutritionist
www.modernmenus.com

About the Author:

Modern Menus is a wellness company dedicated to designing nutritious meal plans for health conscious families. Modern Menus offers delicious yet easy and quick-to-prepare recipes written by our staff nutritionist, as well as a fully customizable grocery list, nutrition articles, healthful hints and advice, an “Ask the Nutritionist” column, and more.

Modern Menus also publishes a free weekly newsletter with current nutrition news, valuable tips, and dinner suggestions.

Modern Menus is independent and unbiased, and therefore is a subscription-based service. Modern Menus does not promote specific products, nor do we subject our users to unsolicited advertising.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - In Search of the Perfect Food

recipe grapefruit avocado salad

Well for all you basic seaweed enthusiasts most will know right off the bat when someone mentions the word kelp or irish moss. These seem to be the two most common forms of edible seaweed available today. But for those wishing to expand their seaweed horizon to a new level then there are some new forms of seaweed now fresh in stock on our shelves at Florida Herb House or http://www.sharpweblabs.com.

We are excited to welcome four new premium wildharvested seaweeds, (HiJiki, Arame, Applewood Dulse, and California Sea Palm), to our herb stores. While not a common to their kelp brothers and sisters these seaweeds deliver as promised. Whether you are cooking a fine cuisine dish or simply want to reap the most vitamins and minerals per ounce then have a look at these.

Hijiki is a seaweed, similar to arame seaweed. Hijiki is a black, slightly bitter tasting seaweed and is sold dried in short course strips. Hijiki is best used in dishes that require slow cooking. The Okinawa people simmer hijiki with soybeans and vegetables. They soak the soybeans and hijiki overnight. Hijiki like other seaweeds is a rich source of iron, protein, calcium, zinc and iodine. Hijiki is also a good source of Lignans which are beneficial with respect to cancer.

Arame is a good introduction to seaweed because of its mild taste. It blends well with other flavors and is a rich source of iron. Arame can be steamed, sauteed, added to soup, or eaten in salads. Arame and all other seaweed, is a rich source of calcium, zinc and iodine. It is also a good source of Lignans which help fight cancer.
Because it comes from the sea, seaweed contains sodium. It should be avoided by anyone on a sodium-restricted diet. Wakame has the highest sodium content, with kelp having significantly less.

Our Applewood dulse is smoked in a applewood scent and is truly remarkable. This dulse from the northern Atlantic is high in protein, iron, B-12, chlorophyll, enzymes, and fiber. Great raw, right out of the bag. Snip pieces and add to salads, eggs, or grains. Make an Almond-Waldorf Salad (recipe on package). Fry it for a vegetarian DLT sandwich!

Our California Sea Palm is in stock and ready for you to try. Similar to Kelp but different in taste this is a must try. A northern California treasure, noodle-like sea palm becomes a favorite of anyone who tries it. Enjoy its mild flavor. For a gourmet treat, cover ¼ oz sea palm with water, simmer for 5 minutes. Allow to cool. Peel sections of 1 grapefruit and toss with slices of 2 avocados. Add sea palm whole or in pieces. Sprinkle liberally with sea salt or table salt. Exotic!

Sincerely,

Stephen C. Sharp

Florida Herb House

About the Author:

Born and raised in the outskirts of Boston, Ma. With a deep backround in herbal nutriton I offer advice and tips on many natural remedies using only natural herbs and spices. See our discounted organic herbs and spices at www.SharpWeblabs.com and www.FloridaHerbHouse.com or visit our retail store in Port Orange, Florida!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Try Some Seaweed Salad For A Change!

Hypothyroidism is the disease in which, the thyroid gland is less active and so produces less hormone called thyroxin. Thyroxin hormone is an important factor for body’s anabolism and catabolism combine known as metabolism. Metabolism regulates the body’s entire system and controls the repair, growth and protection of the body tissues/cells.

There are lot many reasons for developing hypothyroidism and once it attacks a person, it is then quite difficult to manage it fully unless you take regular pills. Patients with hypothyroidism often get confuse what to eat and what not to as they are given the list of 'contraindicated’ foods in their diet by their dieticians and doctors.

It is not that a person with hypothyroidism will not have any recipes. Here are some of the recipes those are mouthwatering and still good for the diseased condition.

The Magic Pasta

Those who are pasta lovers, they can enjoy this dish with great pleasure. All you need is to follow the below method,

Ingredients

3 cloves of smashed and minced garlic 3 large ripe tomatoes Anchovy paste ¼ extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper (as per your requirement) Whole-wheat pasta Fresh chopped holy basil Little pecorino cheese Chili flakes

Method:

Make thick slice of tomatoes and put a small dab of anchovy paste on each slice. Top it up with a bit of garlic and pinch of salt and pepper. Now place in glass oven dish. Pour olive oil over the top and bake in 350-degree oven for about ½ hour. Cook pasta until al dente and drain it. Take off the tomato stuff and empty into the empty pot. Put pasta in and toss to coat and the dish is finished when you top the entire material with basil and little fresh pecorino cheese. For spice lovers, put a pinch of chili flakes for seasoning.

Scrumptious salad

Ingredients

1 tsp grated orange peel 2 oranges, peeled and well sliced (seedless) 20 oz unsweetened pineapple chunks ½ cup of sour cream (strictly fat-free) 1 tbsp brown sugar 1 grapefruit (peeled and sliced finely) ¼ tsp grated ginger 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg ¼ cup chopped and toasted pecans 6 cups of torn leaf lettuce Grilled chicken breast (chopped and optional) 2 tbsp milk (strictly fat free) 1 avocado (peeled and sliced)

Method

Combine the oranges, pineapple, and grapefruit into a large bowl. Cover them all and place it into the refrigerator. In another bowl, take sour cream, milk, brown sugar, orange peel. Add ginger and nutmeg. Cover the entire mixture and place this too into the refrigerator.

Let them be in the condition for about one hour.

Divide lettuce and avocado that they can serve in six salads plates. Decorate fruit over the lettuce. Drizzle salad with dressings. You can simply sprinkle with nuts or for non-vegetarians add chicken to it.

These recipes are good to have, as they are rich in Vitamins and minerals that rejuvenate the body. However, it is always advisable for the patient with hypothyroidism to consult dietician before they jump into any newer dish.

Related Articles:

Hypothyroidism and menstrual disorders

What is your hypothyroidism diet?

Top Thyroid Supplements

About the Author:

Please Visit Thyroid Guide for more information

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Recipes for Hypothyroidism

avocado hdl

Have you been avoiding avocados because you’ve heard that they are high in fat? Well, it’s time to take another look at the avocado. Creamy, soft and delicious, avocados are rich in heart healthy monounsaturated fat, packed with 20 vitamins and minerals and low in calories. When you consider all of the nutritional benefits and think of all of the great ways they can be served, surely you will agree that avocados deserve a place at your table.

Heart-healthy fat?

Avocados have taken a beating because of their high fat content – In some circles they are known as a “butter pear”. Avocados do contain 30 grams of fat, but the fat in avocados is monounsaturated, the good fat recommended by the American Heart Association. Recent studies have shown that people eating an avocado a day for a week can lower blood cholesterol by as much as 17%, raise HDL or good cholesterol levels and lower LDL or bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Avocados, nuts and olives are the only plant foods that contain monounsaturated fat. A serving of avocado is 1 ounce - 2 tablespoons or about one-sixth of an avocado, and contains 5 grams of fat and 55 calories. But when you compare that to butter, cheese or mayonnaise, all weighing in at around 200 calories and 22 grams of fat per 2-tablespoon serving, avocados look pretty good. Plus, avocados are a delicious replacement for cheese and butter on sandwiches, in salads, on toast and with spicy foods.

20 Vitamins and Minerals

Avocados bring 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients to the table, making them a nutritional superstar. Naturally rich in their own right and full of vitamin E, vitamin C, folate and beta-carotene, avocados are also known to be a nutrient-booster, helping the body to absorb more of the nutrients in other foods when they are eaten with avocados.

How Do I Know When It’s Ripe?

Look for firm, slightly soft avocados. They tend to be more black then green when they are ripe. Avocados don’t start to ripen until after they are picked, so often hard avocados are all that is available. If they are hard when you buy them, put them in a paper sack for a day or two and let them ripen. Don’t store uncut avocados in the fridge, keep them on the counter on in a sunny window and use them within a day or two.

To store half of an avocado, replace the seed and store in an airtight bag or re-useable plastic container in the refrigerator. Storing the avocado with the seed will keep the flesh from turning black. Black avocado flesh won’t hurt you, it just isn’t very pretty.

So go ahead – make guacamole. Add avocados to your BLTs. Have a slice or two on your sandwich. Avocados are good for you!

About the Author:

Want more tips on saving your waistline along with your budget? Check out The Deceptive Diet for great results!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Healthy Benefits of Avocados

Cholesterol is a wax-like product that is present in the cell membranes of body tissues and is carried in the blood plasma. It is a sterol; a combination of alcohol and steroid and is also called atherosclerotic plaque. The body must have cholesterol in order to form and sustain cell membranes, help with the production of bile and helps with the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins. Over time, cholesterol builds up on the artery walls and this condition is known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis was thought to be an affliction of the elderly until the 1950's when American pathologists were sent to Korea by the Pentagon to study the bodies of servicemen who died during the conflict. They autopsied around 2000 soldiers and found that about seventy five percent had waxy, yellow deposits on the walls of their arteries; a stunning statistic considering the average age of the soldiers was 21. Their findings astonished the scientific community as it highlighted the onset of heart disease in the very young. bad andHDL Cholesterol There are two separate types of cholesterol; low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). HDL is commonly known as 'good' cholesterol and LDL is labeled as 'bad' cholesterol. LDL has been markedly linked with heart disease, whereas HDL is thought to reduce the chance of a heart attack. It has been estimated that approximately 25% of Americans are at risk from heart disease due to atherosclerosis, and around one tenth have such high levels that doctors are left no choice than to prescribe cholesterol reducing drugs. Foods that Lower LDL Cholesterol There are a number of foods which are believed to noticeably lower LDL cholesterol. Fiber-rich foods are said to be particularly beneficial and will not only lower 'bad' cholesterol, but also help the bowel to function properly, lowering the risk of colon and bowel cancer. There are many other foods that can help the body fight back against these dangerous deposits.

• high fiber foods, particularly oat bran, barley and wheat bran.
• Beans and pulses are high in fiber and low-fat. They also contain lecithin, a nutrient that reduces cholesterol.
• Avocado contains prolific amounts of monounsaturated fat, which helps to reduce bad cholesterol and has many other health benefits including anti-cancer properties
• Raw carrots are rich in pectin that is renowned for minimizing cholesterol. There are a number of fruits that also contain pectin, including; apples, citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries and other red or black berries
• Shitake mushrooms are widely used by the Japanese and include a material called lentinan, which not only lessens cholesterol, but is also thought to be anti-cancerous and may help to increase the immune system
• Garlic is a super food and is well known for its blood-thinning properties. It also contains a substance allicin which is thought to prevent the body from retaining bad cholesterol and research has shown that the equivalent of one clove per day can lessen ldl cholesterol by ten to fifteen% in the majority of people
• Root ginger has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and has numerous health benefits. It can be added to stir-fry's (using healthy sesame oil) and other vegetable dishes
• Nuts are naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids and are known to significantly reduce blood cholesterol; walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds are especially beneficial
• Sesame seeds are high in phytosterols. These compounds are said to substantially lessen LDL cholesterol. Other foods containing phytosterols include; celery, lettuce, asparagus, spinach, tomatoes, ginger, squash and strawberries
• Safflower, canola, soybean, and olive oil are monounsaturated and are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Research indicates that they can decrease atherosclerotic plaque by up to 15% when eaten regularly
• Salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel contain considerable amounts of omega-3 fatty acids
• Prunes are a wonderful source of antioxidants and fiber, which is known to minimize bad cholesterol
• Alfalfa sprouts contain a substance called saponin, which is thought to slow the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries

If you have high cholesterol or a family tendency towards atherosclerosis it is best to avoid processed and prepared foods, fried food, food containing animal fats or animal products, high-fat dairy products and food containing either saturated fat or trans fats. Research has revealed the key to lowering bad cholesterol is a healthy, balanced diet that incorporates plenty of soluble fiber and at least 5 servings of fruit or vegetables a day. This combined with regular cardio exercise should help keep the heart healthy and provide many other health benefits as well.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tasty Ways to Get Rid Of Cholesterol With Out Prescriptions

green avocado ripe

I bought a huge Florida Avocade? When is it ripe?

the skin is smooth ans green and it is hard as a rock. I have never had this type of avocado, when is it ripe? does it taste the same as regular?
I press the end.... and what???

You need to wait until is somewhat soft, not mushy, but when you can push it and it gives a bit. I prefer the smaller hass avacados from California, they are creamier and have more flavor than the big ones from Florida.

It goes without saying that the earliest food for any baby, including a vegan baby, is breast milk. It benefits your baby\'s immune system, offers protection against infection, and reduces the risk of allergies. Be especially careful that you are getting enough vitamin B-12 when breastfeeding. Also, ensure your infant receives at least 30 minutes of sunlight exposure per week to stimulate the body to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D, since human milk contains very low levels.

The iron content of breast milk is also generally low, no matter how good the mother\'s diet is. The iron which is in breast milk is readily absorbed by the infant, however. The iron in breast milk is adequate for the first 4 to 6 months or longer. After the age of six months, it is recommended iron supplements are introduced.

Soy milk, rice milk, and homemade formulas should not be used to replace breast milk or commercial infant formula during the first year. These foods do not contain the proper ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrate, nor do they have enough of many vitamins and minerals to be used as a significant part of the diet in the first year.

Many people use iron-fortified infant rice cereal as the first food. Cereal can be mixed with expressed breast milk or soy formula so the consistency is fairly thin. Formula or breast milk feedings should continue as usual. Start with one cereal feeding daily and work up to 2 meals daily or 1/3 to 1/2 cup. Oats, barley, corn, and other grains can be ground in a blender and then cooked until very soft and smooth. These cereals can be introduced one at a time. However, they do not contain much iron, so iron supplements should be continued.

When baby becomes used to cereals, fruit, fruit juice, and vegetables can be introduced. Fruits and vegetables should be well mashed or puréed. Mashed banana or avocado, applesauce, and puréed canned peaches or pears are all good choices. Mild vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, and green beans should be cooked well and mashed. Grain foods such as soft, cooked pasta or rice, soft breads, dry cereals, and crackers can be added when baby becomes better at chewing.

About the Author:

To learn about growing watermelon and ripe watermelon, visit the Watermelon Facts website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Food To Feed A Vegetarian Child

avocado as baby\'s first food

The different food groups your baby needs

Your baby needs many different food groups for a balanced, healthy diet. These food groups are:

• carbohydrates

• proteins

• fats

• vitamins and minerals.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the group that provides essential energy. It gives your baby immediate energy and helps to keep him or her active and healthy. In the first few months of your baby’s life, all your baby’s energy needs will be provided by lactose, a carbohydrate found in breast milk or infant formula.

Once your baby moves onto solids and reduces their dependence on breast milk or formula, their

source of complex carbohydrates will be derived from starches such as pasta, bread, potatoes,

cereals and rice. Fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes and vegetables such as carrots,

peas and sweet potatoes all contain carbohydrates. If your baby enjoys a variety of these foods he or she will get all the carbohydrates they require for rapid growth and an active day.

Carbohydrates are also present in sugary foods, such as lollies, biscuits, jams, chocolate, soft

drinks and cordials. Beware of these options! They are extremely high in refined sugars, have no

nutritional value, cause tooth decay, can lead to a craving for sugar and possibly obesity. Please

steer clear of all of the above!!

Protein

Protein is the main material that the body needs for growth development and also keeps the body

in a good state of repair. Babies need more protein than adults due to the fast growth of the

basic body tissues such as the brain, muscles, blood and skin, particularly in their first few years. Animal protein is obtained from meat, fish, eggs and dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt. Vegetable protein is obtained from cereals, nuts, lentils, pasta rice and root vegetables.

Fibre

Fibre is another food group your baby needs, as it encourages good digestion and keeps us

regular! Fibre or roughage is found in fruits and vegetables, wholemeal and wholegrain breads

and cereals and nuts.

Fats

Fats are another important group to include in your baby's diet. Smaller amounts of fat is needed

compare to the other food groups, however, they are an important part of your baby’s diet as

they are a source of essential fatty acids and vitamins. The fat stored by the body will protect your baby from heat loss. There are many different kinds of fats, such as saturated fats,

polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. Saturated fats come from animals, while

polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are found in avocados, which is one of the first solid

foods your baby will probably eat.

Vitamins and minerals

Your baby requires many vitamins and minerals for healthy development. In summary, a varied,

healthy diet will provide your baby with all the vitamins and minerals they need.

Minerals such as calcium, essential for healthy bones and teeth, is found in dairy products and

leafy green vegetables. Iron is found in commercially prepared rice cereal, red meat and some green vegetables.

Salt or sodium is found in vegetables, fluoride is provided by our water supply and magnesium is

found in cabbage and potatoes. Phosphorous is found in breast milk and formula, whilst

potassium, essential for maintaining water balance and muscle and nerve activity, is found in

bananas, a great favourite of many babies (and their mums). Your baby requires many vitamins, especially vitamins C and A. Vitamin C is found particularly in citrus fruits, whilst vitamin A is found in yellow, green and orange fruits and vegetables.

For more information about food groups, refer to the information pages found at
www.yummybeginnings.com

About the Author:

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Your Baby Needs Many Different Food Groups for a Balanced, Healthy Diet

It goes without saying that the earliest food for any baby, including a vegan baby, is breast milk. It benefits your baby\'s immune system, offers protection against infection, and reduces the risk of allergies. Be especially careful that you are getting enough vitamin B-12 when breastfeeding. Also, ensure your infant receives at least 30 minutes of sunlight exposure per week to stimulate the body to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D, since human milk contains very low levels.

The iron content of breast milk is also generally low, no matter how good the mother\'s diet is. The iron which is in breast milk is readily absorbed by the infant, however. The iron in breast milk is adequate for the first 4 to 6 months or longer. After the age of six months, it is recommended iron supplements are introduced.

Soy milk, rice milk, and homemade formulas should not be used to replace breast milk or commercial infant formula during the first year. These foods do not contain the proper ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrate, nor do they have enough of many vitamins and minerals to be used as a significant part of the diet in the first year.

Many people use iron-fortified infant rice cereal as the first food. Cereal can be mixed with expressed breast milk or soy formula so the consistency is fairly thin. Formula or breast milk feedings should continue as usual. Start with one cereal feeding daily and work up to 2 meals daily or 1/3 to 1/2 cup. Oats, barley, corn, and other grains can be ground in a blender and then cooked until very soft and smooth. These cereals can be introduced one at a time. However, they do not contain much iron, so iron supplements should be continued.

When baby becomes used to cereals, fruit, fruit juice, and vegetables can be introduced. Fruits and vegetables should be well mashed or puréed. Mashed banana or avocado, applesauce, and puréed canned peaches or pears are all good choices. Mild vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, and green beans should be cooked well and mashed. Grain foods such as soft, cooked pasta or rice, soft breads, dry cereals, and crackers can be added when baby becomes better at chewing.

About the Author:

To learn about growing watermelon and ripe watermelon, visit the Watermelon Facts website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Food To Feed A Vegetarian Child

making avocado baby food

Is it safe to feed a baby avocados?

I want to make some baby food and I heard that avocados are real rich in nutrients, but are they safe?
she's almost 7 months old =)

Yes absolutely! As long as your baby is 6 months or older, avacado can be a part of his/her diet. It is high in healthy fats and protein that babies need for their brain development

Few people eating their morning oatmeal or digging into their lunchtime sandwich give a thought to the vitamins and minerals they’re about to absorb. But every food we eat contains some of these essential elements so vital to sustaining our health and life. During pregnancy, their mission becomes even more important, as they fuel the needs of two bodies.

Expectant mothers need to take in more of these vitamins and minerals than ever before. Although prenatal vitamins can be a good source, expectant mothers can benefit even more from the foods they choose. Pregnancy food refers to those foods which contain the vitamins and minerals an expectant mother will have most need of during her pregnancy.

Here you will find a short list of vitamins and minerals most commonly in demand during pregnancy, and the foods you will find them in. True pregnancy food;

Vitamin A

Broccoli, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, oatmeal and whole grains, cantaloupe, apricots, and dairy products are high in vitamin A. Truly deserving to be called pregnancy food. Unlike supplements, you can’t get too much vitamin A from your diet.

B Vitamins

Meat and dairy are good sources of a wide variety of B vitamins. Vegetarian sources include oatmeal and whole grains, beans, peas, nuts, brown rice, potatoes and tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, asparagus, leafy green vegetables. Also, most fruits are included. And avocados, bananas, oranges and grapefruits are a good source of folic acid as well. Good pregnancy food, all of them.

Vitamin C and E

While the importance of vitamin C and E can not be overstressed, nature is efficient, and you will generally get what you need from those groups listed above. Don’t count out nuts and seeds as a good pregnancy food; they are an excellent source of vitamin E and essential fats.

Vitamin D

Get some sun. You may not particularly feel like it at this time but try to get a little sun each day, weather permitting. Your body will take care of the rest. You can also find D in fortified skim milk, egg yolks, and sardines. More about fish as pregnancy food, in a minute.

Calcium

Almonds, dried figs, broccoli, sardines and canned salmon with the bones are good sources of calcium.

Iron and Zinc

Eating dark meat turkey or beef can be a good source of both iron and zinc. Oatmeal contains both as well.

Fish as Pregnancy Food - The Good and the Bad

Eating fish, particularly oil rich varieties such as salmon, trout, and sardines is good for you, especially during pregnancy. The oils in fatty fish contain particular omega3 fatty acids not found naturally in other foods that are essential pregnancy food for the healthy development of brain, retina, and nervous tissue of your child.

Omega3’s must be obtained from foods because the body cannot make them from other fats.

Although fish is a pregnancy food must, it may contain contaminants such as mercury, among others, that are harmful to your developing baby. The thing to know here is that the larger varieties of fish are the ones carrying the highest contents of mercury. If you stick to salmon, farmed trout, herring and sardines, you are generally safe although you want to eat these in moderation. Twice, maybe three times a week at most. You may also enjoy shellfish if you desire. They are known to be low in contaminants, but they offer less omega3 as well.

Remember to eat small and often, this will keep your blood sugar levels steady. If you need to cheat on your diet to stay sane, try to keep it down to one day out of the week. Stick to the right pregnancy food and receive a healthy, happy child. And don’t forget, it will make it that much easier to get back into shape after delivery.

About the Author:

Copyright 2008 John Franco. John Franco has been directly involved in the Health and Fitness Industry for close to thirty years. To learn more about pregnancy food and take the mystery out of how you should be eating to permanently strip fat, increase energy and maintain good health, visit http://www.fatfreemommy.com and claim your Free Guide, "Learn The Secrets That Weight Loss Companies Don't Want You To Know."

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Pregnancy Food – Foods an Expectant Mother Should be Concentrating on

avocado nutrition carbs

1. Stay away from fat

Get rid of any visible fat from your food. As much as possible, steer clear of oily and fatty foods like French fries, fried chicken and hamburgers. Fast food meals should be limited or eliminated completely. It is important that you consume foods that come from organic or natural products, since preparation also involve less preservatives and additives that can be fattening.

When getting protein, take from healthy sources like chicken breasts, turkey, fish, tofu and non-fat milk or yogurt. You may eat red meat but only limitedly and in lean cuts. When preparing food, try to consume only those that are boiled, broiled, grilled or steamed. Limit roasted, fried or deep-fried foods. It is ideal to cut away fat from meat before it is cooked. Take off the skin from chicken after cooking to maintain the flavor without the fat. Also limit intake of processed goods, pastries and cakes.

2. About carbohydrates

When consuming carbohydrates, it is important to know that these are divided into complex and starchy. Complex carbs are good for the body since it helps in digestion and keeps you full for hours, preventing hunger pangs and food binges. Some great examples are yams, brown rice and whole wheat bread. Starchy carbs should be limited, since these can easily be converted into fat. Some starchy carbs include potatoes, white bread and cakes.

3. The good fats

Some types of food are rich in HDL or high density lipoprotein which effectively eliminates cholesterol and fat. You get to protect your heart and other internal organs as well. Some of the examples of foods with healthy fats are almonds, walnuts, tuna, avocado and olive oil.

4. Eat more fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that help slash fat, as well as assist in functions that eliminate cholesterol in the body. However, you have to be careful about their glycemic index to prevent excess weight gain. Some of the ideal fruits and vegetables include bananas, apples, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus.

It is also good to consume meals more frequently and in smaller volumes. Invest in a small weighing scale so you can measure the contents exactly, for faster weight loss.

About the Author:

"Free 47 minute fat loss video reveals how to lose weight without counting calories. Download your copy at http://FreeNakedNutritionVideo.com. Andy Atlas is a fitness nut and writer. He lost 58lbs though a system called Naked Nutrition and has been hooked on writing about diet and weight loss ever since. Check out http://FreeNakedNutritionVideo.com to see more about the diet program he used."

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You're probably aware that the foods you eat are very different from those eaten by your grandparents. What determines how "food styles" change? Agricultural trends, food storage, and distribution methods all have some effect, but a big determinant is simple fashion. It's no longer fashionable, for example, for a woman or man to display wealth with girth. It made cultural sense, once upon a time, to achieve status, with the evidence of rich and lavish meals. The lean and hungry peasant would look with longing at the tubby lord. Today that trend is fully reversed: for years now people have believed that you can never be too thin or too rich.

In addition to fashion, there are practical reasons for a constantly changing and diverse national diet. A farmer, faced with a day of work from sunrise to sunset, is going to have nutritional needs that differ substantially from those of stockbroker or a bank teller. The latter simply don't need the greater amounts of fuel required by a body that's doing hard labor.

The great nutritional challenge we face today can be simply stated. Our optimum diet has two principles that seem diametrically opposed: we need to get high levels of nutrients (to keep our bodies functioning well while helping them to fight the effects of disease, aging, and pollution), and we need to achieve this in fewer and fewer calories (to avoid excess weight that affects our appearance and our health).

These needs force us to scrutinize our foods in a new way. It we want to achieve optimum health and longevity we have to think about nutrients per calorie.

Nutrients per calorie is the basic cost/benefit analysis we have to keep in mind when we choose foods. It's analogous to our efforts to get the most value per dollar when buying a product. Because we are usually limiting our calorie intake, every calorie has to count in terms of overall nutritional value. Here's an example: there is ample vitamin C in half an avocado, but it will "cost" 160 calories, while a cup of grapefruit juice has nine times the vitamin C of the avocado at a "cost" of only 95 calories.

This concept of nutrients per calorie explains why junk foods are junk: they provide virtually no nutrition and a lot of calories. Take, for example, a typical fast-food lunch: a Big Mac with a large order of fries and a Coke. This meal gives you only 30 to 50 percent of major nutrients at a cost of 1,064 calories. For many people that's the total number of calories they should have in a day, and they wouldn't have gotten half their necessary nutrients. With nutripoints, you can get over 100 percent of any RDA, along with optimum amounts of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates, with the same number of calories.

You must remember, also, that it costs vitamins and miner­als to burn up calories. If you're not getting adequate nutri­ents along with the calories you're burning up, the body's stores of vitamins and minerals must be called upon to make .up for the lack in the food itself. This is the not uncommon predicament that can lead to clinical or subclinical deficien­cies and less-than-optimal function of various body processes.

A high nutrient-per-calorie ratio is the basic principle of every healthful diet. Nutripoints rates every food on the basis of this critical nutrient-per-calorie ratio. Moreover, because nutripoints rates just about every conceivable food, it allows you to create your own diet, one that suits your tastes and your life-style.

" Low Carb Diabetic Diet"

About the Author:

Sandy A. is an enthusiast in sharing healthy living with simple guide on food. She is a firm believer in having a the correct food and healthy lifestyle, this will lead to a complete world of happiness.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Basic understanding on nutripoints in future foods

calories in 1 tablespoon avocado

Is it better for weightloss to eat a high caloric density or low caloric density breakfast?

Is it better for weight-loss to eat a high calorie nutritious breakfast or a low calorie nutritious breakfast that makes you really full?

You could always just eat a bowl of special k for breakfast with skim milk. Then you don't have to go though all that trouble with the counting, cutting, slicing, organizing, cleaning, etc.

Open box. Pour cereal in bowl. Pour milk. Eat. Period.

Their cereal has plenty of vitamins in them and the calories is only 110 or so per 3/4 cup serving. So you can fill up a 2 cup bowl with cereal, pour in the skim milk, and not have to worry about anything unless you have allergies or something.

Have you been avoiding avocados because you’ve heard that they are high in fat? Well, it’s time to take another look at the avocado. Creamy, soft and delicious, avocados are rich in heart healthy monounsaturated fat, packed with 20 vitamins and minerals and low in calories. When you consider all of the nutritional benefits and think of all of the great ways they can be served, surely you will agree that avocados deserve a place at your table.

Heart-healthy fat?

Avocados have taken a beating because of their high fat content – In some circles they are known as a “butter pear”. Avocados do contain 30 grams of fat, but the fat in avocados is monounsaturated, the good fat recommended by the American Heart Association. Recent studies have shown that people eating an avocado a day for a week can lower blood cholesterol by as much as 17%, raise HDL or good cholesterol levels and lower LDL or bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Avocados, nuts and olives are the only plant foods that contain monounsaturated fat. A serving of avocado is 1 ounce - 2 tablespoons or about one-sixth of an avocado, and contains 5 grams of fat and 55 calories. But when you compare that to butter, cheese or mayonnaise, all weighing in at around 200 calories and 22 grams of fat per 2-tablespoon serving, avocados look pretty good. Plus, avocados are a delicious replacement for cheese and butter on sandwiches, in salads, on toast and with spicy foods.

20 Vitamins and Minerals

Avocados bring 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients to the table, making them a nutritional superstar. Naturally rich in their own right and full of vitamin E, vitamin C, folate and beta-carotene, avocados are also known to be a nutrient-booster, helping the body to absorb more of the nutrients in other foods when they are eaten with avocados.

How Do I Know When It’s Ripe?

Look for firm, slightly soft avocados. They tend to be more black then green when they are ripe. Avocados don’t start to ripen until after they are picked, so often hard avocados are all that is available. If they are hard when you buy them, put them in a paper sack for a day or two and let them ripen. Don’t store uncut avocados in the fridge, keep them on the counter on in a sunny window and use them within a day or two.

To store half of an avocado, replace the seed and store in an airtight bag or re-useable plastic container in the refrigerator. Storing the avocado with the seed will keep the flesh from turning black. Black avocado flesh won’t hurt you, it just isn’t very pretty.

So go ahead – make guacamole. Add avocados to your BLTs. Have a slice or two on your sandwich. Avocados are good for you!

About the Author:

Want more tips on saving your waistline along with your budget? Check out The Deceptive Diet for great results!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Healthy Benefits of Avocados

eating avocado pits

my dog ate an avocado, what should i do?

did not swallow/eat the seed pit though.

Give her one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide every 5 minutes until she vomits. (Usually one teaspoon does the trick.)

Avocados are toxic to dogs, although I can't seem to find a toxic amount online. It can damage their lungs and heart. You should either call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control line (costs $55) or call your nearest animal emergency center to find out. Even if she does vomit the avocado, she may need additional treatment, so you should call to make sure.

Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

ADD: I've just found a few websites online that state that the toxic levels of Persin (the thing in avocados that make them toxic) is unknown. You should definitely follow up with a vet to be on the safe side.

Parrots come in many different sizes and species but one thing remains the same for all of them; feeding parrots a healthy diet can help them to live longer and a better quality of life.

At this point in the scientific community, there is not enough research to assess the type of diets that parrots sustain for a long period of time in the wild.  Experts do not agree on the perfect diet to follow for pet parrots.  But, they do agree that a purely seed diet is not healthy for the majority of parrots.  The fact that some parrots do well on a diet based on seeds is a tribute the how hardy parrots are rather then the fact that the diet is balanced.  Seeds are deficient in many nutrients like vitamin A and calcium.  They are also too high in fat.  In the world of parrot, seeds should only make up about ten percent of their diet.  In natural seed eaters like budgies and cockatiels can tolerate about twenty-five percent of seeds in their diets.

Pellet foods are made from a variety of foods including grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits plus vitamins and minerals.  They provide a nutritious and balanced diet.  However, parrots may get bored with eating the same thing all of the time. These are birds that crave stimulation.  Pellet food can make up the base of a parrot diet consisting of about fifty to sixty percent.

Parrot owners should offer their birds fresh fruits and vegetables as well.  These can be offered to parrots chopped or in large chucks for large birds to hold and gnaw on.  To provide the parrot with stimulation owners can hang pieces on the side of the cage.  It is best for owners to aim to feed their birds as big of a variety as possible.  This way their parrots can receive a well rounded variety of nutrition.  Some good vegetables to offer parrots are carrots, eggplant, cucumber, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, cauliflower, sweet peppers, etc.  Parrots love fruits but it is food to try to feed them a variety of more tropical fruits that they might have been exposed to in the wild.  Some of these types of fruits are mangos, kiwi, melons, pineapple, papaya, or pomegranates.  Parrots also enjoy fruits like peaches, cherries, grapes, apples, oranges, or bananas.  When owners are feeding their parrots these fruits they have to make sure they do not eat the pits of the fruit or the apple seeds because they can be toxic.  A few other foods are toxic to parrots like avocado, guacamole, chocolate or cocoa, alcohol, caffeine, and mushrooms.  Parrots should also not have foods that contain a large amount of salt, sugar, grease, preservatives, food coloring, and other additives.

Grains such as cooked brown rice, oats, barely, wheat, and pasta are also a good source of nutrients for parrots.  Some parrot owners also feed their birds whole wheat breads or unsweetened whole wheat cereals.

Because parrots are such sensitive birds their owners have to take a lot of consideration into the diet that they are providing.  Most problems with parrots stem from malnutrition.  Responsible owners understand the importance of parrot diets and are willing to undertake all of their bird’s nutritional needs.

About the Author:

Bob Cotto is a parrot diet expert. For more great information on the parrot diet, visit http://www.yourparrotguide.com/.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Parrot Diet

are avocados fruits or vegetables

Are avocados fruits or vegetables?

It's a fruit

Benefits of fruits and vegetables

There are many benefits of fruits and vegetables rich diet to our life and health. But, in reality there are only few numbers of people those who choose fruits and vegetable diet.

According to revised NSDA grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy, meat and beans are 5 MAJOR  foods groups, included in the food pyramid. If you want to keep yourself fit and stay healthy forever then it is very important to eat a wide variety of foods from each and every food group listed above. Going for different varieties will not only give you a great deal of variety and keep boredom from setting in, but it will also provide you with the best nutritional balance as well. In addition to macronutrients such as fats, proteins, fiber and water, micronutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, etc are also vitally important to good health. That is why a healthy, varied diet is so important.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed full of many essential vitamins and minerals, including many micronutrients that you will never be able to find in packaged vitamin supplements. Some foods like pumpkins, carrots, mangoes, peaches butternut squash and green leafy vegetables are rich in beta carotene.  Beta carotene is the best consumable form of Vitamin A and is vital for healthy skin and eyes.

There are many other benefits of fruits and vegetables, besides just their nutritional importance.  Such as:

- Taste, flavors and colors of fruits and vegetables makes it possible that they can be used in virtually every meal.  Those seeking to maximize their diet should get into the healthy habit of using fruits in salads, as toppings and as garnishes.

- Fruits and vegetables help maximize the nutrition. But, try to keep this in mind that proper nutrition comes from a healthy diet, not from vitamin supplements.

Change you life TODAY

CNANGE LIFE NOW

Knowing the five major food groups and how much of each to eat every day is only part of the picture. Choosing good and healthy diet means, choosing things like the leanest cuts of meat, choosing egg substitutes rather than going for whole eggs, picking up freshest fruits and vegetables, etc.

Even with fruits and vegetables, some choices are better than others.  There are some fruits that are packed with fat and calories like avocados. Therefore, it is really necessary to check the nutritional values and qualities of the fruits and vegetables you choose.

Try to go for fiber rich as; adequate fiber intake is also important in preventing heart disease and some kinds of cancer. If you want to lose fat then go for fruits and vegetable those are high in nutrition, low in fat and with low calorie count.  Fruits and vegetables contain very low levels of fats, and a diet low in fat can be quite effective for long term weight loss. Fruits and vegetables contain no cholesterol, and they are lower in calories than many other types of foods.

About the Author:

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Benefits of fruits and vegetables

hair avocado oil

anyone use avocado oil for scalp and hair? does it work?

DEPENDS ON HOW YOUR HAIR TAKES IT! IT MAY WORK FOR SOME AND NOT FOR OTHERS.

There are many benefits to use avocado butter, not the least of them that it makes your skin look alive, vibrant and full of health. Add to that the fact that it is completely natural, and it becomes a very attractive choice as an addition to your range of preferred skin care products.

There are several synthetic alternatives you could choose, each of which claims the same benefits as avocado butter, but have you really considered their benefits and the truth of what they claim?  Do you understand the meaning of that large ingredients list?  Let's digress for just a short while and discuss the vitamin and supplement industry.

Supplements are available in almost any shape and form:  vitamins, minerals and even complex mixtures known as athletic supplements are marketed as being effective in improving fitness, stamina and just about any other health benefit you can imagine. Yet the experts are still out on the difference between the actual benefits claimed for these and those realized in practice.  They are not necessarily the same, and there are some real biochemical reasons for that.

The reason is synergy.  That word relates to different substances working better together than either could apart. Take the example of a secretary and the guy that delivers her letters by courier.  To outsiders, the secretary is great at getting these letters and invoices delivered on time. However, that is meaningless if the courier is not on duty - it gets delivered a day late.

In the same way, many vitamins and minerals are well known for their beneficial effects, but there is no point in taking a calcium supplement if the couriers - magnesium and vitamins C and D - are missing! They are the substances that actually take the calcium into your bone structure. That is why natural sources are better:  they have the courier and the secretary provided in the one package, just as they should be. That is also why avocado butter is a far superior skin care substance than any synthetic product.

It contains the antioxidant vitamins A, E and D that kill of the free radicals that age your skin. A very scientific and comforting explanation of how it works, unlike that of the synthetic emulsified oils, containing surfactants that can damage your skin, rather than help it, and other even more toxic substances. It contains a natural sunscreen that protects your skin and hair from the damaging effects of the ultraviolet radiation of the sun.

Avocado butter also contains lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial to your skin, and it melts at only 30C - 35C making it very easy to apply tom your skin.
It can be used to moisturize dry skin ad it can also help to reduce the appearance of age spots, sometimes referred to as liver spots, caused by the oxidation of fatty deposits just under your skin.

So, don't use these potentially toxic artificial labeled products, but try pure avocado oil next time you are looking for a skin care product.  You won't regret it, and will likely be hooked on it for life: your skin certainly will!

About the Author:

For more information on the benefits of avocado butter visit Laura's website Castle Baths Avocado Butter, and also her site Castle Baths Spa Products if you are interested in other natural skin care products to help you remain looking young and beautiful.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Avocado Butter for Beautiful and Healthy Skin

sick avocado tree

There are different types of diseases associated with the different parts and systems in your body. Of all these different systems, there's one that's directly related with all types of diseases: the immune system. This system is the part of your body that attacks harmful and disease-causing bacteria to protect you from sickness. Although it's typically efficient, there are instances when this system weakens and fails. This results to the free rein of germs in your body, and that's when you become susceptible to diseases. To ensure that you remain protected, you must keep your immune system strong. How? The answers are immune boosters.

What are these? Well, immune boosters are those factors that strengthen your immune system, keeping it active in combating all the germs and harmful bacteria that enter your body. These boosters include a lot of things, primary of which are the foods you incorporate in your daily diet.

Foods That Boost the Immune System

Well, what foods improve your immunity to diseases and how do they do it? Check out the following:

1.    Raw foods like fruits and vegetables. Nothing beats plant-based and raw diet when it comes to boosting the immune system. These foods are very rich in vitamins and minerals like the following:
a.    Vitamin C. Citrus, orange, papaya, mango, tomato, and broccoli are just some of the sources of this vitamin. It's proven beneficial for enhancing the immune system in many ways. One, it strengthens the cells to help them resist virus. Two, it helps produce more white blood cells to fight off disease-causing elements. And three, it helps increase good cholesterol in the body.
b.    Vitamin E. Avocado, seeds, and nuts are among the great sources of this vitamin. It helps produce cells that kill other harmful cells (just think of cancer cells) and boosts the immune system to help it resist the effects of aging.
2.    Meat, fish, and dairy products. These are good sources of protein, the foundation of a healthy immune system and body. Protein helps build more cells to support the immune system in fighting off harmful microorganisms.
3.    Herbs. Ginseng, garlic (yes, this is consider an herb!), and licorice are among the examples. Different herbs give different benefits, but they all improve the immune system. Garlic, for instance, stimulate the production of white blood cells that fight off bacteria.
4.    Essential oils. Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary—these are just some of those that you can use. Either they fight off the offensive germs or they boost the cells that fight them off.
5.    Water. This is primary of all immune boosters. Water does not only help flush out toxic elements in the body but is also a sort of supplement to curb your craving for unhealthy foods like junk snacks and sweet products like chocolate.

All the said immune boosters are actually simple and easy to find. By increasing your intake of the said foods, you'll help your immune system do its job better and you'll enjoy freedom from sickness and other health problems.

About the Author:

For the past 10 years Marilyn Reid has been active as an advocate for Alternative Health Therapies, with an emphasis on healthy living and raw food diets. Marilyn has been fascinated with the work of the Healthy Lifestyle Nutritionist and Guru, David Wolfe and has a blog which keeps up with the latest in the world of Healthy Lifestyle. Visit her blog at http://healthyfoodrawdiet.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Immune Boosters: What They Do, How They Work

There are different types of diseases associated with the different parts and systems in your body. Of all these different systems, there's one that's directly related with all types of diseases: the immune system. This system is the part of your body that attacks harmful and disease-causing bacteria to protect you from sickness. Although it's typically efficient, there are instances when this system weakens and fails. This results to the free rein of germs in your body, and that's when you become susceptible to diseases. To ensure that you remain protected, you must keep your immune system strong. How? The answers are immune boosters.

What are these? Well, immune boosters are those factors that strengthen your immune system, keeping it active in combating all the germs and harmful bacteria that enter your body. These boosters include a lot of things, primary of which are the foods you incorporate in your daily diet.

Foods That Boost the Immune System

Well, what foods improve your immunity to diseases and how do they do it? Check out the following:

1.    Raw foods like fruits and vegetables. Nothing beats plant-based and raw diet when it comes to boosting the immune system. These foods are very rich in vitamins and minerals like the following:
a.    Vitamin C. Citrus, orange, papaya, mango, tomato, and broccoli are just some of the sources of this vitamin. It's proven beneficial for enhancing the immune system in many ways. One, it strengthens the cells to help them resist virus. Two, it helps produce more white blood cells to fight off disease-causing elements. And three, it helps increase good cholesterol in the body.
b.    Vitamin E. Avocado, seeds, and nuts are among the great sources of this vitamin. It helps produce cells that kill other harmful cells (just think of cancer cells) and boosts the immune system to help it resist the effects of aging.
2.    Meat, fish, and dairy products. These are good sources of protein, the foundation of a healthy immune system and body. Protein helps build more cells to support the immune system in fighting off harmful microorganisms.
3.    Herbs. Ginseng, garlic (yes, this is consider an herb!), and licorice are among the examples. Different herbs give different benefits, but they all improve the immune system. Garlic, for instance, stimulate the production of white blood cells that fight off bacteria.
4.    Essential oils. Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary—these are just some of those that you can use. Either they fight off the offensive germs or they boost the cells that fight them off.
5.    Water. This is primary of all immune boosters. Water does not only help flush out toxic elements in the body but is also a sort of supplement to curb your craving for unhealthy foods like junk snacks and sweet products like chocolate.

All the said immune boosters are actually simple and easy to find. By increasing your intake of the said foods, you'll help your immune system do its job better and you'll enjoy freedom from sickness and other health problems.

About the Author:

For the past 10 years Marilyn Reid has been active as an advocate for Alternative Health Therapies, with an emphasis on healthy living and raw food diets. Marilyn has been fascinated with the work of the Healthy Lifestyle Nutritionist and Guru, David Wolfe and has a blog which keeps up with the latest in the world of Healthy Lifestyle. Visit her blog at http://healthyfoodrawdiet.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Immune Boosters: What They Do, How They Work

avocado butter benefits

There are many benefits to use avocado butter, not the least of them that it makes your skin look alive, vibrant and full of health. Add to that the fact that it is completely natural, and it becomes a very attractive choice as an addition to your range of preferred skin care products.

There are several synthetic alternatives you could choose, each of which claims the same benefits as avocado butter, but have you really considered their benefits and the truth of what they claim?  Do you understand the meaning of that large ingredients list?  Let's digress for just a short while and discuss the vitamin and supplement industry.

Supplements are available in almost any shape and form:  vitamins, minerals and even complex mixtures known as athletic supplements are marketed as being effective in improving fitness, stamina and just about any other health benefit you can imagine. Yet the experts are still out on the difference between the actual benefits claimed for these and those realized in practice.  They are not necessarily the same, and there are some real biochemical reasons for that.

The reason is synergy.  That word relates to different substances working better together than either could apart. Take the example of a secretary and the guy that delivers her letters by courier.  To outsiders, the secretary is great at getting these letters and invoices delivered on time. However, that is meaningless if the courier is not on duty - it gets delivered a day late.

In the same way, many vitamins and minerals are well known for their beneficial effects, but there is no point in taking a calcium supplement if the couriers - magnesium and vitamins C and D - are missing! They are the substances that actually take the calcium into your bone structure. That is why natural sources are better:  they have the courier and the secretary provided in the one package, just as they should be. That is also why avocado butter is a far superior skin care substance than any synthetic product.

It contains the antioxidant vitamins A, E and D that kill of the free radicals that age your skin. A very scientific and comforting explanation of how it works, unlike that of the synthetic emulsified oils, containing surfactants that can damage your skin, rather than help it, and other even more toxic substances. It contains a natural sunscreen that protects your skin and hair from the damaging effects of the ultraviolet radiation of the sun.

Avocado butter also contains lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial to your skin, and it melts at only 30C - 35C making it very easy to apply tom your skin.
It can be used to moisturize dry skin ad it can also help to reduce the appearance of age spots, sometimes referred to as liver spots, caused by the oxidation of fatty deposits just under your skin.

So, don't use these potentially toxic artificial labeled products, but try pure avocado oil next time you are looking for a skin care product.  You won't regret it, and will likely be hooked on it for life: your skin certainly will!

About the Author:

For more information on the benefits of avocado butter visit Laura's website Castle Baths Avocado Butter, and also her site Castle Baths Spa Products if you are interested in other natural skin care products to help you remain looking young and beautiful.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Avocado Butter for Beautiful and Healthy Skin

Nearly every woman and an increasing number of men use facial moisturizers daily. Does the one you use today, contain any anti-aging and anti-wrinkle ingredients?

Naturally, a cream including substances capable of reducing fine lines and wrinkles helps make skin smoother and more youthful looking. After all that's what we're all trying to achieve by applying an anti-wrinkle face moisturizer daily.

A moisturizing cream is meant to help hydrate facial tissue cells by adding water. It's also designed to minimize water loss by improving the skins water holding capacity. If you use a good quality cream containing natural emollients, antioxidants and oils in high active amounts you get an excellent result.

However, consider for a moment what can be achieved by including some special unique ingredients. That are capable of boosting your own bodies levels of collagen and elastin protein cells, to help remove fine lines and improve on those deeper wrinkles.

By using an effective moisturizer daily, you will notice an immediate improvement to your skins tone and texture. However, a little more patience is needed for the anti-wrinkle ingredients to kick in. Consistent daily application is the secret.

Some good natural emollient and anti-oxidant moisturizing and hydrating ingredients worth noting are -- D-Panthenol... Macadamia Oil... Shea Butter... Jojoba Oil... Avocado oil... Crodamol CP… and Glycerin.

Substances proven in clinical trials to boost collagen and elastin re-growth and remove fine lines and wrinkles are Cynergy TK"(TM)"... and Lipobelle H-EQ10 (a special type of Coenzyme Q10).

I don't know about you, but it makes good sense to me, to use a dual-purpose skin cream with the ability to moisturize and reduce wrinkles at the same time. Especially, if competitively priced.

We all want a nice smooth well-moisturized face with fewer wrinkles. This can be easily achieved provided you choose the best anti-wrinkle face moisturizer with the above proven special ingredients.

About the Author:

Don't waste your valuable time doing endless research. I have already done the research and found the best dual-purpose natural anti-aging moisturizer and wrinkle reducing cream available on the market.
Michael J. Phillips is a long time researcher of skin care issues... To learn more about the latest natural anti-aging skin care creams and supplements that give you the best results -- that he uses daily. Go to ==> http://www.eternal-skin-care.com today.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Anti-Wrinkle Face Moisturizer - Should I Use One? - And How Is It Going To Benefit My Facial Skin?

avocado word origin

If you are anything like me, you would be looking for ways to turn back the clock and once again have a smooth, firm skin. Organic skin care is one way to do it right – it’s natural, safe and effective. But what does it really mean? Let’s find out.

Organic skin care can be summed up in one word – natural. That means no invasive skin treatments like Botox or Collagen injections, no chemical treatments like bleaching. You have to rely on natural methods and natural ingredients only to rejuvenate your skin.

The problem with artificial treatments is, they are temporary in nature. For example, if you take a Botox injection to remove wrinkles from your skin, it may provide some immediate results. But its effects will begin to wear out in a few months and you will have to take the injection again.

This cycle will continue as long as you want to have a smooth skin. The day you stop the injection, your skin will be back to its original, wrinkled self.

On the other hand, if you follow basic organic skin care, you will have a naturally glowing and healthy skin that will last for many-many years.

To begin with, you must understand that your skin is a reflection of your inner health. If your body is ill and lacking in nutrients, you cannot hope to have a healthy and beautiful skin.

So you need to have a balanced diet with enough fruits and vegetables in it to provide you with all the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy skin and body. Drinking plenty of water will clean up the toxins from your body and hydrate your skin too. Do not forget to protect your skin from the elements also. Apply a good sunscreen when going out in the sun. A pair of sunglasses and a hat will also help in shielding your face from direct sunlight.

Now you can add on some natural substances in your quest for a youthful skin. Organic skin care products contain some amazing natural ingredients that are very good for the skin.

Take Cynergy TK for example. This natural extract enhances the production of Collagen and Elastin in the skin. These two proteins are essential for having a smooth and elastic skin that is free from wrinkles. It also contains Functional Keratin™ - a protein found throughout the body.

Functional Keratin™ enables the production of new skin cells to replace the old and worn out ones. It is also an effective moisturizer and has been known to increase the moisture content in the skin by over 20%.

CoQ10 is a powerful anti oxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.

Avocado Oil is a rich oil that penetrates deep into the skin and heals and moisturizes it from within. It also contains many vitamins and minerals that keep the skin nourished and healthy. This oil is also effective at preventing age spots from developing on the skin.

Make no mistake about it. Organic skin care is the way to go for a healthy, beautiful skin – naturally.

About the Author:

For information on sensitive skin care, visit my website today and learn about natural and beneficial skin substances I've discovered that I'd like to share with you.

Frank Langella is a dedicated researcher of skin care health and products. He shares his research on his website - TotalSkinSolution.com. If you want to know how to turn back the clock for your skin, visit - http://www.totalskinsolution.com and learn about the skin care line our editors personally use and recommend.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Principles of Organic Skin Care

Have you ever imagined the gorgeous eyes of the ancient beauty that developed one of the first organic skin care recipes? Where did she live? Perhaps she lived in Egypt. Maybe she was one of the women who helped to care for Cleopatra.

Of course, Egyptian women were not the only ancient females who displayed an interest in organic skin care products. A woman in ancient Persian might well have been the creator of one of the original recipes for skin care. Such a woman might have captivated the thoughts of Alexander the Great.

Today, some women would love to sample one of those ancient organic skin care products. Recipes that seem to create an old-style skin product have been posted online. As shown below, those recipes underscore how well resourceful, ancient women used the plants that were available to them.

Ancient women knew how to make a face mask. The typical diet of a Persian contained many of the foods that might go into a face mask. Some women no doubt created masks using bananas, cucumbers, persimmon, watermelon and honey.

Women with drier skin probably used a mask that contained less water and more oil. The recipe for their mask might have called-for the mashing and mixing of a carrot, a melon, and an avocado in a bowl that held both yogurt and honey.

In addition to using face masks, ancient women would pamper their skin while bathing. Some ancient women might well have spent hours luxuriating in a milk and honey bath. Such a bath would have allowed their skin to soak in a mixture of hot water, sea salt, baking soda, vanilla oil and, of course, milk and honey.

On a hot summer day, an ancient beauty would certainly have favored a more refreshing bath. She might then have chosen to take a citrus bath. She might have had her servants mince the peel of a lemon, a lime, a grapefruit and a tangerine. Then she could have poured those minced peels into a blend of citrus juices. She could then pour the resulting mixture into her bath water.

The women who lived in those ancient times knew nothing about the biochemistry of the body's endothelial cells. Those women had never heard the word "collagen" or "elastin." Today, smart women are learning about collagen and elastin. What are collagen and elastin, and how do those chemicals have a place in the arena of organic skin care?

Some organic skin care products might have the word "collagen" on the label. Collagen is a protein. Due to its fibrous nature, collagen can provide a living cell with added strength. When cells have the ability to produce collagen, then those cells can remain firm to the touch. When those cells are in the body's outermost organ (the skin) then those cells do not allow the creation of wrinkles.

Still, the cells on the outermost part of the body can not avoid the force of gravity. For that reason such cells need to contain elastin. This makes those cells flexible. Without elastin, those cells would never be able to return to their original location, after they had shifted away from that position.

Does that mean that a modern-day woman should look for organic skin care products that contain elastin? No, she needs to find a product that can stimulate her skin cells to produce both. Once she has found such a product she can copy one action practiced by ancient women.

That was the act of staring in the mirror and admiring a face with well-toned and youthful skin.

About the Author:

Laurel is a dedicated researcher of skin care health and products. She shares her research on her website http://www.beautiful-skin-site.com. If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines and damaged skin, visit http://www.beautiful-skin-site.com now to learn about the skin care line Laurel personally recommends.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Uncover the Creators of the First Organic Skin Care Products

avocado twitter

We all know we should be eating a healthier balanced diet and getting more exercise. To make it work, you need to build good habits into your daily routine. This means taking the time to plan and prepare healthy meals at home, so that you rely less on fast food, microwave meals and unhealthy snacks. This will help you to keep control of the amount of fat, sugar and salt in your diet.

A well-balanced diet includes food from the five main food groups. These are:
– bread, cereal (including breakfast cereals) and potatoes (starchy foods)
– fruit (including fresh fruit juice) and vegetables
– meat and fish
– milk and dairy foods
– fat and sugar

Fruit and veg
Most people should be eating three meals a day, as well as eating more fruit and vegetables, and reducing their fat intake. We should also drink less alcohol and eat less salt. So look for labels that say food is low in fat (particularly saturated fat), low in salt and sugar-free.

Fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, low in calories and high in fibre. Eating lots of them keeps your heart and body healthy. They are also an ideal alternative to eating crisps or biscuits as snacks between meals.

Fresh, tinned, dried or frozen – it doesn't matter. Try adding dried fruit to your breakfast cereal, having salad for lunch, or a vegetable stir-fry for dinner.

Go for good fat
When cooking at home, reduce your fat intake by grilling rather than frying. Use unsaturated fats, such as sunflower or olive oil rather than saturated fats like butter.

If you have chips, buy oven versions, and serve them with vegetables or salad and no mayonnaise. Too much salt can lead to heart problems, so add flavour to your food using herbs, spices and garlic instead. There can be a lot of salt in foods like bread, cereals and ready meals, so, again, check the label – anything over 0.5g is too much.

Don’t be fooled
Foods labelled 'reduced fat' or 'low in calories' often seem like the healthy options, but many have hidden fats and sugar, so make sure you read the ingredients and nutrition information first. Look out for products that contain less then 3g of fat, of which less then 1g is saturated.

We need some fat in our diets, but unsaturated fat in nuts, seeds, avocados and olive and sunflower oil is much better for us than the fat in cheese and cakes.

Swap high-fat snacks, such as biscuits and crisps, for a selection of chopped vegetables with low-fat dip, or a handful of nuts and dried fruit. Choose drinks that are low in sugar, avoid fizzy drinks and dilute fruit juices. Don't forget that alcohol is high in calories and bad for your health if you drink too much.

Lean and mean
Meat is a key source of protein, but if you eat it, make sure you choose leaner cuts and always trim off excess fat and skin. Turkey is leaner than beef, and can make a tasty alternative in spaghetti bolognaise, shepherds pie or even chilli con carne.

Fish is definitely the way to go. White fish, like haddock and cod, is high in protein and low in saturated fat. Meanwhile, oily fish like sardines and mackerel, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent heart disease. Try to avoid smoked fish, which contains a lot of salt, and avoid battered varieties or creamy sauces.

Skinny option
Dairy products can contain a lot of fat, so choose skimmed, or semi-skimmed milk instead of full fat, and go for the low-fat versions of cheese and yoghurts. This advice does not apply to children, as they need the calcium from dairy products for healthy bones.

Chocolate with less milk and more cocoa is actually better for you, so go for plain, rather than milk chocolate.

Follow this advice and you will be eating more healthily, and also keeping off the calories. This isn’t a diet plan, it’s simply a healthier way of life – and it doesn’t need to be expensive.

www.adorfood.com
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About the Author:

With a range of chocolate and oat bars that use natural ingredients to help you lose weight, our snacks not only taste great but really are healthy! It's our aim to spread the healthy message...

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - A well-balanced diet – eat yourself to good health