Of lemons and limes

Limes and lemons are some of nature’s best physician. These citrus fruits relieve many symptoms which no doctor could. Limes and lemons are very effective cure for coughs, cold and influenza. A big glass of warm water, with one table spoon of honey and half a lemon works wonders.

Limes and lemons destroy toxins in the body. Typhoid and other diseases die within no time. The juice of these fruits is very effective in destroying uric acid in the body. It is also very effective in destroying bacteria from the intestinal tract. Aside from vitamin C, limes and lemons are excellent sources of vitamin B6, potassium, folic acid and flavonoids which aids in curing constipation, loss of appetite, arthritis, skin diseases, and heart diseases. The high potassium content in them makes these fruits very useful for preventing and curing heart diseases. It strengthens the teeth and gums. It freshens up the breath and purifies blood and liver.

It stimulates the functions of the kidney, liver and sweat glands. A ripe lime is a good appetizer. It destroys intestinal worms and expels the excessive gases formed in the digestive tract. Regular exercise and lemon juice helps in excreting waste toxins from your body. Each and every cell of the body is rejuvenated by taking limes and lemons.

A chuckle a day keeps the doctor away

It is said, time and again, that laughter is the best medicine and an increasing number of researches are supporting this claim.

Researchers at Loma Linda University and Oakcrest Health Research Institute in Yucaipa discovered that a good laugh — or even the anticipation of laughter — appears to have positive effects on the body's hormones.

During a study, they divided 32 healthy men into two groups. Half were instructed to view a one-hour humorous video of their own selection while the other half simply sat in a room with an assortment of magazines. Blood was drawn before, during and after the trial.

Results showed that the men who watched the humorous video had, on average, 27% more beta-endorphins and 87% more human growth hormone in their blood than the control group even before the video clips started to roll. The levels of these beneficial hormones remained elevated during and after the experiment.

According to Loma Linda University lead researcher Lee Berk, "The benefits of laughter are similar to exercise," He added that "Laughter has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Blood pressure is lowered overall and resting heart rate decreases. Additionally, the immune system appears to get tuned up."

This study just proves that laughter is no laughing matter! Keep those jokes coming!

Fungi for Good Health

Mushrooms are more than just tasty toppings for pizza and flavorful ingredients to dishes. The common perception that mushrooms have very little nutritional content is not true! In fact, mushrooms have been gaining recognition as a nutrient powerhouse. A serving of mushrooms (about 4 to 5 medium-sized pieces) contains only 20 calories, and virtually free of fat, cholesterol and sodium. It’s also high in fiber and a good source of a number of essential nutrients including B vitamins, selenium, potassium, copper and phosphorus.

Mushrooms are also rich in anti-oxidants that help cells ward off damage from dangerous oxygen molecules called free radicals. Chinese and Japanese have long been eating mushrooms for their medicinal properties which includes promotion of overall vitality and enhancement of the immune system. Mushrooms also support the body's detoxification mechanisms.

Another good thing about mushrooms is that their flavor intensifies and their nutritional value remains intact even after cooking! Mushrooms are a great substitute for meat because of their robust taste and hearty texture.

Start including mushrooms in your diet. Below is a simple mushroom recipe you and your family can enjoy.

Wild Rice and Mushrooms, Southern Style

Ingredients:
1 cup wild rice
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups water, boiling
1 lb mushrooms
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon pepper
salt
Procedure:
Rinse rice and drain; drop into boiling water along with the salt and cook for approximately 45 minutes or until tender and water is well absorbed. Set aside until rice is dry and fluffy.

Wash mushrooms quickly in cold water and saute in butter until well browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Add flour into the skillet to create a roux; Add milk gradually and cook until thick, stirring constantly. Season to taste, add the cooked mushrooms and heat through. Pour over rice, serve hot and enjoy!

Think Green, Drink Tea

The oldest uses of tea were recorded in China thousands of years ago. The Chinese seem to have been enjoying the soothing and healing effects of tea even before the Western world found tea time as a fashionable excuse to sip tea, chat and eat pastries in the afternoon.

An old Chinese proverb states: “Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.” Their longevity and excellent health are proof of tea’s almost magical powers.

Recently, researchers at the University of Purdue confirm the health properties of tea, particularly green tea. There are three key elements which occur naturally in green tea and to which the major health benefits are attributed: nutrients, antioxidants and caffeine.

Green tea contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B complex which helps carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and helps moisturize the skin. It is also a source of natural fluoride which helps in preventing cavities in teeth. And vitamin C which prevents colds and flu.

Aside from nutrients, green tea also contains a potent antioxidant called catechin polyphenols, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The detoxifying effect of these antioxidants protects cells from free radicals without harming healthy tissues because it prevents normal blood clotting.

Caffeine is a mild stimulant which occurs naturally in tea. It has an impact on mental functions, by stimulating the central nervous system, and physical functions by improving physical performance. It is also a diuretic though it is not dehydrating in small amounts. Tea’s caffeine content is comparably lower than other caffeinated beverages making it an ideal alternative to coffee, chocolate and cola drinks.

Apart from preventing cancer and high cholesterol, green tea was also found to be good for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, infection, impaired immune functions and even toothache.

Fast, easy and yummy detox salad

We are exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals and pollutants from the food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe. These toxins, when lodged in the body, have been found to be predisposing factors in a long list of acute and chronic illnesses. So there is no better time to get rid of toxins in our bodies than today. Here’s a simple but sumptuous way to flushing out toxins and living healthier.

Spinach Garlic-Sesame Salad

Ingredients:

1 tsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. spinach, stemmed,
or 1 lb. Swiss chard, stems sliced, leaves torn
or 1 lb. mixture of spinach and watercress
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tsp. sesame seeds for garnish

Procedure:
In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté garlic until lightly browned, about 45 seconds. Add the spinach and toss until just wilted, 2 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

The garlic activates liver enzymes that help filter out junk while the spinach’s (and other leafy vegetables) chlorophyll helps get rid of environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides) and protects the liver. The sesame seeds protect liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals.