Studies show that cod liver oil can prevent dry skin, help individuals who have arthritis and aid in increasing vitamin and omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for cardiovascular health. But the question some have raised is: can cod liver oil help asthma?

There is a definite link between asthma and cod liver oil. Experts suggest that one of the causes of asthma is a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. They attribute this in part to children who have not been breastfed as well to as a diet which is lacking in vitamins and minerals.

Therefore, because cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, research suggests that asthma can be reduced as a result of consuming an appropriate amount of essential fatty acids a day. Scientists also state that among the fatty acids most consumers ingest, omega-6 is the highest while omega-3 fatty acid lags behind.

Asthma is considered to be an inflammatory condition and since we know that omega-3 fatty acids can curb inflammatory conditions, then it is reasonable to assume that cod liver oil can be an effective alternative in the treatment of this condition.

Moreover, other studies have indicated that children who are deficient in nutrients such as Vitamin C, E, B12, beta-carotene, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are also prone to develop asthma. Thus, a diet regimen composed of these nutrients as well as cod liver oil has been considered an effective treatment for asthma sufferers.

The results of these studies and research suggest that since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be easily obtained simply through diet alone, it is often necessary to supplement the diet with cod liver oil as a way to maintain the vitamins and fatty acids which are components of this oil.

One asthma sufferer stated that she was suffering from wheezing and decided to take cod liver oil. The wheezing ceased. After a while, she stopped taking the oil and the wheezing returned. One can deduce from this that cod liver oil can reduce the symptoms of asthma.

If you or your child has asthma, the first suggestion would be to consult with your physician to determine if cod liver oil is appropriate for you. There may be certain conditions under which you cannot use this oil, especially if you of your child have a pre-existing illness or have been taking medications which can interact with the oil.

Cod liver oil seems to help asthma patients and judging from the overall consensus in researching the relationship between the cause and effect of asthma, this may be an effective alternative.

Of course, like everyone out there, I’m all for body detoxification but is there any other easier way to detox your body without the dreaded body detoxification diet? Yup, i forgot to mention, a body detox diet can be pretty awful but i guess good things don’t always go well with your taste buds. You are basically only allowed to eat vegetables, fruits and other organic foods. There’s no frying, no sugar, no added preservatives. So you can imagine how your food would taste like.

There seems like quite a few detoxification diets out there too. You have the 24 hours diet, the 7 days detox diet, the 10 days detox diet, juicing whereby you are only allowed liquids-yikes and a few more others. There are even some that are designed to target certain organs of our body like lung, kidney and liver. These organs are part of our body’s natural detoxification system. So they are the best place to accumulate a lot of toxins and it make sense to target those organs.

This body detoxification thing does sound complicated doesn’t it? But during my research on body detoxification, I stumbled upon this so-called magic pill called Orovo Detox. It has gotten some rave reviews. I’m always careful when popping pills into my mouth and you should too. Do consult your doctors.

Anyway, I’ve done some research and it seems like this pill is made of natural ingredients such as barley, acai flaxseed and other natural components. These ingredients are called “Super Food”. In fact there are 10 Super foods with an additional 31 of Mother Nature’s best detoxing agents used in Orovo Detox. Wow!

Of course body detoxification is a must but I’m always looking for an easier way out and this Orovo Detox does sound like an alternative to a detox diet.

So, what does this Orovo Detox really do?

It’s claimed that it will detox your body by getting rid of the toxins accumulated through out the years. By doing that, it will make you loose weight too as your body is now free or has a lot less toxins than before. Now the kicker - it also help you fight aging! One of the 31 detoxing agents is Idebenone. Idebenone is an anti-aging agent.

Looks like a miracle pill if you ask me. You can find out more about Orovo Detox here:
Orovo Detox

Do comment if you have more to add about Orovo Detox or if you have tried this pill before.

Some research and studies done recently, claim that there are increasing amounts and traces of these heavy metals to be found in our bloodstreams, tissue, urine etc. The experts and scientists attribute these numbers and increased incidence to what they call extensive environmental exposure. Things like treated lumber, fillings (mercury) in teeth, preservatives in vaccines, the foods that we consume and even the air we breathe in.

The accumulation of these toxins will overtime cause a wide range of health related problems. These include stomach upset, skin irritation, nausea, kidney toxicity, joint pain, headaches, bloated stomach, fever, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, weight gain and even cancer.

Basically, there’s nowhere to run. These toxins will get into your body one way or another. No matter where we are or what we do. One of the biggest toxins contributors to our body is the food we consume. So, stop eating junk food, fast food, cigarettes and reduce coffee consumption.

While this is one way to reduce the amount of toxins going into our body, but how do we get rid of the toxins that are already inside our body, accumulated throughout the years. One way to reduce the amount of toxic substances in our body is through body detoxification. Body detoxification is a method to remove the accumulated toxins from within our body by means of body cleansing.

I have heard a lot about this method lately and most of it are good. Even some famous Hollywood stars are using it but mainly to loose weight. Yeah, i forgot to mention, body detox will make you loose weight! I guess this will appeal to a lot of people especially those trying to loose weight. I mean, it’s like the holy grail of the weight watcher world. It will help you to get rid of toxins and make you loose weight at the same time!
What else can you ask for.

As a child, you may remember receiving a spoonful of cod liver oil from your grandmother. While this “spoonful of sugar” didn’t necessarily help the “medicine go down”, it nonetheless was a remedy that was popular at that time. Today, the benefits of cod liver oil for dry skin are still considered worthwhile.

Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, D, and E which are derived from the liver of the cod. However, there are some manufacturers of cod liver oil who add Vitamin E in a synthetic form, while others use the original source of these vitamins contained in the liver of the cod.

Vitamin E helps in promoting healthy skin, while Vitamin A can prevent such skin conditions as acne and the like. Vitamin D helps to lower the toxicity found in Vitamin A. Since dry skin can results from a deficiency of Vitamin A, these three vitamins found in cod liver oil work in tandem to address the problem effectively.

Cod liver oil can be used as a topical agent or taken in capsule form. What are the benefits? When used topically, cod liver oil allows for the acceleration of healing and overall good skin. Taken orally, cod liver oil actually maintains the supple soft skin and may prevent aging skin signs such as “liver spots”. This oil also has been known to reduce the number of wrinkles on the skin as well.

While it is evident that the benefits of cod liver oil for dry skin are numerous, it should be noted that because this oil contains Vitamin A and D, that additional supplementation of these vitamins may cause side effects. Thus, pregnant women should consult their doctors before taking cod liver oil.

In addition, there has been recent news regarding high amounts of mercury found in fish. However, cod liver oil is tested for over 30 contaminants before it is made available to consumers. Further, cod liver oil does not contain mercury, which can only be found in fish and not the oil itself.

Finally, choosing the right cod liver oil may take a bit of research on your part as some companies utilize synthetic vitamins in the processing of this oil. There are well known brands of cod liver oil which you can find online or via your pharmacist that contain the appropriate amount of Vitamin A, D, and E.

With the crazy weather we have been having lately, most of which has probably contributed to dry skin, it is clear that cod liver oil not only helps prevent this condition but has been used for other ailments as well. Just ask grandma!

Ingredients:

1 (10 oz.) package frozen baby lima beans
¼ C. chopped onion
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 Tablespoon fat-free margarine
1 C. diced, canned tomatoes with juice
½ teaspoon dried mint leaves, crushed

Directions:

Cook lima beans according to package directions. Sauté onion and garlic in margarine until tender. Stir in lima beans, tomatoes, and mint leaves. Heat and serve. (Serves 6)

Low calorie, low fat,

Ingredients:

1 C. shredded carrots
1 C. sliced cauliflower
½ C. chopped pecans
1 C. spinach or other greens
Black pepper

Directions:

Slice cauliflower in ¼ to 1 inch slices. Tear greens into small pieces. Toss all ingredients together. Add pepper to taste. Chill and serve with your choice of fat-free dressing. (Serves 4)

Low calorie, low salt, low fat

Although there has been controversy surrounding the use of coconut oil, recent studies assert there are definitive health benefits in using the oil.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is a saturated fatty acid that has an anti-microbial component. More importantly, the anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties in coconut oil are now widely accepted as a healthy alternative that can be utilized in a variety of areas:

* In its purest form, coconut oil contributes to healthy hair. For use on the skin, it is not only a great moisturizer, but can help in the treatment of eczema and other skin conditions.

* Coconut oil has also been effective in weight loss, since it suppresses the appetite. In conjunction with this, it has also been attributed to help treat thyroid conditions.

* The saturated fat in this oil can lower cholesterol levels as well as reduce hypertension.

* Known as an antioxidant, it aids in preventing diseases that cause degeneration and can slow down the aging process.

* Coconut oil is effective in improving digestion problems which are caused by bacteria. It also allows for vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to be digested and absorbed more easily.

* Listeria can occur among pregnant women who may have ingested raw milk. Coconut oil can protect against this bacterium as well as destroy viruses which are known to cause measles, herpes, and the flu. Moreover, studies have shown that it is effective in preventing yeast infections as well.

* Coconut oil is effective for diabetics in that it can control the sugar levels.

* This oil may help prevent liver disease and gall bladder conditions as well as rid the body of kidney stones.

* Coconut oil is effective in helping to prevent osteoporosis.

* It has been known to decrease symptoms linked with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

* It promotes a healthy complexion.

* Studies have shown it may protect the body from developing certain types of cancer.

* Coconut oil can reduce the number of epileptic seizures.

* It can prevent skin infections.

* Research indicates that coconut oil can be an effective treatment for individuals with HIV/AIDS.

What is so unique about coconut oil is that unlike other oils which have a high fat content, this oil is low in fat content and is widely used among individuals who weight train because it is easily converted into an energy-building source in the body.

What is the difference between bee pollen and royal jelly extract? What benefits do they offer? Let’s do a little comparison on each.

Bee pollen is called the “food of life”. It contains 18 amino acids, vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorous, potassium, fatty acids, carbohydrates, rutin, and protein. Bee pollen is originally taken from plants, compressed into pellets, and extracted from beehives.

Royal jelly contains acetylocholine, which is a neurotransmitter that allows for the transmission of messages from nerve cell to nerve cell but, more importantly, has been shown to have a positive effect on memory loss which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It contains amino acids, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and is also considered a bee food.

Royal jelly is a substance produced by the worker bees that, in turn, is used to feed the queen bee. It serves to increase her growth and longevity. This is why queen bees are considerably larger and live longer than worker bees.

What are the benefits of bee pollen and royal jelly in human terms?

Bee pollen builds up the immune system in order to fight allergens. It can slow the aging process, reduce stress, and is very effective for those who wish to lose weight – or gain weight, whichever the case may be.

Individuals who have taken royal jelly extract assert that it provided improved memory function, overall good health, increased resistance to infections, lowered cholesterol, and prevented anemia as well as other chronic disorders. In general, they saw a significant improvement in their overall well-being.

It should be noted here that bee pollen was found to increase longevity among a group of people in the Russian mountains. Their average age is 125. So there seems to be some similarity between bee pollen and royal jelly in this regard.

Bee pollen has the ability to increase the production of blood cells in those who have anemia, prevents allergies, increases energy levels, builds up the immune system against allergens, and prevents infections; royal jelly plays a similar role in enhancing the immune system as well.

If one looks at the benefits of bee pollen and royal jelly and combines the two, clearly they both provide many of the elements needed to maintain a healthy life and, to a large degree, extend it as well. Bee pollen and royal extract is a combination that can’t be beat!

As most of us search for the perfect diet, you may be surprised to learn that bee pollen and weight loss have been linked.

Research has found that bee pollen increases the metabolism, thereby speeding up the rate at which calories are burned. In fact, it is thought that pollen from the honeybee is even more potent as a weight loss alternative. The pollen itself is low in calories, and it contains a substance called lecithin which allows fat to dissolve more readily in the body. In addition, the effect bee pollen has on cholesterol is positive, and can decrease cardiovascular disease as a result.

Another reason why bee pollen is so effective in losing weight is that it suppresses the appetite. Once you have a regular meal, you feel sated and do not require a second portion or snacks later on.

Here is another amazing fact. The amino acid in bee pollen can also increase weight. Hold on, this is not a contradiction. Simply put, there is an amino acid within the bee pollen called phenylalanine. Now what this does is signal to the body whether or not it is being deprived of food or needs food to survive. Amazing, isn’t it?

Bee pollen is also known as an energizer and has a domino effect on the body. The more energized you are, the more you will engage in physical activity, which will result in the loss of more weight.

Experts also note that the reason why some cannot lose weight, or gain weight for that matter, is due to a “chemical imbalance within the body‘s metabolism”. When bee pollen is introduced, therefore, there is a stabilizing effect which can bring the body back into balance and can attribute to either weight loss or weight gain.

Bee pollen is available in capsule form and can be taken in conjunction with a weight loss program. However, it should be stressed again to consult with your doctor before beginning any weight loss program, as well as ascertain if you are allergic to the pollen itself.

Now a word about phenylalanine that should be addressed: This chemical is found in decongestants and appetite suppressants. This should not be taken as a supplement since it can cause severe side effects.

In addition, pregnant women, children, and nursing mothers should not use bee pollen as there is not sufficient data to explain how it would affect this group. Consult with your physician before deciding on any course of dietary supplementation.

Ingredients:

1 (7 ½ oz.) can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
6 eggs (egg substitute optional)
¼ C. skim milk
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
½ teaspoon lemon pepper
½ C. and ¼ C. shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
Butter flavored cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Spray cookie sheet and an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Separate biscuits and arrange on cookie sheet. Lightly spray tops of biscuits with cooking spray. Bake biscuits about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Break each biscuit into 3 pieces and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, skim milk, parsley, onion, and lemon pepper. Mix well with a wire whisk. Stir in biscuit pieces and ½ C. Cheddar cheese. Pour mixture into baking dish. Bake 15 -20 minutes until center is set. Sprinkle ¼ C. Cheddar cheese over top and continue baking until cheese begins to melt. Remove from oven and let set for about 5 minutes. Cut into 6 servings. (Serves 6)

Low salt, low calorie, low fat

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