Healthy Body

When cows or other livestock feed on grass, they first regurgitate the grass from their first stomach or rumen. Since they have four rumens, they can break down the food and digest it by converting it into fat and protein. Why grass fed meat is better for you is the topic of this article.

Years ago, grass was the only source of food for most livestock. Today, however, grain, corn, and other protein supplements are utilized. The problem is that because the livestock is not used to this type of food, antibiotics have to be given to the livestock so that the foods they are given do not cause problems to their digestive system.

The problem with feeding corn to cows is that it is an acidic agent which can cause bloat, which is when the animal’s rumen produces high amounts of gas and the rumination process suddenly halts. The rumen becomes larger and intervention becomes necessary to relieve the animal of the gas build-up. Unless this is done quickly, the pressure can literally suffocate the cow.

Thus, because cows and other livestock are given antibiotics to prevent ulcers, liver disease, and other conditions as a result of the acidity, the meat can be infected with bacteria such as E. coli. Recent events illustrate how the E. coli bacteria played a major role in causing individuals to become seriously ill and, in some cases, even death.

Another reason why grass fed meat is better for you is because it is low in saturated fat. Studies have shown that livestock who are fed with grain have a higher amount of fat than those who are grass fed. When you buy a steak, for example, do you notice the marble of fat? Well, that is a direct result of grain fed cattle.

In addition, grass fed meat contains a higher amount of omega-3 fat, which is beneficial to our health. This is the same omega-3 fat that is found in fish and cod liver oil. Here is another point: When livestock are fed grain, the omega-3 fat is slowly absorbed into their tissue and much of it is lost. In addition, meat from grain fed livestock has less Vitamin E than meat from those that are grass fed. Cattle that are grass fed have four times more Vitamin E than their counterparts.

Finally, it seems appropriate to add that grass fed livestock help the environment. When grain is used, there is a build-up of waste which is attributed to pollution. However, with grass fed livestock the waste is absorbed by the farmland and becomes a source of nutrients that are recycled over and over again.

Grass fed meat is a viable alternative in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Although grass fed meat is more expensive, it is worth the price knowing that we are contributing not only to the health and welfare of livestock, but to the environment as well.

More and more often we are finding alternative cures for what ails us. Royal jelly extract is one such alternative. What is royal jelly extract? It is a substance that is secreted from bees and is fed to the larvae. If there is no queen in the chamber, one lucky larva will be selected as queen. Only she is given royal jelly in large quantities. Sounds uniquely “royal”, doesn’t it?

Royal jelly extract has been attributed to increasing longevity and growth. This is evidenced by the fact that the queen bee is much larger and has a longer lifespan than the worker bees.

Due to the increased interest in the longevity factor of the queen bee, research in this area of study has been ongoing. While it has been determined that royal jelly has a positive effect on certain medical conditions and that it may contribute to cell rejuvenation, the prospect that royal jelly can achieve success in lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and other debilitating diseases is a hopeful sign.

The compound in royal jelly that has caused quite a stir is called acetylcholine. This enables the transmission of messages from nerve cell to nerve cell, more commonly referred to as a neurotransmitter. More importantly, however, it may be the link which can repair memory damage in Alzheimer’s patients.

Royal jelly extract contains amino acids, carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins. Those individuals who have taken this extract have said that it improved their memory function, lowered cholesterol levels, and they realized a significant change in their overall well-being. Another positive aspect about royal jelly is that users claim it increases sexual performance. Considering that a queen bee lays about 1500 eggs a day, it is no coincidence that science is making a connection between the two.

Royal jelly also contains an antibacterial protein that researchers found to be a protein packed with amino acids which can be used to fight staph infection and streptococcus. They also found evidence that royal jelly may have anti-tumor components, and may even be used to treat certain forms of cancer in the near future. Studies have also indicated that royal jelly has been utilized in treating fatigue, asthma, skin conditions, and both kidney and liver diseases.

Royal jelly extract should not be taken by pregnant women, children, or nursing mothers. In addition, consult your doctor before taking this extract since you may be allergic to the substance.

Ingredients:

8 slices reduced-calorie white bread
¼ C. Philadelphia fat-free cream cheese, softened
¼ C. strawberry spreadable fruit
2 eggs (or egg substitute)
2 Tablespoons skim milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Butter flavor cooking spray

Directions:

Spread 1Teaspoon cream cheese on each slice of bread. Spread 1 teaspoon of fruit on top of each. Put bread together to form 4 sandwiches. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, skim milk, and vanilla extract. Beat well with fork. Spread large skillet with cooking spray. Dip each sandwich into egg mixture, coating both sides. Place in skillet and cook 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. (Serves 4)

Low salt, low calorie, low fat

Organic meat is meat which is derived from livestock that are neither given hormones nor antibiotics. Is organic and natural meat the same? The answer is no. In order to obtain organic status, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to. Let’s review what they are.

When an owner of a cattle ranch decides to go organic, the process involves several components which take three years to accomplish.  The land must first build up its fertility. This is known as the conversion stage. Once it has been deemed fully organic, then additional guidelines are set in place to assure the livestock are properly raised.

The feed or grass that is grown must be 100% certified organic. No pesticides or fertilizers can be used. In fact, even the fence posts have to be untreated in order to meet the guidelines imposed. The feed must be free of animal by-products. The livestock must be able to roam freely, as their wellbeing is a priority.

Machinery used on the farm must be cleaned regularly. Livestock are checked to ensure they are healthy, and if any of the livestock develop a condition which requires intervention in the form of antibiotics, the organic status is lost.

Organic status begins from inspection of the farm and animals to the processing and distribution of the organic meat. Unless the meat sold in supermarkets has the USDA Organic label affixed to the package, it is not considered organic.

Organic meat can cost more than conventional meats. This is mainly due to labor intensive management of the farms. Farms are inspected yearly to ensure they are keeping within the organic status guidelines.

If you compare organic meat to traditional meat, you can see a remarkable difference between the two. For example:

* Use of hormones are prohibited in organic meat, but are allowed in regular meat.
* Feed grown with fertilizers and pesticides is used in conventional farming – not so with organic meat.
* On conventional farms, cattle cannot graze in pastures and are confined, whereas in organic farming they have complete access to the land and are not confined.
* Traditional farms feed animal by-products to cattle; organic farms do not.

These are just some of the major differences between organic and non-organic meats. It is no wonder that more consumers are opting for organic meat since the practice used to obtain organic status is of the highest caliber.

The allergy season can be the bane of life for many people whose immune system offers no protection against the allergens that cause a myriad of conditions. Today, however, bee pollen can act as a firewall that allows the immune system to effectively counteract the symptoms associated with allergies. What allergies can bee pollen help treat? Let’s take a closer look.

Allergies can come in many forms, including hay fever, asthma, hives, sinus problems, bronchitis, colitis, conjunctivitis and, in the worst case scenario, anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. In order to combat these allergies, bee pollen has been offered as not only a short-term solution, but a long-term preventative measure.

Bee pollen contains proteins, amino acids, and vitamins. In fact, studies have shown that bee pollen is rich in nutrients as well. But the most important effect bee pollen has is known as desensitization. Basically what this means is that when bee pollen is administered, it will build up antibodies so that any future allergens have less or no effect on the immune system.

For example, let’s assume an individual is allergic to cat dander. When bee pollen is taken, the antibodies build up by developing what is known as immunoglobulin. These protect the body against foreign invaders (such as cat dander) and the immune system reacts immediately to the foreign invader so that future contact with cat dander produces no allergic response whatsoever.

In one study, patients were given bee pollen for three years and the results were that 94% remained free of all allergy symptoms. All of the aforementioned conditions associated with allergens were completely cleared among those who were given bee pollen. This is great news for allergy sufferers.

Allergies are emitted from the environment, food, pets, grass, mold, and insects. If you’ve ever had an allergy, you know it can wreak havoc on the body and state of mind. This is why more and more people who suffer from allergies prepare by taking bee pollen to avoid the misery and conditions that are the immediate cause.

Note that before taking any form of bee pollen, it is important to ascertain whether or not you are sensitive to the pollen itself. Pregnant women, children, and nursing mothers should not take bee pollen since there is no present data confirming its efficacy for this group. Consult with your doctor to make a factual determination.

Ingredients:

2 (15 oz.) cans sweet potatoes with juice, cut into ½ inch chunks
½ C. firmly packed brown sugar
¼ C. fat-free margarine, melted
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ C. chopped pecans

Directions:

Layer potatoes, pecans, brown sugar, and margarine in a casserole dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes. (Serves

Low salt, low calorie, low fat, no cholesterol

Inevitably when you are choosing vitamins or supplements you want to ensure you are purchasing the best product available. Choosing the right form of cod liver oil is no exception.

Here are some tips and suggestions to assist you.

1. Cod liver oil, in its purest form, contains Vitamins A, D, and E, which are found in the cod’s liver. While most manufacturers process all of these vitamins to form the oil, there are others who use synthetic vitamins and pass it off as the real thing. Check to ensure the product you are purchasing is the real thing.

2. Some cod liver oil products do not meet the guidelines associated with eliminating toxins and other contaminants from the oils. Ensure that the brand of cod liver oil you choose is free of these contaminants.

3. In some cases if cod liver oil is not processed correctly, oxidation can occur. This is due to the fact that the oil contains unsaturated fats. So if you purchase a bottle of cod liver oil that smells bad or has a bad taste, throw it out.

4. As mentioned above, cod liver oil normally contains Vitamins A, D, and a small amount of E, which is naturally generated from the cod’s liver. However, there are some manufacturers who add a synthetic form of Vitamin E. Make sure the cod liver oil you purchase contains natural Vitamin E as part of its overall ingredients.

5. Choose a product that originates from countries such as Norway. The reason for this is that the cod is caught in seasons when the content of the liver oil is at its peak. Moreover, the process by which the liver oil is extracted is done without the use of chemicals.

6. There are over thirty protocols that are supposed to be incorporated to determine the efficacy of the cod liver oil. These protocols include ascertaining the freshness of the product, the potency, and the levels of contaminants therein.

7. Cod liver oil is available in soft gel capsules for easy consumption.

Finally, in researching cod liver oil, the general consensus is that one company has been given the highest ratings thus far: Carlson Laboratories has been touted as the best manufacturer of cod liver oil. The product is called Norwegian Cod Liver Oil with Lemon and has been regularly tested using the international protocols for potency and purity. In fact, consumers have remarked that the lemon taste disguises the oil, making it more palatable for adults and children alike.

Acne is a skin condition which can encompass blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. This occurs when the opening near the surface of the skin is blocked and produces a build-up of oil. The result is inflammation, redness, and swelling. One of the natural remedies in the treatment of acne is coconut oil.

Since one of the components in coconut oil is lauric acid, which is a saturated fatty acid that fights bacteria and other viruses, utilizing it to treat acne can be very effective. The other components in coconut oil have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties which further assist in the treatment of skin infections.

While coconut oil can treat the underlying cause of acne, it should be mentioned that there are psychological effects of adolescent acne as well. While acne is less common among girls, boys ages 14 through 18 have a higher incidence of this condition.

Adolescence is a time when the body goes through hormonal changes. Teens are just beginning to explore who they are. Acne can inhibit teens from participating in group activities due to self-esteem issues arising from this condition.

It is important for teens to understand that acne is not a disease, but a temporary condition that may affect them at some point in their lives. For girls, pimples may occur during menstruation, while for boys it usually begins at puberty.

Good hygiene habits can prevent the acne from becoming too severe. For example, teens should not squeeze pimples or scrub the acne area too hard. Girls should avoid wearing make-up that could exacerbate the condition.

While there are a myriad of over-the-counter medications and topical creams, treating acne with coconut oil can be safer and just as effective. Unlike the medications mentioned, coconut oil does not contain any chemicals or preservatives. Further, there is no likelihood that any teen would develop side effects from coconut oil. Using coconut oil can not only treat skin infections, but produce a healthier complexion in teens.

As we continue to explore natural remedies to improve our overall health, it is good to know that coconut oil is tops on the list. Ironically, it wasn’t too long ago that scientists thought coconut oil was the cause of acne. Today, however, the medical community has embraced this natural product since it has proven to be an effective alternative to modern medicine. It makes sense, then, that the palm tree upon which coconuts grow is called “the tree of life”.

Ingredients:

2 medium apples, cored and chopped
1 Tablespoon and 3 Tablespoons orange juice
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
¾ C. chopped celery
1/3 C. chopped dates
1/3 C. raisins
½ C. plain nonfat yogurt
2 Tablespoons honey

Directions:

To prevent browning, toss apples in a bowl with 1 Tablespoon of orange juice and 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice. Coat well. Add celery, dates, and raisins. Mix together yogurt, honey, and 3 Tablespoons orange juice to make a dressing. Pour over fruit mixture and blend well. Cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving. (Serves 6)

Low calorie, low fat, low salt, low cholesterol

There are many uses of coconut oil, besides its health benefits. Here is a list of the most common applications:

* Coconut oil can be used as salad dressing.
* It can be utilized as a substitute for shortening or vegetable oil.
* Coconut oil can also be used to deep fry and/or sauté.
* Instead of putting butter on popcorn, why not use coconut oil.
* Coconut oil is a conditioner for hair.
* It can be used as a daily moisturizer for the skin.
* Coconut oil can be used as fruit topping.
* It can be used to make a smoothie.
* It can be used in baking ingredients.
* It relieves sunburn.
* Coconut oil can be used as a dietary supplement.
* It may prevent age or liver spots.
* It can control dandruff.
* It can keep thyroid conditions stable.
* It can prevent tooth decay.

While these are just a few ideas to incorporate coconut oil in your daily regimen, its main ingredients can have health benefits, too.

* If can be used to relieve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

* Taken orally coconut oil can help prevent a host of illnesses such as diabetes, viral infections, listeria, osteoporosis and diabetes, as well as aid weight loss, improve digestion and lower cholesterol.

Due to the high concentration of saturated fat found in coconut oil, specifically called lauric acid, you can incorporate this oil in your diet regimen by adding it to chicken and rice dinners, fish, salsa, and other recipes you have on hand.

Here is an interesting study that tried to determine how much fat was stored in people who maintained a low-fat diet, a high-fat diet containing long chain triglycerides, and a high-fat diet that contained medium chain triglycerides. Keep in mind that coconut oil contains the medium chain triglycerides.

After the individuals were kept on their diets for 44 days, the results were as follows: “The low-fat diet group stored an average of 0.47 grams of fat per day, and the LCT group 0.48 grams/day, while the MCT group deposited only 0.19 grams of fat per day. Thus, the MCT group had a 60% reduction in the amount of body fat stored as compared to the other diets.”

The assertion that coconut oil decreases food consumption has been proven. Studies show that by simply adding coconut oil to meals, individuals find that they become fully sated after a meal and have no desire for seconds or snacks.

As stated at the beginning of this article, there are many uses of coconut oil, but none more effective than its use as an alternative way to improve one’s health.