Do you have a sleep problem?
Bedrooms should be used only for sleeping not working, eating or watching television.
Your brain needs to associate your bedroom with sleep.
If you have a television or computer in the room, then it is time to de-clutter and move them elsewhere.
You should aim to make your bedroom a dark, quiet and peaceful environmentin which to rest after a hard days work.
To do this:
Make sure you have a bed which is comfortable. Mattresses are supposed to be changed every 10 years. If the mattress sags, put a board under it until you can afford to buy a new one. You will also be doing your back a favour!
Fresh sheets and pillow cases may also help
If the morning sun is causing you problems, invest in heavier curtains or lining, or wear an eye mask
If your partner snores, buy some soft ear plugs
Keep the room at a decent temperature, and well ventilated not too hot in the summer or too cold in winter
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Honey: Nature's troubleshooter
Honey has been in news for the wrong reasons lately. Antibiotic residues have been found in leading brands of honey – but it is a reflection on the way we produce our food.
(Antibiotics residues found in honey due to use of pesticides on plants and trees which also are on flowers from which bees gather honey and some are natural. )
Honey, a syrupy, sweet liquid is obtained from plant nectar by honey bees. About 80 per cent of honey is simple sugars, mostly fructose and glucose with small quantities of other sugars like maltose, sucrose and other complex carbohydrates.
Although honey is a high carbohydrate food, its glycaemic index varies within a wide range from 32 to 85, depending on the botanical source.
Honey, nature's original sweetener, is being rediscovered as a natural source of energy that also offers a unique combination of nutritional benefits. In addition to being a concentrated energy source, honey contains a wide array of vitamins (vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid) and minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc).
Honey also contains several compounds that function as antioxidants, one of which is unique to honey, called pinocembrin.
Although relatively low in nutrients, honey contains more nutrients than refined sugars. As a rule, darker honeys contain higher amounts of minerals and are strongly flavoured than lighter honeys.
Honey is sweeter than table sugar as it contains more calories - one tablespoon of honey provides nearly 65 cals compared to only 46 cals provided by the same amount of table sugar.
The use of honey as medicine is mentioned in most ancient written records but even today scientists and doctors are rediscovering its effectiveness in therapeutic nutrition.
Its unique composition makes it useful for treating several ailments, minor burns and scrapes including aiding the treatment of sore throats and other bacterial infections.
The viscosity and the hygroscopic qualities of honey permits its even spread on a wound bed, creating a favourable environment for healing. With these properties, honey has been used as an efficient treatment of chronic wounds of the lower leg and abdomen.
Thus, honey can be stated a treasure due to its following usages:
- Honey being a rich source of carbohydrates provides a quick source of energy. The sugars in honey are primarily glucose and fructose both of which provide the body with quick energy.
- Recent studies suggest that this unique mixture of sugars which occurs naturally in honey, also works best in preventing fatigue and enhancing athletic performance.
- Another study states that a spoonful of honey right before a workout is a good energy booster. A study presented at the annual Experimental Biology meeting indicated that using honey as a carbohydrate source during exercise significantly improved performance and power during endurance cycling trials. It was also reported that honey reduced time to complete a 64 km time trial by over 3 minutes (compared to placebo); honey produced over 6% greater cycling power during the time trial (compared to placebo); equal performance to glucose; and it was well tolerated by all subjects
- Honey consumption along with supplemental calcium enhanced calcium absorption.
- Honey is an anti-carcinogen. Honey-containing marinades effectively limit the production of potential cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) when marinated steak and chicken were fried. HAAs are formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures and the begins to char or blacken. Marinating meat for four hours in marinades containing 30 per cent honey significantly reduced HAA formation.
- Honey exhibits resistance to microbial spoilage.
- Most micro-organisms do not grow in honey because of its low water activity.
- Honey is a natural antiseptic, it helps in wounds healing, swelling goes down, and tissue grow back. Even burns heal better with honey.
- Honey contains appreciable amounts of plaque-fighting antioxidants and so reduces dental plaque. It also has an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is believed to be the main reason for the antimicrobial activity of honey.
(Antibiotics residues found in honey due to use of pesticides on plants and trees which also are on flowers from which bees gather honey and some are natural. )
Honey, a syrupy, sweet liquid is obtained from plant nectar by honey bees. About 80 per cent of honey is simple sugars, mostly fructose and glucose with small quantities of other sugars like maltose, sucrose and other complex carbohydrates.
Although honey is a high carbohydrate food, its glycaemic index varies within a wide range from 32 to 85, depending on the botanical source.
Honey, nature's original sweetener, is being rediscovered as a natural source of energy that also offers a unique combination of nutritional benefits. In addition to being a concentrated energy source, honey contains a wide array of vitamins (vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid) and minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc).
Honey also contains several compounds that function as antioxidants, one of which is unique to honey, called pinocembrin.
Although relatively low in nutrients, honey contains more nutrients than refined sugars. As a rule, darker honeys contain higher amounts of minerals and are strongly flavoured than lighter honeys.
Honey is sweeter than table sugar as it contains more calories - one tablespoon of honey provides nearly 65 cals compared to only 46 cals provided by the same amount of table sugar.
The use of honey as medicine is mentioned in most ancient written records but even today scientists and doctors are rediscovering its effectiveness in therapeutic nutrition.
Its unique composition makes it useful for treating several ailments, minor burns and scrapes including aiding the treatment of sore throats and other bacterial infections.
The viscosity and the hygroscopic qualities of honey permits its even spread on a wound bed, creating a favourable environment for healing. With these properties, honey has been used as an efficient treatment of chronic wounds of the lower leg and abdomen.
Thus, honey can be stated a treasure due to its following usages:
- Honey being a rich source of carbohydrates provides a quick source of energy. The sugars in honey are primarily glucose and fructose both of which provide the body with quick energy.
- Recent studies suggest that this unique mixture of sugars which occurs naturally in honey, also works best in preventing fatigue and enhancing athletic performance.
- Another study states that a spoonful of honey right before a workout is a good energy booster. A study presented at the annual Experimental Biology meeting indicated that using honey as a carbohydrate source during exercise significantly improved performance and power during endurance cycling trials. It was also reported that honey reduced time to complete a 64 km time trial by over 3 minutes (compared to placebo); honey produced over 6% greater cycling power during the time trial (compared to placebo); equal performance to glucose; and it was well tolerated by all subjects
- Honey consumption along with supplemental calcium enhanced calcium absorption.
- Honey is an anti-carcinogen. Honey-containing marinades effectively limit the production of potential cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) when marinated steak and chicken were fried. HAAs are formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures and the begins to char or blacken. Marinating meat for four hours in marinades containing 30 per cent honey significantly reduced HAA formation.
- Honey exhibits resistance to microbial spoilage.
- Most micro-organisms do not grow in honey because of its low water activity.
- Honey is a natural antiseptic, it helps in wounds healing, swelling goes down, and tissue grow back. Even burns heal better with honey.
- Honey contains appreciable amounts of plaque-fighting antioxidants and so reduces dental plaque. It also has an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is believed to be the main reason for the antimicrobial activity of honey.
Signs Of Breast Cancer
Cancer is one deadly disease that is spreading all around the world and the reason for so many deaths. There are many reasons for the cause of cancer and today there are various types of cancer where mainly breast cancer is the most common which is found in women.
Many women today fear the big, 'C' and breast cancer among women is usually caused by age where the woman grows older she is more prone, inheritance, early menopause could be another major reason and exposure to harmful chemicals. Signs of breast cancer has to be noticed before it is too late.
Most women however, do not know the signs of breast cancer, These are some things a woman should know about this deadly disease which is spreading fast.
To check on if you maybe a victim to breast cancer, test yourself.
1.A lump in the breast which is apparently the first sign of breast cancer. The lump in the breast is usually like a thick swelling followed by redness in that area.
2.Check the underarm area which is the most important when testing for breast cancer. If there is swelling under the arm pit like a lump formation it is advisable to see a doctor.
3.Other signs of breast cancer is the change of look on the nipple. If there is any unusual texture or formation on the nipple along with strange discharge like a clear color or with that of blood then it is best to go in for a test.
4.Watch out for other signs of breast cancer which is where the skin will be hot to touch, a rash on the entire breast or near the breast, itchiness or unbearable pain in the breast region or even swelling on the neck.
These are some of the common signs of breast cancer. It is mandatory that every woman does this test to make sure she is free from this deadly disease.
Many women today fear the big, 'C' and breast cancer among women is usually caused by age where the woman grows older she is more prone, inheritance, early menopause could be another major reason and exposure to harmful chemicals. Signs of breast cancer has to be noticed before it is too late.
Most women however, do not know the signs of breast cancer, These are some things a woman should know about this deadly disease which is spreading fast.
To check on if you maybe a victim to breast cancer, test yourself.
1.A lump in the breast which is apparently the first sign of breast cancer. The lump in the breast is usually like a thick swelling followed by redness in that area.
2.Check the underarm area which is the most important when testing for breast cancer. If there is swelling under the arm pit like a lump formation it is advisable to see a doctor.
3.Other signs of breast cancer is the change of look on the nipple. If there is any unusual texture or formation on the nipple along with strange discharge like a clear color or with that of blood then it is best to go in for a test.
4.Watch out for other signs of breast cancer which is where the skin will be hot to touch, a rash on the entire breast or near the breast, itchiness or unbearable pain in the breast region or even swelling on the neck.
These are some of the common signs of breast cancer. It is mandatory that every woman does this test to make sure she is free from this deadly disease.
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