Chewing Your Food Completely is More Important Than You Think

Chewing your food completely is an often overlooked part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you are like most people, you lead such a busy life that meal time is cut down to a fraction of what it should be. Have you ever timed yourself when eating? How long does it take you to finish a meal? Is it ten minutes? Twenty minutes? Five minutes? If you fall into these time frames, chances are you are not chewing your food properly. Read on to uncover the reasons why chewing your food completely is so important to good health.

Most people think that digestion begins in the stomach. This is not true. Digestion actually starts in the mouth. Saliva in your mouth contains enzymes that are important to food digestion. One of the enzymes that your saliva contains is called alpha amylase. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down the starches that you eat into smaller molecules that the cells in your body can use for energy. When your food is not chewed properly, the alpha amylase in your saliva does not have the opportunity to break down these starches, leaving body cells starved.

Another important enzyme in your saliva is lingual lipase. This enzyme is secreted by glands located under the tongue. Lingual lipase starts digesting the fat content found in the food that you eat.

Do you find yourself feeling bloated and gassy after eating? You are not chewing your food properly. When you do not chew your food thoroughly, this will result in incomplete digestion. Large particles of food will pass into the colon and become a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to bacterial overgrowth, indigestion and flatulence. Not chewing your food completely will also result in just a portion of the nutrients being released from your food.

Properly chewed food is important for a healthy lower GI tract. There is a muscle that sits at the bottom of your stomach. This muscle must relax to enable food to pass from the stomach and into the small intestine. When your food contains large amounts of saliva, this will help the muscle to relax and the food can pass into the small intestine easily.

So how many times should you chew a bite of food? It is impossible to give an definitive answer to this question. There are plenty of variables that would come into play. For example, you would need to chew a piece of meat a lot more than you would need to chew a piece of bread. A good way to tell if your food has been chewed properly is to chew until you can no longer recognize the food by the texture. If you are chewing a carrot and are still able to tell it is a carrot by the texture in your mouth, then you need to chew it a lot more before you swallow.

Not only does chewing your food completely lead to a healthier lifestyle, it will also bring out the flavor in the foods that you eat. Chewing your food completely will make all of your meals more enjoyable.

Chews 4 Health
http://www.1thinkhealthy.com/chews4health.html

Getting Cheaper Health Food!

I live in Houston. With Gustav approaching the gulf coast, everyone is trying to prepare for the unexpected. During my lunch hour, I went for some grocery shopping just to ensure that there will be sufficient water and food in case all commercial places will be closed or it will be flooding so much that I can not go out of the house at all.

The supermarket was not as packed as I expected. I guess because most people had gone to the mega store to stack up their supplies. Most of my coworkers have changed to shop in Sam's, Costco to save on per unit cost for their food, especially if they have a big family. I can not afford the higher-than-affordable price from Whole Foods, so I usually shop at my nearby Kroger.

I have been surprised by the level of increment in food price. Skim milk has gone from $2 something to over $3 now. Vegetables have also followed the big trend. Romaine lettuce no longer sells below $1. So much so that I find the packed organic salad mix that sells at a discount of $4 something a great deal. I can never find whole chicken selling at $.99/lb anymore. Instead, I will have to wait for the chicken go on discount and hopefully can get it close to $1.19/lb.

I start to wonder: where are the cheaper health foods? With commodity price turns north without any sign of going back, I have since changed some of my food shopping / eating habits:-

1) Get the fish! With those 6oz frozen fish selling at over $5 a pack, I learn to get my fish in the perfectly price reasonable place - the Chinese buffet! You can get about 3 to 4 pounds of fish in the to go box for a price of less than $10 (when you get it at lunch hours). The fish are perfectly cooked - they are steamed with mild seasonings - so they have kept good nutrient value.

2) Drink water! When dining out at restaurant, I no longer order any beverage. Instead, I order water with lemons. When adding those sugar free sugar, it tastes perfectly like a lemonade. At the same time, it saves you $2 for the drink.

3) Find the right protein! I find that the store has its own brand of beef patties. It's 91% fat free. A 12-patty pack costs about $10. When eating too much chicken can bore you, those patties can be a great choice for a wheat bread burger.

4) Read the Sunday newspaper! Yes, I was introduced and taught by my friend to go through the Sunday newspaper for food coupons. I was not a believer before. However, when seeing the receipt of saying that I save over 30% per food shopping trip. I am in!

Food is one of the biggest pleasures! It's worth to take some effort to make it healthy, make it worthy, make it right!

Always welcome you to share any health and food ideas at my health and food room: [http://health-food-room.blogspot.com/]

Are You Harming Your Dog with Their Dog Food? Health Concerns Stemming from Commercial Dog Foods

Do you like eating foods laced with preservatives, fillers and potentially dangerous chemicals? I'm going to take a safe guess and say no--but most dog owners serve this to their beloved pets every day.

Death Due to Dog Food

Commercial dog food health concerns are being raised as more and more people are exposing the potentially harmful practices of commercial dog food manufacturing. On Friday March 16th a major dog and cat food recall was announced by Menu Foods, the company that makes 48 brands of pet foods including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba pet food. The Menu Foods recall was announced after it was discovered that 10 dogs and cats died and an unknown number affected from kidney failure as a result of eating these pet foods.

Do you know what's in Your Dog's Food?

The truth is many commercial dog foods have ingredients that would shock you.

Your Dog's Food Could Contain:

Worms

Rancid Animal Fats

Diseased or cancerous meat

And...

Sodium Pentobarbital used to euthanize animals!

Yes, I'm sorry to tell you but dead animals could be in your dog's dinner bowl. According to author Ann Martin, author of "Protect Your Pet" and "Food Pets Die For" it is a common practice that euthanized animals are routinely rounded up from veterinary clinics and sent to processing plants to become your dog's food.

Now tell me--would you knowingly feed your beloved pet this type of food? Of course not! But commercial dog food health concerns stem from the fact that the manufacturers don't have to tell you what happens to the meat before they get their hands on it.

Discover How To Feed Your Dog a Healthy, Life Enhancing Diet

The key to providing dog food health benefits is to feed your beloved pet the nutrients and vitamins they need--without the preservatives, fillers and tainted meat. Just as you take care to cook healthy meals for you and the rest of your family, you can easily create healthy recipes for your dog. Making homemade meals for your dog isn't expensive, it isn't difficult and it will dramatically improve the health and well being of your dog.

On the days that you may not be able to "cook" for your pet you can substitute a safe brand of kibble. You will have to study up on your pet food labels but there are a precious few commercial dog foods on the market that are designed with your pet's health in mind...but you need to read those labels to be sure you're giving them the correct brands.

Feed your dog a healthier, chemical free diet and they will:

Have stronger immune systems

Suffer less skin conditions

Better all over health including less chance of heart conditions and kidney failure

Live much longer

If you have a dog you know what a cherished member of the family they become. What you may not know is that you may be putting them at risk for disease and a significantly shorter life span every time you serve them their dog food. Health and happiness for your dog can be as simple as taking the time to learn the truth about commercial dog foods and learning how you can better feed your four legged friend

Cindy McKie is a freelance writer and owner of a 15 year old Bichon Frise named Molly. Learn how to start feeding your dog a healthier diet today with the 5 Free Tips to a Better Dog's Diet [http://www.squidoo.com/dog-food-health-concerns] mini-course.

Goji Berries - The Latest Thing in the Health Food World

The Goji berry is the latest thing in the health food world, but the small, dried red fruit has actually been used for centuries in Chinese traditional medicine. Mention of the berries has been found as far back as the 7th century, but lately, the goji berry has stepped into the spotlight. The little fruit has certainly opened some eyes and stirred research as of late.

Considered beneficial to improving the immune system and vision, the goji berry also protect the liver and provide antioxidant effects. Many a tea or tincture has used the healing powers of goji berries. Several studies on the goji berry from Chinese researchers have claimed that the fruit packs a whallop of health benefits, and those claims have hit international renown.

A goji berry contains plenty of the body's daily nutritional needs. The fruit offers 68% of the recommended intake of carbohydrates and 12% of protein. In 100 grams of goji berries, there are 370 calories but only 90 of those are from fat. These little berries sure do offer a lot of health in a small package!

Goji berries have been found to regulate immunity and enhance the body's natural defenses. They improve our ability to handle daily stress by improving energy levels to increase coping ability. The goji berry can also slow the aging process and in cases of serious nutritional deficiency can help to reverse it.

The flavor is an interesting combination of tart and sweet, something in between a cranberry and raisin. People who like something a little in between those popular fruits enjoy goji berries. In their dried form, goji berries are easily snacked on. A juice can also make an interesting alternative. In fact, goji berry juice is one of the best ways for children to consume the fruit, as dried berries can be difficult to chew.

To have the extra health boost that goji berries provide, add them to your regular died. Dried, the berries can be added to many dishes. Teas are very popular and goji berry infusions are growing in popularity. For those who enjoy a faster pace of life and want nutrition on the go, a goji berry juice is probably the best choice.

For more info on the amazing health benefits of Goji Zen Berry Juice
please check out the authors website at http://www.gojizengojiberryjuice.com

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural product that isn't exactly earth. It is actually the fossilized remains of microscopic organisms called Diatoms. You might remember them from junior high science labs. If you don't, ask a 5th grader!

So these organisms create a shell around them that later gets fossilized and these fossils are ground formed in to diatomaceous earth, which is 84% silicon dioxide or Silica. It has already been proven by science that silica is that one trace mineral that is essential for human life. This is why this wonderful natural substance can prove to be highly beneficial when ingested by human beings.

There are many health benefits of silica, like lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. These are two of the most common problems that are caused by modern life and everyone who has used diatomaceous earth has reported a serious decrease in both cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels. It has been surprising both the users and their doctors. No wonder this product is in such high demands.

Silica is also a very important for healthy bones and a tough bone structure. Those who complain from joint pains have received wonderful results by using diatomaceous earth. Many do not know that calcium supplements alone cannot do anything when it comes to joint pain in old age. You need silica to kick-start the body's self-healing mechanism. Even osteoporosis patients have received good results by using diatomaceous earth.

It is even said to prevent and lessen the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by deterring aluminum absorption in to the body. Silica is also a very potent cosmetic solution. Skin needs silica to keep the process of cell regeneration from stopping over time. Our skin starts to deteriorate because as we age, our skin cells stop regenerating fast enough to keep our skin smooth and firm. This is why we develop wrinkles and loose skin. With silica however, this process is enhanced and your skin starts looking younger.

Silica also benefits your hair, which is about as rich in silica as your bones are and hence needs as much caring. After all, it is every human beings crowning glory and without it, much of the natural beauty of a person is lost. Diatomaceous earth works wonders for your hair by making it stronger and healthier from the roots. As a result you will experience less breakage and healthier hair. And since all this is happening from within your body, you will see that the changes are quite long staying and completely natural.

Diatomaceous earth also helps you to have healthy teeth and gums, by reinforcing your dental health with silica. It also increases the health of your nail plates by making them stronger and less fragile.

Thus, diatomaceous earth is really one of the best natural cures for a lot of your common health problems. It will help you fight those problems from the inside and thus will give you a healthier, more permanent solution that artificial cures cannot promise you.

For more information about Diatomaceous Earth, please visit http://www.earthworkshealth.com

The Number 1 American Bull Dog Health Problem

American Bull dogs live long and happy lives when provided with the proper health care, which includes, diet, vaccinations, exercise and grooming. The American Bull dog health problem usually comes from improper health care. The cardiovascular problems along with the joint problem do not affect these smaller dogs as they do the larger dogs. Some studies have suggested that larger dogs have more hormone growth than the smaller, which is believed to shorten the life span.

The number one health problem for this breed of dog is diet. Coming up second in the care of the American Bull dog is the vaccines needed to remain healthy. Because these small dogs need less exercise, the diet needs to reflect the need for less food than a dog that has more exercise needs.

Feeding Your American Bulldog

Some believe that dogs can eat the same foods as what we do; this may result in improper nutrition that is supply by dog food. Because dog food has the necessary nutrition and vitamins needed to maintain a healthy life, food ingredients need to be checked before feeding to your dog. Because a dog's digestive system has fewer problems digesting raw foods rather than cooked foods, dog foods contain additives that attract the dog's attention.

The American Bull dog health problem with food is that they like foods such as oatmeal, cheese, eggs and fresh meats like poultry and beef. Unbelievably they also like fruit and vegetables, but they prefer uncooked foods, but do eat prepared foods, as will any dog. Are the foods that we eat are safe or not for the American Bull dog? This question has many viewpoints from many different veterinarians and breeders. The choice is yours when caring for your dog.

Vaccinations, The Number 2 American Bull Dog Health Problem

Keeping your Bulldog up to date on vaccinations is vital to their health and maintaining a healthy life without disease and even death. Viral diseases affect dogs that receive no vaccinations against such contagious diseases. The vaccinations protect the dogs against distemper, rabies and the parvovirus. In most states, the dogs will also receive heartworm pills to prevent the attack of heartworm.

Before a heartworm treatment is started, the dogs are checked to make sure they do not already have the health problem. If a dog has contacted heartworm already, prevention treatments may kill the dog, therefore, a test by the veterinarian will determine the dog's status. Do not take vaccinations and heartworm treatments into your own hands, a vet is more qualified than you are to diagnose and treat the American Bulldog.

You have a beautiful dog that relies on your care and love to survive, the American Bull dog health problem does not have to be a problem when you take the time to learn about the care and grooming of these dogs. Always remember proper nutrition and exercise along with vaccinations keep your precious Bulldog healthy and happy.

You can also find more information at diagnose dog sickness symptoms and common dog illness problems. AboutDogHealth.org is a comprehensive resource to help dog owners identify their dog's illness symptoms and treatment options.

Learn About The Health Benefits of Parsley

Health Benefits of Parsley

Although most of us think of it as a simple garnish, herbalists and other traditional healers believe that the benefits of parsley are numerous. Scientific evaluation of the dietary effects of parsley support some of these traditional uses. And, the nutritional value of parsley is higher than you might expect.

One of the primary health benefits of parsley is as a food source. Over the years both the leaves and the roots of some varieties have been eaten by people all over the world. Some ethnic dishes rely on the herb for its fresh flavor. It goes particularly well with fish, but can also be used in sauces, soups, stews and salads.

Unfortunately, in America, most people view parsley as a garnish and leave it uneaten. Big mistake.

As a food source, the nutritional value of parsley comes mostly from its vitamin C content. A mere 3 ½ ounces contains 133mg of vitamin C, more than double the USRDA for the vitamin. Although when it comes to vitamin C, many nutritionists feel that individuals can benefit from thousands of milligrams per day, particularly from food sources.

The high nutritional value of parsley also comes from its vitamin A content; 421 mcg per 3 ½ ounces, about 50% of the USRDA for that vitamin. Vitamin A is an antioxidant, meaning it reduces the damaging affects of oxygen on the cells of the human body. But, the dietary effects of parsley do not end with its vitamin content.

The health benefits of parsley in herbal medicine include its use in the control of high blood pressure. Chinese and German herbalists recommend parsley tea for this purpose. Scientific evaluations of the dietary effects of parsley seem to support this recommendation.

Several different underlying problems have been associated with hypertension or high blood pressure. One, the kidneys lose their ability to excrete sodium (salt) efficiently, disturbing the natural balance of water and salt in the body.

Two, people who have high blood pressure are usually "salt-sensitive"; salt tends to increase fluid retention in their bodies.

And three, the body's natural systems designed to control blood pressure in the short term is overactive in people with chronic hypertension.

This leads to constriction of the blood vessels and increases retention of water and salt. Some of the prescription medications for the treatment of high blood pressure are designed to improve the body's ability to rid itself of excess fluids and salt. They are called "diuretics".

Scientific evaluations of the dietary effects of parsley have shown that it enhances the kidney's ability to excrete sodium and water, thus it acts as a natural diuretic. It also improves the function of potassium in the body. Potassium counteracts the negative effects of salt.

Other reported health benefits of parsley are to improve blood flow in the pelvic region and to strengthen the bladder. Modern evaluations of the dietary effects of parsley do not support these claims.

Parsley contains a compound (oxalic acid) that is involved in the formation of kidney stones. If consumed in large amounts over long periods of time, this compound can result in calcium and other nutrient deficiencies, because it binds to these minerals, making them unavailable for use in the body.

On the other hand, when calcium supplements are taken with foods containing oxalic acid, the effect is counteracted. The oxalic acid is not absorbed and it is excreted from the body harmlessly. A handful a day or the amount found in whole food supplements should provide the health benefits of parsley, without the possible effects of over consumption.

Numerous public health organizations have made recommendations to eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, nuts and whole grains. The nutritional value of parsley is high, but it does not contain everything that the body needs to function efficiently on a daily basis.

The health benefits of parsley and other vegetables, as well as fruits, nuts and whole grains cover every system of the human body. For those who do not get their recommended 5-10 servings per day, a whole food supplement is a good option.

Russell Cantwell is the editor of http://www.whole-food-supplements-guide.com/. Visit health benefits of parsley now to learn more about this amazing green veggie, and to discover whole food supplements that contain it and much more.

Can You Purchase Medifast Shakes in Grocery Stores, Health Food Stores, Or Pharmacies?

From all of the emails I get and from my lurking on many weight loss forums and support groups, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the Medifast shakes are the most asked about liquid product out there.  Not only is this product filling, good tasting, and pretty convenient, there's a certain mystery and misconception that seems to surround it.  I get a lot of questions that ask which stores keep these in stock or routinely sell these items.  I'll go over this topic in the following article.

If you've found this article, you probably have already tried to find these products on store or pharmacy shelves.  Maybe you've even ventured to a health food store or two or have even tried the yellow pages or local directories.  It's probably very likely that you have not been successful.  The reason for this is that the company does not distribute the products through third parties. 

With that said, there are some clinics scattered though out the world, but many people do not have one of these close by.  I never have.  The closest clinic to me is hours away.  The waste of gas and time would not make this very feasible or even sensible since it's really easy and quick for me to place an order online.  They will typically ship the order the same day so you don't have to wait all that long to receive it. In my opinion, having to order and ship the product from the company is not at all a deal breaker.  They are worth the wait and, in my experience, are much more effective and healthful than anything that you can get in the grocery store

I also feel compelled to tell you that there are many different types of Medifast shakes available.  Examples are appetite suppression, diabetic, women's health, metabolism boosting, and joint health, to name some of the more popular.  When many people ask me about these products, many are interested in the ready to drink variety that don't require mixing.  People really are attracted to the convenience of these and they are pretty good, but I would venture to say that the most popular option are the 55 shakes.  These do require mixing, but this literally takes seconds and you can control the texture and consistency more.  The 55's are often included in the monthly packages and are part of the five plus one plan.

Speaking of the 5 plus 1, you may know this already, but the diet has many more choices in addition to the shakes.  There are also soups and chili, breakfast foods, snacks, and other drink options, to name a few. There are well over 70 choices and all of the foods / liquids contain roughly the same amounts of calories, carbs, and protein.  So, although the shakes are really popular and really good, there are other options that might give you a little more variety.

You can order any of the food choices individually or as part of a package. Typically, coupons and specials are only offered with the packages, but the incentives do change from time to time.

Want more information on all of the diet's shakes or other foods? Lindsey's Medifast Review Website features recipes, a list of all of the foods (including all of the shake varieties and choices), videos, tips, coupons ($50 off or two weeks free),information and products related to success on this diet. She also offers a free ebook ("Getting The Most Out Of Medifast") to help you get started. You can visit her at http://easiest-diet.com/

Good Food Good Health - Skin Cancer, Solar Keratosis & Sun Damaged Skin

Hi, have you ever heard of Solar Keratosis?

Many of us rarely think twice about our largest organ - our skin, unless we suffer skin problems such as eczema or become sunburnt. But did you know that by taking just a minute or so longer to actually check your body over after your daily shower could in fact save your life.

Although there is more public awareness about the dangers of sunbathing, very few of us really realise just how much it can damage our health or how to be able to enjoy the sun safely without the worry of solar keratosis.

I myself had concern over a 'place' on my face just recently, and as it was only a short time before the family holiday I made an appointment with my G.P. for when we returned, and who really brought me back down to earth with a thud when he mentioned could be a Solar Keratosis - also known as Actinic Keratosis.

Realistically I know I should have attended before leaving, especially as I intended on sunbathing most days albeit safely - 30 factor sun lotion + 50 sun block over all moles and areas that easily get tender, such as shoulders and face in the high thirty degrees, a very large floppy hat and good quality sunglasses.

Eight weeks ago I had noticed what I thought initially was a spot on my cheek. I never really had spots as a teenager so I watched this spot getting bigger, patiently waiting my time so that I could squeeze it!

After squeezing the spot it turned hastily red and nasty, so I regretted touching it and it took several days to heal over, this sent my little grey cells on overtime, although I knew it did not look anything like pictures of skin cancer that I had seen, I was a little concerned.

When it had healed over it was very raised and a funny shape that several people mentioned it, but as it was not black in colour - it was extremely white and had turned very dry and horny - I ignored it.

Although it never bothered me, subconsciously my fingers would not leave it alone. On holiday I kept it covered completely with sun block as with all of my moles, but again I accidentally knocked the top of it and it healed back larger than it was previously.

Never having smoked or taken drugs - only prescribed, eat good food and drink very little alcohol, consider myself having a healthy lifestyle, but my sunbathing habits - especially in my younger days jeopardise this.

Sunbathing gives most of us the feel good factor, and a little sunshine daily is excellent for us as it allows the body to improve the manufacture of vitamin D in the skin.

Very few of us are aware of the damage that sun worshipping can have. SK or solar keratosis is becoming an increasingly common skin condition but rarely known. This condition left untreated can develop into skin cancer.

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) recently said although despite years of warnings and increased publicity, half of Britons would not recognise the signs of a possible skin cancer and a quarter never checked their skin for the disease.

Australia is often thought of as the skin cancer capital but it is a fact that skin cancers make up a third of all UK cancers, and the UK death rate is one and half times higher than theirs, this fact alone should put it into perspective and really drive home the danger that can happen.

Solar keratosis is not skin cancer but an indicator of sun damage of which 1 in 10 can go on to develop into cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatologists 40 per cent of all squamous cell carcinomas begin as SKs.

Caught early, squamous cell carcinomas are treatable but the consequences can be dire if left untreated spreading to other parts of the body.

Regular checks of the body are very important, not just for moles but any changes or unusual marks on your skin. Your GP or practice nurse should be consulted if you have any concerns and who welcome regular checks with themselves to prevent SKs being left untreated and turning into something potentially more serious.

Treatment for Solar Keratosis ranges from topical creams to freezing and scraping the lesion off.

SKs are most commonly found on the scalp, neck, face, ears, lips, back of hands and forearms, and in women also the lower half of legs, but can indeed be found anywhere on the body.

Sun damage accumulates over time; it is a lifetime of sun exposure that adds risk experts say, not just recent or isolated sunbathing.

Many people do not realise that even on cloudy day's skin is subjected to the UVA and UVB rays that cause skin damage, so make sun protection a daily occurrence to reduce any risk.

Solar Keratosis is a reaction to over exposure to the sun, especially when we are young; it changes the shape, size, structure and organisation of our skin cells, and can range in size from a pin head to an inch across.

The lesions texture is dry and rough and so more often can be recognised by touch rather than sight initially. The area may also be tender or itchy and prickly, especially after being in the sun.

Once solar keratosis has been successfully treated; regular checks and examinations are advised to keep the condition under control.

Skin types can also determine the level of risk - fair skin has less protective pigment and therefore burns more easily, making red haired and blondes more at risk in the sun along with blue, green or grey eyed people.

People with darker or olive skin should not assume that they are not at risk either, as these skin types are can be susceptible with prolonged exposure

Moreover men need to realise solar keratosis is not just a female problem, many men still think they do not need to use sunscreen, either because they may work outside year round and are 'used' to the sun or find it not 'cool', and that it is a health issue that needs to be addressed and sunscreen should be made part of the normal daily routine.

There is a higher risk of solar keratosis with people who have a weakened immune system, either through ill health or from bad diets, so eating good food for good health is as always a must.

As you know, we always say you are what you eat and that 'good food good health' should be the basis for everybody for a healthy life and healthy outlook on life with a varied diet of good healthy food to keep your liver well balanced and functioning is essential for whole body health including your skin.

A good food that is excellent for your skin is lycopene found abundantly in tomatoes, the darker the red the tomatoes the higher the lycopene content, and being a powerful anti-oxidant lycopene is great at mopping up harmful molecules -free radicals - that are linked to cancer.

Recent studies carried out have shown evidence that a diet rich in lycopene actually has benefits of naturally helping to protect the skin from damage, tests also suggested that production of collagen had been boosted by a tomato-based diet; this being the protein that keeps our skin supple.

Tomatoes have regularly been linked with warding off cancer of the skin, breast, lung, bladder and pancreas, and even combating prostrate cancer.

Water - melons and grapefruit are another good source of lycopene, but tomatoes are far easier to include in your daily diet as tomatoe puree, ketchup and soup that are condensed are very high in lycopene.

Damage to your skin from the sun cannot be reversed, but sensible precautions can be taken to prevent it being damaged further, reducing the chances of getting solar keratosis.

Avoiding the sun when at its strongest - between 10am and 4pm, wear clothes that cover your arms and legs and a wide brimmed hat, use a sunscreen of at least factor 15 or higher and reapply generously every two hours.

I consider myself very lucky this time as the 'place' was nothing to worry about; my GP removed it for me and insists that I regularly check myself for other places like this, and that it would have been 110% better to have sought his advice before my holiday and not to have squeezed it!

I completely knew this myself and that his advice was correct but I chose to ignore my conscience, and this is what we all have to change. So many people lie in the sun day after day with little protection and may well be aware of the dangers but choose to ignore the consequences until it is too late, so make sure you and your family enjoy the sun safely.

I have taken this advice on board, I know it annoyed my family that there is no way I would have let them wait any time at all before seeking medical advice - 100 per cent true. They say I am already a stickler for safe sunbathing and this will only fuel my lectures to them on the subject!

The girls have heckled me over it but I would rather drill it home to them about the dangers of sunbathing, as we are still perceived as being healthier looking the browner we get. It is far cheaper and safer to get a tan from a bottle and with the new products available it looks like the real thing when applied to exfoliated skin properly.

So remember 'good food for good health' is the best way to keep your body working like clockwork, and a diet made up of a variety of good nutritional food will give you all the vitamins and minerals you should need to keep your skin in tip top condition.

So do not forget early detection of any changes on your skin and safe enjoyment of the sun is the best protection against Solar Keratosis.

Sandra and Ted

This article was composed by Sandra & Ted Wosko. We have always been interested in health issues especially having children, and as with most people, we all suffer with some type of ailment. We are always researching on more and more topics in the endless task of gaining more knowledge to increase our expertise, benefiting ourselves and other people alike.
http://www.goodfoodgoodhealth.com
http://azland55.wordpress.com/

Protein Shakes are an Excellent Health Food

Bodybuilders aren't the only people who drink protein shakes every day. In fact, protein shakes make an excellent health food - great tasting, convenient, portable, and highly nutritious. Whether your goals are to lose weight, build muscle, or just improve your overall health, incorporating protein shakes into your daily meals can be a great way to reach your goals.

If you haven't already guessed by now, protein shakes do more than just aid bodybuilders pack on muscle tissue. For everybody (not only bodybuilders & athletes), a good protein shake can help you:

- increase energy levels

- increase your lean muscle mass (It doesn't matter if you're male or female - this is always a good thing!)

- enhance your immune system

- promote healing/recovery

- boost metabolism (which in turn, burns fat quicker)

- reduce appetite and food cravings (protein digests slower than carbohydrates)

- increase your heart health

- lower cholesterol and blood pressure

Unfortunately, choosing a great tasting and high quality protein powder is not easy. Make the wrong choice and you'll be stuck with having to drink shakes that taste like chalk (not that i've tasted chalk).

Not only that, protein powders can be really expensive when compared to the tin of MILO or Horlicks or packet of Milk you're so used to buying.

Some brands have recipes that are geared towards taste, and not nutrition and are loaded with sugar -- often 30 grams or more -- and frequently have no more than 10 or 15 grams of protein. Thats the nutritional profile of a milk shake not a protein shake!

So, to do everyone a favour, I'm going to do the choosing for you.

Now, I've tried all flavours from EAS Myoplex, Designer Protein, GNC's Pro Performance Range, Weider's Muscle Builder, Horley's and Optimum Nutrition's 100% Whey. So trust me when I say that I've tasted all sorts of protein powders out there to have learnt that sometimes, flavours like 'Vanilla Ice-cream' actually means 'leftover Vanilla pudding from last week's bachelor party'.

Taking into consideration the quality, results, taste, price, recommendations from others, I strongly suggest Optimum Nutrition's 100% Whey Protein. If you're a Chocolate lover, try mixing 1 scoop of powder with a glass of milk. The taste alone would blow you away - believe me. If you think you can find a better tasting protein powder with a higher protein content, less sugar, etc, all at a great price - dont bother. Trust me. There just isnt anything better you can get at this price. It is 100% value for money. I practically stopped trying new protein powders the moment I tried this. This is my protein powder of choice and I've been consuming this for the past 2 years at least. And I also know of many others who have done the same.

Josh Stone, also known as DM, is the author behind the site http://www.dailymuscle.com which offers the author's personal views on real-life fitness, bodybuilding, sports nutrition, cardio, fat loss, training information, and on all things that surrounds fitness.

Raw Food - Salad Way to a Good Health

It is said that raw food does more good than the cooked food. This is because most of the nutrients of the vegetables are lost while putting it on heat. Raw food should be either boiled or should be consumed in its original state.

Raw food is easily digested and assimilated by the body as it does not contain any kind of spices in it. Also, the nutrients remain intact and the body takes in a lot of nutrients from salad. Raw food like the cucumber, tomatoes, carrot, radish, beetroot are all incredibly beneficial for the human body. As these vegetables are rich in water content, vitamins and minerals, all of these nutrients remain. It is also believed that the fruits and vegetables should be consumed as a whole without chopping it into various pieces. The fruits and vegetables should be consumed without adding any spices to it so as to please the taste buds.

Fruits and vegetables should not be consumed immediately after cooked food as the juice from the fruits gets mixed with the food. Also, the nutrients from the salad will not be absorbed by the body. It is required to follow certain principles while having raw food if one desires to gain all benefit from it. Raw food has extremely high water content. Due to the high water content in raw food the body always feels energetic.

The body never feels lethargic. Raw food also enhances the complexion bringing a glow to the skin. Boiled vegetables also do a lot of good to the health. One might find it difficult to follow, but gradually this would turn in to practice. Gradually try to involve this in the daily routine and the change of satisfaction, improvement in health will be seen. Salad also helps detoxify the human system.

Pooja.S.Modi

Natural Health - Recipe - Anti-Nausea Diet Tips

--If you can tolerate any food, try the BRAT Diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast).

--Dry crackers by your bedside work, but only if you nibble on them! And eat them in bed before you attempt to get up and move

--Avoid greasy or spicy foods, or foods with a strong odor

--Have your foods and beverages at room temperature, hot food sand drinks may add to nausea

--If you want cooked foods you can cook fruits and vegetables (like apples and carrots) Cook them lightly with fresh ginger

--Drink peppermint tea or ginger tea

--Peppermint essential oil, Spearmint essential oil, Ginger essential oil (place drop on finger and touch tongue with finger). Make sure to use only therapeutic grade oil with the Supplemental Facts on the label (Young Living fulfills these qualifications)

--Small sips of room temperature filtered water with a drop of one of the above essential oils. Do this every fifteen minutes to prevent dehydration.

--Juice fresh celery juice with carrot and ginger

--Small sips of cool not cold, naturally carbonated unsweetened beverage such as Perrier, or Pelligrino

--If you vomit make sure to replace fluids along with mineral sand electrolytes. Sip any fluids that you can keep down including broth, clear juice, and natural nectars.

--If you need to replace electrolytes and can't get to a health food store or your Young Living supply, you can drink Pedialyte bought in drug stores or Gatorade (try to get everything without sugar when possible) in regular stores.

--Most health food stores sell Emer'gen-C in small packets that can supply vitamins and replace important minerals. Young Living has a powerful mineral product called Mineral Essence delivered in liquid form by a dropper. Besides minerals it also has Lemon, Cinnamon and Peppermint oils.

Visit http://www.HomeSpaLady.com for simple tips on natural health and beauty that you can do at home. Subscribe to Home Spa Lady's free "Tips of the Week" newsletter delivered to you each and every Wednesday in your e-mailbox. Visit Home Spa Lady's blog to read tips right now!

Raw Food Health

The interest in raw food health is growing. What do I mean by "raw food health?" Simply that amazing positive changes in health can often be achieved when one turns to a diet that consists mostly of raw vegetables and fruits.

Is there any evidence of this? There sure is.

Disease happens inside the human body for various reasons. There are causes for disease. And the cause just may be with the foods we're eating.

I've been privileged to discover the human body can often rid itself of much disease ... in an almost miraculous way. If you know anyone who is now battling disease then there is hope ... in the same way there was hope for tens of thousands of individuals who found out the same thing I did.

Somewhere back in the mid-1990s, my mother-in-law came to our house for a visit. She set a magazine in front of me about health and nutrition and said she was amazed by its contents, especially the testimonials.

Apparently, individuals in the magazine claimed they were totally healed from all types of diseases, including things like cancer, diabetes, lupus and severe arthritis ... after simply changing their diet.

"Uh Huh," I thought to myself. "Sure they were. It's nothing more than quackery, except this form of delusion was coming under the guise of nutrition instead of some 'magic potion' sold inside a bottle."

Since I'd always thought myself to be a healthy eater I perused the reading material out of curiosity ... especially the stories. What I read almost seemed fictional, especially considering the severity of the diseases, depth of sicknesses and reported miraculous healings.

There were some things within the material, however, that seemed plausible. For instance, the notion a person's immune system could be suppressed because of poor nutrition, which could then lead to sickness.

Accepting that idea, however, opened the door for more questions: Could a proper diet cause a person's immune system to begin functioning at an optimal level? Could the diseased condition then be reversed if it were brought about by poor nutrition or a suppressed immune system?

My initial skepticism about the material was taken over by thoughts of theoretical plausibility. The stories in the magazine certainly conveyed a hint of truthfulness in them. There did seem to be some evidence (at least on the surface) that there may be more of a connection between diet and disease than most people -- myself included - ever considered.

At the very least, this magazine offered some interesting ideas to consider. I couldn't help but think to myself how great it would be if there was some degree of genuineness within its pages.

How wonderful it would be if tens of thousands of individuals now sick with terrible diseases could get well ... simply by changing from their present diet to one that consisted primarily of raw "living" foods!

My interest in raw food health has continued to grow in recent years. Eventually I was moved to interview people who had experienced the type of jaw-dropping health change that often comes with the adoption of a raw diet. While there is no uniformity of agreement among health professionals on this, or any other, subject. It's hard to argue with the testimonies of individuals who have experienced the truth of raw food health in their own lives.

To find out more about the author's book entitled, "Living Food Cures: The Amazing Stories of 11 People Who Beat Disease Using Raw & Whole Foods," or simply discover how raw foods may be able to help put you on a nutritional path to healing and wellness, please check out other resources by the Living Food Reporter at http://www.LivingFoodCures.com

The Top 10 Health Myths Finally Exposed!

INTRODUCTION:

Only 400 years ago it was believed that the sun revolved around the Earth.

And it was only in the late 19th century that the barbaric practice of blood letting (and once believed 'cure all' of disease) was finally abandoned.

Thanks to advances in science and medicine, new discoveries have been made that have reshaped old paradigms and changed our way of thinking.

Therefore, we would assume that in this current age of science, medicine and technology, a well established consensus of health information would exist...Sadly that is NOT the case.

In fact, many of the current health recommendations are causing an increase in health problems. Several leading health researchers point to the fact that these recommendations are often driven by certain industries who have vested interests; namely profits, at stake.

As a former student of natural therapies, and having now been involved in the health & fitness industry for over 14 years, it is my intention to shed some light on 10 of the most common health myths - as controversial as they may be!

The Top 10 Health Myths are as follows:

Myth 1: Your genetics determine whether you will get cancer

Myth 2: For good health, follow the recommendations of the food pyramid

Myth 3: The sun causes skin cancer

Myth 4: People are overweight because they have slow metabolisms

Myth 5: Cows milk is a good source of calcium and builds strong bones

Myth 6: Eggs are high in cholesterol and should therefore be avoided

Myth 7: Margarine is a better choice than butter

Myth 8: Artificial sweeteners are a good alternative to sugar

Myth 9: You should eat a low fat diet

Myth 10: I should drink red wine as it's recommended by my doctor for good heart health

Let's address these one by one...

Myth 1: Your genetics determine whether you will get cancer.

Fact: Your LIFESTYLE is the single most determining factor, not your genes!

While it's true that you inherit genes for cancer, it's whether these genes are expressed that truly matters. In other words, just because your mother or father died from cancer doesn't mean you have to suffer the same fate. It all comes down to lifestyle choices.

Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and poor lifestyle choices, play a major role in the development of many diseases, including cancer.

Dr Rachel Thompson, science program manager for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) dispels this common myth and she conservatively estimates that lack of exercise and being overweight, causes three times as many cases of cancer as genetics.

According to her, the evidence suggests that 39 per cent of the most common cancers, including breast and bowel, could be prevented through a good diet, exercising and keeping weight under control.

"It's important to dispel the myth that cancer is down to genes," says Thompson. "The evidence shows that an unhealthy diet and low activity levels cause three times more cancer cases than genes. If people do have a family history, then this is important information for them personally, but overall this inherited genetic predisposition is uncommon. In fact those who have inherited genes should pay even closer attention to their lifestyle as there is probably still a lot they can do to reduce their risk.

"It is clear that choosing a healthy diet and being more physically active are important ways to help prevent many cancers," she added.

Furthermore, a study conducted in 2005 by Dean Ornish and colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco, US, tested the effects of a dramatic lifestyle change on gene expression in 30 men with prostate cancer.

Biopsies taken before and after 3 months of healthy eating, moderate exercise, stress management and psychotherapy showed a significant change in the expression of hundreds of genes. Healthy eating and exercise turned crucial genes on and off.

Many, including several genes involved in tumor formation, were down-regulated, or less active. Others, including some disease-fighting genes, were more active.

Not only do these results demonstrate that positive lifestyle changes can slow the progression of cancer, the results may also be significant for cancer prevention.

Conclusion: Many people believe that inherited genes or simply bad luck are the only factors in cancer development and it's time that myth was laid to rest.

Myth 2: For good health, follow the recommendations of the food pyramid.
Fact: Following the recommendations of the food pyramid is bad for your health!

The original 1992 U.S.D.A. food pyramid was based on the same recommendations and ratios for fattening cattle and other livestock!

According to Harvard Scientist Dr. Walter Willett, the original food pyramid was motivated by food industries rather than valid scientific research. He also states that the food pyramid is "terribly misleading and flawed."

For example, blanket suggestions are made that all fats are bad and all carbohydrates are the same, which is simply not true.

Moreover, the original food pyramid advocates eating 6-11 servings of carbohydrate per day. Therefore it's hardly surprising that we have such high rates of type 2 adult onset diabetes and obesity.

Recommendations concerning exercise, alcohol intake and the importance of fruits and vegetables are conspicuously missing.

The New 'Longevity' Pyramid!

Dr Mitra Ray, author of 'From Here to Longevity' advocates a new food pyramid which is based on sound health principles. This new food pyramid has a foundation of 5-10 servings of non-starchy vegetables. The next tier is meat, fish and poultry 2-3 servings as well as lentils, beans, raw nuts or seeds comprising 1 serving. The next level is fruit, 2-4 servings, and the top level (or least amount) is whole grains, breads and cereals with a maximum of 2 servings per day.

Myth 3: The sun causes skin cancer.

Fact: The body needs sunlight! Regular exposure to sunlight can reduce the incidence of cancers by up to 60%!

Most people believe that the sun causes cancer, when in fact, the opposite is true.

For example, many studies demonstrate that people who live in sunnier, southern latitudes and who have higher levels of vitamin D (as a result of their increased sun exposure) are much less likely to die from any type of cancer than people in northern latitudes.

There is also strong evidence that sunlight protects against MS and breast cancer.

Contrary to what you may have heard, appropriate sun exposure actually helps prevent the fatal type of skin cancer, melanoma. In fact, rates of melanoma have been found to decrease with greater sun exposure.

To significantly reduce our risk of developing cancer, we need to ensure we have regular sun exposure to keep vitamin D at optimum levels.

Recommendation: Try to obtain at least 15 minutes of sun exposure per day. Cover up with clothing to prevent sunburn, and make sure to avoid using commercial sunscreens as these contain toxic chemicals linked to skin cancer & melanoma (unbelievable but true) AND they block the absorption of vitamin D. If you must use sunscreen, use a natural, chemical free alternative.

Myth 4: People are overweight because they have slow metabolisms.

Fact: Only a very small percentage of people have slow metabolisms.

It's a common complaint, but studies show you can't use a slow metabolism as an explanation for weight gain.

In fact, recent studies have revealed that overweight people actually have faster metabolisms and burn off more energy than their lighter counterparts.

Your body composition, specifically your lean muscle mass, determines your basal metabolic rate (BMR) or the amount of calories you burn at rest.

The more lean muscle you have, the more calories you burn, and people who are overweight usually have an increased metabolic rate because they have more muscle as well as fat.

This is why men - who typically have more lean muscle than women do - tend to lose weight faster and gain it more slowly. It's also why experts recommend strength training to build muscle mass. BMR is also affected by how much you exercise. All physical activity, not just strenuous activity, increases the number of calories you burn.

There IS such a thing as a slow metabolism but it's very rare.

If you're concerned that you have a slow metabolism, consult your health professional. Your health professional may recommend a test to calculate your BMR, or resting energy expenditure. Medical conditions that can decrease BMR or alter your muscle-to-fat ratio include hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome.

The bottom line: Most overweight or obese individuals do not get that way because of a slow metabolism. They get that way because they eat too many calories and don't exercise enough.

Myth 5: Cows milk is a good source of calcium and builds strong bones.

Fact: Cows milk is not designed for human consumption. We are the only species on the planet to drink another species milk...cow's milk is for cows!

People who have grown up believing that cows milk is a good for you, that it is a great source of calcium and produces strong bones, are in for a shock! In fact, many prominent medical doctors are now saying dairy consumption is a contributing factor in nearly two dozen diseases of children and adults.

Our "nutritional education" in school (funded in part by the dairy industry) taught us that dairy products are one of the four basic food groups we all need for proper nutrition. As a result, dairy products became a well-entrenched and major staple of government-sponsored school lunch programs.

Cow's milk can lead to iron deficiency anemia, allergies, diarrhea, heart disease, colic, cramps, gastrointestinal bleeding, sinusitis, skin rashes, acne, increased frequency of colds and flu, arthritis, diabetes, ear infections, osteoporosis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and more, possibly even lung cancer, multiple sclerosis and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma...

And what about the claim that milk is a great source of calcium?

Ounce for ounce, a single head of broccoli has more calcium than a glass of cow's milk. However, even more important is the finding that the type of calcium found in green vegetables is better absorbed and does not leach from the bones...unlike high protein-containing dairy products.

In short, adequate amounts of green vegetables are much better sources of calcium than milk and cheese.

Myth 6: Eggs are high in cholesterol and should therefore be avoided.

Fact: You can eat 1 or 2 whole eggs per day and not be concerned about increased cholesterol.

There has been a widespread belief that eggs are bad for your heart, however, eating whole eggs on a daily basis may prove to hold numerous health benefits, including a decreased risk of heart disease!

Research showed that, in healthy adults, eating eggs every day did not produce an increase in cholesterol levels or constitute an increased cardiac risk.

While it's true that egg yolks contain cholesterol, (of which the body requires a certain amount) we should not assume that eating dietary cholesterol will yield an increase in blood cholesterol. Therein lies the confusion! There is NO correlation between dietary cholesterol and serum (blood) cholesterol levels.

So go ahead, eat and egg or two per day (ideally the organic free range variety) and enjoy the healthy heart benefits!

Side note: Of significant interest is that elevated blood cholesterol levels is more likely to be the result of insulin resistance caused by a diet high in refined carbohydrates.

Myth 7: Margarine is a better choice than butter.

Fact: Avoid margarine at all costs. And that includes the so called healthy olive oil based margarine. Butter is better!

Yet another myth! And if you thought margarine and spreads were better because they're low in saturated fat and cholesterol, think again.

Butter is truly better than margarine or other vegetable spreads. Despite unjustified warnings about saturated fat, the list of butter's benefits is indeed impressive. Butter is a rich source of vitamins A,D,E and K as well as trace minerals and fatty acids necessary for a range of healthy bodily functions.

Standing in direct opposition to these healthful qualities stands margarine and assorted 'vegetable oil' spreads.' While these may be cheaper, chances are you'd never eat them again if you knew how they were made!

Margarine are made from assorted vegetable oils that have been heated to extremely high temperatures. This ensures the oils become rancid. After that, a nickel catalyst is added, along with hydrogen atoms, to solidify it. Nickel is a toxic heavy metal and small amounts always remain in the finished product. Finally, deodorants and colorings are added to remove margarine's horrible smell (from the rancid oils) and unappetizing grey color.

In the solidification process, harmful carcinogenic trans-fatty acids are created. Ask yourself, would you rather have a health food with healthful qualities? Or a stick of carcinogenic, bleached and deodorized slop.

Given the choice, choose butter!

Myth 8: Artificial sweeteners are a good alternative to sugar

Artificial Sweeteners are highly toxic to the body!

Aspartame (often labeled as 'phenyalanine') and marketed under the name NutraSweet and Equal, is linked to a multitude of health and neurological problems including fibromyalgia, lupus, Alzheimer's and MS.

Often described as a silent killer, symptoms of aspartame toxicity can include numbness of the legs, cramps, vertigo, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, joint pain, depression (aspartame reduces serotonin levels in the brain) anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, or memory loss.

Those of us watching our waistline are often tempted by claims of 'zero sugar' or low carbs. However, more often than not these foods and drinks contain artificial sweeteners. Paradoxically, artificial sweeteners cause carbohydrate cravings which can lead to weight gain!

Today, artificial sweeteners can be found in everything from soft drinks to yogurt to baked goods to chewing gum.

Although small amounts are unlikely to be problematic, be discerning of your food choices and be aware that repeated ingestion of artificial sweeteners can be damaging to your long term health.

Myth 9: You should eat a low fat diet

Fact: The body needs fats! Especially 'essential fats.'

This idea that all fat is bad is completely untrue! Every cell in the human body requires fats for metabolic functions, the manufacture of hormones, brain function, plus many other vital functions.

Your body needs 'essential fats' from your diet (essential simply means that our body can't make it by itself) The best sources are high in omega 3 and include olive oil, nuts, avocado and fish oils.

The rights fats assist in lowering blood pressure, thinning your blood and preventing blood clots. Likewise, most inflammatory conditions can be prevented or controlled with regular omega 3 fats in the diet. A lack of omega 3 in your diet will intensify a number of inflammatory conditions ranging from asthma to arthritis and even heart disorders.

The fat soluble Vitamins A, D, E and K cannot be absorbed unless we have sufficient fats in our diet. Therefore no matter how many vitamin rich fruits and vegetables you eat, if you have a low fat diet, it's highly likely you'll eventually suffer degenerative diseases caused by vitamin deficiencies. One example is osteoporosis. For calcium in our diet to become bone mass, it requires the presence of Vitamin D and Vitamin K to be absorbed.

As the human brain is 70% lipid (fats) we need a regular intake of healthy fats and cholesterol to function properly. Therefore it should not surprise you that a low intake of fats can lead to short term memory loss, loss of concentration, depression, bi polar disorders and schizophrenia and in the longer term, Alzheimer's disease.

Symptoms of insufficient fat in our diet include increased cholesterol levels, dry and flaky skin, loss of skin elasticity and wrinkles! (The benefits of healthy fats are similar to antioxidants.)

Hopefully I've convinced you to increase the amount of healthy fats in your diet...eat fat, just choose the right fats!

Myth 10: I should drink red wine as it's recommended by my doctor for good heart health

Fact: It's not the alcohol in red wine that is good for you. Alcohol is a neurotoxin!

It's not the alcohol in red wine that is linked to a lowered incidence of heart disease, it's an antioxidant found in red grapes called resveratrol.

Wines contain abundant quantities of polyphenols, a class of antioxidant not present in other alcoholic beverages. The concentration of polyphenols in red wine is several times greater than that in white wine and it is these polyphenols that are associated with a number of health benefits.

Alcohol itself is actually a neurotoxin and excess consumption can seriously disrupt your delicate hormone balance, cause liver damage and other health problems.

If you're a non drinker, my recommendation is simply this... Don't start now! Remember, it's not the alcohol in red wine that's good for you - it's the antioxidants. Use moderation, or drink grape juice instead!

CONCLUSION:

So there you have it, the top 10 health myths finally exposed!

I encourage you to be vigilant in your pursuit of good health and be weary of health claims made by the media, the pharmaceutical companies and even your own doctor.

When it comes to your health, you're the one in the driver's seat. Do your own research, seek out reputable sources of information and explore natural and alternative therapies where appropriate.

It's by keeping an open mind, questioning and evaluating current health recommendations, that you can truly take control of your health and well being.

Mark Woodgate is a leading New Zealand personal trainer and is the the creator of the Body Blueprint Workout Club, an online personal training service that helps people from all over the world get into fantastic shape and achieve their fitness goals.

To receive your 30 day trial of the Body Blueprint Workout Club for only $1, visit http://www.bodyblueprint.co.nz/workout-club-30-day-trial.html