Archive for December, 2009

Amazing Potato Treasures. The Healthful Potato.

December 30th, 2009 -- Posted in Fitness, Green Living, Healthy Eating | 10 Comments »

potaotes-500x375It’s quite amazing what a simple potato can contain. Misinformation regarding the nutritional value of the potato is plentiful. In fact, an average (~5.3 oz) potato with the skin contains:

  • 45% of the daily value for vitamin C
  • 620 mg potassium, comparable to bananas, spinach and broccoli
  • trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and zinc
  • all for only 163 calories and no fat.

As you can see, potatoes are highly nutritious and are a very good source of potassium and vitamin C, as well as fiber, magnesium, copper, manganese, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate.

And potatoes with the skin on are an excellent source of fiber. In fact, with 2 grams of fiber per serving, a potato equals or exceeds that of many “whole” grain products-whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta and many cereals.

Despite the popular notion, the majority of nutrients are not found in the skin, but in the potato itself. Nonetheless, leaving the skin on the potatoes retains all the nutrients, the fiber in the skin and makes potatoes easier to prepare.

The other good news is that a medium potato has only 163 calories and 0 grams of fat. The potato’s cousin, the sweet potato, is even more nutritious. And, continue reading »

The World's Healthiest Foods: Fennel

December 22nd, 2009 -- Posted in Green Living, Healthy Eating | 1 Comment »

324083pw150Studies have found that fennel has wonderful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory characteristics. Used as decongestant, it helps to breathe more easily when you have a cold.

It also helps to suppresses spasms of the stomach, intestine or urinary bladder.

Fennel promotes a healthy immune system with a lot of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which has antimicrobial properties, and potassium, which guards against stroke.

It is also a very good source of folic acid and phosphorous.  In addition, fennel

is a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, molybdenum, and manganese.

Fennel seeds are known to be a fulfilling meal and were used during Christian fasting and on long road marches by the Roman soldiers. Fennel seeds are still associated with being an appetite suppressant and are commonly used by those trying to loose weight.

It is believed from folklore that this herb has mysterious vitalistic characters. It was believed that snakes would digest fennel to shed their skin and to sharpen their vision.

Likewise, it was believed that this herb has a rejuvenating effect on man and helps the eye sight. Moreover, fennel stimulates lactation and loss of weight.

Greek Mythology claims Prometheus used the stalk of a fennel plant to steal fire from the gods. In medieval times fennel was used in conjunction with St Johns Wort to keep away witchcraft and other evil things. This might have originated because fennel can be used as an insect repellant.

If you have ever used fennel in your meal preparations, you immediately notice the licorice aroma. This is because fennel is a key component in licorice. This herb, though not widely used, is nonetheless quite popular among culinary

experts. And, continue reading »

The World’s Healthiest Foods: Fennel

December 22nd, 2009 -- Posted in Green Living, Healthy Eating | 1 Comment »

324083pw150Studies have found that fennel has wonderful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory characteristics. Used as decongestant, it helps to breathe more easily when you have a cold.

It also helps to suppresses spasms of the stomach, intestine or urinary bladder.

Fennel promotes a healthy immune system with a lot of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which has antimicrobial properties, and potassium, which guards against stroke.

It is also a very good source of folic acid and phosphorous.  In addition, fennel

is a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, molybdenum, and manganese.

Fennel seeds are known to be a fulfilling meal and were used during Christian fasting and on long road marches by the Roman soldiers. Fennel seeds are still associated with being an appetite suppressant and are commonly used by those trying to loose weight.

It is believed from folklore that this herb has mysterious vitalistic characters. It was believed that snakes would digest fennel to shed their skin and to sharpen their vision.

Likewise, it was believed that this herb has a rejuvenating effect on man and helps the eye sight. Moreover, fennel stimulates lactation and loss of weight.

Greek Mythology claims Prometheus used the stalk of a fennel plant to steal fire from the gods. In medieval times fennel was used in conjunction with St Johns Wort to keep away witchcraft and other evil things. This might have originated because fennel can be used as an insect repellant.

If you have ever used fennel in your meal preparations, you immediately notice the licorice aroma. This is because fennel is a key component in licorice. This herb, though not widely used, is nonetheless quite popular among culinary

experts. And, continue reading »

Chocolate World: Great Health Benefits & Taste

December 17th, 2009 -- Posted in Healthy Eating, Natural Beauty, Natural Remedies | 3 Comments »

chocolateEating a scrumptiously healthy dark chocolate provides a sweet taste from the stars …and has great health benefits.

Devouring chocolate as a cure for high stress …claims a new clinical trial test. This lovely group of lucky eaters discovered an ounce a day, for two straight weeks, reduced levels of stress hormones.  Whoopee!  Pass the goodies.  And,

You might be amazed to learn these dark goodies can help you lose the fat you got!  Why?  Because it has appetite-suppressant properties, cocoa is often added to weight loss products to help control hunger.

While you may have been told that chocolate is “fattening”, the truth is that the fats found in cocoa butter are actually healthy fats! And, continue reading »

Chocolate World: Great Health Benefits & Taste

December 17th, 2009 -- Posted in Healthy Eating, Natural Beauty, Natural Remedies | 4 Comments »

chocolateEating a scrumptiously healthy dark chocolate provides a sweet taste from the stars …and has great health benefits.

Devouring chocolate as a cure for high stress …claims a new clinical trial test. This lovely group of lucky eaters discovered an ounce a day, for two straight weeks, reduced levels of stress hormones.  Whoopee!  Pass the goodies.  And,

You might be amazed to learn these dark goodies can help you lose the fat you got!  Why?  Because it has appetite-suppressant properties, cocoa is often added to weight loss products to help control hunger.

While you may have been told that chocolate is “fattening”, the truth is that the fats found in cocoa butter are actually healthy fats! And, continue reading »

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