What can honey do to you?

If you feel exhausted and want something fresh to release all your fatigue, why don’t you take a teaspoonful of honey and add to your tea, then drink it. You are going to feel much better.

It’s not difficult to find honey as it is easy to get and available everywhere in the market. In fact, honey has been a part of the commodity in the ancient century. They used honey for different purposes such as for health treatment, food and beverage, and other useful matters.




Nobody has doubts the usefulness of this sweet viscous fluid produced by bees. Honey makes a good alternative to sugar in food and beverages.

Honey is a source of nutrition. It contains many enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, as well as fructose, glucose, and water.

In addition, honey also contains antioxidants that can fight free radical from human body. Free radical are molecules that attack human healthy cells.

Current research on honey has shown its beneficial as an antimicrobial agent that can treat different kinds of ailments. The most common use of honey as an antimicrobial agent is to treat wounds, burns and skin ulcers.

Honey can also help seasonal pollen allergies. Consuming a teaspoonful of honey a day for a few months can boost your immune before the allergy season comes.

Thanks to the bees, people can taste the sweetness of honey and take the benefits out of it to improve human’s health.

Probably bees are the most helpful insect to human as they produce not only honey, but also something related to honey. Let’s see what they are:

Royal Jelly – This is the most nutritious food for the queen bees throughout her life. Luckily, human can take out and consume some of it. Its tastes a little bit bitter, but has so many benefits. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acid and antibiotic. It can enhance immunity; prevent arthritis and multiple sclerosis; treat asthma; slow down the signs of aging; stimulate hair growth etc.

Beeswax – It’s a product from the abdomen of the worker bees. Worker bees have some glands on the inner sides of the ventral shield or plate of each segment of the body. The beeswax is useful to make lipstick, capsule, balm, body lotion, candles or as a wood polish or floor polish.

Bee Pollen — It’s the male seed of a flower blossom that is gathered by the bees. Whoever consumes bee pollen may have more vitality in life. Most athletes like bee pollen because it sustains and enhances their quality performances. For ordinary people, bee pollen can stimulate organs and glands, rejuvenates human body, and brings about a longer life span.

As you can see, all the products “made” by the bees are beneficial for our health. Why don’t you try them for your health sake.

Beware of eating too much proteins

Protein is an essential nutrient, and is vital to your health. It is used to build muscles, skin, hair and nails. However, many people put their health at risk by eating too much protein.



Food that we eat already provides plenty of protein and there is no point in adding any more, unlike fat cells, there is no place in the body to store protein so the excess is eliminated or is seen as fat rather than muscle.

So what you need to do is to consume just enough protein to allow your muscles to be healthy, perform work and grow. But how much is just enough?

You only use protein for about 15% of your energy use, the majority of energy comes from fats and carbohydrates.

Exercising doesn’t necessarily mean that you require more protein but more carbohydrates to stop your body breaking down protein and using that for energy.

Try to make sure that 70% of your protein comes from sources such as meat, fish, eggs or poultry. The complete protein provided by these foods combines with incomplete protein consumed from other food sources. So your body makes the best of all the protein that you consume.

If you are consuming too much protein, you are probably consuming too many calories over your maintenance levels and this will show as an increase in your body fat levels. And with the advent of the latest fad high protein diets, not enough carbohydrates are being consumed so the protein is converted to glucose and not converted into muscle growth.

What is needed for muscle growth is not more protein but high intensity strength training with the required amount of time for rest and recovery between sessions.

Because that major bodybuilding star you saw in the latest magazine requires 300 grams of protein a day doesn’t mean that you have to. What he won’t tell you is that taking steroids is behind his muscle gains and not his diet.

High intensity strength training and not food stimulates muscle growth.
Consuming excessive amounts of protein is not only bad for your liver and kidneys but also promotes vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It is also linked to osteoporosis and some forms of cancer.

One way to overcome the need to eat large quantities of protein is to increase the consumption of protein in stages until a maximum efficiency point is reached and then to drastically reduce it again. This obliges the body to over-compensate by increasing the efficiency for the absorption of protein into the body.

An example of a Protein Loading diet is found below.

Week One
Breakfast: Poached egg on toast, cereal with fruit and milk.

Snack: Fruit and protein shake.

Lunch: Chicken, potato, and vegetables. Fresh fruit salad.

Snack: Nuts, fruit, and biscuits with cheese.

Dinner: Fish any style, rice, vegetables, whole meal bread and fruit salad.

Week Two
Breakfast: Two poached eggs on toast, cereal with fruit salad and milk.

Snack: Nuts, fruit, protein shake.

Lunch: Chicken with potatoes and vegetables (any style)

Snack: Nuts, fruit, biscuits with cheese.

Dinner: Roast Beef with vegetables, brown rice, whole meal bread.

Week Three
Breakfast: Three eggs any style on toast, cereal with fruit and milk.

Snack: Nuts, fruit, and protein shake.

Lunch: Turkey with potatoes and vegetables, brown rice, whole meal bread.

Snack: Nuts, fruit, protein shake.

Dinner: ˝ Chicken, potatoes, veggies, brown rice, whole meal bread.

Before Bed: Protein shake.
Week Four

Breakfast: Four eggs any style on toast, cereal with fruit and milk.

Snack: Nuts, fruit, protein shake.

Lunch: Spaghetti with meat sauce, potatoes, brown rice, whole meal bread.

Snack: Nuts, fruit, protein shake.

Dinner: Roast Pork, potatoes, brown rice, whole meal bread.

Before Bed: Protein shake.

After week four of this protein loading diet, move from the max intake of protein to the lowest. So in the fifth week go back to week one menu, in the sixth week, week two menu and so on.

This protein loading diet provides a balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates and combined with high intensity strength training will be very effective in increasing muscular bodyweight without the need to ingest large quantities of protein.

Shop smart for a healthy lifestyle

A big part of enjoying healthier eating is buying healthier foods, and that means making smart choices where it matters most – at the supermarket.  Choosing the freshest, healthiest foods is an important first step toward making healthy and delicious meals your whole family will love.

In general, most supermarkets are laid out with the healthiest, most nutritious foods around the perimeter of the store.  That is where most stores locate their produce section, their dairy section, their meat counter, and the like.  Of course, the middle aisles of the grocery store also contain nutritious foods, such as canned and frozen vegetables, whole grain cereals and more.

And of course each shelf of the grocery store also contains both good and bad choices for healthy eating.  For instance, the cereal aisle is home to both the healthy, home grain cereal, and those cereals that contain more sugar than corn.  In many cases, the difference will be obvious from the packaging, while at other times you will need to read the nutritional information carefully to ensure the food is healthy for your family.

As a matter of fact, learning to read nutritional labels is one of the most important skills any health oriented shopper must learn. This government mandated labels contain a wealth of information if you know what to look for.  Not only do nutritional labels contain vital information on calorie counts, fat grams and sodium content, but they contain detailed information on the percentage of each vitamin an mineral a serving contains.

When looking at nutritional labels, however, pay careful attention to the portion size listed.  This is particularly important when looking at calories, fat grams and the amount of sodium.  For instance, a serving of juice is generally 8 ounces, while the average juice glass at your home may be 12 or even 16 ounces.  It is important to carefully look at serving size, and to do the mental calculation necessary to reflect how much of each product will actually be consumed at one sitting.

When shopping for healthy foods, it is usually better to opt for les processed foods.  For instance, 100% fruit juice would be better than a fruit juice blend that may contain as little as 5% or 10% fruit juice.  And plain frozen vegetables would be healthier than vegetables in a butter sauce.  When shopping for meat, try to buy fresh meat whenever possible.  Frozen meat products, or those already seasoned, heat and eat products, often contain unhealthy ingredients as well as preservatives.

When it comes to dairy products, it is best to buy low fat and non fat varieties when at all possible.  The one exception to this rule is feeding babies and young children.  Their growing bodies need the fat and calories contained in whole milk products, but adults and older children are better served by low fat alternatives.

When choosing canned soups, there are a number of fat free and low sodium varieties.  Try to choose these soups for a healthier lifestyle.  Other high protein, low calorie soup choices include black bean soup, lentil soup and split pea soup.  These healthy soups are good sources of protein, fiber and folate.

Ethnic foods, such as Mexican and Chinese, can be excellent sources of healthy meals, and the traditional ways of preparing such foods are generally very healthy.  It is important to stay as authentic as possible when choosing and preparing Mexican, Asian, Middle Eastern and Italian food.  This will help guarantee both great taste and healthy eating.  For instance, traditional salsa is an excellent, low calorie, and nutritious dip, and the traditional Mexican black bean dip is usually fat free.

Seasonings can be an excellent way to spice up healthy cooking without adding additional fat and calories.  Herbs and spices are a great way to add zest to any meal, and starting an herb garden of your own is a great way to save both time and money while providing fresh tasting, healthy meals for your family.  When buying spices in the grocery store, be especially careful about sodium content.  Read the label carefully, since the first ingredient on many bottled spices is actually salt (another great reason to start that herb garden).

Healthy eating for vegetarians and vegans

Study after study has revealed the importance of a balanced diet to good health.  Eating a balanced diet, one that is rich in all the various minerals and vitamins needed for a healthy body, can present quite a challenge for vegetarians and vegans.

That is because maintaining a good balanced diet in the absence of one entire food group, such as meat and poultry, can be difficult.  Meat and other animal products contain significant amounts of important nutrients, such as protein, calcium and B vitamins.

Vegan diets present an even larger problem, since vegans go a step farther and eliminate dairy products and eggs as well as meat.  Vegans in particular often have trouble getting the vitamin B12 they need and often must rely on vitamin supplements for this important nutrient.

Of course that does not mean that vegetarians and vegans cannot enjoy good health.  Many vegetarians and vegans can and do enjoy levels of health much better than their carnivorous peers. It simply means that vegetarians need to pay somewhat closer attention to their dietary needs, and to be on the lookout for signs of dietary deficiencies.  The key to a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet, as with all types of diets, is practicing moderation, eating a variety of foods, and keeping nutritional needs in balance.

One of the most frequently cited concerns by family members and friends of vegetarians and vegans is how they will get the protein they need from a diet devoid of animal flesh.  However, getting sufficient protein is usually not a concern for vegetarians, since most American diets tend to contain more protein than they need.

Vegetarians who eat dairy products can get all the protein they need from dairy products, from soy based products and from beans, nuts, lentils and seeds.  There are many non animal sources of protein, so most vegetarians should not have a problem getting sufficient protein.

Even vegans, who eschew all animal based products, even milk and dairy products, typically do not have a problem with protein deficiency.  That is because nuts, seeds, lentils, pinto beans, split peas, soybeans, garbanzo beans, black beans, white beans, kidney beans, navy beans and many more all have lots of protein.

Vegan meals are often rich in tofu and other soy based products, and these products contain sufficient protein to meet the needs of most vegans.  In addition, the many bean based vegan recipes are excellent sources of protein.  For instance, a cup of cooked beans contains the same amount of protein as a two ounce serving of meat.

As with protein, nutritional deficiencies are generally of no more concern to vegetarians than they are to the general population.   Vegetarians who follow a balanced, nutritious diet should have no problem meeting their daily nutritional needs.

Vegans on the other hand, are more susceptible than vegetarians to nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12, calcium and vitamin D.  That is because the most common sources of these important nutrients are all animal based, either meat or dairy products.

Of these three nutrients, the hardest to replace on a vegan diet is vitamin B12.  The primary sources of vitamin B12 in the diet are all animal based.  For this reason, vegans are generally advised to take vitamin B12 supplement, or to eat foods that have been fortified with vitamin B12.  There are a number of such foods on the market, including nutritional yeast and soy milk.

Calcium is also a concern for vegans, since the primary sources of dietary calcium are milk and other dairy products.  Again, calcium fortified foods such as some soy milk and certain cereals are important to maintaining a healthy vegan diet.  The same is true of vitamin D, another primarily animal based nutrient.

The bottom line is that it is possible to maintain excellent health while avoiding meat and dairy products.  The key is to follow a well balanced diet, get plenty of exercise, and make smart food choices.

Healthy eating and dining out

One of the biggest challenges facing those trying to follow a healthy diet is the local restaurant. Eating out presents special challenges, such as not knowing how the food was prepared, how much fat it contains, and whether or not the healthiest ingredients were used.


Many restaurant chains, and even some fast food restaurants, have recognized the demand for healthier menu choices, and they are working hard to satisfy that demand.  All too often, however, the healthy choices on a restaurant menu are limited and unappealing.  It is important, therefore to pay close attention to the menu and make the healthiest choices possible.

One of the most important thing diners can do to eat healthy at restaurants is to be proactive.  Diners should not be afraid to ask how a dish is prepared, or what ingredients are used in its preparation.  If the server does not know, ask him or her to check with the chef.  A good chef will be happy to answer such questions, and to make modifications in the recipe if needed.  In addition, most restaurants will happily accommodate special needs, such as low fat or low sodium dishes.

 After all, the restaurant is there to serve its patrons.
Some of our favorite tips for healthy eating in restaurants include:
 One good rule of thumb to use when dining out is to order entrees that are grilled, baked or broiled.  Deep fried dishes are best avoided.  If you are unsure how a dish is prepared, don’t be afraid to ask.
 Portion size is just as important at the restaurant as they are at home.  That means ordering the petit fillet instead of the full size steak, requesting half size portions of French fries, and maybe even forgoing that tempting dessert.  Choosing leaner cuts of meat or fish is also a good way to eat healthier.
 When choosing side dishes, ask if steamed vegetables are available.  Steamed veggies are an excellent, low fat, low calorie choice for many diners.  Vegetables that are fried, au gratin, or prepared in cream or butter sauces are best avoided.
 When ordering salad, ask if fat free choices are available.  Most restaurants have several fat free or low fat varieties of salad dressing available.  If no low fat option exists, request the dressing on the side so that you can control the amount that is used.
 When ordering soup, choose broth based soups, and avoid bisques or rich soups like cream of crab or cream of broccoli.  A simple vegetable soup is a delicious and low fat alternative.
 Replace high fat, high calorie French fries with healthier alternatives such as fresh fruit or an unbuttered baked potato.  Most restaurants will be happy to accommodate such special requests.
 In Italian restaurants, stick with the tomato based sauces and avoid cream or heavy Alfredo sauces.  A simple pesto sauce without meat is a good choice for most pasta dishes.
 When dining at oriental restaurants, go with the steamed rice and stir fried vegetable entrees.  Avoid the heavy sauces and request that your meal be prepared with less oil.  In addition, try to choose dishes that feature less meat and more fresh vegetables.
 Choose a light dessert of fresh fruit or sorbet.  When ordering traditional desserts, order one and share it with your dining partner.
Finally, when dining at a fast food restaurant, it is important to avoid the temptation of super sizing the meal.  Fast food restaurants often make their larger portions more attractive by pricing them competitively, but a big part of healthier eating is to control portion sizes.  In addition, most fast food chains now offer healthier alternatives, such as salads and baked potatoes, as well as prominently displayed nutritional information.
While dining out certainly presents challenges to those trying to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, there is no reason to forgo the pleasure of an occasional meal out.  By following the guidelines listed above, and by adding some creative tips of your own, you can make dining out a healthy experience as well as a pleasant one.

The importance of antioxidants in the diet

Everyone has heard the news about antioxidants and their importance to good health and proper nutrition. It seems the more scientists learn about antioxidants, the more their value and potential increases. Antioxidants have shown promise in everything from preventing heart disease to slowing the degeneration of the eyes and brain.



Antioxidants work in a fairly straightforward way. What makes them so effective is their ability to neutralize a group of highly reactive, highly destructive compounds known as free radicals.

The production of free radicals is a normal bodily process, and it is part of the process of breathing and living. Free radicals are normally neutralized by the body’s natural defense system, rendering them harmless. However, anything that weakens the body’s natural defenses weakens its ability to fight off these free radicals. Those weakening agents include environmental pollution, excess UV radiation and even excessive consumption of alcohol.

When free radicals are not properly neutralized, the body is left open to damage. Free radicals can damage the structure and function of cells in the body, and recent evidence suggest that free radicals contribute to the aging process and may play a role in a great many illnesses, including cancer and heart disease.

While vitamin supplements containing antioxidants such as vitamin C can be important, there is no substitute for a healthy diet. It is estimated that foods contain more than 4,000 compounds that have antioxidant qualities. Eating a healthy diet is the only way to take advantage of these antioxidant properties. In addition to the well known antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E, healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains also contain lots of lesser antioxidants. Scientists are only now discovering the important role these lesser known antioxidants have in keeping the body healthy.

Let’s examine some of the dietary sources for the major antioxidant vitamins.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is probably the most studied of all the antioxidant vitamins. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin found in all bodily fluids, and it is thought to be one of body’s first lines of defense against infection and disease. Since vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, it is not stored and must be consumed in adequate quantities every day. Good dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits, green peppers, broccoli and other green leafy vegetables, strawberries, cabbage and potatoes.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver and other tissues. Vitamin E has been studied for its effects on everything from delaying the aging process to healing a sunburn. While vitamin E is not a miracle worker, it is an important antioxidant, and it is important that the diet contain sufficient amounts of vitamin E. Good dietary sources of this important nutrient include wheat germ, nuts, seeds, whole grains, vegetable oil, fish liver oil and green leafy veggies.

Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is the nutrient that gives flamingos their distinctive pink color (they get it from the shrimp they eat). In the human world, beta-carotene is the most widely studied of over 600 carotenoids that have thus far been discovered. The role of beta-carotene in nature is to protect the skins of dark green, yellow and orange fruits from the damaging effects of solar radiation. Scientists believe that beta-carotene plays a similar protective role in the human body. Sources of beta-carotene in the diet include such foods as carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, collard greens, kale, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots.

Selenium
Selenium is one of the most important minerals in a healthy diet, and it has been studied for its ability to prevent cell damage. Scientists see this ability to protect cells from damage as possibly important in the prevention of cancer, and selenium is being studied for possible cancer preventative properties. It is important to get the selenium you need from your diet, since large doses of selenium supplements can be toxic. Fortunately, selenium is easily found in a healthy diet. Good sources of dietary selenium include fish and shellfish, red meat, whole grains, poultry and eggs, and garlic. Vegetables grown in selenium rich soils are also good sources of dietary selenium.