Healthy-Hair Diet

• Eat more salmon. Omega-3 rich foods like salmon and sardines help seal in shine. Distilled fish oils or DHA supplements will work, too. Need something new to do with salmon? Try this quick and easy Blackened Salmon Sandwich from EatingWell.
• Be a bran lover. Bran is rich in vitamin B, which may slow hair loss and promote hair growth. Other B-rich victuals include beans, peas, carrots, cauliflower, soybeans, nuts, and eggs. Make bran-infused pancakes a snap with this Healthy Pancake Mix.
• Say yes to avocados. Avocados and avocado oil may prevent some funky stuff that kills hair follicles — dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — from getting where it needs to go. Watch this video for shortcuts on cutting, peeling, and seeding an avocado.
• Say no to animal fat — and red meat — if you’re losing hair. They can lead to more DHT production and hair-follicle damage. Make meat-free gravy for your mashers with this delicious Portobello Gravy recipe.
• Stock up on green tea. Brew a strong pot, cool it, then give your head a rinse to help kill off dandruff-causing fungus. Incidentally, if you drink green tea, the caffeine in it may help slow balding, too. Try this simple Green Tea-Fruit Smoothie for breakfast — another fabulous EatingWell recipe.

realage.com

Spinach may reinforce the body on multiple fronts. First, it’s got a low glycemic load, so it doesn’t dramatically affect blood sugar levels when you eat it. Second, it’s a good source of magnesium, a mighty mineral associated with lower type 2 diabetes risk. Third, spinach is packed with alpha-lipoic acid, a disease-shielding antioxidant. And fourth, it’s low in calories and rich in fiber . . . we’ve got the makings of a nutritional superhero on our hands.For optimal nutrition, don’t let your spinach sit around too long before you eat it.

Packaged spinach can lose as much as half of its health-boosting carotenoids and folate in as few as 4 days after you bring it home from the market, research shows. This is true even if the spinach is refrigerated. Try to eat fresh spinach within a day or two of purchase.

Although fresh spinach may lose much of its nutrition in as few as 4 days after purchase, spinach that is frozen and packaged soon after harvesting will retain much of its nutritional value. Eating fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables is a great way to load up on health-boosting vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Leafy greens such as spinach are a great source of folate, a B vitamin that protects the heart by reducing homocysteine levels. Folate is important for the synthesis of DNA, too, making it crucial for pregnant women. Spinach also provides a significant dose of carotenoids, a class of powerful antioxidants.

realage.com

When Bad Fats Go Badder

 
Less Is More

Researchers recently reviewed the health of 622 colonoscopy patients and came up with plenty of fuel for the down-with-trans-fats fire. People who ate the most trans fat — an average of 6.5 grams per day — were 86 percent more likely to have potentially precancerous colon polyps compared with those who consumed the least trans
fat — about 3.6 grams or less per day. Seems trans fats can mess with the colon’s normal, healthy balance of bile and fatty acids and damage the mucus that protects this organ.
For heart health, the American Heart Association recommends that no more than 1 percent of your daily calories come from trans fat. That means if you eat 2,000 calories a day, no more than 2 grams should come from trans fat. Since trans fat is found mostly in packaged sweets, frozen dishes, and fried foods, steering clear of them will help. Your other option is to closely read the list of ingredients, keeping in mind that even products labeled trans-fat-free can still have up to 0.5 grams of the stuff per serving. So cut down on anything that lists hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils among the ingredients, too — “hydrogenated” is a red flag for trans fat

realage.com

Revealing Trans Fats

Scientific evidence shows that consumption of saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, levels, which increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, more than 12.5 million Americans have CHD, and more than 500,000 die each year. That makes CHD one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration has required that saturated fat and dietary cholesterol be listed on food labels since 1993. With trans fat added to the Nutrition Facts panel, you will know for the first time how much of all three–saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol–are in the foods you choose. Identifying saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol on the food label gives you information you need to make food choices that help reduce the risk of CHD. This revised label will be of particular interest to people concerned about high blood cholesterol and heart disease.

However, everyone should be aware of the risk posed by consuming too much saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. But what is trans fat, and how can you limit the amount of this fat in your diet?

What is Trans Fat?

Basically, trans fat is made when manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable oil–a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods containing these fats.

Trans fat can be found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods, and other foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils. Unlike other fats, the majority of trans fat is formed when food manufacturers turn liquid oils into solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. A small amount of trans fat is found naturally, primarily in dairy products, some meat, and other animal-based foods.

Trans fat, like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, raises the LDL cholesterol that increases your risk for CHD. Americans consume on average 4 to 5 times as much saturated fat as trans fat in their diets.

Although saturated fat is the main dietary culprit that raises LDL, trans fat and dietary cholesterol also contribute significantly.

Are All Fats the Same?

Simply put: No. Fat is a major source of energy for the body and aids in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, and carotenoids. Both animal- and plant-derived food products contain fat, and when eaten in moderation, fat is important for proper growth, development, and maintenance of good health. As a food ingredient, fat provides taste, consistency, and stability and helps you feel full. In addition, parents should be aware that fats are an especially important source of calories and nutrients for infants and toddlers (up to 2 years of age), who have the highest energy needs per unit of body weight of any age group.

While unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) are beneficial when consumed in moderation, saturated and trans fats are not. Saturated fat and trans fat raise LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Dietary cholesterol also raises LDL cholesterol and may contribute to heart disease even without raising LDL. Therefore, it is advisable to choose foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol as part of a healthful diet.

What Can You Do About Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, and Cholesterol?

When comparing foods, look at the Nutrition Facts panel, and choose the food with the lower amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Health experts recommend that you keep your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol as low as possible while consuming a nutritionally adequate diet. However, these experts recognize that eliminating these three components entirely from your diet is not practical because they are unavoidable in ordinary diets.

Where Can You Find Trans Fat on the Food Label?

Although some food products already have trans fat on the label, food manufacturers have until January 2006 to list it on all their products.

You will find trans fat listed on the Nutrition Facts panel directly under the line for saturated fat.

How Do Your Choices Stack Up?

With the addition of trans fat to the Nutrition Facts panel, you can review your food choices and see how they stack up. The following table illustrates total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol content per serving for selected food products.

Don’t assume similar products are the same. Be sure to check the Nutrition Facts panel because even similar foods can vary in calories, ingredients, nutrients, and the size and number of servings in a package.

How Can You Use the Label to Make Heart-Healthy Food Choices?

The Nutrition Facts panel can help you choose foods lower in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Compare similar foods and choose the food with the lower combined saturated and trans fats and the lower amount of cholesterol.

Although the updated Nutrition Facts panel will list the amount of trans fat in a product, it will not show a Percent Daily Value (%DV). While scientific reports have confirmed the relationship between trans fat and an increased risk of CHD, none has provided a reference value for trans fat or any other information that the FDA believes is sufficient to establish a Daily Reference Value or a %DV.

There is, however, a %DV shown for saturated fat and cholesterol. To choose foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol, use the general rule of thumb that 5 percent of the Daily Value or less is low and 20 percent or more is high.

You can also use the %DV to make dietary trade-offs with other foods throughout the day. You don’t have to give up a favorite food to eat a healthy diet. When a food you like is high in saturated fat or cholesterol, balance it with foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol at other times of the day.

Do Dietary Supplements Contain Trans Fat?

Would it surprise you to know that some dietary supplements contain trans fat from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil as well as saturated fat or cholesterol? It’s true. As a result of the FDA’s new label requirement, if a dietary supplement contains a reportable amount of trans or saturated fat, which is 0.5 gram or more, dietary supplement manufacturers must list the amounts on the Supplement Facts panel. Some dietary supplements that may contain saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol include energy and nutrition bars.

Fat Tips

Here are some practical tips you can use every day to keep your consumption of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol low while consuming a nutritionally adequate diet.

• Check the Nutrition Facts panel to compare foods because the serving sizes are generally consistent in similar types of foods. Choose foods lower in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. For saturated fat and cholesterol, keep in mind that 5 percent of the daily value (%DV) or less is low and 20 percent or more is high. (There is no %DV for trans fat.)
• Choose alternative fats. Replace saturated and trans fats in your diet with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats do not raise LDL cholesterol levels and have health benefits when eaten in moderation. Sources of monounsaturated fats include olive and canola oils.
• Sources of polyunsaturated fats include soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil and foods like nuts and fish.
• Choose vegetable oils (except coconut and palm kernel oils) and soft margarines (liquid, tub, or spray) more often because the amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol are lower than the amounts in solid shortenings, hard margarines, and animal fats, including butter.
• Consider fish. Most fish are lower in saturated fat than meat. Some fish, such as mackerel, sardines, and salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids that are being studied to determine if they offer protection against heart disease.
• Ask before you order when eating out. A good tip to remember is to ask which fats are being used in the preparation of your food when eating or ordering out.
• Watch calories. Don’t be fooled! Fats are high in calories. All sources of fat contain 9 calories per gram, making fat the most concentrated source of calories. By comparison, carbohydrates and protein have only 4 calories per gram.

To keep your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol low:

• Look at the Nutrition Facts panel when comparing products. Choose foods low in the combined amount of saturated fat and trans fat and low in cholesterol as part of a nutritionally adequate diet.
• Substitute alternative fats that are higher in mono- and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil.

Highlights of the Final Rule on Trans Fat

• Manufacturers of conventional foods and some dietary supplements will be required to list trans fat on a separate line, immediately under saturated fat on the nutrition label.
• Food manufacturers have until Jan. 1, 2006, to list trans fat on the nutrition label. The phase-in period minimizes the need for multiple labeling changes, allows small businesses to use current label inventories, and provides economic savings.
• FDA’s regulatory chemical definition for trans fatty acids is all unsaturated fatty acids that contain one or more isolated (i.e., nonconjugated) double bonds in a trans configuration. Under the agency’s definition, conjugated linoleic acid would be excluded from the definition of trans fat.
• Dietary supplement manufacturers must also list trans fat on the Supplement Facts panel when their products contain reportable amounts (0.5 gram or more) of trans fat. Examples of dietary supplements with trans fat are energy and nutrition bars.

October 12, 2008 Word of Faith Church. Sermon by Dale C. Bronner

Taking for 2 Kings Chp.8

“When times change, dont continue doing the same exact things. When times change you have got to change course.  If you keep on doing what you have been doing, You are going to keep getting what you have been getting.

Remember if you create a space for God to come, he will without a doubt come, in the place that you have made for him. What were you brought on this earth to do? Show people everyday what that purpose is. 

Do you have the patience of Job?

Do you have the faith of Abraham?

What word or sentence will be used to describe you when you are gone?

What distingushes you from others?

Remember that you ” Cant just put your mouth on anyone”- Meaning Be careful not to judge others, especially when you dont have all the facts.

Some people your going to have to leave behind. Where God has or will take some of us, you cant carry everyone with you.

Change your position!   Go to a higher level!  Annointing only flows down. If you are a parent, you have to arise to a higher level so your kids will get that annointing flowing down on them.

You got to hang around with people who are on the level that you attain to be on. You cant think on another level if you have never been there.

Honor thy parents and the elderly. God holds honor in high regard…………

Wordoffaith.org

Eating a couple of apples per week could reduce the risk of developing asthma and improve overall lung function, new research has revealed. Apples contain a variety of health-promoting phytochemicals, including quercetin, which may be the reason for the lung-boosting benefits.

For a healthy snack, try dipping sliced apples into honey or peanut butter. Spritz a bit of lemon juice onto your apple slices to keep them from turning brown. Also, be sure to leave the peels on. Apple peels contain approximately 2 to 6 times more phenolic compounds than the apple flesh. Apple peels contain more flavonoids as well. The list of health-promoting compounds in apples is long. It includes quercetin, catechins, gallic acid, and other phytochemicals. Apples also are an excellent source of fiber. In addition to reducing the risk of asthma and improving lung function, apples also have been shown to help lower cholesterol, prevent lipid oxidation, and inhibit cell proliferation. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure you get a diverse array of vitamins and health-boosting phytochemicals in your diet, and make sure apples are part of the mix.

Realage.com 20008

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 NIV

Thoughts for Today
One key to controlling our temper is to have realistic expectations of others. No one is ever wrong or right all the time. It is wrong to expect others to always be happy and helpful. None of us are “up” all the time. We all have times that we are sick, stressed or just plain tired. And, right or wrong, these things do affect our moods.

We need to remember that other people are affected by these same things. They may have reasons for their seemingly rude behavior and are not just being selfish or thoughtless. We need to avoid getting offended every time people don’t respond or act the way we think they should. They might just be having a bad day.

We also need to remember that everyone and everything do not exist for our convenience or purpose. We will control anger better if we do not say things like “I can’t stand this …” or “They better never …” These statements lock us into emotionalizing rather than thinking.

Consider this…
Learn to align yourself with reality. Don’t let everything bother you to the point that you always “lose it” over other people’s failures. Show them the same kind of understanding you would like to have on your challenging days.

Prayer
Lord, help me not to expect others to be perfect or to always do things my way. Make me willing to overlook offenses, to see people’s hearts and be sensitive to their needs. In Jesus’ name …

Read Your Labels!

Don’t Fall into “Cholesterol-Free” Traps

• Don’t assume that a food labeled “cholesterol free” is good for you. It may still contain bad fats, be high in calories, or high in sugar.

Beware of “Trans-Fat Free” Labels!

• In the United States, foods are allowed to be labeled “trans-fat free” if it contains less than .5 grams of trans fats per serving. Even though half a gram of trans-fat may seem small, it can add up, especially if you’re eating more than 1 serving.
• Instead focusing on the “trans-fat free” label, focus on the ingredients. If the ingredients contain partially hydrogenated oils, that is the same thing as trans-fats; so don’t buy it.
• Avoid foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils! The following types of packaged foods at supermarkets often contain partially hydrogenated oils: Chocolate, peanut butter, energy bars, crackers, cookies, cakes, pastries, biscuits, potato chips, imitation cheese, microwave popcorn, other snack foods. Make sure you read your labels and stay away from them if they contain it.
• In general, check the Nutrition Facts panel to compare foods - make sure serving sizes are consistent before your compare similar foods. Choose foods lower in saturated fat, Trans fat, and cholesterol. For saturated fat and cholesterol, keep in mind that 5 percent of the Daily Value (%DV) or less is good, and of course 0 is best.

Chose Heart Health Foods!

Eat Lots of Fruits and Veggies

• Fruits and vegetables are high in dietary fiber, which can aid in lowering cholesterol levels.

Chose Whole Grains

• Nutrients in whole grains promote heart health.
• Replace white bread, flour, pasta, and rice with their whole grains alternative.
• Chose whole-grain breads, whole-wheat pasta, whole-wheat pasta, and brown rice.

Beware of Energy or Nutritional Bars

• Many energy and nutritional bars contain trans fat! Even if they are labeled “trans fat free,” don’t forget to check the label - manufactures are allowed to use this label even when there is ½ a gram of trans-fat or less - that may seem small, but it can add up, especially if the “nutritional” bar has more than 1 serving (your may be unknowingly eating 2 or 3 grams of trans fat in every bar).

Choose Minimally Processed Oil

• To do this, look for oils that have been “cold expeller pressed” and “extra virgin.” These processes ensure minimal damage.

Toss a Salad

• If you choose to order a salad when eating out, remember that the salad dressing can have just as much fat and cholesterol as a hamburger. So ask for salad dressing on the side. That way you can control the amount of salad dressing you use. Choose the low fat or fat free option if there is one available.
• When ordering a salad from a salad bar, leave out high fat and high cholesterol options. This includes grated cheese, bacon bits, creamy or oily salad dressings, and chopped egg (unless there is an egg white only option).
• Use pure olive oil instead of buying ready made salad dressings. Many ready made salad dressings are made with damaged, over processed and inferior oils.
• Or, simply squeeze a lemon as your dressing! Or try a splash of vinegar - red wine or balsamic. That way you will cut out all fat, but still have the flavor.
• Using lemon is also a great alternative to salt.

Avoid Animal Fat

• The highest concentration of toxins in animals is found in their fat.
• If you do eat animal meat products that are high in fat, choose organic. Look for products labeled “organic” as well as products produced with “no antibiotics, no added growth hormones and no dangerous pesticides.” Organic refers to the way foods are produced and processed without chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Since the animal fat has the highest concentration of toxins found in the animal, at least if you are eating animal fat, the toxins you are ingested will be limited.

Buy Organic Dairy

• For the same toxic reasons as listed above.

Avoid Full-Fat Options

• If there are reduced-fat, low-fat or non-fat options available, choose them! Especially for dairy including milk and cheese.

www.womenshealthbase.com

Looking at opportunity

Wherever there is work to be done, there is opportunity. And there is always work to be done everywhere.

When there are challenges to be overcome, there are ways to create great value. And the world is filled with challenges.

If there are problems that must be solved, there are countless avenues that lead to lasting success. And there is no shortage of problems waiting to be addressed.

When you see obstacles piled on top of problems, and when there seems to be no end to the work that must be done, what are you really seeing? You’re looking at great opportunity.

You’re looking at a world in which you can truly make a positive difference. You’re looking at an environment in which you can reach great heights by lifting up the lives of others.

Take a good look at all the work to be done, and then step forward and get busy adding your own unique value. When you’re looking at opportunity, be the person who transforms it into success.

– Ralph Marston

Thanks Duane

 I am fasting this week, so I thought how great would it be to get others to do this.

Origins

Used for thousands of years, fasting is one of the oldest therapies in medicine. Many of the great doctors of ancient times and many of the oldest healing systems have recommended it as an integral method of healing and prevention. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, believed fasting enabled the body to heal itself. Paracelsus, another great healer in the Western tradition, wrote 500 years ago that “fasting is the greatest remedy, the physician within.” Ayurvedic medicine, the world’s oldest healing system, has long advocated fasting as a major treatment.

Fasting has also been used in nearly every religion in the world, including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam. Many of history’s great spiritual leaders fasted for mental and spiritual clarity, including Jesus, Buddha, and Mohammed. In one of the famous political acts of the last century, the Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi fasted for 21 days to promote peace.

Fasting has been used in Europe as a medical treatment for years. Many spas and treatment centers, particularly those in Germany, Sweden, and Russia, use medically supervised fasting. Fasting has gained popularity in American alternative medicine over the past several decades, and many doctors feel it is beneficial. Fasting is a central therapy in detoxification, a healing method founded on the principle that the build up of toxic substances in the body is responsible for many illnesses and conditions.

Benefits

Fasting can be used for nearly every chronic condition, including allergies, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, depression, diabetes, headaches, heart disease, high cholesterol, low blood sugar, digestive disorders, mental illness, and obesity. Fasting is an effective and safe weight loss method. It is frequently prescribed as a detoxification treatment for those with conditions that may be influenced by environmental factors, such as cancer and multiple chemical sensitivity. Fasting has been used successfully to help treat people who have been exposed to high levels of toxic materials due to accident or occupation. Fasting is thought to be beneficial as a preventative measure to increase overall health, vitality, and resistance to disease. Fasting is also used as a method of mental and spiritual rejuvenation.

Description

The principle of fasting is simple. When the intake of food is temporarily stopped, many systems of the body are given a break from the hard work of digestion. The extra energy gives the body the chance to heal and restore itself, and burning stored calories gets rid of toxic substances stored in the body.

The digestive tract is the part of the body most exposed to environmental threats, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins. It requires the most immune system support. When food is broken down in the intestines, it travels through the blood to the liver, the largest organ of the body’s natural detoxification system. The liver breaks down and removes the toxic by-products produced by digestion, including natural ones and the chemicals now present in the food supply. During fasting, the liver and immune system are essentially freed to detoxify and heal other parts of the body.

“Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with the inner drive, go much farther than people with vastly superior talent.” — Sophia Loren