Nutritional Sea Vegetables

Sea vegetables or seaweed offer one of the most extensive ranges of minerals of any food group, encompassing virtually all the minerals found in the ocean, and even more astonishing, most of same minerals found in human blood. Sea vegetables also offer an assortment of distinctive phytonutrients, including the sulfated polysaccharides also known as fucoidans.

Unlike other categories of vegetables such as the terrestrial vegetables (grown on land), sea vegetables do not appear to rely on carotenoids and flavonoids for their antioxidant benefits, because in addition to these two significant categories of antioxidants, sea vegetables contain various other types such as alkaloid antioxidants. Sea vegetables are an exceptional source of vitamin A (from the form of carotenoids), B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E, K, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, as well as a good source of protein.

Sea vegetables are known to possess a variety of heart health compounds such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and antioxidants. Marine plants also provide an excellent source of essential fatty acids that supports the reduction of blood cholesterol levels, and therefore reducing the risk of atheroscleosis which involves the hardening of arteries, and thrombosis which involves the formation of blood clots.

Dietary fibre is required by the human body to clean the digestive system, and provide protection from probable carcinogens, by absorbing different substances such as cholesterol in preparation for elimination. Increased dietary fibre intake has been related to the decline of obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, and various types of cancer. Brown seaweeds such as wakame contain up to 40 percent more soluble fibre than terrestrial plants such as apples.

Popular Sea Vegetables or Seaweeds

* Kelp is an extremely nutritious edible sea vegetable variety that encompasses the widest assortment of concentrated phytonutrients. By far, sea kelp is one of the most frequently consumed seaweeds worldwide because it grows efficiently in most marine environments. Sea kelp seaweed species belongs to the brown algae (Phaeophyceae) family and is usually specifically sort after for the purpose that it contains high levels of iodine and proteins. The whole seaweed or dehydrated powders can be combined with soup stocks to produce a highly nutritional food source. Arame, Hijiki, Kombu, and Wakame are also varieties of sea kelp.

* Nori sea vegetable is the Japanese name for the edible seaweed species of the red algae (Porphyra) family, often found growing from coastal rocks in thin twisted arrangements usually about a foot in length. Nori seaweed has been conventionally prepared into sheets (comparable to the paper making procedure) for centuries by Asian cultures. Nori sheets are predominately used in wrapping sushi, but are also ideal for use as tortilla wraps or bread. The raw variety of Nori contains the most nutrition and is dark green in colour, the bright green nori sheets have undergone a toasting process and contain considerably lower nutrient value.

* Dulse sea vegetable is a crimson coloured seaweed species also belonging to the red algae family, frequently found growing from coastal rocks on the Northwest Pacific and North Atlantic coasts, Iceland, Canada and regions of Scotland and Ireland. Dulse seaweed is often used when dried, providing a delicious smoky flavor that has a soft chewy texture. Similar to Nori seaweed, Dulse seaweed does not require cooking, and can be equally enjoyed just sprinkled over meals as a salt substitution.

Please Note: Whilst increased iodine intake is beneficial for healthy thyroid function, high levels of iodine usually found in the brown algae family consumed regularly over a long period of time can adversely affect thyroid function. While brown algae type seaweeds are safe for adults if consumed in moderation, there have been cases where pregnant women have over consumed brown algae type seaweed products and their babies have fallen ill.

Because of the potential to cause illness, it is advisable that pregnant or breastfeeding women consume no more than one serving per week of brown algae type seaweed. Children can also be predisposed to excessive iodine so it is advisable that they should also consume no more than one serving per week.

Spice Up Your Relationship

Trying to create an intimate relationship once it has gone stale involves a gradual change from the normal routine, and both partners are required to exercise equal effort.

The reasons for the ‘cooling off’ of a healthy intimate relationship with your partner may include the fact that you just don’t get to spend much time alone together. Stress, exhaustion, hormonal rise and falls can also leave you feeling less than adequate, which can also negatively affect your intimate times. Perhaps you notice yourself saying ‘not tonight honey’ more often than you would like.

Evidence points to the numerous health benefits of sharing intimate times with your partner. When a couple has a desire inconsistency for intimate moments, it can place a great deal of stress on the relationship, and for those who do not seek assistance in dealing with the problem, it can even result in a relationship breakdown. One partner may even reach breaking point and attempt to look elsewhere, or begin to exert pressure on their partner insisting for a change. Provocations escalate stress levels and make it even more likely that the couple will separate.

Since spending healthy intimate times with your partner is stress reducing and an excellent way to connect with your partner, then it is probably something that you would not want to forfeit. The yogis would say to not over do it, but finding the proper balance is the key. If you are guilty of turning your partner down in the bedroom a little more often than you’d like, perhaps it is time you try some natural herbs and spices to spice things up a bit!

Cardamom
The ancient healing art of Ayurveda advocates cardamom for low libido. Cardamom pods contains high levels of cineole, which increases blood flow to both the male and female reproductive regions. I find either green or brown cardamom pods to be a nice addition to herbal root tea.

Cayenne
It makes sense that hot peppers would cause a little sizzle in the bedroom. Cayenne and other hot peppers not only heat up the body, but also speed up metabolism in both male and female. It is also claimed that cayenne pepper is a male aphrodisiac because it contains capsaicin which may increase blood flow to various parts of the human body.

Fennel
The ancient Egyptians used fennel to heighten women’s libido, and as it turns out, there was good reason as fennel contains phytoestrogens, also known as dietary estrogens. These dietary estrogens are an assorted group of naturally occurring nonsteroidal plant compounds that have the ability to cause estrogenic results that may increase sex drive.

Fenugreek
A study conducted at the Australian Centre for Integrative Clinical and Molecular Medicine in 2011 discovered that consuming fenugreek increased the sex drive in low libido men. Fenugreek may also assist in lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics, and lactating women have used the spice for decades to increase milk production.

Garlic
Individuals going out on dates would often avoid garlic because they do not want to kill the mood with tainted breath when the evening turns to romance. Regardless of how it may affect the smell of your breath, the high levels of allicin in garlic increases blood flow to your sexual organs, after all there is always parsley to neutralise the smell of your breath.

Ginger
The warming herb called ginger comes from the root of the ginger plant, and it conveys a spicy slightly sweet flavour and scent. Sharing the same abilities as garlic, ginger increases blood flow especially to the sexual organs and increases body temperatures. Numerous cultures have used ginger as an aphrodisiac, and Dr. Mehmet Oz also confirmed it when he listed ginger as one of his top 4 libido boosters.

Nutmeg
The spice called nutmeg has long been utilised in Indian culture as a very fashionable libido booster. In African culture many have refer to nutmeg as a viagra for women. Researchers at the Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh, India studied the use of nutmeg as an aphrodisiac and found that it did in fact increase sexual behaviour. Please be aware: Large doses of nutmeg have been reported to induce hallucinogenic effects such as visual distortions and paranoia. If consuming large quantities of nutmeg whilst pregnant please keep in mind that it inhibits prostaglandin production and contains hallucinogens that may affect the fetus. A worthwhile addition to your diet - just be sensible!

If living a healthy lifestyle is one of your top priorities, do not neglect your immune system. The immune system provides protection from bacteria, viruses, fungi, moulds and cancer cells. Simply put, if you want to extend your healthy life span and increase your quality of life, then consider boosting your immune system with herbs and spices.

Achieving a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy

For many couples, pregnancy is one joyous event that should be celebrated as well as taken care of very mindfully. Though this is a very sensitive phase, it must still be enjoyed as not all couples are granted this opportunity.

Being pregnant means a woman is now carrying another seed of life and in this light, it would just be correct to ensure a healthy pregnancy. So, how can you make your pregnancy, both healthy and enjoyable? Here are just a few steps you can take in your quest to gaining a happy and healthy pregnancy.

•    Do not become lazy and do some exercises!
Being pregnant does not mean that you totally will not be able to do any exercises. You still can. However, it should be toned down since you are only advised to do little exercises. This is especially true if your work involves a lot of sitting like office works or online works. Doing the right exercises can help you in relieving the pelvic muscle stresses that your pregnancy brings you. If you do not do any exercises, your pregnancy might feel like a burden since you might experience sciatica, back pain, pelvic discomfort, and abdominal tenderness. Your healthy living and healthy lifestyle start with exercise.

•    Experience leisurely baths and massages!
Now, this does not mean that you need to go to spas often just to experience leisurely baths and massages. All you need to do is purchase essential oils that will not be bad for your pregnancy and use them for some of your baths and massages. Your hubby or sibling could do the massage for you. With this, your well-being will be heightened and you can even relax even just by taking your bath. You will also be able to relieve tension, pain, and stress. On top of that, you will also have a skin that is silkier and you will also smell more gorgeous – happy mom, healthy baby!

•    Pregnancy pillows are there for a reason!
You might have seen them once or twice and you might have thought, "What are those for?" Won’t ordinary pillows suffice? Pregnancy pillows are not made just for companies to profit. They are made for a reason and if you are pregnant, you will need one. Being pregnant will also mean, sooner or later, you will not be having any proper sleep. Due to the developing baby inside of you, the upsurge of hormones, as well as your different metabolism, your sleep will definitely be compromised. In order to promote a healthy lifestyle even if you are pregnant, the pregnancy pillow can definitely help you. A pregnancy pillow that is made of good quality, a restful sleep will not be out of your reach.

•    Obtain nutrients via natural fruits and vegetables!
Now that you have another life beating inside of you, you need to make sure that you are eating the right kinds of foods. Your baby’s growth and development depend on how you take care of yourself as well as the food that you are eating. You have to make sure that you eat natural foods like fruits and vegetables. You have to hydrate more as well. Foods like sweets, chips, and processed foods are a big no-no when you are pregnant. If you stick to this, your healthy living plans will go to waste and your baby might be at risk. You can eat them occasionally, but try to limit your intake while you are pregnant.

Being pregnant is really not troublesome, it can be fun and enjoyable. You will just need to make some adjustments to encourage healthy living by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Antiviral Herbs From Nature

Bacteria are inter-cellular organisms meaning that they live in between cells, whereas viruses are intra-cellular organisms meaning that they penetrate the host cells and reside within.

Numerous illnesses originate from infection by either pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria or viruses. Bacteria reproduce by dividing in two, while the virus replicate themselves within host cells. Various bacterial infections can be treated successfully with antibiotics, but antibiotics are of no use against the viral infection. It is interesting to discover that certain common and widely available herbs do have effective antiviral action.

Astragalus
This powerful immune boosting herb is otherwise known as huang qi in Chinese medicine. The astragalus has a sweet tasting root similar to liquorice, to which is no surprise as it belongs to the same family of Fabaceae. Astragalus has proven to be a very effective antiviral herb mainly taken in the prevention of the colds and flu virus, it has also been reported to be an effective treatment for the Coxsackie B virus (virus causing inflammation of the heart).

Simmer slices of astragalus root in water to produce a healing concoction, or you can purchase the commercially available concentrate. The  generally consensus is that astragalus is best if taken as a preventative measure rather than waiting till you are absolutely infected. If you think you have been exposed to the cold or flu virus or are beginning to experience the symptoms, start taking astragalus immediately.

Garlic
No discussion about antiviral herbs would be complete without the mention of garlic. Garlic is an amazing herb that provides the benefit of being antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. Garlic is inexpensive and can be grown easily in the backyard. You can use the whole herb in meal preparation, or take the commercially available capsules. Do keep in mind, that most experts agree that the deodorised garlic in the commercially available products may not be as effective as the natural impervious herb.

Simmer sliced or minced garlic in chicken soup and sip it to ward off colds and flu. Raw crushed garlic can be sprinkled over salads or included to pasta dishes. Be aware that certain individuals have complained that consuming too much raw garlic has caused them severe nausea.

Ginger
Since long ago, ginger was considered to be a warming herb that was capable of preventing nausea from a chilled stomach, which was believed to occur when large quantities of water were consumed in hot conditions. It is now widely known that ginger has powerful anti-nausea qualities as well as being a very effective anti-viral agent.

Herbal Root Teas made with fresh ginger are quite pleasant and spicy. Many have opted to sweeten their herbal tea with raw honey for that added germ fighting benefit as well as flavour. When experiencing the very first symptoms of a cold or flu, start drinking your favourite herbal tea with sliced ginger root included, several times a day. Even better still, drink ginger root tea regularly as a preventative even if you think you may have been exposed to a virus. Ginger has long been considered quite safe for regular consumption, although it is recommended for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare professional.

Lemon Balm
The antiviral effects of lemon balm have been well-documented In Germany, with creams and solutions containing the herb lemon balm being prescribed for such ailments as cold sores and herpes outbreaks. Lemon balm is certainly easy to grow in your own back yard, in fact it tends to take over if not contained.

Lemon balm makes a delicious herbal tea, and can be consumed to ward off all kinds of viral infections, such as colds and flu. The herbal tea containing lemon balm or commercially available creams are also excellent skin treatments and can be applied directly to cold sores or other viral lesions such as chickenpox or shingles.