ACAI BERRY AND ITS BENEFITS

Commonly found in the rain forests of the Amazon, Acai is an indigenous berry that is rich in antioxidants. It has been heralded for centuries as a healing, immune-stimulating, energy-boosting fruit. An out of the ordinary relative of the blueberry and cranberry, research has made known that this antioxidant-rich berry may be able to support in the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative damage, not to mention many other health benefits. And here is a list of its benefits.

• Research shows that acai berries are extremely high in anthocyanins, a form of plant antioxidant associated with the ability to lower cholesterol levels in the blood stream same in red wine. They are also rich in plant sterols that provide cardio-protective benefits to our cells by preventing blood clots, improving overall blood circulation, and relaxing the blood vessels.

• Scientists from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro have exposed that consuming acai extract may help brawl against harmful organisms.

• Acai may help us not only lose weight, but maintain a healthy weight. One interesting study from the National Institutes of Aging found that pulp from the acai berry had the ability to reduce the negative effects of a high-fat diet in laboratory studies on flies. And this is why nutritionists consider it as a super food.

• At present, a lot of modern beauty products are carrying acai oil, again due to the oil’s high antioxidant content. Moreover, acai oil is a great natural option and alternative to chemical based skin-care products that harm the skin in the long-run.
• Consuming acai may also help in mainting the digestive system’s cleanliness and be in optimal function.

There are many hale and hearty berries that would be a big addition to your diet and acai berry is one of the healthiest berries you will ever find.

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TURMERIC AND ITS BENEFITS

Curcuma longa, also known as Turmeric is a very common herb and is often referred to as the “Queen of Spices”. This is true because its main characteristics are a pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden color. In fact, people from corner to corner of the globe use this herb in their cooking. And according to the Journal of the American Chemical Society, turmeric contains an ample range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also loaded with many healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. Having stated, these are some of its benefits.
First, turmeric is for cancer patients because it can help prevent prostate cancer, stop the growth of existing prostate cancer and even destroy cancer cells. Numerous researchers have established proofs that the active components in turmeric makes it one of the best protectors against radiation-induced tumors. It also has a preventive effect against tumor cells such as T-cell leukemia, colon carcinomas and breast carcinomas.
For inflammation. turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which are great for treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, turmeric’s antioxidant property, our favorite, destroys free radicals in the body that harm and damage body cells. It also has been found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who consume turmeric on a regular basis experience much relief from the moderate to mild joint pains as well as joint inflammation.
Another benefit of turmeric is that it can be used in the treatment of diabetes by helping to moderate insulin levels. It also improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications used to treat diabetes. Another major benefit is turmeric’s efficiency in helping diminish insulin resistance, which may put off the onset of Type-2 diabetes. Nevertheless, when combined with strong medications, turmeric can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Before doing these tips, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric capsules. But the plant itself is helpful!

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WAYS TO STOP THUMB SUCKING

How many times did you stop your child from thumb sucking? Actually, babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes, which can cause them to put their thumbs or fingers into their mouths. Thumb sucking makes babies feel secure so some might r develop a habit of thumb sucking when they’re in need of soothing or going to sleep sooner or later.
Usually, there are a couple of reasons children suck their thumbs. A replacement to their milk bottle is one reason of thumb-sucking and it may be a difficult habit to quit; they get so used to sucking their thumb while watching TV or sitting quietly or falling asleep that they can’t stop. This has effects on them. Prolonged thumb-sucking may push the teeth outward or cause misalignment and it can also lead to speech problems. So here are some strategies for dealing with this temporary habit.

• You can use positive reinforcement. Praise your child or provide small rewards — such as an extra bedtime story or a trip to the park or getting your child a toy — when he or she isn’t thumb sucking. Record the track and compliment your child for the improvement and don’t forget the reward.
• Next, identify triggers. If your child sucks his or her thumb in response to stress, identify the real issue and provide comfort in other ways — such as a hug or reassuring words or a food. You might also give your child a pillow or stuffed animal to squeeze, let them watch educational programs and listen to happy music .
• Don’t forget to offer gentle reminders. If your child sucks his or her thumb without thought — rather than as a way to get your attention — gently remind him or her to stop. Don’t scold, criticize or ridicule your child because it will just traumatize the child.

It is better to seek help and talk to your pediatrician regarding this. But for now, do these tips and help your child stop thumb sucking.

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GUAVA AND ITS BENEFITS

Guava belongs to the myrtle family. It is a tropical fruit and easily available in the market. It is an inexpensive fruit but highly rich in nutrients. The most common type of Guava is the Apple Guava which is grown in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Guava is a culinary dream and is used in form of sauces, juices, candies, snacks and deserts. Not only is guava, the fruit beneficial but a number of studies have shown that its bark and leaves can also provide you with numerous other health benefits.

• Guavas improve your immunity because they are one of the richest sources of vitamin C, containing four times the vitamin C content present in oranges. A single, medium-sized guava offers can give twice the daily requirement of vitamin C, a vitamin that is closely associated with improved immunity and protecting you against common infections and pathogens.
• They lowers risk of cancer. The presence of compounds including lycopene, quercitin, vitamin C and various polyphenols present in them has been linked to anti-cancer or anti-tumor properties.
• Guavas are good for diabetics. The anti-diabetic effect of guavas has been mentioned and used long back in Chinese medicine.
• They also have anti-ageing properties for your skin. Free radical damage to the skin can trigger wrinkle formation and early ageing that are obvious. Guavas being rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and antioxidants like lycopene and carotene taht helps protect your skin from wrinkles and fine lines, thus making you look younger.
• They improve heart health. A study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension showed that dietary adherence to guavas improves the sodium/potassium balance of the body, thereby regulating blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

These are just some of its benefits and if you wish to try, try now and receive these benefits and more!

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THINGS THAT AGE YOU

Every morning when we wake up, we check ourselves first in the mirror and thank God for another day but then you see another line beside your sleep and you wonder why. There are things that make us age faster surprisingly. You may not be stressed the night before but how did you apply your moisturizing cream? You may not be smokers but what did you eat for dinner? These are just some factors to consider . Looking older that our age is embarrassing and we don’t want that. Here is the list of those unwanted situations.

You’ve probably heard it’s tidy not to drink dark-colored liquids straight from the glass, but when it comes to smoother skin, you’re better off ordering iced coffee without the straw. “The puckering movement encourages lines around the lips,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a consulting dermatologist for Clearasil. When done frequently, that strains the skin, causing smile lines—those creases on either side of your lips—to form or deepen. Do you have one?

If your daily meals are packed with foods that cause chronic inflammation, such as vegetable oils, margarine, red meats, white bread, or sugary, processed foods, you’re not doing any favors for your skin because these foods can cause irritation in your body, which may speed up wrinkle formation. To put a stop to premature aging, stock up on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) such as flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, avocados, salmon, and and olive oil. These foods will help your skin preserve its soft and supple look.

Slouching over and staring down at our tech devices all day and most of the night is has a lot to do with your posture. Check out vintage photos of women in charm school and notice their perfect posture and books on their heads. Being mindful of your posture doesn’t just add to your gracefulness: It reduces aches and pains, helps you breathe easier, increases your confidence and (this is your favorite part) makes you look younger.
Remember these and prevent yourself to look older than your age!

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FACTS ABOUT STOCKHOLM SYNDROME

Psychological symptoms that occur in some persons in a captive or hostage situation is referred to as Stockholm syndrome. It has established extensive media publicity in recent years because it has been used to clarify the behavior of such well-known kidnapping victims as Patty Hearst (1974) and Elizabeth Smart (2002). It’s name is from a bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden, in August 1973. The robber took four employees of the bank (three women and one man) into the vault with him and kept back them hostage for 131 hours. After the employees were finally unconstrained, they appeared to have formed a ironic emotional bond with their captor; they told reporters that they saw the police as their opponent rather than the bank robber, and that they had affirmative feelings toward the criminal. The syndrome was first named by Nils Bejerot (1921–1988), a medical professor who specialized in addiction research and served as a psychiatric consultant to the Swedish police during the standoff at the bank and now Stockholm syndrome is also known as Survival Identification Syndrome.
Critics say that the fundamental principles of the so-called syndrome is seen in a diversity of situations, such as domestic violence and abuse, and that it cannot be classified as a mental disorder. In cases of domestic violence, oftentimes the abused partner feels a sense of dependency towards the abuser, and stays with him or her while being abused, sometimes even shielding and lying about the situation to others; they might have compassion and ignore the abusive behavior, rather than being angry and sad about it. The Stockholm syndrome is known by other names such as trauma bonding or terror bonding; however, this syndrome is not often seen in captive scenarios, and its diagnostic criteria are not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
Treatment of Stockholm syndrome is combination of medications for short-term sleep disturbances and psychotherapy for the longer-term symptoms.

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STAR ANISE AND ITS BENEFITS

Star anise is a star-shaped fruit of an evergreen plant known scientifically as Illicium verum. Originating in China, star anise gets its name from its star shape. Traditionally and historically used as a spice and also as a healing herb, star anise appears to have medicinal properties that endow it with significant health benefits. This fruit has a licorice like flavor and is used as a spice in many cooked dishes, where it lends a soft, exotic aroma and taste to a meal. Turn to Chinese star anise, if you’re looking for a spice or healing herb. In all cases, consult a medical professional before using star anise as a healing herb.

The rise in bacterial infections that exhibit conflict to existing antibiotics has intensified the search for new agents that may verify more effective against these resistant strains of bacteria. Chronicling their study in the October 2010 issue of “Journal of Medicinal Food,” researchers reported that their findings cover the way for the growth of new antibiotic medicines from the star anise compounds they studied.

Antioxidants target free radicals – atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons – that can cause disease and cellular damage. You can’t really avoid free radicals, which are byproducts of your body’s metabolic processes, but you can neutralize them by eating a diet rich in antioxidants and star anise is one of those fruits.
According to the “Korean Journal of Medical Mycology,” extracts from the star anise plant, Illicium verum, showed noteworthy guarantee as a natural anti-fungal. When your body’s interior balance of bacteria and fungi is distressed, a certain type of yeast — Candida albicans — can grow unimpeded. If this happens, it can cause candidiasis, a severe complication. Candida albicans is found of course in your intestinal tract, mouth and throat.

Again check your health first before trying to eat this one of a kind fruit to have the essential benefits.

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FACTS ABOUT SLEEPWALKING

How many times did you stop your loved one from sleep walking? But first, what is this sleep disorder? Sleepwalking (Somnambulism) causes people to get up and walk while sleeping. This happens during the deep stages of sleep. The person who is sleepwalking is frequently unable to respond during the event and also does not remember the incident later. It is usually seen in children, but in some cases, it can last into adulthood.

Stress and tiredness can cause sleepwalking as shown to recent studies. In people who are prone to sleepwalking, any kind of sleep disruption can trigger sleepwalking to occur. So better rest for a while before totally dozing off. After school or work, you can sit for a while and read or watch your favorite episode for you to be less likely sleep walking.
Certain medical conditions are linked to sleepwalking but scientists aren’t sure what provokes some people to sleepwalk. People who suffer from mental disorders such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are especially prone to sleepwalking and mostly, those people who are often alone whether at home or in everyday routine. People with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia are at a higher risk for sleepwalking, occurrence of nightmares as well as people with alcohol abuse or dependence issues, or those who lack sleep because of such. The study also found that sleepwalking was not associated with gender and that nearly one-third of individuals who sleepwalked had a family history of the disorder so myths about gender related issues about sleep walking are not true.
However, people affected by a severe sleepwalking disorder can take the following precautions. The bedroom of the patient should be located on the ground to avoid accidents. The patient must stick to a sleep-wake cycle which help make the sleep routine to be stable. Medication too helps in reducing the incidents of sleepwalking. Consult a good doctor for a prescription and tips to avoid sleep walking.

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TIPS TO BEAT WORK STRESS

40 hour work week – This is the span of time people in many professions work well over the usual and end up bringing workplace stress home with them. Stress is a negative reaction to overwhelming pressures placed on people and this is often felt at work. Fighting this stress is a personal objective, because most companies do not have the resources to focus on the personal health of their workers, sadly. It is vital to fight stress as it can lead to decreased output, weight gain and unhappiness towards work and workmates. Reducing work stress usually occurs through a series of changes both during the work day and at home. Read more to find out how to beat workplace stress and be happy again at work.
You should wake up early. Giving yourself an extra 15 to 20 minutes before you head out the door will leave you feeling more refreshed—and less frazzled. “Take time in the morning to center yourself,” says San Francisco-based psychologist Leslie Carr, PsyD. “A lot of people shoot out into their days like a rocket ship and it never gets better from there.” think about caffeine which takes 20 minutes to be metabolized for you to feel its effect. During that time, picture out your goals for the day or read something inspirational. You might find that your normally crazy day goes a little smoother and easier.

You can also use a to-do list or calendar to simplify your goals. Each of us works differently, but each can also learn to prioritize the main workplace goals from the things that can be done in time. Use a calendar, a pen and pad, an organizer, a pocket calendar, sticky notes or anything that will help to get the stress out of your head and organized in a simplified manner.
Bend, stretch and walk for a while because exercise produces endorphins that can make you happy. Go for a run during the day, or just take a brisk walk. And if you can’t get out, find an empty conference room or corner of the office where you can perform some basic stretches even for a minute or so. Anything to get the blood pumping so you can turn that stress into something positive so hey, stand up and jump.
Work should not be stressful instead, it should be fun. Once you learned to keep things easy, you’ll be happier!

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EFFECTS OF POTATO CHIPS IN THE BODY

Potato chips are enjoyable snacks to chomp on while watching a movie or whatever activity you’re in. In fact, they taste good with almost everything – cream cheese dips, spreads, salsa, guacamole, even ice cream and if you have experimented one, you can include it. Of course, if you’re totally a fan, chips are fine just by themselves. We know they’re not too healthy, but how bad can it get? After all, they’re potatoes and a source of vigor. At the very most, after munching down a bag of chips, you have the choice of eating less rice at dinner to prevent a carbohydrate overload, right? Wrong. The crisis with the common potato chip is that it’s got an item that’s not friendly to balanced diets: trans-fats.
Potato chips don’t have any nutrients to add up to its valuable content . Potato chips, fried or not do not contain healthy amounts of vitamins and minerals to help recompense for the high fat and salt content. While potatoes themselves contain good amounts of potassium and vitamin C, frying them in unhealthy oils can strip these nutrients away, leaving little behind for you to consume (just look at how oily it is when pressed). Skin-on potato chips may supply some fiber and protein, but not enough to make potato chips a healthy part of your everyday diet.
Chips are naturally high in fat and calories, which can elevate the risk of weight gain and obesity. One ounce of plain potato chips, or about 15 to 20 chips, contains about 10 grams of fat and 154 calories. A 2011 study in “The New England Journal of Medicine” found that daily eating of a single ounce of potato chips led to an average weight gain of 1.69 pounds over four years. Have you checked your weight recently? The link between potato chips and weight gain was stronger than the link between weight gain and other dietary components, including processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages and unprocessed red meats. Being overweight or obese raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer. So you better watch the amount of potato chips you consume.

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Having read all of these, you can now lessen the potato chip in your refrigerator.