Let us honor Penguin Moms this Mothers Day
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 30, 2008
My experiences as a mother, and compassionate human being sharing this Earth with so many wondrous creatures, has served to give me a greater perspective of all it entails to be a parent in a world full of unexpected events and moments of crisis. I feel quite strongly the bond we all share in these struggles, whether it be with my fellow humans or those beings of a different nature. We are all part of the same web, all things being connected, and therefor we carry equal shares in responsibility of helping to keep the great Balance.
As Mother’s Day approaches, penguin moms and families are facing a meltdown. You can help support our work to save these beloved birds — and their families — by adopting a penguin today.
Penguins may sing and dance in the movies, but — in the real world — times are tough. Rising temperatures are destroying vital penguin habitat and depriving them of crucial food sources, such as the shrimp-like krill. Many penguins can’t find enough food to feed their chicks.
Already, penguin populations have decreased by nearly 80 percent in some areas.
Adopt a penguin, a penguin family, or a Penguin Mom & Chick for your favorite “Moms” this Mother’s Day. It’s a great gift and you’ll be helping to save these precious creatures at the same time!
With your Penguin Mom & Chick gift adoption, those special ‘moms’ in your life will receive a soft and cuddly 11″ Tall, Penguin Mom & Chick Plushes, a framed personalized Certificate of Adoption and penguin photo, a penguin fact sheet, chock full of information about these feathered friends, and a Kids Wildlife Activity Book.
More importantly, your penguin gift adoption for Mom will help support our efforts to address global warming, pass legislation to help animals adapt to a changing climate, and our education and mobilization efforts to protect these wonderful animals.
Adopt a penguin or another imperiled animal by 7AM eastern on May 5th for FREE shipping in time for Mother’s Day.
P.S. Remember to place your adoption by 7AM Eastern Monday, May 5th for arrival by Mother’s Day with with FREE shipping! You can also get your adoption there on time with Express shipping if you order by 7AM Eastern Tuesday, May 6th.
P.P.S. Place your order by May 5th and receive a 10 percent discount off all your animal adoptions. Simply enter discount code MOM on your order. You can also make your wildlife gift adoption over the phone at (800) 385-9712.
Looking for an excellent Tutor anyone?
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 29, 2008
When it comes to educating my children, I am always on the lookout for reliable resources to help fulfill our academic needs. Currently I am home-schooling my youngest daughter, yet even I am at times faced with challenges which require me to touch up on a subject matter. Especially with my least favourite subject of English, with all the silly requirements of a subject that truly should be simplified. Luckily I do have a good grasp of this particular subject and am able to keep her moving forward in a good way.
Tutoring may someday become a desirable option I am willing to look into if either of us happen to run into an academic roadblock and get stuck along the way. I do not forsee any major problems cropping up for us, yet I do know of some teens who have dropped out of school simply because they either do not have the confidence to move forward once they fall behind, or they cannot seem to grasp the concept of certain subjects. They are passed on to the next grade anyway, and then they fall even further behind. Eventually this becomes so frustrating that they give up. This may create difficulties later on in life.
Although so far so good for us, as I have totally been up to the challenge, and my curious nature brings a lot of interesting aspects to this home learning experience. Not only are we having lots of fun, while getting smarter, we are both expanding our knowledge of the World in so many different ways. And it is exciting to see that my daughter is leaping way beyond her supposed grade level. A great bonus is knowing that I still have the capacity to learn new things and expand my own horizon as well. This is an experience that I would not trade for anything in the World.
It’s a small World after all..
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 29, 2008
Sometimes I wonder why there is not a universal language that we all must learn to speak early on, besides our native tongue. This way we can travel anywhere and have no trouble at all communicating. In a perfect World…
Anyway, since there isn’t, I really like the idea of a Community created as a language exchange. For the purpose of connecting, discovering, and sharing, there is a place called xLingo, a Language Exchange Community. Here you will find Language Exchange partners from around the world to practice and improve your language skills, make new friends and discover new worlds. You may also create blog/flashcards, and share ideas in a chatroom/forum.
Well then… it truly is a small World after all.
Let’s take a look at true Colloidal Silver
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 25, 2008
Have you heard of the Blue Man Fraud? Well, until just recently, I had not. It appears this man decided to make a home-made solution which he claimed was Colloidal Silver. When he prepared the solution, he believed he was making colloidal silver, which is not true. The fact is that Paul has a condition called argyria, which turns the skin a blue gray color, that he got by taking his homemade silver compound that was mostly an ionic silver solution. Apparently there was a campaign to scare the public away from using colloidal silver products. The tactic was to claim that the Blue Man’s condition was caused by his use of Colloidal Silver, thus implying that anyone who uses colloidal silver would suffer a similar fate. Sounds more like simple insanity if you ask me! Who in their right mind would do such a dangerous thing?
Well then, let’s take a look at some facts about true Colloidal Silver…
Colloidal silver appears to be a powerful, natural antibiotic and preventative against infections. Acting as a catalyst, it reportedly disables the enzyme that one-celled bacteria, viruses and fungi need for their oxygen metabolism. They suffocate without corresponding harm occurring to human enzymes or parts of the human body chemistry. The result is the destruction of disease-causing organisms in the body and in the food.
How it Works
The presence of colloidal silver near a virus, fungus, bacterium or any other single celled pathogen disables its oxygen metabolism enzyme, its chemical lung, so to say. Within a few minutes, the pathogen suffocates and dies, and is cleared out of the body by the immune, lymphatic and elimination systems. Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, which destroy beneficial enzymes, colloidal silver leaves these tissue-cell enzymes intact, as they are radically different from the enzymes of primitive single-celled life. Thus colloidal silver is absolutely safe for humans, reptiles, plants and all multi-celled living matter.
Product Quality
Many brands of colloidal silver are inferior. The highest grade is produced by the electro-colloidal / non-chemical method where the silver particles and water have been colloided, i.e., dispersed within and bound to each other by an electric current. The super-fine silver particles are suspended indefinitely in demineralized water. The ideal color of colloidal silver is a golden yellow. Darker colors indicate larger silver particles that tend to collect at the bottom of the container and are not true colloids. If a product contains a stabilizer or lists trace elements other than silver, or if it needs to be shaken, it is inferior. If a product requires refrigeration, some other ingredient is present that could spoil. The container and dropper must be glass, as plastic cannot preserve the silver in liquid suspension for any length of time. Some brands with high concentrations of silver may actually not be completely safe. High concentrations of silver do not kill disease germs more effectively than the safe range of 3 to 5 parts per million (ppm.).
Note - This post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease. Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem, or may be prone to allergic reactions before using new forms of medicine.
Connect with Nature at Shangri La Botanical Gardens
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 23, 2008
In honor of my love for nature and all things natural, I am always curious to find places which represent the natural world in ways meant to benefit all, while providing quality education to help nurture a love of the wonders of nature in children. It is so very important to allow these young minds a chance to explore their natural environments, while encouraging them to learn how they too can become responsible and good stewards.
I would like to take this moment to direct those who feel as I do to a wonderful place which opened to the public on March 11th, 2008. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center really impressed me with their history, as well as their current mission. Originally developed more than 60 years ago, through the vision of H.J Lutcher Stark, a prominent philanthropist who resided in Orange, Texas. Inspired by the mystical retreat represented in the book Lost Horizon, Stark sought to create his own haven of indescribable beauty where time would stand still. His vision became a reality in 1937 when he began creating Shangri-La Botanical Gardens within significant acreage owned by him along Adams Bayou in his hometown of Orange, Texas. Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center represents a place of enlightenment, peace and beauty.
Nestled within 252 acres in the heart of Orange, Texas, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is the first project in Texas and the 50th project in the world to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum certification for LEED®-NC, which verifies the design and construction of Shangri La reached the highest green building and performance measures.
As one of the most earth-friendly projects in the world, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center offers a glimpse of how people can live in harmony with nature. The combination of gardens and nature at Shangri La presents a serene oasis for retreat and renewal, as well as the opportunity to explore, discover and learn. I strongly encourage you to visit the Shangri La website to learn more about the wondrous history, the tragic events which caused this beautiful place to close down for 50 years, and the current mission of this magical place of nature. You will discover an ancient Pond Cyprus tree which is at least 1,200 years old, situated within Shangri La. Don’t miss this! I will be taking my daughter on a visit real soon, you can be most certain.
Mother Earth shakes things up…
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 1, 2008
It is very important in these times to pay close attention to the Earth changes as they occur. If the following is accurate, we need to monitor the situation as Mother Earth shakes things up.
Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake Increases Next Month…
The chance of a major earthquake striking Vancouver Island will be slightly higher next month as tiny tremors rattle the earth 40 kilometres beneath our feet.
Seismologists forecast the southern half of the Island, including Nanaimo, to enter a period of what they call “episodic tremor and slip” activity in mid-April, as the Juan de Fuca plate grinds underneath the North American plate along what’s known as the Cascadia subduction zone.
The fault that slopes down beneath Vancouver Island comes under increased pressure at these times causing small sub-surface tremors for about a two-week period, and that’s also when seismologists think it’s more likely there could be a major movement of the plates, causing a potential magnitude 9 earthquake.
Such a quake would also trigger a tsumani that would level the west coast and could topple tall or unstable buildings in cities like Nanaimo.
This type of earthquake last struck in 1700, wiping out aboriginal villages and sending a tsunami across the Pacific.
But there’s no need to run to the mainland for cover, says one earthquake scientist, people who live along the coast from northern California to the northern tip of Vancouver Island probably face this risk about one-third of the time anyway.
ETS activity occurs beneath the southern half of Vancouver island about every 14 months, and people probably won’t feel the shaking going on 40 kilometres beneath Nanaimo’s surface, said Garry Rogers, an earthquake scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada.
Each time ETS activity takes place, more stress is added on the two plates, he explained.
Eventually, the pressure will be too much for the plates to take and the Cascadia subduction zone, which spans about 1,000 kilometres north from California to the Island, will rupture causing a major earthquake.
While studying ETS activity can provide some insight into earthquakes, it doesn’t help scientists predict when they will happen.
These tremors take place at other locations along the fault at different times.
An 11-month cycle has been observed in California, for instance.
“It happens everywhere along the Cascadia subjuction zone, but it goes off at different times,” said Rogers, adding that ETS activity is taking place somewhere about one-third of the time.
“One of these, it seems likely, will be the one that breaks the camel’s back (and causes an earthquake).
We have no idea which one it is.
And just because the ETS activity isn’t happening near Nanaimo at the time, doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. A quake could originate in California but travel north to B.C.’s southern coast, for instance.
“When our subduction zone ruptures, the past history has been the entire thing or half the thing goes at one time,” said Rogers.
And ETS activity doesn’t run like clockwork.
The northern half of Vancouver Island usually experienced these tremors about six months out of sync with the southern half of the Island.
But recently that schedule has changed all of a sudden, leaving scientists perplexed.
Rogers points out that the more probable source of major damage on the Island is not an extremely rare and deep underground subduction quake, but rather more common earthquakes that are less powerful but felt more intensely because they happen closer to the surface.
ETS activity was first discovered by a team of scientists, that included Rogers, on Vancouver Island in 2003.
Visit Earth Changes to keep track of Earth and Weather patterns as they occur.
Are you truly Heart Healthy?
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 31, 2008
This is a question we should all ask ourselves. As I get older, I am becoming more aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. When I was younger, although I have always treated my body well, I just didn’t think about it so much. A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Although through Nature and diligent care, my blood pressure is normal again, for a while there I was quite concerned as it was extremely high. This really got me thinking and doing some serious research on my own.
Lets take a look at some risk factors. A risk factor is any predisposition or behavior that increases an individual’s chances for having a medical condition. In some cases, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), can occur spontaneously without any known risk factors associated with its onset.
Some risk factors are manageable.
For example:
* Stress
* High blood pressure
* High cholesterol
* Cigarette smoking
* Excess weight
* Drug or alcohol abuse
* High fat diet
* Sedentary lifestyle
If you feel that you or someone you know may be at risk, please take a few moments to visit InsideCardiacArrest.com to learn more. Let’s educate ourselves on this subject. This is so very important, and we deserve to live long, healthy lives with strong hearts to carry us along.
Cancer-causing agent in ‘Organic’ & ‘Natural’ Products?
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 14, 2008
I have a very important message to pass along. I would strongly urge you to pay close attention, and also encourage you to check those labels! Educate yourself on what is in the products you allow your family and loved ones to use on a daily basis.
CONSUMER ALERT:
CANCER-CAUSING INGREDIENT FOUND IN LEADING “ORGANIC” & “NATURAL” PERSONAL CARE PRODCUTS
A newly released study commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) and overseen by environmental health consumer advocate David Steinman (author of The Safe Shopper’s Bible), revealed the presence of the undisclosed carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane in leading shampoos, body washes, lotions and other personal care and household cleaning products claiming to be “natural” or “organic”. The study results, to be released this weekend at the Natural Products Expo in California, are already sending shockwaves through the “organic” and “natural” body care industry.
Laboratory tests showed that products certified under the USDA National Organic Program DID NOT contain this toxin, but most of the best selling personal care products claiming to be “organic” (but not USDA certified) contained the cancer-causing ingredient.
All leading self-proclaimed “organic” brands have at least a few individual “certified organic” ingredients, but for most of these top-selling brands, the product, as a whole, is not USDA organic certified, thereby allowing the presence of synthetic toxins. Similar studies have revealed the presence of this toxin in conventional personal care products, but this is the first study indicating the presence in misleadingly labeled “organic” and “natural” products.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/comingclean.cfm
~ Celebrating Women all over the World ~
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 12, 2008
As a woman, I am proud and honored to do what I may to present what it is to be a female in the World we live in today. We must remember to embrace that which makes up the essence of a woman, and bring about our full potential. As stewards of this planet we play many roles.
Every day, all over the world, women make countless choices that affect the environment. In their hands lie many decisions about the use of community resources - water for the household, land for agriculture, wood for heating and cooking, plants and animals for food and sale.
Yet women often lack the education to make responsible conservation decisions and are denied the resources and opportunities to control their own economic destinies. Without intervention, the cycle of poverty and inequality is repeated from mother to daughter.
Recognizing the different roles of women and men in natural resource management, WWF works with both groups to enhance their stewardship of the environment and improve livelihoods. Successful women’s programs include small business development, access to health services like family planning and maternal and child health, efficient and sustainable agriculture techniques and literacy programs.
WWF empowers women and girls - building a future where human needs are met in harmony with nature. Here are their stories…
~Today’s Girls - Tomorrow’s Leaders
~Biogas is Better - Jari Leads the Way
Enjoy!
Homeschoolers have the Right to Free Choice!
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 12, 2008
As a homeschooling parent, this really hits home with me. We have the right to choose how, when, and where to educate our children. It is totally appalling to deprive us of our rights as free human beings. I take the teachings I provide or seek for my children quite seriously, and will fight to give them the best education, as all loving parents should. Unless I am causing true harm to my child, no one has the right to take this away from me, or my child. The reason I am bringing up this subject, is a recent development concerning homeschooled children in the State of California.
Let me show you a recent press release..
Reverse The Ruling - Homeschoolers Unite
(PRWEB) March 11, 2008 — Homeschooling activists across the nation are calling to “Reverse the Ruling,” targeting the recent opinion published by California Justice H. Walter Croskey that parents “do not have a constitutional right to homeschool their children.”
On www.ReverseTheRuling.com, education activists have been separating fact from fiction, and schooling the general public on the recent events relating to homeschooling in California, as well as working with homeschoolers all across the nation to gather over 100,000 petition signatures demanding that this ruling be reversed.
“Homeschooling has been a freedom practiced long before the Constitution captured our inalienable rights, with many of the Declaration of Independence signatures coming from men that were homeschooled. Our opinion is quite clear,” said Mimi Rothschild, leader of ReverseTheRuling.com “Parents are responsible to train their children to the very best of their ability and to teach them all they believe to be true. Parents are blessed with children, and obligated to care for all aspects of their children’s lives, including who, what, where and how they are educated.”
Since release yesterday, the ReverseTheRuling.com petition has been inundated with signatures, Ms. Rothschild and other activist are encouraging those that oppose this ruling to be active – signing as many national petitions as possible, gathering information and writing about their experiences on such sites as www.ReverseTheRuling.com
About www.ReverseTheRuling.com:
ReverseTheRuling.com is the one-stop source of information for homeschoolers across the nation to learn, spread the word and be heard regarding the recent actions and events that affect homeschoolers throughout the state of California. Please visit www.ReverseTheRuling.com to learn more about the issue, and see how you can participate in reversing the most shocking ruling to hit homeschooling ever.To schedule interviews with Mimi Rothschild, nationally known education expert specializing in Homeschooling, please contact:
Michael Broome
T. 215.487.3700 ext. 67266
mbroome@LearningbyGrace.orgMimi Rothschild
Mimi@LearningbyGrace.org###
Sorting Fact From Fiction, Opinion From Opposition with ReverseTheRuling.com
It is very important to get involved, and see for yourself the awesome support for homeschoolers and everyone who believes in free choice. Educate our people, and let our voices be heard!!
The amazing Endangered Gorilla.. Please Help!
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 11, 2008
The largest of the great apes, the gorilla is among our most endangered species. Gorillas are shy and peaceful. The only natural enemy of gorillas has always been human beings. Gorillas are still hunted for meat (bushmeat) and trophies in some parts of Africa, and they are caught in traps set for other animals. In the past, whenever an infant gorilla was captured for a zoo, the mother and often the other members of the family were killed as they defended the baby. Now the most serious threat to free-living gorillas is the human population explosion. As more and more people take over the land for agriculture, logging and other development, the gorillas have nowhere left to go.
Please come and join us at Vote4Cause and vote for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International..
Description: The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitats in Africa. We are committed to promoting continued research on their threatened ecosystems and education about their relevance to the world in which we live. In collaboration with government agencies and other international partners, we also provide assistance to local communities through education, health, training and economic development initiatives.
Please join us to vote and chat…the gorillas need you!
Go here and Vote… Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
Thank you!
Take a few moments to visit World Wild Life to learn more about these wonderful creatures.
You may also wish to visit Koko Kids Club to get some amazing facts about Gorillas.
All Life is Sacred…
Can you smell the Cinnamon and Honey?
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 7, 2008
Let’s talk about Cinnamon and Honey. Here are some interesting facts one just might like to take into consideration…
Bet the drug companies won’t like this one getting around. Facts on honey and cinnamon… it is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a “ram ban” (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.
Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly world news, a magazine in Canada, on its issue dated 17 January 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists.
Heart diseases
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.
Arthritis
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
Bladder infections
Take 2 tablespoons of cinnamon powder and 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.
Toothache
Make a paste of 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and f5ive teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied 3 times a day until the tooth stops aching.
Cholesterol
2 tablespoons of honey and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
Colds
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take 1 tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.
Upset stomach
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.
Gas
According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
Immune system
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
Indigestion
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on 2 tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
Influenza
A scientist in Spain has proven that honey contains a natural ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
Longevity
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink ¼ cup, 3-4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases.
Pimples
3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for 2 weeks, it removes pimples from the root.
Skin infections
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
Weight loss
Daily in the morning 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in 1 cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
Cancer
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder for 1 month 3 times a day.
Fatigue
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that 1/2 tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.
Bad breath
People of South America, first thing in the morning, gargle with 1 teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
Hearing loss
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restore hearing.
Well then, unless one has an allergic reaction to either Cinnamon or Honey, it would be a great idea to keep a good supply of these natural wonders on hand!
To Dream of Italy…
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 1, 2008
My Dream is to visit as many exotic and mysterious places on our beautiful planet as I may before my spirit is ready to travel beyond this earthly realm. I will most certainly be doing my homework before I plan each Adventure, except those spontaneous moments when I simply cannot help myself and must travel upon a whim. Alas, if I wish to visit one of my most favourite places that I have always dreamt of, Italy, I shall have to learn to speak the Italian language for some very good reasons. First of all, one should never enter a foreign country without learning the basics of that countries language at the very minimum. Secondly, to experience your Adventure to its fullest, one will absolutely have many, many questions to ask the locals. Thirdly, it is polite to speak to ones hosts with a confidence and respect for the land and the people who inhabit it. A lack of proper communication would simply take so much away from the entire experience!
I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. Basically, I am so very curious and wouldn’t wish to miss a thing. So when I am ready to manifest my Dream of a visit to Italy, I shall possibly explore an Italian language education website that I found online, to get me going with the basics. Any advice or helpful information forthcoming shall be most welcome!
Antioxidants in Beans and Berries.. yumm!
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 1, 2008
As an avid bean and berry lover, I found the following article to be quite interesting. I have been taught to follow the example of our veggie eaters in the animal kingdom, as Nature truly shows us the way to optimum health and healing. My family enjoys the delights of dining on every color of the rainbow. I suppose science will catch up someday…
‘Berries, Beans Top ‘Best Antioxidants List’
(HealthDayNews)
A variety of veggies, fruits and nuts battled it out this month for the top spot on a new list of the 20 most antioxidant-rich foods, ranked by nutrition scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In the end, small red beans won the day, narrowly beating out wild blueberries as the food with the highest concentration of disease-fighting compounds per serving.
Antioxidants fight damage to cells from rogue molecules called “free radicals.” Experts believe this assault on cells may fuel killer diseases such as heart disease and cancer, and even aging itself.
The new Top 20 list, published in the June issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, “is a relative ranking of the capacity of foods to interfere with or prevent oxidative processes and to scavenge free radicals,” explained list co-creator Ronald L. Prior, a USDA nutritionist and research chemist based in Little Rock, Ark.
Prior and his colleagues used the most advanced technologies available to tabulate antioxidant levels in more than 100 different types of fruits, vegetables, berries, nuts and spices. Their Top 20:
* Small red beans (dried)
* Wild blueberries
* Red kidney beans
* Pinto beans
* Blueberries (cultivated)
* Cranberries
* Artichokes (cooked)
* Blackberries
* Prunes
* Raspberries
* Strawberries
* Red delicious apples
* Granny Smith apples
* Pecans
* Sweet cherries
* Black plums
* Russet potatoes (cooked)
* Black beans (dried)
* Plums
* Gala apples
There’s “still a lot we haven’t learned” about why some foods are richer in antioxidants than others, Prior said. Even though the small red bean came out on top, “we don’t have a lot of information on beans,” he added.
Berries are better understood. “The components that contribute a lot of the antioxidant activity are what are called anthocyanins, the compounds that give many berries their dark blue color,” he said.
In fact, color may be key to spotting foods that fight free radicals, said Roberta Anding, an American Dietetic Association spokeswoman and a nutritionist at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.
“If you’re looking for the best places to get antioxidants, I will usually tell folks to look at the colors of the rainbow,” she added.
For example, “you’ll find lutein with some of the yellow pigments found in corn; orange can be the pigments from the carotenoid family that are found in cantaloupe, butternut squash and mango; red could come from things like lycopene, found in tomatoes and watermelon. And then the darker colors — the purples, blues, in berries,” she said.
But Prior cautioned that just because a food has proven to be antioxidant-rich in the USDA’s lab, that doesn’t mean all those nutrients will be successfully absorbed by the human digestive tract.
“As we learn more and more, we’re finding that, depending on the chemical makeup of antioxidants in different foods, some of them aren’t apparently absorbed as well, or else they are metabolized in a form where they are no longer antioxidants,” he said.
Whether a food is eaten fresh, frozen, processed or cooked can also affect its antioxidant potency — for good or ill, he said. Blueberries are best when eaten fresh rather than cooked in a pie, for example. On the other hand, research has shown that gentle cooking raises the antioxidant power of tomatoes, he noted.
Although experts are working hard on the project, ongoing efforts to come up with daily dietary guidelines for antioxidant consumption will be “a long process,” Prior said.
“How antioxidants behave, how they act within the body, the dose-response — we just don’t know enough about it,” he said.
For her part, Anding said people shouldn’t get too hung up on gorging on one particular food, but “cast your net widely,” eating generous daily servings of a variety of fruits, vegetables and other wholesome foods.
Looking over the USDA’s list, Anding suggested creating what she called an antioxidant “power salad.”
First, she said, “put together a salad with a variety of mixed greens. Then I’d throw in some dried cranberries or blueberries from the health food store, toss in a few nuts, with a low-fat salad. Again — choosing from the colors of the rainbow.”
