“Here,” he said, “let me help,” and as he placed the exotic fruit in her basket, his eyes once again rested on her flawless skin, then lifted to meet her intriguing gaze. Cole shivered as he spoke the words, “Would you like to go to a movie Friday night?” “Sure,” came her easy reply, “what time?” Getting her name, phone number and address was easy after that. “Wow!” he thought, “A few months ago, I would never have had the courage to ask her out, not with my pimply face, if it had not been for my Mom’s amazing discovery.”

Cole’s mom had wandered into the nutrition center where I worked and told me that a friend of hers had recommended this herb for acne. Amazed, I asked her if it worked. Enthusiastically she told me it worked great! So, I started telling this story to my other customers. One in particular had been taking the famous remedy tetracycline for some time, but whenever she quit, the acne would come back worse than before! So I told her about this ancient herb and she decided to try it (she was no longer taking the tetracycline). Sure enough, two months later she came in so happy, her skin looked so clear and healthy. She said that the herb had given her the healthiest skin she could remember. After that, customer after customer started telling me it also worked for their families. Intrigued, I launched into research and decided to write this article, in the hopes it would help others as well.

What was Cole’s discovery? An ancient healing herb that has been around for thousands of years, garlic! What is garlic? Garlic is a spicy, pungent, aromatic herb that contains more than 100 useful chemicals, and as I was astounded to learn, that included sulfur and selenium compounds, vitamins, minerals, protein, enzymes and phytochemicals. It has vitamins A, B1, B2 and C. Its minerals include calcium, copper, germanium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, sulfur and zinc. These nutrients by themselves are good for the skin. Garlic also contains sulfur compounds. These sulfur compounds are thought to be the source of the antibiotic activity in garlic.

Most people are familiar with garlic used as a seasoning, but may not be aware of garlic’s great potential in the use of treating acne. Why is garlic useful for acne? One possible reason may be garlic’s antibiotic properties. According to the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel reported, “garlic blocks the action of certain enzymes that help infectious microbes survive in host tissue. Such enzymes are produced by many bacteria and fungi, so garlic shows promise as a broad-spectrum antibiotic.”

According to the nonprofit Herb Research Foundation in Boulder, Colorado reports that garlic outperformed penicillin, ampicillin, doxycycline, streptomycin, and cephalexin (all powerful antibiotics) in fighting eight of nine strains of Staphylococcus, Escherichia, and Proteus (all powerful microbes). Wow, that’s pretty impressive. In addition, recent studies also indicate that garlic enhances immune function, another powerful weapon when your body fights any disease or infection.

The authors of the best selling reference book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, recommend garlic for acne as well. They counsel taking garlic every day, stating that garlic “acts as a natural antibiotic and disinfectant,” and “is good for virtually any disease or infection.”

How is garlic used to treat acne? The herb can be taken internally. Experts say that one to two cloves per day of the raw garlic will give health benefits, this amount is plenty. Some experts, most notably Dr. Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D.,  acknowledges that this method of taking raw garlic may be irritable to the stomach. Raw garlic also has a sharp biting flavor.

Slight cooking may be helpful, because it helps eliminate the bite and softens the flavor. However, you can also purchase garlic tablets or capsules that are effective as well. Commercial products are usually much less upsetting to the stomach, if at all. In addition to taking the herb internally, in the newsletter Snowbound Herbals the author claims that raw garlic can be rubbed directly on acne.

What is the best form of garlic to use? Raw or slightly cooked garlic offers a rich array of sulfur compounds that are responsible for many of garlic’s healing properties. All this information inspires the question, “well if garlic is so great why does it smell so bad and cling to your breath like a spider to its web?” The smell is due to the sulfur compounds. If you don’t like the smell of garlic on your breath, there are many commercial products that are odorless or odor controlled. Some examples are Kyolic Garlic, Natrol Garlic, or Schiff Garlic. These can be purchased at your health food store or at some grocery and department stores, and of course through the Internet.

There are other ways to help with the odor problem. You can eat fresh parsley, which is rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a natural body and breath deodorizer that works from the inside out. Also, a person can buy chlorophyll liquid, capsules or tablets. The herbs fennel and fenugreek are also good breath fresheners.

For a garlic infusion, chop six cloves per cup of cool water and steep six hours. For a tincture, soak one cup of crushed cloves per quart of brandy, shake daily for two weeks, and then after all your hard work, take up to three tablespoons daily. Any time you take garlic though, whether raw, cooked, infusion or tincture, it would still be a good idea to vaporize the breath with herbal fresheners!

Who can benefit from garlic? Well, just about everyone, and for acne, most obviously teens. But lots of people who are in their college years and even older often get acne.

They also can benefit. Even children can safely take garlic, although with an adjusted dosage.

Well, if garlic can help acne what else can it do? James and Phyllis Balch, the authors of Prescription for Nutritional Healing say it also ” help with digestive problems, lowers blood pressure, aids in treatment of arteriosclerosis, detoxifies the body,  protects against infection by enhancing immune function, treat colds and flu, assist with arthritis, cancer, sinusitis, heart disorders, asthma, ulcers, yeast infections and liver disease.” So acne or not, you’ve got nothing to lose by adding garlic to your overall diet.

So whether it’s walking down the mall holding hands, a romantic dinner at your favorite restaurant, climbing apple trees together, or horseback riding under the moon, hold your head up proudly. And if you happen to have Cole’s problem, remember his secret remedy. Hey, and then bump heads all you want!

Our nutritional focus on The Juice Glass for the week of March 23, 2001 is a group of potential cancer-fighters known as the cruciferous vegetables. The cruciferous vegetables are simply the members of the cabbage family which derive their name from their four-petaled flowers, which look like a crucifix, or cross.

These members of the cabbage family of vegetables.

Please note that cancer prevention and treatment is related to many factors, of which diet is just one part. But medical research indicates that diets rich in the cabbage family vegetables can boost the body’s resistance to several diseases, including cancer. Studies have shown that consumption of these vegetables can protect the body against colon and rectal cancer. Research has also indicated that a compound in bok choy called brassinin may help prevent breast tumors. Cabbage contains a compound known as I3C, which acts as an anti-estrogen, meaning that it attacks harmful estrogens that have been linked to breast cancer. Another common compound in the cabbage family vegetables is sulforaphane, which has been shown to enhance the body’s production of tumor-preventing enzymes.

The cabbage family vegetables also contain good amounts of antioxidants like Vitamin A and C.

At 5:00 p.m. she hurries home, to be greeted by a chorus of “What’s for dinner, Mom?” and an “I’m hungry, honey”, from her spouse. Two hours later, dinner is done, dishes washed, and now it’s time to do laundry and ironing. Later that evening, Diane collapses into bed near midnight to sleep a few hours before starting the routine once again.

Diane is feeling tired when she wakes up, and often suffers headaches during the day. She has also been more irritable lately.

Diane is experiencing symptoms of stress.

Stress has been defined as “pressures, loads or burdens” on a system or individual. These can be different things for different people, and may include such things as a fast-paced work environment, difficult interpersonal relationships, physical illness, or financial difficulty to name just a few. For women such as Diane who maintain an active lifestyle, achievement in the work place combined with motherhood means added pressure and stress.

Physical reactions to stress

Stress can affect your health and causes increased levels of certain hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This creates the “fight or flight” syndrome with responses such as a rapid heart beat, increased breath rate, dilated pupils, and increased blood flow to large muscles which tighten up in anticipation of action. These tightened muscles can contribute to chronic back pain and muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders.

Blood pressure increases during stress, and blood sugars may go higher as the liver converts stored starch into sugar and pours it into the blood stream to prepare for fight or flight.

Emotional reactions to stress

When stressed, you may experience certain emotional symptoms including feeling nervous, anxious, or irritable. Small things can seem to be insurmountable obstacles, and your ability to concentrate or make decisions can plummet.

Sleep often becomes sporadic, with nights spent tossing and turning. Coping habits or compulsions such as smoking or finger nail biting increase under stress. Appetite loss, or using food to cope and gaining weight are both common reactions.

Women React Differently to Stress Than Men

A study publicized by the University of California Los Angeles last year showed that when females of both animal species and humans are stressed or threatened, they show similar coping patterns: they tend to protect their young and to find support from other females. This pattern has been dubbed the “tend and befriend” pattern, and is markedly different than the typical male response: aggression or flight.

Researchers have theorized that this difference may be due in part to the action of oxytocin, which has a calming effect. Testerone decreases its effect while estrogen increases its potency. Females have higher circulating levels of this calming hormone, and act differently as a result.

Seven Tips to Managing Stress

Because prolonged stress affects both your physical and emotional health, learning to defuse its effects can be extremely important. Some steps to managing stress include:

1) Decide what can be changed, and what can’t:
Try and decide which stressors in your life can be reduced or avoided at times. Sometimes even small schedule changes or decisions can make a big difference in how you feel.

2) Set realistic goals:
Each day has plenty of tasks to be done. The problem is that often they are more than one person can reasonably accomplish. This is where learning to set priorities makes all the difference, and deciding what is “reasonable” for you (no one is superwoman, not even the most accomplished of us).

Try to decide what is most important for this day, and what can be left for another time. Make time for short breaks from work or the tasks at hand, to help you come back refreshed.

3) Set boundaries (it’s okay to say no):
This is actually a continuation of the above step. It’s easy to be a people pleaser, since as women we are taught to do for others. But one of the most health saving and important words a person can learn is the appropriate use of “I’m sorry, but I can’t take this on right now.”

You may also consider delegating some tasks, or sharing them with others instead of always being the one to finish everything yourself. This helps others grow in their skills, and gives you a chance to enjoy activities without the full load of responsibility for their success.

4) Take a break for fun:
“All work and no play makes Jill a dull woman” is certainly true. Overwork causes burnout and fatigue, and ends up making us less productive (or enjoyable) people. Time spent doing relaxing activities is essential to emotional and physical health. For a young mother, this may mean having her husband watch the children while she locks the bathroom door and soaks in a hot tub while reading a magazine (solitude can be bliss at times). For another working on a crossword puzzle or a favorite craft accomplishes the same.

It is important to plan having this “down time”, or else it will disappear. Realizing its importance can help make it a priority.

5) Exercise:
Gentle exercise such as walking has a multitude of health benefits, and can help relax you as well. Choose a type that is enjoyable, whether a workout class at the gym that can also include social time with friends, or simple stretches at home in the evening. Because neck and shoulder muscles often hold tension and can knot up, try simple shoulder shrugs or head circles to loosen them up and relieve tension.

6) Get support/help with the chores:
Although as women, it’s easy to take on the caretaker role for others, it’s important to know when to ask for help from family members. Children and spouses can be taught how to do dishes, pick up dirty clothes, or put a load of laundry into the washer. This also teaches them valuable skills and help them feel part of the “team effort”.

7) A sense of humor:
Laughter is the best medicine, and sharing a joke, or a good laugh with friends or family can do wonders in improving your outlook. It is also a known stress reliever, and research is showing that humor can have positive, healing effects.

By using these methods of identifying and dealing with stress, you can help to “destress” your life, and increase both your physical health, and your coping skills.

The following quick bread embodies the traditional qualities of a treasured family heirloom recipe, despite the tropical fruits. If dried mango and pineapple are difficult to find, dried apricots and nectarines can be substituted. Most supermarkets carry boxed crystallized ginger in their Oriental Foods section.

Tahitian Quick Bread

Canola oil spray

2 large navel oranges

1/2 cup finely chopped dried mango, preferably unsweetened

1/2 cup finely chopped dried pineapple

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup whole-wheat flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup (8 oz.) plain low-fat yogurt

2 large egg whites

2 Tbsp. canola oil

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. finely minced crystallized ginger or ground ginger

3-4 Tbsp. finely chopped macadamia nuts (optional)

Set oven rack in middle and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a standard loaf pan (8×4- or 9×5-inch) with cooking oil spray.

Over a large sheet of waxed paper, carefully grate oranges so just the zest, or thin, top orange layer of the peel, is removed. Take care that the bitter-tasting pith (white part) underneath is not included. This step can be done in advance if grated zest is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerated until ready to use. After grating, wrap oranges tightly in plastic wrap and reserve for another use, such as juicing.

In a large bowl, stir together flours, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, combine yogurt, egg whites, oil, vanilla and ginger. Add yogurt mixture to dry ingredients and stir just until combined. (Do not over-mix or beat batter until smooth.) Stir in zest, mango and pineapple until just blended.

Pour into prepared pan and spread to even surface. For a more decorative presentation, sprinkle top of batter with chopped pecans.

Bake until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. If pecans have been added to top of bread, begin checking bread after about 40 minutes. If nuts begin to darken, lightly lay a sheet of foil on top of pan to prevent nuts from burning.

Remove bread from oven and allow to cool on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan and let cool on rack to room temperature.

Makes 12 servings.

Per serving: 192 calories, 3 g. total fat (less than 1 g. saturated fat), 38 g. carbohydrate, 4 g. protein, 2 g. dietary fiber, 270 mg. sodium.

The combination of sweet potatoes and cranberries in the following quick bread results in a rich, dense flavor.

Cranberry-Sweet Potato Bread

Canola oil spray

2 large eggs

3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

1/3 cup canola oil

1 cup mashed canned sweet potatoes

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. orange extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. allspice or mace

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup chopped dried unsweetened cranberries

1-2 Tbsp. Turbinado or Demerara sugar (optional)

Lightly coat a standard loaf pan (8×4- or 9×5-inch) with canola spray and set aside. Set oven rack in middle and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In medium bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, sweet potatoes and extracts until well combined.

In large bowl, sift together flour, spices and baking soda. Make well in center of mixture and add sweet potato mixture. Mix until just moistened. (Do not over-mix or beat batter until smooth.) Lightly stir in cranberries.

Transfer batter to prepared pan. For a more decorative presentation, dust top of batter with light coating of Turbinado or Demerara sugar.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until tester comes out clean. If sugar has been added to top of bread, begin checking bread after 30 minutes. If sugar darkens, lightly lay a sheet of foil on top of pan to prevent burning.

Remove bread from oven and allow to cool 10 minutes on rack. Remove bread from pan and set back on rack to completely cool. Seal bread tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Tightly wrapped in foil, bread can be stored frozen for up to 1 month.

Makes 12 servings.

Per serving: 226 calories, 7 g. total fat (less than 1 g. saturated fat), 37 g. carbohydrate, 3 g. protein, 2 g. dietary fiber, 137 mg. sodium.

The secret to the following quick bread is a small investment of extra time to cook down apple cider, resulting in a bread with intense, apple-caramel flavor.

Pumpkin Cider Bread

2 cups apple cider

2 cinnamon sticks

5-6 navel oranges, to make 3 Tbsp. freshly grated orange zest

Canola oil spray

1 cup canned pumpkin pure’e

2 large eggs

1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. orange extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. double-acting baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. mace

1/8 tsp. allspice

3-4 Tbsp. finely chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

In a saucepan boil the cider with cinnamon sticks until reduced to 1/4 cup. Let it cool. (This step can be done in advance and refrigerated until ready to use. Bring to room temperature before using.)

Meanwhile, over a large sheet of waxed paper, carefully grate oranges so just the zest, or thin, top orange layer of the peel, is removed. Take care that the bitter-tasting pith (white part) underneath is not included. This step can be done in advance if grated zest is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerated until ready to use. After grating, wrap oranges tightly in plastic wrap and reserve for another use, such as juicing.

Lightly coat a standard loaf pan (8×4- or 9×5-inch) with canola oil spray and set aside. Set baking rack of oven to middle and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In large bowl whisk together pumpkin pure’e, eggs, oil, brown sugar, zest, extracts and reduced cider.

In separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, mace and allspice. Add dry ingredients, 1/3 at a time, into pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined. (Do not over-mix or beat batter until smooth.)

Transfer the batter to prepared pan. For a more decorative presentation, sprinkle top of batter with chopped pecans.

Bake bread 60 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. If pecans have been added to top of bread, begin checking bread after about 40 minutes. If nuts begin to darken, lightly lay a sheet of foil on top of pan to prevent nuts from burning.

Remove bread from oven, set on rack and allow to cool 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan, set back on rack and allow to completely cool. Seal bread tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Tightly wrapped in foil, bread can be stored frozen for up to 1 month.

Makes 12 servings.

Per serving: 190 calories, 6 g. total fat (less than 1g. saturated fat), 32 carbohydrate, 3 g. protein, 1 g. dietary fiber, 221 mg. sodium.

Simple Tricks Make Healthful Holiday Quick Breads

The two main problems with many baked desserts, says Polk, are the saturated and trans fats, like the butter or shortening that most recipes call for, and large amounts of sugar or other sweeteners.

She points out that “luckily, with quick breads, canola oil works beautifully in place of less healthful fats and offers many benefits. High in monounsaturated fat, canola oil helps lower levels of total cholesterol while leaving ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) undisturbed.

“In addition, most quick breads can be made with a somewhat reduced amount of sugar without sacrificing flavor or texture,” Polk says. She also suggests that quick breads are perfect candidates for ingredients like dried fruit, nuts and even some vegetables that are rich in natural sugars, like sweet potatoes and pumpkin, in order to create more complex flavor and texture. She points out that these ingredients are rich in powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals – protective substances found only in plant-based foods – that help protect against many types of cancers, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

How Sweet It Is: “Minor” Ingredients Offer Major Health Benefits

Dried fruits – cranberries, apricots, dates, etc. — are popular ingredients for quick breads because they add natural sweetness and texture. They are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C and flavonoids, a powerful group of phytochemicals that helps fight cancer and heart disease. Each fruit offers its own special combination of health-protective substances.

Cranberries, for example, are abundant in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and flavonoids, a powerful group of phytochemicals that helps fight cancer and heart disease. Scientists have also confirmed “old wives’ tales” that this fruit helps prevent urinary tract infections.

Flavorings derived from fruit can also offer special benefits. The oil in the peel of an orange – which, as “orange zest,” offers extra flavor – is the top source of limonene. A phytochemical that has demonstrated powerful anticancer effects in laboratory tests – among them, complete regression in mammary tumors – limonene is now being tested in human studies with cancer patients.

Vegetables high in natural sugars, especially sweet potatoes and pumpkins, provide a rich foundation to a quick bread. Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to enhanced immunity and decreased risk of lung and oral cancers as well as cataracts. Pumpkins contain several different types of carotenoids and phenolic compounds, two broad groups of antioxidants.

Nuts, which are high in monounsaturated fats, are often used in baked goods for added textural interest and depth in flavor. Pecans, a holiday favorite, are rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect against the negative effects of animal fat

that lead to cancer. Macadamia nuts, another favorite, can improve the ratio of “good” to “bad” cholesterol.

Homemade Quick Breads Make Easy, Heartfelt Gifts

Polk observes that “the personal touch of a home-baked holiday gift adds a special dimension for anyone lucky enough to receive it. Quick breads make easy, convenient gifts that are simple to gift wrap. And, from a nutritional point of view, many homemade quick breads can’t be beat.”

Polk also points out that young children love to help in the kitchen, which offers many pay-offs for parents. “Baking is a fun way to teach children how to plan and organize, plus the basics of food and nutrition. And research shows that children who learn to cook at a young age are more inclined to cook for themselves and be less dependent on convenience and fast foods.”

The intangible benefits of baking for holiday gifts shouldn’t be discounted either, says Polk. “Preparing quick breads isn’t complicated, but making them is very therapeutic. It gives you a sense of well-being and, while they bake, they fill your home with delectable aromas. If you’re making them for family or friends, that nurturing feeling is as much a gift to the cook as it is to the recipient.”

“Wrap your baked goods as elegantly as any other present,” she advises. “ You can use a decorative canister or wrap “as is,” first encasing each loaf in plastic wrap, then foil, before using gift paper and ribbon.”

…to be continued

St John’s Wort is proving to be a widely popular alternative to common anti-depressant medications. Its side effects are less severe and it does work to ‘lighten the load’ in most cases. Though contrary to popular belief, it has also been proven to increase sexual performance while relieving depression. This in-depth report explores the benefits of this herbal anti-depressant.

First, let me just say that I’m no doctor. I’m just a person sharing my experience of St. John’s Wort. Ok, so like most folks living out their days on this planet, I, too, have experienced some traumatic events throughout my life. Without going into the scary graphic details, let me just say that I have tasted depression.

When it got to the point where I felt a wee bit out of control, I contacted my therapist and cried, “help”. One of her answers was, ‘we need to medicate you’. I squirmed. You see, I’m one of those stubborn people who, instead of just being wise and just taking the aspirin for the raging headache, likes to keep a ’stiff upper lip’ and just ‘tough it out’. So when she suggested medication, my alarms went off full force.

I told her that in no uncertain terms would I give in to being medicated. There just had to be a better way to combat my depression. She listed a few other very basic ways:

1. A consistent and healthy exercise program; anything that raises your heart rate will produce endorphins which are the bodies self-made anti-depressants.2. Make sure that you are getting the proper 8 hours sleep and more if possible.3. Try and have ‘alone’ time to rest and relax.4. And lastly, avoid being a recluse. Get out there and have some fun!

Well, her other ways didn’t help me so much because I was already following all of them most of the time. So, with shoulders slumped forward as I stared defeat in the face, I asked one more time.

“Is there any other way other than medication?”

There was one more thing. St. John’s Wort. I’d heard of it but didn’t know much about it other than that people who were depressed took it. I didn’t know if it worked, what it looked like, how long to take it for, where to get it (though I assumed a pharmacy), and how much it would cost.

Basically put, St. John’s Wort is a natural, herbal alternative for the treatment of depression in cases where standard anti-depressants (such as Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and many others) would be prescribed. It is a wild plant that is harvested for its Hypericum (the active ingredient and “drug” that actually has the ‘anti-depressant’ effect on you).

I left her office with the invisible prescription to get to a pharmacy and buy some St. John’s Wort, which I learned came either in the tablet or liquid (drops) form. My therapist told me to try it but that if I didn’t feel it was working and things were not beginning to lighten up for me, that I was to bring myself back to her office right away.

I marched into the pharmacy that afternoon and surveyed the overwhelming shelves of herbal remedies. I scanned the names until I found the one I was looking for. Picking up the bottle, I read every word on that bottle two times over to make sure I got it right. I’d been told that the best type to get was the Standardized 500mg containing 0.3% Hypericum and to take one tablet in the morning and one at night, as 1000mg is all that you really need to experience results.

When I got home I reviewed tons of websites that offered me more information on this herbal anti-depressant. I wanted to read anything and everything I could before swallowing my first tablet.

One of the common information facts that I read was that it would take approximately 2-3 weeks for the full effect. The side effects that it could bring on were: sensitivity to sunlight, fatigue, nausea, skin rash, possible long-term eye concerns (cataracts), and interaction with protease inhibitors (for HIV and AIDS drug treatments). I’d also heard through the ‘grapevine’ that there was a possibility for it to stunt the affects of birth control pills.

In the recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, this myth was dispelled. Forty-six families substituted margarine for butter and then switched back. The adults in this study lowered their cholesterol level by an average of 11 percent by substituting margarine for butter.

So, what does this really mean? The study shows that if you lower the amount of saturated fat in your diet you will reduce your cholesterol levels.

Since butter contains mostly saturated fats, it contributes to raising cholesterol levels. Moreover, butter also contains cholesterol, which adds to the effect.

Although margarine contains less saturated fat than butter, it is not off the hook. Trans fats are present. These fats raise cholesterol but to a lesser degree than saturated fats. When hydrogen is added to liquid oil, it transforms into a semi-solid state thus creating trans fats in the process. In other words, the harder your margarine the more trans fats present.

When incorporating margarine into your healthy diet, remember these tips:

* Stick to softer margarine (such as in a tub or spray).

* Try the new trans-free margarine.

* Look at the labels and choose margarine low in saturated fat (two grams or less)

If you can’t live without butter, you don’t have to cut it out completely. Use it in moderation.

There are two visible changes associated with aging a head of locks.

1. The number of hairs
2. The progressive alteration of its remaining color

Human hair is not alive and therefore it is not capable of growing. It is the cells inside each hair follicle that is responsible for the development and textured mass of your hair. Each follicle has its own blood vessels that nourish the hair shafts, creating hair strands by secreting long garlands of protein, at the root of the follicle. As more protein is produced it is added to the end of the extended strands and then mechanically pushed out through the pore. A typical hair strand in a follicle extends about half an inch, a month. Growth is regulated by cycles of growth phases, although science has yet to determine what triggers these growth and resting phases.

Thinning hair

The amount of hair a man has throughout his life is determined at conception and no new follicles are formed in later life. The delicate balance of natural hair loss and replacement decreases with natural aging. Although we can lose up to one hundred free falling hairs a day, some extent of the loss can be altered by changing to a whole food, macrobiotic diet, while at the same time drinking or applying effective, daily scalp stimulating, formulas. There are many herbal remedies available to corrects premature hair-loss.

Try these hair growth-stimulating formulas.

Formula 1:

6 peach pits

2 cups apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup aloe juice

Crack the peach pits open, and remove the seeds inside. Pour the cider vinegar into a small pan. Add the peach seeds and bring to the small conteiner. Remove from the heat and strain. Allow the mixture to cool, then add the aloe, and combine. On dry hair, massage the solution into your scalp and leave for 12 minutes. Rinse out with tepid water and leave to air dry. Repeat formula daily.

Formula2:

1 cup grape seed, jojoba or olive (cold pressed) oil

2 teaspoons, cayenne pods (freshly crushed)

Crush the cayenne pods into a fine powder, then place it in a small conteiner. Cover with the oil and combine well into a smooth paste. On dry hair massage the paste into areas of the scalp where you are losing hair. Keep massaging for 3-5 minutes. Cover and leave for 12 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Apply daily and keep it up, as best results are found with continual application.

Herbs such as Chamomile and Elderflower are naturally cleansing and conditioning to hair, and added to soapwort root it makes an excellent herbal shampoo and conditioner, in one. When choosing herbs for hair care, take time to consider the fact that different hair types require and respond to different cosmetic herbs. Dry hair responds well to emollient herbs such as Marshmallow while dandruff prone hair, is nourished and corrected by Burdock and Cleavers.Rosemary and Lavender are rich in natural oils and make excellent conditioners. The actual (natural) color of your hair makes a great difference, too. Fair hair responds well to the enriching and dyeing properties of Chamomile, Yarrow and Lime flowers. Brown hair responds well to Henna and Thyme. Graying hair can be nourished with Sage, Parsley, Nasturtium and Rosemary. To promote hair growth, try drinking Horsetail and Catnip, and rinsing with Southernwood.

Baldness

Why would one man bald at twenty and another at sixty? Men bald at different ages, and at different rates, and for different reasons. Illness, disease, drugs and diet can have hair loss influences, all of which can be prevented, or treated. Some balding conditions are inherited, and although the hair continues to grow, it looks like it’s stopped because its growth pattern has been reprogrammed.

If you don’t have pattern baldness (the type dictated by your genes), try one of the following daily formulas.

1.

1 cup rosemary infusion

1 cup finely chopped soapwort root, decoction (see instructions below)

To make the infusion, pour 2 cups of water over 2 tablespoons of dried (or 2 tablespoon fresh), rosemary leaves. Steep and cover for 24 hours.

To make the decoction, place the soapwort root into a saucepan, and cover with 2 cups distilled water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by one third. Strain and set aside to cool. Strain the rosemary infusion and pour the liquid into a bowl. Combine both liquids and gently mix. Dampen your hair and massage the shampoo into your scalp for 5 minutes. Cover and leave for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. Allow your hair to air-dry and use this formula daily until a significant hair growth responds, and then use twice weekly.

The Hormone Affect

Hormone medications are very well known culprits. Do you take birth control pills? What about Depo Provera shots? These hormones are known diet saboteurs! I’ve talked to people at random about this. I know of one woman who gained three pounds the first year she started getting Depo Provera shots. The good news is she didn’t gain any more than that. She has remained on the shots for three years, and has not had any further difficulty related to run-away weight gains. Also, I know of another woman who actually gained four pounds after stopping the Pill. And of course, there was the third individual who credits the Pill with a six-pound weight gain.

As you can see each person is very different. If the weight gain is troublesome to you, talk with your doctor. There are certainly many other drugs on the market to try. These things can easily be taken care of with your doctor’s guidance.

It is very important to remember you should never sacrifice your health to be a size four! The good news is that many people who take these medications may gain a bit of weight initially, but they eventually stop before it becomes significant (greater than 10 pounds). But, keep in mind, they can account for anywhere from two to eight pounds of weight gain within the first two years! Whatever you do, do not stop your medications.

You need them, and only your health care provider can adjust your medications for you. If the weight gain issue is significant to you, talk with your doctor first. Do not ever stop a medication without your doctor’s input and advice.

The Antidepressant Affect

SSRIs, or serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Paxil, Prozac and Celexa, are also known to slow down your metabolism. These antidepressants have been invaluable in treating a number of mental health problems from social anxiety to post-traumatic stress syndrome. These charming little pills have saved so many people from crippling depressions. But, I’ve seen antidepressants get more and more bad press for weight-gain complaints than any other medication on the market. So, I did some research on my own and found that weight gain does not always occur in all individuals.

The Paxil Challenge

I know three sisters, close in age, that were not overweight prior to starting on Paxil. The first had no weight change at all. The second actually lost eight pounds the first month (because of its side effects); and the third person gained three pounds, and has tried to lose them, but they keep coming back to haunt her. What does this mean? You cannot always count on a medication to be the single cause of a significant weight gain. As my example illustrates, three people in the same family with the same genetics and age category (mid to late 30s), shows that these medications do not act the same in all individuals. Therefore, they cannot always be singled out as a cause of weight gain.

Take Your Medicine!

I would like to mention the importance of never stopping an antidepressant on your own. I had a very close friend who thought that Paxil was causing her weight gain, so she stopped it abruptly because of this. She didn’t want to get “fat,” so without her doctor’s guidance and direction, she quit taking her medication. The outcome was not very positive. She did actually lose two pounds. That was fine. However, her depressive symptoms returned rather quickly and severely, and she nearly lost her life in an accident because she was so depressed that she wasn’t paying attention. Finally, a very caring family member sensed that she was off her medicine, and encouraged her to take the pills and start a good diet and exercise program. My friend did this. It has been two years since that happened, and I am pleased to report she has not gained any more weight, and no longer suffers from a disabling depression.

I feel this is so important to mention this experience because I know of many people who are given these medicines, and then do not comply with their physician’s instructions because they think it doesn’t matter if they stop their medicines so they can “shed a few.”

Now that I’ve shown you what causes the problems, I can offer a few suggestions. Again, most importantly, do not stop your medications without your health care provider’s guidance. If your weight gain is troublesome to you, consult your physician about changing the medication to something that is less notorious for weight gain. Diet and exercise are critical as well.

Finally, do not worry if you are noticing a few pounds. Consider the other factors in your life; activity levels, current diet and eating habits, etc. These things are also known for affecting your weight, too. Try to give your medicines a chance. They are there to help you. Only your doctor or pharmacist can tell you if your  prescription medication causes weight gain.

Determining if your body is in need of a detox can be achieved in a couple of good ways. Though you either ignored them, or simply did not have the time in your busy life to fix them, odds are you have noticed most of the signs. You might think that they were natural because you got used to them. There are a couple questions to ask yourself to know if you are in need of a detox. What is your appearance like, and how do you feel? Tell-tale signs of whether or not you are in need of a detox come in your answers to these questions.

Think about these when coming to an answer. Do you have a bloated appearance? Are you unable to sleep through the night? Do you constantly feel sleepy and worn out? Do you have healthy looking skin and eyes? How frequently do you feel down in the dumps, have mood swings or anxiety? Do you have a lot of headaches? Do you have frequent skin breakouts? Do you seem to be unfocused and unable to concentrate, and perhaps under more stress than normal? Are you always sick? Do you feel, in a word – ugh? It may be that your body needs to detox.

What is the definition of detox?

Toxic waste is flushed out of the fat tissue and organs in the detoxification process. Your body, like a car’s engine, needs to have fluids changed on a regular basis. We run our bodies on what we eat. If you desire the best performance from your body, you have to provide the nutrients it needs. In simple language, the cleansing internally of your body is detoxification. How you accomplish this is your choice, but you should seriously consider visiting your physician before undergoing detox, especially if you have any current medical conditions.

In the ultimate colon and liver cleanse systems, people use herbs and fiber supplements for toxic cleanses. Dieting and fasting, getting nutrition from ripe raw fruits, vegetables, herbal teas and juices are means others use to do so. You will think differently as well, you will notice, as you go through your detoxification process. You will have a much clearer thinking process. The side effects of detoxification are easily outweighed by the benefits. Your mind will be focused more and your body will be more clean. There will be changes that are noticeable with the detoxification of your body. Symptoms such as headaches, weight loss, acne, and smelly breath may occur.

Toxins leaving your body cause the presence of these symptoms. It is really important to drink a lot of liquids during a detox. Be sure to plan to perform your detox well in advance. Your body going into shock is what you don’t want. Digesting caffeinated drinks, red meat (if you usually eat this), pork, and other heavy meats should be slowly stopped. Some light foods to try are raw fruits and vegetables, fresh juices, and legumes. Subsequently, your body won’t go into shock when it’s detoxed. Once again, consult your doctor before starting the detoxification process if you are being treated for a bad sickness.