Raw Milk is High in Protein
Raw Milk is High in Protein
According to the dictionary, proteins are: “fundamental components of all living cells and include many substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies that are necessary for the proper functioning of an organism. They are essential in the diet of animals for the growth and repair of tissue and can be obtained from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and legumes.” Raw milk is high in protein and here are the reasons why raw milk may be a healthy alternative.
Raw milk contains all the amino acids we need and since proteins consist of amino acids, it follows that we need amino acids to build protein. These proteins allow for easy absorption of iron, have anti-cancer properties, and anti-viral properties. They also help prevent bacteria from forming on the teeth, which can cause cavities.
In addition, the protein in raw milk can rid the body of “bad” bacteria and provide antibodies that play an important role in resisting viruses and toxins. These proteins have also been known to decrease the symptoms of asthma.
It should be noted here that pasteurizing milk not only destroys the “good” bacteria and other necessary nutrients, but significantly reduces the overall amount of protein in the milk.
To further delineate the importance of protein in milk, take a look at a label on a carton of regular milk and 1% milk. The protein amount is 16% or 8 grams for both. In raw milk, the protein is 80% casein. What is casein? It is the protein consisting of amino acids which are digested at a slower rate. This is important because it releases the amino acids over a seven-hour period. The whey protein in raw milk is 20%, and its amino acids are released within an hour.
Why is slow amino acid release so important? Ask any body-builder and he will tell you that it allows for increased muscle growth which is based upon how well protein breaks down in the body. The slower the body absorbs the protein, the less likely the protein will be suppressed.
Other important components of raw milk are enzymes which are made up of different kinds of proteins. One enzyme found in raw milk, for example, acts as an anti-bacterial agent.
While we know that pasteurized milk is void of some of the necessary nutrients and enzymes that are most beneficial to the body, raw milk contains protein and enzymes as well as vitamins necessary to maintain one’s overall health. Remember, too, that bacteria in raw milk also serves as a protective agent against pathogens.
Read the full story on raw milk
Is Raw Milk Suitable for Children?
Is Raw Milk Suitable for Children?
Got Milk? Raw milk, that is? There is an interesting debate between proponents and opponents of raw milk who have been asked this question: Is raw milk suitable for children?
Before you weigh in with your verdict, here are the nuts and bolts of why this subject has become so intense.
The basis upon which these two sides cannot agree has to do with pasteurization. Raw milk has bacteria, but so does pasteurized milk. The difference is that the E. coli bacteria found in raw milk is less prevalent than in milk that has been pasteurized. Research has shown that children who are given raw milk develop a resistance to such diseases as pneumonia, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and other related illnesses. While we know that there is a high level of calcium in milk, scientists found that the growth of children drinking raw milk was far superior to those who did not ingest raw milk.
If you think about countries such as Africa, for example, part of the Masai’s diet is goat’s milk. In other countries and regions where people rely on cows and other animals to provide nutrients, raw milk is at the top of the list.
While it is true that cows should be healthy and the milk should be fresh, scientific data has proven that raw milk has been found to be good for children, and that it contains high concentrations of calcium, iodine, and protein which are essential components in promoting good health.
On the other side of the aisle are the opponents of raw milk who strongly suggest that raw milk is as bad as poison. Their rationale is that children develop tuberculosis which is caused by the germs contained in raw milk. While scientists generally discount this theory, there was a study which disclosed that one child out of seventy developed this disease. The research goes on to admit that fourteen children who drank pasteurized milk, however, developed TB.
There is another part of the equation that these debates inject. According to opponents, farmers would have to purchase machinery to process the raw milk. What if they can’t afford to? Proponents would counter with this argument: what did everyone do before Louis Pasteur came along?
While we know that pasteurization removes some nutrients and good bacteria, there is no scientific data that suggests raw milk is a bad thing. As a matter of fact, the data indicates that children and adults have become ill from drinking pasteurized milk as opposed to raw milk.
So there’s the debate in a nutshell. Considering that so much research has been done to explain the effects of raw milk versus pasteurized milk, it seems possible that this discussion is largely based on a political agenda and not the nutritional benefits derived therein.
Learn the full scoop on raw milk
The Wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar
The Wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used in many ways for many years. It has been an important ingredient in numerous home remedies, and it has frequently been used for weight loss.
This simple, inexpensive substance has seemingly endless uses. Here are some of them:
* For weight loss, drink two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before each meal. This is not a quick fix, but it has been said to cause gradual weight loss with no major changes in diet. Coupled with a sensible diet and exercise routine, however, it could cause somewhat quicker weight loss and help you keep the weight off.
* For a cold or the flu, take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water several times a day. This will help balance the body’s pH, making it a less favorable environment for the germs.
* Apple cider vinegar is great for getting rid of dandruff. Applying it to the scalp and letting it stand for 30 minutes to an hour before washing will kill the fungus that causes dandruff. It also helps soothe an itchy scalp.
* Diabetics can benefit from taking apple cider vinegar in water once a day. This has been proven to help lower blood sugar.
* Apple cider vinegar is often used to relieve sinus problems and ear infections. Depending on your symptoms, you can drink it, add it to a vaporizer, inhale it, or squirt it in your ear with a syringe and let it drain back out.
* Facial toner. Mix a tablespoon of acv in 8 ounces of water and apply with a cotton ball after cleansing your face to restore normal ph balance and remove cleanser.
* Digestive problems and diarrhea can be relieved with an apple cider vinegar tonic. The vinegar soaks up liquid and forms a protective coating in the intestines, and it activates stomach acid and enzymes. It may also relieve the symptoms of acid reflux.
* Apple cider vinegar can soothe a sunburn. You can soak a towel in it at full strength and place it directly on the burn, or you can take a bath in water with one cup of the vinegar added.
* Painful and unsightly varicose veins can benefit from treatment with apple cider vinegar. Apply it full strength twice a day, and drink two teaspoons in water twice a day. It may take a month to see results.
* Apple cider vinegar is good for a sore throat. Gargling with a vinegar and water mixture every hour can help you feel better faster. But it is important to remember not to swallow the mixture once you’ve gargled with it, because it draws out germs.
* Muscle soreness can be treated with apple cider vinegar. It can be applied full strength with a small amount of cayenne pepper added, or you can soak in a bath with a few cups of vinegar added.
These are just a few of the myriad ways that we can use apple cider vinegar for health. Drinking a vinegar tonic each day can improve our health in a number of ways. We can also apply it topically to rid ourselves of many more aliments. Stocking up on apple cider vinegar will put the remedy for a variety of problems right at your fingertips.
Read more about the benefits of apple cider vinegar
Natural Remedies For Morning Sickness
Curbing Morning Sickness Naturally
Pregnancy is a beautiful, miraculous thing. But during those first several weeks, moms-to-be often feel far from miraculous. Morning sickness is no fun, and it can really put a damper on both work and play.
In most cases, medication is not advisable for morning sickness as long as it does not cause more serious problems such as dehydration or malnutrition. So it is up to us to find natural remedies to combat the nausea and vomiting. Here are a few ways that many women have found effective.
* Eat plain soda crackers fifteen minutes before you get up each morning. These are usually well tolerated, and they settle the stomach so that we can handle other foods better.
* Eat a high protein snack before going to bed, and again when arising in the middle of the night. Protein will keep the blood sugar on an even keel. Low blood sugar often triggers vomiting during pregnancy.
* Drink plenty of fluids, but drink them slowly. Sipping on water or lemonade throughout the day has proved to be effective for many women. Keeping ice water on hand to sip when you feel that you are about to vomit can also keep it from happening. This may be just the thing to get you through a rough day at work.
* Ginger is great for morning sickness. You can drink it in ginger ale, sniff it, or eat ginger cookies or candied ginger.
* Exercise regularly. While it may be difficult to muster the motivation to exercise when you’re suffering from morning sickness, forcing yourself to keep up a moderate exercise routine does help ease it.
* Eat frequent, small meals. Small amounts of food are tolerated better than large meals, yet it often helps to keep something on your stomach at all times. Keeping something close by to nibble on throughout the day can help keep nausea at bay.
* If a food turns your stomach, avoid eating it, or even smelling it. Different foods are bothersome to different women, so what sent your friend running to the bathroom in early pregnancy may be fine for you. But it is generally advisable to avoid spicy or strong-smelling foods.
* Stay cool as much as possible. Heat can make morning sickness worse, or at least much more unpleasant.
* Speak with an acupuncturist. Acupuncture may ease morning sickness.
* If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, consider eating some meat at this time. The protein in meat may be what your body’s craving at this time. Many moms who are vegetarian struggle with their diets when they become pregnant because their bodies seem to crave meat.
Should I Be Concerned About Morning Sickness?
Over half of pregnant women experience morning sickness at some point. It is rarely anything to worry about, and it almost always goes away on its own around the second trimester.
Occasionally, however, morning sickness is more than it seems. If you experience severe nausea, excessive vomiting, or weight loss, or your symptoms persist beyond 13 weeks, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum. This is a condition that may require medical treatment, and perhaps hospitalization. So even though morning sickness is rarely cause for concern, it is important to keep your obstetrician informed about your symptoms and share your concerns.
Morning sickness is unpleasant, but it is usually nothing more than a nuisance. Some modifications to your eating habits are often all that is needed to keep it from being a big problem. And remember, it will go away on its own eventually.
Recommended: The Cure Morning Sickness Ebook
Benefits of a Cool Mist Humidifier
Benefits of a Cool Mist Humidifier
If you have sinus problems, you have probably heard about the benefits of running a humidifier. They add moisture to the air, reducing nasal congestion.
But sinus sufferers with children, or those who have children with sinus problems, are often hesitant to use them due to the heat produced. The hot water, and the unit itself, can cause burns if children touch or bump into them.
Cool mist humidifiers eliminate this problem. They add moisture to the air without producing heat, making them safe for use around kids. And they also provide a number of other benefits. These include:
* Cool mist humidifiers can cover a larger area than warm mist humidifiers. Instead of providing enough vapor for a single room, many of them can cover several rooms, or even an entire house. This is good if you have more than one person in the home who has frequent sinus congestion.
* A cool mist humidifier is often easier to clean than a steam humidifier. Frequent cleaning is important, but in most cases each cleaning only takes a few minutes.
* Cool mist humidifiers do not heat the areas in which they are used. Steam humidifiers tend to make rooms warmer. That is not necessarily a bad thing when you live in a cool climate, but if it’s already warm in the house, it can make it rather uncomfortable. Cool mist humidifiers allow more control over the room temperature.
Ultrasonic Humidifiers
One drawback of cool mist humidifiers is that they may disperse bacteria and mold that are present in the water used. It is essential to keep them clean, and you may need to use distilled water in them if your water has large amounts of minerals in it. But there are ultrasonic humidifiers that produce water vapor without heat while killing the harmful substances in the water.
Ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers work by producing ultrasonic vibrations in the water. This creates water vapor and kills bacteria and mold at the same time. They do, however, cost more than a regular cool mist humidifier. They also do little to remove minerals, so it may still be advisable to use distilled water in them. But if there are people in your home who have allergies, an ultrasonic humidifier can be of great benefit to them.
A humidifier can allow sinus sufferers to breathe freely and reduce their need for medication. If you want to try one but are apprehensive about using a unit that produces heat, a cool mist humidifier may be for you. They can humidify large areas without creating a hazard for small children or raising the ambient temperature in your home. And if allergies are a concern, an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier can reduce the allergens present in the water used.
Read a review of the Crane Pig Humidifier
Are Herbal Supplements Safe?
Are Herbal Supplements Safe?
Herbs have been in existence, and in use, since long before prescription drugs were ever thought of. They are often hailed as a more natural way to treat ailments.
But it is a common misconception that herbal supplements are without risk.
It is true that herbs, when used properly, are sometimes safer than over-the-counter or prescription drugs. That is because they are in their natural state. They contain a number of compounds, and these compounds complement one another. Manufactured drugs, on the other hand, are usually comprised of a single substance. They may be derived from plant sources, but individual chemicals are isolated to create them. This process may leave out other chemicals that moderate or change their effects.
A frequent problem with herbal supplements is that they are not strictly regulated. They do not undergo the scrutiny that prescription and over-the-counter drugs are put through. They are actually regulated as dietary supplements rather than drugs, and that means that the requirements for them are more lenient.
That’s not to say that the government does nothing to ensure that herbal supplements are safe. The herbs that they are made from must undergo a certain amount of testing. The problem lies in the fact that the manufacture of the supplements is not subjected to the same high level of scrutiny as the manufacture of prescription drugs. The Food and Drug Administration does not review herbs before they are marketed, but they do take action if an herbal supplement is found to be unsafe once it reaches the market.
Potential Hazards of Herbal Supplements
Something we should remember about herbal supplements is that they can interact with other substances. These include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, other herbs, and possibly even foods. For this reason, it is very important to get as much information as possible about any given herb before you start using it.
Just like any other medication, herbs should be avoided by people with certain medical conditions. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use any type of herb without getting your health care provider’s approval first.
If you are going to have surgery, it is also important to let the surgeon know about any herbs that you are taking. Some may thin the blood or interact with anesthesia. And certain herbs may cause side effects that can be dangerous for certain groups of people. For example, an herb that may cause a rise in blood pressure should not be used by those with heart disease.
Just because a product is natural, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is completely safe. While herbal supplements often have fewer additives and side effects than prescription drugs, there are many things that should be considered before taking them. It is important to use the same amount of caution you would use when taking any other pill.
Stay Healthy - Boost Your Body’s Immune System
Stay Healthy: Boost Your Body’s Immune System
Have you ever heard the expression “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” It makes sense. The best way to keep our bodies healthy is not to get sick in the first place. Keeping our immune systems running smoothly is our best defense against disease.
It’s a common misconception that we have no control over our immune systems. Eating the right foods and taking care of our bodies allows us to fight off infection more quickly and efficiently. Here are some of the ways we can boost our immunity:
* Include lots of antioxidants in your diet. These include vitamins A, C and E. Foods rich in antioxidants include cherries, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and tea. You might also want to take a daily antioxidant supplement, because it is difficult to get in as many antioxidants as are recommended through diet alone.
* Cut back on sugar. Sugar bogs down our white blood cells, preventing our immune systems from functioning properly. Omitting it from our diets as much as possible can work wonders for our health.
* Eliminate trans fats. These are also detrimental to our bodies and cause free radical damage.
* Exercise regularly. Getting our blood flowing allows our white blood cells to circulate throughout the body, and that means that they can reach and kill germs more quickly. Try to work out moderately at least three or four times a week.
* Keep your body cleansed. Drinking water helps to keep our systems functioning optimally, unlike sugary sodas and other beverages that add unnecessary calories. There are also colon cleansing products that we can use to remove toxins from our bodies periodically.
* Take vitamins, minerals and herbs that are good for the immune system. Zinc does a good job of assisting our immune systems when we are sick, and including it in our diets or taking it in a supplement regularly will help keep us from getting sick in the first place. Herbs that are good for the immune system include garlic, astragalus, and elderberry.
* Make sure you’re getting enough rest. Our bodies produce growth hormones that boost our immunity while we sleep. If we fail to get enough sleep, we don’t produce these in the amounts that we need. So be sure to get plenty of rest each and every night.
Your immune system is an amazing thing. When you take good care of it, it takes good care of you. With a healthy diet, adequate rest, and frequent exercise, we can ensure that our immune systems are operating as they should. Then we can spend less time fighting off illness and more time enjoying life.
Can a Hoodia Lollipop Help You Lose Weight?
For many people, losing weight seems like a constant uphill battle. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the weight just won’t come off. A lollipop may sound like the last thing a dieter needs, but you might be surprised to find out how many people swear by them these days.
Of course you can’t lose weight with your average lollipop. But Power Pops are all the rage among people who want to shed those extra pounds. They contain Hoodia, a popular herb that has been heralded for helping countless people lose weight.
What is Hoodia?
Hoodia is a plant that is related to the cactus. Found primarily in Africa, Hoodia has been used by bushmen for many years to suppress appetite. But it wasn’t until recently that Hoodia began to be used in commercial diet supplements.
Many celebrities have sung Hoodia’s praises. It has become one of the most popular herbs for weight loss. It is not a stimulant, so it doesn’t make users jittery. It simply tricks their brain into thinking that they are full.
It can take up to two weeks for a person to get the full benefits of Hoodia. Optimal dosages also vary from person to person. It can be used from one to three times per day.
How Do I Use Power Pops?
The suggested usage of Power Pops consists of having one with a glass of water 30 minutes before each meal every day. The water is necessary to help the ingredients of the Power Pop break down in your system. The Hoodia suppresses your appetite, allowing you to feel full without eating as much.
Learn more about Hoodia lollipops and read product reviews here.