10 Things You Didn't Know About You

The human body is a great, sweaty, fluid-filled machine, moving and mixing chemicals with precision and coordination, making everything from memories to mucus. Here we explore some of the complex, beautiful or just plain gross mysteries of how you function.

10. Your Stomach Secretes Corrosive Acid

There's one dangerous liquid no airport security can confiscate from you: It's in your gut. Your stomach cells secrete hydrochloric acid, a corrosive compound used to treat metals in the industrial world. It can pickle steel, but mucous lining the stomach wall keeps this poisonous liquid safely in the digestive system, breaking down lunch. 

09. Body Position Affects Your Memory

Can't remember your anniversary, hubby? Try getting down on one knee. Memories are highly embodied in our senses. A scent or sound may evoke a distant episode from one's childhood. The connections can be obvious (a bicycle bell makes you remember your old paper route) or inscrutable. A recent study helps decipher some of this embodiment. An article in the January 2007 issue of Cognition reports that episodes from your past are remembered faster and better while in a body position similar to the pose struck during the event.

08. Bones Break (Down) to Balance Minerals

In addition to supporting the bag of organs and muscles that is our body, bones help regulate our calcium levels. Bones contain both phosphorus and calcium, the latter of which is needed by muscles and nerves. If the element is in short supply, certain hormones will cause bones to break downeupping calcium levels in the bodyeuntil the appropriate extracellular concentration is reached.

07. Much of a Meal is Food For Thought

Though it makes up only 2 percent of our total body weight, the brain demands 20 percent of the body's oxygen and calories. To keep our noggin well-stocked with resources, three major cerebral arteries are constantly pumping in oxygen. A blockage or break in one of them starves brain cells of the energy they require to function, impairing the functions controlled by that region. This is a stroke.

06. Thousands of Eggs Unused by Ovaries

When a woman reaches her late 40s or early 50s, the monthly menstrual cycle that controls her hormone levels and readies ova for insemination ceases. Her ovaries have been producing less and less estrogen, inciting physical and emotional changes across her body. Her underdeveloped egg follicles begin to fail to release ova as regularly as before. The average adolescent girl has 34,000 underdeveloped egg follicles, although only 350 or so mature during her life (at the rate of about one per month). The unused egg follicles then deteriorate. With no potential pregnancy on the horizon, the brain can stop managing the release of ova.

05. Puberty Reshapes Brain Structure, Makes for Missed Curfews

We know that hormone-fueled changes in the body are necessary to encourage growth and ready the body for reproduction. But why is adolescence so emotionally unpleasant? Hormones like testosterone actually influence the development of neurons in the brain, and the changes made to brain structure have many behavioral consequences. Expect emotional awkwardness, apathy and poor decision-making skills as regions in the frontal cortex mature.

04. Cell Hairs Move Mucus

Most cells in our bodies sport hair-like organelles called cilia that help out with a variety of functions, from digestion to hearing. In the nose, cilia help to drain mucus from the nasal cavity down to the throat. Cold weather slows down the draining process, causing a mucus backup that can leave you with snotty sleeves. Swollen nasal membranes or condensation can also cause a stuffed schnozzle.

03. Big Brains Cause Cramped Mouths

Evolution isn't perfect. If it were, we might have wings instead of wisdom teeth. Sometimes useless features stick around in a species simply because they're not doing much harm. But wisdom teeth weren't always a cash crop for oral surgeons. Long ago, they served as a useful third set of meat-mashing molars. But as our brains grew our jawbone structure changed, leaving us with expensively overcrowded mouths.

02. The World Laughs with You

Just as watching someone yawn can induce the behavior in yourself, recent evidence suggests that laughter is a social cue for mimicry. Hearing a laugh actually stimulates the brain region associated with facial movements. Mimicry plays an important role in social interaction. Cues like sneezing, laughing, crying and yawning may be ways of creating strong social bonds within a group.

01. Your Skin Has Four Colors

All skin, without coloring, would appear creamy white. Near-surface blood vessels add a blush of red. A yellow pigment also tints the canvas. Lastly, sepia-toned melanin, created in response to ultraviolet rays, appears black in large amounts. These four hues mix in different proportions to create the skin colors of all the peoples of Earth.

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10 Most Useful Diet

10 of the most useful products that are worth incorporating into the diet as often as possible — Created by the very nature of a miracle foods contain whole biologically active complexes of nutrients needed to maintain and restore our health. Of course, the list of such products can be extended to include many kinds of grains, vegetables, fruits and berries. 

1. Fish

If the time - at least three times a week - on the menu include fish instead of meat, you can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease and acute (atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and others), as well as blood cholesterol levels. At the same time in their food and culinary qualities of the fish is not inferior to the meat (it contains many beneficial substances for the human body - from 13 to 23% protein, and fats, extractives and mineral matter), but for ease of digestion of proteins even surpasses it.

2. Bread made from rye flour, wheat flour, corn

This is the bread was staple of our ancestors. Bread made from rye flour, wheat flour, whole grain contains not only vitamins and minerals, but also high in fiber. On its wonderful properties known to many things: fiber lowers blood cholesterol and blood pressure, stimulates digestion and accelerates metabolism, displays the body of toxins, promotes cell renewal and even helps preserve youth. But do not forget that all is good in moderation: too much fiber can cause bloating and other unpleasant consequences.

3. Apples

Of the 15 vitamins necessary to man, the apples have been found 12 - a vitamin B complex, C, E, P, carotene, folic acid and others. Many of them, and minerals (potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, iodine, iron) and sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose) as well as pectin and fiber. If every day eat apples, you can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Because these fruits cleanse the body of toxins and reduce cholesterol. And besides, they are rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from aging.

4. Carrots

In carrots rich in vitamins A (carotene), also called vitamin beauty, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, K, P, PP, minerals (potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, iodine, , phosphorus, cobalt, etc.), it also contains enzymes, fructose, glucose, lecithin, amino acids, proteins and starch. It is recommended for diseases of the heart, liver, gallbladder, kidney, high stomach acidity, salt metabolism disorders, and various inflammatory processes. And carrot prevents the development of cancer, improves blood and is very useful for vision.

5. Pumpkin

Pumpkin without reservation is an ideal vegetable for diet food. No wonder it is recommended to include in the diet for many diseases: heart, blood vessels, stomach, intestine, liver, kidney, and colds. Pumpkin has no equal among the vegetables on the content of iron, so it is indicated for the treatment of anemia. Due to the large quantity of vitamins - C, group B, carotene, E, PP, K, T - it strengthens hair, nails, protects the skin from aging and prevents the appearance of extra pounds. And in a lot of pumpkin pectin and natural antioxidants that remove toxins from the body, lower cholesterol and strengthen the immune system.

6. Blackberry

This miracle berry has surpassed all others in the content of useful substances. It is full of vitamin C (to get his daily dose for an adult should only 30-60 g of berries) and vitamin P (100 g of berries - from 5 to 10 of his daily doses), minerals (iron, magnesium, manganese, and etc.), contains tannin, pectin and organic acids. Black currant strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves the process of blood, lowers blood pressure and is an excellent tool for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. And it improves the metabolism, prevents the appearance of extra weight and is recommended for the treatment of obesity.

7. Briar

Rosehip knowingly consider means of forty diseases. He ranks first among the fruit and berry plants for the content of vitamin C. A lot of it and other B vitamins (P, K, B group, carotenoids) and minerals (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, chromium), contains sugar, malic and citric acid, tannin and pectin. Infusions, decoctions, teas rosehip prevent the development of cardiovascular disease, increase body resistance to infections and have a restorative and tonic effect.

8. Dried fruits

Dried apricots, dried apricots, dried apricots, prunes, raisins, figs, dates, dried apples and pears can serve as the perfect replacement of sugar and sweets with all sorts of artificial additives. Dried fruits that contain vitamins, minerals (high in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron) and organic acids include suggestions on the menu at the diseases of the cardiovascular system, lungs, bronchial asthma, anemia, colds. In addition, fruits are an excellent means to strengthen the nervous system, stimulates the blood and cleanse the intestines well.

9. Green tea

Green tea, which contains many vitamins (A, K, PP, C, group B) and minerals (potassium, zinc, fluorine, iodine, etc.), much more useful than black. This drink improves heart, kidney, liver, pancreas and enhances immunity. And green tea normalizes blood pressure, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves digestion, neutralizes free radicals, cleanses the body of toxins, reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer and slows the aging process. Another property of this drink - antimicrobial effect, which increases after insisting it within 2-3 days.

10. Honey

Honey is extremely useful: it increases the body's resistance to many infections and has antibacterial properties. It is recommended to accept the treatment of diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, etc. This wonderful natural product contains many vitamins (C, K, E, F, group B), enzymes, organic acids and proteins, and in the number of trace elements - whole periodic table: potassium, calcium, manganese, chromium, sodium, nickel, silicon, magnesium, iron, copper, silver and others.

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8 Foods You Should Never Eat Out of Season

The Winter of (Foodie) Discontent — Nowadays, you can eat pretty much any fruit or vegetable you want, all year long. But should you? During the summer and fall, farmer's markets are brimming with local, organic food that was harvested within 24 hours and is usually at the peak of its freshness, flavor, and nutritional content. In the winter and early spring, however, you often have to rely on out-of-season produce that's traveled an average of 1,300 miles to get from commercial farms to your dinner table. The process is not only bad for the planet, but it also means you wind up with bland produce that's mealy and low on nutrients.

While some out-of-season eating is inevitable, there are certain fruits and vegetables you're better off buying frozen. Frozen produce, like fresh produce, has usually traveled long distances to get to your plate, but it at least was picked at the height of freshness and, studies have found, sometimes has a higher nutrient content than fresh produce (just watch for added salt, added to many frozen veggies). For an expert's take on what should only be eaten in season, we turned to Chris DiMinno, the chef at Portland, Oregon's modern gastropub Clyde Common. 08 Foods You Should Never Eat Out of Season after the break...

01. Tomatoes

DiMinno is adamant about eating fresh tomatoes when they're naturally ripe and delicious. "Eat them between early August and mid-to-late October, says DiMinno. "They can only gain their full potential sweetness and tenderness in the middle and late summer months." In the winter, bypass the cardboard-y orbs in the produce section and look for jarred, crushed tomatoes instead. Jars don't contain the toxic chemical BPA, which is used to line tin cans, and you can find organic jarred tomatoes made by Bionaturae and Eden Organics.

02. Peas 

Fresh peas aren't easy to find, and with good reason; the true pea season, according to DiMinno, is only about two weeks long. "Only eat them in early spring, when they are the sweetest and the most tender. Other times of the year, fresh peas can be starchy, with little to no flavor," says DiMinno. If you're a diehard fan of peas, the chef advises stocking up on them in the spring, and shelling your peas and freezing them while their sugars are at their peak. If you're stuck with store-bought, look for Columbia River Organics frozen green peas, sold at Whole Foods stores. They contain no added salt.

03. Asparagus 

Another truly seasonal vegetable, asparagus is only good in early to mid spring, before the stalks become too woody. Otherwise, you just wind up with bland, limp stalks. Most out-of-season asparagus is grown in California or Washington, which could be local depending on where you live, but the U.S. also imports a fair amount from South America. Frozen asparagus, which doesn't usually contain added salt, is good in cooked dishes, or for a twist, try pickled asparagus, which you can find at certain specialty grocery stores and farmer's markets.

04. Wax Beans

Summer gardens often overflow with colorful wax beans, and it's the best time to savor them. Says DiMinno, "These are only good in the summer. Before and after, they can get very fibrous and have terrible color." If you prefer fresh, squeaky beans, you may be better off living without them until next summer, but in most recipes, wax beans can be used interchangeably with green beans, which Columbia River Organics sells without any added salt. Going with frozen is extra important with green beans, as tests from Consumer Reports have shown that canned green beans contained the highest levels of BPA of any canned food. 

05. Corn

Enjoy it while it lasts—corn is only at its prime in the late summer and early fall. Corn's sugar content is at its peak in September, says DiMinno, adding that it's best grilled or roasted in its husk and peeled afterwards. This helps the corn retain moisture and flavor. In the off-season, look for frozen corn. It's easy to find organic, nowadays, without added salt.

06. Mushrooms

Since every season has a mushroom, you can enjoy them year-round; just don't stray outside each variety's season: "Morels in the spring, truffles in winter and summer, chanterelles in the fall, lobster mushrooms in summer," says DiMinno. Because mushrooms are highly absorbent, don't clean them with water; instead, trim off the bottoms and clean off any residual dirt using a pastry brush. For a deliciously different side dish, make Marinated Mushrooms with Coriander.

07. Lettuces

Although lots of lettuces can be found year-round, DiMinno says that the best lettuces grow in late winter and early spring when it is still chilly outside. This allows the lettuce to achieve the maximum level of crispiness, as well as the highest sugar content, making early spring the best time of year for sweet, crunchy salads. In the off-season, rather than buy bagged lettuces, consider using lettuce alternatives like kale, as in this recipe for Black Kale Salad with Currants, or red or green cabbage, as in this Autumn Salad. The season for both of those greens lingers into the winter.

08. Peaches

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10 Fruit Juices Good for Health

Not many people know that soursop fruit (also part of the soursop tree, ie leaves) keep hidden strength to fight cancer effectively than with treatment using medicines and chemo therapy. Unfortunately, the good news is covered up by one of world company who conduct research and wants research funding plus generous benefits go to the company, before the pharmaceutical raw materials from soursop fruit thrown into the world market. Apart from soursop fruit, there are many other fruits that have a great benefits for health. All fruits are also consumed it easier and more comfortable with processed into healthy fruit juice.

                                                                                  Soursop juice

A study published by The Journal of Natural Products mentioned that the soursop fruit as the “miracle fruit” that is very nutritious for health, including:

• Can effectively pick and choose the target bad cells from 12 different types of cancer, namely breast cancer, prostate, lung, colon, pancreas.
• Working 10 thousand times more powerful to postpone cell growth cancer than drug (andriamicin) or chemo therapy.
• Soursop juice selectively hunt down and kill the bad cells and not harm / kill healthy cells, in contrast with a deadly chemo therapy evil and gels healthy cells (ie causing hair loss).
• Increase energy, immune system, preventing it from infection, etc

 Avocado juice

Avocado juice for health benefits include:

• elps formation of red blood cells
• Preventing anemia
• For pregnant women, folic acid content of avocados can stimulate brain development and the formation of the spinal cord.
• Controlling the bad fats (LDL cholesterol) and raise the good fats (HDL cholesterol)
• Prevent stroke. 
• Anti-wrinkle and ageless. etc.

 Tomato juice

Tomato juice for health benefits are:

• High antioxidant useful to defend the body from free radicals. 
• Content of lyopene in tomatoes could prevent prostate cancer.
• To maintain ideal body weight for those who are dieting to lose weight and may increase appetite for those who are raising the weight as well as in the recovery phase after illness.
• Preventing constipation.
• Glycogen levels can stabilize liver function, etc.

Apple juice

One apple a day could save your life, this phrase seems to be true, the content of apples is very useful for health, including:

• Content of quercetin in apples may as anticancer and anti-inflammatory. 
• Content of pectin can help remove dirt buildup in the gut for so long.
• Can lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Can reduce appetite.
• Can treat headaches, etc.

 07. Strawberry juice

Benefits contained in guava juice include:

• Strawberry juice for health benefits are:
  • Contain ellagic acid, which act as antioxidants to counteract free radicals that enter the body.
  • Can inhibit tumor cell growth in lung, breast, cervix.
  • Can cleanse the body’s digestive system.
  • Controlling cholesterol levels.
  • Can reduce pain in joints, etc.
    06. Guava juice
    
    
    
    
    
    Benefits contained in guava juice include:
    • Can reduce cholesterol in the blood and lowers blood pressure.
    • Can prevent thrush.
    • Able to lose weight.
    • Content of vitamin C in guava juice can relieve colds and coughs.
    • Content astrigent can cure diarrhea.
    • Can prevent bone loss in,  etc.
  .

05. Kiwi fruit juice

Kiwi juice for health benefits include:

• Rich in vitamin C is useful for protecting the body from cancer cells.
• Rich in fiber can reduce constipation.
• Content of potassium helps regulate blood pressure.
• To prevent infection, premature aging.
• Very good for those who suffer from heart disease.
• Relieve cold and flu, etc.

Mango juice

Mango juice for health benefits include:

• Can be as a disinfectant to cleanse the body and blood in the body.
• Rich in caretenoid that can mencegahh colon cancer and cervical cancer bone.
• Can rejuvenate the body’s cells.
• Can prevent body odor caused by bacteria, etc.

 Noni juice

Although it tastes pretty bad, but noni juice or noni fruit dutch is very beneficial to health, including:

• Can boost the immune system.
• Can normalize / reduce blood pressure.
• Be able to fight tumors and cancer cells.
• Contains scopoletin which functions as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic.
• Very useful for the disease: hypertension, stroke, diabetes, migraine, vertigo, vaginal discharge, painful joints, etc.

Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice for health benefits:

• Substances tannins can anesthetize roundworms, pinworms and tapeworms in the intestines and release it with feces. 
• Rich in vitamins A, C, E and folic acid good for pregnancy.
• Rich in antioxidants that help prevent blockages in the arteries caused by cholesterol.
• Prevent the occurrence of prostate cancer, etc. 

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7 Wonder Foods With Healing Power

Broccoli

Broccoli: Including broccoli in your diet can help you boost your immune system and improve bone health too. The vegetable fights cancer and tumor development in your body. It is a storehouse of vitamin A, E, K, C and B6. 06 more after the break...

Kiwi

Kiwi: Might appear to be a small fruit, but this tiny little fruit contains ounces of Vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Eating kiwis can avert the risk of suffering from grave illness like cancer, stroke, heart attacks and respiratory disorders. It has the power of healing wounds; sores and also repairing damaged cells.

Carrots

Carrots: This orange coloured vegetable is an excellent source of antioxidants that help lessening the risk of a number of types of cancers and heart related disorders. The Vitamin A that the vegetable contains promotes the health of the eye. Apart from this, carrots contain calcium, potassium, fiber and Vitamin C.

Guavas

Guavas: Guavas are known to contain the most amount of lycopene that fights with cancer. This antioxidant also protects the body from free radicals that are known to affect the arteries, and nervous system. Eating this fruit can be advantageous for the skin and also while you are suffering from diarrhea, diabetes and fever.

Cabbage

Cabbage: Cabbage contains vitamin K, B6 and C, fiber, folate and manganese. The consumption of the vegetable will not only strengthen your bones but also do wonders to treat allergic reactions, inflammation, varicose veins and also fight a number of cancers. Consuming a healthy diet with super foods can promise a healthy and fit life.

Cherries

Cherries: This teeny red fruit is a small pack of abundant nutrients. It contains fiber, Vitamin C and is free of sodium and fat. Studies have also shown that the fruit has anti-aging properties. Cherries are also packed with antioxidants that reduce heart diseases and arthritis.

Spinach

Spinach: This green leafy vegetable is a wonder food for not only your vision but also your brain. The vegetable contains Vitamin A, C, K, iron, magnesium, folate and calcium. The range of nutrients protects your body from a number of diseases like cancer, heart attacks amongst others. Photo by Thinkstock

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8 Natural Anti Dandruff Remedies

Natural Anti Dandruff Remedies have helped a lot of people cure their flaky, itchy scalps and are, according to many, the only right way to get rid of dandruff once and for all. Now, I must admit that I have never relied on natural anti dandruff remedies to solve my flaky scalp issues but, since my dandruff seems to be coming back every time I stop using anti dandruff shampoo, I am definitely considering giving them a shot. How about you? Are you dealing with the same problems? Well, check out these 8 very interesting natural anti dandruff remedies that, in my opinion, seem pretty convincing:

01. Chamomile Tea Rinse

Sensitive, flaky scalp is one of the main causes of dandruff and since chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and soothing effects are already well known, you should definitely give a chamomile tea rinse a shot. People with sensitive skin often suffer from dry, flaky scalp as well and since there is no yeast overgrowth or dermatitis you need to cure in this case, all you’ll have to do is focus on moisturizing and soothing your poor scalp. Wash your hair with a neutral shampoo, apply your favorite conditioner, rinse well with clean, warm water and then do a final rinse using cold chamomile tea. It’s completely safe, healthy and both your hair and scalp will love it.

02. Apple Cider Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide

Sounds a bit strange, ever dangerous but a lot of people claim this is one of the best natural anti dandruff remedies ever! I, personally, haven’t tried it but I think it just might do the trick because both vinegar and peroxide have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that deal with yeast overgrowth – one of the most frequent causes of dandruff. Now, the peroxide solution you are supposed to use here is just a regular, harmless 3% solution that can even be used for cleaning cuts and you are supposed to mix it with vinegar and clean, filtered water in the ratio 1:10 (1 part peroxide, 1 part vinegar, 10 parts water), apply it on your scalp, massage it in, leave it to work its magic for about 15 minutes and then rinse.

03. Tea Tree Oil

Using oil to deal with the sebum on your scalp seems like an odd choice but tea tree oil really helps control excess sebum and, when mixed with Aloe Vera oil in the 1:1 ratio, creates one of the most potent natural anti dandruff remedies you can whisk up at home. This homemade cure for dandruff works best if you give it a couple of hours so I suggest applying it early in the morning on days when you don’t plan to leave the house and wash it in the evening, before you go to bed.

04. Drink Plenty of Water

If you like to eat very salty food or have slow metabolism, your dandruff issues might have nothing to do with fungus or sensitive scalp but dehydrated cells instead. When cells don’t have enough water, they die faster which means your skin will shed more and… guess what… that includes your scalp too! So, here’s one of those universal cures that also happens to be one of the natural anti dandruff remedies you might find useful – Water!

05. Baking Soda

One of the natural anti dandruff remedies suggests ditching your traditional shampoo for a while (which, by the way, might be the thing that’s causing your dandruff) and washing your hair with baking soda! Baking soda a.k.a sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline solution which raises the PH value of your scalp, making it less acidy and, therefore, not the ideal place for yeast to thrive in. Chemistry 101 ladies!

06. Onions

There is one more thing yeast love just as much as acidy places of your body – sugar! And since raw onions, onion-juice as well as onion-based supplements lower blood sugar levels, including this veggie into your diet might work wonders for your dandruff problems and lower your chances of developing a vaginal yeast infection! Double gain!

07. Borax

Sodium borate, the salt of boric acid or, simply put, Borax is next on my list of interesting natural anti dandruff remedies I want to bring to your attention. This mineral possesses some really strong anti fungal properties you could use in case you’re suffering from a very flaky, very itchy scalp. Dilute it in water, and use for a second rinse after your mild shampoo.

08. Sage Tea Rinse

This common herb has some pretty amazing anti bacterial, anti fungal, soothing and astringing properties which definitely makes it good enough to be used in a battle against dandruff. It also contains essential oils which are often mentioned in terms of dandruff-reduction and hair repair so it won’t only help tackle your flaky scalp problems but do wonders for your hair as well. Use just like you would use the chamomile tea rinse and remember to switch to gentle, natural shampoos in order to give your battle against dandruff a fair chance.

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