Life has it's ups and owns, highs and lows and in betweens....instead of sulking about it spread good cheer! Did you ever notice how much better you feel when you make someone else smile? you inspire someone? It's true ... "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves" which is one of my favorite quotes by James Barrie.☼˙·٠•●☻
One day, a brilliantly beautiful and fragrant flower with attractive colors met a pearl that lives far in the bottom of the sea and has none of these characteristics. Both got acquainted with each other. The flower said: “Our family is large; roses and daisies are members of the family. And there are many other species that are various and countless; each has a distinctive scent, appearance etc.” Suddenly, a tinge of distress appeared on the flower. “Nothing accounts for sorrow in your talk; so why are you depressed?” The pearl asked. “Human beings deal with us carelessly; they slight us. They don’t grow us for our sake but to get pleasure from our fragrance and beautiful appearance. They throw us on the street or in the garbage can after we are dispossessed of the most valuable properties; brilliance and fragrance.” The flower sighed. And then the flower said to the pearl: “Speak to me about your life! How do you live? How do you feel it? You are buried in the bottom of the sea.” The pearl answered: “Although I have none of your distinctive colors and sweet scents, humans think I am precious. They do the impossible to procure me. They go on long journeys, dive deep in the seas searching for me. You might be astounded to know that the further I lay, the more beautiful and brilliant I become. That’s what upraises my value in their thought. I live in a thick shell isolated in the dark seas. However, I’m happy and proud to be in a safe zone far from wanton and mischievous hands and still the humans consider me highly valuable.” Do you know what the flower and the pearl symbolize? Think, Think, Think… You will find that: The flower is the unveiled woman (who shows her charms) and the pearl is the veiled woman (who conceals her beauties). - Author: Unknown
…Moment of pondering… which one of the two are you, have been, or would like to be…?
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Hope you all are having a super lovely week! Take care
My opinion : It is true indeed. There are many ups and downs as we sail through the journey of life. Even if it's a bed of roses, still there are thorns in it. We can't even sit, stand, walk or sleep peacefully on such a "bed". We have to be cautious of what's around us so that we won't get hurt. Literally speaking, by the sharp thorns, it might be minor injury but a pain will always be a pain.
I have been looking at this screen for quite some time yet nothing seems to flow easily from my mind. I guess everyone has such moment when nothing seems to work no matter how hard we try.
Please, take a moment to read the quotes and feel them in your hearts!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The 29 Healthiest Foods on the Planet
The following is a "healthy food hot list" consisting of the 29 food that will give you the biggest nutritional bang for you caloric buck, as well as decrease your risk for deadly illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Along with each description is a suggestion as to how to incorporate these power-foods into your diet.
Fruits
01. Apricots
The Power: Beta-carotene, which helps prevent free-radical damage and protect the eyes. The body also turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, which may help ward off some cancers, especially of the skin. One apricot has 17 calories, 0 fat, 1 gram of fiber. Snacks on them dried, or if you prefer fresh, buy when still firm; once they soften, they lose nutrients.
02. Avocados
The Power: Oleic acid, an unsaturated fat that helps lower overall cholesterol and raise levels of HDL, plus a good dose of fiber. One slice has 81 calories, 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of fiber. Try a few slices instead of mayonnaise to dress up your next burger.
03. Raspberries
The Power: Ellagic acid, which helps stall cancer-cell growth. These berries are also packed with vitamin C and are high in fiber, which helps prevent high cholesterol and heart disease. A cup has only 60 calories, 1 gram of fat and 8 grams of fiber. Top plain low-fat yogurt or oatmeal (another high fiber food) with fresh berries.
05. Cantaloupe
The Power: Vitamin C (117mg in half a melon, almost twice the recommended daily dose) and beta-carotene - both powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from free-radical damage. Plus, half a melon has 853mg of potassium - almost twice as much as a banana, which helps lower blood pressure. Half a melon has 97 calories, 1 gram of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Cut into cubes and freeze, then blend into an icy smoothie.
06. Cranberry Juice
The Power: Helps fight bladder infections by preventing harmful bacteria from growing. A cup has 144 calories, 0 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Buy 100 percent juice concentrate and use it to spice up your daily H20 without adding sugar.
07. Tomato
The Power: Lycopene, one of the strongest carotenoids, acts as an antioxidant. Research shows that tomatoes may cut the risk of bladder, stomach and colon cancers in half if eaten daily. A tomato has 26 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Drizzle fresh slices with olive oil, because lycopene is best absorbed when eaten with a little fat.
08. Raisins
The Power: These little gems are a great source of iron, which helps the blood transport oxygen and which many women are short on. A half-cup has 218 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Sprinkle raisins on your morning oatmeal or bran cereal - women, consider this especially during your period.
09. Figs
The Power: A good source of potassium and fiber, figs also contain vitamin B6, which is responsible for producing mood-boosting serotonin, lowering cholesterol and preventing water retention. The Pill depletes B6, so if you use this method of birth control, make sure to get extra B6 in your diet. One fig has 37 to 48 calories, 0 fat and 2 grams of fiber. (Cookie lovers - fig bars have around 56 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber per cookie). Fresh figs are delicious simmered alongside a pork tenderloin and the dried variety make a great portable gym snack.
10. Lemons/Limes
The Power: Limonene, furocoumarins and vitamin C, all of which help prevent cancer. A wedge has 2 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Buy a few of each and squeeze over salads, fish, beans and vegetables for fat free flavor. See also: Beneficial Bytes: Lemons and Limes.
Vegetables
11. Onions
The Power: Quercetin is one of the most powerful flavonoids (natural plant antioxidants). Studies show it helps protect against cancer. A cup (chopped) has 61 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Chop onions for the maximum phytonutrient boost, or if you hate to cry, roast them with a little olive oil and serve with rice or other vegetables.
12. Artichokes
The Power: These odd-looking vegetables contain silymarin, an antioxidant that helps prevent skin cancer, plus fiber to help control cholesterol. One medium artichoke has 60 calories, 0 fat and 7 grams of fiber. Steam over boiling water for 30 to 40 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice on top, then pluck the leaves off with your fingers and use your teeth to scrape off the rich-tasting skin. When you get to the heart, you have found the best part!
13. Ginger
The Power: Gingerols may help reduce queasiness; other compounds may help ward off migraines and arthritis pain by blocking inflammation-causing prostaglandins. A teaspoon of fresh gingerroot has only 1 calorie, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Peel the tough brown skin and slice or grate into a stir-fry.
14. Broccoli
The Power: Indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which help protect against breast cancer. Broccoli also has lots of vitamin C and beta-carotene. One cup (chopped) has 25 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Don't overcook broccoli - instead, microwave or steam lightly to preserve phytonutrients. Squeeze fresh lemon on top for a zesty and taste, added nutrients and some vitamin C.
15. Spinach
The Power: Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that help fend off macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness in older people. Plus, studies show this green fountain of youth may help reverse some signs of aging. One cup has 7 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Add raw leaves to a salad or sauté with a little olive oil and garlic.
16. Bok Choy (Chinese cabbage)
The Power: Brassinin, which some research suggests may help prevent breast tumors, plus indoles and isothiocyanates, which lower levels of estrogen, make this vegetable a double-barreled weapon against breast cancer. A cup will also give you 158mg of calcium (16 percent of your daily recommended requirement) to help beat osteoporosis. A cup (cooked) has 20 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Find it in your grocer's produce section or an Asian market. Slice the greens and juicy white stalks, then saute like spinach or toss into a stir-fry just before serving.
17. Squash (Butternut, Pumpkin, Acorn)
The Power: Winter squash has huge amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene, which may help protect against endometrial cancer. One cup (cooked) has 80 calories, 1 gram of fat and 6 grams of fiber. Cut on in half, scoop out the seeds and bake or microwave until soft, then dust with cinnamon.
18. Watercress and Arugula
The Power: Phenethyl isothiocyanate, which, along with beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, may help keep cancer cells at bay. One cup has around 4 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Do not cook these leafy greens; instead, use them to garnish a sandwich or add a pungent, peppery taste to salad.
19. Garlic
The Power: The sulfur compounds that give garlic its pungent flavor can also lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even reduce your risk of stomach and colon cancer. A clove has 4 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Bake a whole head for 15 to 20 minutes, until soft and sweet and spread on bread instead of butter.
Grains, Beans and Nuts
20. Quinoa
The Power: A half cup of cooked quinoa has 5 grams of protein, more than any other grain, plus iron, riboflavin and magnesium. A half-cup has 318 calories, 5 grams of fat and 5 grams of fiber. Add to soup for a protein boost. Rinse first, or it will taste bitter.
21. Wheat Germ
The Power: A tablespoon gives you about 7 percent of your daily magnesium, which helps prevent muscle cramps; it is also a good source of vitamin E. One tablespoon has 27 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber. Sprinkle some over yogurt, fruit or cereal.
22. Lentils
The Power: Isoflavones, which may inhibit estrogen-promoted breast cancers, plus fiber for heart health and an impressive 9 grams of protein per half cup. A half-cup (cooked) has 115 calories, 0 fat and 8 grams of fiber. Isoflavones hold up through processing, so buy lentils canned, dried or already in soup. Take them to work, and you will have a protein packed lunch.
23. Peanuts
The Power: Studies show that peanuts or other nuts (which contain mostly unsaturated "good" fat) can lower your heart-disease risk by over 20 percent. One ounce has 166 calories, 14 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Keep a packet in your briefcase, gym bag or purse for a protein-packed post-workout nosh or an afternoon pick me up that will satisfy you until supper, or chop a few into a stir-fry for a Thai accent. See also: The Nut Case
24. Pinto Beans
The Power: A half cup has more than 25 percent of your daily requirement of folate, which helps protect against heart disease and reduces the risk of birth defects. A half-cup (canned) has 103 calories, 1 gram of fat and 6 grams of fiber. Drain a can, rinse and toss into a pot of vegetarian chili.
25. The Power: Bacteria in active-culture yogurt helps prevent yeast infections; calcium strengthens bones. A cup has 155 calories, 4 grams of fat, 0 grams of fiber. Get the plain kind and mix in your own fruit to keep calories and sugar down. If you are lactose intolerant, never fear -- yogurt should not bother your tummy.
26. Skim Milk
The Power: Riboflavin (a.k.a. vitamin B2) is important for good vision and along with vitamin A might help improve eczema and allergies. Plus, you get calcium and vitamin D, too. One cup has 86 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. If you are used to high fat milk, don't go cold turkey; instead, mix the two together at first. Trust this fact: In a week or two you won't miss it!
Seafood
27. Shellfish (Clams, Mussels)
The Power: Vitamin B12 to support nerve and brain function, plus iron and hard-to-get minerals like magnesium and potassium. Three ounces has 126 to 146 calories, 2 to 4 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Try a bowl of tomato-based (and low fat) Manhattan clam chowder.
28. Salmon
The Power: Cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of cardiac disease. A 3-ounce portion (cooked) has 127 calories, 4 grams of fat, 0 fiber. Brush fillets with ginger-soy marinade and grill or broil until fish flakes easily with a fork.
29. Crab
The Power: A great source of vitamin B12 and immunity-boosting zinc. A 3-ounce portion has 84 calories, 1 gram of fat, 0 fiber. The "crab" in sushi is usually made from fish; buy it canned instead and make your own crab cakes.
2- nearly no odor or slightly weaker than that of olive oil.
3-contains many fatty acids including two essential fatty acids Linoleic(omega 6) and Oleic .
4-free of cholesterol , Increases HDL(Good fat) and decreases LDL(Bad fat ) , it lowers the fat circulatory harmful effects, So it's a good news for the "Hamburger" and the "Baja "addicted people.
5-It has soothing effect, anti irritating, anti swelling ,moistening effect when used topically.so it’s a good news for those who have stretch marks and black hallow circles under their eyes , as the grape seed oil is nearly completely benign and suitable for using under the sensitive and thin area under the eyes.
6-It contains what's called procyanidolic oligomers PCO , which are stronger by 20 times than Vitamin C and E , it's also a good news for people complaining from stretch marks , as its help to form collagen.
7-Rich in ploy phenol which is an antioxidant has good reputation for slowing the process of aging .
8-It doesn’t leave greasy feeling , as it's rapidly and effectively absorbed by skin (Skin friendly) .
9-It has an ultra violet protecting feature!
More and More!
You can use it topically as I said above or put it with salads in vicinity to the olive oil.
Tips for keeping your skin healthy and shining - I'm not a fully graduated doctor till now, but I have gained these info from reading a lot of worthy and trusted reference- :
1-DONOT bath a lot per week or many times a day , as the soaps and their chemical materials like alcohol are the most important cause of dryness of your skin.
2-Have a weekly bath in a tub containing milk, honey and grinded oat, or make this mixture as a cream using it before taking a bath.
3- The mosquito repellent cream or lotion has many chemical martials drying your skin, so pay attention !
4-Anoint your skin after bathing ,drying your body with a towel ..with olive and grape seed oil .
5-Keep the cosmetics AWAY from your face skin , it cause wrinkles instead of fixing them .
P.S, Grape seed oil can be given as capsules as well
Today I join Dana for her Wednesday Photo Inspiration! To know more, checkHEREand share your inspiration with all of us!
If you read me for a while you know that I am fascinated by Sunrises. I am blessed to have a beautiful view from my living-room window - Here is what inspires me today (Photo by me - please do not copy without my permission) :
What is the secret to getting a solid 7 to 8 hours of sleep? Head for the kitchen and enjoy one or two of these 10 foods. They relax tense muscles, quiet buzzing minds, and/or get calming, sleep-inducing hormones - serotonin and melatonin - flowing. Yawning yet?
Bananas. They're practically a sleeping pill in a peel. In addition to a bit of soothing melatonin and serotonin, bananas contain magnesium, a muscle relaxant.
Chamomile tea. The reason chamomile is such a staple of bedtime tea blends is its mild sedating effect - it's the perfect natural antidote for restless minds/bodies.
Warm milk. It's not a myth. Milk has some tryptophan - an amino acid that has a sedative - like effect - and calcium, which helps the brain use tryptophan. Plus there's the psychological throw-back to infancy, when a warm bottle meant "relax, everything's fine."
Honey. Drizzle a little in your warm milk or herb tea. Lots of sugar is stimulating, but a little glucose tells your brain to turn off orexin, a recently discovered neurotransmitter that's linked to alertness.
Potatoes. A small baked spud won't overwhelm your GI tract, and it clears away acids that can interfere with yawn-inducing tryptophan. To up the soothing effects, mash it with warm milk.
Oatmeal. Oats are a rich source of sleep - inviting melatonin, and a small bowl of warm cereal with a splash of maple syrup is cozy - plus if you've got the munchies, it's filling too.
Almonds. A handful of these heart-healthy nuts can be snooze-inducing, as they contain both tryptophan and a nice dose of muscle-relaxing magnesium.
Flaxseeds. When life goes awry and feeling down is keeping you up, try sprinkling 2 tablespoons of these healthy little seeds on your bedtime oatmeal. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a natural mood lifter.
Whole-wheat bread. A slice of toast with your tea and honey will release insulin, which helps tryptophan get to your brain, where it's converted to serotonin and quietly murmurs "time to sleep."
Turkey. It's the most famous source of tryptophan, credited with all those Thanksgiving naps. But that's actually modern folklore. Tryptophan works when your stomach's basically empty, not overstuffed, and when there are some carbs around, not tons of protein. But put a lean slice or two on some whole-wheat bread mid-evening, and you've got one of the best sleep inducers in your kitchen.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Natural Way of reducing headaches
Everyone gets headaches. But some people get it all the time, and of course if your headache is that bad, you should go consult your doctor about it. However, the results of headaches are due to a specific health problem or not balanced health. You may see some people living a healthy lifestyle and not getting alot of health issues, but of course, stress is one of the reasons that makes headaches. There are different types of headaches; tension headaches, migraine headaches, cluster headache, occipital neuralgia or trigeminal neuralgia (specific nerve related pain syndromes), most of headaches are treated with medical therapy.
You would most likely to take pills. Serious headaches need to be checked with your doctor. Types of headaches:
Some causes of Headaches:
Not enough sleep
Stress due to problems in life
Sometimes doing exercise can cause cardiac headaches and then disappear
Eating chewing gum, ice cream etc...
Having your menses
High estrogen birth control pills can cause headaches
Dehydration
low levels of blood sugar
Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) gave us so many nutrients so that we can take and stay healthy. Alhamdulillah. I feel like most of the problem may be due to the person not putting dhikr and worship into practice. Worshipping the one true God, Allah, does an effect psychologically, indeed the hearts find rest with the remembrance of Allah. So if you are stressed due to family problems, or any other problem in your life, know that Allah (subhana wa ta''ala) is up there ,and that he always listen to the dua of a person in need, inshaAllah.
Natural way of curing headaches:
Not getting enough sleep is extremely important, try taking some calcium before going to bed, it could be a glass of milk, or some cornflakes.Grapefruit can also aid in sleep. Avoid sweets after 5:00PM (should try that!)
Cold compresses placed directly on the area of pain can relief pain. It alleviates muscles spasms and makes blood vessels smaller. Damp washed clothes can be put in the freezer for 10 minutes would work well...InshaAllah...
Consuming a large glass of water after every 3 hours (don't gulp the water, its good to drink it in the sunnah way like our prophet Muhammad (salalahu alayhim wa salam) did, 3 sips, and don't breathe in the cup or vessel your drinking from, it is not really good for your health)
Daily Fiber
Fennel seeds, cherries, almonds, almond milk, parsley, watercress, garlic, pineapple can help prevent headaches
Foods that contain protein are important
Relieve tension headaches with acupressure by placing your thumbs on your head at the back of your neck for a minute or two.
Sinus headaches can be relieved by facial massage. Massage above and under your eyes. Help with drainage by leaning forward. Inhailing steam which can help relief the pain and encourage drainage
Tension type headaches can also be relieved by heating towel or water bottle on the neck and shoulders
Such severe headaches should be able to consult the doctor just in case:
The following symptoms in addition to a headache should be brought to a doctor's attention: confusion or loss of speech, blurred vision, light sensitivity, stiff neck and fever, pressure behind eyes that is alleviated after vomiting, sinus pressure, throbbing head and temples, pounding heartbeat, visual changes in color, head feeling like it will explode. The following conditions require immediate attention: a headache that comes on suddenly and severely and feels like a thunderclap, headache that follows a head injury or bump, and increased pain after coughing, exertion, sudden movement, or straining...
May Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) keep us in good health and Eman, ameen.
