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Thursday, December 31, 2020
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Monday, December 28, 2020
Sunday, December 27, 2020
TOP 10 USES FOR EGG SHELLS
Top 10 Uses for Eggshells
by
Beth Herman | Monday, August 18th, 2014 | From: Home and
Garden
Statistics
say the average American consumes 250 eggs per year. Remember, we’re not just
eating two at a time, sunny side-up, we’re using them them in our homemade
baked goods, batters, main dishes, and more. And if you think the only two
solutions for all those eggshells are the trash or composting pile, you may
want to think again.
In
the age of recycling, eggshells – nature’s suit of armor and an excellent
source of calcium and minerals – can be reused in many ways that don’t readily
come to mind. Enterprising consumers can make the best of what most would
consider a highly disposable item.
These
ideas can help you raise your eggshell IQ. In all cases, except where
specified, eggshells should be crushed, made either coarse or fine, depending
on the use:
- Use eggshells as a calcium- and mineral-rich additive to wild bird feed and chicken feed.
- Add eggshells to ground coffee before brewing. The shells help reduce any bitterness.
- As a soil additive for houseplants, eggshells add minerals and help keep soil loose and aerated.
- Love camping? Use those shells with soapy water as a natural abrasive for pots and pans, especially when cleaning products and really hot water are at a premium.
- Bake clean eggshells at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Let cool and grind to a fine powder. Add as a calcium supplement (a teaspoonful does it) to juice, smoothies, etc.
- Add to your garden to keep cats away that may be using it as a litter box. Cats will not like the sharpness under their tender paws. Their smell can also reportedly deter deer and repel slugs, snails, and cutworms without resorting to toxic chemicals. Maybe tantamount to that, mineral-charged eggshells can be crushed and scattered into each hole before planting. Sprinkle additional crushed shells around your plants every couple of weeks.
- Skin irritations? Folklore tells us to drop an eggshell into some apple cider vinegar for a couple of days. Apply to skin irritations or itches.
- Unclog drains: Placed in your sink strainer, they can trap errant solids. When they ultimately break down, they will serve to clean pipes on their way out.
- Doggie defense: Dry eggshells in a 250-degree Fahrenheit oven for 30 minutes. Place in plastic bag and roll/crush with rolling pin to a fine powder. Add to dog food as a supreme calcium supplement (be sure to check with your vet for the proper amount).
- Looking for a fun art project? Crush and add to paint for decorative textured walls or furniture!
Beth Herman is a
freelance writer and frequent Farmers' Almanac contributor with interests in
healthy living and food, family, animal welfare, architecture and design,
religion, and yoga. She writes for a variety of national and regional
publications, institutions, and websites. Her stories, "Extreme Nature,
Weather & Wildlife" and "Keeping Warm or Cool Through Science and
Design" can be seen in the 2014 Farmers' Almanac.
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Monday, December 21, 2020
Sunday, December 20, 2020
BEST AND WORST FOODS FOR PAIN
December 19, 2020
Dear Readers:
I am re-posting this article from December 2012. Since I was diagnosed with cancer back in the early Spring of 2016, I have been on a mission to share information about the importance of keeping your immune system the best it can be to fight off diseases. I don't know if the link to the original article will still be live, however, I did want to give credit on where I got the article.
December 17, 2012
As I have mentioned before, I am becoming more aware of how much the food that we eat impacts our heath. Not just from the weight issue, which is the big talking point in all the media these days, but also from food allergy/reaction issues. I am an advocate of preparing from scratch when possible. I believe that so much of the so called "boxed" food with it many additives is not good for our long term well being. The other day I came across the article below that I would like to share with you about food and pain.
Best and worst foods for pain
By Amanda Gardner Published December 13, 2012 Health.com
What you eat is crucial for so many conditions, such as diabetes, it
would be great if the right food could also help ease chronic pain. Unfortunately,
the link between food and pain is not as clear.
However, inflammation is a key cause of pain in many conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. And there is some evidence to suggest that certain foods might help ease inflammation. Medication is proven to help RA symptoms, but some people do feel that food affects how they feel and function.
Here are some foods that could be potentially harmful or helpful when it comes to pain; use trial and error to see if they work for you.
Best: Salmon
However, inflammation is a key cause of pain in many conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. And there is some evidence to suggest that certain foods might help ease inflammation. Medication is proven to help RA symptoms, but some people do feel that food affects how they feel and function.
Here are some foods that could be potentially harmful or helpful when it comes to pain; use trial and error to see if they work for you.
Best: Salmon
Salmon is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids
and these same compounds may also help reduce pain-promoting inflammation. That
makes it a win-win for people with rheumatoid arthritis, who have greater risk
of heart trouble than people without RA.
Studies have suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil
may protect against developing rheumatoid arthritis and could mitigate the
severity of the disease. "If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it would not
hurt to consume these,” says Dr. Hyon Choi, professor of medicine at Boston
University School of Medicine. Tuna, mackerel and sardines are also excellent
sources of omega-3.
Best: Olive oil
Olive oil works much the same way as omega-3s do—by
potentially reducing painful joint inflammation, says Choi.
It's also a staple of the famed Mediterranean diet, which was shown in a 2003 study not only to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, but also to enhance physical function and vitality. A compound called oleocanthal, which gives olive oil its taste, may have the same effect in the body as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Keep in mind, though, that olive oil has as many calories as other types of fat so don't overdo it.
It's also a staple of the famed Mediterranean diet, which was shown in a 2003 study not only to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, but also to enhance physical function and vitality. A compound called oleocanthal, which gives olive oil its taste, may have the same effect in the body as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Keep in mind, though, that olive oil has as many calories as other types of fat so don't overdo it.
Best: Turmeric
This spice, used liberally in India and other parts
of Asia to add taste and also a creamy yellow color to foods, may also have
some anti-inflammatory properties, although those effects are likely to be
"very, very mild," says Dr. Eric L. Matteson, chair of rheumatology
at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The magic ingredient may be curcumin,
the active compound in turmeric.
Best (and worst): Milk
Best (and worst): Milk
Some research suggests dairy products are good for
rheumatoid arthritis while others seem to indicate that they’re bad. People who
are allergic to the protein casein found in milk will develop joint swelling if
they drink milk, says Matteson. This is true even if they don’t have rheumatoid
arthritis.
On the other hand, a study of almost 30,000 women in Iowa found that
those who consumed high levels of vitamin D via various milk products had a
lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D may have anti-inflammatory
effects in the body.
Best: Onions
Best: Onions
Onions contain tons of phytochemicals that may
reduce inflammation. One study identified quercetin, a compound found in this
vegetable, as a possible mediator for this effect. Onions have also shown some
anti-cancer effects. And let's not forget they add taste, with virtually no
calories.
Best: Garlic
A clove of garlic may be able to fight off not only
vampires, but arthritis as well. Like onions, this flavorful little bulb may
have properties that may keep your joints from aching.
"Garlic has phytochemicals that have been shown in mouse and rat
studies as well as in test-tube studies to shut off the inflammatory pathways,
similar to ibuprofen," says Lona Sandon, a registered dietitian, assistant
professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
Best (and worst): Alcohol
Best (and worst): Alcohol
Several studies have shown that people who drink in
moderation have a lower risk of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and
if they do have RA, moderate drinkers seem to have less severe symptoms,
including pain, than non drinkers.
But beware of alcohol if you're taking medications for RA, cautions
Sandon. "Drugs can interact with alcohol," she says.
Best: Raspberries, Strawberries and Blackberries
These berries contain phytochemicals known as anthocyanins, which may offer a benefit. "Anthocyanins stop inflammatory compounds in their tracks," says Sandon.
These berries contain phytochemicals known as anthocyanins, which may offer a benefit. "Anthocyanins stop inflammatory compounds in their tracks," says Sandon.
In one study, animals treated with red-raspberry extract were less
likely to develop arthritis and less likely to have severe arthritis if they
did develop the condition. There was also a protective effect on cartilage.
Anthocyanins are responsible for the vibrant blue, red and purple colors seen
in a variety of berries.
Worst: Bacon, butter and cream
Worst: Bacon, butter and cream
The saturated fats in bacon and other animal
products contain arachidonic acid, which may worsen inflammation and related
pain and swelling.
So
skip the prime rib, a cut of meat that is particularly high in fat and
calories, and select lean proteins instead, says Sandon.
Best: Broccoli and other veggies
And it's not
just broccoli—a vegetable-rich diet in general may be helpful. One study found
that people who regularly ate cooked vegetables had a 61 percent decreased risk
of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to those who didn't.
Other research has found that vegetarian diets may help with swollen
joints and joint pain. "Vegetables in general have been associated with a
protective effect on the development of rheumatoid arthritis," says Choi.
Best: Cherries
But not just any cherry. "There's some
evidence that tart cherries can affect the sensation of pain," says
Sandon. And studies have shown decreases in blood levels of a number of
different inflammatory markers associated with consuming this tree fruit.
Cherries have a reputation for relieving gout, another form of arthritis that
involves repeat episodes of pain.
In fact, a study conducted by Choi found that people who ate cherries
over a period of two days had a 35 percent lower risk of gout attacks than
those who didn't.
Worst: Red meat
High in saturated fat, studies suggest people who
eat a diet that contains a lot of red meat are at greater risk of inflammatory
arthritis.
Why? It's not clear, but meat fats or corrosive free radicals from iron
may promote inflammation. Either way, limit your consumption of red meat, not
only for pain, but also for your heart.
Best (and worst): Eggplant
Eggplant is a "nightshade vegetable," in
the same category as tomatoes and potatoes. Evidence is mixed on the benefit—or
harm—of these items.
"There are people who claim nightshades are helpful and others who
claim they're aggravating or not helpful," says Dr. Matteson. There's no
evidence that support claims one way or the other. And cutting out nighshades
may cut you off from other helpful compounds, such as capsaicin in red peppers,
which can dampen inflammation.
Worst: Gluten
People with celiac disease, which is a severe
gluten intolerance, can develop arthritis, so some people with rheumatoid
arthritis steer clear of this ingredient.
Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley, and many grain products
including breads, pasta, and cereal. Some medicines, vitamins, and lip balms
may contain gluten too. You can choose legumes, nuts, quinoa, and rice instead.
But keep in mind that eating a completely gluten-free diet can be a
challenge (and expensive), so no need to do so if gluten doesn't seem to be a
problem.
Worst: Sugary drinks
Worst: Sugary drinks
There's really no clear evidence that sugary drinks
are good or bad for chronic pain. However, they tend to be low in nutrients and
relatively high in calories, and may be a contributor to the obesity epidemic.
In general, being overweight or obese can increase your risk of
developing rheumatoid arthritis by 24%, according to a recent study authored by
Matteson. Carrying around extra weight also puts unnecessary stress on already
beleaguered joints. So it might be best to avoid them as part of your
healthy-eating plan.
Best: Yogurt
Best: Yogurt
Some types of yogurt contain probiotics—or
beneficial microorganisms—and some researchers now believe there may be a
connection between rheumatoid arthritis and the gut.
If that's the case, the more good bugs the better. "There's a
theory that a healthy gut may control some of the inflammation . . . if you
have good bacteria fighting for you," says Sandon.
Like
other dairy products, yogurt may be fortified with beneficial vitamin D (check
the label), but best to avoid it if you have an allergy.
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Friday, December 18, 2020
DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT - THESE 8 VITAMINS
Learn more about these 8 nutrient deficiencies here! 👉 https://tinyurl.com/nutrient-deficient
Thursday, December 17, 2020
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