Siapakah dirimu.

Begitu berat bebanmu.
Tapi begitu tenang kau menanggung.
Begitu keras hidupmu.
Tapi begitu dingin kau bersikap.
Hebat... itulah kata yg pantas tuk menyebutmu.
Apapun keadaanmu.
Tutur katamu tetap lembut.
Kebeningan hatimu.
Menyilaukan semua indra.
Kebeningan hatimu menghancurkan segala yg menghadangmu.
Tatapan matamu menundukkan semua kepala.
Ketulusan,kejujuran dan kesabaramu menghancurkan karang2 menghadangmu.
Kehadiranmu menyejukkan suasana.
Kepergianmu meneteskan air mata.
Siapakah dirimu.
.Dari manakah asalmu.
Tapi itu tak begitu penting.
Yg terpenting kau tlah meneladani semua insan

"TIDAK BEGITU"

Kau remukkan kehidupan dg malas.
Kau siksa diri dg malas.
Kau sudutkan diri dg makmum pd ide nafsu.
Kau benturkan kepala pd batu karang.
Kau jajah hati dan otak dg senjata nafsu.
Seharusnya tidak begitu menyikapi hidup.
Sayugyanya tidak begitu menjalani hidup
Kenapa kau seperti itu.
Bukankah kehidupan ini indah sekali.
Coba rasakan dan pahami hidup ini.
Sungguh kasihan dikau.

Bekerjalah walau hasilnya sedikit,
  Hasil sedikit itu lebih baik dr pd tak ada hasil sama sekali.
Bekerjalah... sebab hidup tanpa ada yg di kerjakan akan terasa hampa
dan lebih cenderung pd hal negatif.
Bekerja demi yg di cita2kan itu jauh lebih baik
daripada bekerja karena takut lapar.
Berharaplah dan ber cita2lah agar hidup lebih bergairah,
 tapi sesuaikanlah harapan dan cita2mu agar tak menderita.
Harapan dan cita2 akan mengarahkan sikap dan tingkah laku.
Siap atau tidak, hidup terus berjalan.
Selagi di beri kesempatan gunakanlah sebaik mungkin.
Jangan pernah sekalipun untuk menyerah.

Sajak Orang Lapar

kelaparan adalah burung gagak
yang licik dan hitam
jutaan burung-burung gagak
bagai awan yang hitam


o Allah !
burung gagak menakutkan
dan kelaparan adalah burung gagak
selalu menakutkan
kelaparan adalah pemberontakan
adalah penggerak gaib
dari pisau-pisau pembunuhan
yang diayunkan oleh tangan-tangan orang miskin


kelaparan adalah batu-batu karang
di bawah wajah laut yang tidur
adalah mata air penipuan
adalah pengkhianatan kehormatan


seorang pemuda yang gagah akan menangis tersedu
melihat bagaimana tangannya sendiri
meletakkan kehormatannya di tanah
karena kelaparan
kelaparan adalah iblis
kelaparan adalah iblis yang menawarkan kediktatoran


o Allah !
kelaparan adalah tangan-tangan hitam
yang memasukkan segenggam tawas
ke dalam perut para miskin


o Allah !
kami berlutut
mata kami adalah mata Mu
ini juga mulut Mu
ini juga hati Mu
dan ini juga perut Mu
perut Mu lapar, ya Allah
perut Mu menggenggam tawas
dan pecahan-pecahan gelas kaca


o Allah !
betapa indahnya sepiring nasi panas
semangkuk sop dan segelas kopi hitam


o Allah !
kelaparan adalah burung gagak
jutaan burung gagak
bagai awan yang hitam
menghalang pandangku
ke sorga Mu

By: WS.Rendra

 

Orang-Orang Miskin

Orang-orang miskin di jalan,
yang tinggal di dalam selokan,
yang kalah di dalam pergulatan,
yang diledek oleh impian,
janganlah mereka ditinggalkan.
Angin membawa bau baju mereka.
Rambut mereka melekat di bulan purnama.
Wanita-wanita bunting berbaris di cakrawala,
mengandung buah jalan raya.
Orang-orang miskin. Orang-orang berdosa.
Bayi gelap dalam batin. Rumput dan lumut jalan raya.
Tak bisa kamu abaikan.
Bila kamu remehkan mereka,
di jalan  kamu akan diburu bayangan.
Tidurmu akan penuh igauan,
dan bahasa anak-anakmu sukar kamu terka.
Jangan kamu bilang negara ini kaya
karena orang-orang berkembang di kota dan di desa.
Jangan kamu bilang dirimu kaya
bila tetanggamu memakan bangkai kucingnya.
Lambang negara ini mestinya trompah dan blacu.
Dan perlu diusulkan
agar ketemu presiden tak perlu berdasi seperti Belanda.
Dan tentara di jalan jangan bebas memukul mahasiswa.
Orang-orang miskin di jalan
masuk ke dalam tidur malammu.
Perempuan-perempuan bunga raya
menyuapi putra-putramu.
Tangan-tangan kotor dari jalanan
meraba-raba kaca jendelamu.
Mereka tak bisa kamu biarkan.
Jumlah mereka tak bisa kamu mistik menjadi nol.
Mereka akan menjadi pertanyaan
yang mencegat ideologimu.
Gigi mereka yang kuning
akan meringis di muka agamamu.
Kuman-kuman sipilis dan tbc dari gang-gang gelap
akan hinggap di gorden presidenan
dan buku programma gedung kesenian.
Orang-orang miskin berbaris sepanjang sejarah,
bagai udara panas yang selalu ada,
bagai gerimis yang selalu membayang.
Orang-orang miskin mengangkat pisau-pisau
tertuju ke dada kita,
atau ke dada mereka sendiri.
O, kenangkanlah :
orang-orang miskin
juga berasal dari kemah Ibrahim

 By: WS. Rendra

Sajak Seorang Tua Untuk Isterinya

Aku tulis sajak ini

untuk menghibur hatimu

Sementara kau kenangkan encokmu

kenangkanlah pula masa remaja kita yang gemilang

Dan juga masa depan kita

yang hampir rampung

dan dengan lega akan kita lunaskan.

Kita tidaklah sendiri

dan terasing dengan nasib kita

Kerna soalnya adalah hukum sejarah kehidupan.

Suka duka kita bukanlah istimewa

kerna setiap orang mengalaminya.

Hidup tidaklah untuk mengeluh dan mengaduh

Hidup adalah untuk mengolah hidup

bekerja membalik tanah

memasuki rahasia langit dan samodra,

serta mencipta dan mengukir dunia.

Kita menyandang tugas,

kerna tugas adalah tugas.

Bukannya demi sorga atau neraka.

Tetapi demi kehormatan seorang manusia.

Kerna sesungguhnyalah kita bukan debu

meski kita telah reyot, tua renta dan kelabu.

Kita adalah kepribadian

dan harga kita adalah kehormatan kita.

Tolehlah lagi ke belakang

ke masa silam yang tak seorangpun kuasa menghapusnya.

Lihatlah betapa tahun-tahun kita penuh warna.

Sembilan puluh tahun yang dibelai napas kita.

Sembilan puluh tahun yang selalu bangkit

melewatkan tahun-tahun lama yang porak poranda.

Dan kenangkanlah pula

bagaimana kita dahulu tersenyum senantiasa

menghadapi langit dan bumi, dan juga nasib kita.

Kita tersenyum bukanlah kerna bersandiwara.

Bukan kerna senyuman adalah suatu kedok.

Tetapi kerna senyuman adalah suatu sikap.

Sikap kita untuk Tuhan, manusia sesama,

nasib, dan kehidupan.

Lihatlah! Sembilan puluh tahun penuh warna

Kenangkanlah bahwa kita telah selalu menolak menjadi koma.

Kita menjadi goyah dan bongkok

kerna usia nampaknya lebih kuat dari kita

tetapi bukan kerna kita telah terkalahkan.

Aku tulis sajak ini

untuk menghibur hatimu

Sementara kaukenangkan encokmu

kenangkanlah pula

bahwa kita ditantang seratus dewa.

Apples - Crunch Your Way to Healthy Nutrition

There's no easier way to add a dose of nutrition to your day than by crunching on a tasty apple. You probably first experienced its delightful flavor as a baby, when applesauce introduced you to real food. And now, whether it's a Granny Smith, a McIntosh, or a Red Delicious, you think of apples as old friends. Grown throughout the world, apples are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They're fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low in sodium. In short, eating apples is a smart part of a healthy lifestyle.

6 ways apples keep you healthy

Regulates your day.
You don't have to worry about staying regular anymore. Whether your problem is visiting the bathroom too often or not often enough, apples can help.

A British researcher, Dr. D.P Burkitt, believes one of the easiest ways to prevent all sorts of illnesses, is to avoid constipation. He calls the diseases caused by chronic constipation "pressure diseases." Appendicitis, diverticular diseases, hemorrhoids, hiatal hernias, and even varicose veins can all be caused by straining to pass small, hard stools.

Just one apple with its skin contains 4 to 5 grams of fiber - the most important nutrient in keeping your bowels working like a well-oiled machine. Keeping yourself regular without relying on harmful laxatives could be as easy as replacing that afternoon snack of potato chips or cookies with a crisp, delicious apple. And think of the calories you'll save. The average apple has about 80 calories while a serving of chips weighs in at 150 calories and you'll get about 200 from just a few cookies.

But that's not all apples can do. They're also good for diarrhea, thanks to an ingredient called pectin. This carbohydrate has a congealing effect in your intestines that helps firm things up and return you to normal. Applesauce is actually the best apple product for diarrhea, since it's made without the high.-fiber skin. But watch out for extra sugar. Some brands of applesauce dump a truckload of sweeteners into an otherwise healthy food, and too much refined sugar could make your diarrhea worse.

Keeps your body young.
By now you know antioxidants can protect you from many of the diseases that seem to be a part of aging. In fact, so many people are taking supplements for antioxidant protection that it's become a multibillion-dollar industry. But the evidence is mounting that whole foods can do more for you than pills.

When scientists compared a 1,500-milligram vitamin C supplement to one small apple, the results were astounding - the antioxidant values were equal. That means a fresh apple has more than 15 times the antioxidant power of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C. And that's just for starters. The researchers also found an ordinary apple was able to stop the growth of colon and liver cancer cells in test tubes. Unpeeled apples were especially effective. The question you need to ask yourself: Why waste money on flavorless supplements when you can get better antioxidant firepower from a sweet, crunchy fruit?
Cuts your risk of heart disease. Sometimes it's hard to remember which food is good for which part of your body. The next time you pick up an apple, examine it carefully. It's shaped a bit like a heart - and that should help you remember apples are good for your heart.

It's the magnesium and potassium in apples that help regulate your blood pressure and keep your heart beating steadily, and it's the flavonoid quercetin, a naturally occurring antioxidant, that protects your artery walls from damage and keeps your blood flowing smoothly.

In fact adding flavonoid-rich foods like apples to your diet has been scientifically confirmed to lower your risk of heart disease. There's proof of this in a study of Japanese women who ate foods high in quercetin. They were less likely to get coronary heart disease than other women and they had lower levels of total and LDL, or bad, cholesterol.

Strikes at the heart of strokes.
Apples are even a smart choice for helping avoid strokes. Scientists aren't sure which ingredient in this multi-talented fruit to credit, but the connection is clear - people who regularly eat apples are less likely to have strokes than people who don't.

Protects your joints.
In areas of the world where fruits and vegetables make up a large part of the diet, very few people get arthritis. Compare this to modernized countries where fruits and vegetables have been replaced with fast, processed food and you'll find up to 70 percent of the population suffers from some form of arthritis. Just a coincidence? Not according to nutrition experts. They link this trend in part to boron, a trace mineral many plants, including apples, absorb from the soil.

If you eat like most people, you'll get about 1 to 2 milligrams (mg) of boron a day, mostly from non-citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, and nuts. Experts believe, however, you need anywhere from 3 to 10 mg a day to affect your risk of arthritis. To boost your boron intake to this level, you'd have to eat more than nine apples a day.

This is probably an unreasonable amount for most people, but don't despair. Pair an apple with other boron-rich foods like a few tablespoons of peanut butter and a large handful of raisins, and you'll not only have a delicious afternoon snack, but you'll make your joint-saving quota of boron at the same time.
Helps you breathe deeply. Your lungs are assaulted every day by cigarette smoke, air pollution, pollen, and other air-borne nasties.

On top of that perhaps you suffer from asthma, emphysema, or similar lung condition. If all you want to do is take a deep breath, then grab an apple.
A five-year study of more than 2,500 men from Wales found those who ate five or more apples per week were able to fill their lungs with more air than men who didn't eat apples. Experts believe you might be getting some special protection from the antioxidant quercetin. Unfortunately, eating apples can't reverse a lung condition you already have, but you just might add a new line of defense against further damage.

Pantry pointers
Buy apples that are unbruised, firm, and have good color. Take them out of their plastic bag and store them in your refrigerator - loose in the produce bin or in a paper bag is best. And since they will absorb odors, keep them away from strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions.

Your Best Key To A Healthy Diet: Variety

It has been said that variety is the spice of life, and that is certainly true when trying to eat a healthy diet. No one likes to eat the same thing day after day, and boredom is the enemy of a healthy diet.

Fortunately for those trying to follow a healthy diet, there is plenty of variety to be had in healthy foods. In addition to the hundreds of varieties of fruits and vegetables available at the average grocery store, there is a wide variety of beans, lentils, nuts, meat, dairy products, fish and poultry. There is no need for boredom to set in when pursuing a healthier lifestyle.'

The key to enjoying a variety of foods while eating healthy is to plan meals carefully and be sure to use the many varieties of foods that are available. Using a combination of fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and whole grains, it is possible to create a fresh, exciting and healthful meal every day of the week.

Nutritionists often stress the importance of a varied diet, both for nutritional and psychological reasons. A varied diet is essential for good health, since different types of foods contain different types of nutrients. And following a varied diet is important to your psychological well being as well, since feeling deprived of your favorite foods can lead you to give up your healthy lifestyle.

It is much better to continue eating the foods you like, but to eat them in moderation. Instead of giving up that juicy bacon, for instance, have it as an occasional treat, perhaps pairing it with an egg white omelet instead of a plateful of scrambled eggs. As with everything else in life, good nutrition is a tradeoff.

It is important for everyone to eat foods from the five major food groups each and every day. The five food groups identified by the USDA include grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy and meat and beans. Each of these food groups contains specific nutrients, so it is important to eat a combination of these foods to ensure proper levels of nutrition.

Of course simply choosing foods from the five food groups is not enough. After all a meal from the five food groups could include cake, candied yams, avocados, ice cream and bacon. Although all five food groups are represented, no one would try to argue that this is a healthy day's menu. Choosing the best foods from within each group, and eating the less healthy foods in moderation, is the best way to ensure a healthy and varied diet.

For instance, choosing healthy, lean meats is a great way to get the protein you need without consuming unnecessary fat and calories. And removing fat and skin from chicken is a great way to eliminate extra fat and calories.

When choosing breads and cereals, it is usually best to choose those that carry the whole grain designation. Whole grains, those that have not been overly refined, contain greater nutritional qualities and fewer sugars.

In addition, many grains and cereals are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. While this vitamin fortification is important, it should be seen as a bonus, not as a substitute for a proper diet. Many foods are supplemented with important nutrients such as calcium (essential for strong bones and teeth) and folic acid (important in preventing birth defects).

Substituting healthier foods for less healthy ones is a cornerstone of a healthy diet. For instance, substituting lean cuts of meat for fattier ones, and substituting skinless chicken or turkey breast for less healthy drumsticks, is a great way to maximize nutrition without sacrificing good taste.

No matter what your reason for following a healthy diet, or what your ultimate fitness goals may be, you will find that a good understanding of nutrition will form the basis of your healthy diet. Understanding how the various food groups work together to form a healthy diet will go a long way toward helping you meet your ultimate fitness goals. Whether your goal is to run a marathon, lose ten pounds or just feel better, knowledge is power, and nutritional knowledge will power your diet for the rest of your life.

Just Say No: Healthy Eating and Peer Pressure

If you are on a diet or simply enjoying a healthy lifestyle, than you probably know that peer pressure to eat foods that are not good for you is a major part of your life. If you are concerned about nutrition and the food that goes into your mouth, don't worry-there are ways to overcome peer pressure. It simply takes a little know-how to get people off your back!

Parties are a major source of peer pressure, especially with alcohol. However, remember that alcohol contains hundreds of calories in just one drink and of little to no nutritional value. When you go to a party, people may pressure you to have a drink and relax, and it can be difficult to say no when they are constantly trying to convince you. Instead, offer to drive to the bar instead. This way, you re the designated driver, so people won't want you to drink and, in fact, they will probably be purchasing you waters and maybe even helping to pay for your gas. It's a win-win situation for everyone.

Another time when you may feel pressured to eat is at work when the boss orders lunch for everyone at a meeting or when you have to visit a client. Instead of giving in to temptation, simply and politely decline, by letting your boss know in advance or order a meal that is more nutritious and request only a small serving.

Baby showers, weddings, birthday parties, and other special events can also wreak havoc on your diet and nutrition, even if you are good at resisting temptation on your own. When someone hands you a piece of cake and won't take no for an answer, it can be difficult to know what to say! Here, little white lies might be appropriate. For instance, saying that your stomach was upset earlier in the day will convince a person that you don't want to eat at the moment or pretending to have a chocolate allergy will get people to allow you to enjoy the party without a hassle surrounding food. A better way is to make a joke of it telling the truth, that your watching what you're eating. (I'm On a Health Kick)

Remember, however, that while refusing foods of poor nutritional value is great, you should not stop eating good foods or start missing meals. If you do, dangerous eating habits and disorders can develop, which will give you, your friends, and your doctor a real reason to worry. It's OK to say no to peer pressure and poor nutrition, but don't say no to food in general!

Why Do You Need To Eat Tomatoes?

Do you eat tomatoes? Of course you have known that tomatoes are now eaten easily around the world. You can find tomatoes everywhere as part of fruits and vegetables.

Some experts said that tomato is known as a source of power of nutrition, as it contains a large number of vitamins and minerals that can support our body's health.
Tomatoes have been first cultivated in Peru, and then brought to Mexico. Now, tomatoes are sold everywhere. In American grocery stores, tomatoes are often picked unripe, and ripened in storage with ethylene.

Which one is better, unripe or ripe?
Tomatoes that are ripened in storage with ethylene, plant hormone produced by many fruits and acts as the cue to begin the ripening process, tend to stay longer, but have poorer flavor than tomatoes ripened on the plant. They may be recognized by their color, which is more pink or orange than the ripe tomato's deep red.

Based on the nutrition content, red tomatoes have more vitamin A than green tomatoes. But in this case, green tomatoes have more protein.

If you eat tomatoes everyday, it is beneficial in preventing cancer to 50%. Tomatoes will fight different kinds of cancer and protect your heart from heart attack.

Why tomatoes are beneficial for health?
Tomatoes contain various kinds of ingredients. Here are some of them:

*Lycopene, one of nature's most powerful antioxidants. It is beneficial to fight different kind of diseases, most of all to fight cancer.

*Fiber in tomatoes prevents diabetes, asthma, colon cancer, and lowers the amount of cholesterol from the body.

*Vitamin C and A, antioxidants which fight free radical. They fight against aging, soothe skin and hair.

*Potassium, vitamin B6, folate, and niacin have proven effect in lowering cholesterol level, lowering blood pressure and works against heart disease.

*Vitamin K in tomatoes helps to build bone.

*Chromium and biotin make the body's ability to process sugar and fat, which may improve fighting diabetes and help nerve function.

*Riboflavin helps with energy metabolism and fights against migraine headaches.
So, if you consume ripe, unripe or tomato-based food products (tomato sauce, tomato pasta etc.) all deliver many nutrients with multiple mechanisms of action to prevent you from different kinds of diseases.

Many Uses For The Humble Dandelion

Many people think of Dandelions as a nuisance. This time of year, I always hear folks sharing ideas on how to get rid of those darn dandelions and which poisons work the best. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those throughout the world who welcome and embrace the dandelion as both food and medicine. The dandelion is a wild vegetable that is abundant, extremely nutritious and still free. The parts used are mostly the leaves and root. They are high in vitamin A, B, C, beta carotene, minerals and fiber. Dandelions act as a natural diuretic and are a popular blood and liver cleanser. They are also considered a general tonic to help nourish and strengthen the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, stomach and intestines. Dandelions have been known to help with anemia, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, and jaundice, reducing serum cholesterol and uric acid levels. Dandelions have even relieved menopausal symptoms for some. Hot flashes have been linked to liver congestion in certain individuals. When there is liver congestion, previously used hormones that are ready for discard become trapped in the liver, recycled and used repeatedly, eventually causing toxicity.

Then there are those who just love to cook with dandelions. Dr Peter Gail, founder and president of The Defenders of Dandelions, has researched recipes and folklore on wild plant use by people throughout the world. He has collected over 3000 recipes for 105 plants, including over 600 for dandelions. He began eating weeds as a young boy as a necessity for survival after a friend introduced Gail's family to them. In 1994, to promote the use of dandelions, Dr Gail's company, Goosefoot Acres, decided to sponsor a national dandelion cook off in Dover Ohio. It is held the first weekend in May every year and draws people from all over the country eager to enter their favorite dandelion dish in the contest.

If you are ready to go out and pick some dandelion greens, it's best to pick the leaves when they are young and tender, especially if you are going to eat them raw. This is before it flowers. After it flowers, merely cut the plant back to the root and in about 2 weeks or so you will have more tender leaves. This can be done all summer. It may be unhealthy to pick and eat dandelions from soil that has been exposed to repeated applications of herbicide. Chris Atzberger of Columbus Ohio has a recipe for the Classic Dandelion Salad that serves 4. Half lb. fresh dandelion leaves, chopped, 1 small onion minced, 8 oz. fresh mushrooms chopped, 2 T. balsamic vinegar, 3 T. olive oil, half t. salt, 0ne eighth t. black pepper. Toss and serve. I also like mixing dandelion greens in with my other salad greens. They can also be cooked like any green. I wouldn't discard the water after draining, for that's were most of the nutrients are. My wife prefers steaming the greens in a little water or sautéing them in a little olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Here is a refreshing dandelion and tomato appetizer recipe offered by Gail Harshbarger of Akron Ohio that would complement at any summer picnic. 15 Roma tomatoes or 8 other tomatoes, half c. onions, finely chopped, 1 clove garlic finely minced, one fourth c. sweet yellow pepper diced, one fourth c. sweet red pepper diced, 2 c. dandelion leaves, chopped, 1 c. feta cheese crumbled. One half to three fourth cup c. red wine or Italian dressing, half teaspoon of your favorite mixed dry herbs, 1 t. Worcestershire sauce, One fourth c. Parmesan cheese. Mix all ingredients in a bowl except for the tomatoes. Chill for 1 hour. Cut tomatoes in half and scoop out the inside. Stuff dandelion mixture into the tomatoes and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. My wife usually adds what she scooped out of the tomatoes to the dandelion mixture before chilling. It can also be baked.

The dandelion root is the part used mostly for medicinal purposes. It may be dug up, dried, cut up then made into a tea. It must be simmered for 30 minutes or so. If you would like to enjoy some of the health benefits of dandelion but are not that adventurous, dandelion tea may be purchased as well as the capsules.

The dandelion root is also used to make a tasty and nutritious coffee substitute called, dandy blend. Dandy blend had a delicious coffee-like flavor that can also be used in baking or added to vanilla ice cream to give a delicious creamy coffee flavor.

When I see dandelions, I admire their beauty and give them thanks for all their medicinal gifts…so please be kind to your dandelions.

This article provided by Michael Comeau and is for informational purpose only. It is not intended to diagnose treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your doctor when seeking medical advice.

How To Find Really Healthy Food in the Grocery Store

Do you really know what is healthy food?
We all try and stick to choosing healthy items when grocery shopping or eating out, but how well do we really know our foods? Discover how to find out about reading between the lines, what to look out for in labels and how to dine out healthily.

When shopping in your local supermarket, it's very easy to be attracted to colourful aisles filled with crisps and chocolates. It can sometimes take a lot of will power to resist grabbing a few treats...especially if you are food shopping on an empty stomach!

So the logical choice is to head for the aisles that sell 'healthy' food. But how genuinely healthy is the food that you are buying? It looks healthy, it sounds healthy, but you may actually find that it contains 'hidden' fats, salts and sugars. In short, anything BUT healthy!

Fat free? Sugar free? Calorie free?
Phrases such as 'fat free' and sugar free' sound great in theory, but a closer inspection may be needed. A claim such as 'fat free' usually means that in order for the item to be 'fat free', something else has to be added to make it taste edible.

So check the label at the back to see what has been added to make up for the lack of fat. The product could be significantly high in sugar, and so, even if the product is fat free, it will probably be packed full of calories. The same goes for products boasting a low number of calories or no sugar at all. Again, check the back label because the fat content may be very high.

Also check to see whether the nutritional information relates to the portion size or if it's per 100g. When cooking a meal, think in terms of portion size to get a better idea of how much fat and calories each person will really be consuming.

The Amazing Miracle Food That Really Works

Anti-aging, weight management, natural immunity, and detoxification of pollutants in our bodies are all topics of concern for us in the 21st century. Can it be that one substance provides a solution to all of these issues? According to news reports from Cornell University, the New England Journal of Medicine and the U.S. Government's center for Disease Control, to name a few, it seems there is. This substance is colostrums. Colostrum is a thick yellow fluid, rich in protein, growth and immune factors, produced by human mothers for approximately 72 hours after giving birth. Bovine colostrum, colostrum from cows is 100 times richer in immune factors than human colostrum. Even better, it is not species specific which means it can work in humans and lower mammals. The powerful immune and growth factors contained in colostrum brings the body to a natural state of health and well being. The following are some of the benefits of colostrum.

Anti-Aging
After puberty, the amount of immune and growth factors in our bodies begins to decline. As we age, we become more vulnerable to disease. We have problems with loss of muscle tone and weight gain and our skin becomes elastic. An aging person exhibits lower levels of growth hormone than a younger one. By the age of eighty we produce, basically, no growth hormone. Colostrum stimulates cellular and tissue growth, repairs and helps to reverse the damage done by disease and the natural aging process and aids in the renewal of skin and bones. This makes colostrum an invaluable tool in the fight against premature aging.

Weight Management
Fad diets, fasts, yo yo dieting and rapid weight loss result in the loss of lean muscle instead of fat. Colostrum contains IGF-1, the most powerful growth hormone in our bodies. The growth factors in bovine colostrum and Leptin assist the body in an increase of metabolism, a greater ease in building lean muscle and a reduction of fat. It also affects the neurotransmitters in our bodies which improves mental acuity. If you tend to eat when stressed or depressed, colostrum also aids in this regard.

Natural Immunity
Colostrum contains proteins that function as antibodies. These are the most powerful immune factors found in colostrum. A number of recent clinical studies have shown colostrum to contain antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Although colostrum, as a dietary supplement, is relatively new to the United States, physicians in India have used colostrum as a treatment for thousands of years.

Detoxification of Pollutants
In an optimal environment, where we get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly and put no toxins in our bodies the body is a very efficient mechanism. When these conditions are not met toxins build up in our bodies. Taking colostrum can result in a significant amount of cellular energy. This energy is used to expel the waste stored outside the cells. This waste leaves the body from whatever channel that is available. Sometimes you can experience cold or flu like symptoms when first taking colostrum, depending on the amount of toxic buildup. Make sure to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and eat simply while detoxifying.

Colostrum is a food. With the exception of allergic reactions in person's known to be allergic to cow's milk, it does not have any side effects at any level of consumption. It has no known drug interactions. In addition to adult consumption, it can safely be consumed by children and pets. However, according to tests conducted at Cornell University, true colostrum is colostrum from the first milking after the birth of the calf and collected within six hours of its birth. As always, use due diligence in deciding which products to buy.

Caffeine Addiction - A Problem To Be Solved As Early As Possible

We all have this pre-conceived notion that only coffee contains caffeine but that is not the case. Beverages like cokes and chocolate products contain caffeine. A hot cup of coffee with the morning sunshine sounds so tempting and revitalizing.

It has the ability to keep you awake and help burn that midnight oil in time of dire need. Coffee becomes a matter for social gathering. It helps you socialize by letting you bump into one of your colleagues in the office which otherwise wouldn't have happened.

It is being considered as one of your friend as it has helped you sit up late at night and clear those grueling Math's papers. With all the usefulness one can think of we also happen to know that coffee contains caffeine which is not good for your health.

Having coffee can help you remain alert but it is the aftermath you should be worried about the ill effects it has on your health. It is a stimulus which does wonders to your central nervous system by stressing the hormones in the blood stream and keeping you alert and awake whenever you have it.

This unnatural way of keeping your body alert takes a toll on your body. The normal way of functioning gets disrupted due to the intake of coffee or any other product which contains good amount of caffeine.

As caffeine gets into our system it makes us addicted. After knowing the ill effects of caffeine if you suddenly stop taking coffee, you will face caffeine withdrawal symptoms which can be anything from a headache, irritability, fatigue, constipation, lack of appetite, lack of concentration to even forgetfulness.

The withdrawal symptoms can be very harmful leading to stomach ulcers as the coffee can be acidic. This excess acid gets into your blood streams causing loss of calcium in urine. Caffeine which has been freely used in most of the beverages has led kids get addicted to it. The high content of sugar just makes it very popular among children which are the future generation with excess weight.

It is also the cause of abnormal fast, slow or irregular heartbeats. It is also known for increasing blood pressure which leads to constant stress and hypertension. There are increasing chances of heart disease; pancreas and bladder cancer which we all know can be very fatal.

The idea to quit caffeine should be very strong and not one to tampered with. The process should be slow and gradual. As we all know the withdrawal symptoms of caffeine is very bad. Avoid other caffeinated products which would just make matters worse. If you happen to drink 6 cups coffee a day cut it down. Try to have 2 cups green tea and 4 cups coffee and similarly as you go ahead you will completely stop till you got rid of caffeine from your life.

The New And Improved Nutrition Pyramid

Just when you were getting the Nutrition Pyramid down to an exact science, the USDA goes and releases an all new nutrition and diet plan for healthy Americans. On April 19, 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture unveiled its new My Pyramid nutrition pyramid. Available at its own web site (http://www.mypyramid.gov), the new guidelines aren't so much NEW as they are more in depth, detailed and helpful.

For starters, My Pyramid can be personalized. On the main page, you have the option of entering your age, gender and activity level. Simply click "submit" and get a recommendation that's more specific than '6-11 servings of grain per day'. Instead of those vague, wide-ranging recommendations, you'll get a pyramid that says, "6 ounces of grain products", or 2 1/2 cups vegetables.

Even if that were the ONLY improvement on the new site, it would be tremendous. No more guessing whether you should aim for closer to six servings or closer to eleven. The nutrition calculator factors in your age, gender and activity level (above your normal daily routine) to come up with a recommended caloric intake. From there, it breaks down the calories by food group, and tells you exactly how much of each group you should eat per day for a healthy diet. It's far easier to figure out what 2 cups of milk is than it is to figure out how much '3-5' servings of dairy is!

But it doesn't stop there. Beneath the pyramid chart with the specific serving sizes on it, you'll find a list of links to 'tips' for making the healthiest choices from each food group - divided by food group.<

There are some great diet tips there, along with ways to serve foods in appetizing and nutritious ways. A sampling from each category includes:

* Grain: Substitute whole grain cereal for bread crumbs in toppings.
* Vegetables: Try crunchy vegetables raw or lightly steamed.
* Fruits: Try applesauce as a fat-free substitute for oil in baking.
* Milk: Trim down from whole milk to fat-free gradually, week by week.
* Meat/Beans: Replace some of the meat in your diet with nuts.

Want to know how your actual diet stacks up against the dietary guidelines and get specific, personalized recommendations for improving it? Tucked away at the bottom of the list of links in the menu you'll find the My Pyramid Tracker. It's easily the handiest tool that I've ever seen. Enter the foods that you eat in a typical day, click Analyze, and you'll get a detailed analysis that includes the calories, the amount of over 25 specific nutrients, the difference between your diet and an optimum diet, and specific recommendations for changes you should make to eat a healthier diet. Better yet, you can save your history day by day to keep track of your eating habits and watch the improvements. It's the diet diary with a difference. Use it - and see yourself eating better every day.

Broccoli A Disease Fighting Resource

The name broccoli is derived from an Italian name 'Brocco'. It may not be a favorite vegetable for many, especially kids but it has great number of properties to benefit your entire body. It can be stated as one of the finest vegetables which fight numerous diseases. With the high vitamin content it tops the list in the vegetables department. It is known that broccoli has more Vitamin C in comparison to orange. It also has good amount of calcium which you find in abundance in our very own milk.

Just the presence of so many good qualities helps broccoli to combat many health problems. It contains components which fight deadly disease like cancer. Broccoli sprouts contains more cancer fighting elements in comparison to well-developed broccoli. Eating broccoli sprouts on regular basis prevents stomach cancer. It also minimizes your chance of gastritis and peptic ulcer. Your sun-damaged skin gets a sigh of relief as it protects your skin. This saves you from diseases like skin cancer. Your heart problems are reduced and chances of heart diseases slope down to minimal.

If you want to improve cataract problems, have broccoli sprouts at least twice a week. Your chances of having cataract are reduced immensely. It builds your immune system if you have broccoli in small amounts. It spikes your system due to the presence of zinc and other required minerals. It should be considered as a boon for many pregnant women because it contains folic acid. This folic acid is quite rare due to which broccoli becomes very important. It helps in proper development of the fetus without any defects. It is very good to help you with rheumatoid arthritis. The richness of vitamin C in broccoli saves you from suffering pain by polyarthritis. It is great for asthma patients due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory factors. Many of your asthma problems are reversed by having broccoli. Deficiency of Vitamin C is the main cause of easy bruising. This deficiency is overcome by eating broccoli.

Home Remedies
Having par-boiled broccoli is very good to remove heartburn.
Eating broccoli can help you to reduce the high sugar level.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Vitamins and minerals that are depleted by the prescription drugs you take

In today's world every time somebody comes down with a cold they turn to prescription drugs, this might not be the wisest choice, if we are concerned with living a long and healthy life. In this fast paste world we want a quick fix, being down with a cold or disease like cancer is unacceptable, that's why most of us will turn to a prescription drug. Little did we know that as we take these prescription drugs they deplete our body of essential vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients our body needs to operate properly.
Safeguarding out bodies against vitamin and mineral deficiencies should be our number one priority. The following guidelines can help if you are on of the 20 million people out there using prescription drugs.

Calcium
Calcium is the first mineral that can be depleted by taking prescription drug. These drugs include diuretics such as Bumex, Demadex, Diuril, and Lasix, as well as, bone building drugs like Fosamax and anti-inflammation steroids Cortef and cortone can be deplete calcium in the body. You can help prevent calcium deficiency by eating foods rich in calcium. Foods rich in calcium are Kale, Cabbage, Dairy, and broccoli, if you do not consume several servings a day of these vegetables you might consider taking a calcium supplement.

Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is an enzyme vital to the creb's cycle (Energy production cycle in the body), if you are taking cholesterol medication Statins such as Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Pravachol, or Zocor you will be at risk of Coenzyme Q10 depletion. Also, Sulfonylureas drugs such as Amaryl, DiaBeta, and Glucotrol for diabetics, you can be at risk. Eating oods high in coenzyme Q10 can help prevent COQ10 deficiency. The foods containing CoQ10 are Mackerel, red beets, sardines and organ meats, if you do not consume several servings of these meats and vegetables you might consider taking additional Coenzyme Q10 supplements available at any health food store.

Folic Acid
Folic Acid is a B Vitamin vital to both men and women but especially women in child bearing ages. If you are taking cholesterol meds, pain relief medications or diabetic medication such as Questran, Welchol, Celebrex, and Glucophage you may be at risk of Folic Acid depletion. The following are Foods high in Folic Acid. Broccoli, peas, beans, leafy greens, oranges and whole grains all have a good amount of folic acid in them. Folic Acid is relatively inexpensive you can find it at any health food store in 400mcg and 800mcg doses.

Magnesium
Magnesium is vital for muscle relaxation and bone building, if your taking diuretics bone building or steroidal anti-inflammation drugs you might be at risk of magnesium depletion. Foods high in magnesium are leafy greens, lean meat, beans, nuts whole grains, and seafood. Recent studies have suggested that 40% of the population are low in magnesium already, taking prescription drugs that delete magnesium can put one at risk for disease related to magnesium deficiency.

Potassium
Potassium is needed for proper nerve and muscle function. Also, potassium is essential for proper heart function. Prescription drugs that reduce potassium in the body are diuretics that reduce excess fluid and reduce blood pressure, Levodopa that is for parkinsons disease, and Steroidal anti-inflammation drugs. The list of foods high in potassium are as follows: bananas, dates, brown rice, garlic, nuts, avocados, and spinach. You can also find potassium in your local vitamin store usually selling at 99mg per capsule.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is the next vitamin under attack, essential for proper eye development and immune system function, Vitamin A can be depleted by bile acid sequestrants, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and Xenical. Xenical, a fat blocker, can also affect vitamin D and vitamin E. Foods high in vitamin A are as follows: Fish COD and SALMON, Liver and Dairy.

Thiamin (B-1)
Thiamin (B-1) is involved in numerous body functions, including: nervous system, muscle functioning and carbohydrate metabolism to name a few. Drugs that may reduce B-1 in the body are Antibiotics that help fight infections and diuretics. Foods high in B-1 and other B Vitamins are nuts and whole grains. You can find single B vitamins or B complexes at your local health food store. B vitamins are vital for proper stress management in the body as well they are essential keeping your body healthy and taken daily can help prevent drug related deficiencies.

Riboflavin (B-2)
Riboflavin (B-2) is required for cell growth and release of energy, formation of red blood cell, and synthesis of antibodies. Drugs that can delete riboflavin is Elavin for migraines. Foods high in Riboflavin are Dairy, lean meat, broccoli, and whole grains. B-2 can be found at your local Vitamin Store.

pyridoxine (B-6)
Vitamin B6 helps the body process protein and carbohydrates in food and helps produce hemoglobin (red blood cells). High cholesterol medications like bile acid sequestrants and steroid anti-inflammation drugs delete B-6 in the body. Foods high in Vitamin B-6 are Fish, leafy greens, bananas, and potatoes.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a great antioxidant to protect your body from free radical damage, helps strengthen blood vessels and reduce the incident of bruising when you bump your arms and legs on something. Diuretics and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs deplete the body of Vitamin C, if you are taking these types of drugs make sure you consume lots of broccoli, citrus, potatoes, tomatoes and strawberries. Additional supplementation of vitamin C can help as well. Vitamin C can be found at any health food store.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for strong bones and teeth and recent studies suggest Vitamin D may even help fight some kinds of cancer. If you're taking barbiturate sedatives like Butisol and Phenobarbital for anxiety or insomnia or blood pressure and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs you could be at risk for disease involving vitamin D depletion. Sunlight is the primary way our bodies produce vitamin D and with our fast life styles nobody has time to lay in the sun for 30min a day, if you live in the north you receive very little vitamin D from the sun. Supplementing Vitamin D is essential for optimal health, available in 400IU and 1000IU doses.

Zinc
Zinc is essential for proper immune system function, hair, skin and nail formation. Taking anti-acids like Pepcid, prilosec, tagamet and zantec, also diuretics, and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will deplete your body of the essential mineral zinc. Zinc is found in lean meat and seafood, also can be purchased in 10mg – 100mg doses in your local vitamin store.

These are only a few of the essential vitamin and minerals that prescription drugs deplete from the body. It is important to eat your fruits and vegetables with every meal of the day. Most Americans do not eat the daily recommended fruits and vegetables required to stay healthy so alternative vitamin supplements are needed more and more every day. Biochemists have found that the nutritional values of fruits and vegetables have been steadily declining over the past 40 – 50 years due to the fast growing varieties the farmers are growing today. If you do not consume the recommended servings of Fruits and Vegetables consider taking a multivitamin supplement every day.

If you're not currently on a prescription drug and considering taking one please consult your doctor about all the known side effects and health issues that might result form taking the drug remember knowledge is power.