Archive for the ‘General Info’ Category

Massage oils: the basics – the sunflower oil

The sunflower oilThe difference between the various types of vegetable oils (mainly derived from the seeds and then also called seed oils) is primarily concerned with the fatty acid composition. Most vegetable oils contain mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, and saturated fat, with the exception of tropical oils that contain a large percentage of saturated fat.

As for the massage oils, these are often composed of mixtures of oils and herbs. Among base oils we can find oil sunflower oil wheat germ.

Sunflower seed oil is extracted from the seeds of Helianthus annuus. E ‘liquid at room temperature, transparent amber color and a slight fatty odor.

It contains a very high percentage of polyunsaturated fats, particularly linoleic acid (75%) and a significant amount of Vitamin E. This acid, Vitamin F also a constituent that is not produced in the body, is essential for the formation of the cell membrane, maintains the fluid retains the elasticity of artery walls, keeps the blood fluid, modulates the activity of the immune system Helps to maintain low cholesterol, balances blood pressure and plays an important role for the proper functioning of the thyroid, adrenal gland, mucous membranes and nerves.

Thanks to this vitamin skin is smooth and velvety, while its deficiency makes it flaky, dry and wrinkled.

In cosmetics sunflower oil acts as a regenerative cells of the epidermis, has a high emollient, moisturizing and refreshing, is a rebalancing of the skin characterized by skin sensitivity and irritation, therefore, is an ideal base for cosmetic treatments and aesthetic features of different skin types.

What are healthy fats and which are not

What are healthy fats and which are notIt is normal that most people might label all fats banned and criticized as having high-fat foods. However, not all fats are bad, are also those that our body needs to function. Today we will talk a bit about the different types of fat in order to recognize that harm and those that are beneficial to our body.

We can distinguish the type of fatty acids and the degree of unsaturation, including saturated fats, unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) and trans fats.

Saturated fat. They consist of saturated fatty acids and at room temperature in solid state. If they are formed by long chain fatty acids can raise cholesterol levels and lead to circulation problems. Where is it? Most of these animal fats are in meat, milk and derivatives such as cream or yogurt. These fats belong to the group of fats that harm us.

Unsaturated fats. They are known primarily as oils, as are liquid at room temperature. These are good fats for the body, and its effects on lipids and also contain many nutrients that are essential for the body. They also have a positive effect on cholesterol control and heart disease. We can find them in olive oil, sunflower or corn. They are divided into two types:

- Monounsaturated: those that are found in olive oil or peanut. When cooled become thicker.

- Polyunsaturated: Examples of these are the sunflower seed oil, hazelnut oil, fish oils. Fatty acids are formed by the series omega 3 and omega 6.

Trans fats. These are what constitute a real problem and are much more harmful than saturated fats. This is because they are atherogenic transform from unsaturated to saturated by hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Found in the vegetable shortening, margarine, or any other food made with these ingredients. It must be very careful with them as they significantly increase cholesterol and can easily lead to heart disease.

Knowing each type of fat you can now choose your food with more knowledge.

Four major food myths

Four major food mythsThere are countless myths involving nutrition, today we will break with 4 of the most common. It is important that anyone who plans to begin a weight loss plan to take them into consideration.

First of all, it is important to recognize that fattening foods according to the energy supplied therefore can not be said that a food is fat, if it brings energy, however little it is.

First Myth: The potatoes fattening. The potato is a vegetable that has a high water content and caloric intake of 80 calories per 100 gram serving. This energy content is very similar to many other foods are usually recommended in diets. Therefore, the problem is not the potato itself, but how much is cooked and eaten. Thus, 150 grams of boiled or baked potatoes can be an interesting garnish. However, if we consume fried or with butter milk and the amount of calories has increased significantly.

Second Myth: Bananas are fattening. This fruit is known to be very rich in potassium and provides about 72 calories per 100 grams. It can be said to have many more calories than any other fruit, however, also provides greater satiety. The bananas should not be seen as forbidden fruit in slimming diets, but what must be done is to limit quantities.

Third Myth. Black bread is lighter than the average. Black bread contains lots of sugar and fat and usually has more weight per unit of slices. Therefore, the only difference between them is the fiber content, has more black bread per serving, which makes the effect is more satisfied, because it remains longer in the stomach. No differences in calories.

Fourth Myth. Rice is suitable for low calorie diets. As discussed with the rest of the food it is important to watch how much is consumed and how it is prepared. Rice has the same chemical composition as other cereals, which does not change when you wash or cook.

These are just some of the many myths that exist, if you know more do not hesitate to share them with us.

Benefits of Artichokes

Benefits of ArtichokesToday we will talk about a very special plant that gives us many benefits for the body, especially the liver. This is the artichoke.

The artichoke is a thistle prickly variety is not wild in the Mediterranean regions, which are not consumed the leaves of this plant but the flowers.

It has a regenerating effect on the liver as it contains cinarina, a bioflavonoid. This is a product of plant metabolism that has many beneficial applications, including: reducing the risk of cancer, lowers cholesterol, is antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, protects the liver, stomach, heart, etc.

Cynarin provides choleretic properties and increases the production of bile in the liver. Why is it beneficial? Because this enhances the digestion of food and if the liver is functioning properly, the entire body is benefited.

Artichoke is also an excellent diuretic, with the ability to remove fluid from the body. It also contains potassium, calcium and magnesium. Also, their high water content, increases the volume of urine which helps to cleanse the body. Has little intake of calories and high in fiber, making it ideal for those who are slimming.

These are just some of the many benefits that give us artichokes, it would be prudent to include it in our daily diet, do not you think?

The benefits of pollen

The benefits of pollenToday we will talk about the pollen and the benefits it brings to health. Pollen is a fine powder produced by the male organs of plants. Its main function is to fertilize the female organs.

In addition to this, is collected by bees for their legs. These they moisten it with nectar and shape of small balls. Is later transported to the hive to feed the bees. Then collected and dehydrated to avoid ferment.

As one of the main components of honey, pollen is very beneficial to health. Contains all the essential elements for good health, such as a high percentage of carbohydrates and 20% protein, trace minerals and B vitamins, and minerals.

All this makes it an ideal food supplement, energy intake and increase vitality. Also in many cases, help to recover from anemia and increases resistance to disease. In addition, it is often referred to people who have bowel problems.

The pollen is yellow to brown. The higher the color of each ball is, the greater the wealth and nutritional value. You can even drink fruit juice or other beverage.

Have you ever tried?

Sky Lanterns Made a Unique Addition to Any Wedding

Many future bride & grooms want something truly unique for their wedding to express their love and entertain their guests. They want something that their guests will remember for years to come. Chinese lanterns can provide this unique feature for weddings at a very affordable cost.

These lanterns, also called sky lanterns, fly in the air for approximately 6 – 8 minutes and reach heights of over 1,000 feet. Since the lanterns are over 90 centimeters tall, wedding guests can easily see the lanterns during their journey through the sky. A red heart shaped lantern with a special message written on it can be released during or after the wedding.

Each lantern can first be used as a table centerpiece for the reception. Unlit, the can stand in the center of the table with a black marker. Each guest can write their special wishes for the bride and groom on the lantern, to be released after everyone has finished eating. Most guests write out their hopes and dreams for the happy couple, while others opt for funny statements about how many children the marriage should produce.

Gorgeous red heart-shaped sky lanterns can add beauty and interest to any wedding ceremony, whether formal or informal. They are perfectly safe, and extinguish before reaching the ground so they are no worries about fire to mar the ceremony. These miniature hot air balloons will be the envy of all the other brides and grooms who did not opt for this unique addition to their wedding.

Notes on Chinese Medicine -part 4-

notes on chinese medicineToday, millions of citizens in the PRC qigong practice. In the early morning, from 6 in the morning, parks and gardens are a hive of people who, alone or with the help of a teacher, practice qigong.

By nightfall, the towns are filled with people just on their daily exercises of qigong. Each carries the rhythm that fits your body, everyone is convinced that the continued practice of qigong will bring longevity. And it must be very wrong, for China, despite being a developing country, it has a population whose life expectancy is very close to that of developed countries. Read the rest of this entry »

Notes on Chinese Medicine -part 3-

notes on chinese medicine

In China there are two types of massage especially recommended. One is the head massage that usually accompanies the washing, which occur in any hair salon, and is very inexpensive, and enjoyable. The other is the massage of the feet, of varying quality, as in some specialized areas carried out first washing of feet with medicinal herbs, and then, following the theories of reflexology, which ensures that every organ in the body is reflected in a particular place in the soles of the feet, massage your feet thoroughly searching the stimulation of different organs. Read the rest of this entry »

Notes on Chinese Medicine -part 2-

notes on chinese medicine

The smallpox vaccine was first used in China by Wang Qingren, early nineteenth century, before they start to use in Europe. Parallel to the medicine develops a pharmacopoeia also unique, since the 365 medicinal herbs mentioned in the Canon of Materia Medica, 2608 reached the number of medicines to the mid eighteenth century. Figure that Western medicine will reach only a few years ago. Today medical studies in China are divided even in Chinese and Western medicine. And in general we can say that the Chinese use its own medicine for chronic diseases and Western medicine for acute. Read the rest of this entry »

Notes on Chinese Medicine -part 1-

notes on chinese medicineChinese medicine is the most important non-Western medicine, and is the only one of the drugs developed by Western countries that has managed, over history, face the ongoing achievements and advances of Western medical techniques without losing his prestige and even though its foundations, development and results have been questioned.

Moreover, increasingly seen as a Chinese medicine, yet the philosophical and cultural baggage that entails, the ideal complement to Western medicine. Now you could say that Chinese medicine begins where the West and vice versa.

As a general rule you can say that Chinese medicine views the body as a whole, and attributed the disease to the imbalance between the different elements of it, so their treatment, rather than for the healing of a particular symptom, is focused on the restoration of body balance, emphasizing the need for a healthy lifestyle, nutrition, relaxation, breathing exercises and other measures commonly used in the West. Read the rest of this entry »