Mindful Monday GOKI Readers, I hope everyone's weekend was relaxing and enjoyable; also a reminder to all the true reason this day was created, and no, it was not a reason to have a barbecue, but rather a day to honor and remember all those who have served and given their lives to protect this country, this is what Memorial Day is all about.
May 30, 2011 Brain Boost Tip Of The Day
CHOOSE GOOD FATS
Over half of our brain matter consists of fats or lipids that create all the cell membranes in the body. If you eat bad fats, you make low-quality nerve cell membranes; if you eat good fats, you make higher-quality nerve cell membranes and influence positively the action of nerve cells. Certain foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as certain cold-water fish, olive oil, flaxseed oil, peanut oil, canola oil, and certain fish oils have the real potential to help the brain. A 2003 study organized by the Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago found that those who ate fish at least once a week had a 60 percent less chance of developing Alzheimer's than those who rarely ate fish. Fish that provide omega-3 oils include bluefish, herring, mackerel, rainbow trout, salmon, sardines, tuna, and whitefish.
As Always, To Your Health!
P.S. Here is an informative video about adding good fats into our diets.
Sunny Saturday GOKI Readers, the weekend is in full swing, I hope everyone is well and has reached their final destination without delays if traveling.
May 28 & 29, 2011 Health Tip Of The Day
DON'T DEPLETE YOUR PHOSPHOROUS
Phosphorous is second only to calcium in terms of its abundance in the body. Phosphorous contributes to the structure of bones and teeth. It helps generate energy in every cell in the body and acts as the main regulator in converting dietary carbohydrate, protein, and fat to energy. Phosphorous is vital to growth, maintenance, and repair of all body tissue. This mineral also helps activate B vitamins and is a component of the storage form of energy in the body. A deficiency of phosphorous is very rare, but absorption can be reduced by the long-term and excessive use of antacids containing aluminum hydroxide.
As Always, To Your Health!
Friendly Friday GOKI Readers, I hope all is well, and for any of my readers who will be traveling this holiday weekend, remember to take care in whatever mode of transportation you will be taking, be it plane, train, or automobile.
May 27, 2011 Health Tip Of The Day
INCREASE FIBER IN YOUR DIET
Adding fiber to your diet may be easier than you think. Here are some tips that can help you get started:
* Look at the fiber content on the Nutrition Facts Label on packaged foods.
Good sourced of fiber have at least 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
* Substitute higher fiber foods, such as whole-grain breads, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and fruits and vegetables, for lower fiber foods, such as white bread, white rice, candy, and chips.
* Start your day with a high-fiber breakfast cereal, such as bran cereal or oatmeal. Look for cereals that contain at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. Add fresh fruit for an extra fiber boost.
As Always, To Your Health!
P.S. Here's a video about adding a high fiber diet to your life.
Thoughtful Thursday GOKI Readers, here we are, the day after the newest American Idol was chosen, congratulations Scotty McCreery!
May 26, 2011 Brain Boost Tip Of The Day
TAKE GINKGO BILOBA
The leaves of the ginkgo contain the active constituents ginkgo flavone glycosides and terpene lactones, the extract of which can be used to treat poor circulation in the legs as well as memory and cognitive problems. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers confirmed that people who take ginkgo extract for mild to severe dementia may improve both their ability to remember and to interact socially. Usual dosage for extract: 120 to 240 milligrams daily, in 3 doses. Plan to take it for at least eight weeks before improvement shows. For capsules: Depending on capsule strength of the product you buy, use the same amount as the above recommended dosage. The standard dose is 40 to 60 milligrams. Buy a quality product and read the label. Look for products marked "24/6," an indication the product contains 24 percent flavone glycosides and 6 percent terpenes.
As Always, To Your Health!
P.S. Here is a video about the benefits and side effects of ginkgo biloba.
Wise Wednesday GOKI Readers, here we are on the night that the next new American Idol will be crowned, will it be Lauren or will it be Scotty? The answer is only a short while from now.
May 25, 2011 Health Tip Of The Day
CHOOSE HEALTHY SNACKS
Try some of these smart snacks as part of your healthy eating plan:
Half of a bagel with peanut butter
Raw vegetables with low-fat or fat-free dressing
Fruit yogurt topped with low-fat granola cereal
Low-fat cottage cheese topped with fresh fruit
Fresh fruit
Light microwave popcorn
Pita bread stuffed with fresh veggies and low-fat dressing
Low-fat string cheese
Whole grain cereal and fat-free milk
Vegetable juice
As Always, To Your Health!
Thoughtful Tuesday GOKI Readers, well, unless you have been living under a rock you know that tonight was Part 1 of the American Idol season finale, and I have to say, based on the song selections and performances, I have to give an edge to Lauren Alaina. The contest is extremely close between Lauren and Scotty, and as I have said from the start, I definitely expected Scotty to be in the finals, but I thought his "rival" would have been Jacob, James, or Casey. This is a testament to Lauren's ability to grow and blossom in this competition, and she probably won herself the title of American Idol with the song she sang about mothers, dedicating it to her own mother, which was sung with a lot of heart and soul. We will all have to wait until tomorrow to see who will win this competition. Good Luck to both Lauren and Scotty you both deserve to be the next American Idol!
May 24, 2011 Health Tip Of The Day
TAKE ALFALFA
Modern day scientists have discovered that alfalfa can be an agent in the treatment of heart disease, stroke, and cancer-the top three causes of death in the United States. Its leaves-which contain its real healing properties-are rich in minerals and other nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and beta-carotene, and may reduce "bad" cholesterol. Alfalfa leaf is on the FDA's list of herbs generally regarded as safe, but it should be used in medicinal amounts only with your doctor's approval. If you experience and side effects-such as upset stomach or diarrhea-stop use. Caution: Alfalfa seeds are to be avoided entirely, especially by anyone with an autoimmune problem.
As Always, To Your Health!
P.S. Here is an informative video about the benefits of sprouts.
Mindful Monday GOKI Readers, first let me say that my thoughts and prayers go out to the residents of Joplin, Missouri, I, like so many, watched the news today and saw the devastation that remained after the tornado passed through and destroyed the homes and businesses that were in its path. There are no words to say at this moment other than, Keep the Faith, faith in yourself, your family, your neighbors, and if you are a believer, in God, although in times such as these, faith is most definitely tested.
May 23, 2011 Health Tip Of The Day
FOLLOW FRUIT PROPORTION GUIDELINES
Although they are not grouped together, the fruit and vegetable groups share a tier on the Food Guide Pyramid. Neither group is more important than the other, so you should eat servings from both groups. Most fruits have no fat, and all are cholesterol free. Fruits are loaded with many essential nutrients that vary among the varieties. Eating different fruits ensures a better intake of all the nutrients that they provide. Try as many colors and types as you can for variety.
The Food Guide Pyramid suggests consuming 2-4 servings of fruit each day. One serving equals: One small to medium fresh fruit; 1/2 cup canned or cut-up fresh fruit; 3/4 cup fruit juice; or 1/4 cup dried fruit.
As Always, To Your Health!
Sensible Saturday GOKI readers, as the weekend is upon us, my mission to share with you tips on a daily basis continues.
May 21, 2011 Brain Boost Tip Of The Day
TAKE VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is a natural substance found in many foods, and acts as a natural antioxidant that diminishes free radicals. There is evidence to suggest that free radical damage to the neurons (nerve cells) is at least partially responsible for the development of Alzheimer's disease, progression of the disease was slowed when either 2,000 IU of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), a drug (10 milligrams Selegiline), or a combination of the two was taken daily. That said, large doses of vitamin E, when taken by healthy people, have not been shown to prevent Alzheimer's disease. As an antioxidant, vitamin E may affect aging, infertility, heart disease and cancer.
As Always, To Your Health!
P.S. Here is a video about which foods are rich in vitamin E.
Friendly Friday GOKI Readers, here we are again, Friday, the start of the weekend, can you believe it? Did this week fly by or does it just seem that way to me? Well, either way, let me continue on with today's tip.
May 20, 2011 Health Tip Of The Day
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH PROTEIN CONTENT
It is not hard to get your necessary protein for the day. The numbers can add up quickly.
Keep in mind the following protein contents of common foods.
*A 3- to 4-ounce serving of lean meat, poultry, or fish contains
about 25 to 35 grams of protein (the size of a deck of cards)
*1 cup of cooked beans or lentils contains about 18 grams of protein
*1 cup of low-fat or fat-free milk contains 8 grams of protein
*1 cup of low-fat yogurt contains about 10 grams of protein
*1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese contains about 28 grams of protein
As Always, To Your Health!
P.S. Here is a short video about protein.
Thoughtful Thursday GOKI Readers, so my question to you, did you watch tonight's American Idol results show? Were you at all surprised by the final two (Scotty and Lauren)?
Well now let me go on with the actual reason for today's post.
May 19, 2011 BrainBoost Tip Of The Day
EAT AN EGG
Once the victim of a bad rap, nutritional research has shown that an egg has protein (in the white part) and fat (in the yellow part), but no carbohydrates. The white has few other nutrients, while the yellow has a high amount of vitamin B12 and folate. Nutritionists used to think that eggs contained too much fat, but they now know that the fat in an egg is good for the brain, and doesn't contribute to higher levels of cholesterol in the blood. Bad news for chicken, good news for your brain.
As Always, To Your Health!
P.S. Here's a video about the benfits of eggs.