The wonders of Moringa Oleifera - "Malunggay"

By Jaime N. Soriano

Moringa oleifera is the scientific name of “malunggay” in the Filipino vernacular. It is also commonly known in the English language as the ben oil tree, the horseradish tree, or the drumstick tree.

For those not in the know, malunggay is an exceptionally nutritious vegetable tree and is considered as one of the world’s most useful trees. It grows best in dry sandy soil although it can survive even in poor soil and coastal areas. It is drought resistant and fast growing. Almost every part of the malunggay tree has its own share of usefulness and value.

Malunggay leaves, flowers and pods can be eaten as a vegetable. They have been proven as a good source of nutrition—seven times more potent than the Vitamin C found in oranges, four times the Vitamin A in carrots, three times the iron of spinach, four times the calcium in milk, and three times the potassium of bananas. Pounded up, the leaves can even be used for scrubbing utensils and cleaning surfaces.

They say that various laboratory researches have confirmed that malunggay is a natural energy booster, strengthens the immune system, has antibiotic properties, cures headaches,migraines and ulcers, reduces arthritic pains and inflammations, and restricted tumor growths.

Malunggay flowers boiled with soy milk have always been thought to have aphrodisiac quality. News reports say that studies of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) showed that a steady diet of the malunggay fruit boosts the sperm count of men which improves their chances of fertilizing an egg.

The Los Angeles Times, quoting health book author, Sanford Hoist, reported that “Scientifically speaking, Moringa sounds like magic. It can rebuild weak bones, enrich anemic blood and enable a malnourished mother to nurse her starving baby. Doctors use it to treat diabetes in West Africa and high blood pressure in India …”

Its oil, also known as the ben oil extracted from flowers can be used as illuminant, ointment base, and to lubricate fine mechanics like clocks. For thousands of years, this oil has been used as a perfume base. They say that the ben oil can also be used as a fuel because it “burns with a clear light and without smoke”, according to J. H. Burkill in his 1966 work: A Dictionary of Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula .

Malunggay can also detoxify the body given its ability to purify water by attaching itself to impurities and harmful bacteria and allowing them to be expelled as a waste. “The result is long-lasting energy without hyperactivity…a nerve system at rest. . . a blood system not under pressure. . . a gland and hormone system in balance”, declared Hoist.

There is a growing global interest in the use of malunggay to address malnutrition because it is readily available and inexpensive. In Africa , it has become popular as a locally produced nutritional supplement for individuals infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. Nursing mothers have shown to produce far more milk and malnourished children gained more weight after the leaves were added to their diets.

Aware of its nutritional and medicinal benefits, India is notably the largest producer of malunggay. India ’s ancient system of health care, ayurveda, believes that the malunggay leaves prevent at least three hundred diseases, which fact they say is confirmed by modern science.

Last month, Senator Loren Legarda urged a public campaign for the popularization of malunggay, which she incidentally credited for her youthful look, as an inexpensive means to combat malnutrition in the country.

Malunggay trees are abundant in the Philippines . It may be high time to start a conscious and no-nonsense effort to use this gift of nature to provide some wonders for every Filipino.

*No Copyright Infringement Intended. For blogging purposes only.*

Urine Color as Health Indicator

by Ron Kurtus (20 May 2005)

The kidneys process liquids from what you have been eating and drinking, as well as material from various body processes. The resulting urine consists of water and dissolved waste material. Since some organ malfunctions or the effort to fight off a disease can results in excess waste material, the color of the urine can be an indicator of what you have been ingesting and the condition of your health. Certain colors can indicate problems, diseases or imbalances in your diet.

Questions you may have include:

    * Of what does urine consist?

    * What are abnormal colors for urine?

    * What should you do if your urine is an abnormal color?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson. Health Disclaimer

Urine

Urine consists of water and dissolved waste material from what you have been drinking and eating. It also includes dead blood cells and other material the body wants to eliminate.

The kidneys process the blood plasma, allowing water, sugars, vitamins, amino acids and other vital substances back into the bloodstream. They eliminate excess water, salts and minerals, as well as urea from protein digestion, uric acid, creatinine from muscle breakdown, hormone waste and toxins. Also eliminated is urochrome, which is a yellow pigment that comes from the processing of dead blood cells in the liver.

The urochrome gives the urine a pale yellow color, which is its normal color.

Abnormal colors

Since the normal color of urine is pale yellow, variations can be an indication of health problems or be the result of certain foods that have been eaten.

Clear urine

If a person has been drinking an excess of water or diuretics such as coffee or beer, the urine may have little or no color. Typically, it is nothing to worry about if it happens occasionally.

Yellow urine

Excess sweating could result in the urine becoming a deeper yellow. Also, it is a sign that you have not been drinking enough liquids

Dark yellow urine

Liver problems or jaundice can cause the urine to become consistently a dark yellow color. Be sure you have been drinking enough fluids before jumping to conclusions.

Orange urine

People who eat too many carrots–like from a juicer–may see orange urine. Also, too much Vitamin C can turn the urine orange.

Brown urine

Brown urine can an indication of a serious condition. It could be caused by liver disease, hepatitis, melanoma cancer, or copper poisoning. Other symptoms from those ailments should also be considered as indicators. But note that if you had recently eaten fava beans or taken a laxative, your urine also could turn brown.

Greenish urine

A urinary tract infection, bile problems and certain drugs can cause the urine to turn greenish. A brighter green color is an indication of an excess of B vitamins.

Blue urine

Urine with a bluish tint can be caused by a psuedomonas bacterial infection. It can also be an indication of high levels of calcium.

Reddish urine

There are a number of things that can cause the urine to have a red tint.

Blood

A small amount of blood in the urine can give it a red tint. Sometimes droplets of blood are seen. A bladder infection, kidney stones or bladder stones can result in urine with red in it. Also, a slight injury to the bladder or kidney can result in bleeding into the urine. Some professional boxers have been known to pass blood in their urine after a fight.

If you see what looks like blood in your urine, it is a good idea to go to the doctor to check the condition.

Food

Eating beets can result in reddish-purple urine.

Acidic urine will turn red after eating blackberries. Alkaline urine will look reddish after eating rhubarb. Whether your urine is acidic or alkaline is usually determined by other foods you have eaten.

Candy or pills with a dye can temporarily turn the urine red.

Poison

Lead or mercury poisoning can turn the urine reddish. If you suspect you have ingested and have been handling those toxic metals, and your urine is red, you should see your physician.

What to do

If your urine has a strange color, and you have not been eating foods or taking pills that would cause the change in color, you should check yourself for other unusual symptoms and perhaps visit your doctor.

Also, if the urine has a bad odor, it may be an indication of disease.

Summary

The color of your urine may determine the state of your health. Your kidneys process liquids from what you have been eating and drinking, and the resulting urine consists of water and dissolved waste material. Certain colors of your urine can indicate problems, diseases or imbalances in your diet.

source: http://www.school-for-champions.com/health/urine_color.htm

*No Copyright Infringement Intented. For blogging purposes only*

GNLD Carotenoid Complex

Protect your cells  with revolutionary Carotenoid Complex!

First of its kind
Introduced in 1992, Carotenoid Complex was developed to address almost two decades of scientific research which showed that people who eat more fruits and vegetables live longer, healthier lives. Now, after a decade of intense ongoing research and technological developments, GNLD created a second generation Daily Carotenoid Complex that is more complete and potent than ever before.

Benefits beyond any other product
So unique it’s been patented! Based on the independent research and leading-edge technology behind Carotenoid Complex, British patent no. 2,274,235 was issued in 1996, guaranteeing the exclusivity of GNLD’s unique product benefits for 20 years! Each serving of Carotenoid Complex delivers the carotenoid profile and protective benefits of an optimal serving of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables in their most bioavailable form.

Clinical proof that it works
A food supplement with pharmaceutical potential, Carotenoid Complex is the first carotenoid supplement that has been scientifically shown by government researchers to strengthen the immune system and minimize risk for disease. Multiple studies by independent and government researchers have demonstrated that Carotenoid Complex is utilized by the body, significantly boosts immune function, and provides powerful protection against oxidation damage in the body.

The human food chain difference
Only Carotenoid Complex follows Nature’s blueprint, providing a scientifically validated, balanced formula derived from whole foods that provides carotenoids in a highly bioavailable form that the body can absorb and utilize. Derived from tomatoes, carrots, spinach, red bell peppers, strawberries, apricots and peaches, Carotenoid Complex delivers the same balanced carotenoid profile as natural foods, and the protective benefits of an optimal serving of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables. Daily Carotenoid Complex provides a broad spectrum nutrient profile with alpha-, beta-, gamma-, zeta-, and cis-beta-carotene. It also contains lycopene and cis-lycopene, lutein, alpha-cryptoxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin.

Exclusive production technology
GNLD’s NutriMax process protects the purity and potency of Carotenoid Complex ingredients at every stage, following pharmaceutical standards, preparing raw ingredients at low temperatures to prevent nutrient loss, and encapsulating in an oxygen-free environment to prevent oxidation and maximize nutrient value.

Convenient
Each capsule provides the carotenoid value of a wide variety of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables: just one more way to help you bridge the gap between what you really should eat, and what you really do eat. Carotenoid Complex™ is 100% natural and contains no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners.

Numerous studies link carotenoids — yellow, orange, red, and green pigments in fruits and vegetables — to reduced risks for cancer and heart disease, enhanced immunity, and tissue protection. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of carotenoids, but most people do not eat the 5 to 9 daily servings recommended for optimal health. GNLD NeoLife Daily Carotenoid Complex® is a whole-food supplement whose benefits have been demonstrated in human studies conducted by USDA and university researchers. Each capsule of GNLD NeoLife Daily Carotenoid Complex® provides the phytonutrient value of an optimal serving of a wide variety of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables. 

Every day your cells are bombarded by destructive oxidants. Your health is under continual threat from ever-increasing levels of pollution. Unique antioxidants derived only from fruits and vegetables offer superior cellular protection.

GNLD scientists created the strongest whole food antioxidant supplement! One bottle of Carotenoid Complex equals the carotenoid equivalent of 250 lbs. of raw fruits & vegetables! A study done by the USDA found that GNLD NeoLife Carotenoid Complex boosted immune calls by 37% in just 20 days! (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 65 No. 3)

GNLD’s Revolutionary Carotenoid Complex®!

Carotenoid Complex® is USDA tested!!

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists conducted clinical research studies on GNLD’s Carotenoid Complex® and published their findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

GNLD NeoLife Carotenoid Complex® is the first and only whole food supplement proven by USDA researchers to:

   1. Reduce blood lipid oxidation, an event that contributes to atherosclerosis, the arterial blockage that can lead to heart disease and strokes

   2. Prevent the oxidation of cellular lipids, whereas supplementation with beta-carotene alone DID NOT! Oxidation contributes to the development of cancer and other diseases.

   3. Dramatically enhanced the immune response of white blood cells — “natural killer” cells and lymphocytes  — over responses obtained at baseline and with beta-carotene supplementation alone.

    * GNLD NeoLife Carotenoid Complex is made entirely from carrots, tomatoes, red bell peppers, spinach, apricots, strawberries, and peaches.

    * One capsule of GNLD NeoLife Carotenoid Complex equals the antioxidant power of 800 IU of vitamin E or 400 mg of vitamin C!

    * Patented!

Carotenoid products made by other companies use a combination of synthetic beta-carotene and/or carotenoids from non-food sources such as marigolds and algae. GNLD’s antioxidant, Carotenoid Complex®, is based on “Nature’s Blueprint” and provides carotenoids from sources that are part of the human food chain, just as nature intended you to have them.

There is no other natural, whole food-based antioxidant supplement on the market that has the strength of GNLD’s Carotenoid Complex.

SEVERAL SEPARATE STUDIES BY GOVERNMENT RESEARCHERS SHOW GNLD’s Carotenoid Complex:

    * Supports healthy immune cells! Results presented at the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB) meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, 1995. Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1997.

    * Supports the body’s response to oxidative stress! Results published and presented at FASEB meeting, Washington D.C., 1996.

    * Contributes to the body’s natural antioxidant activity in cellular lipids. Results published and presented at the Experimental Meeting of Biologists, FASEB, Washington, D.C., 1996.

    * Promotes cardiovascular system vitality, including support for healthy antioxidant activity in LDL cholesterol. Published by USDA Research Group at the Human Nutritional Research Center in San Francisco, California, 1996.

There simply is no other natural, food-based supplement on the market that has the antioxidant strength of GNLD’s Daily Carotenoid Complex®.

Carotenoid Complex ARTICLES:

In an article published in December 1999, Newsweek Magazine points out that Popeye’s favorite vegetable, spinach, is credited with supporting eye health. Loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, these two powerful antioxidant carotenoid compounds work to lower the risk of macular degeneration and the blindness that often results from it. So, if you see green on your dinner plate or in your salad, chances are you’ll be seeing just fine well into old age!

This same article expands on the idea of “pigment power,” and details how the carotenoid compounds alpha- and beta-carotene help prevent lung cancer, cryptoxanthin seems to decrease the risk of cervical cancer, and lycopene helps prevent prostate cancer. The author even points out that beta-carotene and lycopene have been shown to support cardiovascular health. The most important point the author makes is that it is imperative to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, as it is the synergistic effect of these antioxidant carotenoid compounds that offer the most benefit.

Health and fitness magazines are also on the carotenoid bandwagon. Total Health magazine raved about the powers of lutein and zeaxanthin, highlighting a Harvard University study that showed these compounds might just reduce the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Muscle & Fitness magazine not only talked about the cancer fighting ability of carotenoids, but also their capacity to ward off viruses and bacteria. And long-time favorite Prevention magazine enthusiastically pointed out the benefits of carotenoids in the fight against heart disease.

Time magazine is also a big fan of carotenoids. In a lengthy article published in 1999, Time focused on heart health, and shined a light on the role carotenoids play in keeping your heart healthy. And recently, the Good News section of the recurring Your Health article highlighted lutein’s hidden talent for keeping arteries unclogged.

Health and news magazines aren’t the only periodicals singing carotenoids’ praises. New Woman magazine, a newsstand favorite, outlined the benefits of carotenoid supplements for fighting colds and flu. First for Women showed how lycopene and other carotenoids can fight various types of cancer, especially one of the most feared by women: cervical cancer. And Family Life and Heart & Soul magazines detailed the rewards of eating foods rich in the carotenoid compounds lutein, beta-carotene, and lycopene.

Enjoy better health today with GNLD Carotenoid Complex!!!

“Health is Wealth.”

Source: http://www.amazing-health-products.com/carotenoid-complex.htm

                http://www.carotenoidcomplex.com/product/product1.html

Note: No Copyright Infringement intended. For blogging purposes only

Mi EMO?

What really is an Emo?

Emo is a style of rock music typically characterized by melodic musicianship and expressive, often confessional lyrics. It originated in the mid-1980s hardcore punk movement of Washington, D.C., where it was known as “emotional hardcore” or “emocore” and pioneered by bands such as Rites of Spring and Embrace.

In addition to music, “emo” is often used more generally to signify a particular relationship between fans and artists, and to describe related aspects of fashion, culture, and behavior.

Today emo is commonly tied to both music and fashion as well as an inspiration toward the emo subculture, and the term “emo” is sometimes stereotyped with tight jeans on males and females alike, long fringe (bangs) brushed to one side of the face or over one or both eyes, dyed black, straight hair, tight t-shirts (usually short-sleeved) which often bear the names of emo bands (or other designer shirts), studded belts, belt buckles, canvas sneakers or skate shoes or other black shoes and thick, black horn-rimmed glasses. This fashion has at times been characterized as a fad. Early on, emo fashion was associated with a clean cut look but as the style spread to younger teenagers, the style has become darker, with long bangs and emphasis on the colour black replacing sweater vest. In recent years the popular media have associated emo with a stereotype that includes being emotional, sensitive, shy, introverted, or angst-ridden. It is also associated with depression, self-injury, and suicide.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emo

In my opinion, Emos are personas who can’t face the truth; hiding in make ups that were overly done. They said that it was there way of expressing themselves but looking at them scares me.

Filipino can never say “NO” when they want to imitate their ideal band especially in fashion. What they see is what they do for the fact that they want to patronize it. And the result, they look pathetic and funny.

Why I Hate EMO

by Pieass

http://spacefem.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24289

i wrote this speech a while back, got bored one long night, so here it is, enjoy (mainly a joke)

Emo derives its roots to the early punk scene where politics and rage was expressed through the purest forms of music. The early punk pioneers disappeared as a new form of music moved in to access the audience of the early 1990’s. This music is stereotypically seen as being suicidal, angst-ridden, wrist slitting, and label-defying crap. The mentality that arrives with the decision to be emo is to be broken hearted with broken dreams and a depression bout to boot. The only thing depressing is the stupidity and anti-intellectualism within the emo scene. Emo kids surround themselves with the ideals of depression. The common idea that infects emo is unrequited or lost love. Emo kids like to think that their girlfriend isn’t picking up the phone, that they are hated and despised, that they as people are different from everyone else. And what an attractive idea this is, to be special in the face of a society losing. How comforting to know that you as an individual, are not like the others.

Emo music as a form is dominating music now days. One cannot turn on a radio without being on slaughtered by the lack of originality and blandness of these songs. No matter what song I listen to from the emo music genre, it’s all the same trivial bullshit. Crap about a girl that won’t look at you and the teacher that just won’t leave you alone. What a bunch of idiotic clichés. And what I find astounding is the amount of kids in my generation believing that they can “relate” to this music. Parent’s broken up, mum won’t shut up, girlfriend left you for the other guy, get the hell over it. Not only are millions of other people going through the exact same situation as you, they somehow find the decency to shut the hell up about it. You’re depressive bouts of bullshit just support my claim what a juvenile and idiotic group of individuals you are.

Another thing I find hilarious about emo is their well-known ideal that they as a group are a minority. This is a blatant lie and as an idea a crime against everything you know. Not only is emo fast becoming one of the newest fads of the 20th century, its fashion has leapt upon the world and now one cannot look sideways without seeing a striped stocking or a guy with eyeliner on. For god’s sake this subculture has its own subcultures, Screamo, Hardcore Emo, and Straight Edge all part of the emo world. How ridiculous to claim that this group of adolescents are a minority. These emo kids seek out each other to express their views on a society that they hate. How ironic that these kids are so isolated that they have formed massive communities throughout the world. The Internet has helped emo spread its web, allowing kids to access bands, ideas, ideology and emo culture. How are we supposed to protect our selves and the next generation from emo? The simple answer is that we can’t, there is always going to be the alternative individual who is going to be rude, who dresses differently and writes terrible poetry at the back of the class.

But I think the most disturbing point that I have to make, is that emo is breeding an entire sub culture of youth who self mutilate. Not only do the lyrics and ideas of this culture promote depression, isolation and self-mutilation they inform a fragile audience that this is a way of life. Cutting or wrist slitting is one of the most common forms of practices done by emo kids. This is not just a stereotype; millions of emo kids everyday are scarring themselves. Somewhere along the way these teenagers realized that life isn’t worth living and took to cutting themselves. Whether this is to get attention or to end their lives depends on the cutter, but these actions clearly go beyond reason. To an emo kid, as the name states, emotions play an important part in their lifestyles and the emotions that breed out of emo music and culture are depression and teenage angst. No doubt their culture and lifestyle must promote the idea that life is just one big dark room, the lyrics say it all, but when does music stop being music and start being propaganda.

But to be fair, emo clearly is a popular genre with a lot of attractive elements to it. Not only does this culture makes a person feel as though they are unique it also could help a person find friends where they aren’t accepted elsewhere This emo culture is such an attractive way of life, to be an individual, to be an alternative, to be not like the rest. But I have a dilemma; I even enjoy emo music, the very man who is telling you to rebel against it. And so what am I? A hypocrite who is clearly locked into a state of self-loathing? Or am I just another yuppie that has been sucked into the emo vacuum. No, I am the messenger, I am the seeker, my soul purpose is to inform you today that emo is bad, the price I have to pay for this deed, is enjoying the very thing I despise.

So, emo is slowly taking over the world. This depressive mix of bad lyrics, bad attitudes, bad haircuts and bad fashion are upon us. This emo culture is breeding and promoting self-mutilation and harm. How can we live side by side with these teenagers caught up in their own angst and self hate? How are we as a world supposed to survive this onslaught? The only thing you can do is keep your head up, you face smiling, your teeth clean and your mind happy. So please emo pull your head out of the depressed, dark, twisted room you live in and let us show you the light.

disclaimer : if you take this seriously ill beat your head in

NOTE: for blogging purposes only.

The Gardener - I Am

 It’s been a week since I started trimming the grasses using the big scissor or grass shear. Trimming the grasses looks easy but it’s not that easy as what you are thinking. You really have to be very careful because if you’re not, you will only make a hole in the grass or cut off even the roots. If you have no hand skills better back off and not to use the grass shears.

In my case, I already knew how to use the grass shear. Way back in Leyte I used to be a gardener.. hehhe.. sort of, but not really. We have a big church lawn there and every Saturday I used to cut the grasses using the grass shear. It was really fun. And most of all, taking a snack after a long hour of hard work under a tree. It was really worth it.

So far, I am enjoying every grass I cut. I am a certified gardener. hehehhe

March 23, 2009 - A Date to Start Again

It’s been awhile and I missed blogging here. Here I am again, in front of my computer and started thinking of things I used to do. But, for now, I would like to give myself a consideration not to talk about those things. Maybe tomorrow, I promise. So, see yeah tomorrow.