If a boiled egg is difficult to peel, it is most likely because it was freshly laid. Eggs that have been stored in the refrigerator for a number of days will peel more easily.
Eggs need to reach 62ºC to 70ºC before they'll turn from a liquid to a solid. So, people who say, "It's hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement!" are 'eggs-aggerating'.
You get a longer shelf life for eggs if you refrigerate them. Eggs lose more quality in one day at room temperature than in a week when they are refrigerated.
You add nutrients to your garden if you recycle eggshells by adding them to your compost.
Did you know a fresh egg will sink in water, but a stale one won't?
Can't remember if you boiled that egg or not? Then spin the egg! If it wobbles, it's raw. If it spins easily, it's hard-boiled.
An eggshell has as many as 17 000 pores over its surface.
There is no difference between white or brown-shelled eggs when it comes to quality, nutrients, flavor or cooking characteristics. White shelled eggs are laid by hens with white feathers and white ear lobes (Leghorns). Brown shelled eggs are laid by hens with red-brown feathers and red ear lobes (Lohman brown or Isabrown).
It takes a hen 20 to 26 hours to produce an egg. Thirty minutes later, she starts all over again. A hen can produce up to 250 eggs in her lifetime.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is probably the best-known vitamin. It is most often associated with citrus fruit and is known for its ability to boost the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to infections like cold and flu in winter.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that performs a variety of roles in the body. It helps to promote healthy gums and teeth, aids in mineral absorption, and helps heal wounds.
This vitamin is also a water-soluble vitamin that is expressed quantitatively as milligrams.
What vitamin C does for you
Vitamin C is essential for the production and maintenance of collagen, which ensures the cohesion of the cells in the skin, gums and tendons. It also ensures that wounds heal properly and enables white blood cells to fight infection.
Vitamin C helps prevent infections, and neutralizes free radicals, the agents that trigger ageing and changes in DNA that can lead to cancer.
Which foods have vitamin C?
Papaya, guava, berries, green peppers, rose hips, broccoli, strawberries, kiwi fruit, citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons and naartjies, cabbage and cauliflower.
Signs of vitamin C deficiency
You’re likely to suffer from vitamin C deficiency if you smoke, are exposed to pollution, drink caffeine in any form, are under stress, are recovering from illness or surgery, take aspirin regularly or are over the age of 55.
If you bruise easily, are susceptible to infections and colds, lack energy, have gums that bleed easily and have nosebleeds regularly, it’s likely that you need more vitamin C.
How much vitamin C is too much?
Taking more than 5 000mg (5g) or more may cause diarrhoea and may be harmful to the liver. People who suffer from kidney stones should also avoid large doses.
New research on vitamin C
Vitamin C supplements have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cataracts later in life.
New research also shows that vitamin C may help prevent heart disease and cancer.
People who eat a diet rich in this vitamin may also be at lower risk of suffering strokes, and smokers who do so may benefit the most, research shows.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Benefits of plums
Plums and prunes have high antioxidant ability and offer a high level of defence against free radicals. They are also a source of both iron and potassium and also contain vitamin E. Prunes are also known for their laxative effect and are a good source of fiber.
How much plums should you eat?
Three small plums or prunes equals one portion of fruit.
Maximizing the benefits of plums
Both fresh and dried plums offer antioxidant benefits.
Nutritional values of plums Per 100 g
Calories 36
Potassium 240 mg
Fiber 1,6g
Thursday, January 31, 2008
DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH
It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure (30 days)
2. Gastric (10 days)
3. Diabetes (30 days)
4. Constipation (10 days)
5. Cancer (180 days)
6. TB (90 days)
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards – daily.
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. H owever, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine.
Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks:
· Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting,
· Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
· You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
· Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
· 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
· Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure (30 days)
2. Gastric (10 days)
3. Diabetes (30 days)
4. Constipation (10 days)
5. Cancer (180 days)
6. TB (90 days)
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards – daily.
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. H owever, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine.
Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks:
· Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting,
· Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
· You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
· Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
· 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
· Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Walnuts
Key benefits of walnuts
-----------------------
Walnuts, like pecan nuts, are a source of the photochemical, ellagic acid. They can lower cholesterol levels if eaten correctly. Walnuts help protect against heart disease and are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids.
How much walnuts should you eat?
---------------------------------
Walnuts are high in calories and over consumption of these could lead to weight gain. Like other nuts, five tablespoons per week can be eaten in the place of other high-fat foods.
Maximizing the benefits of walnuts
-----------------------------------
Walnuts should be eaten fresh, as they can go rancid fairly quickly. They are best eaten fresh from the shell, or alternatively relatively soon after purchase.
Nutritional values of walnuts
-----------------------------
Calories 688
Fiber 3,5g
Omega 3 fats 7,5g
Potassium 450mg
Vitamin E 3,9mg
Selenium 8mcg
-----------------------
Walnuts, like pecan nuts, are a source of the photochemical, ellagic acid. They can lower cholesterol levels if eaten correctly. Walnuts help protect against heart disease and are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids.
How much walnuts should you eat?
---------------------------------
Walnuts are high in calories and over consumption of these could lead to weight gain. Like other nuts, five tablespoons per week can be eaten in the place of other high-fat foods.
Maximizing the benefits of walnuts
-----------------------------------
Walnuts should be eaten fresh, as they can go rancid fairly quickly. They are best eaten fresh from the shell, or alternatively relatively soon after purchase.
Nutritional values of walnuts
-----------------------------
Calories 688
Fiber 3,5g
Omega 3 fats 7,5g
Potassium 450mg
Vitamin E 3,9mg
Selenium 8mcg
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Invest in your bones
Brittle bone disease or osteoporosis is a major health problem in South Africa, in young and old alike.
In fact, more than a third of women over the age of 50 and nearly half of all individuals over 70 are affected by this disease.
But the condition can be prevented and avoided.
Investing in your bones whilst still in your teenage years or in your twenties and early thirties, so as to increase your bone density is optimal, but if you're beyond that - don't despair - it's not too late to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Exercise, and particularly running is a great way to increase bone density. To encourage people to get active for their bones' sake, the National Osteoporosis Foundation has teamed up with the Sports Science Institute's OptiFit Walk and Run Health Programme and Cape Technikon Athletic Club for their fourth annual road race.
In fact, more than a third of women over the age of 50 and nearly half of all individuals over 70 are affected by this disease.
But the condition can be prevented and avoided.
Investing in your bones whilst still in your teenage years or in your twenties and early thirties, so as to increase your bone density is optimal, but if you're beyond that - don't despair - it's not too late to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Exercise, and particularly running is a great way to increase bone density. To encourage people to get active for their bones' sake, the National Osteoporosis Foundation has teamed up with the Sports Science Institute's OptiFit Walk and Run Health Programme and Cape Technikon Athletic Club for their fourth annual road race.
Top 10 winter foods
Use food to your advantage this winter - the right ones can cut your risk for colds and flu, and help you stay in shape. Here's our list of the top 10 essential winter foods:
1. Citrus fruit
Oranges, grapefruit and arties are all packed with protective nutrients such as vitamin C and bioflavonoid that help to ward off winter colds and flu. Simply put, vitamin C can be seen as the "glue" in the body that holds your cells together and keeps them strong so that they can fight viruses and bacteria that may enter the body.
2. The pumpkin family
Butternut, pumpkins, squash – all great sources of beta-carotene, one of the most powerful antioxidants in our winter arsenal. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid which the body converts into vitamin A. Carotenoids, the naturally occurring pigments that give fruits and vegetables their colour, have been credited as having powerful disease-preventing powers.
3. Probiotic foods
By now, you've probably heard that probiotic supplements and foods, like yoghurt and tempeh (a dish made from split soybeans and water), are good for you.Probiotics are cultures of the "good" bacteria that occur naturally in the intestinal tract of healthy human beings. These good guys compete with harmful bacteria in the GI tract for food and prevent them from wreaking havoc in the body.
4. Fish
Fish is a fantastic, healthy and versatile source of zinc and the omega-3 fatty acids, both of which will give your health a boost this winter. Zinc increases the production of white blood cells that fight infection. This way, it helps your body to fight diseases more aggressively.
5. Garlic
Garlic does more than add flavour to your food. This pungent vegetable also has antibacterial and antiviral effects, and seems to be particularly useful in terms of chest infections.
6. Chicken soup
If you do get sick this winter, liquids, such as soup, can help combat dehydration. Hot soup also produces steam that can help ease nasal congestion and keep your nasal passages moist.
Chicken is also a good source of selenium and vitamin E. Anecdotal evidence suggests that both these antioxidants can boost immunity.
7. Oats
Oats is a great hearty breakfast option that can help keep the kilos down during the winter months, when one tends to be a little less active.Oats is classified as a low glycaemic-index (GI) food. Low GI foods help to stabilise blood sugar levels by ensuring a slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. By means of this mechanism, these foods keep you satisfied for longer. You'll also be less inclined to get sugar cravings.
8. Oysters
Oysters are a great source of zinc, an essential trace element that stimulates the body to fight infections like flu. Zinc also helps wounds to heal. Oysters are, of course, also a well-known "love food" (and there's new evidence to support the aphrodisiac claim) – perfect for winter snuggling and cuddling.
9. Mushrooms
Recent studies have found that mushrooms are good for the immune system. The varieties known as Reichi, Maitake, and Shiitake seem to be particularly useful.
10. Tea
In general, tea has many health benefits – ranging from possible cancer prevention to lowering the risk for overweight. Now, research also shows that tea might boost immunity.Researchers recently found that people who drank five to six cups of black tea each day seemed to get a boost in that part of the immune system that acts as a first line of defence against infection.
1. Citrus fruit
Oranges, grapefruit and arties are all packed with protective nutrients such as vitamin C and bioflavonoid that help to ward off winter colds and flu. Simply put, vitamin C can be seen as the "glue" in the body that holds your cells together and keeps them strong so that they can fight viruses and bacteria that may enter the body.
2. The pumpkin family
Butternut, pumpkins, squash – all great sources of beta-carotene, one of the most powerful antioxidants in our winter arsenal. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid which the body converts into vitamin A. Carotenoids, the naturally occurring pigments that give fruits and vegetables their colour, have been credited as having powerful disease-preventing powers.
3. Probiotic foods
By now, you've probably heard that probiotic supplements and foods, like yoghurt and tempeh (a dish made from split soybeans and water), are good for you.Probiotics are cultures of the "good" bacteria that occur naturally in the intestinal tract of healthy human beings. These good guys compete with harmful bacteria in the GI tract for food and prevent them from wreaking havoc in the body.
4. Fish
Fish is a fantastic, healthy and versatile source of zinc and the omega-3 fatty acids, both of which will give your health a boost this winter. Zinc increases the production of white blood cells that fight infection. This way, it helps your body to fight diseases more aggressively.
5. Garlic
Garlic does more than add flavour to your food. This pungent vegetable also has antibacterial and antiviral effects, and seems to be particularly useful in terms of chest infections.
6. Chicken soup
If you do get sick this winter, liquids, such as soup, can help combat dehydration. Hot soup also produces steam that can help ease nasal congestion and keep your nasal passages moist.
Chicken is also a good source of selenium and vitamin E. Anecdotal evidence suggests that both these antioxidants can boost immunity.
7. Oats
Oats is a great hearty breakfast option that can help keep the kilos down during the winter months, when one tends to be a little less active.Oats is classified as a low glycaemic-index (GI) food. Low GI foods help to stabilise blood sugar levels by ensuring a slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. By means of this mechanism, these foods keep you satisfied for longer. You'll also be less inclined to get sugar cravings.
8. Oysters
Oysters are a great source of zinc, an essential trace element that stimulates the body to fight infections like flu. Zinc also helps wounds to heal. Oysters are, of course, also a well-known "love food" (and there's new evidence to support the aphrodisiac claim) – perfect for winter snuggling and cuddling.
9. Mushrooms
Recent studies have found that mushrooms are good for the immune system. The varieties known as Reichi, Maitake, and Shiitake seem to be particularly useful.
10. Tea
In general, tea has many health benefits – ranging from possible cancer prevention to lowering the risk for overweight. Now, research also shows that tea might boost immunity.Researchers recently found that people who drank five to six cups of black tea each day seemed to get a boost in that part of the immune system that acts as a first line of defence against infection.
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