Dr. Oz's 7-Day Belly Workout

Checkout this article, a weekly activity for tummy. Wonder if i can flatten it by a few cm s?? doesn't hurt to try huh!!

Say goodbye to shapewear! Dr. Oz's 7-day workout plan will help tone and tighten your tummy. The exercises change slightly each day to keep your muscles guessing, allowing them to change shape.

 

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI 1432H

Hope it's not too late to wish  `Selamat Hari Raya' to all bloggers who took a stroll  at my humble blog. This year we celebrated `Aidil Fitri' in Trengganu - mom-in-law's house. It was a quiet `Raya' since  my sister in laws (5 of them) headed to their own venues for `raya' celebration this year.

 It has been quite sometime i took a break from blogging.  I was busy educating myself on how to make `macarons' or also known as `french macaron' via the `net' - youtube n other reading materials. As usual, my children are the catalyst behind this tedious and head wrenching project.

 For info, `macaron'  and `macaroon' are totally two different confectionery. Macaron is a sweet confectionery made with egg whites, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond powder or ground almond, and food coloring whilst Macaroon is a type of light, baked confection, described as either small cakes or meringue-like cookies depending on their consistency. (i googled this info out)

Macarons in a variety of colours.

macaroon

Though the ingredients for macaron making is easy to obtain but the technique proof to be the gist of it. I bought 1 kilo of almond ground  and tried a few batches with different recipes and managed to finalize  one  that came out almost perfect with feet and a few other criteria s. The first flavour i did successfully was chocolate macaron with `nutella' as its filling.

Below i proudly present  my fruit of success after many many disastrous baking. 

"bon-a-petit"

Foods That Make You Beautiful

Want to make yourself  look beautiful naturally?? Here are some tips courtesy of  Dr. Oz's Show. Read on...

Stop buying drugstore creams and potions that promise whiter teeth, healthier hair and brighter skin – you can achieve your beauty goals by changing your diet. Beauty comes from within, so treat your body right and eat your way to better looks with these healthy foods.

Whiter Teeth: Celery
Want to brighten up your smile? Swap your whitening strips for a crunchy midday snack. Celery contains fibrous cellulose which scrubs away teeth stains as you chew it. For more natural teeth whitening solutions, click here.

Strong Nails: Walnuts
Brittle nails that are soft, thin and easily torn are a problem for many women. The solution is biotin, a B vitamin that helps strengthen nails. Before opting for a biotin supplement, try snacking on walnuts. As well as being an excellent source of biotin, walnuts are rich in other beauty enhancers – like wrinkle-reducing omega-3s.

Healthy Hair: Beans
Any well-balanced diet should contain a substantial amount of protein but this is particularly true for those looking to improve the state of their hair. Try eating protein-rich beans for stronger, healthier hair that won’t break. Click here for a list of foods that fight the effects of aging.

Flawless Skin: Squash, Liver and Salmon
The key to flawless skin is what you put into your body – not what you smear on it. The antioxidants responsible for glowing, youthful skin – called carotenoids – can be found in squash and other colorful fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids fight free radicals and help to protect skin against damage and disease, while vitamin A-rich foods like liver will help prevent dry skin.

For the best defense against wrinkles make sure to pack your diet with omega-3 fatty acids. Found in great quantities in food like salmon, omega-3s reduce inflammation in the body as well as reinforce cell membranes, improving their ability to retain water, yielding softer, smoother skin. To learn more about omega-3s click here

Daily Dose: Omega-3

Reaching 50 and with no exercise your joints will start to give away especially the knees. Here's an article from The Dr. Oz Show which could enlighten us on  the functions of Omega-3 which is often talk about nowadays.

It's good for your joints, skin, vision, brain, heart, helps lower bad cholesterol levels and even boosts fertility. It's an anti-ager and an anti-inflammatory. It's found naturally in a variety of delicious foods including walnuts, salmon, tuna, olive oil and avocados. It's omega-3 - and it's time you got to know the daily dose that's good for just about every single part of your body.

Omega-3 fatty acids are the brain-boosting, cholesterol-clearing good fats (monounsaturated). Dr. Oz lists them as 1 of the 5 critical vitamins every woman should take, 1 of 5 daily nutrition needs and as one of the most important steps expecting mother's can take to promote their baby's healthy development. There are 3 basic forms of omega-3:

• Alpha-linelenic acid (ALA) found in English walnuts and vegetable oils like flaxseed, soybean and olive which the body eventually, but in small quantities, converts to DHA.
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found primarily in fish oil, this is the ultimate form of fatty acid in humans. Most people get far too little of this all-important fatty acid, especially since the conversion of ALA to DHA is slow and minimally yielding. Getting a daily dose of of DHA (600 to 1000 mg) from supplements is preferable to reap the health benefits. You have a choice of taking a fish oil supplement or one derived from algae or krill, a shrimp-like crustacean.
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is also found in fish oil, so it's absorbed if you're taking a daily dose of DHA omega-3.

What to look for when buying fish oil supplements:

• Fish oil supplements vary in the amounts and ratios of DHA and EPA they contain. For example, salmon oil naturally contains more DHA than EPA; a supplement derived from algae may only contain DHA. Krill oil contains significant amounts of both EPA and DHA. Read the labels and remember whatever supplement you buy, it must have at least 600 mg of DHA.
• Be aware that only about one-third of the oil from fish is rich in EPA and DHA. Many supplements also contain vitamin E or other antioxidants to stabilize the oils and prevent them from becoming rancid. If you choose to buy a fish oil supplement, check the label carefully to see if it recommends refrigeration to prevent spoiling.
• Most brands of fish oil have been proven safe, free of detectable traces of mercury, and do not contain unsafe levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), a toxin and pollutant believed to pose various health threats. To avoid contaminants in an unrefined supplement, it's best to choose a fish oil supplement made from small, oily fish like anchovy, sardines or menhaden.

Here's how a daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids can improve and protect vital aspects of your body's daily functioning:

• Lubricates joints Helps provide the lubrication joints need to function at an effective level. By keeping joints lubed, you experience less grinding and less overall wear and tear - and thereby - less pain as you age.
• Decreases inflammation in inflamed joints.
• Fights wrinkles As we age, fat cells in our skin's third layer thin out and tend to get a bit bumpier; omega-3s help make that layer thicker and smooth. The effect? Wrinkles go away and skin becomes fuller.
• Protects Vision Our eyes' retinas are a membranous structures and the whole eye is covered in a soft double layer of membranes, making your eyes' health dependent on the liver (who knew?). The liver helps metabolize fat-soluble vitamins that feed and maintain those membranes. If you're deficient in DHA, it affects how we see by delaying the system that converts light into neural energy in the retina.
• Pumps the heart Where to begin?! Omega-3s reduce triglycerides, stabilize your heartbeat, make platelets "less sticky" and can even lower blood pressure. The EPA you get with your daily DHA dose helps prevent artery-blocking clots. In the Iowa Nurses Study (and 3 others), 1 ounce of nuts a day decreased the incidence of heart disease between 20 and 60%.
• Attacks Acne It may surprise you to know that an inadequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids contributes to breakout-prone skin. Trade sugar (and meat) for avocados, walnuts, salmon or trout to help control acne.
• Clears Cholesterol Boosts levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) and helps clear your arteries.
• Boosts the Brain In keeping your arteries clear, you're immediately improving brain function. They also alter your neurotransmitters to help reduce depression.
• Enhances Fertility Improves fertility rates in both males and females by improving sperm's swimming ability and the environment for implantation in women.
• A Pregnancy Prerequisite Omega-3 fatty acids directly affect brain development, making it crucial for expectant mothers. Additionally, research indicates they decrease a mother's risk of depression. When the mother doesn't have enough of these essential fatty acids, the baby borrows from her. Some prenatal vitamins now include omega-3s, so be sure to check the label or grab a handful of walnuts each day.

Natural Teeth Whitening Solutions

Here are some tips to whiten your teeth the natural ways.

Embarrassed by your less-than-pearly-white teeth? It’s a common problem that can chip away at your self-confidence. Regular brushing and flossing sometimes isn’t enough to combat stains, and while whitening strips are helpful, they can also cause painful tooth sensitivity. Learn how to achieve whiter teeth with these natural solutions. 

Try adding these natural whiteners to your diet for brighter, healthier teeth.

Natural Bleaching Agent: Strawberries
Strawberries are powerful teeth whiteners that contain both an astringent and vitamin C. The astringent in strawberries effectively aids in the removal of surface stains while vitamin C whitens teeth by clearing away plaque.

Natural Toothbrush: Apples
A crunchy apple acts like a toothbrush as you chew it. The process of chewing an apple removes excess food and bacteria from your mouth while scrubbing away surface stains. Apples also contain malic acid, a chemical used in teeth whitening products, which helps dissolve stains. 

Natural Mouthwash: Raisins
Raisins help to keep your teeth white by inducing saliva production. An increased level of salvia naturally helps to rinse away plaque.

Still need a little extra help? Try this:

Dr. Oz’s  Teeth Whitening Home Remedy

Ingredients
Baking Soda
Lemon

Directions
In a small bowl, mix a little bit of baking soda with the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon. The mixture should bubble slightly.

Using a cotton swab, wipe saliva and excess plaque from your teeth before brushing on the mixture. Leave the mixture on your teeth for a minute before gently brushing it off with a toothbrush.

Don’t leave the mixture on your teeth for any longer than a minute; the acid erode tooth enamel.

Earthquake, Tsunami and Radiation

I've been following the breaking news in CNN about a major earthquake which hit  Northern Japan since Friday, March 11  and it was heartbreaking seeing one after another the disaster that befell the Japanese people. Just within 30 minutes of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake came the tsunami's wrath and latest the increasing of  radiation level which can `impact human life'. To date more than 4000 people has perished and thousands more missing.

Amid the devastation and disaster, the Japanese people remains true to their ways, courteous and organize. They queue up for hours very patiently for water and food, no rushing or pushing. Many foreign journalist  were impressed with the scenarios and we Malaysian should embrace this attitude in our everyday life.

As the water recede, the land tremble no more and the radiation source contained safely,  I hope the Japanese people would get back on their feet and rebuild their life.

Here are some images of the aftermath taken from the CNN special coverage on Japan tsunami. For more stories and images just click here. A picture is worth a thousand words.

A yacht washed ashore by a huge tsunami sits on top of a building in Otsuchi, Japan. on Monday, March 14

A tsunami smashes vehicles and houses in Kesennuma city in Miyagi Prefecture in northern Japan on Friday

Cars washed inland by the tsunami sit in debris-covered water outside Sendai

Five-year-old Neena Sasaki carries family belongings from her destroyed home in Rikuzentakata in Miyagi Prefecture on Tuesday, March 15.

Japanese residents queue for food in Sendai.

Rescue workers look for missing people who were lost in the tsunami, in Natori, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

A Self Defense Forces soldier holds a 4-month-old baby in Ishinomaki city in Miyagi prefecture Monday. The child survived the tsunami with her family

Sixty-year-old survivor Hiromitsu Shinkawa spent two days floating on a piece of roof in waters off Fukushima prefecture before being rescued

Residents carry supplies as they navigate over damaged vehicles outside a store in Tagajo, Miyagi Prefecture

Before and After: Devastation in Japan (images from CNN)

Minamisanriku in Miyagi, Japan, in 2002, and again after the tsunami in 2011.

Kesennuma in Miyagi, Japan, in 2002, and again after the tsunami in 2011.

Kashima in Minamisoma, Japan, in 2003, and again after the tsunami in 2011

Otomo in Rikuzentakata, Japan, in 2005, and again after the tsunami in 2011.

Fujitsuka in Sendai, Japan, in 2008, and again after the tsunami in 2011.

Airport in Sendai, Japan, in 2003, and again after the tsunami in 2011

What's in Dr. Oz's Medicine Cabinet? And What Should Be in Yours?

Dr. Mehmet Oz

Professor of surgery at Columbia University

Dr. Oz is vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University. He directs the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital. His research interests include heart replacementsurgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, complementary medicine and healthcare policy. He has authored more than 400 original publications, book chapters and medical books and has received several patents.

 

 It may not look as cluttered as your garage or basement, but of all the storage spaces in your home, your medicine cabinet probably needs a makeover the most. Once you've cleared out the expired bottles, restock with my medicine cabinet must-haves:

 

 

Tea Tree Oil

Applying this naturally antimicrobial oil straight to the skin can treat a range of fungal infections, including athlete's foot.

Tiger Balm

This nearly 100-year-old remedy contains active ingredients, including camphor, that create a heating effect and help ease pain.

Band-Aids

Protecting small wounds helps prevent infection—and discourages scabs from forming, which helps reduce the chance of scarring.

Ibuprofen

Take this drug a few days before menstrual cramps hit. It blocks the formation of compounds called prostaglandins, which cause your uterus to contract.

Aspirin

If you're over 40, ask your doctor about taking two low-dose aspirin daily to help prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer.

Pepto-Bismol

This pink medicine can treat all manner of GI ailments, from nausea to diarrhea, by fighting inflammation and acid buildup.

Toothbruth

Keep it inside your medicine cabinet, not on the counter. Flushing the toilet can send tiny bacteria everywhere—including onto your bristles.

Toothpaste

Check the label. Sodium lauryl sulfate creates foam when you brush, but you don't need it for a clean mouth—and it can cause canker sores.

Dental Floss

Flossing is essential to help prevent gingivitis, a chronic infection of the gums that increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Neti Pot
 
Using a neti pot to cleanse your sinus cavity can help fight congestion—without the side effects of allergy pills and nasal sprays.
 
Valerian Root

This ancient insomnia remedy may affect the neurotransmitter GABA, the chemical targeted by many prescription sleep medications.

By Dr. Mehmet Oz
O, The Oprah Magazine  |  From the September 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazin

 

 

 

 

Treating the Fire in Your Gut

The burning, nausea and pain associated with gastritis comes from inflammation of the stomach lining. Read on to find out what can trigger this condition and what foods can ease the pain.

Gastritis is a painful condition where the lining of your stomach becomes inflamed or damaged from stomach acid. Avoid the following items that may add fuel to this fire.

Ibuprofen Long-term use of ibuprofen, aspirin and NSAIDs can thin out the lining of your stomach.

Alcohol Excessive drinking (qualified as more than 3 drinks a day for women) can irritate and erode stomach lining.

Stress The body produces gastritis-causing acid in response to stress.

Coffee is acidic, which irritates gastritis. Carbonated drinks and fruit juices may also have a similar effect.

To ease the symptoms of gastritis, consider incorporating foods from the chart below into your diet.

 Extracted from The Dr. Oz Show.

Foods That Help You Snooze

Do you have problem sleeping?? Here are some food listed by Dr. Oz to help you get a good night sleep.

Having trouble falling asleep? There is a surprising way to get more shut eye: change your diet. Learn what foods to eat before bedtime so you can stay sound asleep 'til the sun comes up.




 
You may not think what happens at your dinner table has much to do with your nights of tossing and turning, but there is a connection. Diets high in refined sugar can cause indigestion and trigger insulin surges that interfere with the hormones that affect sleep. The solution: low-fat and high-fiber foods. 

When you eat is as important as what you eat for a peaceful night. Eating late at night forces your body and brain to be digesting instead of resting. Avoid eating 3 hours before you go to bed. 

The following are simple, tasty and nutritious options to help you get the 7-8 hours of sleep that are so critical to your health.

Bananas are chockfull of potassium and magnesium, which both help to relax your muscles to give you a peaceful night’s sleep. Bananas also have the added benefit of helping to lower your blood pressure while you sleep.

Popcorn With Parmesan Cheese provides a delicious combination of carbohydrates and dairy. Dairy has tryptophan in it, which is a precursor to a sleep-inducing hormone, and the carbohydrates in the popcorn help your brain absorb tryptophan better. For simple instructions to make light, homemade popcorn, click here.

Top your salads with chia seeds; they contain the sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan. The tryptophan in chia seeds, like in turkey, raises melatonin and serotonin levels, which promotes stable sleep. With more than twice the tryptophan of turkey, you’ll need just 2 ounces of chia seeds to help you snooze.

Wheat germ sprinkled on yogurt or cereal will provide you with a boost of vitamin B6, used in sleep aids for its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. Try 1 teaspoon of wheat germ for more restful sleep. 

A cup of valerian tea with honey before bed is a centuries old practice. The natural compounds in valerian tea have been used as a sedative and may help reduce the amount of time it takes for you to fall asleep. The glucose in honey will help you relax as you are trying to fall asleep; it affects orexin, a neurotransmitter that has been linked to alertness.

Tart cherry juice is rich in melatonin, the sleep hormone that regulates and resets your internal clock. Drink an 8 oz. glass in the morning and 2 hours before bed for sweet dreams. To get the full benefit, drink this juice at a scheduled time every day. To read more about melatonin, click here.

A turkey burger with spinach on a whole wheat bun is the perfect meal for restful sleep. You can thank the tryptophan in turkey for that. Tryptophan not only affects melatonin, but it also creates serotonin, which helps to stabilize sleep. The iron in spinach is also known to help relieve the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome. For Dr. Oz-approved turkey recipes, click here.


Note : Iron is critical to several body functions including :

• Creating hemoglobin in red blood cells
• Transporting oxygen to cells
• Regulating cell growth and development
• Maintaining a healthy immune system
• Promoting healthy brain function

A deficiency of this essential nutrient can put you at risk for serious conditions such as iron-deficient anemia, which causes fatigue and weakens the immune system.

 Cheese and 100% whole grain crackers are your best bedtime-snack bet. The whole grains help produce serotonin. Cheese, like other dairy products, contains tryptophan. Together, they make for a winning combination.

Home Remedies Put to the Test

Here are some home remedies that are tested by Dr. Oz and might be  useful in case of emergencies.

Dr. Oz continues to put viewer home remedies to the test. See what works and what doesn't.






Often communicated by a trusted source, it's easy to believe in the healing powers of home remedies. However, it can be difficult to differentiate a successful home remedy from an old wives' tale. To clear up the confusion, Dr. Oz took some remedies YOU swear by and put them to the test!

Chopped Garlic and Honey/Turmeric Powder and Milk for Joint Pain

Method: For the first step, chop garlic and add to 1 tablespoon of honey. For the second step, add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder to a half a glass of warm milk. Swallow the honey-garlic mixture and chase it with the milk mixture.
Verdict: It works! Inflammation is a major cause of joint pain. Garlic, honey, turmeric and milk all have anti-inflammatory properties. Mixing turmeric into warm milk (instead of water) makes it easier to drink.

Tickle the Roof of Your Mouth to Stop Hiccups

Method: Use a cotton ball to tickle the roof of your mouth at the point where the hard and soft palate meets.
Verdict: It works! Hiccups are caused by a spasm of the diaphragm. Tickling the roof of your mouth stimulates the vagus nerve, which interrupts that spasm.

Play the Didgeridoo to Help Snoring

Method: The didgeridoo is a wind instrument that produces a droning sound. Play this instrument, or as an alternative, blow into a wrapping paper roll before bed to help with snoring and sleep apnea.
Verdict: It works! Snoring and sleep apnea are caused by collapse of upper airways. Playing the didgeridoo strengthens those muscles and prevents them from narrowing. It uses circular breathing – storing air in your cheeks for one continuous breath. This practice can also lessen daytime sleepiness, a complication of snoring and sleep apnea.

Lemon Slices for Constipation

Method: Cut a lemon into pieces and then eat it.
Verdict: It works! Raw lemon is high in vitamin C, and in high doses, vitamin C can cause diarrhea.

Headband to Cure a Headache

Method: Pour rubbing alcohol into a bowl, wet the bandana in the alcohol and then tie it tightly around your head
Verdict: It doesn't work. Although there might be some comfort in cooling your forehead, the fumes of the alcohol can actually worsen your headache. Additionally, high levels of alcohol absorbed through the skin and may cause nausea. Instead, soak the bandana in water that's been mixed with a little bit of rosemary or lavender.

Cabbage Juice to Cure Ulcers

Method: Take raw cabbage and blend in a juice extractor to remove the pulp. Drink the juice while fresh. You can sweeten the taste by adding carrot juice.
Verdict: It works! Fresh, uncooked cabbage has been proven to heal ulcers. In a study conducted in the 1950s, over 90% of participants were completely rid of their ulcers through this method.

Olive Oil Rinse to Prevent Gingivitis

Method: Take a bit of olive oil, and swish it around in your mouth. Swallow.
Verdict: It works! Because olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats (the good kind of fat) and antioxidants that reduce plaque buildup, it works to prevent gingivitis. It can also minimize the discomfort from other sores in your mouth. Additionally, the antioxidants in olive oil help to kill off H. pylori, the bacteria that infects stomach lining and causes ulcers.

Milk and Cabbage Gel for Back Pain

Method: Chop up 5-6 large leaves of cabbage into halves or quarters. Add them to 2 cups of milk. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat for around 20-35 minutes until it boils and starts to look and feel sticky. Spread the mixture onto your back and leave on for around 20 minutes.
Verdict: It does not work! Although the heat may help to loosen up the muscles and bring relief, there is no science behind milk or cabbage being useful for back pain.

Curry Rice Drink for an Upset Stomach

Method: Take boiled rice, add around 10 crushed curry leaves, 1 tsp cumin seeds and then fry together. Then add 1 glass of water and bring to a boil. Have the drink on an empty stomach.
Verdict: It works! Rice usually helps an upset stomach. Additionally, there is also some evidence that curry leaves contain a protein that slows down digestion, and could be helpful to treat diarrhea.

Onion Wrap for Fever Aches & Pains

Method: Peel and slice an onion. Then cut the tops of panty hose and place the slices inside. Wrap around you ankle like a bracelet. Put a sock on over the onion. Wear overnight to reduce your fever.
Verdict: It might work. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties which could reduce a fever, but only when eaten. There is no evidence that this would work through the skin.

Olive Oil and Garlic for Ear Infections

Method: Heat 1 tsp olive oil. Cool oil until it's tepid. Make sure you test first. Add less than 1/3 of a pressed garlic clove - make sure you use only tiny pieces that will dissolve and not chunks. Use a clear dropper and add a couple drops into the ear canal.
Verdict: It works! Garlic has anti-bacterial properties which relieves pain and cures infection.

Chicken Soup Cures a Cold

Method: We've all heard that chicken soup is good for a cold, and instinctively, this makes sense...but does it really work?
Verdict: It works! Chicken soup slows immune cells down, reducing the inflammation that causes cold symptoms. The steam also helps to clear stuff airways. Try this bonafide recipe from a Dr. Oz viewer.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Heartburn

Method: Swallow a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar rather than popping antacids to soothe heartburn.
Verdict: It does not work! Apple cider vinegar works for a lot things (like killing germs, weight loss and hair health) but unfortunately, there's no evidence that supports it can help heartburn. And if it tastes bad, skip it altogether.

Anti-Aging Foods Cheat Sheet

Here's a treat on how to look younger without undergoing cosmetic surgeries. Just take a look at all the list of foods that Dr.Oz has laid out. Choose your pick!!

Consider these foods your anti-aging staples. As a rule, fruits and vegetables high in flavonoids and carotenoids, 2 powerful plant-based antioxidants, will remove the free radicals from your skin and body that cause you to age prematurely.




A well-balanced diet can help you lose weight, live longer and feel fitter. But it can also help you look younger. Forget the fountain of youth. Load up a plate at the feel-better buffet and turn back the clock on a full (and happy) stomach.

• Cucumbers are good for the skin. The silica in the peel helps reduce wrinkles and boost collagen. Buy them unwaxed if possible.
• Blood oranges contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that combat free radical damage and UV rays.
• Cod contains selenium which safeguards your skin from sun damage and cancer.
• Mango provides 96% of your daily vitamin C needs and helps prevent periodontal disease.
• Lowfat cottage cheese is full of protein, and therefore promotes hair health (since hair is mostly protein). Just be wary of hidden sodium levels.
• Lean beef is full of iron. Iron deficiency can cause nail beds to be thin and concave.
• Foods of the Mediterranean: fennel, an anti-inflammatory; octopus, a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, B12, iron and zinc; gigantes beans, giant lima beans rich in potassium
• Oysters an excellent source of zinc, which aids in protein synthesis and collagen formation. 
• Red peppers and brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C, which help build collagen and fight off free radicals.
• Blueberries 1 serving of this superfood provides more antioxidant activity than most fruits and veggies. Antioxidants fight the free radicals that cause wrinkles.
• Sunflower seeds contain lignin phytoestrogens, which prevent collagen breakdown and boost the skin's lipid barrier.
• Tuna contains Omega-3 fatty acids that fight UV-related cell damage and are a rich source of niacin, a deficiency of which causes skin rashes.
• Avocados are one of the richest sources of monounsaturated fats and contain biotin for healthy skin.
• Watermelon is a source of lycopene, which protects the skin from UV rays.
• Kelp contains vitamins C and E, which protect fats in the skin's moisture barrier from free-radical damage.
• Lentils are a good source of zinc.
• Pumpkin seeds are pumped full of antioxidants and magnesium, which help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Eggs are high in iron and biotin.
• Pomegranate seeds contain juice rich in ellagic acid and punic alagin - 2 agents that fight damage from free radicals and preserve the collagen in your skin.
• Oatmeal is high in soluble fiber which reduces LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol").
• Black currants contain a compound called anthocyanosides, which can help improve vision. Additionally, this superfood contains 5 times the vitamin C that oranges do, making it a superb immunity booster.
• Cranberry juice disrupts the formation of plague and thereby prevents yellowing of teeth. The flavonoids in cranberry juice also counteract the damaging effects of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Be careful that you aren't drinking a sugar-laden cranberry juice cocktail.
• Dark chocolate will help curb your sweet tooth and is rich in flavonoids.  
• Red wine made with the dark skin and seeds of the grapes that are rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that includes resveratrol. If you aren't a drinker, opt for grape juice or a resveratrol supplement available at your drug store for about $25.
• Pure noni juice, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can help fight the formation of tumors – and wrinkles. Noni and noni products, like DERMAdoctor Photodynamic Therapy Noni Lotion, build collagen and are high in antioxidants and polyphenols.
• Guava is packed with vitamin C which boosts collagen production to smooth skin. Two cups of guava per week is the perfect dose of this anti-aging powerhouse.
• Wheat germ is rich in zinc, which plays a crucial role in the production of new skin cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to help prevent eczema; recent studies even indicate that wheat germ can help reduce acne. Get half a cup of wheat germ per day for your daily dose of zinc. Try sprinkling it over salads and yogurt or adding it to smoothies.
• Romaine lettuce is a leafy green vegetable high in vitamin A, a vitamin that helps revitalize skin by increasing cell turnover and encouraging new skin cell growth. Add 6 leaves to your salad or as a side with dinner for your daily allowance of vitamin A.
• Brazil nuts contain selenium, a powerful mineral that aids in the production of the antioxidant, glutathione which repairs cell damage and slows down the skin's aging process. Just 2 nuts a day will help you stop the aging process in its tracks.
• Tomatoes provide lycopene, which helps prevent heart disease, elevated cholesterol and cancer. Lycopene acts as natural sun block, preventing the UV damage that causes sun spots, dryness, wrinkles. Remember to cook tomatoes for the maximum anti-aging effect.
• Sardines, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promote hair growth and shine to keep your locks looking young.
• Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin C, which the body needs to manufacture sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. Sebum is the body's "natural conditioner," and keeps hair shiny, smooth and young looking, while preventing dryness.
• Beans, which are high in protein, promote hair growth and help thicken hair cells by making the fibers stronger.
• Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A; this nutrient is essential to a healthy scalp and youthful-looking, shiny hair. 

Refrigerator/Freezer Food Storage Chart

Another information from The Dr. Oz Show to be shared, a storage chart which i found it to be useful for my everyday use.

Note : 40 degrees Fahrenheit is equivalent to 4 degrees celcius.

Properly storing foods can help maintain their quality. Whether you’re freezing or refrigerating, one basic rule applies: When in doubt, throw it out! Use this chart from Home Food Safety to stop guessing and get the most out of your food.

Less Stress in 5 Minutes

Feeling stress ?? Here are some tips from The Dr. Oz Show to lower stress.

Whether it's work, money or family that's the cause, most of us have more stress in our lives than we'd like; it's pushing our bodies to the breaking point and we don't know how to manage stress, let along eliminate it. Dr. Oz is revealing how to lower your stress in less than 5 minutes

Commit to improving your overall mental and physical health by taking just 5 minutes a day to reduce the stress in your life. Here's Dr. Oz's 5-step plan that takes less than 5 minutes and costs next to nothing.

Step 1: Viva Vitamin C
Vitamin C allows the body to quickly clear out cortisol, a primary stress hormone that increases sugars in the bloodstream. Although helpful in a fight or flight scenario, regularly elevated levels of cortisol in your body suppress normal functioning of the digestive system, reproductive system and growth processes. Vitamin C helps to regulate cortisol and prevent blood pressure from spiking in response to stressful situations.

Grab an orange, a kiwi or try a supplement of 3,000mg for maximum benefit.

Step 2: Have a Cup of Black Tea

It seems that slowing down your day an enjoying a cup of tea would be a calming practice in itself. And when you order black tea, you'll get the calming benefits of flavonoids, which help block fight or flight divisions in the nervous system. Black tea does contain caffeine though, so limit yourself to one cup.

Step 3: Snack on Pistachios

Pistachios are one of the lowest calorie, lowest fat, and highest fiber nuts. They are also full of nutrients that can help prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol and help stop cell damage. During times of stress, this nutritious nut helps lower your blood pressure and heart rate. One serving is roughly 50 kernels - so crack into a few!

Step 4: Massage Your Ears

Borrowing from the ancient secrets of acupuncture, acupressure allows you to give yourself an ear massage pressure points on the lobes and outer rims of the ear, both of which help to relax all the muscles of the face and body.

Start by applying light pressure to your earlobes using your thumb and index finger. Then, rub the earlobes and move up the outer rim of the ear to the top of your ear. Apply pressure very gently and then work your way back down. You can do this for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: The Forehead Massage

The acupressure point you want to massage here is located between the eyebrows. It's connected to the pineal gland, a small endocrine gland responsible for the production of melatonin. Begin by placing gentle pressure right between the eyebrows, then move toward the middle of the brow. You can move back and forth or pull your fingers along your eyebrow.

All of these steps can be done in less than five minutes - but remember that the massages are free and there's no harm in performing them more than once a day.

These quick steps are vital to your health; reduced stress is directly correlated with reduced risk for heart disease.

Hachiko: A Dog's Story

As usual, every time i switched on the tv i would checked the infos on every  astro channel choosing what story to watch. The movie title on HBO sounds interesting so i decided to hook up to channel 411.

It was a beautiful story of a relationship between a professor and a faithful dog named Hachi. It was a story on loyalty,a moving story which shed my tears. It was a true story. I googled and found the story behind the american adaptation of the Japanese movie Hachikō Monogatari from this link.

The movie Hachiko A Dog' Story is based on a true story that took in first half of the 20th century in Japan. To  learn more checkout  Wikipedia:

***In 1924, Hachiko was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner's life Hachiko saw him off from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno didn't return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered a stroke at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting.

Hachiko was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. After time, Hachiko apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachiko waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he didn't see his friend among the commuters at the station.

The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachiko and Professor Ueno together each day. Realizing that Hachiko waited in vigil for his dead master, their hearts were touched. They brought Hachiko treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

This continued for 10 years, with Hachiko appearing only in the evening time, precisely when the train was due at the station.

The people of Japan was so touched by this heartfelt example of a dog's devotion for his owner that a statue a bronze statue in Hachiko's likeness was erected at Shibuya Station:

Three Cancer Preventing Secrets

Another article to help reduce the risk for cancer from the The Dr. Oz Show. Cancer is a deadly disease which causes the cells to grow in an abnormal manner and beyond control. Thus, let us make a head start of prevention rather than curing later.

In the midst of an ever-expanding list of risk factors, cancer-proofing your life can seem like an impossible endeavor. But with these secrets from experts on the front-lines of cancer research, you can start to reduce your risk in just a few simple steps.

The following are 3 secrets to help you reduce your cancer risk:

Secret #1: Eat Hard Cheeses
Studies have shown that people who eat 2 slices of hard cheese a day have an overall decreased risk of developing cancers. These cheeses contain menaquinone, a special form of vitamin K, known as vitamin K2, that inhibits cancer growth. Hard cheeses are typically made with bacteria that ferment and vitamin K2 is a byproduct of that process. If you are concerned about introducing cheese into your diet for health reasons, don’t worry too much; vitamin K2 actually protects the heart against hardening of the arteries. Try eating cheeses rich in vitamin K2 like gouda, Jarlsberg and edam. 

Secret #2: Exercise Regularly
Maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising regularly can significantly decrease your cancer risks. To reap the full benefits, you should be engaging in vigorous exercise for 45 to 60 minutes, 5 days a week. However, if such a rigorous routine is unrealistic for you, there are benefits to moderate exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise during which you reach an elevated heart rate 3 days a week.

Secret #3: Stop Grilling Meats
Research has found that grilling and pan-frying meats – red meat, pork, poultry and fish – causes the muscle to break down and creates cancer-causing chemicals as a byproduct of the process. These chemicals are highly concentrated in the blackened, charred areas of grilled meats.

Limit your grilling and pan-frying, and try steaming, broiling and sautéing your meats instead. If you have to grill, it’s better to grill fruits or vegetables. You can minimize your exposure to cancerous chemicals by marinating or precooking meat before tossing it on the grill.

Brain Foods That Fight Alzheimer's

Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases  and Alzheimer's disease (AD), is one form of dementia that gradually gets worse over time. Do you know that Alzheimer's disease can strike a person as early as 45. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

Practicing a healthy diet is more than counting calories – it’s about choosing the foods that will most fully benefit your body and mind. These brain foods have the power to build your brain up and prevent cognitive decline and the onset of crippling conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.




Antioxidants, monounsaturated fats and omega-3s are big health buzzwords that have one thing in common – they do great things for your body and nourish your brain. Giving your brain the nutrients it needs is essential to longevity. Keep this list of foods handy and make sure to refuel your brain often. It will thank you later.

• Lentils (kacang dhal) provide a steady stream of glucose to your brain. Glucose, a sugar and key source of energy for cells in the body, is the only fuel your brain can use. The high fiber content of lentils is a key component in keeping your brain in optimal shape. The fiber regulates the release of the glucose, providing a steady stream of fuel that powers your brain cells. 

• Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and have been found to keep the arteries of the brain clear of plaque. They nourish the brain by helping communication between brain cells. Sprinkle some into your yogurts, cereals and salads, or munch on them alone.

• Brazil nuts are an excellent source of healthy, or monounsaturated, fats. They are also high in magnesium, a mineral that’s essential to the transmission of signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Almonds, walnuts and cashews are also excellent brain foods. Eat a fistful of brazil nuts or mixed nuts a day.

• Coffee can protect the brain. One study found that coffee can help keep the blood-brain barrier intact; this barrier acts as a coating, and protects the brain from unwanted materials and damaging elements, like harmful cholesterol. Another study showed that coffee may also improve short-term memory. Coffee is high in antioxidants; Americans get most of their antioxidants from coffee. Drinking one or two cups a day is healthy, just remember to use modest amounts of milk and sugar. 

Article is  taken from The Dr. Oz Show