Beauty Health for Life

Scientific Name: Mentha piperita 
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family). 
Common names: Peppermint, lamb mint, brandy mint, balm mint, curled mint, amenta, lammint
Part of Plant Used: Leaves 
Origin: Europe, Asia, Mediterranean 

Peppermint
is a hybrid of spearmint and water mint with a flavor described as “a
cross between pepper and chlorophyll.”  What’s really interesting about
that is that someone actually knows what chlorophyll tastes like. The
Greek story of the herb’s origins is rather amusing. Persepheone turned a nymph named Minthe into a plant because her husband Pluto was giving Minthe
too much affection.  Try as he might, Pluto could not reverse the
spell, but he did impart the plant with a wonderful smell so that she
would delight the senses. This arousing scent has been used throughout
history to clear the air in temples and homes.  Middle Eastern hosts
still offer mint to their arriving guests as a show of hospitality.

Menthol
is the primary component of the essential oil of peppermint.An infusion
of green mint is the `national beverage' in Morocco and Tunisia. 

Health Benefits
1.
Peppermint is used to treat gastric and digestive disorders, as well as
tension and insomnia.  Randomized clinical trials have shown the
ability of the herb to relieve indigestion, dyspepsia, and colonic
muscle spasms characteristic of IBS.  The menthol contained in the plant
is likely responsible for this smooth muscle relaxing ability.

2.
Further, peppermint contains perillyl alcohol, a phytonutrient shown in
animal studies to stop pancreatic, mammary, liver, colon, skin, and
lung tumors.  As with so many other herbs, this one is also quite good
at stopping numerous bacteria, such as H. pylori, E. coli, and
antibiotic-resistant bacteria.  Along with being very high in vitamins,
peppermint also contains rosmarinic acid, which if you’ll recall from
the discussions of oregano and sage, has inhibitory effects on
leukotrienes.  This acid also stimulates the release of prostacyclins
that help to keep airways open.

3. Traditionally, peppermint
essential oil has been used to treat indigestion, headaches, colic,
gingivitis, irritable bowel syndrome, spasms and rheumatism.

4.
This volatile and potent essential has very diverse uses because of its
many properties. It relaxes muscles; has antiviral and bactericidal
qualities; increases stomach acidity (to aid digestion); is an analgesic
and counterirritant; and is a carminative (eases intestinal cramping).

5.
The menthol in peppermint soothes the lining of the digestive tract an
stimulates the production of bile, which is an essential digestive
fluid. A hot cup of herbal tea is an excellent way to settle your
stomach after a big meal.

6. There is a very good reason that
peppermint is the flavoring of choice for toothpaste. Peppermint is an
excellent breath freshener. When using peppermint tea as a breath
freshener, increase the effectiveness by adding a pinch of anise,
caraway or cinnamon. Mint is also a good remedy for gingivitis.

7. Peppermint is reputed to have the calming, sedative effect.

8.
Peppermint and its relatives are mostly known as a medicine and popular
herbs for infusions. Menthol vapors are famous for relieving nasal,
sinus and chest congestion.

9. Digestion problems/ Nausea/ Excess Gas: One drop of essential oil in a glass of water, or on a sugar cube, taken orally.

10.
Tension Headaches: 1-2 drops in carrier oil applied to temples when
headache starts and once an hour after, if needed. Some people might
find it more effective to apply a drop behind each ear, depending on the
type and cause of headache. If the headache is related to digestives
problems, also drink a glass of (preferably warm) water with a drop (or
2) of mint oil in it.

11. Mental Fatigue: Mint is a stimulant
similar to caffeine, but won't cause jitters. Try a drop at the back of
the tongue. Too much at once can be overwhelming; try a SMALL drop
first. Mint is also known for lifting the mood, bringing cheer. Also
throughout history has been used in cases of hysteria and shock.

12. Mint contains Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

13.
 Essential peppermint oil is anti-inflammatory, analgesic
(pain-reducer), and a counterirritant. Essential oils promote formation
of white cells and acts against microbial germs, while being completely
harmless to skin tissue. All these factors are at work in healing skin
conditions.

Flavor: Mint is another one with about 25
different varieties. There's peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint,
apple mint, and basil mint, just to name a few. And yes, chocolate mint
has a chocolatey flavor. It's pretty righteous.

Top 5 Treats To Add To Your Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids

Children love snacks but can often get choosy when it comes to healthy snacks. Babies usually enjoy greasy snacks like salted chips and chocolates, after which they never eat healthy nourishing foods. Unhealthy eating habits require to be broken, and babies might require assistance in doing so. Healthy kiddy snacks must be readily obtainable to discourage consumption of foods with no nutritional value. Getting healthy snacks on the menu is essential for developing healthy lunch ideas for school.

Some babies often take healthy eating habits from parents and pay attention to their growth and health. Most babies, however, do not care about the nutritional value of foods in the case of snacks. For fast and straightforward treats here are some nourishing ideas that you can add to your babies healthy lunch:

Fresh Fruit

Babies love fruits when properly peeled and sliced for them. You can always have a variety of fresh cut fruit for your small ones, some which they have never tried. Even the pickiest kid will love a variety of fruit when introduced to them tidy and sliced. When going grocery shopping, take the babies along and let them select their favourite fruits. Babies love chocolate treats, chocolate dipped fruits can be a great compromise. Included some fresh fruit in your kids lunch box is a must.

Milk Shakes

Milkshakes and smoothies are the top drinks that are both healthy and widely known amongst babies. Smoothies can be prepared within seconds by blending together yogurt, low overweight milk and fresh fruit of choice. It is always lovely to get babies involved when making milk shakes and smoothies, they love the prospect of preparing their own snacks. Receive a container which will guarantee no spills and let your babies take their smoothies to school.

Veggies

A great idea is to have your babies plant a garden filled with veggies. In fact babies are more likely to eat vegetables in the event that they grow themselves. You also get to spend quality time along with your babies and teach them not only gardening but also the nutritional importance of different vegetables. When picked from the veggie garden, prepare a choice of veggies with hummus or peanut butter as a snack.

Replace Chips

Granola bars, pretzels and whole wheat crackers are a lot healthier than other snacks that babies eat. Cereals can be coupled with nuts, raisins or other dried fruits to generate a new snack for the babies letting them eat chips with harmful content. These are also simple to fit in to a lunch box.

When in doubt... Juice It!

When babies dig their heels in and wont eat fruits and vegetables as snacks, you can use juices to make sure they get the necessary healthy nutrition necessary for growth. Blend fresh fruit and tasteless veggies like broccoli or spinach and come up with a homemade juice, which will certainly get their attention. You can also add a small fruit yogurt and ice to make slush out of it.

Tempting babies to eat healthy can be challenging in the event that they are liable to junk food snacks. By following these healthy lunch ideas and promoting positive eating habits at home, your babies will take lovely habits to school and learn to make healthy decisions on their own.

ought to be treated as top priority by all parents because as a parent all of us have a responsibility to give our children the best feasible start in life. Feeding them a healthy diet when young helps them to grow in to fit adults who suffer from fewer illnesses & can look forward to longevity. Is there any parent who doesnt wish this for their children

The obvious query now is what constitutes & nice diet for children I will give a link to an excellent net site at the finish of this article that will deal with all the technical aspects of a healthy diet. For now accept that the food pyramid that was instigated by the US Department of Agriculture is an excellent beginning point.

I do know that everybody has an issue in persuading children to eat what is healthy than what is fun; the secret is to make healthy food fun . For example I recently watched a British made TV program that subjected an fat relatives to eight weeks under the control of a dietician. Initially the children claimed that they would only eat burgers meaning McDonalds. The dietician made 50 lentil burgers for the cost of buying Large Macs & introduced lentil burgers to the children for dinner, freezing the remaining 47 for use later. The only thing they told them was that they insisted that burger buns get replaced with whole grain rolls. Result: The children ate the lentil burgers without comment. Not only did they eat them they asked for more. OK, more can be bad but the point is what they desired to eat was something that resembled a Large Mac, what it tasted like wasnt that important.

Now here is the BIG point: When the dietician told the father what they was about to do to encourage her children to eat healthy foods the mothers response was. You have no chance, my children will insist on eating McDonalds. - I think this is a case of a father who thought they was being kind to her children by giving them what they wanted; a lot so that they actually started believing it herself.

The relatives spent 80 pounds sterling each week on take home food & their grocery bill was 140 pounds sterling each week. When the healthy diet was started the every week grocery bill dropped to 85 pounds sterling each week & zero on take-out food. A total every week saving 135 pounds sterling each week (That equates to around US$240 each week.) by cutting out unhealthy convenience foods.

At the finish of eight weeks the father had lost 21 pounds, the brother 18 pounds & each kid 14 pounds. For the first time in their young lives the children were playing team sports at school & with friends after school.

They are what they eat & healthy eating for children is the greatest gift you can give to your offspring.

Spirulina
are microscopic plant that grow in fresh water. They’re actually
called micro-algae, since they are microscopic forms of algae. And
they’ve been around for quite some time: a few billion years, actually.
These are some of the earliest and simplest life forms on the planet,
appearing way before animals roamed these lands.

These
micro-algae contain an astounding array of nutritional elements:
vitamins, macrominerals, trace minerals, essential fatty acids, protein,
nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), chlorophyll, and a vast spectrum of
phytochemicals. They are thought to contain every nutrient required by
the human body. Yes, you could literally live off these micro-algae. You
wouldn’t need to eat much, either, since they are so
nutritionally dense.

1. Spirulina is an excellent source of
complete protein and numerous phytonutrients which act as powerful
antioxidants. It is abundant in chlorophyll, which cleanses the body of
the toxins and heavy metals we are exposed to every day. It is the most
nutritionally complete food on the planet, and we offer many ways to
make it part of your daily diet.

2. Spirulina - the nutraceutical
food has become widely available as a food ingredient in the last 30
years. Spirulina is the most nutritious, concentrated food known to
man containing antioxidants, phytonutrients, essential fatty acids,
probiotics, and nutraceuticals.  Spirulina is the best whole food source
of protein, betacarotene,

3. Gamma Linolenic Acid, B-Vitamins,
minerals, chlorophyll, sulpho-lipids, glyco-lipids, super oxide
dismutase, phycocyanin, enzymes and provides many nutrients that
are lacking in most people’s diets. It is cultivated, processed and
marketed worldwide for its rich nutritional profile. It is used
extensively in the health foods, pharmaceutical and speciality feed
sectors.

4. Spirulina has a blend of nutrients that no single
plant source can provide. In contrast to most vegetable matter,
Spirulina does not have a cell wall made of cellulose, thereby making it
easily digestible.  Moreover Spirulina has got no side effects and is
non-toxic in nature.

5. Spirulina up regulates the  key cells and
organs of the immune system, improving their ability to function in
spite of  stress from environmental toxins and infectious agents.
 Medical scientists have found that Spirulina, apart form stimulating
the immune system, it actually enhances the body’s ability to generate
new blood cells.

6. Spirulina contains its own anti-oxidants like
beta-carotene, superoxide dismutase, selenium and vitamin E.
Antioxidants helps to protect the body against free radicals formed due
to stress, exposure to toxic chemicals, drugs and poor diets.
 Free radicals can lead to degenerative disease like cancer, aging, age
related macular degeneration etc., Studies have revealed that
antioxidants in fruits and vegetables and Spirulina have a synergistic
effect.

7. Spirulina is a good probiotic. Probiotics are  good
for health as they strengthen the immune system to prevent disease and
cancer. Spirulina's probiotic effect helps in maintaining healthy micro
flora thus helps in better digestion, absorption and protection from
infection.

8. Spirulina has got anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic,
anti-microbial and anti-stress properties and also helps in the
treatments of asthma, arthritis etc.

9. Spirulina have been shown to be effective in treating and even reversing the following conditions:

• Cancers (all types) 
• Obesity 
• Diabetes 
• Hypoglycemia 
• Arthritis 
• Depression 
• Severe liver damage and liver dis-
• orders 
• Intestinal ulcers 
• Hemorrhoids 
• Asthma 
• High blood pressure 
• Constipation 
• Bleeding gums 
• Infections 
• Inflammation of joints and tissues 
• Body odor / breath odor 
• Various degenerative diseases 
• Essential fatty acid deficiencies 
• Mineral deficiencies  
• (magnesium is a common deficiency) 

10. Key Benefits: 

• Vegetarian source of protein
• Cleansing and detoxifying 
• Excellent source of phytonutrients