Erin On The Side of Caution: Super Foods

Natural Remedies Are As Close As Your Kitchen

Natural remedies can be found in your kitchen cupboard. It sounds amazing, but it's true. Many herbs and spices have been used as medicines throughout history, and while we may only use them for seasoning our food now, they still have their healing qualities.

For example, the spice turmeric is an ingredient found in curry. If you are fond of curry, you're already doing yourself a favor. There is scientific evidence that turmeric may help relieve arthritis pain. According to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine curcumin, the active constituent in turmeric, may also have an effect on colon cancer. A 2006 study also showed that curcumin can help the brain get rid of built up plaques that may be associated with Alzheimer's disease. By utilizing curry in your diet as often as possible, you can give yourself a leg up on some of these illnesses.

Do you like cinnamon? A favorite spice used on toast, in pies and cookies and other baked goods, cinnamon also has health benefits. German studies have shown that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol. That's good news for diabetics and those who have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. While the occasional bit of cinnamon in your food is great, large amounts can be dangerous. If you want to reap the health benefits of cinnamon, it is best to use a cinnamon extract.

Rosemary is a popular herb used with poultry, lamb and beef. It also is a beautiful garden herb. It has been discovered that rosemary helps prevent heterocyclic amines (HCAs) from forming when meat is cooked at high temperatures. HCAs have been proven to be carcinogens. Just by putting this powdered herb on your meat can make a difference. Studies have also shown that rosemary may be effective against tumors.

Ginger has long been known as an aid to an upset digestion. It is helpful for morning sickness, nausea and motion sickness. Some studies have also shown ginger to have some effect against high blood pressure, arthritis pain and some risks for cancer, especially ovarian cancer.

If you like growing your own herbs, you may want to give Holy Basil a try. This is a specific strain of the familiar basil that is often used in Italian cuisine. Taken as a tea, Holy Basil can help relieve stress, and there are some preliminary studies that show it may also be effective against cancer tumors.

St. John's wort first came to everyone's notice when it was discovered to help mild depression. Besides that, it is being studied for its effects in helping people fall asleep. Keep your ears open for more about this unassuming little plant with the bright yellow flowers.

Garlic has long been touted as a blood cleanser and for its antibacterial qualities... now it can add lowering blood pressure and the prevention of strokes and cancer to its long list of healthy attributes. If you don't like garlic enough to eat several cloves a day, you can try a garlic supplement. Be aware that garlic supplements that have no odor are not effective.

While natural remedies may be preferable, don't assume they are all safe. If you are unsure, check with your physician or a certified herbalist. Follow dosages carefully... more doesn't necessarily mean better.

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, by MindfulMotivates

In Change, Exercise

6 Things Successful People Do During Their Lunch Break

Munchin’ on your luncheon might be a healthy habit, depending on how, what, and where you eat.

Different people have different habits in the way they spend their time during lunch breaks. Some may choose to go to a nearby café while others may choose to chit chat with a colleague or two.

Some of the I-totally-love-my-work, professional-nerds might still be stuck to their chairs, trying to complete a task or two.

Do Your Lunch Plans Matter?

Believe it or not, several surveys have indicated that lunch break eating habits have drastic effects on a person’s success at work. Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author says, “Successful people treat it (lunch break) like the half-time show at a football game — an opportunity to regroup and consider how they’re going to play out the rest of their day.”

Here are 6 Things That Successful People Do During their Lunch Break:

Make Plans: Successful people like to make plans during their lunch break hours. This is a great time to reflect on what you have done already and plan out the rest of the day accordingly. If you have your tasks in mind, you won’t have to rush into them once your lunch break is over. For example, if you have a meeting right after lunch, it would be better to plan on being on time for the meeting instead of thinking about it after your break is over.
Actually Take Time Off: Maybe the professional nerd glued to his seat isn’t doing himself a favor by sticking to his work, non-stop. Successful people know when it’s time to take a break. Not taking time off actually reduces productivity levels for the next few hours of work. The little time you get during your break is enough to get your mind off of work for a while, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated by the time you’re back.
They Eat Right: Scarfing down your lunch is a big no-no. Unfortunately, many people do it because of the little time they get for lunch. Successful people tend to adopt what nutritionists call “healthy eating habits”. This involves eating the right amount of food (not too much and not too less), eating the right kind of food (burger every day? Not a good idea!), and eating at the right speed. Not eating healthy can contribute to increased stress levels and reduced ability to focus after lunch.
They Exercise: Okay, I don’t mean they go to yoga/tai-chi class while they’re at work (although it does happen in some work places!). The idea is you need to get off of your chair and get moving. Sitting constantly at your desk causes eye strain, neck and back pains. It also increases chances of gaining weight. If you’re a desk-worker, you need to make sure you move and walk around during your break time to give your body the exercise it needs. Successful people make sure they keep their ergonomics in check and they have that insane love for exercise.
Connect with Others: The work-eat-work-leave schedule is not a good idea if you want to get far where you work. Success at work also largely depends on how well you network with your colleagues, manager, or supervisors. Try to get to know as many people as you can at the workplace. You never know who might turn into a useful friend one day! After all, they are your co-workers and know what you go through every day. Many organizations such as Apple Inc. assess an individual worker’s performance based on what the team says about them. You will also get a chance to learn new things about your organization or industry through your colleagues.
Catch up with some personal tasks: Successful people sometimes like to utilize their break by doing tasks they wouldn’t be doing at work. For example, making personal calls, writing personal emails (or text messages), writing thank you notes, etc. The idea is to accomplish tasks that you don’t get the time for (or aren’t allowed to do) during your work schedule.

What’s Your Lunch Plan?

Everyone has to eat, right?

But successful people know that their lunch break isn’t just a time to eat. It’s a time that can make the difference between an average and successful person.

So, what’s your lunch plan today?

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Question: What could you do over your lunch break to become more successful? You can leave a comment by below...