Everything You Wanted to Know About Olive Oil and Never Dared to Ask

Hello,

My name is Inbal Young, Olive Oil Brand Manager at Yad Mordechai. In this post I put together the most interesting and frequently-asked questions about olive oil that you may have heard or even asked yourselves.

1.    So…is it really good for us?

Yes. Olive oil possesses diverse proven medicinal properties, and it is an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids (which help eliminate bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol) . Surprisingly, olive oil is similar in its fatty acid composition to breast milk.

2.    So how much should we consume?

The recommended daily consumption is 25 ml. The U.S. FDA recommends such daily consumption (3-4 tablespoons) to reduce the risk of heart disease.

3.    Who are the largest olive oil consumers in the world?

The Spaniards and Italians consume over 10 liters per person a year, but the world record holders are, undoubtedly, the Greeks who consume more than 20 liters per person a year (two glasses per week!).

4.    Where do all these olives come from?

More than 16 different varieties of olives for olive oil grow in Israel, from the Golan Heights to the Negev Highland. Most of the varieties originate from the Mediterranean basin and grew well in our country. The most common original variety in our region is the Syrian variety (which, despite its name, did not grow in Syria but mainly in Israel and Lebanon).

5.    Do varieties and regions differ at all?

Of course! Olive oil is an entire world of aromas and flavors that result from the olive variety and its growth area. Flavor experts make a distinction between three major parameters in olive oil tasting: Fruitiness (the total aromas originating from the fruit), bitterness (a sense of taste on the tongue) and spiciness ) a sense of burn on the tongue).

6.    What determines these taste and aroma characteristics?

First of all, the olive varieties that comprise them. But equally important are the growth area and agricultural growth. And finally, of course, the oil production process in the oil press and the storage conditions.

7.    How do we ensure the wonderful flavors and aromas time and time again?

By using an optimal blend of dozens of varieties from various growth areas. Our team of tasters tastes and samples (and tastes again) dozens of oils, and typifies their sensory qualities. Only then do we decide which varieties and oils should “marry” in a way that will ensure the desired flavor and aroma.

8.    What about a single-variety olive oil?

Just like other categories (wine, coffee, etc.), olive oils consists of two schools of thought: the single-variety notion (that promises one olive variety) and the blend notion (that promises a complete spectrum of aromas and flavors blended together). At Yad Mordechai we chose the blend notion from the belief that this way nature can manifest its richness and might to perfection.

9.    What makes a quality olive oil?

Extra virgin olive oil is oil produced in a cold press process, whose percentage of free fatty acids is less than 0.8%, and that no taste defects were found in it, as defined by the Global Olive Oil Standard (there is such a thing!). These and many other qualities are constantly monitored in our oil lab.

10. So now we can just use it, right?

Yes! Olive oil is the desired accompaniment for cold dishes, salads and various dressings and gravies. The recent trend calls for using olive oil in sweet dishes as well.

11. What about cooking and frying?

Contrary to common belief, extra virgin olive oil is resilient in short cooking and frying thanks to its unique composition, and is therefore preferable to other oils.Chefs and amateur cooks use olive oil for light and semi-deep (schnitzels) frying as well as for baking salty dishes.

I hope that you now feel (much) more informed about the wonderful world of olive oils. If you have any questions or facts you wish to share with me, please place a comment to this post and I will be happy to reply.

Source: Everything You Wanted to Know About Olive Oil and Never Dared to Ask

Laughter can improve your sex life

Experts have claimed that a good laugh can boost your sex life and help you live longer.

Psychologist Stephanie Davies said that it is also the key to looking young and losing weight.

Her book Laughology: Improve Your Life With The Science Of Laughter will be out on June 27 and reveals the many ways in which laughter can improve your life, The Sun reported.

There is nothing sexier than someone who can make you laugh. Why do you think Russell Brand has ladies queuing up to become his next conquest?

But laughter and humour are much more than aphrodisiacs. Studies have shown that they have a profound effect on our brains and bodies.

They can make us healthier, they can help us make better decisions and they can help us cope with challenges.

Laughter floods our brains with special chemicals -- 'happy hormones' that make us more positive, outgoing and sociable.

Laughter and humour have also been shown to make us fitter and even look younger.

A good belly-laugh gives our bodies a workout and if you dose yourself up on laughter and happiness, you can even shed pounds.

Research has discovered that laughing hard for just ten or 15 minutes a day can help you shed several pounds a year.

Laughter activates muscles around the body, from the tummy to the shoulders, and other studies have shown that a good laugh has the similar effect of a ten-minute session on a rowing machine.

A study in the US also found that people who watched funny movies showed changes in levels of hormones regulating their appetite.

Laughter also works on the mechanisms in the brain that make us eat too much of the wrong things.

There is a major link between our emotions and the food choices we make.

Many of us turn to chocolate or junk food when we are down, tired or stressed. We call it comfort eating.

Laughter can act as a distraction to the cravings we experience before reaching for the Dairy Milk because it causes the brain to release serotonin, a hormone sometimes described as nature’s appetite suppressant.

This powerful chemical curbs cravings and makes you feel satisfied even if your stomach isn’t full

Laughter is the best anti-ageing secret there is.

It increases blood flow to the face, makes eyes sparkle and reduces stress, which has an effect on skin tone and its elasticity.

The less stressed you are, the clearer your skin and the fewer wrinkles you get.

Source: Laughter can improve your sex life

8 Common pregnancy myths busted

Zeenia Baria, TNN

Here are some things you often hear when the stork has decided to pay a visit.

Myth 1: One of the most common myths that surround pregnancy is the shape of a woman's stomach. If a woman is carrying high, in all possibility it is a girl and if she is carrying low it is a boy.

Fact: Experts say there is no scientific basis for this assumption and it is the woman's muscle size, structure, the position of the foetus, posture, and the amount of fat deposited around her abdomen that play a role in the size and shape of a pregnant belly.

Myth 2: Craving for salty foods means you're having a boy. Craving for sweet foods indicate a girl is expected.

Fact: Research shows that cravings have nothing to do with determining the sex of a baby.

Myth 3: Another myth is predicting the sex of the baby by holding a string with a ring in it over a pregnant belly. If it moves back and forth it is a boy, if it moves in a circle, it is a girl.

Fact: While there is no truth in this, you could probably do it for a laugh.

Myth 4: If you suffer from heartburn during pregnancy, it means your baby will be born with lots of hair. Heartburn is a common problem for pregnant women and have nothing to do with the quantity of hair for your child.

Fact: Even women who suffered a lot from heartburn have welcomed bald babies.

Myth 5: If your mother had an easy pregnancy and delivery, so will you.

Fact: Hereditary factors have no role to play in predicting how easy or difficult your pregnancy and delivery will be. On the contrary, the size and position of the baby, your diet and lifestyle play a role in determining how things will be.

Myth 6: Sleeping or taking a nap on your back will hurt your baby.

Fact: While you won't harm your baby if you sleep in this position, you will feel better if you sleep on your side. Experts recommend sleeping on your left side since this is known to increase blood flow to your uterus and placenta.

Myth 7: Having sex might hurt the baby.

Fact: You should know that seven layers of skin from the abdominal wall to the amniotic sac are present to protect your baby. Your cervix has lengthened and hardened to prevent anything from getting into the uterus, and it also produces mucus to keep the area clean and infection free. Having sex cannot reach, touch or harm your baby. If your doctor has not asked you to abstain from sex, have no fear and go ahead.

Myth 8: First babies always arrive late.

Fact: While this is true to an extent since about 60 per cent arrive after their due date, five per cent on the due date and 35 before the due date, what really determines the arrival of your baby is the length of your menstrual cycle. If it is shorter, there are more possibilities of you delivering early. If your cycle is longer, your baby will arrive later and if your cycle usually lasts 28 days, you will more likely deliver close to your due date.

Other common myths:

·         More women go into labour during full moon than other times.

·         Eating spicy food and having sex induces labour.

·         You will always get stretch marks. This is untrue. There are some lucky women who don't get them at all.

·         If your nose swells during pregnancy, you will have a baby girl. There is no link between your nose and your baby's gender. Your nose probably swells because of increased estrogen levels, which heightens blood flow.

Source: 8 Common pregnancy myths busted

Deodorant versus Antiperspirant

All of us use deodorants and antiperspirants without giving it a second thought. But did you know they’re not the same? Know what they actually and choose the right product for yourself.

By Mdhil

Most of us buy deodorants and antiperspirants without giving it a second thought. If the brand and the fragrance catches our fancy, we pick it up. But the truth is deodorants and antiperspirants are made for two entirely different purposes.

Deodorants and antiperspirants: The basics

What is body odour anyway? Most of us incorrectly assume that it’s the sweat which smells bad. So, what does sweat consist of? It is almost 60 percent fluid, most of it water. Sweat also contains other compounds like ammonia, potassium, sodium, calcium etc. It’s the presence of these compounds that makes sweat taste salty or your eyes burn when you accidently rub them with sweaty hands. But the presence of these minerals doesn’t contribute to your body odour.

In reality, your sweat is odourless. It however, does offer a warm and moist environment for bacteria to multiply. It is this bacteria that causes the stench.

Deodorants are primarily used to mask or neutralize body odour whereas antiperspirants contain chemicals that reduce the production of sweat. Most antiperspirant also contains deodorant which may be why many use deodorants and antiperspirants interchangeably.

What do deodorants and antiperspirants contain?

Deodorants mostly contain compounds which are fragrant and to some extent, bacteria inhibiting. Antiperspirants on the other hand additionally contain aluminium based chemicals which enables antiperspirants to block sweat production.

The aluminium compound is absorbed by the skin cells and temporarily acts as a plug, blocking sweat from appearing on the surface.

Cancer and antiperspirants

Though a lot has been said about antiperspirants being carcinogenic in nature, there has been no conclusive scientific proof in its favour. However, a number of doctors will tell you that the aluminium salts used in antiperspirants can get absorbed into the breast tissue and may cause breast cancer.

An experts’ tips

Our in house expert, Dr Juvita gave us some tips.

·         Go easy on the deodorant whenever possible. Too much deodorant can irritate the skin and can also be disturbing to others.

·         Do not apply deodorant to a wet area and wait for a minute before putting on clothing when applying a roll-on type of deodorant.

·         Anti-Perspirants are a better option for those who sweat profusely and can also be used as an alternative to deodorants when working out.

Natural alternatives

There are natural alternatives you could use to neutralize body odour.

·         Vinegar is especially effective for underarm odour.

·         Adding a teaspoon epsom salt to your bath water.

·         Using antibacterial soaps.

·         Wash up regularly; paying special attention to areas you perspire from.

·         Baking soda or talcum powder is an effective replacement for an antiperspirant.

As summer reaches its peak, deodorants and antiperspirants are only going to be used more. The least we can do is make smart choices about the products we use on our body.

Reviewed by Dr.Juvita Rasquinha.

Source: Deodorant versus Antiperspirant

7 Beauty Tips for Neck Care

In the quest to achieve a perfect and radiant skin, we often tend to focus more on our face and less on the neck. Hence, the poor neck suffers. It sags, darkens and sometimes even shows unappealing layers of fat. Usually, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness with age, leading to wrinkles and a sagging neck. Going under the knife is not always a good option. So, we offer you some home remedies which not only tightens your facial skin, but takes care of the neck as well.  By Bollywoodshaadis.com

Regular scrubbing:

Exfoliate your neck once or twice a week. It removes the dead skin that builds up in the creases of your neck, resulting in wrinkles. The process helps the skin to regenerate new cells at a faster rate, and makes it smooth and clear.

Egg white pack:

Whip an egg white until foamy. Add a spoon of honey or glycerine into it. Apply this paste on your face and neck region, and leave for 30 minutes. This pack will instantly brighten and tighten your skin.

Oat meal for oily skin:

Oat meal and egg white is the best possible combination for skin tightening. Cook a half cup of oatmeal, cool it and mix it with an egg white. Squeeze a lemon into the mixture. Apply for 15 minutes and rinse it off with tap water. This is an ideal pack for those with oily skin.

Vitamin E for skin tightening:

Massaging your skin with a cream or oil rich in vitamin E is highly recommended. Vitamin E has natural soothing and moisturising properties, which help in skin tightening. This can reduce deep wrinkles and fine lines on both face and neck. Also, you can use it under the eyes and around the mouth to tighten the sagging skin. Almond oil is a rich source of vitamin E. A regular massage of it can tighten your skin, especially around the neck area.

Pack for pigmented skin:

Crush a peach and extract its juice. Mix yogurt and honey into this liquid. Apply the mixture and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it off once dry. This pack is good for those with a pigmented skin. Though, it is advisable to wash off any pack with lukewarm water, but splash some cold water on your face after using the lukewarm one. Cold water further tightens the skin.

Gram flour for skin lightening:

It is an Indian household’s most favourite ingredient for all skin related problems. Mix gram flour (besan) with yogurt or tomato puree or milk cream. Apply this paste regularly on your neck for lightening and brightening of the skin. This can also be used as a complete body pack.

Fruit power:

Fruits also have a lot of beneficial properties for treating skin problems. Applying a mashed banana or papaya pulp, coupled with an egg white is often recommended for tightening of the skin. Try this remedy and make your neck look much younger.

A wonderful neck makes you look attractive and extremely feminine. The trick is to start treating your neck before the signs of wrinkles appear.

Source: 7 Beauty Tips for Neck Care

Home Remedies for Gout

By Dr. Idris Modi

(Herbal and Naturopathy consultant)

BURHANI NATURAL SCIENCE

Gout is a kind of arthritis which can affect different body parts like ear, small joints on the hand, ankles, knees, or wrists. When suffering from gout, one can have symptoms like acute pain in the joints, swelling, intense tenderness and inflammation. It is still not known as what exactly causes gout but presence of uric acid in the body in high amount is one of the reasons. Some of the other possible causes are heredity, excessive consumption of alcohol, lack of physical exercise, excessive intake of protein, and too much stress.

As gout is linked with other types of health problems such as hypertension, diabetic issues, and uric acid kidney stones, it is important to go for proper treatment. To deal with this kind of health condition, there are some easy to follow home cures which are meant to promote healing and give relief from the symptoms. 

Here are top 10 home remedies for Gout.

1.    Baking Soda

One solid reason behind gout is increase of uric acid in the body. You can lower the uric acid with the help of baking soda. Once the amount of uric acid gets reduced, you will get relief from the joint pain. Here you need to mix half teaspoon of baking soda in one glass of water and drink it. During an acute attack, drink this solution four times a day but not more than that. This remedy should not be followed by those having the problem of high blood pressure.

2.    Ginger Root

The inflammatory properties present in ginger root can also help a lot to give you relief from gout pain. There are many ways to use ginger root in the treatment of gout. First of all you can add ginger root in cooking and eat a small raw piece of ginger root daily. Else you can add half a teaspoon of ginger root to one cup of boiling water and mix it properly before consuming it. You must drink this solution daily at least once to get relief from pain and inflammation. Another option is to make a paste of ginger root with the help of little water and then apply this paste on the affected area. This will also help to reduce the pain.

3.    Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar which is used in treating headache and acid stomach can also be used in the treatment of gout and arthritis. If suffering from gout, you must mix one to two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to one glass of water and drink it once daily. Follow this remedy daily until you get relief from pain and inflammation associated with gout. Another option is to take two tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar and mix it with two tablespoon of honey and have it two times in a day, one in the morning and one before going to bed. The anti inflammatory property present in honey and the acidic property of apple cider vinegar will help to give you relief from the acute pain.

4.    Lemon Juice

To get relief from gout pain, it is essential to alkalize the body and neutralize the excess uric acid present in blood stream. This can be easily done with the help of fresh lemon juice and baking soda. Take the juice of one whole lemon and mix it with half teaspoon of baking soda. Leave for a few seconds and then add one glass of water to it and drink immediately. Another option is to add the juice of half lemon to a glass of water and drink it three times a day. Along with lemon you must also eat other fruits rich in Vitamin C in order to strengthen the body tissues.

5.    Apple

It is very common to hear people say that an apple a day will keep the doctor away. Especially when you have the problem of gout you must make it a habit to eat at least one apple daily. Experts suggest to eat an apple after each meal. The malic acid present in apples will help to neutralize the uric acid present in the body and will provide you soothing relief from gout pain and inflammation. In case you do not like to eat apple, then you can try apple juice. Along with apple it is also a good idea to eat raw carrots daily.

6.    Cherry

Cherry whether sweet or sour can also be very helpful in the treatment of gout due to its antioxidant property. At the same time cherry contains anthocyanins which can reduce inflammation as well as lessen the flare ups of gout. For a gout patient, it is highly recommended to eat fifteen to twenty cherries in a day and for better result start your day with some cherries. Another option is to consume a glass of cherry juice enriched with a few cloves of minced garlic daily. This will give you relief from inflammation and joint tenderness. It is better to eat fresh cherries but in case it is not available in the market then you can opt for the canned cherries.

7.    Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is another useful ingredient that can be used in the treatment of gout and other form of arthritis. When the affected body part is soaked in warm water mixed with Epsom salt it relaxes the aching muscles and gives you relief from the pain. For a leisurely bath, add two cups of Epsom salt to the warm water of your bathtub and soak your body in it until the water starts losing heat. Try to follow this remedy once a week but if suffering from severe gout problem then you can try it two to three times a week. The high amount of magnesium present in Epsom salt will also improve the condition of your heart and lower down the high blood pressure.

8.    Cold Water

When cold water is applied on the affected area it will reduce the swelling as well as the pain. In case of gout, it is advisable not to use ice directly on the skin as it can damage the skin and make your condition worse. Instead put cold tap water into a bottle and apply it to the inflamed swollen joints for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. Repeat the process several times a day. You can use an ice pack but it should be wrapped in a towel first and then apply it to the affected area. You must avoid excess use of ice packs as it can lead to crystallization of uric acid.

9.    Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is known to adsorb uric acid and hence it can be safely used for gout treatment. Those suffering from gout should take a charcoal bath twice or thrice a week. For enjoying a charcoal bath, take half cup of charcoal powder and blend it properly with some water until a paste is ready. Put this paste in tub and add more water and then soak your affected body part in it for at least half an hour. This remedy is a good solution for ankle joint and big toe gout. For other affected body parts, make charcoal paste and apply it on the skin. Leave for half an hour and rinse it with lukewarm water. After consulting your doctor, you can also take activated charcoal capsules orally to get relief from gout pain and inflammation.

10.  Bananas

Bananas are also very effective in treating gout. The high amount of potassium present in bananas will help in converting uric acid crystals into liquid form which will be later on flushed out of the body through urination. Bananas are also abundant in vitamin C which can be very effective in managing the swelling and pain of the joints. Daily eat one or two bananas and soon you will be able to notice improvement in your condition. Another option is to add one ripe banana to half cop of yogurt. This will also help to keep you away from diarrhea.

To conclude, if you are suffering from gout simply try these above mentioned natural remedies to get some relief from the pain and inflammation. But before trying any of these remedies you must bear in mind that there is no fast cure for gout. Time and determination are required to treat gout.

7 Amazing Health Benefits of Peaches

Peach is a widely adored delicious juicy fruit. It is origins from China and now popular in all over the world. The health benefits of peaches are merely known to its regular eater. Peaches are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidant and other chemical contents.

This fruit looks like an apple in shape measuring about 7-10 cm in diameter and about 130g in weight. It is naturally juicy and sweet with a lovely aroma. Here are seven major nutrition and health benefits of peaches with some serving process.

Major Health Benefits of Peaches

Contribute in eye health

Beta carotene is responsible for eye health. Lots of people around the world are in sight problem for lacking of beta carotene. Peach fruit can be their hope. Peaches are a rich source of beta carotene that improves vision health by increasing circulation of blood in the all body parts.

Does excellent for skin

One of the major health benefits of peaches is for skin care. It’s a great source of Vitamin C which is widely used for skin care. You can get plenty of Vitamin C from a large peach. Apart from health benefits, you can directly use peaches for skin care such dark circles and wrinkles.

Toxin cleanser

We take many toxins daily with our daily meals that once does harm for kidneys. Peaches contain high amount of fiber and potassium that reduces kidney related diseases and lessens the risk of ulcer. It’s a hidden health benefit of peaches.

Weight control

Regular intake of one large peach can help you to lose weight. One peach contains only 68 calories surprisingly with no fat. Peach, however, is an ideal diet for dieters.

Full of Vitamins

Peaches are the rich source of multivitamins and minerals. They have vitamins including A, C, E, and K with seven particular minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, Manganese and Phosphorus).

Rich source of antioxidant and fiber

A study has shown that, peaches are a good source of antioxidant and fiber. Antioxidant, Chlorogenic acid, works as anti-inflammatory in the body. On the other side, fiber is good for digestion. It also prevents constipation.

Works against Cancer and heart disease

Studies have found that, lycopene and lutein in peach helps to prevent macular degeneration and cancer. And it also significantly decreases risk of heart disease.

How to prepare and serve peach?

If you want to get the health benefits of peaches serve them in the following ways.

1.    To get full of one peach enjoy it along with the skin

2.    Slice a peach and remove the seeds and serve with a few drops of lemon juice

3.    Peel the skin; make a small in the base using knife. Dip in boiling water for a minute and immediately sticks in cold water. Then peel the skin and serve as fruit salad and fruit cocktail.

Source: http://www.ihomeremedy.net