DID YOU KNOW ...
Researches have found an extract from fresh garlic cloves to be effective against some of the most dangerous antibiotic-resistant strains, including those that cause staph infections and pneumonia.
Scientists have proven that women have more brain cells than men. A new study from Canada shows that in the brain area in charge of 'higher intellectual activities', women have 5,000 more cells per cubic millimetre = 11% more. This may be why girls are faster than boys in learning to read and write.
The beauty industry has discovered Tea Tree Oil. Therapists are using this antiseptic, therapeutic lotion after leg waxing, to keep the skin supple and prevent ingrown hairs. It is also good on the cracked skin of dry heels after a pedicure, shaving rash and chafed skin.
Storing food or beverages in leaded crystal ware over extended periods of time, is unsafe. High levels of lead may have harmful effects on the nervous system, kidneys, liver and the process that forms the blood. Infants and children are more susceptible to lead poisoning than adults.
People who work or bask in the sun for many years without sunscreen protection, usually develop tough, leathery skin that can make them look 15-20 years older. Sun exposure typically results in changes in skin texture, causing excessive wrinkles, skin thickening and weakens the skin's elasticity. The sun can also cause discolouration - red, yellow, grey or brown blotches, 'liver-spots', and grey scaly growths, called 'actinic keratoses' (which could develop into cancer).
Chicken is an excellent source of high quality protein and is rich in amino acids. Without the skin, chicken is also very low in saturated fat. 100 grams of chicken, without the skin, contains 173 calories and 7.8% fat. A chicken with the skin left on, contains 238 calories and 16% fat.
Life insurance figures show that once you are more than 10% over your ideal weight, your risk of early death increases by 9% (women) and 13% (men). Your risk goes up with your weight.
Parents who smoke 20 cigarettes a day, are effectively forcing their children to smoke the equivalent of 80 cigarettes each year - enough passive smoking to endanger their lives. A survey of 770 smokers' children reports early signs of lung and heart damage, even at the age of seven!
Loofahs are a great way to exfoliate dry, winter skin and speed up the cell renewal process. They will give you a smoother skin texture and a youthful glow. Throw away your loofah every couple of months, due to the build-up of bacteria from dead skin cells. Bacteria can travel from the loofah back to the skin, infecting hair follicles. Combat the bacteria growth by soaking the loofah in a 10% solution of disinfectant once a week, and rinse it all before using it again.
Salmon, mackeral, pilchards, kippers, tuna and sardines are all good for the heart. They can also benefit sufferers of psoriasis. It's the essential fatty acids in the flesh of these fish which do the trick. They help to dampen the body's inflammation pathways which lead to symptoms of psoriasis-like itching, scaling and reddening of the skin. All that is needed is to eat one portion of oily fish a day. If that is too much for you, try substituting fish oil capsuled three or four days a week.
Vegans, who eat no animal foods, can damage their health. Vegans take specific food supplements, in particular Vitamins B12 - especially important for nursing mothers and pregnant women, B2 and Iodine, since the main sources of these vitamins are dairy products and meat.
All yoghurts are full of calcium (which women need for strong bones). The best ones to go for are labelled 'live' or 'bio'. These contain active cultures which not only help keep your digestive system in good working order, but could help your general health too. Yoghurt with these cultures, increases the body's production of a substances galled Gamma Interferon. This is vital for the good functioning of the immune system, helping to fight off viral infections - especially those that attack the throat.
Women in the UK spend over £3 billion a year on cosmetics and toiletries. Many companies are jumping on the bandwagon and making misleading environmental claims. It is important to be aware of cosmetic ingredients and manufacturing methods, in order to make informed decisions about the products you buy.
The World Health Organisation estimates that tobacco will kill at least 443,000 this year!