Recycle your Christmas Tree

Christmas trees are reasonably fast growers when it comes to trees in general. It may, however,  surprise you to know how long it actually takes to grow a Christmas tree.

Firs generally take about 10 years to grow from seed to a size ready for cutting.

After planting, it will take these seed 3-4 years to reach a height of around 25cm.

Have you planted a Christmas tree 10 years ago to cut it today ???

Over the past decade National Trust staff and hundreds of volunteers have dug in over 15,000 recycled Christmas trees to create fences across the sand dunes. These fences have been placed in areas where the naturally occurring Marram Grass has been lost due to trampling. More info here 

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/formby/features/recycle-your-christmas-tree-at-formby


Register here for free tree collection after Christmas

 https://www.charityxmastreecollection.com/

Chemicals are licensed to use on your Veg and Fruits

When trying to keep the grocery bill down, organic produce can seem like an indulgence you just can’t afford.

It's true—in most cases, you pay more for fruits and vegetables raised with the extra care it takes to protect plants without chemicals. But what are you really bringing home with those savings?

Chemicals known or suspected of causing cancer, harming the brain, and interfering with growth and development—not to mention killing off bee colonies that pollinate the plants in the first place.

Eating up to 800g fruit and vegetables a day – or 10 portions – was associated with:

·         a 24 per cent reduced risk of heart disease

·         a 33 per cent reduced risk of stroke

·         a 28 per cent reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

·         a 13 per cent reduced risk of total cancer

·         a 31 per cent reduction in dying prematurely

This risk was calculated in comparison to not eating any fruit and vegetables. The current UK guidelines are to eat at least five portions or 400g per day. However fewer than one in three UK adults are thought to meet this target.

13 things to know about Organic Food 

https://www.rd.com/health/healthy-eating/13-things-you-didnt-know-about-organic-food/

What happen if You Eat 2 Eggs a Day

1. Slowing Down of the Aging Process

One study which was conducted by Dutch scientists claimed that 87% of women from 35 to 40 years old consumed eggs and they managed to get rid of their age spots. What is more, their skin was lifted as well. Also, the wrinkles around the eyes that appeared in men smoothed as well.

2. Useful When Planning Children

The B vitamins are a part of the formation of the sex hormones. for instance, B9 vitamin, or folic acid, can help the red blood cells and the neural tube of the fetus to for. Also, it will reduce the risk of mental retardation in children. Thus, vitamin B9 is clearly very necessary for women when pregnant. 1 chicken egg contains 7.0 mcg of this vitamin.

3. Decreases the Risk of Cancer

Choline, which is needed for the brain, is also one of those ingredients that reduces the risk of cancer. One study, which explored the daily diet of women in adolescence that included eggs, claimed that the risk of breast cancer decreased by 18%.

4. Start Losing Weight

Some American scientists concluded that if you combine a low-calorie diet and chicken eggs consumption for breakfast, you will lose the weight faster. This type of a breakfast will keep you satiated longer, thus, allowing you to decrease the amount of food you usually eat daily.

5. Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Some new research has shown that the cholesterol from the eggs is actually balanced with phosphatides, thus, it does not harm our health. Moreover, it inhibits the body’s own cholesterol production. Plus, the eggs contain omega-3 acids which will reduce the triglyceride levels, thus, in that way reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

6. Vitamin B Complex Protects the Skin, Hair and Liver

The biotin, vitamin B12 and other digestible nourishing proteins contribute to the strengthening of the hair and skin. Also, there are phospholipids in the chicken eggs which will help with the elimination of toxins from the liver.

7. Vitamin D Helps Absorb Calcium

If you present a choice to a person of drinking a spoonful of fish oil or just eating a boiled egg, most of them will prefer the egg. The content of vitamin D is the same in both cases actually. Also, scientists have found a way to increase the amount of vitamin D content in the eggs by feeding chickens special supplements. Vitamin D will in turn help the calcium to be absorbed and it will strengthen the bones and teeth as well.

8. Lutein Preserves the Sight

Some new research has shown that chicken eggs are also enriched in lutein. This in turn is responsible for clear and sharp eyesight. If you are deficient of it, your eyes will start to deteriorate and some destructive changes in the eye tissue will accumulate.

9. The Brain is Under Choline’s Protection

Phospholipids, which help with the communication of the brain cells, are consisted of choline. It was actually clinically proven that this vitamin is the best when it comes to the building of the brain’s material. If you consume 2 eggs a day, the body will have enough of this nutrient. However, if you are deficient of it, it might lead to memory loss.

These are the 9 reasons you have to consume eggs more, as if we needed more. Get to eating some eggs and enjoy the benefits they offer. You are welcome!

Uses of Okra / Vendaka

Okra, also known as “lady’s finger”, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae (mallows) family and named scientifically as Abelmoschus esculentus. One of most nutritious vegetables around Okra is cultivated throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions around the world for its fibrous fruits or “pods”. The pods are handpicked while just short of reaching maturity and eaten as a vegetable. 

Why you should include Okra in your diet? 

Okra has a long list of health benefits:

1. Rich Fiber Source: Okra’s rich fiber content helps in better digestion, and regularization of bowels. The soluble fiber, Pectin, swells up in the intestine and helps in easier elimination of the wastes from the intestine.
2. For Diabetes: It has insulin-like properties that help to reduce blood sugar levels. Eugenol, a type of fiber found in Okra, helps to stabilize blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.
3. For Pregnancy and Fetal development: Abundant Folates in Okra, not only help in conceiving but also in fetus’ brain development, prevention of miscarriages, formation of the fetal neural tube, and preventing any defects in the tube.
4. For Strong Bones: Vitamin K is a co-factor in the vital blood-clotting process and along with Folates, restores bone density, strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.
5. For Asthma: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Okra, and rich vitamin C content, curtail the development of asthma symptoms and prevent fatal attacks.
6. Respiratory soother: A decoction of leaves and flowers of Okra are used in treating bronchitis and pneumonia. Its mucilaginous (slimy, gluey) quality makes it an excellent home remedy for treatment of common cold and flu.
7. Relieves Constipation: The rich fiber and mucilaginous content in Okra pods help increase stool bulk, facilitate proper absorption of water, bind to toxins, lubricate the large intestines, and ensure easy bowel movements, with its natural laxative properties.
8. Treats Sun strokes: Those suffering from summer heat and sun strokes should include Okra in their diet. Relieves from weakness, exhaustion, and overall depression.
9. Lowers Colon cancer risk: The insoluble fiber found in Okra cleans out the intestinal tract, decreasing the risk of colon-rectal cancer. The high antioxidants in Okra helps protect the immune system against harmful free radicals and prevent mutation of cells.
10. Prevents Obesity: Okra provides minimum calories, the fiber helps in keeping you full for longer, and the abundant nutrients nourish you.
11. Lowers Cholesterol: Okra contains soluble fiber pectin, which helps in lowering the serum (bad) cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis. It does it by altering the production of bile in the intestines and aiding in elimination of deposited cholesterol and clots.
12. Skin Detoxifier:  Fiber aidstoxic waste cleansing and Vitamin C aids in repairing body tissues, preventing skin pigmentation, reducing acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions.
13. Lively Hair: The transparent mucilage imparts life and bounce to unruly, curly and lifeless hair. It acts as a great hair conditioner, scalp moisturizer for dry and itchy scalp, fights dandruff and lice, and adds a youthful sheen to your hair.
14. Detoxification: Okra’s fiber not only aids the stool function but the mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid, ejecting toxins, dumped into it by the filtering liver.
15. Immunity Booster: The high antioxidants and vitamin C content make Okra a good immune booster food. Other essential minerals like magnesium, manganese, calcium and iron fight against harmful free radicals and promote healthy immune system.
16. Clear Vision: Okra contains beta-carotenes (precursor of vitamin A), xanthin and lutein, all antioxidant properties, preventing eye problems like cataract and glaucoma.
17. Prevents Anemia: Iron, Folate, and Vitamin K aid in hemoglobin formation, blood coagulation, and red blood cells production, providing a supreme defense against anemia.
18. Cures Ulcers: The alkaline mucilaginous content helps neutralize acids and provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract speeding up the healing of peptic ulcers.
19. Treats Genital Disorders: Okra increases sexual potency and is beneficial in treating genital disorders like syphilis, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, dysuria and excessive menstrual bleeding.
20. Rich Protein Source: The seeds of Okra are an excellent source of first-rate vegetable protein and oils, enriched with amino acids like tryptophan, cystine and other sulfur amino acids.
21. Feeds Blood Network: Studies show that eating plenty of flavonoid and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, such as Okra helps to support the structure of blood capillaries.
22. Probiotics Feed: Good bacteria (probiotics), in intestines, thrive on Okra, contributing greatly to the health of the intestinal tract. It helps biosynthesis of Vitamin B complex, similar to how yoghurt serves the small intestine.

Calcium Supplement from food

Health plan for long hair

A common question about eating a diet for healthy hair and scalps is whether or not the average person can get all of their nutrients from just food alone. 

When it comes to healthy eating it can be very challenging to get the nutrients needed for healthy hair just from an average nutritional program.

Although vitamins designed to promote healthy hair are very effective, they are most effective when combined with a healthy hair diet.

It can be particularly challenging to get all the healthy hair nutrients you need from food alone if youre dieting or if you avoid all animal or dairy products.

Super Foods For Your Hair Diet

Consider adding the following super foods to your diet to benefit your hair and your scalp.

Almonds – Loaded with vitamins and nutrients, almonds are one of the hair friendliest of nuts. Almonds provide nearly 25 percent of the recommended daily allowance of magnesium which is an essential mineral for growing strong healthy strands. Studies have shown that magnesium deficiencies can trigger hair loss.

Eggs

A 1/4-cup serving of dry roasted almonds (preferably unsalted) provides approximately 45 percent of your daily recommended allowance of manganese and vitamin E. As a bonus almonds also include zinc, Omega-3 and selenium.

Spinach – Loaded with Vitamin A, C and E, spinach is a great food for hair and the scalp. It’s rich in iron and manganese which are key for healthy hair growth and maintenance.

Although iron helps minimize or prevent hair loss it’s always best to get it from minerals rather than from vitamins. Green and leafy vegetables as well as broccoli and brussel sprouts are also power foods for hair.

Carrots – Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A which is critical for keeping the hair and scalp healthy. Root vegetables like ginger and onions are also excellent sources of vitamins and minerals.

Beans – Black beans have the highest level of antioxidant levels which provide many benefits to the scalp and hair. While other beans such as brown and white beans can be beneficial, black beans are considered the very best.

Red & Green Apples

Eggs – Eggs are foods which are rich in iron which are key for healthy hair growth and maintenance. Iron helps with hair loss. Eggs are also rich in hair healthy biotin and vitamin B-12. Other foods in the same category are iron rich eggs are beetroots, dates and raisins.

Coconut – Adding coconut foods or related products such as coconut oil, chutney and milk is very useful in encouraging healthy hair and scalps as well as preventing hair loss.

Pomegranates – Chock full of Polyphenols, isoflavones and ellagic acids. Also rich in antioxidants which are important for healthy hair. For the best results eat the fruit as well as the seeds. Chew the seeds completely to get the most benefits.

Pomegranates are also high in Omega fatty acids which help the immune system as well as contribute to healthy scalp and strands. Raspberries and pterostibene rich blueberries are also great for hair along with some dried fruits and especially cherry juice (sugar free).

Coconut

Oatmeal – A diet rich in silica, iron and calcium is very helpful for healthy hair and scalp. It’s also thought to minimize or prevent hair loss.

Raw oats are rich in silica, iron and calcium. Eat whole oats rather than instant oats to achieve maximum hair and scalp benefits. Brown rice and whole grains are also extremely beneficial.

Turkey – Hair experts disagree about the best meat choices for healthy hair. Some experts recommend red meats but others suggested that poultry such as turkey and chicken are actually better.

Both turkey and chicken are easily digested and absorbed into the body. Both meats are both rich in protein and iron.

Protein is important when it comes to healthy hair. A long term lack of proper dietary protein can cause hair to become dry, damaged and brittle. In some cases lack of proper protein can cause hair color loss. Of course fish is always an excellent source of protein and Omega-3 oils.

Vegetarians may wish to get their protein from special protein powders or bars.

Seaweed – Whether eaten crumbled into salads are wrapped around California roles seaweed is very rich in polyphenols and is excellent for long term hair health.

Olive Oils

Nuts – Brazil nuts contain a very high source of selenium which is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Other nuts like walnuts are rich inOmega-3 alpha-linolenic acids which help maintain healthy tresses. Nuts are always rich in zinc which are also important for hair health.

Dairy Products – Not everyone can handle diary products due to lactose intolerance. For those who can handle dairy, skim milk and sugar free yogurts are wonderful sources of calcium and essential minerals for healthy hair.

Other Hair Healthy Foods

Other foods which should be included in your diet for healthy hair and scalp are Winter squash, pumpkins, black pepper and a variety of seeds such as sunflower seeds and flax seeds which are chock full of extra omega-3 and zinc.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is always a great healthy hair building oil.

Summary

Before embarking on any type of new dietary program for your hair, scalp or for other beauty concerns, always do your research and when in doubt always contact your primary care physician /GP for guidance.

Stepping out of comfort zone

One of the absolute best strategies to step outside your comfort zone is to embrace discomfort.

Josh Waitzkin is a multi-time national chess champion who transitioned into becoming a world champion martial artist. To put it simply, this guy know what is takes to perform under serious pressure at the absolute highest levels. He wrote an amazing book about his journey and what it takes to be a top performer called The Art of Learning. You can also get a great summary of some of the key ideas from The Art of Learning in this incredible interview Josh did with Tim Ferriss a few years ago.

My favorite quote from The Art of Learning perfectly answers your question:

"My whole life I have worked on this issue. Mental resilience is arguably the most critical trait of a world-class performer, and it should be nurtured continuously.Left to my own devices, I am always looking for ways to become more and more psychologically impregnable. When uncomfortable, my instinct is not to avoid the discomfort but to become at peace with it. When injured, which happens frequently in the life of a martial artist, I try to avoid painkillers and to change the sensation of pain into a feeling that is not necessarily negative. My instinct is always to seek out challenges as opposed to avoiding them. This type of internal work can take place in the little moments of our lives. I mentioned how my style over the board was to create chessic mayhem and then to sort my way through the chaos more effectively than my opponents. This was a muscle I built up by training myself to be at peace with the unclear and tumultuous— and most of the training was in everyday life.” - Josh Waitzkin, The Art of Learning

Josh provides some incredible wisdom in that quote. Embracing discomfort and becoming at peace with it is the best way to cultivate mental toughness and resilience - and this is KEY - that work takes place in your EVERY DAY LIFE. The little moments where you can push yourself beyond your comfort zone and get uncomfortable build tolerance and slowly expand your ability to get tougher and tougher.

The Sphere of Discomfort

I call this the “sphere of discomfort” and it reminds me of a quote by George Addair “Everything You’ve Ever Wanted Is On The Other Side Of Fear.”

When you do something for the first time it’s scary. When you do it for the 10th time, you’re staring to get the hang of it. When you do it for the 1000th time, you’re practically getting bored.

When you play on the edges of your comfort zone, those edges slowly expand, and expand, and expand - and you start to be able to do more things, to push more boundaries, to achieve goals you never thought possible.

The strength and courage to break out of your comfort zone happens, as Josh said, in those little moments of your life. Take the opportunity to make yourself uncomfortable. Take a cold shower. Talk to a stranger. Ask the coffee shop for a free cup of coffee, just because. That’s how you start to get more and more comfortable with discomfort. Rejection therapy is another great tool to start really getting out of your comfort zone.

Get Uncomfortable

For a few resources on how to go deeper on this I would recommend checking out the following:

1. In this Google Talk - Josh Waitzkin himself explains many of his ideas and concepts around performance.
2. In this podcast episode I break down a number of strategies for embracing discomfort in your daily life (and go deeper on Josh’s story).
3. In this Ted Talk Jia Jiang discusses “rejection therapy” which can be a great way to familiarize yourself with discomfort (especially if you struggle with social situations).
4. In this interview Dr. Andy Molinsky, a professor of psychology, explains the fears trapping you in your comfort zone, and a number of strategies for getting outside your comfort zone.

All of those resources, would be a great starting point toward getting out of your comfort zone.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Rober Cialdini 2014

Audio book here https://youtu.be/Je1_zZKJVY0
PDF here http://elibrary.bsu.az/books_400/N_232.pdf

It may hurt but it works

If you were physically active continue your activity in moderation.  Do what's most comfortable for you. 

Reverse Diabetes with Weight Reduction

Well-designed, diet-based strategies have been shown to lead to rapid and substantial weight loss and get patients to maintain a 12kg to 15kg weight loss for periods of a year and sustain it beyond, the doctors said, citing studies in the UK over the past five years.

Most Indians with diabetes are likely to have BMI above 23 or so. They would probably be better with BMI of about 20 - that means losing eight to 10 kilograms, permanently," said Lean who is set to start a study involving Indian-origin and Pakistani-origin people in the UK.

However, maintaining the loss of even 10kg may pose a challenge to most patients. "The human brain is programmed to eat more - people tend to eat beyond their hunger levels. It is difficult for people to stick to low calorie diet for long periods of time and this makes most people to regain the lost weight within years," said Satinath Mukhopadhyay, an endocrinologist at the Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research, Calcutta.

Source : https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170914/jsp/nation/story_173139.jsp

Live your truth

Did you know the difference between Heart Attack/ Cardiac Arrest?

A heart attack happens when blood supplying the heart muscle is cut off due to a clot in one of the coronary arteries. This can cause chest pain, although symptoms can be less severe, and can permanently damage the heart. The heart is still sending blood to the body and the person will be conscious and breathing. A person having a heart attack has a high risk of experiencing a cardiac arrest.

A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body, often because of a problem with the electrical signals to the heart muscle. Someone who is having a cardiac arrest will suddenly collapse and will stop breathing.

Both a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are life-threatening medical emergencies 

10 Things You May REGRET in 15 years

1. Staying in the job you hate 2. Staying in a destructive relationship 3. Settling for less than you deserve 4. Not spending enough time with the loved ones. Children grow up faster than we think, parents grow older faster than we would like
5. Not creating enough loyal friends and colleagues     Not doing enough for your people 6. Not taking care of your health 7. Not taking time to learn new things 8. Worrying too much. Worry saps energy of today without contributing anything to tomorrow 9. Not spending enough time on things you like Travel, sports, leisure, etc 10. Not allowing yourself to be happy with what you have Reacting rather than responding. No day is a scrap page in the book of life; being happy is a choice

Thought for the day

Protect yourself from cancer causing makeup

A leading UK breast cancer charity has warned that levels of endocrine disrupting chemicals contained in popular beauty products may increase women's risk of developing the disease. And the chemicals being highlighted by Breast Cancer UK appear in the ingredients on everything from Nivea moisturisers and Maybelline mascaras to Essie nail polish.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are mostly manmade and have been linked with increased rates of breast cancer, according to the World Health Organisation. Exposure can occur through the skin or be passed on by pregnant women to their unborn children.