Healthy Hints

10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Soyfoods

Soy is the "Most Nutritious Food Known to Man." The oxygen/nitrogen base of soy most approximates that of a human being -- we are carbon-based life forms and exchange nitrogen/oxygen. That is why soy can be plowed under the ground and the same crops can be grown on the same land for years; it enriches the soil so completely.
Cultures that consume soyfoods regularly as their main source of protein live an average of 19 to 21 years longer than cultures and groups of people that do not. Here in the United States, the Seventh Day Adventists' longevity has been a source of study for decades. They eat soy regularly.
It is estimated that 70 percent of us have a blood sugar disorder (diabetes and hypoglycemia are normally not diagnosed for 7-10 years, after internal organs have become fatigued, as we have no test to pinpoint it sooner). Only SOY FIBER has been shown to lower diabetic blood sugar levels for hours following a meal -- no other fibers have this positive effect.
Only soy has been shown to prevent and treat chronic diseases such as heart, cancer (soy consumption has been linked to lower rates of lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancers), osteoporosis,* kidney, diabetes, liver, (soy detoxifies the liver), arthritis, and even eliminate or greatly reduce menopause and pms symptoms. Premarin, taken for menopause, can cause strokes. Soyfoods help prevent stroke. Soy is good for the brain, liver, and kidneys.
Soy is a complete protein (having all of the essential amino acids needed to sustain human life) and does not cause kidney stress and excess calcium usage, as animal proteins do. In order to assimilate ANY animal protein the kidneys have to work hard, and it takes 50% or more calcium to breakdown the animal proteins, hence the high rate of bone related diseases and fractures among high animal-consuming cultures. Soy delivers calcium to the bones, increasing bone density.*
Soy boosts immunity. Studies show that soybean peptides can boost the immune system, which helps the body fight disease.
Quality soy fiber products contain much needed trace vitamins and minerals normally not present in many of our foods today. Eating soyfoods have been shown to be of benefit in detoxifying the liver, clearing up bronchitis and nasal congestion, relieving stomach cramps, healing stomach ulcers, and reducing allergic reactions.
Soy contains important antioxidants called "isoflavones," compounds which protect cells from damage caused by "free radicals" -- dangerous unstable oxygen molecules. These free radicals are believed to be responsible for many forms of disease including cancer and premature aging.
Soy is rated as tops on the anti-aging foods list. Soy helps soften, tighten and replenish skin, helping to prevent dry and wrinkled skin, and to restore a youthful "glowing" complexion. Plus soy is good for weight loss -- soy builds muscle and burns fat. Soyfoods with fiber provides fullness without fat. And we all have to watch our weight as we age.
Alzheimer's disease -- Soy is a natural estrogen -- 472 post-menopausal women reduced their risk of contracting the disease by 54 precent with estrogen. Soy lecithin is an important source of phospholipids-phosphatidyl serine, which improve memory, concentration and mood, and has been shown to be the only nutrient proven to partially reverse age-related memory loss. ©2000 Dixie USA, Inc.

White Tea May Be Best For Cancer Prevention

Although not as well-known as the green or black varieties, white tea has been enjoyed for centuries in China and Japan for its unique aroma and flavor. Research presented at the recent meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco has found that white tea not only tastes good; it may be better than other kinds of tea in preventing certain forms of cancer.

Never, Never, Never...

NEVER,NEVER, NEVER eat margarine or any other Hydrogenated fats! These are non-foods with toxic effects and should be avoided at any cost. Consumption of hydrogenated fats cause the accumulation of trans-fatty acids in your body. These trans-fatty acids cannot be metabolized by your liver. It is better to use natural fats but in small proportions.

Watch Your Breathing

Your breathing is probably very shallow during the day and you are not oxygenating your body very well. Many stress related health problems can be rectified by proper breathing techniques or by taking some time during the day and night to concentrate on your breathing.

Breath control alone can achieve remarkable results. It can lower blood pressure, end heart arrhythmias, improve long-standing patterns of poor digestion, increasing blood circulation throughout the body, decreasing anxiety (and allowing people to get off addictive anti-anxiety drugs), and improve sleep and energy cycles. Breathing techniques are also the surest route I know to stress reduction. How do you breath right? There are many breathing exercises but you can start with the following:

~Observe your breath
~Make your breathing slow, deep, quiet, and regular
~Breathe abdominally/feel your abdomen rise ~Begin with an exhalation ~Squeeze out more air / make sure that your exhalation is long and meaningful

*You may feel momentarily dizzy but it will be brief. This happens because you just flooded your body with oxygen and released a lot of toxins.

Peppermint

After a meal, a cup of peppermint is pleasant. It cleanses the palette. I enjoy eating mints after dinner, too. Peppermint oil can also be used topically. Rub a bit on to your wrist delicately, behind your knees, and on your temples. If the peppermint oil needs to be diluted for you, add a bit of rubbing alcohol or white wine to it. Traditionally, rubbing peppermint oil on the temples can relieve headaches. Peppermint calms the subdermal nerves.

Listening

In order to take care of yourself, you must first listen to yourself. You will be surprised at what you find out about you. What do you say when you talk to yourself?

When I see people walking and talking to themselves, I am amused. Of course, I get away as fast as possible. However, I do see the wisdom of speaking to yourself in your own voice. Your voice is after all something to help you get to know yourself better. Call yourself by your name tenderly. Tell yourself that you love yourself. It is vital that you have a good relationship with yourself. IN THE CAULDRON OF MINDS-Whatever we focus on expands....BE YOUR OWN BABY- A friend of mine jokingly called herself her own baby. She does take excellent care of herself. Plan one day as an experiment to pamper yourself for a few hours. You can pay special attention to your clothes, comfort and well-being. If you like, get yourself some baby creams.

Water Consumption

Consuming water has a positive effect on brain chemistry. After all, our brains are about 75% water. Remember that the process of aging is simply dehydration! Also, water cleanses and nourishes our bodies. Drink only bottled water and do not substitute other drinks such as soda, tea or coffee for water. In his book, Your Body's Many Cries for Water, Dr. F. Batmanghelidj states that water is a panacea. Dr. Batmanghelidj's book makes for fascinating reading because he chronicles different conditions including obesity and depression. He is a visionary. Drink your water! How much should you drink? Since we are all different weights, the best rule to follow is to drink 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water daily. Therefore, if you weigh 100 pounds, you should drink 50 oz. of water every day.

Stretching

Reaching for the sky always feels marvelous. Gently stretch several times a day. Lift your arms above your head until the blood feels like it is flowing. Alternate each arm. Be gentle with yourself. For your legs, gently kick them 5 times to warm up, then point and extend. A nice stretch can make you feel quite content. During the day always take time to stretch, and deep breath~ always get centered, relax! It will make the rest of the day easier to handle.