With our love of incorporating goji berries into as many of our meals as possible, we have developed quite a few of our own recipes, such as the Acai Bowl Recipe made with real goji juice.

Today we would like to share with you one of our all time favourite recipes, goji berry and cranberry chutney. This delicious chutney compliments almost any roasted meat, such as turkey, chicken, or even my absolute favourite, lamb chops.

What you will need:

• 12 ounces fresh organic cranberries
• 2/3 cups dried organic goji berries – we know a good goji supplier
• 1/4 cup chopped dried organic apricots
• 1 medium organic shallot, chopped
• 1 cup organic apple cider
• filtered water
• 1 cup brown rice syrup
• 2 tablespoons of organic maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh grated organic ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground organic cinnamon
• Pinch organic cayenne pepper
• Pinch organic allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/3 cup chopped organic walnuts
• Zest of one organic orange

What you will need to do:

• Combine fresh organic cranberries, dried organic goji berries, chopped dried organic apricots and chopped organic shallots in a saucepan
• Add organic apple cider and enough filtered water to cover the mixture
• Bring to a rapid boil, then lower heat to simmer for 15 minutes or until the goji berries are soft and plump and the cranberries split open
• Stir in brown rice syrup, organic maple syrup, grated organic ginger, ground organic cinnamon, organic cayenne pepper, organic allspice and sea salt
• Simmer for 5 minutes longer, remove from heat and stir in chopped organic walnuts and organic orange zest
• Cool to room temperature and serve

Best of all, this organic goji berry and cranberry chutney can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Typically the seaweed that was washed up on shore was used, although there is evidence that some Scotland farmers would harvest fresh seaweed at low tide. In the UK the practice was to mix the collected seaweed and let it compost before harvesting it for fertilizer. Many costal farmers all over the world used seaweed as a source of fertilizer, including France, the Philippines and in Argentina.

Seaweed fertilizer functions as both a fertilizer and soil conditioner, and can be used on its own or included in other types of wholesale fertilizer.

You should use seaweed fertilizer for the following reasons:

• it improves aeration and soil structure, especially in clay soils
• it has good moisture retention properties
• it can produce higher yields
• it will increase uptake of soil nutrients
• it will increase resistance to pests, such as mites and aphids
• it improves seed germination
• and finally, it provides more resistance to frost.

At the heart of this delicious breakfast are its main ingredients, the acai berries. Pronounced ah-sigh-ee, these purple berries are slightly smaller than grapes and have a unique chocolate-berry taste.

Being a fan of both goji juice and acai berries, I’ve created a spin on the traditional Brazilian recipe by supplementing the water or mango juice with goji juice. I also had to opt for packaged frozen acai pulp rather than fresh berries, since the only place you can get them fresh is in South America, as the berries will spoil within 24 hours of picking them.

What you need:

1 large banana
handful of strawberries
200 grams of pure frozen Acai Pulp
1/2 cup of goji juice
1/4 cup granola
handful of dried goji berries

How to do it:

Slice banana, adding 2/3 to blender setting the reaming 1/3 aside for topping
Slice strawberries adding about half to the blender setting the remainder aside for topping
Add frozen acai pulp to blender
Pour in enough goji juice to cover blender blades (typically 1/2 cup)

Blend until mixed well. Mixture should be thick.

Pour mixture into a bowl, sprinkle with granola and dried goji berries.
Garnish with remaining banana and strawberries.

And finally, enjoy!

Packed with antioxidants, amino acids, healthy fats and fiber, this Acai Bowl is a delicious and healthy way to start your morning.

Peppermint comes in different forms when sold in stores. One can find flavoring, which tends to be peppermint extract. It comes from an extract of the oils, bringing with it most of the health benefits and flavoring of the leaves. Stores sell it in capsules and  tablets to allow people to get the health benefits without needing to devour peppermint leaves. The plants themselves can be bought and grown to use in home cooking. Peppermint candies are also popular for all times, as they are given out at parades, stores, and restaurants regularly.

The pills that are sold with concentrated peppermint extract, providing health with stomach, dental, respiratory, and aesthetic problems. For the stomach, peppermint contains carminativia, which relieves air bubbles in the stomach and gas problems. It also alleviates problems with low appetite, soothes an achy or nauseous stomach, and treats heartburn. Sea sickness is also on the list of problems fixed.

Dental problems are also dealt with as the antiseptic deals with plaque and mouth bacteria. This fights bad breath and treats toothaches. The menthol in the peppermint creates that minty fresh feeling that arises from using toothpaste, a familiar taste people now expect to come with squeaky clean teeth.

The menthol from peppermint oil is also used in products like Vic’s chest rub. The menthol vapors get into the sinuses and clear them, making peppermint a useful substance for kids with a cold or a flu. It also comes in cough drops, aiding with sore throats.

Finally, peppermint is good for aesthetic uses. For the hair, it removes dandruff and lice. The menthol is good topically and creates healthy looking skin by nourishing and improving previously oily skin.

Peppermint is used for a variety of reasons, whether for a sore throat or tasty gum, the menthol-y mint flavor is familiar to people everywhere. The oil is perfect for keeping the stomach, teeth, lungs, and body healthy, even if the intentions are just to make a good cookie.

As the holidays come and go, certain traditions stay with families; major traditions remain in food choices. Whether it’s roasting chestnuts over an open fire or making cranberries into a sauce for a turkey dinner, holiday foods doesn’t have to be guilt inducing. Some of these food traditions can be a fantastic source of nutrition, making holidays better for the body than most may think.

Chestnuts are tasty to roast, perfect for stuffing turkeys, and make a wonderful gluten substitute. It can be used to make breads, soups, butters, and creams with a nutty flavor. This is perfect because it’s low fat and low calorie, even for a nut. It’s packed full of vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium. These traits make it comparable to sweet potatoes or corn, which also come as holiday favorites. Those eating chestnuts will find them also a good source of high quality protein, fiber, and exceptional amounts of vitamin C and folates. Folic acids are the building blocks for blood cells and synthesizing DNA, which are both pertinent during pregnancy for a well developed baby. On top of all that, it lowers bad cholesterol and promotes the good kind. Whether it’s used as a gluten-free substitute or not, chestnuts can make the holidays happier for everybody.

Another tradition with holidays incorporates the use of cranberries into dinners and desserts. These are not only a beautiful brilliant red, but also packed full of antioxidants that protect urinary tract infections. The antioxidants work by clinging to the bacteria that may build up or become introduced to sensitive body areas. They disarm it and make the bacteria unable to cling to cell walls, thus preventing it from infecting any other cells or becoming detrimental. These antioxidants also kill H. Plyori bacteria, which cause cancer and stomach ulcers.

Holiday traditions tend to make people feel like they’re putting on pounds, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Chestnuts and cranberries alike, if used properly, can make the holidays into healthy days with just a couple cookies or a ruby red sauce.

A fresh berry cobbler is always welcome to the dinner table; what better way to sneak health into the diets of vegetable fearing children than with sweets? A quick fruit filling can be composed of the following ingredients:
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 c each: blueberries, blackberries, goji berries
1 c sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp lemon juice
3/4 c water
1 tsp zest
Mix the ingredients together and let them sit together for 30 minutes to mingle the flavors properly. While that’s sitting, prepare your favorite sweet biscuit recipe, or retrieve a can of pre-made biscuits to cover the fruit to bake into a true cobbler. Biscuits, however, are not a necessary part of a delicious dessert. Stewed fruit alone makes a healthier and equally tasty meal. When the fruit has sat for 30 minutes and the biscuits are ready–if being used–spread them out flat over top of the fruit in an oven safe dish.
After the 30 minutes of letting the fruit rest, place it in a 375 degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes. If biscuits are being used, wait until they are fluffy and golden brown. The fruit should be bubbling but not scorched. Check frequently to prevent it from boiling over. Cobbler tastes great served with fresh whipped cream and pleases many taste buds while also pleasing their body’s system’s with the benefits of goji berries.

Goji berries can also be snuck into dessert through cheesecake using the following ingredients:
16 oz cream cheese
1 c sugar
2 room temperature eggs, lightly beaten
2 c blueberries and goji berries
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 c orange juice
1/4 c sour cream
Blend a cup of the berries with a tablespoon of orange juice to make a berry puree. Then make the cheesecake itself by mixing the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Add the sour cream and the rest of the orange juice. Find a pan for the cheesecake and put half of the cream filling in the bottom. Layer on the berry puree, then cover it with the other half of cheesecake batter. Line the top with the leftover berries.
Bake the cheesecake in a water bath. This means getting a slightly larger pan, filling it with water, and placing the cheesecake’s baking pan in the watered pan. This helps it cook properly. Bake the cheesecake at 350 degrees for 60 to 70 minutes, then let it chill for four hours.

Dessert can be a great way to sneak goji berries into the diets of unsuspecting family members and create a healthy meal. It’ll ultimately lead to a happier holiday with better feeling guests, as well as bring satisfaction that dessert wasn’t completely off a good diet. Goji berries can substitute any berry and be part of any meal.

The recommended daily intake of calcium, for both men and women between the ages of 19 and 50 years of age, is 1,000mg per day. It is important to meet the recommended daily intake to not only keep your bones and teeth strong, but also to keep your body working properly.

If you are unable to get enough calcium from your diet, you could run the risk of developing osteoporosis, and may have to take calcium supplements to make up the difference. Common reasons why you may need a calcium supplement include being lactose intolerant, having a diary allergy, or just generally not consuming enough diary or calcium fortified products.

When it comes to calcium supplements there are two main types: those made with calcium carbonate, which are the most common forms of calcium supplements, and those made with calcium citrate, which tend to not only be more expensive, but also contain lower amounts of elemental calcium, so more of the supplement is required to be taken.

The calcium that is used in supplements can come from a variety of sources, including: coral calcium, oyster shell, bone meal, fossils and dolomite.

One of the best calcium supplements is liquid coral calcium. It is composed primarily of calcium carbonate and not only contains magnesium, but it also includes other essential trace minerals and important nutrients that are essential for optimum health. Furthermore, coral calcium has a similar chemical structure to that of human bone and has even been used a material for bone grafts.

A proper diet is the most important way to ensure you are getting all the required minerals and vitamins that you need each day. However, if your diet is not meeting all your needs for calcium, a calcium supplement is the best way to help keep your bones and teeth healthy and strong.

One of the chemical choices of sleep aid is called diphendramine. While sounding complicated, it is actually found in most medicine cabinets under the name of benadryl. Diphendramine is an antihistamine and makes a person drowsy at the same time that it fights poisons. This is because it’s a chemical that binds receptors in the brain, but it cannot tell the difference  between histamine receptors and acetylcholine receptors. By blocking the histamine receptors, the histamine can no longer attach itself to the brain and thus symptom relief. When the acetylcholine is not allowed to attach in the brain, it builds up in the blood stream and creates a drowsy feeling in the body. Newer versions of benadryl or “none drowsy” types are more specified as to which receptors it blocks.

A more popular–and more natural–way of falling asleep is taking melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the pineal gland, which can be found in the brain, depending on the conditions the body is under, including light, sound, and temperature. It does not directly make the body drowsy, nor is it a conventional sleep aid. It works better for resetting or changing biological clocks. This is a perfect option for people attempting to change or create sleeping habits.
Another minor sedative is sometimes used for sleep aid as well–chamomile. It’s a well known herb that can be used to brew teas, but sometimes is found in pill form. It’s been drank for centuries, reaching back to the 1600′s when they started drinking chamomile tea to soothe the stomach and lull the body into a relaxing sleep. It works by slowing the nervous system, making sleep easier.

Always remember to consult with doctors about prolonged use of any drug. Sleep does not have to be a difficult thing to obtain, nor does assistance have to be expensive or risky in terms of health. Many natural herb supplements can help ease the body into an eight hour long rest if taken in appropriate doses.

If you are looking to get away from the dependence on chemical fertilizers for your home garden, whether you are growing fruits and vegetables or beautiful flowers, the best alternative is an organic fertilizer such as the organic seaweed fertilizer pictured above.

Commercial chemical fertilizers run on the NPK systems, that is the idea that all a plant really needs to grow fast and produce high yields is three chemical elements, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Potassium (K). After a few centuries of believing in this system of fertilizing, studies are beginning to show that many of our health related concerns are connected to the food we eat, or rather, the lack of essential macro and trace minerals in commercially grown food.

There has been a big push for sustainable, healthy, organic farming, however there are many challenges growing organic food for commercial consumption. The end result being only the well-to-do can afford the organic products in the supermarket.

While we wait for the agriculture industry to catch up to our needs, you can still grow many of your own fruits and vegetables organically at home using organic fertilizers such as liquid seaweed.

There are two main ways to use organic seaweed fertilizer:

1) Apply the fertilizer to the root system of the plant by either adding the liquid organic seaweed fertilizer into your watering bucket and applying it directly to the root zone, or by adding the dry seaweed fertilizer directly to the soil and working it into the root zone of the plant. This video produced by eHow will show you how it is done:

2) The other option is to use the liquid seaweed fertilizer as a foliar spray. Putting the liquid fertilizer in a spray bottle and spraying the leaves can accomplish this. Again, the people at eHow have produced this great video to show you how it is done:

To understand the functionality of caffeine, one must first grasp the concept of adenosine. The receptors in the brain can take in different chemicals, one of which is adenosine. This chemical binds with a receptor and slows the activity within the nerve cell. The slowing of the brain dilates blood vessels, slows down body processes, and results in a drowsy feeling within the body. Caffeine interferes with the adenosine’s ability to affect the brain.

When caffeine is introduced into the brain, it binds up the adenosine receptor. The receptors believe the caffeine is adenosine and binds the nerve. However, the affects that would otherwise can no longer occur and put the user to sleep. The nerve cells speed up and blood vessels constrict. Neurons fire up, and the pituitary glands begin to suspect something is amiss, thus sending the body into “fight or flight” mode, releasing adrenaline throughout the body.

When adrenaline is released into the body at these levels all day, a few things happen. Some are easily felt, such as an increased breathing and heart rate. Other things, such as a slower blood flow to the stomach, the liver releasing sugars into the blood, and dilated pupils are not quite as easily felt. The sugars are released to provide the body with extra energy, because an elevated heart rate requires the body to work harder. Many other affects happen to the body, including dehydration, increased urination, and, in some bodies, diarrhea.

Caffeine is a drug. It alters and affects the brain, sometimes positively and other times negatively. It increases dopamine levels, which are the pleasure neurotransmitters. It’s also addictive, and its withdrawals will leave the user exhausted, depressed, and dealing with throbbing headaches.

Whether it’s green tea, chocolate, coffee, or an energy drink such as a Monster or a Rockstar, caffeine comes in all sorts of packages at all sorts of amounts. Caffeine does not kill and it does not normally hurt people, but take in excess can raise heart rates to dangerously fast speeds. In certain doses, however, it may be beneficial to the user for their purposes, such as staying awake late at night to finish writing a paper or even just to play games later at night. Always remember to use carefully and in moderation and to get plenty of sleep.

An almond is the pit of a seed that could grow into a beautiful tree that is native to South and East Asia. The seed’s shell isn’t hard to crack open and inside is a brown, wrinkly nut. These are often toasted and tossed with salt to make them taste better. Dry roasted almonds contain enough protein, vitamin E, calcium, and fiber to create a healthy lifestyle.

Almonds tend to be somewhat fatty, but not the wrong kind of fat. The oils in almonds are actually the same type as olive oil, which happen to be extremely good for the body and within two weeks can actually reduce cholesterol. This lowers risk for heart disease. A handful of almonds can regulate blood fats better than a whole wheat muffin, despite the difference in fat levels. Almonds are tasty and healthy for the heart.

Other nutrients can be found in the almond such as flavenoids and vitamin E. The flavenoids are antioxidants and can be found in the skin of the almond. Vitamin E is something that can prevent the creation of reactive oxygen species upon oxidation of the free radicals in the blood stream, and is found in the almond’s flesh. Together, they double the antioxidant potentials each would separately contain. They also contain more than 20 other potent flavenoids and antioxidants, including ones that could be found in green tea and grapefruit.

A handful of almonds daily may sound monotonous, but they don’t have to be taken the same way every day. Almonds can be eaten in a variety of ways, from desserts to dinners. One could make almond brittle, drink almond milk, use almond butter in their cooking, or make almond broccoli and chicken for two and share the nutritional meal. Getting healthy doesn’t have to be a struggle. Just a handful of almonds every day can boost the body’s immune system and improve quality of life.

Whether it’s for heart disease, weight loss, or a better immunity to unstable molecules in the body, almonds may help anyone with their issues. Even if there aren’t any issues, almonds can boost how you feel and prevent future issues. Just try it for two weeks and see if there’s a difference, and remember to mix it up–there’s no use in taking something until you hate it.

The recipe is a simple one and can be played with at will, though sometimes play may sacrifice some of its benefits. All it takes is a heaping spoonful of organic cocoa powder mixed in a cup of organic soy milk. A scoop of espresso adds a kick of energy and small additions of cinnamon and cayenne pepper give it a kick that really adds flavor. If doubtful about the amounts, make sure to add little bits of spices and increase them to taste. Just a dash of sweetener, while not traditional, certainly makes it more palatable.

To start the drink, make sure to use soy milk. Cow’s milk has an enzyme that will neutralize the affects of the cocoa powder and render the drink nearly useless. Soy itself has its benefits anyway. It contains extra protein and fiber that cannot be found in cow’s milk, as well as isoflavones that help prevent cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. While organic soy milk may not taste as silky as that of a cow, it’s not so bad when spiced up.

The cocoa that is added to the milk is important. Pure ground cocao bean does wonders for the body and cannot be substituted with normal Hershey’s cocoa powder. While it may say 100% pure cocoa, it contains alkalis which neutralize the cocoa’s benefits, rendering it just a decadent dessert. Making sure the cocoa powder is 100% organic cocoa is vital–it also tends to be cheaper, as there is nothing added.

Adding spices to a drink may be the most fun in concocting it–and half the healthiness of it as well. Cinnamon and cayenne both happen to be chock full of nutrients. If 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon is taken a day it has been shown to reduce cholesterol. Mix that with a tablespoon of honey and there’s a quick and easy arthritis pain reliever. Cayenne increases metabolism and revitalizes vein structures, ultimately leading to a healthy heart. Finally, add a kick of espresso to help lift the eyelids and pump in some extra antioxidants, finishing off a body-friendly drink.

While some may not appeal to the somewhat bitter taste, there are ways to improve the taste. A spoonful of sugar is a common remedy to flavor issues, and holds true to this as well. A scoop of soy ice cream could also turn this into the healthiest milkshake anyone could ask for. Honey is also great for cutting through bitterness and, in conjunction with the cinnamon, could create an arthritis-fighting drink. Do what works best and experiment until the best flavor is obtained.

Aztec cocoa may be an acquired taste, but if you can get over the bitter flavor, it could be the perfect alternative to morning coffee, or even just an added drink whenever your body is feeling low on goodness. The ingredients are natural, simple, cheap, and wonderful on the body, not to mention easy to obtain. Just a few extra moments paying attention to your health and some creativity could make all the difference.

Ovarian cancer is a malicious tumor on a female’s reproductive glands. It’s the 8th most common type of cancer and affects one woman in every group of 72. As with other cancers, the longer it goes undiagnosed, the less of a chance there is to remove it. If found early and the cancer is still local, the patient has a 92% survival rate. Once it has spread to the local lymph nodes, this chance reduces to 71%. If the cancer metastasizes elsewhere in the body, chances lower to a 27% survival rate.

There are a few things that may add to a woman’s risk factors, which includes starting menstruation before 12 years old, a late onset of menopause after 52 years old, a genetic mutation, and the ingestion of fertility drugs. The presence of risk factors do not guarantee ovarian cancer, it only increases the chances of contracting it. Signs of ovarian cancer may include abdominal pressure, pelvic pain, a persistence of indigestion, gas, constipation, and/or nausea, a constant need to urinate, and a loss of appetite. As with the risk factors, just having a symptom does not mean cancer. The only symptom that should cause immediate concern would be seeing any amount of menstrual blood after menopause. If this happens, you should see a doctor immediately.

For those fearing ovarian cancer, or possessing one or more of the risk factors and wanting to prevent contracting the disease, safety may come in the form of food. These foods may also help people who already have cancer and want to help reduce it. The first food is endives, a vegetable that looks like a white tulip. If eaten raw two times a week, studies have shown that it can reduce the risk of cancer by 75%. It works by cutting of nutrients to cancer cells, killing them off. The next nutrient is omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in any fish. Omega-3 can provide a 30% risk reduction, and it’s recommended to take it two to three times a week in servings about the size of one’s palm. Red onions also help, containing four different cancer fighting flavinoids. Boiling will kill 30% of these flavinoids, so treat the onion gently by sautéing it in a pan. A half a cup of onions every day will help prevent cancer, but onions are so versatile that it’s not too challenging. These foods put together can create the ultimate anti-ovarian cancer meal.

To compile these foods into a simple dish, simply cook a sea bass with a little olive oil in a pan, seasoned to taste. While it’s cooking, create a sauce out of sautéed garlic and red onion, tomatoes, capers, lemon juice, and turmeric. Every ingredient has its individual cancer fighting properties. Pour the sauce over the fish once it’s cooked and add a side of endive salad.

Cancer is a scary disease, but doesn’t have to be if steps are taken to prevent it. Antioxidants and cancer fighting agents may protect the body. Still, all the protective food in the world will not guarantee a safe life, so annual checkups with the doctor are recommended. Any change in diet to provide special protection from specific diseases should also be noted to the doctor. Between help at home and medical assistance, a long, healthy life should be obtainable to anybody.

One of the ways to get a fresh supply of antioxidants is to grow berries within or outside of the home. Berry plants aren’t difficult to grow and can be strung up in buckets and hung upside down or planted into the ground when the dirt is warm enough to accommodate the plant. If home growing them isn’t feasible, most places have local fruit stands where fresh fruits and berries can be bought at reasonable prices. Fresh berries can be perfect for snacking on plain, putting into yogurt with some granola, or toppings on a cake. Berries can be added to almost any dessert or meal to bring in a sweet, healthy element.

Of course, fresh berries are often only available during the spring and summer. Fruits go in and out of season fairly quickly. However, there are ways to keep the berries good and useable while they’re in season. The first method is freezing them. This can be done at home during the seasons that they’re available or bought in the store with all the work done. Frozen fruits are great for making cobblers, pies, and jams. Because of their quick tenancy to break down, frozen berries can be used in baked goods that don’t require them to keep their shape.

The other option for getting berries year ’round is to eat them dried. Dried berries are a great way to retain flavor and nutrients while keeping them from going to bad for long periods of time. Foods keep rather well when dehydrated and can be reconstituted later on or used dry. Dried berries can make good fruit cookies or be put into home made trail mixes. One can either dry them using a dehydrator or buy them already dried, often sold in bulk.

Cakes, yogurts, and other usually plain foods can easily be spices up with a sprinkle of berries or a drizzle of fruit sauce. This not only boosts the flavor but the nutritional value. A white cup of yogurt that was once unwanted becomes a fruity treat that even children might want. Berries can make most foods nutritional, delicious, and appealing to almost any tongue.

A person’s metabolism is primarily predisposed based on three traits that a person cannot change and one trait that is changeable. The first factor is age. During a body’s youth it works more efficiently. As one ages, the metabolism slows down. After age 40, every passing decade will decrease a metabolism by 50%. The next factor is gender. In general, men have faster metabolisms than women. Heredity is the third contribution. A person’s ability to gain and lose weight is already encoded into their genes, and so is the rate at which it happens. Parents that are skinny will tend to have skinny children, whereas a heavier set couple will produce a larger child. However, this can be controlled with the fourth factor. A person’s weight will help determine their metabolism. A heavier body has to work harder at all times and will burn calories faster. This is why diets are most efficient in the beginning. These diets can continue to be easy with proper metabolism care.

There are ways to influence the weight part of metabolism. Working out is the fastest way to burn calories, which speeds up the metabolism process. Whatever the body is made to tolerate, it will react accordingly and adjust. If one makes the body work hard on a regular basis, it will keep up a higher metabolism and continue to burn calories. Putting on muscle will also force the body to work harder at all times because it is heaver. It was determined that a pound of muscle will burn 35 calories per day whereas a pound of fat only burns two. No matter how much exercise is done, though, it won’t matter if calories are not taken in responsibly.

Eating can actually benefit a person’s metabolism if done right. A body will go into “starvation mode” if it doesn’t receive food for an abnormally long period of time. In starvation mode, it will metabolize everything slowly and store absolutely everything it can to prevent the loss of all energy sources.  The most effective way to eat is small, frequent meals spread out through the day. This keeps the metabolism constantly working on low calorie jobs. Snacking regularly will stave off hunger and starvation mode. If there is too much empty time between meals, the metabolism will slow down to compensate for the lack of food.

There is theoretically one more way to rev a metabolism. The thought is that proteins, because they are harder to digest than carbohydrates, will utilize the metabolism more due to the extra amount of work it has to do. Another theory is that spicy foods will increase a metabolism up to 20% for 30 minutes. The idea is that the body heats up and burns the calories faster. Research has actually shown that, in conjunction with fatty foods, this theory can actually work. However, whether fatty foods are worth it to make hot peppers burn calories faster is worth it or not is up to the user.

To conclude, a metabolism is primarily designed in the womb but the body’s owner has choice over its efficiency. A metabolism can speed up or slow down depending on eating habits and exercise, and can be maximized by eating small protein rich meals frequently while keeping up an exercise regimen that builds muscle.

Metabolism, in short, is a chemical reaction that changes food into energy. Metabolism has two parts; the first is called catabolism. This is the “destructive” half of the process that is responsible for breaking down food into simpler forms. A piece of bread will become carbohydrates and an orange becomes vitamin C. This break down  extracts the energy and health benefits from the vitamins and minerals in everything eaten. It also breaks down medicines, utilizing their healing purposes. A person with a faster metabolism will feel the effects of a pill faster because it will break down and spread through the bloodstream faster due to the work of catabolism. After catabolism is done, the leftover energy is handed over to anabolism.

The second half of metabolism is the “constructive” half called anabolism. It’s responsible for building up cells and living tissue with the nutrients and energy extracted. This process synthesizes proteins, sugars, fats, enzymes, antibodies, and hormones. Both parts of the process are important for tissue to be created and maintained, as well as balance a body’s weight.

Metabolism, and all the functions it covers, is run by the hormonal and nervous systems. On a level that humans look at, it’s responsible for the balance of calories that are needed and taken into the body. A person’s caloric needs are based on three factors–the calories burned while the body is at rest, which is known as a person’s basal metabolic rate (BMR), the calories burnt during exercise or any movement, and the calories burned in the process of digesting food. Fat is burned when more calories than are needed to match those three categories, and it is put on when more calories are taken in.

Other factors weigh into how a person’s metabolism works. Some people have faster or slower metabolisms, and some even learn to enhance how fast they burn calories. In the end, though, it’s up to a person’s metabolism, which breaks down food to become energy, nutrients, and, if more calories are taken in than burnt, fat.

Free radicals are the reason antioxidants are necessary. A free radical can be absorbed through inhaling or as any damage to the body such as x-rays, sun damage, or pollution in the air. They can be characterized by having an unmatched electron, making them unstable. Once in the body, the free radical searches for another cell from which it will steal an electron to stabilize itself. This cell could be anywhere in the body, depending on where that particular free radical is best suited to attack. When it steals the electron, it turns the victim cell into a free radical. This creates a chain of damaged and mutated cells, which replicate and create more mutated cells. Disease and cancer is often found in the wake of a free radical chain. These chains can either be stopped by two free radicals meeting, thus stabilizing themselves when their extra electrons meet, or by the power of antioxidants.

Antioxidants can be explained by their names; they slow oxidation levels in the body. Oxidation is when something loses or gains an electron. A sliced apple will turn brown. A car will rust. Naturally, cells also die. Oxidation is, at an unaided rate, natural. However, free radicals speed up the process and, in a sense, age the body faster. Antioxidants are nutrients and enzymes that capture and neutralize free radicals, slowing that aging process. Certain types of antioxidants work better in certain areas of the body, which is why different types of antioxidants are necessary.

Many commonly known vitamins are antioxidants. Vitamin A improves vision and can be obtained from carrots, liver, whole milk, spinach, kale, peppers, apricots, mangos, and peaches. Citrus fruits are full of vitamin C and are good for tissue growth and repair, and the health of collagen, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C cannot be created or stored within the body, but is vital to proper health. Selenium is necessary in small amounts, and can be found in beef, cod fish, cottage cheese, eggs, turkey, breads, pastas, oatmeal, walnuts, and brazil nuts. Brazil nuts are the most potent source of selenium, and thus should be limited. Selenium is important in regulating thyroids. Despite all of these, berries remain the most popular source of antioxidants. Blueberries held the biggest reputation before acai berries won as the most potent and concentrated source of antioxidants.

With antioxidants in a person’s system, their body will perform better and more efficiently. A person will feel more awake and energized. More efficient bodies will also burn fat better. Antioxidants are all around good for the body, working as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and quick pick-me-up.

Some might now feel like running out to devour as many antioxidant rich foods that they can when they find out the full potential of these nutrients. Anything if taken in excess, however, can become dangerous and do more harm than help. Supplements and better diets are commendable, but always beware of overdosing. Antioxidants aren’t to be taken for granted, nor to be forgotten. Without them, the body would be at the complete mercy of its surroundings.

As with any prospected garden, starters must first be obtained. These starters can either be small plants or seeds. Sprouts can be little shoots harvested from a larger plant or seeds that have begun to grow. Goji shoots sometimes will look like small twigs, but with some attention they will quickly perk up. They are quicker than seeds, there’s more guarantee that they will grow, and berries will appear sooner, but prices tend to be higher. The other alternative, getting seeds, can be purchased cheaper in larger quantities. Both choices have appeal to different people depending on their patience and price ranges.

Once the starter plant or seed has been obtained, it’s ready to grow. There are a few conditions to consider when planting goji berries. Young roots are more susceptible to cold and may die in it. It would be best to plant the starter in late spring when the temperature is around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, one could keep it indoors or in a greenhouse where it stays warm. One should also put the plants in a well lit area. Sunlight produces bigger and better berries. Bury them under a thin layer of dirt and water daily. Skip watering on days that it rains, and make sure that the soil is well drained. After a few months, the plant should start growing rapidly.

The first few months of growth are slow, but with time it speeds up. The plant will grow around two to three feet tall and get bushy. It will start to look like a large tomato bush in shape and size. Goji plants sprout long leaves and little purple and white flowers. These flowers will stay until the first frost hits and kills them all off.

The first year of a goji plant’s life is the hardest. It’s at its weakest point when it’s young and is vulnerable to the cold. After that year, however, it becomes a hardy plant that needs less attention. It’s significantly more likely to survive the harsh winters and will grow big, thick stems to retain its strength. To maintain its health and nutrition, it’s recommended to fertilize the plant. Under these conditions, the plant will thrive and grow large, so the keeper may want to keep it pruned and under control. If taken care of, the plant will produce bigger and better berries with every passing year.

Growing plants at home is easy and provides quite a few benefits. People will admire the attention the plants have received and inquire about secrets for nurturing good berries. One’s home will also benefit from the fresh fruit and clean air a little extra greenery provides. Growing fruit at home will also save all the money otherwise spent at the local farmer’s market. Sometimes it may be a little hard when gardening for the first time, but with some practice and a little patience, anyone can grow their own food.

The first problem may actually arise from the origins of the berries. The soils in China are chock full of selenium, which then gets absorbed through the goji’s roots and gets pumped into the berries. While selenium is vital in small dosages, too much can be an issue. Some of the side affects may include dizziness and nausea. It may also interfere with conceiving a healthy baby–selenium has been said to cause birth defects. There is also a potential for it to lower sperm count. Pregnant women should check with their doctors before taking goji berries.

The berries also contain atropine. Atropine is an alkaline that is often found in and extracted from belladonna. In controlled doses, atropine can be put to medical use. Optometrists use it to dilate a patient’s pupils while other doctors find it stops spasms. Taken in excess, though, atropine can be poisonous. Side affects include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, fever, delirium, and a rash. One should call a doctor or poison control if afflicted with atropine poisoning. This is a possibility if one eats too many goji berries, so be responsible and moderate intake.

Finally, there is sometimes a problem with cross contamination. Goji root bark sometimes comes in contact with the berries, and some think this creates problems. None of these claims are proven, though. However, considering the seriousness of some of these theories, they should be considered before taking goji berries. The first thought is that people who take blood pressure medication may want to be aware of low blood pressure–hypotension–if they are taking goji berries. Next, those taking diabetes medication may need to watch out for low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Finally, those taking warfarin, which is a blood thinner, may want to avoid goji berries altogether. Not only can the bark interfere with the medication if cross contamination has occurred, but the berries themselves thin the blood. Internal bleeding is a serious potential for those who take warfarin in conjunction with goji berries. These warnings are just hypotheses, but one should still consider them before adding goji berries to their diet.

To conclude, the rule of goji berries follows the rule of thumb with any food or supplement: moderation is the key. If taken in excess, goji berries can be harmful and make a person very sick. When intake is moderated, though, they can provide bountiful benefits to improve your lifestyle and balance with a proper diet.

Lipids in ones blood stream sometimes build up as what is called plaque if there is too much. Too much plaque will result in an artery clog. That clog makes it difficult for the blood to flow freely through the artery, thus creating high blood pressure behind it. When inconveniently placed, these clogs can become hazardous to one’s health.

When omega-3 fatty acids are introduced, however, they thin the blood of sticky lipids, resulting in an easier flowing artery. It essentially creates a roadblock for the fats. If they can no longer get into the artery and create a clog, high blood pressure is no longer a problem. It works much like aspirin does. This is why commercials advertise putting people on “aspirin regimens” when they are at high risk for heart attacks. However, aspirin destroys the current buildup of plaque while omega-3 temporarily blocks it out.

This fatty acid is found less in an American’s diet than aspirin, though, because it of it’s source. Omega-3 is abundant in fish and sea creatures of all types. Some might back off at hearing a suggestion to eat plenty of fish to reduce fat in their blood stream because of how fatty fish seems to be, but it’s a common  misconception that it’s fattier than alternatives such as beef. Even “fattier” fishes like salmon contain 1/5 to 1/2 the amount of fat that’s in even the leanest cut of beef.
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to a fish because of its lifestyle. Fish swim through freezing cold streams, rivers, and oceans. Other fats normally freeze in extreme temperatures, yet a fish remains flexible and flows freely through the water. These lipids keep the fish healthy. Research actually shows that fish that are fed swine fat will be sick, though if given omega-3 supplements with their alternative diet, they return to health.

All in all, I can’t promise omega-3 will be life changing, but I can provide facts that attest to its benefits. Just a capsule of fish oil or a couple of ounces of fish for dinner may be that one change to save somebody’s life. Omega-3 has been shown to have great health benefits and could certainly be something to look into.