Figs: property, benefits, nutritional value, calories and contraindications

To those who like the figs? They are absolutely delicious and are rich in nutritional properties. Do not believe us?

Buddhists consider them a symbol of knowledge and the trees were sacred were indeed grown in religious areas and was severely punished if caught stealing, it is said that Hercules always great to keep its strength is only harbored of figs, legend has it that the basket of Romulus and Remus ran aground in a bend of the river under a fig tree where the wolf fed them, in Greece it is said that the Titan Sykèus to escape Zeus hid from his mother Gea who gave birth to him a tree that took the his name, fig precisely, it is said that Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves after discovering of being naked, finally legend has it that the fig milk was used as rennet to make cheese. These are just some of the curiosities.
Figs: what do you know?

•     The botanical name of the common fig is Ficus carica because originating in Caria (Asia Minor) from where it spread to Palestine and Egypt;

•     It spreads to the rest of the world with the discovery of America, arriving finally in Australia;

•     It is part of the Moraceae family;

•     It can reach to the 10 m high;

•     It protrudes from the trunk a milk-like sap that can be stinging but that seems cure warts;

•     The fig is actually an inflorescence, the real fruits are the small seeds inside;

•     The fig is also said syconium, from which sycophant that over time has taken on the meaning of "disloyal";

•     They will keep in the refrigerator in a closed container so that they do not absorb odors;

•     Dried figs are preserved in a dry place protected from insects.

Figs: properties and health benefits

The figs have long been considered a miraculous food since high energy but also from a medicinal point of view. Given their form, in popular culture they were recommended against stomach problems and the woman's fertility.

There is actually a really down, we see the figs properties:

•     laxative promotes gut peristalsis, fighting constipation and swollen belly;

•     anti-anemic properties;

•     anti-inflammatory it helps against urinary and pulmonary inflammation, fever and gastritis;

•     protective properties of the skin;

•     energy properties;

•     tonics properties;

•     properties to balance the digestive juices;

•     anticancer properties, especially in preventing breast cancer and colon cancer;

•     reinforce the view;

•     prevent ulcers;

•     mineralizing properties, strengthens teeth and bones;

•     regularize blood pressure, preventing high blood pressure;

•     protect the heart;

•     antioxidant properties, slow down the free radical damage;

•     help to strengthen the immune system;

•     are allies of pregnancy as energetic and full of benefits;

•     They are also excellent remedies against: asthma, earache, fever and abscesses.

Figs: calories and nutritional values

The fresh figs provide about 47 calories per 100 grams of pulp instead dried figs, sugar-rich, they come to also provide 250 calories per 100 grams.
What figs contain:

•     potassium;

•     iron;

•     vitamins B6, A, B1, B2, PP, C, J and K;

•     fibers;

•     sugars;

•     phosphorus;

•     sodium;

•     magnesium;

•     copper;

•     zinc;

•     manganese;

•     selenium;

•     beta-carotene;

•     lutein;

•     zeaxanthin;

•     fatty acids: Omega 3 and Omega 6;

•     polyphenols;

•     amino acids:

Figs: all uses

The figs, besides being used in cooking or to make sweets, are still used for their healing properties against various ailments.

Among the natural remedies is the best herbal tea with dried figs against:

•     catarrh;

•     temperature;

•     cold;

•     flu symptoms.

The process is very simple: you take two dried figs and cut in half, bring to boil with the lemon peel, when they are soft remove from heat, filter, add honey and drink. You drink twice a day.

Against pimples is suggested the mashed figs, you squeeze the pulp and apply it on the face, it is actually also a moisturizing and toning mask, protects from the elements and especially from the cold but not recommended for allergy sufferers.
Recipe mask for the face:

    using plain yogurt;
    two teaspoons of almond oil;
    three tablespoons of rice flour;
    the pulp of two figs.

Blend the figs and mix with the other ingredients, with the addition of honey to the skin off and aloe for impure skin. Apply for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.
Hand pack

    the pulp of two figs;
    two teaspoons of castor oil;
    4 tablespoons of oatmeal;
    2 drops of essential rose oil musk;
    lemon to taste.

Whisk the figs and mix with the other ingredients, applied for 20 minutes, rinse with cold water will see that fabulous hands!

Figs: contraindications and side effects

The issue of figs contraindications is a bit 'to argue: in themselves have no contraindications, but being very sugary diabetics and those with weight problems should take them with caution. According to sources the excess consumed figs accredited would cause headache and certainly dysentery. Also figs contain oxalates, and therefore, when consumed in excess can cause kidney stones or gall bladder, so it is advisable to sufferers to avoid the consumption departing.

It is also not recommended in case of surgery to the digestive tract and personally do not recommend the remedies made of fig milk that can be stinging and cause allergic reactions. 

Fennel: property, benefits, uses and contraindications

Because usually it is recommended to finish a meal with fennel? Because of its many beneficial properties for health, known since ancient times.

Yet not so much attracts: it is hard, a little 'woody and not particularly tasty, but in truth there are many recipes to make it pleasant and after knowing him for good will find out why it is important to eat more often fennel.
Fennel: general characteristics

Foeniculum vulgare is its botanical name (from Latin foenum = hay for the appearance of the leaves). It is a herbaceous plant, Apiaceae, which grows spontaneously, annual or biennial. Its stem can reach 80 cm, the leaves are thick and similar green hay, while the flowers are yellow umbels that bloom in summer. The fruits are inaccurately called seeds.

The edible part of the Fennel is the white part that develops at the base, but you can also use the fruits, flowers and buds.
fennel varieties

The varieties are two:

•     wild

•     horticultural

The second is the one that is grown for food consumption.

History and facts

Do you know why they say a fool someone?

The first cellar to taste a wine, offering slices of fennel, because it seems to have aromatic substances that can make even a good tasty cheap wine or who has almost become vinegar.

Since ancient times, fennel, is known as aromatic plant and its cultivation for the table will be started only in the '500. Later it is discovered its medicinal properties and only later began to cultivate it. It is assumed that it was even known to the Egyptians as a digestif, while in India it worked to aphrodisiacs filters and against snake bites. Few people know that however in the Middle Ages there was the belief that it could be a remedy against the bills.

Male or female? The male fennel is distinctive in that it is elongated while the female is round. The male is also less fibrous and meatier.

How do I know if a fennel is fresh or not? The white part bulbous must be compact, the fresh leaves and a bright color.

How to store it? Fennel is kept in the refrigerator in a perforated bag or you can freeze fast after boiling.

The fruits 'seeds' of fennel are harvested in late August or middle of September and should be dried in the fresh, not in the sun, then you shake the parasols of the flowers and gather the "seeds" in glass jars. The "beard" or the tender leaves may be felt both in spring and in autumn.

Fennel: properties and health benefits

The main property now everybody knows, helps digestion. But there is much more, let's start by nutritional values.

This plant contains:

•     mineral salts (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese and selenium);

•     vitamins (A, B, B6, B1, B2, B3, C, E and C);

•     fibers;

•     essential oils ;

•     flavonoids

•     phytoestrogens;

•     amino acids

And here is what are the properties of fennel:

•     galactagogue, which stimulates the milk supply in nursing mothers;

•     digestive, fennel helps to digest but also eliminate the swollen belly due to gas accumulation;

•     emmenagogue, it helps regulate the menstrual cycle due to phytoestrogens;

•     prevent breast cancer;

•     It improves liver function;

•     antispasmodic, which eliminates painful spasms of the abdomen;

•     It improves the function of the nervous system;

•     inflammatory;

•     purifying, helps the body get rid of toxins;

•     diuretic, being rich in water promotes diuresis and combat water retention;

•     carminative, prevents bloating;

•     antiemetic;

•     It reduces the problems associated with irritable bowel syndrome;

•     Antiflatulent , since it inhibits the fermentation of food in the intestine;

•     antioxidant, being rich in flavonoids fight the devastating effects of free radicals;

•     immunostimulant, strengthens the immune system;

•     It helps against the cough;

•     It regulates blood pressure, prevents the risk of stroke and heart attack;

•     anti-anemic, to prevent and to combat anemia as rich in iron and vitamin C;

•     It protects the brain;

•     preserve healthy vision;

•     It reduces renal colic due to anethole;

•     it helps to control the level of cholesterol in the blood;

•     is an ally of the skin due to vitamin C and the antioxidant substances.

Fennel: all uses

In addition to being eaten raw in salads, or boiled and baked, fennel can be used as a natural remedy for various ailments.

The herbal tea is certainly the best known natural remedy made from fennel. But to use they can do?

You can drink for:

•     promote diuresis;

•     soothe inflammatory processes;

•     deflate belly and stomach;

•     digest;

•     promote good rest and loosen stress;

•     calm the spasms in case of colitis or painful cycle;

•     counter headache;

•     decrease or prevent flatulence;

•     soothe coughs.

Recipe of herbal tea with fennel:

    1 teaspoon fennel seeds;
    1 jug of water;

Put to boil the fennel seeds in water for about ten minutes, strain and drink after meals or before going to bed.
the diuretic herbal tea recipe

    leaves of the lettuce waste;
    Orange peel;
    dandelion leaves or stalks of cherries;
    stems or leaves of fennel waste.

Put everything to boil for about twenty minutes, filter and drink after meals. Amounts to be agreed with your doctor.
Soothing herbal tea against cough

    stems and leaves of fennel

Boil for ten minutes, strain, add honey and drink. Amounts to be agreed with your doctor.

Raw fennel instead? It 'a great natural remedy for:

•     counteract spikes in blood sugar or high cholesterol;

•     lose weight, because it contains no calories;

•     improve bowel;

•     digest;

•     soften and clean the mouth;

•     promote milk supply;

•     avoid bloating and flatulence after meals.

Fennel: contraindications and side effects

Fennel apparently seems to have no contraindications, it is actually not recommended in early life for essential oil via it contains. It may also involve, in sensitive individuals, hives at the mouth (who is allergic to apples for example should also avoid fennel).

, Do not take the herbal tea of ​​fennel seeds for long periods. Finally the dry extract of this plant can reduce the effect of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin.

WARNING: This article has informative value, is therefore not considered a prescription. Consult your primary care physician before taking any natural remedy.

What do you think of all these properties of fennel? What other natural remedies to know the basis of fennel?

How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally

How to ward off ants naturally, that there are non-chemical methods to prevent these animals haunt us home?

Of course, use the pesticide is the simplest option: a splash and go. But that is why you should never use insecticides:

    They are toxic to humans and animals;
    pollute the environment.

And then actually the ants do not do anything wrong and do not need to kill them, not always anyway.

Before focusing on natural methods to create distance, we know best the ants.
Ants: species, habits and infestation

Ants are social and are Hymenoptera animals since females and breeding males have wings.

Among the most common species we are:

• Crematogaster scutellaris, also known as Redhead. The abdomen is black, heart-shaped, and the red head. They nest in wood and cardboard walls. They feed on insects, meat, vegetables and breed aphids from which they extract the sugary secretions.

• Formica rufa, the abdomen is the head are blacks and chest, legs and antenna are red. Build nests with pine needles. They have a very aggressive, bite and spray formic acid.

•  Lasius Flavus, are orange-yellow color. They build their nests in the ground and feed on small insects.

• Tetramorium Caespitum, is a breed of small black or brown ant with legs and antennae of a lighter shade. Eats insects, sweets, fruits and oily food scraps. It establishes its nest on rocky ground near a water source

• Messor or harvester ants, is the most widespread species in Italy. They dwell in the soil and collect seeds to preserve in their barns and they eat.

• Linepithema humble - Argentine ant, is located in the Ligurian area. It 's very small, dark head and abdomen with chest and legs yellow antennae. It 'very aggressive with other colonies, bites but does not sting. It eats sweets, live and dead insects, meat, cereals and fruit.

• black ant houses, is shiny black and is very often in the kitchen in search of food in the garbage or at the animal droppings. WARNING: may be the vehicle of bacteria like salmonella.

•  Bulldog ant, can be red or black. Has a stinger which hit the enemy, its sting is painful. It feeds on other insects and plant nectar.

Now let's see some interesting information:

After a storm males and virgin females winged fly away from their anthills. Once fertilized females come off the wings and build a new nest in which to give life to the workers, while the males die. The queen lays eggs from which will be born only female ants, the males will be born for the past solely to fertilize other females.

Types of communication:

• Food: the worker who finds it leaves a trail with the rectal gland and shake your head or does taste the food if it is liquid.

• Nest: the workers who found a new nest also leaves a trail with the rectal gland and uses tactile signals to communicate the news sometimes dragging a mate, weight, on the spot.

• Intruders: an ant to report an intruder leaves a trail with sternal gland and emits four chemicals in the air to alert, stimulate aggression and report the source of disturbance.

infesting ants: how to send her away?

In the first place, especially the kitchen should always be clean, no rubbish around and close the remains of food in tightly sealed containers. The excrement of animals compartment removed immediately. The cracks and fissures must be closed, they should be monitored for standing water and the wet rooms. Remove the plants infested with aphids. Seal the entry points with tape or silicone.
How to ward off ants naturally

Here are all the natural remedies that you can use to ward off ants:
Lemon

Just pour the lemon juice in a spray bottle and spray it along the trail (if you need to stretch it spray it on walls with a little water).
Vinegar

Same as for the lemon, very effective because it clears the chemical traces left by the ants, a good idea is to wash the floors.
Cinnamon

It can spread the dust at points of entry of the ants and the wake.

Mint

Placed in jars near the windows or doors to keep away.
Water, sugar and borax

Make a paste and deliver us into balls along the trail. As for even the cockroaches will remain poisoned by eating ants. WARNING KEEP AWAY FROM THE BORAX CHILDREN AND PETS.
hot soapy water

Put a spray bottle and spray along the trail. To use against aggressive ants.
Plaster

Just dust it too long in the access points of the ants, the walls and in the corners.
Coffee grounds

Are a great repellent, ants and snails hate them.
salt

Spargerne just near the entrance of insects and these desist from invading your home.
Pepper and chili

Obviously ants will stand clear, however, attention to curious pets.
cloves

Placed pantries take away the troublesome insects.
Honey

For relapses you only place near the trail full of honey cap, they will remain glued;
Lemon essential oil

Just dilute it in a little white vinegar and spray in areas under attack. Excellent also the essential oil of peppermint and eucalyptus.
Laurel

Same as for the cloves you can put it in the pantry and in the breadcrumbs, also it keeps out moisture.
Oregano and dried mint

Scattered in the wake or entry points keep away ants.
Infusions of cinnamon and mint

They can be used to prevent someone insects and clean the infested areas.

Although ants are not always aggressive and do not constitute a big threat, some are vehicles of bacteria and it is good not to be the haunted house. The main rule is clean, clean rooms without food scraps or dirt are not ideal habitat for any kind of insect.

Home remedies for high blood pressure

The high pressure, disorder also known as hypertension, which can result if not treated to more serious diseases.

The pressure, in a nutshell, is the force that blood exerts on the artery walls, thus if this pressure is high, turn to different problems.

With age the pressure physiologically rises, then it will be good to lead a healthy lifestyle, paying special attention to food.
How do you measure the pressure?

With the blood pressure monitor will detect two values: the systolic pressure (maximum) and diastolic (minimum) pressure that match range of cardiavo beat and rest between beats.

The value of the systolic pressure should be 120 while the diastolic 80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury or the measurement unit of the blood pressure.) Where 120 is the maximum and the minimum 80. In the case of hypertension we will have the maximum to 159, for example, and the minimum to 99. There is talk of hypertension of first degree when the diastolic is higher than the systolic, while talking of hypertension of the second degree when the values ​​s 'reverse.

If the pressure did you have normal values ​​no problem, but if salt as shown in the example, then we talk about high and you need to see a doctor headlights pressure.

High pressure: Causes

In some cases, when there is primary hypertension, is often not possible to identify the cause, this type of high blood pressure tends to increase with age. While in the case of secondary hypertension, this increase is due to a disease, latent or obvious (for example diabetes). This type of high blood pressure suddenly appears and they can trace the causes.

At the base of the high pressure of the second degree, we have:

•    diabetes

•    kidney disease

•    tumors

•    heart defects

•     drugs

•    autoimmune diseases

•   hormonal problems

Everything is influenced by a number of risk factors such as age, lifestyle, diseases, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, excess salt and coffee, the shortage of potassium and vitamin D, the 'alcohol abuse, stress and heredity.

So to prevent high blood pressure is necessary primarily to change their lifestyle: no smoking, alcohol, salt and coffee. More movement, more water, more fruit and vegetables and of course to control the weight, cholesterol and blood pressure values.

What are the consequences of untreated high blood pressure?

Hypertension among the expected consequences pathologies of the kidneys and coronary artery disease, aneurysm, arterial damage, stroke and heart attack.
High blood pressure: symptoms

There are some cases in which the high pressure does not manifest particular symptoms, but in other cases it is perfectly detectable by the symptoms, then it varies from subject to subject.

Some recognizable symptoms, hypertension indicators are:

    headache
    dizziness
    epistaxis
    difficulty breathing
    vision problems

Who should test more often and when you need to seek medical attention?

Adults who are over forty years should make periodic checks, those who are overweight, who have kidney problems, diabetics and those who have relatives who suffer from high blood pressure. You should contact your doctor at the first signs of symptoms, especially if you show an unusual age with very high pressures. It 'always good to keep in the house a device to check the pressure regularly, or have it checked by your doctor or pharmacy.

Hypertension: Foods to Avoid

Those suffering from high blood pressure should first check the power supply.

Follow a controlled diet is absolutely essential, both to control cholesterol that pressure.

Who suffers from hypertension should avoid red meat, fatty meat, butter, cheese, bacon, lard, desserts and products with palm oil. Absolutely salt bandits and coffee.

It should instead eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods, kiwi, seaweed, soy, fatty fish, nuts and extra virgin olive oil.
Foods for high blood pressure
1. Bitter Chocolate

Bitter chocolate may be considered in all respects an excellent antihypertensive. It would have about 10 grams of cocoa to promote the dilation of the coronary and also lower your cholesterol level. There are various studies about it. Among these was one that took into account the Kuna population, which lives off the coast of Panama, and consuming large amounts of cocoa. It is seen that this people is at a minimum incidence of mortality from cardiovascular disease.

2. lupins

Even lupins can fight high blood pressure. These leguminous contain very particular protein elements, which, in the future of scientific research, could be extracted to obtain substances that can combat hypertension. Lupins are also effective against cholesterol and diabetes.
3. Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables can be rightfully considered the "food-drug". They contain a large amount of potassium, which is essential in the control of high blood pressure. This mineral is in fact involved in the regulation of the mechanisms that make contract and dilate the muscle fibers, including those that are located in the wall of blood vessels. In particular, the banana is a natural remedy for high blood pressure.
4. Cereals

The cereals contain a vegetable protein, the Glutamic acid, which is capable of lowering the blood pressure. To prove it was a study conducted by researchers at the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago.
5. Dairy products

The dairy products can help reduce the pressure. Dairy products also contain bioactive peptides, which have an anti-hypertensive, because they inhibit the action of angiotensin converter.
6. Legumes

Legumes are able to lower the pressure. The merit would in this case be attributed to a protein hydrolyzate. This protein also has the ability to delay or prevent the onset of damage to the kidneys.
7. Walnuts

Walnuts contain antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. Research in the United States has put in evidence that nuts are able to reduce high blood pressure, especially when this is caused by stress. E 'was found that those who include nuts in your diet has the lowest pressure than others Does not consume this dried fruit.
8. Fish

Through recent scientific studies have found that omega-3, contained in abundance in fish, as well as having curative properties which contribute to the general welfare, they can also perform a specific function for the control of blood pressure, preventing cardiovascular diseases.
9. Purple potatoes

A study conducted by the University of Scranton, in Pennsylvania, has shown that the natural pigment of purple potato is useful in lowering blood pressure, as it is rich in phytochemicals that are good for our body. However they should avoid high temperature cooking, because otherwise they are destroyed many of these healthful substances and to deal in larger amounts of starch and fat.
10. Beetroot

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that the red beet juice drink each day can fight high blood pressure. The whole would be about a chemical reaction that occurs in the mouth. Here the nitrates contained in beet juice are converted into nitrites thanks to the action of the bacteria that are present on the tongue. The nitrites, nitrogen compounds, entered into the body, they become very important molecules for the pressure control.
11. Raw garlic

The garlic, in particular raw garlic, is considered a real natural drug that can help to lower blood pressure. Garlic purifies the blood and tones the cardiovascular system. Small quantities of garlic, even better if it is raw garlic, can be taken daily to check the beneficial effects on the pressure, in case of hypertension.

high pressure natural remedies

A natural remedy for high blood pressure, very underrated, is physical activity. Making movement a half hour a day, in fact, it helps a lot to combat hypertension. You can walk, do aerobics, dancing, cycling or yoga (also very useful for reducing stress), very recommended tai-chi.

Among other natural remedies against hypertension mention probiotics: these good bacteria help to reduce the pressure.

If you fancy a drink, and clearly you can not drink coffee, you go for the red sorrel (hibiscus infused) seem to drink three cups a day helps to control high blood pressure. Well even the lime infused which helps to thin the blood and has a vasodilator effect. well hawthorn that relaxes and dilates the arteries.

Attention, the tea is not among the excluded drinks, as often believed, they can drink up to four cups though. Better if green tea.

A well-known natural remedy for high blood pressure is the raw garlic, which helps to purify the blood and keep the arteries clean.

Those who appreciate the benefits of aromatherapy, can use the essential oil of ylang-ylang, just apply a drop on the wrists and inhale the aroma.

Did you know that coconut water is very helpful in lowering high blood pressure? Here's another little known remedy.

A cardamom powder spoon, seems to be able to take control blood pressure.

Warning: the hypertension problem is not to be underestimated, natural remedies are not a substitute for drug therapy and should be administered under the supervision of the attending physician.

Things to do in practice now to reduce high blood pressure:

•      stop smoking

•      stop drinking coffee

•      consume raw garlic

•      physical activity

•      follow a proper diet

•      do not drink alcohol

•      stop consuming salt whether it be of bouillon cubes, that of snacks, that of kitchen salt

•      increase the magnesium and potassium-rich foods consumption.

How to Quit Smoking

How to quit smoking: the methods, tips and motivation to make this gesture.

Many of the people who smoke began for a trivial reason, that perhaps not even remember, but most will remember that she thought she put an end to this habit at any time. Most are unable to quit smoking, because cigarette involves a physical and psychological dependence. Not an easy task, therefore, but an awareness of what you smoke, the damage and the benefits that you would in stopping can help.
How to Quit Smoking: because it is better to stop?

Here's what a cigarette contains:

•  Nicotine alkaloid addictive, adrenaline and dopamine release in the brain giving a feeling of euphoria;

•  Carbon monoxide makes it hard tissue oxygenation and the result is hair falling out; yellowed skin, less muscle strength, premature aging, decreased fertility and impotence;

•  Formaldehyde and oxide of nitrogen: cause an increase of secretions that accumulates in the bronchi with the consequence of greater risk of infection such as asthma, emphysema, bronchopneumonia and various cancers.

•  Tar: one of many carcinogenic substances which are deposited in the respiratory tract. The teeth become yellow, you feel a bitter taste in the mouth and respiratory tract irritation.

This is just a small example of substances that are inhaled and the consequences that procure. It 'clear that these substances are dangerous for those who smoke and those who breathe, then here is that there is a double loss.

How many people die from smoking-related causes each year in Italy? About 90,000 deaths, specifically: 51,000 people die from cancer, 25,000 from pulmonary complications, 14,000 cardiac and cerebral vascular disease.

According to WHO, tobacco smoke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of preventable death.

How to Quit Smoking: know the benefits

We established a small part of what happens when you smoke, but one manages to quit smoking, what happens? Is there any advantage of it?

• It saves: it is no getting around it, smoking costs;

• There is healthy gains: the skin regains brightness, improves endurance, stops cough, even improve the senses;

•  No more smell of cigarettes everywhere;

•  They do not endanger the family;

•  More self-confidence;

Here is specifically what happens when you quit smoking:

- After 20 minutes increases the heart rate, there is a little 'cough because the bronchi are freed of toxins, it began to fall the level of nicotine (this is one of the difficult parts) must be resisted.

- You begin to expel toxins and to breathe better after 24 hours is much improved oxygenation to the tissues, (you should drink lots of water and take vitamin C).

- After 48 hours he regains full use of the senses, there is no nicotine but there is still a cough which is the mechanism by which the lungs are released.

- After one week you feel a bit 'constipated better still drink plenty of water and take fiber, it has a mild headache must relax as much as possible.

- After two weeks the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal go away even though you may experience irritability and poor concentration, you must do strenuous exercise for not taking a few pounds due to the regularization of the metabolism

- After 12 weeks the appearance is improved, the skin is more beautiful, the circulation is improved and the bronchi are clean, the lungs will gradually heal.

- From 3 to 9 months, the risk of major diseases has now fallen a great deal, lung capacity is increased and you feel better and more forces.

- From 5 to 10 years the risk of heart attack and various tumors has halved compared to smokers.

This should be a good reason to quit smoking, but it is true that very often the various deterrents linked to the possible serious illnesses do not adhere. Everyone has to find the right motivation within themselves and everyone will draw many personal benefits from having stopped smoking.

The advice: The most critical period is that of the withdrawal symptoms that must above all resist, relax, get distracted. Physical activity help a lot. You should also explain what you are trying to the people you have around to not give rise to misunderstandings caused by nervous and irritability. Find someone to talk to in difficult times is a valuable aid

The three good reasons to quit smoking:

•  Stop smoking prolongs life, you do not run the same risk of being attached to an oxygen tank, to experience chemotherapy and the consequences of cancer, not forcing their family to the agony of seeing a loved one who destroys day day;

•  home smoking endangers all family members, but often it can not do without, stop means do not put at risk the health of otherwise;

•  They buy dignity and self-confidence, if you first is kept away from friends and family about the smell and the vice, stopping you notice more praise and less criticism.

How to Quit Smoking

Here is how:

    willpower
    good and strong motivation
    a method

If you really want to quit smoking must be convinced, have a reason to hold on but mostly because they need a method to quit smoking is not easy. Here's a mini-guide on what to do in practice to stop.

•  Become aware of the damage of smoking and benefits of quitting

•  Contact an anti-smoking center where you can find support, you can meet people who are there trying and people who have made

•  Consult a therapist, especially if you are unable to start or if you have a lot of difficulty in quitting

•  Finding a remedy for abstinence from sports, to tires, to acupuncture, yoga.

•  Read a manual on how to stop smoking and read up on methods, on the pros and naturally learn some tricks and practical advice.

Stop smoking: tips

Okay, willpower is not always the easy way out because it involves a remarkable and cancer deterrent is not always as scary stress (any smoker will respond "Of something everyone has to die sometime"). As it really puts in place the mechanism?

First you need to enjoy it: Quitting smoking does not mean stay with the constant thought that life will turn into a nightmare for the desire to start again, instead you have to enjoy the benefits, feel free, do not have the feeling of having deprived of something but rather to have more possibilities than before. Basically be positive and consider only the best aspects.

Begin considering the cigarettes for what they are: a source of problems. We not begin to smoke to calm the nerves but because it is believed that cigarettes make it bigger, stronger, more fascinating but actually drive people away, involving diseases and addictive.

Having the right attitude: starting with the idea of ​​failure is the wrong attitude. Also how can you fail if you do not try? And then the "possibility of failure" is the negation of self-esteem. It should not necessarily fail.

Benefits of Proper Nutrition

What guidelines has proper nutrition? And why is it so important? We are bombarded daily by messages, sometimes contradictory, about the importance of following a proper diet and then see advertised weight loss diets unbalanced and absolutely miraculous chemicals can help us maintain a healthy weight by eating what we want.

The truth is that food is not only energy, nourishment, delight and friendliness is also a cure and is the means by which we may be healthy. Have you ever noticed that when you eat bad, with little balance and little attention, are felt various health troubles? But when the power is correct and balanced here is that the illnesses are reduced.
Proper nutrition is essentially:

• balance between the nutrients

• genuine food, unrefined

• moderation

These are the basics of healthy eating.
Proper nutrition: damage not follow

All are coveted in the envelope fries, spicy fried homemade, chocolate bars stuffed, bacon, hot dogs, etc. Least to most of us. But it is evident that if people eat for the most part only of these foods, your health will suffer. Among the result are: diabetes, because of the too high sugar, high cholesterol or excess cholesterol that leads in turn to the circulatory tract diseases, not to mention the overhead of the kidneys and liver, dental problems, difficulties digestive and bowel up to the tumors. Obesity is of course be put into account. According to WHO, about 1/3 of cardiovascular diseases and cancers can be prevented by a balanced and healthy diet.

Certainly not talking about the occasional chocolate or bag of chips every now and then, but there is talk of a prolonged diet of unhealthy foods. There are some English programs on the Real Time channel, where we are talking about the damage caused by poor nutrition but also some programs that are taught to eat properly and that the food can be a cure and therefore an ally of health.
Proper nutrition: education

Nutrition education, should be imparted at an early age: too often they are within reach of snacks and soft drinks distributors, they would arise adults who appreciate the junk food and despise the healthy food they are tasteless and uncomfortable.

Good nutrition also means knowing how to cook of course, get in the kitchen and take time to what you eat, that's why usually prefers the junk food, because fast, cheap and tasty.

Actually when we become truly aware,learn to love the food and cooking, everything becomes less difficult and less complicated than it seems initially.

Proper nutrition: what it needs our body

Our bodies need water and nutrients. The nutrients must be treated in a balanced way, without demonizing one rather than another. Of course there are differences: the fats are not all the same, there are the "good fats" that the omega 3 and omega 6 (which we find in nuts, oil Ages and in oily fish) and "bad fats" that would then the animal fats and tropical oils derived from fats that are changed and introduced into most of the packaged foods we eat. Just as there are lean proteins, derived from lean meats but also from soy and legumes and fatty proteins derived from egg yolk, fatty cuts of meat etc. And of course there are carbohydrates derived from whole grains that are much better than those obtained from refined grains. And finally the sugars, also in this case refined ones are absolutely to be avoided as they are of real poisons.

Our body needs all the nutrients therefore also of vitamins and minerals that are found in fruits and vegetables, but while for the second there are no particular contraindications, for the fruit must also here be moderate because it is naturally sweet. So we introduce the topic balance.
The correct power balance

Proper nutrition is to introduce all the nutrients in a balanced way, so the right tot of carbohydrates, natural sugars, protein and good fats. E 'useless convinced that our overweight is wholly attributable to carbohydrates and ridding dinners a physical fit and healthy because carbohydrates are needed. Ditto for the proteins: consume a diet that includes for the most part only protein is not a good idea for the health. instead opt for a diet should consist of all the nutrients in balance with each other gives us a healthy body and a body in weight. Clearly, we do not ignore the physical exercise that complements the healthy lifestyle provided by a number of factors, including the proper nutrition for the note.
Proper nutrition and junk food

The term junk food indicates just the junk food that is so loved because:

•     immediately ready

•     satisfactory

•     tasty

But punctually we end up feeling guilty, with a look in the mirror and notice that there is something wrong: dull skin, brittle hair and nails, some roll etc.

That of junk food is actually a real addiction, so it is difficult deprive and this constitutes a real obstacle to healthy eating street.
The advice to follow a correct diet

Whether we are especially lovers of junk food will be hard to stop, but with good will you can succeed. One must begin to take pleasure in different foods, to healthy food, perhaps with the help of a specialist or partner or friends. We need a good motivation to get in the kitchen and decide to experiment with recipes. On the practical side, when you go out shopping, for example, avoid leaving those lanes containing cooked processed foods, if only to be heated and of course the lanes of snacks and snacks, we must instead go in the meat departments and fish, fruit and vegetables having a very clear idea of ​​what you want to buy. Read cookbooks, inquire about the junk food damage, attend courses for amateur cooks are all ways to get going with proper food education. Read also: the Mediterranean diet.

How to detoxify liver at home

The liver is one of the main excretory organs, take care means preventing troublesome diseases. Detoxify the liver, therefore, it is a necessary gesture that allows the organ to work better and the organism to effectively expel toxins.
How to detoxify the liver, why do

Because it is necessary to net a detoxifying organ? Like all organs acts to expel toxins, the liver shall be preserved, unlike its functions are altered, let's have:

•     metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats;

•     hormone metabolism;

•     detoxification;

•     storage of vitamins and iron.

If the liver is not periodically adjusted, many of these functions are compromised with various consequences.

As we said, the main function of the liver is to retain the toxins to prevent them from entering the bloodstream. Its cells break down toxic substances and eliminate. But what happens when toxins are so many? The liver is overloaded and is no longer able to perform his job.

Detoxify the liver to be a gesture that should become automatic regular, otherwise the toxins will spill into the bloodstream, causing infections, diseases and appearance of pests.

So what are these toxins? Nowadays they have different origins: drugs, junk food, pollution, alcohol etc.

How to purify the liver: the symptoms

As we realize that it is time to cleanse our liver, including the signals that our body sends us. The liver fatigue involves:

•     exhaustion;

•     digestive disorders;

•     diarrhea / constipation;

•     loss of appetite;

•     hypercholesterolemia;

•     overweight / decay;

•     nausea.

Failure purification of the liver can result in:

•     gallstones;

•     hepatitis;

•     cirrhosis;

•     infections.

How to detoxify the liver: the recommended power

The first gesture to help the liver to detox is to turn an eye feeding. Here's what to eat and foods to avoid.

Among the purifying foods for the liver we chicory, dandelion that helps especially in case of gallstones, carrots and papayas that contain vitamin A and E, artichokes that stimulate the production of bile and clean the blood, the sugar beet is a natural decongestant liver and gallbladder, the juice also improves liver drainage, the lycopene-rich tomatoes that help metabolism. Also very useful are the corn salad, radishes, milk thistle, cabbage, acerola, garlic, onions, broccoli, arugula, beets, asparagus, eggs, peppers and watercress.

They are highly recommended even foods rich in magnesium, because magnesium helps the liver in its functions and sulfur-rich foods.

Tomatoes, beets, carrots and papayas lend themselves very well to the centrifugation, drink its juice it helps tremendously the liver, but also the rest of the body, of course, should be drunk with no added sugar


Carrot juice is very important because it is rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins, which help to cleanse and protect the liver cells, helping them to regenerate.

Lemon juice, rich in antioxidants, or even the classic cup of warm water and lemon taken the morning fasting, a great purifying.

The rich apple juice triterpenoids great for preventing liver tumors.

The cranberry juice, finally, which is rich in antioxidants.

barley soluble is also good for cleansing the liver. And 'detoxifying, helps the digestive system and is slightly laxative.

In principle, that which has a bitter taste is considered, from the natural medicine, for purifying the liver.

Instead we see foods to avoid: processed foods, pre-cooked, preserved, with much salt, sugar or fat (and therefore no to refined foods), avoid oils that are not olive oil (note: read the ingredients of the food they bought) , avoid animal fats.

Are associated with alcohol and cigarettes, must be avoided (especially alcohol which is really harmful for the liver).

It should be moderate consumption of fried food and rich in glutamate, ditto for the dairy and red meat, the sausages and grilled foods. Also limit your consumption of coffee and salt.
How to purify the liver: drugs

Let's move on to drugs, we must avoid ingest it is not essential, you should avoid associating with each other (if not indicated by the doctor), always read the leaflet especially if you have already had liver disease, do not take medication with alcohol ( also attention to the grapefruit juice that often increases the absorption of drugs) and not inhaling irritants such as pesticides.
How to detoxify the liver: the good rules

Here are some tips to purify the liver in a natural and simple way:

•     drink plenty of water (2 liters a day);

•     get moving and keep training devote at least one day a week or every 15 days per treatment;

•     take lots of fiber and vitamins (wash fruits and vegetables well);

•     lead a balanced life and regular.

How to purify the liver: the recommended herbal teas

The herbal tea, such as centrifugation, are excellent allies in the liver purification. Specifically are very useful herbal teas made from: Milk Thistle, Cynara scolymus, Rosemary, Dandelion, Gentian, Ginger, Hieracium, Peduncles Cherry, Artichoke and Fumaria.

How to detoxify the liver: a purifying day

Ideally, we said, it is to dedicate at least one day to the treatment or study of the menu with the cleansing foods to consume at least two days a week.

We start the day with a purifying cup of warm water and lemon juice (fasting), so a little 'movement, bringing out the dog or a bike ride. Drink throughout the day at least 2 liters of water.

•  Breakfast centrifuged carrot or apple, a banana, and whole grains with berries (a milk plant in this case is fine).

•  Actively I know: we go out for a walk, we clean the house and let's take a long relaxing bath.

•  Snack: green tea and an apple.

•  Lunch: whole wheat spaghetti with broccoli seasoned with olive oil and garlic, salad of raw artichokes and herbal tea with fennel.

• In the afternoon, walk in the park, yoga and meditation. Swim, walk with your beloved pet or animal reading.

•  Snack of sliced ​​pineapple and low-fat yogurt.

• Dinner: steamed salmon with asparagus seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and parsley, or onion soup or cream of pumpkin soup, salad of raw carrots. Herbal tea dandelion.

Then, a nice hot bath with relaxing essential oils.

This is an example of a purifying day when we combine healthy food, exercise and relaxation. A body subject to a high stress is in fact more exposed to toxins and less able to dispose of them properly. But a body relaxed, nourished well and moves is much more resistant, the organs are healthier, including the liver that plays well its functions.

How to detoxify the liver: benefits

What are the benefits you derive from the treatment of the liver?

Assimilate the nutrients, no more pain and burning, gut adjust, you feel more energetic and less fatigued, bad breath disappears, improves skin tone and color, harder and healthier nails, more stretch fabrics and well oxygenated , you will sleep better and wake up refreshed and better digestion.

How to increase self-esteem and self-confidence

Self-esteem is nothing that having self-esteem, think well and believe in their abilities. Easier said than done. Many people suffer from their lack of confidence in themselves and therefore they need to increase its estimate. How to increase self-esteem? We will see to address this issue in a practical way.
How to increase self-esteem: origins and problems

As we all know, the identity of a person is formed in his early years of life and then over time, based on the relationships with other individuals and social situations is also formed its own image. The social situation is very important for the formation of self-esteem, positive interaction and confirmation of their gifts and talents helps to form a good self-confidence; contrary if you grow up in a negative environment, which is stigmatized and denigrated all help to have little confidence in their own abilities.

At this juncture they play a decisive role parents, praising or disapproving of the child, refer to the same his image; in some cases standards are imposed or ideals inculcated that contribute to a good or poor self-confidence. If you aspire to a higher model or high ideals but do not have the means to achieve them, or you become objective and accept their abilities, or the sense of self is not. However, the self-esteem is a dynamic concept: is formed, plasma and can be changed, which is why we talk about how to increase self-esteem and self-confidence.
How to increase self-esteem: the parameters

Eye to the parameters: as we said the company and the individual himself pose standard, if you do not reach them is less self-esteem.

Think of the money and success, in the case of a man to women, for example, and so you have the higher the concept that one has of oneself and others give us, but the material objects in themselves are not a test self-esteem, but have a surrogate and help to create a false image of themselves. In everything the company plays an important role: if you have this thing or gains as much, if you have a perfect body or if you do this job then you are a winner, you are a person to be estimated, and otherwise not.
How to increase self-esteem and self-confidence

This last point, which is what others think of us brings us to the first practice of investigation of the problem.

Self-esteem comes from ourselves: we can not create our own opinion of ourselves based on what others tell us, the thoughts of others is fickle, people we know and really do not have different standards from ours. You must be objective, to know themselves, to assess their skills and not be too critical with themselves. Only we really know, in our limits and strengths, and only we can decide what we are worth.

The importance we attach to us, we must be important for ourselves, if we do not like us, if we consider only our defects or take for good just other people's opinion then we could not have a good self-esteem. You have to learn that no one can judge us without our consent or treat us disrespectfully. In other words do not see yourself through the eyes of others.

Not live to make others happy: you can not always take action to have a positive feedback from those who denigrate us, you can not always think or act to meet someone else, you can not always choose to make others happy also need a bit 'healthy selfishness. You live to be happy and make you happy but not to have the approval of others (especially if you never come and if you look into the wrong people).

Change yourself: how to raise self-esteem in themselves in a practical way? If what we see in the mirror we do not like, we try to change ourselves.enroll in a gym to better our physical appearance, choose a suitable power supply, we change a little 'clothes in our closet, in short, free ourselves of everything that has made us sick and we change lifestyle.

Keep a diary: that's part of the new way of life, write the emotions and thoughts and find out why you have a self-image rather than another, asking questions and compare opinions is an interesting idea.

Surround yourself with positive people: the right thing is to surround yourself with people who are genuinely interested in our welfare and our interest; malignant persons, envious and gossips are to be excluded. To these people where can you trust you can ask for help for an objective opinion on how to increase your self-confidence, we may find that you do not then be so clumsy / useless / ignorant as we thought it to be.

Become positive people: living life well being positive, avoid anything that is destructive both in thought and action, try to see beyond their own limits, beyond the sorrows and difficulties by fully living the happy moments. Play down is a key word: everyone makes mistakes, have fears and doubts is not the case to do with a frown.

Accept and discover yourself: must accept as it has or better know each other, undertake new activities, create something and carve out their own space helps us to discover our best sides. Set goals is fine as long as they are realistic and within our reach. We must also accept failures and successes without too excited or depressed.

The relationships with others: we do not allow that others will denigrate or take cute little attitudes towards us, we are worth and we must say, others have no right to make us feel inferior, we must express our point of view, reminding us of our quality and we must try to feel at ease.

How to increase self-esteem and self-confidence? Simply changing his opinion of himself, trying to find out why a different image that we see, or that others invite us not to believe what we are told but especially wanting us well.