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Blueberries are one of the most popular and delicious fruits available. Their unique flavor and the healthy advantages it offers are aplenty which is why these are often used for lip smacking sweet fruit pies and jams. Personally, I love to use the blueberries I grow in yogurt and muffins. These can be eaten fresh and are also low in calories.

Blueberries are related to the huckleberries, the azaleas and the rhododendrons. These shrubs grow at least 7 to 8 feet in height and flourish in those areas that have the specific soil required. Most of the time, they require around 3-4 years to start bearing fruit, however this is not always true. There are many advantages to growing blueberries instead of buying them off the shelf. Not only do they taste fresher, but because they are locally-grown, they are better for the environment. All it needs is proper attention and care.

How To Grow Blueberries

Before growing blueberries at your home, you should consider the composition of the soil and the climate in which you live. Also, you can grow 2 or more varieties for the pollination. I have listed a few steps below that you can follow in growing blueberries.

• You need to contact the local store to know the variety you may need to pick before growing blueberries. Planting the blueberries bushes is quite a similar task to planting most shrubs. The variety of the bush matters, as some are quite drought resistant. This would suit a climate that is on the dry side.
• Once you have decided on the kind of blueberry you wish to grow, you need to select the appropriate location in your garden. The bushes require ample sunlight.
• You also need to check the pH level of the soil. This is because the soil used should be suitable for growing blueberries. The most favorable level for the blueberries is 4.5. The soil mixture should at least have an organic mixture of 5%. You can add leaves and manure to the soil.
• The time of the year also matters when you are growing blueberries. This needs to be planted in the spring or during the fall. This is because the soil tends to be more workable during this period. When you plant blueberry bushes, you also need to keep in mind that they should stand at least 4 feet apart. The lowbush varieties can be planted 1-3 feet apart.
• You also need to keep the depth of the mulch at 4″. This will help to retain the moisture for the weeds of the blueberry bushes and also prevent the growth of weeds.
• Adding the fertilizers is also important for growing blueberries. You can fertilize it in the late winter season or the early spring season. You can try an ammonium sulfate fertilizer at least twice in a year.
• Pruning the blueberry bushes may not be required for the initial few years. You may have to cut the oldest shoots so that it promotes the growth of a new shoot. You have to also remove the stalks that have dried up. Also, sometimes, you may need to take care that the branches are not over laden with fruits. You will need to prune the shoots so that they have the right amount of buds on them. There are certain people who believe in removing the flowers in the first year. This is because; it is firmly believed that this would help in the total development of the plant.

There are various categories of blueberries available, and within each category are many types of blueberries. These categories are as follows:

• Highbush Blueberries: These are the ones that are usually available in the local grocery store.
• Lowbush Blueberries: These are also known as the wild blueberries and generally do not grow beyond 18-inches of height.
• Half-high Blueberries: These can withstand heavy snowfall and are a hybrid combination of the two mentioned above.
• Rabbiteye Blueberries: These can face the full sun and are the tallest of the various kinds of blueberries available.

Growing Blueberries in Containers

Blueberries can be grown in containers as well. Due to their shallow root systems, these are suitable for growing in raised bed gardens or flower pots. Of course, it would be wise to plan ahead and grow your blueberry plant in a large pot. The larger the pot, the better chance you have at your plant bearing fruit for years to come. Once you have followed the steps above, the blueberry bush will require minimal care.

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Article written by: K. Lad

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Almond milk is a popular beverage in Medieval Europe and the Middle East. It has been proven to have many health benefits for those who are lactose intolerant. Here’s a simple guide to making your own almond milk at home.

Homemade Almond Milk Recipe

Ingredients Needed:

• Raw almonds, 1½ cups
• Filtered water, 4 cups

Soak almonds in water for minimum six to eight hours. Drain the water, and blend the almond with 4 cups of water, until it reaches a milk like consistency. Strain it to remove almond skin and granules. One can store almond milk in an air-tight jar in the refrigerator for four to five days. If you want it to be sweeter, then blend in a few soaked dates or add a small amount of agave nectar as well.

The Health Benefits of Almond Milk

Lactose Free — Lactose is the sugar found in cow’s milk. Many people are lactose intolerant, and consumption of milk causes abdominal discomfort, bloating and diarrhea. As almond milk is extracted from almonds, a nut, hence it’s plant derived and lactose free, and can be easily substituted everywhere where one might use cow’s milk which makes this one of the most important almond milk benefits. Soy milk and hemp milk are two more alternatives if you are lactose intolerant.

Homemade and Pure — As one can easily extract the milk at home without much effort, and also store it without using preservatives and additives, it would be right to say that consuming almond milk means to consume health, 100 percent!

It has already been proven that to increase milk production, cow’s are being injected with antibiotics and growth hormones. These unnatural additives can then lead to allergic reactions and toxic side effects in humans. In most extreme circumstances, these additives can even lead to the development of certain types of cancers.

Nutrition Packed — Almonds are protein rich, and full of vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, manganese, zinc, potassium, fiber, iron, phosphorus and calcium. Full of heart healthy flavonoids, almond milk helps lower LDL cholesterol and protect the heart. High levels of vitamin E, ensure powerful antioxidants in the body.

Antioxidants inhibit the growth of free radicals that are known to cause cancer. Almond milk contains many vital nutrients, unlike other milks, it doesn’t need to be fortified with vitamins and minerals. Almond milk is low in calories, contains no cholesterol and saturated fats, which helps make this nut milk very healthy and good for those trying to lose weight. Power packed with nutrients, almond milk will help you and your family stay fit and healthy.

A Word of Caution

Almond milk should not be substituted for breast milk. It does not provide the necessary adequate nourishment required for infant growth. For lactose intolerant babies, it would be best to consult your family doctor or a pediatrician on what would be best for your child.

Nuts like almonds also include goitrogens; this substance is known to suppress thyroid gland functioning by interfering with iodine uptake. The use of bitter almonds has also been cautioned against, as bitter almonds, when blended with water can release cyanide.

Buy good quality almonds, to not only extract its milk, but also for the many almond milk benefits. And if you don’t want to have it bland, add in some chocolate or vanilla flavor to create an instant yummy healthy drink!

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Metabolism refers to the organic processes that are carried out in the cells on the living organism and are vital for normal functioning of the body.

Although all of the food that you consume is processed and then metabolized, there are certain foods that enhance the rate of metabolism. Here is some more information about the various foods that speed metabolism.

Weight Loss and Metabolism

Increased metabolism is achieved by eating more, but eating smart. It not only helps to enhance the metabolic processes but also helps to burn the extra fat and enhance overall health condition.

It is a fact that amongst all the food groups, complex carbohydrates and proteins require more energy for their breakdown and absorption.

Foods that speed metabolism are the ones that are high in complex carbohydrates and proteins. Since the breakdown and absorption of complex carbohydrates and proteins takes longer time, the release of the caloric energy is spread out over a longer period of time, which results in less insulin released into the blood stream.

On the other hand sugars and fats, tend to give you a temporary and quick energy high, which is often followed by a low energy period, which results in increased craving for the sugar and fat products.

Foods That Speed Metabolism

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The foods that increase metabolism include a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and spices. However in addition to the basic ingredients, it is also the cooking method that has an effect on the metabolism. Here is a list of foods that speed metabolism if cooked and consumed in a healthy way:

Spicy Food & Metabolism:

It is a fact that spicy food can actually have an impact on the metabolism. A compound called Capsaicin, which is present in chili peppers, generates a lot of heat, which helps to burn more calories after a meal.

Other spices, which have similar compounds and similar effects, are chilies; black pepper and ginger have similar effects. Several studies have shown that a meal containing a spicy dish can temporarily increase the metabolism rate by about 8%.

Vegetables:

Vegetables are rich in fiber as well as many minerals and vitamins. Hence breakdown and absorption of minerals takes longer and hence requires a larger amount of energy to be spent by the body, thus increasing the metabolic rate.

Some of the vegetables that can be consumed include, broccoli, radish, turnip, tomatoes, spinach, aubergine, cabbage, celery, carrots, chicory, cauliflower, cucumbers, cress, fennel, gourd, leek, lettuce, marrow, radish and peppers.

Fruits:

Fruits are high in fiber, and although they contain sugar, it is the natural form of sugar which is different than the refined or synthetic sugar which we use while cooking. Some of the common fruits, which help to speed the metabolism, include apples, apricots, blackberries, blackcurrant, clementines, damsons, guavas, grapefruit, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, oranges, plums, peaches, raspberries, strawberries and tangerines

Whole Grains:

Whole grains like oats, wheat, barley or even soy products are a great way to speed the metabolism. Whole grains contain a lot of protein and fiber, which makes them difficult to break down and hence increases the amount of energy spent in their breakdown and absorption.

These are some of the foods that can increase your metabolism, however it is also necessary to use the right cooking methods and consume the food at the right time. Cooking with little or no use of oil is very good, and in case where it is impossible to avoid using oil, it is always better to use healthy oils like canola oil or olive oil.

Similarly instead of having three heavy meals, it is always better to eat smaller portions at regular intervals of two to three hours. Increasing the metabolism rate not only requires you to consume foods that increase metabolism, but also maintain an active lifestyle with a rigorous fitness regime.

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Nutrition has a vital importance to human well-being. The link between nutrition and health is necessary to achieve optimal health. Good nutrition is a clear path to optimize our quality of life.

Reaching Better Health through Better Nutrition

Nutrition has a vital importance to human survival. Nutrition is, after all, a matter familiar to every human being. There are many reasons to explain the link between nutrition and health. There is an inescapable link between the source, the food and the healthy consumer.

Our physical body needs more than wholesome nutrition: mind and consciousness play a significant role in our well-being. The future of mankind lies not in cures, but in disease prevention.

Disease Prevention

Through creating awareness based on these facts, we can heal ourselves.The link between nutrition and health is mainly focused around the role of macro-nutrients, vitamins and minerals and the importance of water.

There are dietary habits that could undermine our health and these habits can be overcome, if we make the effort to know more about the effects they have on our health and get rid of unhealthy social trends.

Importance of Filtered Water

The link between nutrition and health is necessary to achieve optimal health and, in order to deepen this knowledge, it is essential to know the nutritional value of our food intake. Water plays also an essential part of our basic needs. City tap water has come to be considered a processed, unnatural substance. The are fortunately various sources of water available to us.

Each individual needs a certain amount of water in order to get an optimal support to his body functions. There are many pollutants in the city tap water like lead, radon and nitrates and those have effects on the body and can be dangerous over time. The water does not stay in the body long enough and therefore the thirst signal is never satisfied. To ward off dehydration and it’s side effects, it is best to supply good quality drinking water.

Eating Habits

It is a proven fact that food remains one of the most essential elements of life and good nutrition is a clear path to optimize our quality of life. Nutrition and good eating habits have healing effects and can change life in such positive way. Good nutrition practice can help you to achieve your goals in life.

In order to live a much healthier lifestyle, it is essential that good nutrition support its foundation. Health and Nutrition are like heads and tails.

Nutrition and Enzymes

Nutrition has a vital importance to human survival. Nutrition refers to the nurturing of our body, in our ability to provide the body with all it’s necessary food, vitamins, and minerals so that we continue to thrive in our daily life processes. It is estimated that 80% of the population is lacking in at least one of the vitamins and minerals.

A calcium deficiency, for example, brings on osteoporosis. This disease alone costs millions in medical expense to the population. The link between nutrition and health is necessary to achieve optimal health and to make sure to provide our body with the essential nutritional needs. Staying healthy with nutrition is a clear path to optimize our quality of life.

However, nutrition is one of the most complex area to gain useful knowledge about, because there are so many components, and because each person has it’s own individual needs constantly changing. Therefore, continual education about nutrition is a fact of life. Good nutrition should be the ultimate goal of every person alive. In order to reach this goal, enzymes are necessary to get the proper nutrients from the food. Gest Health can support your quest for the proper nutrients for your body and Multi Complete will provide your body with the vitamins and minerals needed. Water is also essential, 8 glasses a day with filtered water and you are done. Take action now and enjoy a better life.

Author: Gilles Coulombe B.A. B.LL D.S.A. — For more information, go to his site.
Article syndicated from Buzzle.com

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Lemon is an inexpensive, easily available citrus fruit, popular for its culinary and medicinal uses. It is used to prepare a variety of food recipes such as lemon cakes, lemon chicken and beverages like lemonade and lemon-flavored drinks.

It is also used for garnishing. Lemon juice consists of about 5% citric acid that gives a tart taste to lemon. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C.

It also contains vitamins like vitamin B, riboflavin and beneficial minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium as well as proteins and carbohydrates.

Lemon is generally consumed in the form of lemon juice or lemon water. Lemon water makes a healthy drink, when taken in the morning. Daily consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits.

9 Health Benefits of Lemon Water

Lemon water is rich in several essential nutrients. It is known to have antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-aging, anti-fatigue and anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts immune system, improves digestion and maintains overall health.

It can be used to treat various health conditions and prevent infections. Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that you begin your day with refreshing lemon water.

1. Lemon water is the best source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It removes harmful, free radicals from the body and improves immune system. Lemon water also acts as a blood purifier.

2. Lemon water is used to prevent and treat different infections as well as to control allergies. Due to its antiseptic properties, it is effective in healing wounds. Lemon water is helpful in relieving symptoms of sore throat, tonsillitis or asthma.

3. Lemon water plays an important role in maintaining digestive health. It boosts metabolism and improves functioning of the digestive system and prevents various digestive problems like constipation, indigestion, nausea, heartburn and parasites. It also helps dissolve gallstones.

4. Lemon water is effective in body cleansing and detoxification. It maintains good health by eliminating harmful toxins from the body.

5. Another important benefit of lemon water is that it strengthens the liver functioning and stimulates it to produce more enzymes essential for different body processes. A well-functioning liver is the key to a healthy body.

6. Since lemon water has a diuretic effect, it is beneficial for people with urinary tract infections. Lemon water is helpful in treating arthritis and rheumatism.

7. Daily consumption of warm lemon water is an effective remedy to get rid of belly fat.

8. Lemon water is one of the most effective regimens for skin care and hair care. Daily consumption can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It rejuvenates the skin and gives a clear, radiant and glowing complexion. Lemon juice is one of the best home remedies for acne control. It can also be used to treat various skin diseases like eczema. Application of lemon juice on the skin is effective in preventing sunburn. If you apply lemon water to your hair for a few minutes and then rinse with water, it will make your hair clean and shining.

9. Lemon juice, if externally applied on the nostrils, can help stop nosebleeds and control bleeding gums, when massaged onto the gums. Lemon juice combined with glycerin is effective to heal chapped lips.

Start your day in a healthy way with energizing lemon water. Nutrient-rich lemon water rejuvenates your body and improves overall fitness and stamina.

Article written by: Reshma Jirage

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