Archive for June, 2007

June 25, 2007: 6:07 pm: zaahnMusic

Get Your Music Seen via Google Videos
Get Your Music Seen via Google Videos

  • If you want to get your music, band or song out there and you don’t have tons of money, a way to go might be making your own Google videos. Thanks to online video websites, you can share your talent with the world quickly and easily. If you are interested in creating your own video, on just about whatever you want, and share it with other internet users you can, by using Google Video. - post by zaahn2point0
June 20, 2007: 9:55 am: zaahnMusic

Opuzz.com, one of the largest independent providers of high-quality royalty free music announces a major release of 18 CDs of royalty free music. This release offers their customers a wider variety of royalty free music styles including much sought after music like romantic music, music for travel, fashion/art, expressively orchestrated tracks as well as harder to find music like that from the 70’s, national anthems, retro kitschy music and nursery rhymes. This release also includes new additions to their already expansive world music selection.

Read more about Royalty Free Music Released from Opuzz

June 16, 2007: 12:16 am: jasonmnHealth, Food

Depression and anxiety are growing problems in the United States, and unfortunately many people who suffer from these serious illnesses are resistant to seeking professional help.  Fortunately, there are a number of natural remedies, including St. John’s Wort, which show great promise in treating depression and anxiety without the use of drugs.  St. John’s Wort has been shown to improve mood in many people, and there are those who swear by the positive effects of this herbal medication.

 

The history of St. John’s Wort

The herb we know today as St. John’s Wort is know scientifically as Hypericum perforatum, and it gets its name in honor of St. John The Baptist.  St. John’s birthday was thought to be in June, and it is in June that the golden flowers of this herb begin to bloom.  The word “wort” translates to “plant”, therefore St. John’s Wort is St. John’s plant.

 

This herb grows as a perennial, meaning it will grow back year after year on a single planting.  St. John’s Wort grows wild like a weed, and it has grown abundantly in Europe for thousands of years.  The history of using St. John’s Wort also goes back thousands of years, and it has been used as a safe and effective herbal medication for at least 2400 years.  The founder of medicine, Hippocrates, was known to prescribe St. John’s Wort for relief of such common ailments as hemorrhage, jaundice, dysentery, tuberculosis, colds and insomnia.

 

In European countries, St. John’s Wort has been studied for many decades, and scientists have discovered that it contains a combination of compounds, the most important of which is hypericin.  These compounds are thought to react with certain chemicals in the brain, thereby providing emotional comfort, a calming element and freedom from depression.  As a matter of fact, St. John’s Wort is thought to work much the same way as many common prescription antidepressants.

 

St. John’s Wort and depression

In Europe and other places around the world, doctors have been prescribing St. John’s Wort for the treatment of depression for many years, and the therapeutic effects of this herb have been shown to include relief from mild to moderate depression, relief from anxiety, relief from insomnia, and even increased cardiac circulation.

 

In the United States, St. John’s Wort is available over the counter in a number of preparations and a variety of strengths.  When taken orally St. John’s Wort is often prepared in capsule formula, at a standardized dosage of 300 mg. With a 0.3 hypericin concentration.  The suggested dosage ranges from 2 to 12 capsules per day, depending on the condition being treated and its severity.

 

St. John’s Wort is also available in tea form.  The tea is prepared by mixing 2 teaspoons of dried herb with hot water and letting it steep for 10 minutes.  After the tea has had time to steep, it is strained, and mixed with sugar or honey to make a tasty drink.

 

In addition to these common forms, St. John’s Wort can be infused into olive oil and used as a massage oil to relieve joint pain and inflammation.  This massage oil is also thought to be effective against bruises and wounds.

: 12:15 am: jasonmnHealth, Food

For many years, nutritionists and mothers have known about the awesome power of spinach and its importance to a healthy diet.  After all, there is a reason your mother always encouraged you to eat your spinach, and Popeye can certainly attest to the awesome power of this food.

 

Spinach is packed full of such important nutrients as vitamin C, calcium and beta carotene.  In addition, spinach is one of the richest plant sources of iron, and it should be part of a healthy diet for everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest adult.

 

The benefits of spinach

One of the most significant benefits of spinach in the diet is that it is a very rich source of insoluble fiber.  Most Americans eat a diet that is deficient in fiber, and this lack of fiber can lead to a number of serious medical complications, including stomach problems, intestinal issues and even some forms of cancer.

 

The insoluble fiber contained in spinach has also been associated with protecting the heart and other vital organs from damage.  In addition to the value of spinach as a possible heart diseases fighter, recent studies have shown real promise in using spinach as a cancer fighter.  The nutrients and fiber in spinach are thought to provide protection against such common cancer killers as breast cancer and lung cancer.

 

Spinach and cancer protection

One reason for this strong cancer fighting ability is the high level of vitamin E contained in this delicious vegetable.  Vitamin E has long been thought to provide protection against cancer, and the high levels of vitamin E in spinach make it one of the best sources of this strong antioxidant vitamin.

 

Spinach is also a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin.  These substances are important carotenoids, and like the other well known carotenoid, beta carotene, they are excellent antioxidants, which help to protect the body from the effects of free radicals and cell breakdown.

 

Finding the best spinach

Another great thing about spinach is that it is easy to buy, available virtually everywhere, and quite reasonable in price.  Fresh spinach is available in just about every supermarket and grocery store chain, and it is available for a significant portion of the year in most parts of the country.

 

In addition to its availability, spinach is quite reasonably priced compared to many other common fruits and vegetables.  Spinach can even be grown in the home garden quite easily, as it grows quite well in many areas of the country.

 

Whether you choose store bought spinach or buy your own, however, it is important to select the greenest and healthiest looking spinach for your recipes.  It is also important to not cook spinach longer than necessary, as some of the vital nutrients can be lost through overcooking or excessive heat.  It is best to quickly steam the spinach to preserve its nutritional value.

 

With all the benefits spinach has to offer, it is surprising that more people do not enjoy this wonderful food.  Spinach is versatile, and it can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from soups to salads, from side dishes to main courses.  There is a reason why spinach has such a reputation as a health food; it seems that the reputation is more than deserved.

: 12:14 am: jasonmnHealth, Food
Nutritionists have long known that dark green leafy vegetables are among the healthiest of all foods, and spinach is certainly no exception.  From Popeye on down, the heath benefits of spinach have been known for many years.  It is difficult to find a single food that is a rich source of such varied nutrients as vitamin C, iron, beta carotene and calcium, but spinach is one such food.
Spinach and nutrition
In addition to these important nutrients, spinach is a rich source of insoluble fiber.  This insoluble fiber, found in some vegetables and found in abundance in spinach, has long been associated with protecting the heart from damage.
In addition to protection against heart disease, spinach has also shown promise in reducing the risk of many types of cancer, including such killers as lung cancer.  The presence of high levels of vitamin K has long been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, and spinach is one of the best sources of vitamin K available.
Cataracts are another common health problem that spinach is thought to help prevent.  Some studies have reported that foods rich in beta carotene, such as spinach, are associated with a lower risk of developing cataracts.  Some studies have suggested that those who consume a diet rich in spinach, kale and other dark green leafy vegetables may have a lower overall risk of developing cataracts.
One reason for this reduced risk may be the presence of lutein and zeaxanthin.  These carotenoids, which are similar to beta carotene, are strong antioxidants, and they are thought to provide protection not just against cataracts but against the affects of aging and some forms of cancer as well.
Other health benefits of spinach
Spinach is also thought to be important to the control of high levels of homocysteine in the blood.  Studies have shown that eating a diet rich in vitamin C, folic acid and beta carotene is an effective way to lower homocysteine levels.
In addition to all these important benefits, spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables are thought to play a role in the prevention of the most common of all eye diseases.  Macular degeneration is a particular problem with older people, and spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables are thought to help to mitigate the risk of age related macular degeneration.  The strong antioxidant properties of these foods are believed to be what makes them so effective.
Other important benefits of spinach, besides the obvious health benefits, are the low price and ready availability of this important food.  Just about every grocery store and supermarket carries fresh spinach in their produce section, and there are a number of canned spinach products available as well.  While fresh spinach is always a great choice, canned and frozen spinach is a great choice when fresh spinach is not available.
There are many reasons why spinach should be a part of every healthy diet.  Spinach and other similar vegetables are among the most nutrient dense of all vegetables, and there is good reason to seek out this delicious and nutritious food whenever you can.
: 12:13 am: jasonmnHealth, Food

Herbs can do much more than add much needed spice to the foods you cook.  Herbs also have important health benefits, and many herbs have been shown to have remarkable healing properties.

 

Growing your own herbs

Fortunately, herbs are very easy to grow in your own home herb garden.  They are also easy and quite inexpensive to buy, either fresh or in their dried varieties.  When buying herbs, whether they are dried or fresh, however, it is important to exercise caution and to buy only the freshest herbs, or those dried herbs made by quality, reputable companies.

 

The best choice for many people, however, is to grow your own herbs in an herb garden.  Unlike many other forms of gardening, an herb garden takes up almost no space.  Most herb gardens can be grown using the smallest flower pots set in a sunny windowsill.  There are every kits which allow the cook to grow a variety of herbs directly from seed, all in one handy container.

 

There are as many ways to use herbs in cooking and in healing as there are herbs.  For instance, meats, stews and pasta dishes can all be enhanced with basil, garlic, oregano and rosemary.  Foods that are naturally sweet can be further enhanced through the addition of herbs like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, while extra heat can be added to many foods by adding a dash of white, black or red pepper. 

 

Herbs and dieting

Dieters often appreciate the ability of herbs to add flavor and variety to food without adding extra calories.  When adding fresh herbs to a recipe, the best technique is to gently crush the herbs in your hand in order to fully release their flavor.  It is best to add the herbs near the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor and nutritional value.  A few of the most commonly grown herbs for the home garden are:

 

Ø      Sweet basil – Sweet basil (ocimum basilicum), in both the dark opal and the green variety are quite easy to grow from seed, and they generally germinate at 7 to 10 days.  Basil can grow to a height of 18 inches, and it provides excellent flavor to tomato paste, pastas, soups and stews.

Ø      Chives – Chives (allium scboenoprasum) is a perennial plant which is popular in both herb gardens and more traditional garden patches.  These tiny plants resemble spears of grass when they first sprout, but they can grow to a height of 12 inches.  Chives are great in salads, sauces and all kinds of egg dishes.

Ø      Dill – Dill (anethum graveolens) is another easily grown herb, and it makes an excellent flavoring for meats.  Dill is also excellent for use in pickling.

Ø      Lavender – Lavender (lavandula) is easy to grow as well, and it provides a fresh scent indoors and out.  While not traditionally eaten, lavender is important in aromatherapy, and the dried leaves of the plant make excellent sachets for sprucing up closets.

Ø      Mint – Mint (menthe spicat) is also quite easy to grow and it can easily be grown indoors as part of an herb garden. Mint is an excellent accompaniment to fruit drinks and lemonade, and we all know how well mint jelly goes with lamb dishes.

Ø      Sage – Sage (saivia officinalis) is another perennial plant that is grown indoors and out.  This popular herb is excellent for use in chicken, turkey and pork, and it is often used for flavoring sausage as well.

: 12:12 am: jasonmnHealth, Food

 Siberian root has been used as an energy tonic in China for thousands of years, but the western world has only recently discovered the healing power of this herbal remedy.  Siberian root has long been studied for its ability to reduce stress in men and women, and those taking it often report being better able to endure physical and emotional stress.

 

Siberian root is thought to also be quite effective at fighting fatigue and at curing a variety of ailments.  This ability has led to quite a following for Siberian root, and many of the biggest enthusiasts find that it works best when used in the traditional Chinese way.  The Chinese have historically used Siberian root to reinforce the vital energy of the body, known to Chinese medicine as qi.  Others enjoy the power of Siberian root to ward off colds and flu, and to enhance memory functions.

 

The power of Siberian root

Siberian root is known to contain many unique compounds that can positively affect the adrenal glands.  These small glands rest on top of the kidneys, and they are known to secrete hormones that are effective in fighting stress.  Taking Siberian root is thought to enhance the ability of the body to handle physical stress and to enhance the disease resistance of the body as well.

 

Therefore, many believe the Siberian root may be able to prevent many diseases that are caused by stress.  Users who take Siberian root have reported that they are better able to withstand the rigors of physical labor, and to work at greater speed and with greater accuracy.  Siberian root is also said to allow people to adapt more readily to heat, high altitudes and low oxygen situations.  Others use Siberian root to enhance their mental alertness and improve their concentration.

 

Siberian root and chronic fatigue syndrome

In addition, Siberian root is one of the few herbs that has been found to be effective against chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.  Siberian root is also thought to be effective against normal fatigue and many users report feelings of greater energy after taking this herb.

 

Some people even feel that Siberian root is able to increase both male and female fertility and to reduce male impotence.  In traditional Chinese cultures Siberian root was often used as an aphrodisiac and a fertility enhancer, and modern medicine is studying these effects.

 

Traditional uses of Siberian root

Siberian root has also been used in traditional medicine to treat symptoms of menopause, and to relieve the symptoms associated with menopause.  It is thought that Siberian root may also affect the hormone levels and tone the muscles of the uterus.  These abilities may make it valuable for relieving menstrual cramps and other associated problems.

 

Siberian root is available over the counter in a number of different places, including health food stores, grocery stores and supermarkets and even on the internet.  There are a number of online retailers of Siberian root, and they can provide some very competitive prices.

 

No matter where you buy your Siberian root, or what conditions you use it to treat, however, it is important to purchase high quality brands form manufacturers who use the most modern manufacturing methods.  How herbs such as Siberian root are handled after harvest, and how they are processed, can have a profound impact on their therapeutic value.

 

 

 

 

: 12:12 am: jasonmnHealth, Food

Seabuckthorn oil is one of the most exciting nutritional supplements to hit the market in recent years, and there are many studies underway to prove the health benefits of this important food.

 

Where does seabuckthorn oil come from?

The seabuckthorn is a wild bush which grows in the Gobi desert.  This hardy bush is capable of growing in even the poorest of soils, and it can tolerate temperatures as low as –40 Celsius and as high as +40 Celsius.  The seabuckthorn oil taken from plants grown in these harsh conditions provides the greatest nutritional benefits, so it is important to know the origin of the seabuckthorn oil you buy.

 

The value of seabuckthorn oil and the seabuckthorn plant has been known at least as far back as the eighth century, and for many centuries the Tibetan and Mongolian people have known of the health effects of this valuable plant.

 

Modern views of seabuckthorn oil

In modern times the seabuckthorn plant began to attract the attention of scientists in China and Russia as far back as the 1950s, and the sees, berries, barks and leaves of the plant, in addition to the seabuckthorn oil, have been studied for their benefits in nutrition, medicine and cosmetics. 

 

These days, seabuckthorn oil is manufactured from the berries and seeds of the plant, as this preserves the vital nutrients.  Seabuckthorn oil has been identified as the most valuable part of the plant, and the supplements that use this oil take advantage of that fact.  Seabuckthorn oil supplements are rich in many vital nutrients, including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene and many important flavinoids. 

 

These components are all known as powerful antioxidants, and they have been shown to provide excellent protection against a number of diseases caused by the production of free radicals.  Antioxidants are thought to interfere with the ability of free radicals to cause damage to the cells of the body.

 

What is seabuckthorn oil made of?

The seabuckthorn plant is known to contain at least 190 bioactive ingredients, with at least 106 of these ingredients contained in seabuckthorn oil.  This seabuckthorn oil is thought to be the single best source of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, essential amino acids, flavinoids and unsaturated fatty acids.

 

For instance, seabuckthorn oil contains twice the amount of vitamin E as wheat oil, nine times as much as corn oil and a stunning 35 times as much as soybean oil.  In addition, over ninety percent of the fatty acids contained in seabuckthorn oil are of the healthier unsaturated variety.  Seabuckthorn oil is a rich source of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.

 

In addition to these important antioxidants and other nutrients, seabuckthorn oil is also a rich source of flavonoids.  Flavonoids are pigments which provide many fruits with their color, and research has shown that flavonoids may have the ability to prevent many common health problems.  Flavonoids are also thought to be useful in maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

 

When buying seabuckthorn oil as a food supplement, it is important to choose supplements made under the strictest quality programs, as improper processing can destroy many of the healthful nutrients found in supplements.  It is important to buy your seabuckthorn oil supplements from those companies with a strong reputation for quality and many years of experience in the business.

 

: 12:11 am: jasonmnHealth, Food

There are many reasons why red cabbage and red beets are such popular foods.  Both red cabbage and red beets are delicious, nutritious and low in calories.  In addition, the compounds found in red cabbage and red beets are thought to play an important role in the prevention of many forms of cancer. 

 

New research has placed the focus on the benefits of red cabbage and red beets on the many phytochemicals these foods contain, in particular the presence of indole-3-carbinole (I3C0, sulforaphane and indoles.  These compounds are thought to play a role in the activation and stabilization of the detoxification and antioxidant processes in the body. 

 

The benefits of red beets and red cabbage

In particular, indole-3-carbinole (I3C) is thought to play a role in reducing the risk of breast cancer, and one small study showed a remarkable 50% reduction in the incidence of breast cancer.  These compounds, found abundantly in red cabbage and red beets, are thought to play a role in how estrogen is produced and utilized in the body, and this is thought to play a role in reducing the incidence of breast cancer in those who consume these foods.

 

In addition to the prevention of breast cancer, red cabbage and red beets are thought to play an important role in the prevention of lung cancer, stomach cancer and colon cancer.  In addition, red cabbage and red beets are known to be rich sources of vitamin C, an antioxidant which plays a vital role in reducing the presence of free radicals in the body.

 

In addition, all types of cabbages and related vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts and bok choy, are rich sources of calcium.  In addition to calcium, however, red cabbage and red beets are also rich sources of flavonoids.  It is these flavonoids which are responsible for the rich purple coloring of both red cabbage and red beets, and it is these flavonoids which give both red cabbage and red beets their strong antioxidant health benefits.  As a matter of fact, red cabbage and red beets are among the richest sources of flavonoids in the vegetable world.

 

Other health benefits

In addition to their possible role as cancer fighters, red cabbage and red beets both are being studied for their possible role in the treatment of peptic ulcers.  For many years the juice of the red cabbage has been used as a very effective way to treat peptic ulcers.  It is thought that the high concentration of the amino acid known as glutamine is responsible for the ability of red cabbage and red beets to treat this common stomach condition.  Glutamine is used to provide nutrients to the cells that line the small intestine and the stomach, and this fact may be responsible for the effectiveness of cabbage juice at treating ulcer conditions.

 

When shopping for red cabbage, it is a good idea to choose those heads with the richest, reddest leaves, since the compounds that give red cabbage is rich flavor also provide its nutritional benefits.  Likewise, those red beets with the richest and heartiest color are thought to provide the greatest nutritional value.

: 12:11 am: jasonmnHealth, Food

Prostate problems are a growing problem for many men, and it is estimated that most men will experience some type of problem with their prostate at one time or another.

 

Fortunately, there are a number of excellent supplements on the market that have shown great promise in treating some of the most common prostate problems.  One of the most exciting of these compounds is known as pygeum.

 

Pygeum and the prostate

Often, pygeum will be combined with a number of other prostate effective compounds, such as saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol and nettle.  These products are often sold as “prostate health” supplements or similar items.  Some of these combinations will list a huge number of ingredients, but often the concentration of each ingredient is too small to be of value.  Those who are seeking such a combination product will need to learn to read the labels carefully to make sure that the product they are buying will provide the benefits they hope for.

 

Many prostate specific herbal remedies, including pygeum, also have strong anti-inflammatory properties, and it is these anti-inflammatory properties that seem to have an affect on the swelling often associated with prostate problems. 

 

It is important for those using pygeum to treat or prevent problems with the prostate to seek out those extracts that have been standardized, in order to make sure that the levels of pygeum in the supplement are adequate to be of real therapeutic value.

 

What to look for in pygeum supplements

It is also important to buy pygeum and other prostate health products only from established and reputable companies, as the manufacturing processes used can greatly influence the value, and even the safety, of herbal remedies.  Buying pygeum and other supplements from firmly established companies is the best way to ensure a quality product made with the freshest and most effective ingredients.

 

There are many places to buy pygeum supplements, and other supplements for the treatment and prevention of prostate problems.  Pygeum is available at many health food stores, both as standalone supplements and as part of overall “prostate health” remedies. It is always important to read the label carefully to make sure that the ingredients exist in the concentrations you need.

 

The manufacturing process is essential when it comes to herbal remedies, whether we are talking about pygeum or any other supplement.  Manufacturing problems, such as contaminated or poorly functioning equipment, can easily negate the positive health effects of many supplements.  It is important, therefore, to buy products only from companies who employ the best manufacturing processes when making their pygeum supplements.

 

It is also important for any man considering starting treatment with pygeum or other herbal medications to consult with his doctor before starting treatment.  It is important for your doctor to know about all the medications you are taking, not just prescription drugs.  That is because over the counter medications and even herbal remedies can interact with prescription drugs.  Providing your doctor with complete information about all the remedies you are taking will help you keep your health at its highest level and side effects low.