Sweet potatoes are a superfood that help you slim and energize. Try these with a cooling cucumber-mint dip.
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
3 medium peeled sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon jalapeño salt
1 sliced jalapeño
Vegetable oil cooking spray
See more: How to Lose Weight and Feel Great in 7 Days
PREPARATION
Heat oven to 425°. Cut sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick fries. In a bowl, combine cornstarch and jalapeño salt; add fries and toss. Arrange fries on two baking sheets coated with vegetable oil cooking spray; coat with more cooking spray. Bake until fries begin to brown, 10 minutes. Remove from oven and flip; spritz with cooking spray and sprinkle with 1 sliced jalapeño. Bake until golden, 8 minutes.
THE SKINNY 92 calories per serving, 0 g fat, 22 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 2 g protein
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Sunday, October 27, 2013
Tawa Tawa can cure DENGUE
Thank you Philippine Council for Health and Research Development, I found this very helpful item below and would like to share it here. I would like to spread as much information about the miracles of Tawa Tawa in during dengue fever and dengue hemorragic fever. I just recently lost a childhood friend due to dengue and I am angry at these doctors, these hospitals who run all sorts of lab tests but cannot find anything. and still they refuse the benefits of tawa tawa. 
Tawa-tawa contains active ingredients that may help dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) patients – study
Intent on finding out the truth behind tawa-tawa’s curative properties, students of the University of Sto Tomas (UST) – Faculty of Pharmacy conducted a study entitled “Investigation of the anti-thrombocytopenic property of euphorbia hirta linn (Tawa-Tawa) decoction in rat models. The study aimedtoverify the effects of tawa-tawa decoction to a dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) patient showing a symptom of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count due to excessive bleeding).
In the study, the students used chloramphenicol, ethanol and heparin to induce thrombocytopenia on rat models, mimicking dengue hemorrhagic fever. They administered tawa-tawa decoction to the sample groups and collected blood samples to check for platelet count, bleeding time (duration of bleeding), and blood clotting times in several stages of the experiment.
Results showed that platelet count increased by 47% depending on the drug used to induce thrombocytopenia. Bleeding time was reduced up to 62% while blood clotting time decreased to 58% compared to the control groups.
Based on the results, students concluded that administering tawa-tawa decoction to animal models help improve their healing mechanism. Tawa-tawa was able to promote cell production, and prevents platelet destruction. Likewise, the improvement in the cell bleeding time and clotting time provided evidence that the indigenous plant can preserve and promote the hemostatic function of platelets.
The students also discovered phenolic compounds in tawa-tawa, active ingredients suspected to be responsible in the increased platelet counts of tested animals. In an interview, Mr. Ryan Justin Raynes, one of the student researchers saidthat through a phenolic determination assay, they were able to identify ‘minute’ phenolic compound in tawa-tawa samples. “Although there were small amount of phenolic compound in tawa-tawa, this was sufficient to exert effect promoting quality and quantity of platelets,” Mr. Raynes said.
Because of the study’s significant findings, it won the first prize in the PCHRD – Gruppo Medica Award held during the 6th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week held at Sofitel Manila last 10 August 2012. PCHRD – Gruppo Medica Award is given to undergraduate students engaged in herbal medicine research that have potential for practical or commercial applications.
Tawa-tawa contains active ingredients that may help dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) patients – study
- Published on Monday, 10 September 2012 16:48
- Written by Edmon B. Agron
- Hits: 28775
Intent on finding out the truth behind tawa-tawa’s curative properties, students of the University of Sto Tomas (UST) – Faculty of Pharmacy conducted a study entitled “Investigation of the anti-thrombocytopenic property of euphorbia hirta linn (Tawa-Tawa) decoction in rat models. The study aimedtoverify the effects of tawa-tawa decoction to a dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) patient showing a symptom of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count due to excessive bleeding).
In the study, the students used chloramphenicol, ethanol and heparin to induce thrombocytopenia on rat models, mimicking dengue hemorrhagic fever. They administered tawa-tawa decoction to the sample groups and collected blood samples to check for platelet count, bleeding time (duration of bleeding), and blood clotting times in several stages of the experiment.
Results showed that platelet count increased by 47% depending on the drug used to induce thrombocytopenia. Bleeding time was reduced up to 62% while blood clotting time decreased to 58% compared to the control groups.
Based on the results, students concluded that administering tawa-tawa decoction to animal models help improve their healing mechanism. Tawa-tawa was able to promote cell production, and prevents platelet destruction. Likewise, the improvement in the cell bleeding time and clotting time provided evidence that the indigenous plant can preserve and promote the hemostatic function of platelets.
The students also discovered phenolic compounds in tawa-tawa, active ingredients suspected to be responsible in the increased platelet counts of tested animals. In an interview, Mr. Ryan Justin Raynes, one of the student researchers saidthat through a phenolic determination assay, they were able to identify ‘minute’ phenolic compound in tawa-tawa samples. “Although there were small amount of phenolic compound in tawa-tawa, this was sufficient to exert effect promoting quality and quantity of platelets,” Mr. Raynes said.
Because of the study’s significant findings, it won the first prize in the PCHRD – Gruppo Medica Award held during the 6th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week held at Sofitel Manila last 10 August 2012. PCHRD – Gruppo Medica Award is given to undergraduate students engaged in herbal medicine research that have potential for practical or commercial applications.
Tawa Tawa for Dengue
I recently lost a childhood friend over Dengue. It was so shocking, all so sudden. Just Dengue. He was brought to the most expensive hospital here in our province and yet they were not able to save his life. Because the oh so great doctors didn't have the slightest clue what was happening. All those lab tests didn't prove to be helpful at all in saving his life. And yet they refuse to acknowledge that the only remedy for dengue can be found in tawa tawa, papaya leaves and camote leaves. The refuse this because they want people to keep going to the hospital. Only to die??? I thought these doctors have taken their oath to "preserve" life?
Here I am sharing below what I found in google. These days people are more and more trusting google than these self-serving doctors.
Here I am sharing below what I found in google. These days people are more and more trusting google than these self-serving doctors.
Hematologic Health: The Philippine Department Of Science and Technology is currently conducting research on the anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties of the Tawa-Tawa plant, which are hypothesized to stimulate platelet production by the bone marrow in dengue patients. This discovery could potentially lead to the eventual development of treatments for dengue fever and tuberculosis.
Bone Health: Tawa-Tawa has anti-arthritic properties as an effect of its tissue inhibitor constituents called metalloproteinase that prevents cartilage degeneration.
Cardiovascular Health: To counteract high blood pressure, Tawa-Tawa inhibits the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme that is supposed to produce vasoconstrictive effects on the blood vessels. Result is a lowering of blood pressure, decrease in heart rate and increase in cardiac output.
Skin Health: The latex (milky substance) found within the stem of the Tawa-Tawa plant is a good treatment for sores, boils, warts, and fungal infections. When dried and crushed, Tawa-Tawa can be used as a wound dressing. The ethanol present in Tawa-Tawa extracts has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties effective against these skin infections.
Digestive Health: With an active flavonoid constituent, E. hirta is known to have anti-diarrheal properties. It is also known as a potent anti-helminthic or deworming agent.
Respiratory Health: This herb is good for asthmatics. When combined with beta 2 blockers like salbutamol and terbutaline sulfate, Tawa-Tawa dissolves sticky mucus and relaxes the bronchial muscles resulting in the relief of asthmatic symptoms. Take 3 to 4 cups of boiled Tawa Tawa leaves daily, or burn and inhale smoke of Tawa-Tawa leaves like a cigarette.
Immunity: Constituents of Tawa-Tawa like tannins, hexane, flavenoids, triterpene, andsterols among others, make it effective in boosting the body’s immune system and protecting it against infections, malignancies and oxidative damage.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Filipino eating grass?
This makes me really thankful I live in the Philippines and I am a Filipino. Many years back, as a little girl, I could remember hearing someone getting angry over a statement made by some westerner saying that "Filipinos are eating grass." I was angry too, but I was too young to know how to elaborate my thoughts and feelings. Right now, I wonder if that guy who made the statement is still alive. What I know is that a lot of people in America are living a sorry life with processed foods. And this makes them unhealthy and obese.
Malunggay garnering recognition as 'superfood' rich in antioxidants
If you have a backyard garden with a meter or two of space to spare, best plant malunggay seeds. This is what Dr. Raffy Barrozo, organic agriculture expert and board member of the Moringaling Phlippines Foundation, Inc. (MPFI), advises.
Malunggay, or moringa, is a well-known backyard plant in the Philippines and has been garnering international attention for being a "superfood" rich in nutrients and minerals.
For every pound, malunggay has seven times more Vitamin C than oranges, three times more potassium that bananas, four times more Vitamin A than carrots, two times more protein and four times more calcium than milk, according to the MPFI.
Malunggay is rich in antioxidants that can prevent several lifestyle-related ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, heart problems, high blood pressure, and cancer.
Urban gardening
"All houses should have malunggay: two or three plants of malunggay for their use as vegetables, kasi mabilis lang naman siya [tumubo]. Once it gets established, you don’t have to take care of it that much," Barrozo said.
Barrozo is also an organic farmer who has a quarter hectare of land where he plants malunggay along with other crops.
The first six months is the most critical stage of the malunggay plant. One must protect it from excessive rain and flooding since malunggay lives on very little water. The best time to plant malunggay is during the summer when rain is scarce. After that, the tree will continue to live and shoot several branches which one can harvest.
"The key is, palakihin mo siya para harvest ka na lang nang harvest. It’s best to plant it and use organic fertilizer through biodegradable kitchen composting," he said.
If taken care of properly, the malunggay tree can live up to a hundred years, occupying about two meters of land. If you don't have a backyard where you can plant a malunggay tree, Barrozo suggests getting a huge container, about half of a 200-liter blue drum, filling it with compost, and planting the seed there.
After two years, a healthy tree can produce about half a kilogram of harvestable
leaves every two months. A five-year-old tree can give you up to one-and-a-half kilograms every two months, while a seven-year-old tree can give you two kilograms every two months.
"As it gets bigger it gets more leaves, but you have to cut it. You prune the stems so that it produces more branches and you harvest more leaves," Barrozo said.
It is possible to grow a malunggay tree in the city through urban gardening. But it is best to plant it somewhere away from major highways where the amount of pollution is great.
Malunggay, like many plants, is an effective absorber of carbon dioxide. If it is planted near the highways, it consumes the carbon dioxide and other pollutants as well.
Malunggay for a healthy lifestyle
Malunggay can be cooked and eaten with rice, but MPFI board secretary Elena Van Tooren suggests drying the leaves, blending it until it is pulverized, and adding it to food or juice.
Malunggay leaves can be dried by bundling the harvested branches up and hanging them upside down to dry in the sun. Make sure that a mat would catch the dry leaves that would fall off. 10 kilograms of fresh malunggay shrinks to one kilogram when dried, Barrozo said, making dried malunggay richer and more concentrated. It loses its Vitamins A and C content when dried, but it does retain the rest of its nutrients.
Van Tooren recommends taking one tablespoon a day for people who want to stay healthy, and two tablespoons for those suffering from health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
For pregnant women, she recommends taking three tablespoons a day. Malunggay is also sold as powder, tea, and capsules. – KDM, GMA News
losing weight
Sometimes it does become discouraging trying to work out and watch my diet and still I keep gaining weight. I know it's the hormonal imbalance, but there are days when all the effort and the oh-so-frustrating result take its toll on me. I know I have my lapses. I know I should at least try to work out more and avoid carbos and sweets. But...I am just human. Sigh.
A Dieter's BFFs: 5 Foods to Help You Lose Weight
Losing weight can be a challenge, but you can get a helping hand with these healthy, hearty superfoods
There is no magic bullet to weight loss -- the only way to shed extra pounds is to eat fewer calories than you burn off. Period. We tracked down the top five foods that are not only low-cal but help curb cravings, making it easier to achieve a calorie deficit. Stock your kitchen with these five foods if you're trying to lose weight.
Pistachios in the shell
Two studies from Eastern Illinois University found that participants who ate in-shell pistachios slashed their calorie intake by 41 percent compared to those who consumed pistachios that had been pre-shelled. Both groups reported being equally satisfied. In another study, participants who could see their empty pistachio shells pile up as they snacked reduced calories by 18 percent compared to those who discarded the shells. The conclusion: Pistachios in the shell not only help serving sizes appear larger, the empty shells remind you of how many you’ve eaten.
Potatoes
Potatoes are wrongly accused of being a dieter’s archenemy. A medium potato only has 110 calories, 2 grams fiber and 3 grams protein. One study even found that boiled potatoes scored the highest on a “satiety index” of all foods. They're more than twice as filling as whole grain bread, and generally more filling than fish, steak and all the fruits and vegetables in the study. Potatoes provide "resistant starch," a type of carbohydrate that you can’t digest, and they lower blood pressure and promote fat burning. Enjoy cold potato salad (watch how much fat-laden mayonnaise you add!) -- resistant starch increases once the potatoes are chilled, according to USDA researchers.
Eggs
Forget bagels in the morning and enjoy eggs instead. Several studies show that eating eggs for breakfast can help cut calories throughout the entire day. In one study, subjects were fed a calorie-restricted breakfast of either eggs or a bagel. The egg group lost 65 percent more weight and significantly more belly fat than the bagel group. A study following men who ate an egg breakfast found that they ate 331 fewer calories throughout the day compared to the guys who ate a cereal and toast breakfast. The researchers reported that eggs decrease hunger hormones while accelerating the hormones associated with feelings of fullness.
Oatmeal
Not so into eggs? Than go for oatmeal -- it's a great option for breakfast because it’s a whole grain and has four grams of fiber and five grams of protein per 1 cup serving. New research recently presented at Experimental Biology 2013 found that unsweetened oatmeal increased feelings of fullness and reduced the desire to eat more than an equal calorie serving of oat-based cold cereal. The researchers suggest that the unique beta-glucan fiber in oatmeal contributed to the hunger-squashing benefits.
Greek Yogurt
Nonfat or low-fat plain Greek yogurt is one of the most nutritious options to help you trim inches. Greek yogurt packs have more than 20 grams of protein per cup and is relatively low in natural sugars. Dairy foods provide both whey and casein proteins for double-duty weight loss benefits: Whey reduces hunger in the short-term while casein tempers your appetite over a longer period of time.
Julie Upton, M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D. is a registered dietitian and writer. Visit her blog Appetite for Health and follow her on Google+
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