[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEXBxijQREo[/embed]

The #1 WORST Food that HARMS Your Brain

 

Some foods you might be eating daily can actually DAMAGE your brain over time.

Certain foods you eat can indeed harm your brain, both in impaired learning ability as well as impaired memory.  Even worse, the wrong food and drink choices throughout your life can even lead to the terrible and deadly disease of Alzheimers.

A friend of mine just told me that her dad died of Alzheimers recently and it was just a terrible disease where he didn’t even know who she was anymore towards the end.  It’s time our society starts taking degenerative diseases like Alzheimers, cancer, and heart disease more seriously throughout our lives, and not just once it’s too late. Even in our 30′s, 40′s, and 50′s, the choices we make with our daily food can PREVENT these terrible diseases.

Fructose

In a 2012 UCLA study published in the Journal of Physiology, researchers found that a diet high in fructose over time can damage your memory and learning ability.

Beyond the harm to your brain, it’s well known in the research world that a high fructose diet can also cause insulin resistance in your body over time, and possibly lead to type-2 diabetes and extra body fat.  If that’s not enough, a high fructose diet also detrimentally affects your triglyceride levels in your blood as well as small dense LDL particles that cause plaque in your arteries.

So what we have here is high-fructose intake = impaired memory and learning in your brain, increased risk of diabetes, and increased risk of heart disease. Oh, and we forgot to mention extra belly fat too…  Yum – who wants another can of soda pop or a large bowl of corn syrup sweetened ice cream!

The average person eating a modern western diet of processed food consumes a LARGE quantity of fructose without even thinking about it from all of the soft drinks (high fructose corn syrup typically), sweetened juice drinks, orange juice, processed junk foods such as cakes and candies, as well as the HFCS that’s added to store-bought salad dressings, breads and cereals, and even condiments like ketchup.

Note that many sports drinks, even though marketed as “healthy”, can have large amounts of corn syrup or even crystalline fructose as their main sweetener.  These sports drinks can be equally as bad as a soda for your body and your brain.  Don’t be fooled by the clever marketing showing pictures of pro athletes guzzling this stuff.

Also note that agave syrup (aka, agave nectar) which is marketed as a “healthy” sweetener as well, is one of the most concentrated forms of processed fructose in sweeteners as well.  I personally stay away from agave sweeteners as much as possible unless the amounts are very small.

All of these fructose-laden foods and drinks are easy to avoid though if you choose to eat consciously… for example, make homemade salad dressings from your favorite olive oil and vinegar with added spices, or choose to drink unsweetened iced tea with lemon instead of sweetened drinks or juices.  If you use a lot of ketchup, try to reduce the quantity by mixing with mustard or hot sauce, which typically don’t contain HFCS sweetener in any significant quantities.

Last thing to note about fructose… Yes, natural whole fruits do contain fructose, but generally contain MUCH smaller quantities of fructose than you would consume in a sweetened juice drink, soft drink or sweetened junk foods.  Also, the phytonutrients, antioxidants, and fiber that’s contained in most whole fruits counteracts any negative effects of fructose.  I personally try to keep fruit intake to no more than 1-2 pieces a day due to the sugar and fructose content of larger amounts of fruit.

Here’s a trick:  Did you know that limes and lemons contain virtually zero fructose, and only 3-4 grams of total carbs in a whole lemon or lime, whereas a typical orange contains 6 grams of fructose and 25 grams of total sugar per fruit.  I squeeze lemons and limes daily into either water or teas for a healthy flavorful drink. Fresh lemon juice has even been shown to control blood sugar response from a meal…another bonus!

Other Foods that HARM Your Brain:

You probably already know some of the harmful health effects of these foods, but long term effects on your brain are yet another…

Trans fats – strongly inflammatory in your entire body including damage to cell membranes throughout your body.  Avoid hydrogenated oils in processed foods and deep fried foods.

Mercury – studies show that mercury from pollution (coal burning plants are the biggest source of mercury pollution to air and water) and from fish that are high on the food chain such as tuna, shark, swordfish, tilefish, etc can possibly cause long term negative effects on your brain.  Limit these types of fish to a couple times a month and focus more on fish such as salmon, trout, and many other types of smaller fish to reduce your mercury load.

Wheat-based foods – In the groundbreaking book, Wheat Belly, Dr William Davis makes a very convincing argument that wheat has addictive properties in the brain.  Wheat contains compounds termed “exorphins” that have an effect in your brain similar to opiate drugs.  This explains why people have such a hard time giving up their beloved breads, cereals, pasta, and muffins because these foods are mildly addictive.

I know personally from past experience that if I have have a pasta dinner, I’ll go back for seconds and thirds as I just can’t seem to stop eating the stuff.  And then hours after dinner, I’ll get cravings for more carb-based foods or sweets.  But if I pass on the pasta and just have meat, veggies, and salad, I find myself totally satisfied after dinner with no cravings later at night.

By Mike Geary | TruthAboutAbs

Useful and Handy Uses of Salt You Must Know

Salt is the king of all ingredients in the culinary world. In fact, it is the key ingredient that can make your food taste great. Did you know about the other tricks you can do with the salt? The Salt Institute states that there are 14,000 ways you can use salt. There can’t be a more versatile mineral than the salt and you will agree with us as soon as you will finish reading this article!
In the earliest civilizations, salt was used for preserving the food. At that time salt was hard to obtain. Thanks to the modern methods of production which have made salt the most commonly available mineral worldwide and has also made its supply inexhaustible. There is a huge variety of salts produced for the purpose of consumption. We have refined salt also known as table salt, unrefined salt or sea salt and iodized salt. Then there is kosher salt or processed form of sodium chloride into flat crystals and Epsom salt also known as magnesium sulfate. The salt that we commonly use is sodium chloride.

Since medieval times it has been used as a cleaning agent around the house, trust us you will forget about your toxic chemicals that you have been using for cleaning and would instantly switch to the non-toxic friendly, inexpensive and innocuous salt.
This is how you can make use of the miraculous salt:
Make Poached Eggs
The salt increases the temperature of the boiling water, so if you’ll add a little salt in the water for your poached eggs, it’ll help the eggs to set more quickly and reduces the cooking time.
Egg Freshness Test
If you want to check egg freshness take water in a bowl and add 2 to 3 tsp of salt in it. Now put eggs in this bowl, the fresh ones will sink at the bottom and the old eggs will float. Why does it happen? The older the eggs get the more buoyant they become, because as the egg ages the air cells also increases. But do not presume that the floating eggs are rotten, they are fit for use.
Prevents Fruits from Turning Brown
Usually when we peel or cut fruits like pears and apples, they start browning. Most of us use vinegar or lemon to stop them from changing color. Try this! Drop them in water that has been lightly salted, this won’t change their color.
Deodorize your Hands
So the smell of onions and garlic doesn’t come out of your hands? Mix a little salt in vinegar and rub your hands with the mixture. It will deodorize your hands.
Get High Peaks of Eggs
It takes a lot of time and effort to make high peaks with the egg whites or whip the cream, but if you will add a little salt (just a tiny pinch), it will save your efforts. The egg whites will easily turn into high peaks and the cream will get quickly whipped.
Preserves Cheese
If you want to save cheese from mold, you can wrap it in cheesecloth dabbed in saltwater and refrigerate.
Easy Cleaning of Oven
While baking casserole or a pie, if some of it gets dropped in the oven it becomes very difficult to clean it. It even smokes and smells bad. But if you will put a handful of salt on the spilled casserole or pie, it will not smoke and it will become easier for you to clean your oven afterwards.
Clean sink drains
A mixture of salt and hot water when poured in the kitchen sink, helps to deodorize the sink and also removes the grease from it.
Remove water marks
The water marks created by beverage glasses on the wooden furniture can be effectively cleaned with the help of salt and vegetable oil paste. Just rub a little on the marks and they will be gone.
Clean Refrigerators
A mixture of soda water and salt can be very helpful for cleaning the refrigerators and deodorize them.
Clean rust
It is very hard to get rid of rusts, but not to worry when salt is there for help. Make a paste of salt, cream of tartar and a little water. Rub on the surface where there is rust, dry and brush off, after that buff with a soft, dry cloth. Salt and lemon mixture is also helpful for the rusts, if used in the same way.
Attacks tough stains
Tough stains on clothes? Not a problem anymore. Salt can remove tough stains like wine, blood and also stains of perspiration. Saltwater can also brighten up the color of your faded clothes.
If your clothes are color fast, rinse them in ½ gallon water mixed with ½ cup salt and ½ cup vinegar. Repeat until you get clear water.
Deter Ants
Whenever the ants sneak into your house you can make them run away. Just sprinkle some salt on the window sills and doorways or where ever you see them forming a line.
Keeps Flowers Fresh
Add a dash of salt to the water in the flower vase, this will extend the life of the flowers and will also keep them fresh.
Repair Walls
Nail holes can make your walls look ugly. You can fill these holes with a mixture of 2 tablespoon salt and 2 tablespoon cornstarch and 5 teaspoon water.
Oral care

Salt is very effective for maintaining oral hygiene. It makes you teeth sparkling clean, just use 2 parts baking soda and 1 part salt for brushing and see the difference. You can make a salt rinse as well. Use 1 teaspoon salt in half cup of warm water and gargle with it, this mouthwash will not only save you from bad breath but would also protect you from gum disease. Use it twice a day. This mouthwash is also effective for sore throat. Relieves Insect Bites
If you get a bee sting, dampen the affected area and put salt on it. Salt will reduce the swelling and pain. You can also put saltwater on mosquito bites, as it is effective for soothing the itch.
Exfoliate your Skin
Looking for a natural scrub to remove away the dirt and dead cells? Use salt and it will boost your blood circulation and would also make your skin glow.
Remedy for Burns
Salt is a very effective remedy for burns. Just cover the burnt area of your skin with salt, it will prevent scalding and would also prevent blisters to occur.
source-factlist

Useful and Handy Uses of Salt You Must Know

Salt is the king of all ingredients in the culinary world. In fact, it is the key ingredient that can make your food taste great. Did you know about the other tricks you can do with the salt? The Salt Institute states that there are 14,000 ways you can use salt. There can’t be a more versatile mineral than the salt and you will agree with us as soon as you will finish reading this article!
In the earliest civilizations, salt was used for preserving the food. At that time salt was hard to obtain. Thanks to the modern methods of production which have made salt the most commonly available mineral worldwide and has also made its supply inexhaustible. There is a huge variety of salts produced for the purpose of consumption. We have refined salt also known as table salt, unrefined salt or sea salt and iodized salt. Then there is kosher salt or processed form of sodium chloride into flat crystals and Epsom salt also known as magnesium sulfate. The salt that we commonly use is sodium chloride.

Since medieval times it has been used as a cleaning agent around the house, trust us you will forget about your toxic chemicals that you have been using for cleaning and would instantly switch to the non-toxic friendly, inexpensive and innocuous salt.
This is how you can make use of the miraculous salt:
Make Poached Eggs
The salt increases the temperature of the boiling water, so if you’ll add a little salt in the water for your poached eggs, it’ll help the eggs to set more quickly and reduces the cooking time.
Egg Freshness Test
If you want to check egg freshness take water in a bowl and add 2 to 3 tsp of salt in it. Now put eggs in this bowl, the fresh ones will sink at the bottom and the old eggs will float. Why does it happen? The older the eggs get the more buoyant they become, because as the egg ages the air cells also increases. But do not presume that the floating eggs are rotten, they are fit for use.
Prevents Fruits from Turning Brown
Usually when we peel or cut fruits like pears and apples, they start browning. Most of us use vinegar or lemon to stop them from changing color. Try this! Drop them in water that has been lightly salted, this won’t change their color.
Deodorize your Hands
So the smell of onions and garlic doesn’t come out of your hands? Mix a little salt in vinegar and rub your hands with the mixture. It will deodorize your hands.
Get High Peaks of Eggs
It takes a lot of time and effort to make high peaks with the egg whites or whip the cream, but if you will add a little salt (just a tiny pinch), it will save your efforts. The egg whites will easily turn into high peaks and the cream will get quickly whipped.
Preserves Cheese
If you want to save cheese from mold, you can wrap it in cheesecloth dabbed in saltwater and refrigerate.
Easy Cleaning of Oven
While baking casserole or a pie, if some of it gets dropped in the oven it becomes very difficult to clean it. It even smokes and smells bad. But if you will put a handful of salt on the spilled casserole or pie, it will not smoke and it will become easier for you to clean your oven afterwards.
Clean sink drains
A mixture of salt and hot water when poured in the kitchen sink, helps to deodorize the sink and also removes the grease from it.
Remove water marks
The water marks created by beverage glasses on the wooden furniture can be effectively cleaned with the help of salt and vegetable oil paste. Just rub a little on the marks and they will be gone.
Clean Refrigerators
A mixture of soda water and salt can be very helpful for cleaning the refrigerators and deodorize them.
Clean rust
It is very hard to get rid of rusts, but not to worry when salt is there for help. Make a paste of salt, cream of tartar and a little water. Rub on the surface where there is rust, dry and brush off, after that buff with a soft, dry cloth. Salt and lemon mixture is also helpful for the rusts, if used in the same way.
Attacks tough stains
Tough stains on clothes? Not a problem anymore. Salt can remove tough stains like wine, blood and also stains of perspiration. Saltwater can also brighten up the color of your faded clothes.
If your clothes are color fast, rinse them in ½ gallon water mixed with ½ cup salt and ½ cup vinegar. Repeat until you get clear water.
Deter Ants
Whenever the ants sneak into your house you can make them run away. Just sprinkle some salt on the window sills and doorways or where ever you see them forming a line.
Keeps Flowers Fresh
Add a dash of salt to the water in the flower vase, this will extend the life of the flowers and will also keep them fresh.
Repair Walls
Nail holes can make your walls look ugly. You can fill these holes with a mixture of 2 tablespoon salt and 2 tablespoon cornstarch and 5 teaspoon water.
Oral care

Salt is very effective for maintaining oral hygiene. It makes you teeth sparkling clean, just use 2 parts baking soda and 1 part salt for brushing and see the difference. You can make a salt rinse as well. Use 1 teaspoon salt in half cup of warm water and gargle with it, this mouthwash will not only save you from bad breath but would also protect you from gum disease. Use it twice a day. This mouthwash is also effective for sore throat. Relieves Insect Bites
If you get a bee sting, dampen the affected area and put salt on it. Salt will reduce the swelling and pain. You can also put saltwater on mosquito bites, as it is effective for soothing the itch.
Exfoliate your Skin
Looking for a natural scrub to remove away the dirt and dead cells? Use salt and it will boost your blood circulation and would also make your skin glow.
Remedy for Burns
Salt is a very effective remedy for burns. Just cover the burnt area of your skin with salt, it will prevent scalding and would also prevent blisters to occur.
source-factlist

Which of The Following Activities Burns The Least Amount of Calories?

Take a look at the image below. When one of the following six activities burns the least amount of calories? The answer may surprise you.

a. sleeping
b. sitting, playing video games
c. sitting, watching TV
d. sitting, browsing the internet
e. sitting, staring at the wall
f. lying down, talking on the phone

Most people incorrectly answer sleeping. However, sitting and watching TV burns the least amount of calories of any of the activities depicted above, including sleeping.

The reasons are many. First check out the break down of calories burned per hour for an average 160 pound person:

a. sleeping -- 74 calories burned per hour
b. sitting, playing video games -- 128 calories burned per hour
c. sitting, watching TV -- 68 calories burned per hour
d. sitting, browsing the internet -- 102 calories burned per hour
e. sitting, staring at the wall -- 83 calories burned per hour
f. lying down, talking on the phone -- 99 calories burned per hour

The actual number of calories burned by a specific individual depends on his or her Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) 

The intensity of the actvity could also influence calorie consumption to a greater extent. For example, playing a very competitive video game can raise the heart rate and even make a person sweat, increasing calorie consumption by another 7-15 percent. Having a very intense or exciting conversation on the phone can also increase the value by another 5-10 percent per hour. And the fact that sitting and staring at the wall burns more calories than watching TV is demonstrative of the brain's ability to remain more active than sitting in front of the tube.

Regarding sleep, many physiological functions are slowed during our snooze time, but some of these processes are actually maintained or increased. Brain activity varies during cycles of sleep and at some stages can be as active as if we were fully awake. The brain is literally more active while sleeping than watching TV.

Certain physiological activities associated with digestion, cell repair, and growth are often greatest during sleep. Additionally, growth hormone is released at an increased rate during sleep. Our brains and bodies are at work while we sleep. Sleep is reparative and rejuvenating and requires caloric expenditure. Logging 8 hours of sleep each night actually helps your metabolism function at an optimal level. With 5.5 hours of sleep at night, your metabolic rates slows to the point where 2800 less calories are burned over the course of a single week.



What Happens To The Brain and Body While We Watch Television
Studies show that while watching television, the brain appears to slow to a halt. The brain registers low alpha wave readings, similar to a light hypnotic state, on an EEG. Alpha brain waves are associated with unfocused, overly receptive states of consciousness. Mindless snacking is a common occurrence when in TV watching mode. 

Many people may not realize that when they turn on the television in their home, what they see as a constant flow of images is actually flickering. Although we do not see this consciously, the repetitive pattern of flickering images creates a state that is similar to hypnosis in the television viewer. Studies by researcher Herbert Krugman have shown that within 30 seconds of television viewing, brain waves switch from predominantly beta waves, indicating alert and conscious attention, to predominantly alpha waves, indicating an unfocused, receptive lack of attention. 

The brain's left hemisphere, which processes information logically and analytically, tunes out while the person is watching TV, while the right hemisphere of the brain, which processes information emotionally and non-critically, is allowed to function without hindrance. Due to this phenomenon, television transmits information, which is not actively thought about at the time of exposure, much like hypnosis. When viewing television, we do not consciously rationalize the information resonating within our unconscious depths at the time of transmission and the viewer becomes more open and suggestible.

The average American watches about four hours of television per day, a habit that’s been linked to overweight or obesity in a number of studies. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a long-term study monitoring the health of American adults, revealed that people with overweight and obesity spend more time watching television than people of normal weight. Watching television more than two hours a day also raises the risk of overweight in children, even in those as young as three years old.

Part of the problem may be that people are watching television instead of exercising or doing other activities that burn more calories (watching TV burns only slightly more calories than sleeping, and less than other sedentary pursuits such as sewing or reading). But food advertisements also may play a significant role. The average hour-long TV show features about 11 food and beverage commercials, which encourage people to eat. And studies show that eating food in front of the TV stimulates people to eat more calories, and particularly more calories from fat. In fact, a study that limited the amount of TV kids watched demonstrated that this practice helped them lose weight -- but not because they became more active when they weren’t watching TV. The difference was that the children ate more snacks when they were watching television than when doing other activities, even sedentary ones.

source - preventdisease

Which of The Following Activities Burns The Least Amount of Calories?

Take a look at the image below. When one of the following six activities burns the least amount of calories? The answer may surprise you.

a. sleeping
b. sitting, playing video games
c. sitting, watching TV
d. sitting, browsing the internet
e. sitting, staring at the wall
f. lying down, talking on the phone

Most people incorrectly answer sleeping. However, sitting and watching TV burns the least amount of calories of any of the activities depicted above, including sleeping.

The reasons are many. First check out the break down of calories burned per hour for an average 160 pound person:

a. sleeping -- 74 calories burned per hour
b. sitting, playing video games -- 128 calories burned per hour
c. sitting, watching TV -- 68 calories burned per hour
d. sitting, browsing the internet -- 102 calories burned per hour
e. sitting, staring at the wall -- 83 calories burned per hour
f. lying down, talking on the phone -- 99 calories burned per hour

The actual number of calories burned by a specific individual depends on his or her Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) 

The intensity of the actvity could also influence calorie consumption to a greater extent. For example, playing a very competitive video game can raise the heart rate and even make a person sweat, increasing calorie consumption by another 7-15 percent. Having a very intense or exciting conversation on the phone can also increase the value by another 5-10 percent per hour. And the fact that sitting and staring at the wall burns more calories than watching TV is demonstrative of the brain's ability to remain more active than sitting in front of the tube.

Regarding sleep, many physiological functions are slowed during our snooze time, but some of these processes are actually maintained or increased. Brain activity varies during cycles of sleep and at some stages can be as active as if we were fully awake. The brain is literally more active while sleeping than watching TV.

Certain physiological activities associated with digestion, cell repair, and growth are often greatest during sleep. Additionally, growth hormone is released at an increased rate during sleep. Our brains and bodies are at work while we sleep. Sleep is reparative and rejuvenating and requires caloric expenditure. Logging 8 hours of sleep each night actually helps your metabolism function at an optimal level. With 5.5 hours of sleep at night, your metabolic rates slows to the point where 2800 less calories are burned over the course of a single week.



What Happens To The Brain and Body While We Watch Television
Studies show that while watching television, the brain appears to slow to a halt. The brain registers low alpha wave readings, similar to a light hypnotic state, on an EEG. Alpha brain waves are associated with unfocused, overly receptive states of consciousness. Mindless snacking is a common occurrence when in TV watching mode. 

Many people may not realize that when they turn on the television in their home, what they see as a constant flow of images is actually flickering. Although we do not see this consciously, the repetitive pattern of flickering images creates a state that is similar to hypnosis in the television viewer. Studies by researcher Herbert Krugman have shown that within 30 seconds of television viewing, brain waves switch from predominantly beta waves, indicating alert and conscious attention, to predominantly alpha waves, indicating an unfocused, receptive lack of attention. 

The brain's left hemisphere, which processes information logically and analytically, tunes out while the person is watching TV, while the right hemisphere of the brain, which processes information emotionally and non-critically, is allowed to function without hindrance. Due to this phenomenon, television transmits information, which is not actively thought about at the time of exposure, much like hypnosis. When viewing television, we do not consciously rationalize the information resonating within our unconscious depths at the time of transmission and the viewer becomes more open and suggestible.

The average American watches about four hours of television per day, a habit that’s been linked to overweight or obesity in a number of studies. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a long-term study monitoring the health of American adults, revealed that people with overweight and obesity spend more time watching television than people of normal weight. Watching television more than two hours a day also raises the risk of overweight in children, even in those as young as three years old.

Part of the problem may be that people are watching television instead of exercising or doing other activities that burn more calories (watching TV burns only slightly more calories than sleeping, and less than other sedentary pursuits such as sewing or reading). But food advertisements also may play a significant role. The average hour-long TV show features about 11 food and beverage commercials, which encourage people to eat. And studies show that eating food in front of the TV stimulates people to eat more calories, and particularly more calories from fat. In fact, a study that limited the amount of TV kids watched demonstrated that this practice helped them lose weight -- but not because they became more active when they weren’t watching TV. The difference was that the children ate more snacks when they were watching television than when doing other activities, even sedentary ones.

source - preventdisease