Chocolate Trivia

This is not a litany of do's and don'ts but tidbits of information with one objective in mind - to make you better informed so you are able to make wiser lifestyle choices. Liberation from ignorance will result in a greater ability to celebrate life in better health, assuming, of course, one uses the knowledge gained to make the right choices.

The only one who can make the decisions is you.

Ask Bugs Bunny

That smart-alecky rabbit was right after all. Carrots are good for the heart. They can prevent plaque from forming on artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis, that block blood flow, thus helping prevent heart attacks.

Try eating one large carrot daily. This gives you 11,000 i.u. (international unit) of vitamin A from beta carotene. And there is a bonus. Vitamin A is a skin nutrient. If you want a smoother, more radiant complexion and overall great skin, consider this mighty vitamin.

For Men Only

The amino acid arginine has been the subject of many studies, most especially in helping make erections stronger.

Called the natural Viagra, this amino acid is necessary for the normal functioning of the pituitary gland. Increasing the blood flow to the penis, it does not, however, have the same effect on everyone. For maximum effectiveness, 3-6 grams (3,000-6,000 mg) must be taken 45 minutes before sex.

Arginine can also enhance fertility in men, increasing the sperm count. An immune booster as well, it stimulates the thymus gland to increase the number of T cells that aid in the body's defense against cancer.

Male and female gym enthusiasts/body builders can take two grams (2,000 mg) one hour before a workout. For mental alertness, 2,000 mg should be taken before going to bed. By morning, your brain should be fully recharged.

Natural sources of arginine include nuts, gelatin, chocolate, brown rice, oatmeal, raisins, sunflower/sesame seeds, whole-wheat bread, and protein-rich foods.

Arginine or L-Arginine should not be given to growing children or people with schizophrenic conditions or those with herpes. Caution: Do not exceed 20-30 grams a day, as it can cause bone and joint deformities.

Women's Concerns

Add more apples, grapes, grape juice and raisins to your diet. They contain boron that can minimize bone loss in women after menopause.

Apples and grapes make for a great diet snack. When you are tempted to munch on something sweet, reach out for these waistline-friendly fruits.

While coffee and tea with the girlfriends may be your favorite pastime, take note that black coffee may not be so good for you.

Tannin found in both beverages is a suspected carcinogen. However, the protein in milk neutralizes tannin. So take your coffee or tea with milk.

A weekly body scrub is what your skin needs for extra luster. It wakes up dull skin. Try Godiva's vitamin C scrub daily for the face.

Body polish

2 tbsp virgin coco oil, olive or apricot oil

2 tbsp brown sugar, raw oatmeal, sea salt, raw powdered juice
Mix well.

Scrub your body from the feet up to the neck. Upward strokes stimulate your lymph to flow more briskly resulting in better circulation, which has a detoxifying effect.

Note: Use only sugar scrub on your face, not salt. It is more gentle.

Enhancing life

Cancer is a lifestyle disease. This means that what you do on a daily basis is what contributes to your good or ill health.

In a four-year study in the Netherlands, it was learned that the risk of stomach cancer can be reduced by 50 percent if you eat half an onion a day. Onion's allylic sulfides can activate enzymes that neutralize cancer-causing substances.

Powerful flavonoids in red grapes are considered more than a thousand times powerful than vitamin E in controlling bad cholesterol.

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