Month: May 2019

Kale~Did You Know

Kale: 10 Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits

Kale is a highly nutritious food that is also a favorite with individuals looking to manage their weight. It is a versatile leafy green that can be included in meals raw or cooked, although slightly steaming it has been studied to provide maximum nutritional value.

Here are some nutritional facts and health benefits about this superfood.

https://dailynaturalremedies.com/kale-10-nutritional-facts-and-health-benefits/10/

1. Impressive nutrient profile

Kale is one of the most nutrient dense foods available. It has a plethora of vitamins and minerals that possess a number of health benefits. Everything from vitamins A, B, C and K to manganese, calcium, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus is present in kale.

Yet, despite its nutrient density, kale remains one of the most healthy low-calorie foods available. All nutrients come with a mere 33 calories in one cup of raw kale. Of these, there are 6 grams of carbs, 2 of which are fiber, and 3 grams of protein.

2. Ideal for weight management

Given its low calorie count, kale is often considered a good choice for people looking to lose weight. It is known to be a good option for dramatically increasing the total nutrient content of the diet without adding in the calories.

Kale does contain some fat content, a large portion of which is part of the omega 3s known as linolenic acid; linolenic acid is considered a healthy fat to include in the diet. Together these features make kale a most suitable food to consume when trying to lose or manage weight.

3. Vitamin K content

While kale does boast a vast nutrient profile, its vitamin K content deserves special mention. This is because kale is one of the best sources of vitamin K with one cup of raw kale yielding almost seven times the recommended daily amount.

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting as well as for proper absorption of calcium for healthy bone development. Low intakes of vitamin K have been linked to a higher risk of bone fracture, while adequate vitamin K consumption improves calcium absorption and contributes to improved bone density.

4. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Like other leafy greens, kale is also very high in antioxidants.

The different flavonoids present in kale combine both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits in a way that kale becomes a leading dietary choice for preventing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

Among these kaempferol and quercetin are instrumental in neutralizing inflammation. The vitamin K content in kale is also crucial for helping regulate the body’s inflammatory response. And being an alkaline food, kale can also help cleanse the blood.

5. Cancer prevention

A combination of inflammation and oxidative stress are risk factors for the development of cancer. In kale, the concentration of flavonoids and carotenoids have clearly been linked to many cancer preventive benefits.

Plus, the chlorophyll content found in kale and other green vegetables is not readily absorbed by the human intestinal tract. Instead this chlorophyll helps inhibit the absorption of carcinogenic elements. In this manner, the chlorophyll in kale binds to these carcinogens and prevents their absorption, thereby reducing the risk of cancer.

6. Cardiovascular support

The fiber, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C content in kale can all support heart health. To lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, an increase in potassium intake while reducing sodium intake is recommended.

At the same time, kale contains substances called bile acid sequestrants which bind bile acids in the digestive tract and prevent them from being reabsorbed. This feature helps in lowering cholesterol levels which in turn can reduce the risk of heart disease over time.

7. Diabetes management

It has been studied that individuals with diabetes exhibit lower or improved blood glucose levels when they follow a high fiber diet. Kale has a fair amount of dietary fiber that can help improve glucose level readings and there is also an antioxidant known as alpha lipoic acid which is beneficial in lowering glucose levels, increasing insulin sensitivity and preventing oxidative stress in individuals with diabetes.

Inclusion of kale on the menu can contribute to a healthy daily intake of alpha lipoic acid.

8. Vision health

Kale offers good supplies of lutein and zeaxanthin which are carotenoid antioxidants needed for good eye health. These carotenoids help prevent damage to the eyes from excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, as well as protect the retina against oxidative damage. At the same time, lutein and zeaxanthin are also known to reduce disability from glare, enhance contrast and reduce photo stress recovery times.

It has been studied that individuals who consume enough lutein and zeaxanthin have a much lower risk of age related eye disorders such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

8. Vision health

Kale offers good supplies of lutein and zeaxanthin which are carotenoid antioxidants needed for good eye health. These carotenoids help prevent damage to the eyes from excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, as well as protect the retina against oxidative damage. At the same time, lutein and zeaxanthin are also known to reduce disability from glare, enhance contrast and reduce photo stress recovery times.

It has been studied that individuals who consume enough lutein and zeaxanthin have a much lower risk of age related eye disorders such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

10. Evidence based detox food

Detox foods work to cleanse the liver and remove toxins from the system. In this respect, kale and other leafy greens that are high in chlorophyll are very beneficial. Plant chlorophylls can extract environmental toxins from the blood stream and neutralize heavy metal, chemicals and pesticides.

At the same time kale also yields fiber and sulfur, both of which are needed for detoxifying the body and keeping the liver healthy. Sulfur compounds in particular are required for supporting and completing Phase II detoxification in humans.

DIY ~Cat Tent

DIY Projects for Your Pet - Easy Cat Tent - Cat and Dog Beds, Treats, Collars and Easy Crafts to Make for Toys - Homemade Dog Biscuits, Food and Treats - Fun Ideas for Teen, Tweens and Adults to Make for Pets http://diyprojectsforteens.com/diy-projects-pets
https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-cat-tent/?utm_content=buffereb3b5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

This cat tent is super easy to make – you really just need a t-shirt, some wire hangers and a piece of cardboard. As a bonus, it really only takes five minutes, so if your cat ignores it you didn’t put too much effort in. 😉

Step 1: What You’ll Need:

  • a cat
  • a medium t-shirt
  • a 15 x 15-inch piece of cardboard (mine was 13×15 and a little wonky)
  • two wire hangers
  • tape
  • safety pins
  • something to cut the hangers with and help bend them – I used a large pair of pliers. 🙂
Picture of What You'll Need:

Step 2: Cut the Hangers

Picture of Cut the Hangers

Cut off both squiggly ends. I untwisted mine and then cut, but that’s not really necessary.

Step 3: Shape the Hangers + Reinforce the Cardboard If Needed

Shape the hangers so they look like the above – try to make them smooth and pretty uniform. You want two graceful curves that will go from corner to corner of your piece of cardboard.

I also took this time to tape on a couple supports to the cardboard and tape all around the edges for a little more stability. This is really only necessary if you’re using a piece of cardboard with a crease in it.

Step 4: Poke a Hole in Each Corner

Picture of Shape the Hangers + Reinforce the Cardboard If Needed

You should be able to use the end of the hanger to do this!

Make sure it’s at least a half inch in from each edge and not too large.

Step 5: Tape the Two Hangers Together

Picture of Tape the Two Hangers Together

Cross the two hangers in the middle and make sure all the ends touch the surface you’re working on. Tape them together really well so they don’t shift.

Push the ends through the holes you just made in the corners.

Step 6: Bend the Ends and Tape Them Down

Picture of Bend the Ends and Tape Them Down

Bend at least an inch on the bottom of each hanger so it sits against the bottom of the cardboard. Tape the ends down flat against the cardboard – make sure you tape it well so it’s nice and smooth and won’t snag the shirt when you pull it over!

Step 7: Check and Make Sure Everything’s Lined Up

Picture of Check and Make Sure Everything's Lined Up

At this point you can bend the wire so that it looks nicer – fiddle around with it and use the pliers if you need to straighten it out a bit. 🙂

Step 8: Create a Tent!

Picture of Create the Tent!

Pull the shirt over the tent frame and position it so the neck hole is in the front middle and the bottom of the shirt is trailing behind the tent frame.

Picture of Create the Tent!

Flip the whole thing up so the bottom is facing you and the hole is pointing upwards.

Fold up the excess from the bottom of the shirt and tighten it up so the neck hole is taut and safety pin the bottom in place. Then pull the sleeves tight and safety pin them in place too.

As you can see in the last image, it should be pretty tight over the frame. Keep tucking and safety pinning until it’s ready!

As you can see in the last image, it should be pretty tight over the frame. Keep tucking and safety pinning until it’s ready!

(Yes, I know it would make sense to cut it, but I decided to leave it whole and safety pin it instead so it would be easy to remove and wash. :D)

Step 9: Give It to Your Cat!

I put a paper bag inside as a floor since it’s been pretty hot here and a blanket would be waaaaay too warm. I also put a little catnip inside as a bonus.

Amazing ! ~

Giraffe Weevil

Native to Madagascar, the Trachelophorus giraffa gets its name from its jointed extended neck, which is similar to that of a giraffe. The majority of the body is black with distinctive red patterns covering the wings. The extended neck assists with nest-building and fighting. The giraffe weevil is the longest weevil in the world at around 2.5 cm.

Not much is known about the giraffe weevil, as it was only recently discovered, in 2008.

https://hubpages.com/animals/25-Most-Amazing-and-Unique-Animals-On-Earth

Coughs~ Different Types

https://www.thealternativedaily.com/different-coughs-what-reveal-about-health/

Coughing is one of those irritating symptoms that usually indicates a deeper health concern. Often, it can be hard to isolate the cough and figure out exactly why you are experiencing this uncomfortable condition. Many people simply reach for the cough syrup without a second thought, searching for some measure of relief. However, it is essential that you understand what different coughs mean and what they reveal about your health.

Any kind of cough is merely the body’s natural defense mechanism. When you cough, your body is trying to remove foreign or unwanted objects from your airway. In short, it is the final protective barrier between your mouth and lungs and is an essential tool for keeping a healthy airway.

Though it is difficult to pinpoint the source of a cough without medical intervention, these common conditions are often directly related to distinctive coughs that can help you narrow down an underlying cause.

Pneumonia

Identifying factors: Usually a dry cough at first and turns into a wet cough with green, yellow, red, or rust-tinged mucus. The wet cough usually develops after a few days.

This is a bacterial or viral infection of the lungs and will be treated accordingly by your primary care physician. If it is bacterial, your doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics. Viral pneumonia is treated simply with rest and time. Keep in mind that you should always spit out extra mucus, as swallowing it can lead to an irritated stomach lining.

If you have pneumonia you may also experience fever, chills, trouble breathing, and pain when breathing in deeply or coughing.

COPD

Identifying factors: This is usually a hacking cough that produces excessive amounts of mucus in the morning and often gets better as the day progresses.

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is usually caused and exacerbated by smoking. This is a disease that includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Emphysema causes the air sacs in your lungs to lose elasticity while chronic bronchitis is due to swelling in the lining of the lungs. COPD is usually treated with medication such as bronchodilators and inhaled steroids. It is also essential to stop smoking and depending on the severity, you may need oxygen therapy to restore lung health.

If you have COPD you may also notice persistent shortness of breath that is worsened with physical activity, chest tightness, wheezing, and fatigue.

Asthma

Identifying factors: An asthmatic cough is usually a dry cough with a rattling or wheezing sound present in the lungs. It usually worsens with exercise or at night.

Asthma can be a serious condition and should not be taken lightly. If you suspect asthma, it is important to get a diagnosis from your doctor and begin to focus on taking deep, full breaths as soon as possible.

This condition causes inflamed airways and may be accompanied by fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Postnasal Drip

Identifying factors: This can be either a wet or dry cough and is caused by mucus trickling down the back of the throat and irritating nerve endings.

Postnasal drip is due to allergies or a cold and is the most common type of cough. A cough related to allergies may also be accompanied by sneezing or itching while cold symptoms may cause congestion and a sore throat. You may also notice that your cough gets worse at night.

Time and patience will usually remedy the common cold, and a spoonful of local, raw honey before bed can help you sleep. If you suspect an allergy, try avoiding the source and consider taking an over the counter antihistamine.

GERD

Indicating factors: Dry, spasmodic cough that usually starts or becomes worse when you are lying down or eating.

GERD, or more commonly known as acid reflux, occurs when acid from your stomach backs up into your esophagus. This condition is the second most common cause of chronic coughing, comprising about 40% of cases. When food passes through the esophagus into the stomach, a valve, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closes, which prevents food or acid from coming back up the throat. GERD is caused by an untimed relaxation of the LES which causes acid to flow backward from the stomach.

In 75% of cases, chronic cough is the only symptom of acid reflux, so it is vital to be aware of this condition. Treatments vary, so it is best to consult your doctor for an appropriate diagnosis and course of action regarding GERD.

    MwsR Writings~

    …the Game
    By MwsR

    Why do we think there is always time?
    What is it that makes us think we are free from death or separation?
    It is a constant mind game that we allow ourselves to play.
    The object is denial and the rules are not written.

    Each one of us are individually creating a falsehood for ourselves.
    By not choosing to be a realist, we become avoiders.
    We avoid thinking the truth because frankly, the truth scares people.
    It is a self created “bubble” we live within.

    Choices are for players in our game.
    It is us who determine which things we will choose to believe,
    It is the lies that we tell ourselves that will inevitably lead to our capture.
    There are no real winners, only players.

    Each thing we bring to the game has it’s own place and purpose.
    We can play the hand of “luck” or we can make sure to strategically place our heart somewhere, or our mind and soul.
    It is a game that lasts forever, well until the game is destroyed from continuous play and action.

    Self-worth and self-love are key instigators as to who will take the lead or who will fall behind.
    If we are lucky enough along the way there will be other players that for lack of a clue, will inadvertently hand us the chance to surpass them.
    On and on till either fate steps in or we can’t play any longer.

    If you have no conscience you will more than likely gather your share of highlights or prizes through out, in the game. Only temporary they are though.
    But if you have a conscience, that you keep at your side, you will struggle with the ultimate prize or in taking the lead.
    Which one will you choose, which game player are you?

    Quote

    DIY~Kitchen Utensil Holder

    See the source image

    Holidays, Events, Festivals from Around The World~In The Month Of May

    1st MayLabour Day: Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chile,
    China, Colombia, Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iraq, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yemen, Zaire, Zambia.
    May Day: Bangladesh, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ghana, Gibraltar, Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom.
    Women’s Day: Cuba, Tanzania.
    Workers’ Day: Burma, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Romania.
    2nd MayKing’s Birthday: Lesotho.
    Still Labour Day in Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Romania.
    3rd MayConstitution Day: Japan, Poland.Vesak Day: South Korea.
    4th May 5th MayChildren’s Day: South Korea.
    South Korea’s day for children and youth. Children have picnics and celebrate with their parents. For working parents, this national holiday gives them the chance to have fun with their family in the open air.
    Cinco de Mayo: Mexico.
    Coronation Day: Thailand.
    Liberation Day: The Netherlands.
    6th MayCorregidor Day: Philippines.
    Martyr’s Day: Lebanon, Syria.
    Samuel K. Doe’s Birthday: Liberia.
    7th May 8th MayParent’s Day: South Korea.
    Three days after Children’s Day in South Korea, it’s the turn for the young to show their respect for the love received from their parents. Most Koreans buy their parents carnations and many children make paper carnations at school for their fathers and mothers.
    VE Day: France.
    9th MayLiberation Day: Czech Republic, Slovakia.
    10th MayMatsu (Goddess of the Sea): Taiwan.
    Independence Day: Micronesia.
    Vesak Day: Malaysia, Singapore.
    11th May 12th MayIndependence Day: Israel.
    13th MaySt. Mary’s Day: Colombia.
    14th MayFlag Day: Paraguay.
    Kamuzu Day: Malawi.
    National Unification Day: Liberia.
    15th MayIndependence Day: Paraguay.
    Teacher’s Day: South Korea.
    Teacher’s Day is the last official South Korean celebration in May. Students express their appreciation for their teachers through letters or flowers.
    16th May 17th MayConstitution Day: Nigeria, Norway.
    Discovery Day: Cayman Islands.
    18th MayBattle of Las Piedras Day: Uruguay.
    Flag Day: Haiti.
    Victoria Day: Canada.
    19th MayAtaturk Youth Day: Turkey.
    Flag Day: Finland.
    20th MayNational Day: Cameroon.
    Party Day: Zaire.
    21st MayBuddha’s Day: South Korea.
    Navy Day: Chile.
    22nd MayHeroes’ Day: Sri Lanka.
    Sovereign Day: Haiti.
    23rd MayLabour Day: Jamaica.
    24th MayBermuda Day: Bermuda.
    Culture Day: Bulgaria.
    Independence Battle Day: Ecuador.
    25th MayAfrica Day: Liberia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.Independence Day: Eritrea, Jordan. The liberation of African Continent Day:Gabon.
    National Day: Argentina.
    Revolution Day: Sudan.
    26th MayConstitution Day: Denmark.
    Holy Spirit Day: Greece.
    Independence Day: Guyana.
    27th MayKataklysmos: Cyprus.
    28th MayWaisak Day: Indonesia.
    29th May 30th May 31st MayRegiment Day: Brunei.
    Republic Day: South Africa.

    Note…

    If you click on any of the links they will take you to that page. If you wish to stay on mine, you might not want to click on those. I tried to eliminate links added but my page malfunctioned before I could finish that. MwsR