10 health benefits of wheat germ

First, what is wheat germ? It's the part of the wheat kernel that is removed when wheat grains are being ground into flour. It's a very small part of the whole wheat grains, but it's rich in nutrients. You can often purchase wheat germ in grain or oil forms in health food sections of grocery stores or at health food stores.

1. Digestive cleansing: What germ has lots of fiber, and fiber is good for passing food through your body's digestive system. In other words, fiber makes you go to the bathroom more often. How can this be good? For one thing, it cleans out your system by urging along any toxins and bad bacteria that otherwise could build up in your stomach or intestines.
2. Fertility: What germ also has plenty of Vitamin E, and Vitamin E helps to keep the reproductive organs working well in both males and females. Vitamin E not only helps the organs to function properly, but it also can help men who suffer from impotence.
3. Healthy skin: Vitamin E also is good for anti-aging and keeping the skin looking young and smooth. So add some wheat germ to your cereal or yogurt or on top of fruit to keep your youthful glow!
4. Birth defects: No, wheat germ can't prevent all birth defects, but it does contain folic acid and plenty of other nutrients that can lower the chances of a birth defect in an unborn child.
5. Blood clots: All that Vitamin E in wheat germ also works as a natural anti-oxidant that's good for the heart. Eating wheat germ helps to prevent heart disease because that Vitamin E when in the blood stream helps to prevent cellular damage and buildups of clots in the blood.
6. Healthy hair: Want your hair to look fantastic? If so, add some wheat germ to your diet. Wheat germ contains thiamin, which contains an important vitamin in keeping your hair strong and natural looking. Thiamin is also good for the bones and skin.
7. Muscular disorders: Octacosanol is a natural fatty alcohol that helps to fight against muscular dystrophy and other muscular-related disorders. Guess what has its fair share of octacosanol? You guessed it. Wheat germ.
8. Weight loss: Wheat germ helps in the battle of the bulge, too. Vitamin B6 found in wheat germ is important in keep the body's metabolism going strong, and if the metabolism is going strong then the body is burning more calories. Thus, less weight. Also, Vitamin B5 found in wheat germ helps in the body's energy production, and a higher energy production means more calories burnt. Again, more weight loss.
9. Malnutrition: Wheat germ is what's considered a nutritionally dense food, which is a fancy way of saying it is stuffed full of vitamins, minerals, proteins and more that are important to the body. This makes wheat germ is positive food for third-world nations that are struggling with starvation and malnutrition, and for those who are suffering in more built up nations as well.
10. Disease resistance: All that Vitamin E and Vitamin B, as well as all the other nutrient found in wheat germ, helps to body to fight all kinds of different diseases, even cancers. Check with your doctor and a local nutritionist about adding some wheat germ to your diet. Who knows? It might just add years to your life.

10 most expensive cars in the world 2010

It's no easy task to define exactly what are the 10 most expensive cars in the world. The arbitrariness of ever-changing prices and even the question of whether a particular vehicle is in production at any given time can make determining such a list a near impossibility. Then guidelines must be set. Will older vehicles sold at auction for high money values be considered, or only newer vehicles? Will race cars be considered? For purposes of this list, the answer to both those questions is generally no.

What is considered for this list? Production cars that are street legal, at least in most countries, though this doesn't necessarily mean the U.S. Cars with a model coming out in the year 2010 or are at least still being sold as new in 2010. Cars that are not unique, one-off special productions for a particular buyer; in other words, there had to have been at least a few or more of the given car made.

All prices are average estimates based upon research; actual prices may tend to vary depending upon location of sale. Prices were compared and compiled from manufacturers, Forbes magazine and other sources. For matters of variety and simplicity, automobile manufacturers will be listed once only despite the fact the company might possibly produce another vehicle that could have made this list. But what fun would it have been to list 10 Koenigsegg or Buggatti vehicles?

Koenigsegg CCXR

$2,180,000

This Swedish vehicle can reach 0 to 60 in three seconds. That's nuts. That's like, motorcycle speed. But when you're paying more than two million dollars for a car, you can expect that, right? With a top speed of more than 250 miles per hour and a twin-supercharged V8 engine, this vehicle is practically a race car for the road. Running on ethanol fuel, the Koenigsegg CCXR also comes with a removable roof and a body made in part of Kevlar. There are a couple of special editions of this vehicle available, the Koenigsegg CCXR Edition and the Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, but only a handful of them have been made and they come with a higher price tag.

Bugatti Beyron 16.4 Grand Sport

$2,030,000

267.91 miles per hour. Remember that number. That's how fast the Super Sport version of this vehicle can go. It's also the record for the world's fastest production car, according to the Guinness World Records. Here's another number to remember: 16. That's how many cylinders this car runs on with its W16 engine. Impressive numbers for an impressive car. Apparently someone in France knows how to make fine automobiles.

Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster

$1,800,000

This automaker has only been around for about a decade now, but they've already made a big name for themselves. And the Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster is one of the reasons why. Only producing a dozen or so vehicles per year, Pagani Zonda has made the Cinque Roadster one of its most rare cars. This vehicle only has a top speed of about 217 miles per hour (yeah, only), but it can hit 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds. Nothing shabby about that.

Lamborghini Reventon Roadster

$1,600,000

You knew there had to be a Lamborghini on this list, didn't you? The original Reventon is a fairly new Lamborghini, having only been introduced by the Italian automaker in 2007, and the Reventon Roadster was just released in 2009. With a V12 engine and the capability to push 640, this vehicle has a lot of offer even for the price.

Maybach Landaulet

$1,380,000

This German car is more of a luxury vehicle than a sports car. It's a semi-convertible, which means part of the roof rolls back, and it's got a chauffeur's department up front, which is a fancy way of saying the backseat passengers can put up a wall between themselves and the driver. Prices for a Maybach Laundaulet are kind of all over the place, ranging anywhere from $500,000 to $1,400,000, depending upon the options and the place of purchase. Whatever the price, this is no cheap ride.

Ferrari Enzo

$1,000,000

217 miles per hour. 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds. An F140 Aluminum V12 engine with 660 horses. Impressive statistics from one of the most popular high-end automobile companies in the world. Ferrari cars are generally known to be expensive, but the Enzo tops the list with it's cool million dollar price. Sure, there are older, collectible Ferraris that bring millions upon millions of dollars at auction, but for a new Ferrari nothing beats the Enzo for price and style.

McLaren F1

$970,000

Technically, the McLaren F1 hasn't been in production in a dozen years. So it shouldn't be on this list. Why is it here? For two reasons. First, though no longer produced, these vehicles are still on the market new, and only about a hundred of them were ever made. Second, the British manufacturer is coming out with a successor version though it will be called the McLaren MP4-12C. Once the world record holder for the fastest production car, the McLaren F1 is still a masterpiece of craftsmanship and style.

Leblanc Mirabeau

$870,000

With a V8 Supercharged engine that can apparently reach 700 or more horsepower, the Leblanc Mirabeau is basically a street-legal race car. Made in Switzerland by Wysstec, it's not very common in the United States as of yet, but it's not as is any of these vehicles are all that common anywhere on the globe. This vehicle doesn't come with a top, making it even more like a racing car, but if you're a stickler for a top you can always buy a Leblanc Caroline. That's if you've can afford it.

SSC Ultimate Aero

$750,000

This used to be the fastest production car in the world according to Guinness World Records, but just recently that record has gone by the wayside to the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. But hey, there's nothing wrong with being the second-fastest production car in the world, especially with a recorded top speed of 256 miles per hour. And with butterfly doors and a twin-turbo V8 engine, you can't cruise with much more style and more power for a cool three-quarters of a million dollars.

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

$585,000

Coming in at the bottom of this list with a price not even reaching $600,000, this is the economy car for the millionaire with everything, including money to burn. The Saleen S7 Twin Turbo is a limited edition vehicle from Irvine, California. The company claims this vehicle can get from 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of at least 240 miles per hour.

5 great burger joints you have (probably) never heard of

Crazy Burger

Narragansett, Rhode Island

Not just a burger joint, but also a cafe and juice bar. But the burgers are more than enough to keep you coming back. This place on Boon Street has plenty of unique burges. On the menu are lamb burgers, chicken burgers, salmon burgers, ostrich burgers and buffalo burgers. Even a vegan burger. They've also got a wide selection of breakfast items, omelets being a specialty, and plenty to offer in side dishes. I think I like the lamb burger the best, but it's so hard to decide.

Burger Joint

San Francisco, California

"Fresh" is a word that can't be used enough to describe burgers from these restaurants, of which there are several in California, including one at the San Francisco International airport. The burgers are made with Angus beef for a local ranch, and they're free of any kinds of chemicals. The best thing, you can taste the quality in the beef. And the prices aren't too bad. They've got your classic burger, along with a mini burger and garden burger and even free-range chicken burgers.

Sumburger

Chillicothe, Ohio

Just a little, local greasy-spoon joint, right? Nope. It might look like it, but Sumburger is so much more. For one thing it's a curb-service restaurant where a carhop comes out to you, though you can go and sit instead to if you want. The meat on these burgers is top quality, but there's also a secret sauce that gives it so much more. Try the Double Sumburger. In business since 1953, this restaurant wasn't initially called Sumburger, but changed its name in 1974 because patrons love the burgers so much they'd say "that was some burger!" Discover this small-town joint on North Bridge Street in Chillicothe.

Molly’s Shebeen

New York, New York

This Irish pub and restaurant can be found at Third Avenue between East 22nd Street and East 21st Street, just a block or so from Gramercy Park and a few blocks from Madison Square Park. The atmosphere of this place is fantastic. You'll think you're back in the old country. Like any solid Irish pub, they've got a goodly selection of beer to choose from. But you're here for the burgers, and what burgers they are. All of the burgers run between $9 and $11, but it's worth every single penny. These are gigantic burgers. I'm talking 10 ounces on huge buns topped with whatever your heart desires. My favorite is probably the Mushroom Burger. They've got plenty of other fine foods, too, from Lamb Stew to Shepherds Pie and plenty more. But this is a busy, popular place, so don't be surprised if you have to wait in line a while to get in.

Flip Burger Boutique

Atlanta, Georgia

This is sort of your high-end restaurant, but I didn't find the prices for burgers any higher than at a lot of greasy spoon places, and you can still go in wearing jeans. Because to be honest, it's basically just a burger bar, but a really nice burger bar. You can find a good old-fashioned burger here, but there's also plenty of unusual toppings to be found. They have their own unique Flip sauce, and plenty of other exotic toppings. Find this fine place on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta.

10 health benefits of curry

1. Arthritis: Tumeric is a common ingredient in curry, and studies done by researchers at the University of Kansas have shown that tumeric helps to prevent the onset of arthritis and other inflammatory joint disorders. At least in rats. More research needs to be done on humans, but it's interesting to not that curcumin is a common substance found in over-the-counter medications for arthritis, and curcumin is common in tumeric.
2. Alzheimer's: A study at the University of California, Los Angeles, has shown that curcumin also helps to prevent the brain from building up bad protein deposits that can lead to the disease Alzheimer's. Again, more research needs to be done, but the signs are positive.
3. Digestion: Cinnamon is often found in curry powders and cinnamon is commonly used to treat stomach disorders such as bad digestion, stomach cramps and other disorders. Talk with your physician before major changes in your diet, but it you suffer from stomach problems, you might want to consider adding some curry with cinnamon to your diet.
4. Cystic fibrosis: Yes, curry might actually be able to help those coping with cystic fibrosis. A study at Yale University shows that curcumin, commonly found in curry, might be able to improve the protein functioning levels for patients with cystic fibrosis. Talk to your doctor.
5. Skin cancer: According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, the curcumin from tumeric in curry has the benefit of interfering with melanoma cells, which means those cells are more likely to self-destruct. Apparently the curcumin helps to block two proteins that are needed by melanoma cells to continue growth and life.
6. Multiple sclerosis: Curcumin in curry seems to have all kinds of potential benefits. During the annual Experimental Biology conference of 2002, Dr. Chandramohan Natarajan announced findings of a Vanderbilt University study in which studies of mice showed that curcumin helped to slow or even stop the progression of multiple sclerosis.
7. Immunity: Curry does often contain chili peppers, which contain lots of Vitamin B6, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. All those vitamins mixed together makes one powerful ally in fighting infections and helping the body combat other illnesses.
8. Memory: In case you didn't know, it's all that curcumin in curry that often causes curry powders to appear yellow. And curcumin also is coming to be known to help with retaining memories. But according to studies one has to eat curry on a regular basis, almost daily, to gain these memorable benefits.
9. Healthy appetite: Do you need to eat more? Most of us need to eat less, but some people need to eat more. Curry that contains black peppers is excellent for increasing the appetite, stimulating the stomach juices to make us hungry. So eat hardy!
10. Congestion: Have a cold? Maybe a summer flu? What you need to help break up all that congestion in your lungs and throat is some good old garlic. Guess what often has plenty of garlic in it? If you guessed curry, then you are correct.

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10 health benefits of honey

1. Sore throats: Yes, honey is good for a sore throat. Honey not only helps to soothe the throat by gently coating it, but it also works as a natural antibiotic, fighting any infections that caused the sore throat. Try gargling slightly warmed honey, perhaps with warm water and some lemon and a pinch of salt.
2. Cuts and burns: Speaking of honey's antibiotic abilities, this sweet stuff also makes a nice (though sticky) paste for minor cuts and other wounds. How so? Honey helps to disinfect wounds by naturally, slowly releasing hydrogen peroxide. Remember this is only a home remedy for small wounds and burns; anything serious and you need to see your doctor or go to the hospital.
3. Hangovers: Have too much to drink last night? To fight those hangovers, try a tablespoon of honey the next day. Honey contains natural sugars which speed up the oxidation process of alcohol in the liver. Works best when slightly warm honey is added to a fruit juice.
4. Ulcers: Honey has the natural ability to pull water from its surroundings, which means in your stomach it denies fluid to the bacteria there causing ulcers. Thus, honey can help ulcers by killing bacteria.
5. Losing weight: Believe it or not, honey can help in the battle of the bulge. How is this? Honey, when slightly warm and mixed with water or juice, helps your body in digestion of fat stored in the body. But don't over do it, because honey does have more calories than sugar.
6. Energy: Need a little boost in the morning? Or maybe after a jog or long walk? Honey is an excellent source of energy for the body. A tablespoon of honey equals about 64 calories.
7. Toothache: Ouch! Darn that sore tooth! But it's honey to the rescue once again. Mix five teaspoons of honey with a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon, then apply it to the sore tooth. The pain should slowly ebb away in about 10 minutes or so.
8. Acne: Spread a thin layer of honey on your skin to combat pimples and other acne. Honey's natural antibiotic abilities not only help to keep the skin clean, but it also roots out and destroys many bacteria that can cause facial blemishes and the like.
9. Sleep: Honey can even help you get a good night sleep because its amino acids, vitamins and minerals act as a natural sedative. Works best if you mix a spoon of honey with warm milk.
10. Digestion: A little warm honey mixed with apple cider vinegar can help your food digest. If the vinegar tastes or smells too strong to you, cut it with some warm water.

5 unique restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky

With the World Equestrian Games coming up in 2010, plenty of people will be visiting Lexington, Kentucky, and the Bluegrass region in the center of the state. Whether it is your first time to the area, or you've lived there for years, there are plenty of restaurants unique to the region.

In no particular order, here are five:

Hall's on the River

Whether you're looking for fine dining or just same place to take the kids, Hall's on the River has a little something for everyone. Prime Rib, New York strip steak and pasta are just a few of the menu items available, but this restaurant is best-known in the region for its seafood and a little something unique to the area, beer cheese.

The seafood is as fresh as you can find it anywhere away from the seaboard. A fresh catch of the day is flown in routinely just for your eating pleasure, and the shrimp and oyster and frog leg dinners taste just as fresh.

Hall's Original Beer Cheese isn't the only beer cheese made and sold in Kentucky, but it is one of the most famous and it has an original recipe including radishes, crackers, celery and, of course, beer.

This restaurant can be found a short drive south of Lexington. Get off Interstate 75 at Exit 95 and turn left. Enjoy your meal just off the Kentucky River.

Giacomo's New York Delicatessen

Just because you're away from the big city doesn't mean you can't enjoy the tastes of your favorite deli. Giacomo's brings corned beef and pastrami straight from Carnegie Deli in New York City to the region, along with bagels from H&H in New York. Fine sandwiches and paninis are a daily specialty, but there are also plenty of desserts to tempt your taste buds.

Try out "The Giacomo" sandwich, a deli favorite. It comes with mortadella, sopresatta, mozzarella, mayo, prosciutto, onion, lettuce and tomato and a bread of your choice. And feel free to add or subtract what you want on your sandwich. Soups and salads are also available, as are breakfast foods, hot dogs and more.

If your sweet tooth is working on you, try out the Carnegie Deli cheesecake, whole or by the slice. Other desserts available at Giacomo's New York Delicatessen are tiramisu, cookies, cakes, biscotti, eclairs and more.

The sandwiches are staples for the restaurant, but the soups and desserts available tend to change every day, giving a variety of offerings over the week.

Giacomo's New York Delicatessen is located downtown Lexington, Kentucky, just across the street from the courthouse on North Limestone Street.

Tolly-Ho

If you're in the mood for some simple, greasy diner food, then Tolly-Ho Restaurant is just what you need. Being open 24 hours a day helps to bring in the college crowd, and this restaurant has been a favorite of University of Kentucky students since 1971.

As can be expected, burgers are a specialty, but there's much more to be fund at Tolly-Ho. Breakfast is served 24 hours a day, and the shakes come in many varieties. For something a little different, check out the cheesy tater tots, the chili cheese fries or any of the other many menu items.

And a word of warning: If it's your first trip to Tolly-Ho, you are officially a Ho Virgin. What this means is that the person waiting on you behind the front counter will ring a really loud bell and announce to everyone in the restaurant that this is your first trip there. It can add to the environment.

Also, while you're waiting for your food to be prepared, there are video games and pinball machines throughout Tolly-Ho, and there is a small convenience store area where you can buy gum, candy bars and a few brands of cigarettes.

Find Tolly-Ho near downtown and across the street from the University of Kentucky campus at the corner of Euclid Avenue and South Limestone Street.

Alfalfa Restaurant

Despite the name, Alfalfa Restaurant does serve more than just vegetarians. Yep, there is meat on the menu.

But this isn't a steak-and-potato place. Specialties include the fish taco, the alfalfa avocado grill, chicken talese and more. If you'd like to try something vegetarian that's a little different but still fun and tasty, order the Hoppin' John, which includes brown rice, tomato sauce, onions, green peppers, black-eyed peas and cheddar cheese.

Make sure to spend time enjoying more than just the food. Live music is often provided for the dinner crowd, and art shows are quite common.

Located downtown Lexington, Kentucky, on East Main Street.

Goodfellas Pizzeria

Say you're in the mood for pizza? Maybe some New York style pizza? If so, Goodfellas Pizzeria is for you.

Specialty and classic pizzas are readily available, but you can create your own pie by picking and choosing which of the many toppings you want. Buy your pizza by the whole pie or by the slice. Oven-baked subs are available, too, along with bread sticks and salad. Goodfellas Pizzeria prides itself on serving the largest pizzas and bread sticks in the area.

For dessert, try the cannoli. Just like mama used to make! And don't forget that Goodfellas Pizzeria also caters.

Find this restaurant in downtown Lexington on North Mill Street.

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10 health benefits of sesame oil

This edible vegetable oil made from sesame seeds can have a strong smell to it, but it has plenty to offer health improvements.

1. Antioxidants: Sesame oil, and sesame seeds for that matter, is rich in antioxidants. What do antioxidants do? They work at a cellular level to counteract damage done to the body, most specifically within the bloodstream, damage causes by viruses, aging, bacteria, etc.
2. Skin care: Got dry skin? Maybe a few wrinkles? If so, try rubbing on some sesame oil. The Vitamin E and Vitamin B found in sesame oil helps to reduce damage done to the skin, and also brings a youthful, shining glow to the face. Just don't overdo it. The smell of sesame oil, though somewhat pleasing in a sweet nutty way, can be overpowering if too much is applied.
3. Blood pressure: Polyunsaturated fats are known for helping to reduce blood pressure. Do you know what contains polyunsaturated fats? Sesame oil. But keep in mind sesame oil is usually high in calories and fat, so you don't want to use it too often or you'll start putting on some weight, which isn't good for your blood pressure.
4. Cholesterol: Need to keep those cholesterol levels down? Again, give sesame oil a try. Studies done by the United States Food and Drug Administration have shown sesame oil can lower cholesterol levels.
5. Gingivitis: If you're short on mouthwash but have some sesame oil in the kitchen cupboards, get out that oil to fight gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums and teeth. A study at the Maharishi International University in Iowa showed a result of an 85 percent reduction in the bacteria that causes gingivitis.
6. Lower blood sugar: The Journal of Medicinal Foods reported on a study that showed a lessening of glucose in laboratory animals with diabetes who were given sesame seed oil. If it works for animals, it should work for humans, too, right? Maybe, maybe not. But a little sesame oil couldn't hurt. Ask your doctor or a nutritionist if you'd like to know more.
7. Common cold: Sniffing, sneezing, hacking, coughing. We all get it at some point. And sesame oil can come to the rescue. Some studies have suggested simply smelling a little sesame oil will help to clear up the sinuses and can fight the common cold. Other, older remedies suggest rubbing sesame oil on the chest to help break up a cold in the chest. Just remember to wash off the oil after a half hour or so.
8. Dandruff: Rubbing some sesame seed oil into your hair helps to sooth and oil up the skin, thus helping to lessen or prevent dandruff. Word of warning, though: Sesame oil is sometimes known to darken hair, so keep that in mind if you don't want darker hair.
9. Heat reduction: In India it is commonly believed that sesame oil reduces heat in the body, and since India is generally a warm clime, sesame oil body massages are not that uncommon. So, if you're feeling a little warm, rub on some sesame oil to cool down.
10. Lowering sodium: A study by the Yale Journal of Biology showed that those who ingested sesame oil once a day for 45 days not only had lower blood pressure, but also had lower levels of sodium in their bodies. And after the study was finished, when the subjects were no longer taking sesame oil? Their blood pressure and sodium levels went back up. See, sodium (commonly called salt) isn't good for the body, specifically the heart, in anything more than moderate doses. For one thing, all that sodium causes the body to hold fluid, which can put a strain on the heart.

10 health benefits of oranges

1. Stroke: The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research in Australia found in reviews of scientific studies that a daily extra serving of citrus fruits, which includes oranges, reduces the chances of suffering a stroke by nearly 20 percent.
2. Strong bones: Many people don't realize it, but oranges have quite a bit of calcium in them. And calcium is good for maintaining strong bones and helping to protect bones from injury, including possible breakages. So, if you want strong bones, perhaps you should add some oranges to your diet.
3. Arteriosclerosis: Oranges are known for containing high amounts of Vitamin C, and that Vitamin C is important because it provides all kinds of health benefits. Most notably, that Vitamin C helps the body to fight against building up a hardening of the arteries known as arteriosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks.
4. Cholesterol: Besides all that Vitamin C, oranges also contain plenty of flavonoids, natural compounds within the body that act with lots of antioxidant properties, meaning the flavonoids help the blood stream fight against impurities. One of the flavonoids found in oranges helps to lower stress levels, and to combat bad cholesterol levels.
5. High blood pressure: As you've probably guessed by now, oranges provide lots of benefits for heart health. Among all those benefits, the flavonoids in oranges also help to lower blood pressure.
6. Blood sugar levels: Oranges are commonly known to be an excellent food for those who have diabetes, but why is this? It's in the fiber. Oranges have lots of fiber, which works with the body to keep blood sugar levels low.
7. Diarrhea: Remember all that fiber found in oranges? Well, it's good for something else, too. Fiber helps those with cramps and pain from constipation, sometimes as a result of diarrhea. Fiber also helps those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. So, if you sometimes have to deal with these illnesses, stock up on your oranges.
8. Ulcers: One might think all that citrus acid found in oranges would be just awful for stomach ulcers, but it seems the opposite is true. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition has released a study of 6,000 adults that shows those who had high levels of Vitamin C in their blood had a 25 percent lower chance of suffering from infection caused by stomach ulcers. If you suffer from ulcers, talk with your physician, because he or she just might subscribe a diet with oranges.
9. Immunity: Nothing can make you totally immune from infections and common diseases, including the common cold, but Vitamin C sure can help a lot. See, all that Vitamin C found in oranges help stimulate the white blood cells, which in turn naturally strengthens the immunity system because those white blood cells are the body's main defense against infection and other diseases. Got the sniffles? Get some oranges.
10. Cancer: Oranges help in the fight against various cancers in several ways. For one, the Vitamin C in oranges helps the body to fight infections. Even the oil of the peel of an orange is known to have anti-cancer benefits, lowering the chances of suffering from various forms of cancer, because of limonene found in the peel. Limonene lowers the activity of the proteins that often cause cancers.

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10 tips to help you quit smoking

1. Change your patterns: If you often smoke while driving to the store, walk to the store instead. If you sit down to relax and smoke after a meal, go run some errands or do some household chores. To idea here is to change your routine, to not do things that you normally did while smoking. Heck, maybe even move furniture around; that way you wouldn't have to sit in places where you used to smoke.
2. Find support: Tell your friends and family you are giving up tobacco. They'll provide emotional support for the tough times when those cravings are hitting you like a brick to the stomach. Also, look around your region for any smoking-cessation support groups; maybe where you work has something similar, or maybe at your church.
3. Make a list: I'm talking about a list of reasons you want to stop smoking. Health reasons? You hope to live longer? Whatever your personal reasons, write them down on a list. Then keep that list with you, maybe in your purse or your wallet or in the seat next to you in the car. Whenever you feel a hankering for a smoke, read the list. It will help to keep you motivated.
4. Start new habits: But make them healthy habits. Maybe go for a walk or a jog, if your health permits. Walk the dog a little more often.
5. Hold something and chew something: Your fingers are always used to holding a cigarette, as are your lips. Let them keep their habit, but with something more healthy. This can help fight those cravings with false sensations. Maybe take up lollipops, healthy ones, though. Or chew on toothpicks or drinking straws, nothing dangerous.
6. See your doctor: This is an obvious one. Especially if you've been a smoker for a long time, giving up tobacco can have drastic effects on not only your mind, but also your body. And not all those effects will necessarily be good ones right away. Consult your family physician and take any help and advice they can offer.
7. Wait: If you ever feel the urge to smoke, just hold on for a few minutes. Find something to keep you busy for a while. Eventually the craving will pass, and those cravings should come less and less often.
8. Treat yourself: Every time you would have bought a pack of cigarettes, instead take that money and drop it in a piggy bank. If you were any kind of regular smoker, pretty soon you should have quite the little pile of loot. Take that money and buy something special for yourself. This could make an excellent prize for yourself at a milestone, maybe at the end of your first week or month of not smoking.
9. Drink lots of water and natural juices: This will help your kidneys to flush out all that nicotine, especially during your first three days, the toughest days. Make sure to check with your doctor about your health; too much water, and sometimes juices, are not conducive to better health. Also, some juices are not meant to be taken with certain medications. Just be careful.
10. Stay away from alcohol: If you are a drinker, you should stay away from the stuff while you are trying to quit smoking. Alcohol affects judgment, and can easily lead you back to smoking again.

10 health benefits of broccoli

1. Blood sugar: Broccoli contains plenty of the element chromium, which is known to help regulate blood sugar and to help regulate insulin in the body. Diabetics might want to pay attention to this.
2. Stomach problems: Broccoli also has plenty of fiber, which helps with digestion and works at dealing with or even preventing constipation.
3. Skin care: Lots of vitamins can be found in broccoli, including Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin E and other natural nutrients. Add all those vitamins up together and what you get is a natural concoction that's beneficial in making the skin appear fresh, clean and glowing. So stow away some broccoli if you want nice skin.
4. Infections: All that Vitamin C found in broccoli is good for the immune system. In other words, it's good for fighting infections of all kinds, whether from a minor injury or from something internal such as a bad case of the flu. Chicken soup might help with your cold, but it's broccoli that can help deal with any chest infections caused by the flu.
5. Breast cancer: Broccoli contains plenty of natural anti-carcinogens such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, selenium and other natural products. These anti-carcinogens not only help fight against cancer in general, but they are extra effective in lowering one's chances of contracting breast cancer because they aid the body in getting rid of extra estrogen.
6. Antioxidants: Antioxidants help the body, specifically within the bloodstream, to work at healing cells from damage and from taking further damage from toxins. Broccoli contains plenty of natural elements that work as antioxidants, which help in the battle against cancer and even heart disease.
7. Undernourishment: Broccoli can actually help in the battle against starvation in some nations. How? Broccoli is what's considered a nutrient-rich food, which means it contains a lot of different vitamins and natural elements that are beneficial to the human body. Add all those vitamins up, along with the fact broccoli is low in calories and fat, and you've got a perfect food for helping to feed the hungry.
8. Stronger bones: Calcium can also be found in broccoli. And calcium is good for strengthening the bones and helping the bones to remain strong. Thus calcium, and broccoli, are good at coping with the  disease of osteoporosis.
9. Birth defects: Folate is a form of Vitamin B9. Several studies have shown Vitamin B9 is effective in helping to prevent birth defects. What contains Folate? Broccoli.
10. Weight loss: Because broccoli is low in calories and fat but contains tons of vitamins, it is one of the healthiest foods a person can eat who is trying to lose weight. But remember to talk to your doctor first if you are considering a diet.

More health links

10 Health Benefits of Spinach

10 Health Benefits of Almonds

10 Health Benefits of Apples

10 health benefits of spinach

1. Sight: Spinach contains a natural pigment known as lutein, and lutein has been studied and shown to have properties that help to prevent cataracts. Lutein also helps to prevent weakness in the eye muscles caused by aging.
2. Cancer: Spinach is also loaded with natural antioxidants called flavenoids. As an antioxidant, flavenoids help the body fight against cell damage from within. Which also helps the fight against cancer, reducing a person's chances of contacting various forms of cancer, especially prostate cancer.
3. Energy: Perhaps this is where Popeye gets his powers from spinach. Iron is high in the leafy plant, and iron helps to carry blood throughout the body by helping to build red blood cells. More oxygen throughout the body and stronger red blood cells means more energy and less fatigue.
4. Cholesterol: Cholesterol is that bad stuff that brings about blockages in the arteries. Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E all help to prevent or lessen the build up of that cholesterol within the arteries. Guess what contains its fair share of all those vitamins? If you guessed spinach, you win the prize! Sorry, not really. No prizes being handed out today. I can't afford them.
5. Bone strength: Or maybe this is how Popeye builds his strength with spinach. Vitamin K is also common within spinach, and Vitamin K helps the bones to retain higher levels of calcium. And that calcium keeps the bones strong and helps to prevent osteoporosis, a disease in which bone density is reduced and fractures become more common.
6. Blood pressure: Sodium raises your blood pressure. Spinach doesn't have a lot of sodium. But it does contain plenty of potassium, and potassium helps to lessen the effects of sodium and helps to keep blood pressure lower. So, eat your spinach! But always check with your doctor about what to eat if you are suffering from high or low blood pressure or if you are suffering from any disease or are just not feeling well.
7. Diabetes: Eating spinach regularly is known to regulate blood sugar levels, so diabetics should probably eat some spinach. It's all the magnesium in spinach that helps this vegetable to regulate blood sugar levels.
8. Weight loss: Spinach doesn't have a lot of calories, about 40 calories per cup of uncooked spinach. That combined with the fact spinach has twice as much fiber as most other lettuces means spinach is an excellent food for losing weight. The low calories means you can eat until you're more than full. The extra fiber means your body isn't going to hang onto much of that spinach (or anything else, for that matter) for very long.
9. Aging: Considering all the anti-oxidant properties, vitamins, minerals, lutein and everything else found in spinach, this eatable green is known to strengthen the skin and thus to help with wrinkles and such with bring about the more aged look. So maybe try some spinach instead of going to the plastic surgeon. Just an idea. Don't mean to tick off any plastic surgeons.
10. Stronger teeth: Remember all that Vitamin K from spinach that strengthens the bones? Well, your teeth are bones. Which means if you want stronger teeth, eating spinach is a bright idea.

The last word: Spinach isn't for everyone. In fact, if you suffer from gallbladder or kidney troubles, you shouldn't be eating spinach. Spinach contains an oxalic acid which is not good for those who suffer from problems with kidneys and gallbladders. Talk with your doctor about your diet.

10 facts about LEGO toys

1. LEGO toy blocks are made from a plastic known as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. During the creation process, this plastic is heated to a temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. The Lego Group, the company that makes and owns LEGO toys, has estimated that 400 billion LEGO blocks have been made in the last 50 years.
3. Ole Kirk Christiansen is the original inventor of LEGO building block toys. He was a carpenter who started making wooden toys in 1932 in Denmark.
4. In 1934, Christiansen names his company LEGO, but it wouldn't be until 1947 that the company began making the famous plastic building blocks.
5. LEGO was not the first company to make plastic building blocks. That honor goes to Hilary Harry Fisher Page who began selling his Kiddicraft Self Locking Bricks in Britain after the Second World War. In 1981, LEGO gained the rights to Kiddicraft.
6. The modern LEGO bricks were not perfected, patented and sold until 1958. Since then, all LEGO building blocks are compatible. LEGO blocks made today will connect with and work with LEGO blocks from 1958.
7. Duplo building blocks, made by the Lego Group for younger children, are in all dimensions twice the size of regular LEGO toy blocks.
8. LEGO blocks have gone digital! The Lego Group has released software called the Lego Digital Designer, free for Windows and Mac platforms. With this software, users can build constructions onscreen using digital LEGO blocks. Users can even go to the Lego Design by Me website, upload their digital LEGO block design and then order it from the Lego Group.
9. Also, LEGO toys entered the video game age in 1997 with the release of the Lego Island video game, playable on Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Since then, LEGO video games have grown in popularity, and there are nearly 40 LEGO video games.
10. Did you know there are actually four amusement parks based upon LEGO toys? They are called Legoland. Where are they? There's one in Windsor, England; on in Gunzburg, Germany; another in Billund, Denmark; and one in Carlsbad, California.

10 health benefits of rosemary

Healthy skin: Plenty of cosmetics and soaps contain rosemary because of its anti-aging properties. Basically, rosemary rejuvenates the skin by strengthening the blood capillaries just below the surface of the skin. Try rosemary for a healthier glow.

Breast cancer: One contribution to a higher chance of contracting breast cancer is an imbalance of oestrogen hormones. Fortunately, a study by the Department of Chemical Biology at the State University of New Jersey has shown that rosemary helps to stop that imbalance from becoming intensive. Does this mean rosemary can stop breast cancer? Not likely. But it does mean rosemary could lower your chances of contracting breast cancer. As always, check with your doctor about suggestions for adding rosemary and other herbs to your diet.

Diuretic: Rosemary can help to flush excessive water from your body. This is important for numerous reasons, but especially for those who suffer from congestive heart failure when excessive fluid can build up around the heart and damage the heart and lungs. Being a natural diuretic, rosemary is possibly safer than the more tradition water pills. Ask your doctor.

Memory: Several studies have shown that taking rosemary as a tea or in pill form can actually help you to remember things. So if you're a student boning up for a big upcoming test, think about adding some rosemary tea to your diet. Even Shakespeare knew about rosemary's memorable abilities; the play Hamlet contains the line, "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance."

Digestion: The antispasmodic properties of rosemary allow the herb to sort of loosen the digestive system some by smoothing out the inner muscles. This allows for a better flow through the intestines and stomach.

Hair care: One reason a number of shampoos contain rosemary is because the herb is known to stimulate the hair follicles, which allows the hair to grow longer and stronger. And since rosemary is so good for the skin, it can also help to combat dandruff. How do you add this herb to your hair without buying a shampoo? The answer: Look for rosemary oil in your local pharmacy or health food store.

Scurvy: Yes, I wrote "scurvy." And it's not just an old-fashioned disease that pirates used to get. Scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of Vitamin C in the body, and it usually includes sores on the gums, spots on the legs, depression, paleness and other symptoms. Fortunately, fresh rosemary has a good supply of Vitamin C. So, ahoy mateys, drink some rosemary tea to ward off scurvy!

Body odors: Rosemary is good at combatting the bacteria and fungus that cause body odors. So think about adding some fresh rosemary or rosemary oil to your bath. Or maybe even gargle a little rosemary tea to get rid of those mouth odors.

Scabies: Scabies isn't a disease. It's a condition in which mites have imbedded themselves under the skin where they can lay eggs. Yes, it's as nasty as it sounds, and these mites leave behind small wounds or lesions and can cause infection. Rosemary alone won't kill the mites or cure the condition, but dabbing on a little rosemary tea with cotton balls will help to ease the pain of scabies.

Minor cuts: Because rosemary is so effective at dealing with bacteria, the herb can help to prevent minor cuts from becoming infected. Dab a cotton ball in some rosemary tea, then gently apply it to any minor cuts or wounds you might have.

10 health benefits of gelatin

1. Muscle growth: According to the Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America, gelatin contains lysine, an amino acid that is important for muscle growth. It would seem, then, that eating gelatin would help growing muscles, especially for athletes and those who want a more muscular build.
2. Metabolism: Gelatin contains another amino acid, arginine, which is supposed to help the body's metabolism. A stronger metabolism means more calories are getting burned, so it's not impossible eating some gelatin could help you lose weight. However, a word of warning: One study has found that an arginine supplement could be deadly to those who have suffered a heart attack; so if you've had a heart attack, foods containing arginine are probably not right for you. Check with your doctor or cardiologist.
3. Losing weight: Gelatin does not contain fat and usually has no sugar or cholesterol in it. Which means gelatin is a pretty good food for those of us watching our waistlines. Jell-O even makes sugar free and low calories desserts, if you are interested.
4. Joint conditions: Suffering from stiff or sore joints? Gelatin might be able to help, especially before the condition worsens. Gelatin contains lots of amino acids important in helping to prevent the weakness and degeneration of cartilage in joints. Gelatin likely won't help to heal a joint condition, but it possibly could prevent the situation from growing worse.
5. Finger nails: Remember all those amino acids in gelatin? They also help to strengthen finger nails and over a period of time can help to heal up cracked or roughened finger nails. Also, gelatin has a lot of protein, which is good for nails. If you suffer from weak nails, especially ones that break easily, you might want to try some gelatin in your diet.
6. Hair: Gelatin is also known to help hair grow stronger, faster and longer. Gelatin also helps to keep hair healthy and shiny. What is it about gelatin that promotes all this great hair? It's the high amounts of protein. Just in case you need to know for dietic or religious purposes, most gelatins sold in stores are made from animal; however, gelatins can be made from some plants, most notably seaweed, so check those ingredient labels on the boxes of gelatin you might consider purchasing.
7. Protein boost: Gelatin itself has a lot of protein, but unfortunately nearly all that protein is protein the body can already make for itself. Thus a diet in gelatin alone is not healthy. That being said, studies have shown that the protein in gelatin does help give a boost to proteins in other foods. In other words, just as an example, if you eat a steak full of protein then add a little gelatin to your meal, the protein in the gelatin helps the protein in the steak to be more nutritional for your body. So, if you need protein, you know what to do. Add a little gelatin to your diet.
8. Drink purifier: According to the Gelatin Manufacturers Association of Asia Pacific, gelatins are often used in the making of alcoholic beverages, such as wine and beer, and even in some juices and ciders. The reason for this is that gelatin acts to congeal impurities, allowing for easier separation of the impurities from the drink itself. If you happen to be a home brewer or juicer, I suggest contacting the folks at Knox gelatin for any recipe advice.
9. Skin health: Gelatins are used in plenty of cosmetics. Why? For two reasons. First, the gelatin acts as a thickening agent, thus helping makeup and other cosmetics to remain to the skin longer and more easily. Second, we're back to the proteins again. All that protein in gelatins is good for keeping up a good looking skin tone.
10. Digestion: Gelatin can also help with digestion, especially with foods that can be rough on the digestive system, such as meats and dairy and nuts and even some beans. The gelatin helps these foods to ease through the stomach and intestines.

10 foods to avoid feeding a baby

1. Honey: You would think honey would be perfectly safe to feed a baby, but it's not, at least until the child is a year old. Why? Spores that can cause botulism can hide within honey. These spores are not a threat to adults because an adult's intestines can stop these spores from growing, but the same can't be said for a baby because the child's digestive system is still developing.
2. Swordfish: You can also add mackerel, shark and some other fishes. Check with your pediatrician. These types of seafood tend to be high in mercury, a danger to both children and adults but especially to babies.
3. Peanut butter: The American Academy of Pediatricsrecently changed its stance on peanut butter and other potential allergic foods, suggesting it is not necessarily dangerous for a baby or young child to try peanut butter and other foods common to cause allergies. The parent just needs to be aware of symptoms of food allergies, such as hives or rashes or nausea, etc. If a baby shows such signs, then a parent needs to contact a physician. Still, why not err on the safe side and wait until your child is older before exposing them to such foods? Also, because of its stickiness and gumminess, peanut butter is often difficult for a baby to eat and swallow.
4. Nuts: Not only are there potential allergy problems with nuts, all kinds of nuts, but as a hard and crunch food nuts are a possible choking hazard for babies. Wait until your child is older before allowing them to eat nuts.
5. Soft candies: Especially small marshmallows. Include other soft edibles, such as jelly beans, in this category. These foods are a choking hazard because they could easily lodge in a baby's throat.
6. Cow's milk: A baby can not digest the protein in cow's milk. It's that simple. Also, cow's milk is potentially dangerous to a baby because the milk could contain minerals in such high quantities it could be harmful for the child. Stick to formula or breast's milk.
7. Chocolate: Chocolate usually has a fairly high amount of caffeine and sugar, two things a baby does not need and, in fact, could be unhealthy for a small child, especially in large douses. Also, most chocolates that are candy contain cow's milk (see #6 above).
8. Deserts: You might like pudding and cake and pies, but it's not good for a baby. For one thing, those deserts usually contain high levels of sugar, and while natural sugars from fruit are okay in the right amounts for a baby, the sugars found in most baked goods bring only calories and no nutritional value. Plus, all those sweets can set a bad example for an infant and lead to unhealthy eating habits.
9. Citrus fruits and juices: Oranges, grapefruit and similar fruits contain citrus acid, which can cause a baby to have an upset stomach. Also, these fruits could lead to rashes.
10. Cooked greens: Collard greens and spinach, even beets and turnips, that are cooked have high levels of nitrates, which can make a baby anemic.