Meditation makes us more stress resistant, and reverses the physiologic damage of stress. Meditation is a way to comprehensive self improvement in the realm of the mind and body, but it is also at the same time a spiritual journey, and can enhance our spirituality and our connection to the highest power, whatever our religious affiliation or denomination may be. Proper breathing and practicing meditation go hand in hand and will potentiate each other. If we breath with our abdominal muscles, and most of us do not breath with the abdominal muscles, but rather our chest, we deliver more oxygen to our bodies – to the brain, the organs in our body – and indirectly it also helps us relax more. Besides the benefits to the relaxation response, meditation results in improvement of hypertension, sleepdisorder, headaches, heartrhythm disturbances, chronic pain – pain due to cancer, infertility and irritable bowel syndrome. Related article

Margherita Pizza , in reference to nineteenth century Queen Margherita of Italy, the pizza contains many of the staple ingredients of the Mediterranean diet: flour, olive oil, tomato, herbs and mozzarella. Olive oil, of course, is prized by nutritionists for its "good" mono unsaturated fat, a well documented LDL-cholesterol fighter. Tomatoes and the lycopene they contain provide numerous health benefits, be it in fighting oxidative damage to our DNA or in contributing to the consistently lower risk of cancer. Although one serving (1 oz.) of mozzarella cheese contains over 4 grams of saturated fat, it also contains protein, vitamin A and phosphorus. It is also an excellent source of calcium and an alternative to meat. The onions, garlic, oregano and basil that give pizza sauce its distinctive aroma also contribute heartily to our health.

Nuts. In the Iowa Women's Health Study, women who ate nuts frequently, compared to those who seldom ate nuts, reduced their risk of fatal heart disease by 57 percent. Although nuts are high in fat, the fat is mostly unsaturated fat which has a beneficial effect on health. Studies with almonds and walnuts have both shown a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels. The protein in nuts is high in arginine, a precursor to nitric oxide which is important to help keep blood vessels relaxed and open and helps prevent clotting. Nuts are also good sources of dietary fiber, magnesium, copper, folic acid, vegetable protein, potassium, and vitamin E, all of which have been shown to be important for heart health.

Orgasm. The Australian researchers, who used self-reports of over 2000 men in the study, believe ejaculation may flush cancer-causing chemicals out of the prostate. Studies show orgasms raise the levels in the body of at least three different types of disease fighting cells and antibodies which strengthen the immune system. Other studies show orgasm boosts hormones that strengthen muscles and bones, reduces cholesterol and improves the balance of good vs. bad cholesterol, among other things. One of these hormones is called DHEA, one of nature's own wonder drugs. DHEA is believed to improve brain function, balance the immune system, help maintain and repair tissue, promote healthy skin, and possibly improve cardiovascular health and combat depression. Is there such a thing as too much sex? The answer, in purely physiological terms, is this: If you're female, probably not. If you're male? Penile tissues, if given too roistering or prolonged a pummeling, can sustain damage. In cases you'd just as soon not hear about, permanent damage.
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Prunes, which are dried plums, may be a secret to lifelong vitality. Prunes ranked number one on the USDA's list of high-scoring antioxidant fruits. Prunes topped the list with more than twice the antioxidant capacity as other high-scoring fruits such as blueberries and raisins, and eating just three goves you more fibre than a bowel of bran cereal.

Quinoa (keen-wa): Consumed for thousands of years as an indigenous food of South America, Quinoa's origins are truly ancient. Greatly revered by the Inca civilization as the "mother grain", Quinoa is touted in modern day as a perfect food, due to its impressive nutritional profile. It is considered to be a complete protein comprising the full essential amino acid spectrum. It contains more protein than any other grain; an average of 16.2 percent, with some varieties more than 20 percent. Its amino acid balance is similar to that of milk. Quinoa is high in lysine, methionine and cystine, constituents of protein that are often very low in other grains. In addition to protein, its unique profile supplies carbohydrates, natural sugars, unsaturated oil (especially high in linoleic acid), vitamins and minerals, and is an excellent source of vital dietary fiber.

Relax. If you are feeling low, anxious or lacking in confidence, the first thing to do is to stop thinking and relax properly. Some people do this by exercising, others by involving themselves in something that occupies their mind. However, being able to relax yourself when you want is a fantastic life skill and so practicing self-hypnosis, meditation, or a physically based relaxation technique such as Tai Chi can be incredibly useful. When you are properly relaxed, your brain is less emotional and your memory for good events works better. A great 'rescue remedy'!


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