They are yellow, orange, and red pigments in
plants. The most common carotenoids in a Western diet are
alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein,
zeaxanthin and lycopene. Each of these carotenoids carries a
distinct set of actions, benefits and originating fruits and
vegetables. There are more than 600 carotenoids.
Carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, papaya, watermelon, cantaloupe,
mangos, spinach, kale, tomatoes, bell peppers, and oranges are
among the fruits and vegetables in which carotenoids can be found.
In order to be properly absorbed, carotenoids should be consumed
with a fat. Carotenoids are associated with antioxidant activity,
eye health, immune system activity, intercellular communication,
and reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, according
to the Linus Pauling Institute.
The body can convert alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and
beta-cryptoxanthin into vitamin A (retinol), which is associated
with anti-aging and immune system function. Lutein and zeaxanthin
are the only carotenoids found in the retina and are associated
with lower risks of macular degeneration.
Nov 13, 2015
Manga vs. Anime
Manga is a Japanese style of graphic
novels and comic books that is aimed at adults as well as
children. In manga, the characters have oversized eyes and the
drawings are often in black and white. Manga stories are told in
serial form. Manga style descends from Japanese aesthetics, though
many see the influence of American comic books brought into Japan
during after World War II. Katsushika Hokusai coined the term
manga in 1814 to describe a free-flowing, quirky style.
Manga style has been popular since 1984 and literally means
involuntary pictures.
Anime is a Japanese style of animation for television and film, often based on previously published manga. Anime appears in Japan in 1985 as the Japanese word for animation, taken from the French verb, animé. So, manga is printed material and anime is video material.
Anime is a Japanese style of animation for television and film, often based on previously published manga. Anime appears in Japan in 1985 as the Japanese word for animation, taken from the French verb, animé. So, manga is printed material and anime is video material.
Seventeen More Banana Facts
Here are a few more facts
about why bananas, nature's wonder fruit, are so good for us.
- Bananas contain tryptophan which turns into serotonin after consumption.
- The boost in serotonin is an effective and natural way to reduce the effects of depression.
- Potassium in bananas greatly reduces the likelihood of getting muscle cramps.
- Bananas are a great source of calcium.
- Bananas have been known to reduce the prevalence of menstrual cramps.
- Bananas are high in vitamin B, promoting the production of white blood cells.
- Bananas contain a healthy amount of iron.
- The FDA says bananas can help lower blood pressure.
- Bananas contain pectin, which is a great digestion aid.
- Bananas are natural antacids and can calm heartburn.
- Bananas are one of the only foods that can combat the pain of stomach ulcers.
- Bananas are known to be natural protection against kidney disease and brittle bones.
- Bananas are high in antioxidants.
- Bananas can normalize blood sugar levels between meals.
- Rub the inside of a banana peel on a bug bite for quick itch relief.
- If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, bananas can reduce the effects due to their high level of tryptophan.
- To quit smoking, help curb the withdrawals with the high
levels of vitamins, potassium, and magnesium in bananas.
(Make banana ice cream. Peel two bananas and put in freezer for an hour. Take out, slice, put in blender with two tablespoons peanut butter, or some chocolate chips, or bacon - blend, scoop, enjoy.)
Oct 30, 2015
Happy Friday
“When we argue for our limitations, we get to keep them.” ~ Evelyn
Waugh
I never place limitations on enjoying a Happy Friday!
I never place limitations on enjoying a Happy Friday!
Daylight Saving
Finally the US catches up with the rest of
the world. In the US, 2am Sunday morning, November 1. Remember to
"fall back." Also, replace your smoke and fire detector batteries.
Keeping Pumpkins Fresh
It is that
time of year again and we all know pumpkins can
turn mushy after a few days.
Here are a few hacks to keep it fresh longer. After your pumpkin has been carved, rinse it out with water to get rid of excess strings and gunk. Take a large bucket or tub and fill it with a few gallons of water.
Stir in three teaspoons of bleach, dunk in the pumpkin. Be sure to hold it down as it will try to float. Let it sit in the solution for two minutes, remove and let dry.
Spray the whole thing, inside and out with WD40 to keep it fresh and shiny.
If you want to spend a bit more, you can now buy a product, Pumpkin Fresh to spray the whole thing. Of course, you need to apply daily.
Vaseline or any oil you might have in your kitchen applied to the inside and cut edges will keep it fresh, but are all a bit messy.
Here are a few hacks to keep it fresh longer. After your pumpkin has been carved, rinse it out with water to get rid of excess strings and gunk. Take a large bucket or tub and fill it with a few gallons of water.
Stir in three teaspoons of bleach, dunk in the pumpkin. Be sure to hold it down as it will try to float. Let it sit in the solution for two minutes, remove and let dry.
Spray the whole thing, inside and out with WD40 to keep it fresh and shiny.
If you want to spend a bit more, you can now buy a product, Pumpkin Fresh to spray the whole thing. Of course, you need to apply daily.
Vaseline or any oil you might have in your kitchen applied to the inside and cut edges will keep it fresh, but are all a bit messy.
Helpful Happiness Hack
At the end of the day just before
you go to bed, write down something good that happened to you, or
something that made you happy, or made you smile that day. Put the
note where you will find it in the morning as you are getting ready.
It also helps if you look in the mirror and smile when you read the
note in the morning.
Do this for seven days and you will be at least 20% happier - and it will last for another week, even if you stop doing it.
If you want to stay happy, date the notes and save them. You will be amazed when you go back and look at them, the smallest things keep you happiest the longest.
Do this for seven days and you will be at least 20% happier - and it will last for another week, even if you stop doing it.
If you want to stay happy, date the notes and save them. You will be amazed when you go back and look at them, the smallest things keep you happiest the longest.
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