Ireland's Beverage Rx For Heart Health!

                             Drink Up For Good Health!
The hot toddy is a popular drink that makes its presence known
this time of year.

The origin of the hot toddy is quite interesting, why?
Several countries take credit for developing it.
Some say it was invented in India centuries ago, others
say it was discovered by Native Indians who took the sap
from palm trees and added cloves and nutmeg, and then again,
the people of Scotland take credit for inventing it in the 1700's.
And finally, the good old Irish say it was them, they invented it
to take the edge off the dark, dank and rainy climate that's
common in Ireland.

Well, whomever discovered it should take credit not only for a
great tasting drink, but a healthy one as well.
Healthy how?
It protects your heart against the harsh Winter elements,
like walking or working outdoors and it also protects your heart
against the Winter killer known as the "Widow Maker"

What is the "Widow Maker?"
Serious heart attacks from snow shoveling
that sends too many men to early graves. And if you
make it or have it made with apple cider, you can reduce
your risk of breathing issues like asthma or bronchitis.

That's right - the alcohol in a hot toddy is a natural blood thinner,
that reduces your risk of dangerous blood clots, and the honey lowers
cholesterol and kills germs and the apple cider, which uses the whole apple
(including the peel) is an all-natural antihistamine that curbs allergic reactions,
eases inflammation in the bronchial tract and soothes irritated lung tissue.
So, are you ready to add hot toddies to your list to this Winter's
menu?

The Hot Toddy Recipe:
Well, here's a quick recipe if  you do...
Combine a 1 cup of brandy or whiskey, 1/2 cup of apple cider
(not the vinegar) 1 tbsp. of honey and 2 tbsps. of lemon juice.
Stir and place in two separate mugs. And for a more heartwarming
effect, heat up the mugs first.

There you have it, a heart healthy drink from Ireland, or India or England.
Wherever, just enjoy it and one more tip. Stop at one drink- too much
alcohol can be detrimental to your heart and overall health.

Good Luck!
JGib~~
NRFATW!

Middle Eastern Spice Rx To Treat Depression!

                               Boost Moods With A Spice!

A popular spice used in Middle Eastern cooking and in traditional Persian medicine
to relieve stomaches, ease the pain of kidney stones and treat depression.
The Spice: Saffron!

Saffron has been around for thousands of years and is even mentioned in the Bible.
Helping rice taste and look more colorful is only one benefit.
The other...A natural alternative to treat depression.

When patients were given either saffron or a small dose of Prozac daily,
and after a few weeks both groups reported feeling equally more upbeat,
but the saffron users had no negative side effects.
Even better, the saffron users didn't report any changes in libido,
(some Prozac users report loss of libido).

So, if you're suffering from a mild (not dire, end of the World) depression,
perhaps a trip to the health-food for some Saffron, may be just what you need.
Find it in tea form or as a dried extract, and one more thing- Saffron comes with
a steep price tag.

Good Luck!
JGib~~
NRFATW!

Longevity Secrets From The Good Ole U.S.A.!

                     Live Long Secrets!
Although this blog is called Natural Rxs From Around The World,
the U.S. also offers some tips for living a long and healthy life.
Today's tip comes from Loma Linda California!
That's right- it's home to Seventh -Day Adventists!
And according to the census bureau, they live on average 10 yrs. longer
than most Americans. How, you ask?

They have 2 secrets...
Secret no. 1-
Low- Stress Levels-
Seventh Day Adventists spend each Saturday
focusing on family and their sprituality.
Spending time with family means less stress and less stress
means less heart disease.
As for spirtuality...Practicing a faith-either at a church or just praying
at home, is proven to boost moods and increase life span.

Secret no. 2-
Diet. Oh yes, the dreaded "D" word.
It must be working, the Seventh Day Adventists have some of the lowest
rates of cancer, diabetes and heart disease in the U.S.
Their diet of choice is-Vegetarianism!
More specifically, a diet high in nuts. Nuts like pecans, walnuts,
peanuts and Brazil nuts give them ample amounts of protein,
which keep arteries free of damaging plaque, their weight in check
and moods-even tempered.

So, are you ready to move to Loma Linda Calif. and become
a Seventh-Day Adventist? Well, it's not necessary, just spend time
with positive family members, pray or just engage in quiet contemplation.
And if you eat meat 7 days a week, why not cut it down to 6 or 5 days.
Add more vegetables, beans and nuts to your daily meals.


That's it- The Live Long Secrets From Loma Linda California!

Good Luck!
JGib~~
NRFATW!

Chinese Rx To Beat Insomnia!

                         Use Chinese Medicine To Sleep!
Traditional Chinese medicine is gaining in popularity.
It's not based on medicine that's doled out at the pharmacy,
but herbs that have been around for thousands of yrs.
And one health problem that's plaguing a lot of people can certainly
use something natural and harmless to your health.

The health problem: Insomnia.
Millions of people are affected by an inability to get to sleep
or stay asleep and that's where Chinese medicine can help.
The Chinese Rx for restless sleep: Jujube!

Jujube has long been used in China as a natural sedative.
It calms the brain regions responsible for the stress that makes
sleeping through the night almost impossible.
And something even better- It won't cause side effects like
a lot of Dr. prescribed meds.

So, if you or a loved one is need of a good night's sleep,
try the Chinese Rx called Jujube.
Warning: Talk to your Dr. before taking Jujube.
Find it at Amazon.com or VitaminShoppe.com.
Take the amount listed on the label.

Good Luck!
JGib~~
NRFATW!

Iceland's Rx To Get Rid Of Blue Moods!

                             Eat Your Way To Less Depression!
Here in the U.S. it was just revealed that 11% of Americans in the 40 to 50 yr.
age range are on some kind of antidepressant.
Why antidepressants? Perhaps, the poor economy, aging less gracefully,
concern about aging parents or worrying about kids.
Whatever it is, antidepressants may not be for everyone, why? the cost and
the side effects.
Is there something safer, natural and less expensive?
Yes, and it comes from our friends from the Scandinavian countries.
Denmark, Iceland and Norway!

The Rx: Fish!
That's right, the smelly food, too many of us avoid in favor of burgers,
steaks and pork chops.
People in Iceland and Denmark suffer from long dark winters,
yet remain upbeat and positive, thanks to their high fish consumption.

Why is fish so effective?
It contains compounds that boost moods and reduce anxiety.
So, does adding more trout, sardines, salmon, mackerel and
herring sound feasible?
If so, eat it a few times a week.
And if less depression isn't enough to convince you,
how about eating it to become less violent and
raise your I.Q.

Some more tips if you plan on adding fish to your daily menu...
a) make sure to watch your consumption of sweets and fried foods,
eating these types of foods negate the benefits of fish.
b) avoid deep frying the fish in tons of vegetable oil,
eating fish this way on a regular basis, will put you on a fast
track toward a stroke.
c) Concerned about mercury? eat some cilantro on your fish
or green salad and drink a cup of green tea. Both foods help
lower mecury levels.
d) Pregnancy- check with Dr. before adding more fish to your diet.
e) Look for this type of salmon, sardines or herring. Trader Joe's
carries canned fish products that contains less mercury.

That's it- Your natural Rx for overcoming and avoiding
blue and dark moods.

Good Luck!
JGib~~
NRFATW!

Heart Health Tip Greece!

                       Heart Tip From Overseas!
Ever wonder how the people of Greece and Spain live a long life,
and free of heart disease? Look below and learn their secret...
1) Greece and Spain-
Greeks and Spaniards enjoy a daily siesta.
What is a siesta? A nap!

Daily naps lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and
the habit of taking a nap between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. helps
lowers your risk of heart disease by 40%.

Your Rx: Try and fit in a 20 min. nap Mon. through Fri.
Not able to nap on weekdays?
No problem, Napping on the weekends for 20 to 30 mins.
lowers your risk of heart disease by 15%.

Good Luck!
JGib~~
NRFATW!

Go to SupermarketRxs@typepad.com for more tips!

Italy, Greece and Spain's Rx For Maintaining Weight!

                              The Liquid Rx For Optimal Weight Management!
 
In Italy, France, Greece and Spain the olive oil seems to flow endlessly.
And that's great-if you're struggling with weight.
That's right, downing a few tsps. of olive oil a day, seems to work wonders
on weight control.

How so?
a) It Knocks Out Hunger-
Olive Oil is 85% oleic acid, making it a powerful good fat. During digestion,
oleic acid is converted into a hunger-fighting hormone called OEA.
OEA stimulates nerve cells, signaling the brain that you've had enough
to eat. And if you ever go to an Italian or Greek restaurant and see the patrons
dipping their bread in olive oil, they're doing so to help reduce their appetites
for all the food that follows.
b) A Faster Metabolism-
A good olive oil burns off 3 times faster than a bad fat, helping to rev up
metabolism. How fast? A 60% faster metabolism.
c) Karina Smirnoff-
The Dancing With The Star dancer, has taken a tbsp. of extra-virgin
olive oil a few minutes after waking up and then waits an hour to eat.
She and her Mom have used this dietary secret for the past 15 yrs.
after learning about it from a dance instructor, and they've maintained
their weight ever since.

So, does a tbsp. of olive oil in the morning sound doable?
Just remember, it may take a while to work, so be patient and don't
think..."hey, I've had my olive oil, now I can eat whatever I want."
Doing this, will only keep the weight on.

Good Luck!
JGib~~
NRFATW!