Ewwwwww

Head lice

Head lice are small insects that live on the hair of your scalp and neck. They aren’t a serious health problem and rarely cause anything more than an itchy scalp. However, they can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, and should to be treated promptly.

Head lice (also known as Pediculus capitis) are small, wingless insects with six legs. They are greyish-white to black in colour and the legs have hook-like claws that hold onto your hair. Adult head lice are around 2mm to 4mm in length – about the size of a sesame seed.
Female head lice lay eggs, which are attached to your hair shaft. The eggs take about a week to hatch, after which an empty egg case often remains. These are known as a nits. Young lice are called nymphs – they take about six to 10 days to mature to adults and feed on blood from your scalp to survive. Adult lice can live for up to 30 days. A typical head lice infection is up to 10 live lice per head, but it can be up to thousands.
Head lice can be found anywhere on your scalp. They are most commonly found behind your ears and at the back of your neck. They can only live on human hair – you can’t catch head lice from animals. If you have nits, it doesn’t always mean that you have head lice. After hatching, the nits can stay stuck to your hair shaft. You only have head lice for sure, if you find a living, moving louse on your scalp.

 

Symptoms of head lice

You may have no symptoms at all if you have head lice. Itching can start if you become sensitive to louse saliva or faeces. This usually takes four to six weeks, but can it be up to three months before you have any itching. You might get a tickling feeling, or the feeling of something moving in your hair.
As well as itching, you may develop a rash behind your ears and at the back of your neck – this is caused by a reaction to the louse saliva or faeces. If you scratch a lot, you may develop skin sores, which can become infected. You might see nits stuck to your hair shafts.

Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have head lice. For example, an itchy scalp can be caused by other conditions, such as eczema or dandruff. Some people develop itching just by hearing that there are head lice within the school or community. It’s important that you don’t start any treatment until you have been diagnosed with head lice, or you find a living, moving louse on your scalp

Diagnosis of head lice

You can only be sure you have head lice if you can find a living louse on your scalp. They can be hard to spot, but you can comb your hair using a fine-toothed comb to find and remove them. This is called detection combing and it can be done when your hair is wet or dry. Applying conditioner to wet hair can be helpful because the lice can’t move as quickly so they are easier to see on the comb. After each stroke, check the comb for lice. It can take between five and 15 minutes to wet comb your hair, depending on how long and curly it is.
If you do dry detection combing and spot a louse on the comb, place your thumb on it before pulling the comb through and out of your hair. This will stop any lice being flicked off the comb. Check all members of your household with detection combing so you know who will need treatment.

Treatment of head lice

Head lice can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but are not a serious health problem. There are a number of effective treatments available. You can either use an insecticide treatment or do wet combing (‘bug-busting’).

Insecticide treatments

There are a number of insecticide treatments available over-the-counter at your pharmacist to treat head lice. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice. You should only treat head lice with an insecticide treatment if you find live lice. Apply the treatment twice, leaving seven days between the applications – this kills any new lice that may have hatched. All members of your household that have head lice should be treated at the same time.
Insecticides are usually well tolerated. Your skin might become slightly irritated from the treatment, but this is usually mild and clears up on its own. Treatments are likely to be successful when you apply the treatment correctly and all affected members of your family are treated on the same day.

Dimeticone 4% lotion (Hedrin)

This is a physical insecticide, which means that it doesn’t contain chemicals and kills the lice by coating them and blocking their breathing tubes. You should apply dimeticone to your hair and scalp, and leave it on for eight hours, or overnight. You then need to wash it out using shampoo. The lotion is suitable for all ages, however, check with your GP first if you need to use it on a child younger than six months. It can be used if you have asthma or skin conditions, such as eczema.

Dimeticone 92% spray (NYDA)

This is also a physical insecticide. This treatment involves applying the spray and then combing your hair with a fine-toothed comb 30 minutes later. The treatment is then left on your hair and scalp for eight hours, or overnight, and then washed out using shampoo. It isn’t suitable for children younger than two.

Malathion (eg Derbac-M, Prioderm)

This is a chemical insecticide. You apply it to your hair and scalp, and leave it for 12 hours or overnight, then wash it out using shampoo. Some preparations are not recommended for children who have severe eczema or asthma. Check with your GP if you wish to use it on children under six months, as you may need a prescription.

Wet combing or 'bug busting'

This treatment involves removing lice by regularly combing wet hair with a plastic, fine-toothed comb (‘Bug Buster’ comb). You need to do this every four days for a minimum of two weeks, spending around 30 minutes each time combing through your entire head. It’s important that you keep wet combing your hair until you haven’t seen any full-grown lice for three consecutive sessions. You might find wet combing easier to do by applying a few drops of vegetable oil or conditioner to your hair – this stops the lice moving so rapidly.
You may prefer wet combing to insecticides, as it doesn’t involve using strong chemicals and it’s suitable to use if you have asthma or a skin condition, and for all ages. The Bug Buster comb is also reusable, so one comb can be used to treat all members of your family that are affected. However, wet combing isn’t as effective as using an insecticide treatment and it can be time consuming if you have many members of your family to treat.
There are also electronic nit combs available, but there isn’t any good evidence that they are effective so they aren’t currently recommended for treating head lice.

After treatment

Whatever treatment you use, you should check if it’s worked by detection combing two or three days after you have completed the treatment. Repeat this again after seven days. If you find any nits, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the treatment hasn’t worked – they may just be empty egg cases. If you find live lice, the treatment may not have been successful or you might have caught them again. You will need to repeat the treatment on your whole household. Lice can also become resistant to one or more insecticides, so you may need to switch to a different treatment.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should treat head lice with wet combing or dimeticone 4% lotion. If these options don’t work, you might need to use a chemical insecticide. Always speak to your pharmacist or GP before using any insecticides.

How To Hide It....Or Get Rid Of It...

 

How to Get Rid of Dandruff: 11 Natural Treatments

Skip the dandruff shampoo and try these homemade dandruff treatments to banish those pesky white flakes.

 

What gets rid of dandruff?

Dandruff may be the result of a dry scalp, or a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. It could also be caused by eczema, psoriasis, or, very commonly, an overgrowth of a yeastlike fungus called malassezia. Drugstore remedies might include shampoos with zinc pyrithione, which targets fungus and bacteria; ketoconazole, which also fights fungus; coal tar and selenium sulfide, which slow the growth and die-off of skin cells on your scalp; and salicylic acid, which loosens flakes so they can be washed away. For natural treatments, read on.

Aspirin

Aspirin contains the same active ingredient (salicylic acid) as many medicated dandruff shampoos. Keep flaking in check by crushing two aspirins to a fine powder and adding it to the normal amount of shampoo you use each time you wash your hair. Leave the mixture on your hair for 1-2 minutes, then rinse well and wash again with plain shampoo.

 

Tea tree oil

One study showed that shampoos with just 5 percent tea tree oil significantly improves the severity of dandruff. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite shampoo as you wash normally.

Baking soda

Your kitchen could hold the key to an itch-free, flake-free scalp. Wet your hair and then rub a handful of baking soda vigorously into your scalp. Skip the shampoo and go right to rinsing. Baking soda reduces overactive fungi that can cause dandruff. Your hair may get dried out at first, but after a few weeks your scalp will start producing natural oils, leaving your hair softer and free of flakes.

Apple cider vinegar

Dr. Mehmet Oz swears by apple cider vinegar as a dandruff treatment, as the acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow. Mix a quarter cup apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup water in a spray bottle and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a week.

Mouthwash

To treat a bad case of dandruff, wash your hair with your regular shampoo, then rinse with an alcohol-based mouthwash. Follow with your regular conditioner. Mouthwash's anti-fungal properties help prevent dandruff-causing yeast from growing.

Coconut oil

Crunchybetty.com says coconut oil is a "tried and true" dandruff treatment, and it smells nice too. Before showering, massage 3-5 tablespoons of coconut oil into your scalp and let sit for about an hour. Shampoo normally. You can also look for a shampoo that already contains coconut oil.

Lemon

Dandruff relief may be no farther away than your refrigerator. Just massage 2 tablespoons lemon juice into your scalp and rinse with water. Then stir 1 teaspoon lemon juice into 1 cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat this daily until your dandruff disappears. Lemon's acidity helps balance the pH of your scalp, which helps keeps dandruff at bay.

Salt

The abrasiveness of ordinary table salt works great for scrubbing out dandruff flakes before you shampoo. Grab a saltshaker and shake some salt onto your dry scalp. Then work it through your hair, giving your scalp a massage. You'll find you've worked out the dry, flaky skin and are ready for a shampoo.

Aloe vera

Stop yourself from scratching by massaging aloe vera into your scalp before shampooing. The cooling effects of aloe vera will soothe the itch.

Garlic

Garlic's anti-fungal properties are perfect for eliminating dandruff-causing bacteria. Crush garlic and rub it into your scalp. To avoid that potent smell, healwithfood.org suggests mixing crushed garlic with honey and massaging into the scalp before washing as usual.

Olive oil

An overnight olive oil soak is a folk remedy for dandruff. Massage about 10 drops into your scalp and cover with a shower cap overnight. Follow your regular shampoo routine in the morning. For a quicker cure, look for a shampoo that contains olive oil.

Where Did I Go Wrong.....

Causes of Cracked Feet

The important causes that lead to cracked feet are

• Naturally dry skin - excessive feet activity cause the naturally dry skin to crack
• Standing for a long time- standing on hard floors for a long time cause cracked heels
• Being overweight- excess weight cause pressure on the feet and cause the feet to expand leading to cracked heels
• Medical conditions- diseases such as diabetes and thyroid problems and skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and athlete’s foot cause cracked feet.
• Aging- aging cause the loss of natural oils from the skin resulting in dry skin which tends to crack
• Continuous exposure to water- keeping the feet in water for a long time while bathing or doing any other work standing in water or wet areas remove the natural oils from the skin of the feet. This will leave the skin dry and rough
• Low humidity levels- during cold weather the humidity will be less causing the drying up of the exposed skin. The heating systems also make the skin to dry up.
• Non-moisturizing soap- Non- moisturizing soaps when used will not replenish the moisture of the skin causing cracks or fissures of the skin.
• What Can I Do Now ?

  Complications Associated With Cracked Feet

  It is necessary for people suffering from mild or moderate cracked feet to be aware of the complications associated with the condition.  If the mild or moderate cracked feet are not treated properly, there can lead to severe conditions of cracked feet. The symptoms which are mild at first can become difficult to manage if it is left untreated. Severe or deep cracks will be painful and there are additional complications such as
  
• Difficulty in walking
• Infections of the cracked feet
• You cannot spend more time on feet, which will affect your working ability
• Increased itchiness and burning sensation
• Require expensive treatment instead of cheaper home remedies to get rid of cracked feet

Did You Know Why It Happens.....

Symptoms Of Cracked Feet

The signs and symptoms of cracked heels indicate the external abuse of the feet or faulty internal activity.

• Rough skin on the feet- this is one of the first signs that indicate you are going to develop cracked feet. The callus skin around the heels will lead to cracks
• Red, flaky patches- red and flaky skin on the feet shows that your feet need more care. If you ignore the flaky skin the condition will worsen
• Cracks on the underside of the feet or fissures- this symptom follows the red, flaky skin. Cracks on the feet are a definite sign of cracked feet and immediate remedy is required to improve the condition of the skin. Do not pull out the pieces of dry skin. Clip away the dead skin using small scissors.
• Itchiness- The shrinking of the upper layers of the skin causes stretching of the skin below and this result in itching.
• Rash caused by itching- the itching if left untreated can lead to rash which may be painful. Get rid of the upper layers of the skin before you start any treatment for dry and cracked feet.
• Bleeding or discharge from the cracks- when the cracks affect the deeper layers of the skin bleeding or discharge from the cracks occurs. This increases the chances of infection of the cracked skin.
• Symptoms worsening during winter- The symptoms like dryness, itchiness and rash increases during cold climate.

Ouch Don't Those Cracks Hurt.....?

 Are Your Feet Cracked.....?

 Cracked feet, also known as heel fissures, are a common problem for people of all ages, mostly caused by lack of moisture.
Other causes include, standing for long hours, using harsh soaps, cold weather, continuous exposure to water, being overweight, and wearing improper footwear. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, thyroid disease and diabetes can also contribute to this problem.
Some of the signs and symptoms of cracked feet are red or flaky patches, peeling skin, itchiness, bleeding from the cracks and pain.
Cracked feet look unattractive and, in some cases can lead to infection and extreme pain. The problem can be taken care of with some simple home remedies.

1. Scrubbing

Scrubbing the hard, dead skin away helps a great deal in getting rid of cracked feet. Before scrubbing, soak your feet in warm soapy water to help soften the skin and make it easier to scrub.

1. Before going to bed, mix some liquid soap in a foot tub filled with warm water.
2. Soak your feet in this warm soapy water for about 20 minutes.
3. Use a pumice stone to gently scrub off the loosened dead skin cells.
4. Rinse off your feet with clean water and pat dry with a soft towel.
5. Apply some foot cream or moisturizer and wear a pair of clean cotton socks overnight.
6. Follow this remedy daily until your cracked feet are healed completely.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another incredible remedy for dry, cracked feet. It helps moisturize your feet and also fights fungal and bacterial infections, thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

1. Before going to sleep, soak your feet in warm water and scrub with a loofah.
2. Dry your feet thoroughly and then apply coconut oil generously on your feet.
3. Put on a pair of clean, cotton socks for the night.
4. The next morning, remove the socks and wash your feet.
5. Do this daily for several days until you are satisfied with the results.

You can also use olive oil in the same way.

3. Mentholated Rub

This is another popular home remedy for cracked heels because of the many essential oils that it contains. It also helps heal toenail fungus.

1. Apply some mentholated rub on clean, dry feet before going to bed.
2. Put on a pair of socks and leave it on overnight.
3. The next morning, remove your socks and wash your feet with warm water.
4. Repeat daily for a few days until the rough skin peels off.

4. Paraffin Wax

You can also use paraffin wax to remove the dead, dry skin and cure cracked feet. It will also work as a natural emollient to soften the skin and retain the natural oils on the skin.

1. Heat some paraffin wax in a microwave or double-boiler and add an equal amount of mustard oil or coconut oil to it.
2. Apply this thick creamy paste on the cracks and put on a pair of socks.
3. Leave it on overnight and wash your feet thoroughly in the morning.
4. Follow this remedy daily for one or two weeks.

5. Glycerin

Due to its moisturizing and humectant properties, glycerin works as a great remedy to get rid of cracked feet.

1. Make a mixture of equal parts of glycerin and lemon juice. You can also add some rose water.
2. Apply it on your feet.
3. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash it off with water.
4. Follow this remedy daily for about two weeks.

6. Epsom Salt

Epsom facilitates the process of healing cracked feet as it promotes circulation. Plus, the magnesium in Epsom salt promotes skin health and draws out toxins.

1. Add one-half cup of Epsom salt in a foot tub filled with warm water.
2. Soak your feet in it for 10 minutes.
3. Gently rub your feet with a pumice stone for a few minutes.
4. Put your feet back in the Epsom salt soak for another 10 minutes.
5. Finally, dry your feet thoroughly and apply a moisturizer or petroleum jelly.
6. Repeat daily for two or three days.

Have You Gone Bananas.....?

Heart health
Bananas are good for your heart. They are packed with potassium, a mineral electrolyte that keeps electricity flowing throughout your body, which is required to keep your heart beating. Bananas' high potassium and low sodium content may also help protect your cardiovascular system against high blood pressure, according to the FDA.

Depression and mood

Bananas can be helpful in overcoming depression "due to high levels of tryptophan, which the body converts to serotonin, the mood-elevating brain neurotransmitter," Flores said. Plus, vitamin B6 can help you sleep well, and magnesium helps to relax muscles.

Digestion and weight loss

Bananas are high in fiber, which can help keep you regular. One banana can provide nearly 10 percent of your daily fiber requirement. Vitamin B6 can also help protect against type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss, according to Flores. In general, bananas are a great weight loss food because they taste sweet and are filling, which helps curb cravings. They also help sustain blood sugar levels during workouts.

Vision

Carrots may get all the glory for helping your eyes, but bananas do their share as well. The fruits contain a small but significant amount of vitamin A, which is essential for protecting your eyes, maintaining normal vision and improving vision at night, according to the National Institutes of Health. Vitamin A contains compounds that preserve the membranes around your eyes and are an element in the proteins that bring light to your corneas. Like other fruits, bananas can help prevent macular degeneration, an incurable condition, which blurs central vision.

Bones

Bananas may not be overflowing with calcium, but they are still helpful in keeping bones strong.  According to a 2009 article in the Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry, bananas contain an abundance of fructooligosaccharides. These are nondigestive carbohydrates that encourage digestive-friendly priobotics and enhance the body's ability to absorb calcium.

Cancer

Some evidence suggests that moderate consumption of bananas may be protective against kidney cancer. A 2005 Swedish study found that women who ate more than 75 servings of fruits and vegetables cut their risk of kidney cancer by 40 percent, and that bananas were especially effective. Women eating four to six bananas a week halved their risk of developing kidney cancer.
Bananas may be helpful in preventing kidney cancer because of their high levels of antioxidant phenolic compounds.

Health risks

Eaten in moderation, there are no significant side effects associated with eating bananas. However, eating the fruits in excess may trigger headaches and sleepiness, Flores said. She said that such headaches are caused by "the amino acids in bananas that dilate blood vessels." Overripe bananas contain more of these amino acids than other bananas. "Bananas can also contribute to sleepiness when eaten in excess due to the high amount of tryptophan found in them," she said. Magnesium also relaxes the muscles — another sometimes-benefit, sometimes-risk.
Bananas are a sugary fruit, so eating too many and not maintaining proper dental hygiene practices can lead to tooth decay. They also do not contain enough fat or protein to be a healthy meal on their own, or an effective post-workout snack.
Eating bananas becomes significantly risky only if you eat too many. The USDA recommends that adults eat about two cups of fruit a day, or about two bananas. If you eat dozens of bananas every day, there may be a risk of excessively high vitamin and mineral levels.
The University of Maryland Medical Center reported that potassium overconsumption can lead to hyperkalemia, which is characterized by muscle weakness, temporary paralysis and an irregular heartbeat. It can have serious consequences, but you would have to eat about 43 bananas in a short time for any symptoms of hyperkalemia to occur.
According to the NIH, consuming more than 500 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily can possibly lead to nerve damage in the arms and legs. You would have to eat thousands of bananas to reach that level of vitamin B6.

Banana peels: edible or poisonous?

It turns out that the biggest risk from a banana peel might really be slipping on it. Banana peels are not poisonous. In fact, they're edible, and packed with nutrients. "Banana peel is eaten in many parts of the world, though [it's] not very common in the west," Flores said. "It contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and potassium. It also contains some fiber and protein." According to a 2011 article in the journal of Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, banana peels also have "various bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids and others."
It is important to carefully wash a banana peel before eating it due to the pesticides that may be sprayed in banana groves.
Banana peels are usually served cooked, boiled or fried in some capacity, though they can be eaten raw or put in a blender with other fruits. They are not as sweet as banana flesh. Riper peels will be sweeter than unripe ones.

Banana facts

• Bananas may have been the world's first cultivated fruit. Archaeologists have found evidence of banana cultivation in New Guinea as far back as 8000 B.C.
• Bananas are produced mainly in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia and the Americas, as well as the Canary Islands and Australia.
• Bananas do not grow on trees. The banana plant is classified as an arborescent (tree-like) perennial herb, and the banana itself is considered a berry.
• The correct name for a bunch of bananas is a hand; a single banana is a finger.
• Nearly all the bananas sold in stores are cloned from just one variety, the Cavendish banana plant, originally native to Southeast Asia.
• The Cavendish replaced the Gros Michel after that variety was wiped out by fungus. The Gros Michel reportedly was bigger, had a longer shelf life and tasted better.
• The Cavendish may face the same fate as the Gros Michel within the next 20 years, botanists say.
• Bananas are also called plantains. But in general use, "banana" refers to the sweeter form of the fruit, which is often eaten uncooked, while "plantain" refers to a starchier fruit that is often cooked before eating.
• There are 50 recognized species of banana.
• Wild bananas grow throughout Southeast Asia, but most are inedible for humans, as they are studded with hard seeds.
• The vast majority of bananas grown today are for consumption by the farmers or the local community. Only 15 percent of the global production of the fruit is grown for export.
• India is the leading producer of bananas worldwide, accounting for 23 percent of the total banana production, though most of the Indian plantains are for domestic use.
• In 1923, sheet music for a popular song titled "Yes, We Have No Bananas!" sold upward of a thousand copies a day.
• Harry Belafonte's version of the "Banana Boat Song" was released on the first album to sell over a million copies, Belafonte's "Calypso."

Sprouts...

Health risks

In general, broccoli is safe to eat, and any side effects are not serious. The most common side effect is gas or bowel irritation, caused by broccoli's high amounts of fiber. "All cruciferous vegetables can make you gassy," Jarzabkowski said. "But the health benefits outweigh the discomfort."
People taking blood-thinning medications should watch their broccoli intake, since the vegetable's vitamin K content may interfere with the medication's effectiveness. Those with hypothyroidism should also limit their intake of broccoli.

Health benefits of broccoli

Cancer prevention
Probably the most publicized health benefit of broccoli is its possible ability to help prevent cancer. "Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, and all vegetables in this group may be protective against some stomach and intestinal cancers," Jarzabkowski said.
The American Cancer Society notes broccoli's isothiocyanates, including sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. These chemicals boost detoxifying enzymes and act as antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress. They also may affect estrogen levels, which may help reduce breast cancer risk.
Cholesterol reduction
According to Jarzabkowski, broccoli can help lower cholesterol because the soluble fiber in the vegetable binds with the cholesterol in the blood. This binding makes the cholesterol easier to excrete, and consequently lessens cholesterol levels in the body.
Detoxification
Phytocheimcals glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin compose a terrific trio in broccoli. Together, they aid all steps of the body's detoxification process, from activation to neutralization and elimination of contaminants. A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America found that the sprouts of broccoli may be especially potent in this regard.
Heart health
In addition to reducing cholesterol, broccoli can aid in heart health by helping to keep blood vessels strong. The sulforaphane in broccoli is also an anti-inflammatory and may be able to prevent or reverse damage to blood vessel linings caused by chronic blood sugar problems. And the vegetable's B-complex vitamins can help regulate or reduce excessive homocysteine, according to the Harvard University School of Public Health. Excess homocysteine, an amino acid that builds up after a person eats red meat, increases the risk of coronary artery disease.
Eye health
"You've probably heard that carrots are good for your eyes, and that's because they contain lutein," Jarzabkowski said. "It's a compound antioxidant that's really good for eye health, and broccoli is also a great way to get it." Another antioxidant in broccoli called zeaxanthin is similarly beneficial. Both chemicals may help protect against macular degeneration, an incurable condition that blurs central vision, and cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens.
Digestion
Jarzabkowski emphasized broccoli's digestive benefits, which she chalked up mostly to the vegetable's high fiber content. Broccoli has nearly 1 gram of fiber per 10 calories. Fiber helps keep you regular and helps maintain healthy bacteria levels in the intestines.
Broccoli also aids in digestion by helping to keep your stomach lining healthy. The sulforaphane in broccoli helps keep the stomach bacteria Helicobacter pylori from becoming overgrown or clinging too strongly to the stomach wall. A 2009 Johns Hopkins study on mice found that broccoli sprouts are especially good at helping in this way. Mice that were fed broccoli sprouts daily for two months reduced the levels of H. pylori in their stools by more than 40 percent.
Anti-inflammatory benefits
Broccoli is a great anti-inflammatory and may slow down the damage to joints associated with osteoarthritis. A 2013 study at the University of East Anglia found that broccoli's sulforaphane may help people suffering from arthritis because this chemical "blocks the enzymes that cause joint destruction by stopping a key molecule known to cause inflammation."
Broccoli's isothiocyanates and omega-3 fatty acids also help to regulate inflammation. Furthermore, a 2010 study published in the journal Inflammation Researcher suggested that the flavonoid kaempferol lessens the impact of allergens, especially in the intestinal tract, which can reduce chronic inflammation.

Green...

Broccoli

 

Your parents knew what was up when they told you to eat your broccoli. This verdant vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients. It's reputed to benefit digestion, the cardiovascular system and the immune system, and to have anti-inflammatory and even cancer-preventing properties. Plus, broccoli is low in sodium and calories, at about 31 calories per serving. It's also a fat-free vegetable.
Broccoli has an impressive nutritional profile. It is "high in fiber, very high in vitamin C and has potassium, B6 and vitamin A," raved Victoria Jarzabkowski, a nutritionist with the Fitness Institute of Texas at the University of Texas at Austin. "For a nonstarchy vegetable, it has a good amount of protein."
Broccoli is also packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants. Phytochemicals are chemicals in plants that are responsible for color, smell and flavor. Research shows that they have numerous healthful benefits. Phytochemicals in broccoli are good for the immune system. They include glucobrassicin; carotenoids, such as zeaxanthin and beta-carotene; and kaempferol, a flavonoid. 

Antioxidants are chemicals produced by the body or found in fruits, vegetables and grains. "Antioxidants can help find and neutralize free radicals that cause cell damage," Jarzabkowski told Live Science. Free radicals are unstable molecules made during metabolism. The damage they can cause may lead to cancer.
Broccoli is a good source of lutein, a compound antioxidant, and sulforaphane, which is a very potent antioxidant," Jarzabkowski said.
Broccoli also contains additional nutrients, including some magnesium, phosphorus, a little zinc and iron.

Broccoli facts

• Broccoli originated in Italy, where it was developed from wild cabbage and has existed since about sixth century B.C.  
• The Italian name for broccoli is "broccolo," meaning the flowering top of a cabbage. The word comes from the Latin word "brachium," which means branch or arm, a reflection of the vegetable's treelike shape.
• The plant came to France in 1560. Until the early 1700s, broccoli was still not widely known in England and was called "sprout colli-flower" or "Italian asparagus."
• Thomas Jefferson was a fan of broccoli and imported broccoli seeds from Italy, planting them at his home, Monticello, as early as May 1767.
• Another president, George H.W. Bush, was not a fan. He used his distaste for broccoli as a punch line in dozens of speeches. He once said, "I haven't liked it since I was a little kid, and my mother made me eat it. And I'm president of the United States, and I'm not going to eat any more broccoli." In response, broccoli growers sent 10 tons of the vegetable to the White House.
• In 2013, President Barack Obama announced that broccoli was his favorite food.
• California produces 90 percent of the broccoli grown in the United States.
• Vegetables related to broccoli are broccolini, a mix between broccoli and "gai-lin" (Chinese broccoli), and broccoflower, a cross between broccoli and cauliflower.
• The average American eats over 4 lbs. of broccoli a year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
• The world record for eating broccoli is held by Tom "Broccoli" Landers. It took him just 92 seconds to eat a full pound of the vegetable. His secret: "Just swallow, don't bother to chew."
• The United States is the world's third largest producer of broccoli. China, the top producer, grows over 8 million tons of the vegetable a year.

Watery Melons....Watermelon.

Health Benefits

Heart health
Watermelon's high levels of lycopene are very effective at protecting cells from damage and may help lower the risk of heart disease, according to a study at Purdue University. Also, the fruit's concentrations of citrulline and arginine are good for your heart. Arginine can help improve blood flow and may help reduce the accumulation of excess fat. A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extracts helped reduce hypertension and lower blood pressure in obese adults.
Anti-inflammatory properties
 "The lycopene in watermelon makes it an anti-inflammatory fruit," Jarzabkowski said. Lycopene is an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes and also works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals. Additionally, the watermelon contains choline, which helps keep chronic inflammation down, according to a 2006 article published in Shock medical journal.
Reducing inflammation isn't just good for people suffering from arthritis. "When you're sick, you have cellular damage, which can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, smoking, pollution, disease, and your body becomes inflamed," Jarzabkowski said. "It's called 'systemic inflammation.'" In this way, anti-inflammatory foods can help with overall immunity and general health.
Hydration
"Watermelons are the perfect example of a food that can help you stay hydrated," said Jarzabkowski. Their water content can help keep you hydrated, and their juice is full of good electrolytes. This can even help prevent heat stroke.
Digestion
The watermelon contains fiber, which encourages a healthy digestive tract and helps keep you regular.
Skin and hair benefits
Vitamin A is stellar for your skin, and just a cup of watermelon contains nearly one-quarter of your daily recommended intake of it. Vitamin A helps keep skin and hair moisturized, and it also encourages healthy growth of new collagen and elastin cells, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Vitamin C is also beneficial in this regard, as it promotes healthy collagen growth.
Muscle soreness
Watermelon-loving athletes are in luck: drinking watermelon juice before an intense workout helps reduce next-day muscle soreness and heart rate, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. This can be attributed to watermelon's amino acids citrulline and arginine, which help improve circulation.
Cancer prevention
Like other fruits and vegetables, watermelons may be helpful in reducing the risk of cancer through their antioxidant properties. Lycopene in particular has been linked to reducing prostate cancer cell proliferation, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Are They Pink.

Watermelon

 

 Watermelons are mostly water — about 92 percent — but this refreshing fruit is soaked with nutrients. Each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There's even a modest amount of potassium. Plus, this quintessential summer snack is fat-free, very low in sodium and has only 40 calories per cup.

Scientists have taken notice of watermelon's high lycopenelevels — about 15 to 20 milligrams per 2-cup serving, according to the National Watermelon Promotion Board — some of the highest levels of any type of fresh produce. Lycopene is a phytonutrient, which is a naturally occurring compound in fruits and vegetables that reacts with the human body to trigger healthy reactions. It is also the red pigment that gives watermelons, tomatoes, red grapefruits and guavas their color.  Lycopene has been linked with heart health, bone health and prostate cancer prevention. It's also a powerful antioxidant thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, according to Victoria Jarzabkowski, a nutritionist with the Fitness Institute of Texas at The University of Texas at Austin. 

To really maximize your lycopene intake, let your watermelon fully ripen. The redder your watermelon gets, the higher the concentration of lycopene becomes. Beta-carotene and phenolic antioxidant content also increase as the watermelon ripens. Nevertheless, "All parts of the watermelon are good. There are a lot of nutrients throughout," said Jarzabkowski. This includes the white flesh nearest the rind.
Another phytonutrient found in the watermelon is the amino acid citrulline, which converts to the amino acid arginine. These amino acids promote blood flow, leading to cardiovascular health, improved circulation, and according to research at Texas A&M University, erectile dysfunction improvement (you'd probably have to eat a lot of the fruit to get a Viagra-like effect, though).

Watermelon facts

Some fun facts about watermelons, from the National Watermelon Promotion Board and Science Kids. 
The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.
The watermelon probably originated in the Kalahari Desert in Africa.
Egyptians placed watermelons in the burial tombs of kings to nourish them in the afterlife. The first recorded watermelon harvest is depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphics from about 5,000 years ago.
Merchants spread the use of watermelons along the Mediterranean Sea. By the 10th century, watermelons had found their way to China, which is now the world's top producer of watermelons.
The Moors in the 13th century brought watermelons to Europe.
The watermelon likely made its way to the United States with African slaves.
Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.
The first cookbook published in the United States in 1776 contained a recipe for watermelon rind pickles.
About 200 to 300 varieties are grown in the United States and Mexico, but only about 50 varieties are very popular.
By weight, watermelon is the most consumed melon in the United States, followed by cantaloupe and honeydew.
The watermelon is the official state vegetable of Oklahoma.
All parts of a watermelon can be eaten, even the rind.
Guinness World Records says the world's heaviest watermelon was grown by Lloyd Bright of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, in 2005. It weighed 268.8 lbs. (121.93 kg).
The United States ranks fifth in the worldwide production of watermelons. Forty-four states grow watermelons, with Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and Arizona leading the country in production.
A seedless watermelon is a sterile hybrid, which is created by crossing male pollen for a watermelon, containing 22 chromosomes per cell, with a female watermelon flower with 44 chromosomes per cell. When this seeded fruit matures, the small, white seed coats inside contain 33 chromosomes, rendering it sterile and incapable of producing seeds.

Healthy Potatoes.

Healthiest ways to cook potatoes

 

You can probably guess that smothering your potato in sour cream and bacon isn't the healthiest way to enjoy it, but what is? Which is more nutritious — baked, boiled or steamed potatoes?
Jarzabkowski emphasized the importance of preparation in potato consumption. "The best way to eat a potato is in its whole, unprocessed form," she said. Baking a potato is the best way to prepare it, as baking, or microwaving, a potato causes the lowest amount of nutrients to be lost, she said.
The next-healthiest way to cook a potato is through steaming, which causes less nutrient loss than boiling. Cooking a peeled potato in this way results in significant nutrient loss, as the water-soluble nutrients leach out into the water.
In a potato, those water-soluble nutrients include B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, potassium and calcium. As much as 80 percent of a potato's vitamin C may go down the drain if you boil the vegetable. The same thing can happen with peeled potatoes that are left to soak, a method used to stop darkening. If you use the water from the potato boil as stock, however, you'll still get some of the nutrients.
However you cook a potato, try to eat the skin. Ounce for ounce, the skin contains more nutrients — including the majority of the vegetable's fiber — than the rest of the potato, Jarzabkowski said.

Are potato eyes poisonous?

If the eyes of a potato are not sprouting, they can be eaten. If they are sprouting, the National Institutes of Health recommends cutting off the eyes and their sprouts before eating the potato.
Potato stems, branches, leaves and fruits are toxic, containing alkaloids such as arsenic, chaconine and solanine. Solanine is "very toxic even in small amounts," according to the NIH.
Poison is also found in green potatoes. The vegetables turn green if they have had too much exposure to light. According to the NIH, you should "never eat potatoes that are spoiled or green below the skin."

Potato facts

Here are some potato facts, from the U.S. Potato Board and the Idaho Potato Museum:
Like tomatoes, eggplants and peppers, potatoes are members of the nightshade family. They are not root vegetables; potatoes are actually the swollen part of the stem of the perennial Solanum tuberosum. This part of the plant is called a tuber, which functions to provide food to the leafy part of the plant. The "eyes" of potatoes are buds, which will sprout into branches if left alone.
The word "potato" comes from the Spanish "patata."
The nickname "spud" comes from the digging tool used in planting potatoes: "espada" in Spanish, "spyd" in Dutch and "spade" in English. The word eventually became associated with the potato itself. It is a myth that the word is an acronym for the Society for the Prevention of an Unwholesome Diet, a supposed activist group that wanted to keep the potato out of Britain in the 19th century.
There are thousands of potato varieties, but not all are commercially available. Popular varieties include Russet, red, white, yellow, purple/blue, fingerling and petite.
Potatoes are grown in all 50 U.S. states. The top-producing states in 2012 were Idaho, Washington, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine and California.
In 2013, there were more than 1 million acres of potatoes planted and harvested, which produced 43.7 billion lbs. (20 billion kg) of the vegetable.
The average American eats about 124 lbs. (56 kg) of potatoes per year; Germans eat about twice as much.
Potatoes were traditionally used to make vodka, although today most vodka is produced using fermented grains such as corn, wheat or rye.
According to Guinness World Records, the largest potato grown was 7 lbs., 1 ounce (3.2 kg).
The Inca in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes, growing the vegetables around 8000 B.C. to 5000 B.C.
In 1536, Spanish Conquistadors conquered Peru, and carried potatoes back to Europe.
Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to Ireland in 1589. It took nearly four decades for the potato to spread to the rest of Europe. Because potatoes were not mentioned in the Bible, many people looked at them with suspicion. For many years, people thought that eating potatoes would cause leprosy.
Potatoes arrived in the British colonies in 1621 when the governor of Bermuda, Nathaniel Butler, sent two large cedar chests containing potatoes and other vegetables to Gov. Francis Wyatt at Jamestown.
The first permanent potato patches in North America were established in 1719, most likely near Londonderry, New Hampshire, by Scotch-Irish immigrants.
A royal chef named A. Parmentier helped King Louis XIV popularize the potato in France in the 18th century. He created a feast with only potato dishes, which he realized was possible when he was fed only potatoes while imprisoned in Germany. Benjamin Franklin, ambassador to France, was in attendance at Parmentier's feast in 1767.
Marie Antoinette turned potatoes into a fashion statement when she paraded through the French countryside wearing potato blossoms in her hair.
French fries were introduced to the United States by Thomas Jefferson, who served them in the White House during his presidency (1801-1809).
Another royal chef, Collinet, chef for French King Louis Phillippe, unintentionally created soufflés, or puffed potatoes, one night in the mid-1800s. When the king arrived late for dinner, Collinet plunged already-fried potatoes into extremely hot oil to reheat them. To the chef's surprise and the king's delight, the potatoes puffed up like little balloons.
The Irish Potato Famine: In the 1840s, an outbreak of potato blight swept through Europe and wiped out the potato crop in many countries. The Irish working class lived largely on potatoes, and when the blight reached Ireland, the residents' main staple food disappeared. Many poverty-stricken families struggled to survive. Over the course of the famine, almost 1 million people died from starvation or disease. Another million left Ireland, mostly for Canada and the United States.
In 1853, railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt complained that his potatoes were cut too thick and sent them back to the kitchen at a resort in Saratoga Springs, New York. To spite him, the chef, George Crum, sliced some potatoes paper thin, fried them in hot oil, salted and served them. To everyone's surprise, Vanderbilt loved his "Saratoga Crunch Chips," and the potato chip was born.
The potato was the first vegetable to be grown in space. In October 1995, NASA and the University of Wisconsin created the technology to do so with the goal of feeding astronauts on long space voyages.