GERBERA DAISIES FOR BETTER SLEEP

Another tip that has nothing to do with kitchen medicine but might be helpful to many of you readers. Could something as simple as a plant help you sleep better? Studies have shown that a plant in your bedroom can cut down on tossing and turning, help you to fall asleep faster, and wake up less during the night. That is because we sleep better in a space with lots of oxygen in the air. Gerbera daisies are the best for this, according to scientists who study such things, because while most plants emit extra oxygen during the day, gerbera diasies absorb toxins and carbon monoxide and give off more pure oxygen at night. Scientists especially recommend this for those suffering with sleep apnea.

BE CAREFUL ABOUT ELIMINATING BEEF FROM YOUR DIET

There is a reason we have so many different types of foods and one should be careful about eliminating any one particular food from one's diet.  Beef has often gotten a bad rap, and many avoid it in their diets.  But as I repeatedly state on this blog, never eliminate a food on a permanent basis without discussing it with your doctor. There are many reasons your doctor may feel you need to eliminate certain foods for various health reasons. However, it should be discussed with your doctor. Again, I repeat, eat everything in moderation for a healthy balanced diet and choose the low-fat versions. Would you believe red meat is brain food?  Red meat contains heme iron, the most absorbent form of iron.  The brain needs a constant flow of oxygen to operate, and oxygen depends on having iron.  Red meat helps to maintain the iron needed for our blood cells to keep that oxygen flowing to the brain.

Red meat is also a good source of vitamin B12, one of the components needed for our happiness quotient.  It is also one of the very best sources of zinc.  Research suggests that good zinc levels improve academic performance!

When possible, buy grass-fed beef and you will get 300 to 500% more CLA (conjugated linoleic acid - increases blood flow to the brain) than you will with conventional beef.

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Does Olive Oil Expire?

Olive oil may not necessarily expire but the potency does.  If you are using olive oil for its health benefits, you need to be aware that the potency of antioxidants declines by 40% after 6 months.  It is sensitive to oxygen, heat, and light.  If you don't use olive oil often, buy the small bottles instead of the large ones.