You can’t help someone get up a hill without getting closer to the top yourself.

H. Norman Schwarzkopf

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Dark Chocolate Prevents Heart Disease

Tiny Bit of Dark Chocolate Daily Reduces Inflammation That Leads to Heart Disease

An Italian study shows that dark chocolate can significantly reduce the inflammation that leads to cardiovascular disease. The ideal amount is 6.7 grams per day (0.23 ounces). A typical Hershey chocolate bar weighs about 43 grams. That means eating one dark chocolate bar over the course of 6 1/2 days to get 6.7 grams per day.

Milk chocolate doesn’t appear to offer the same benefits.

The study was conducted by Research Laboratories of the Catholic University in Campobasso and the National Cancer Institute of Milan and has been published in the Journal of Nutrition. The data come from an epidemiological study called the Moli-sani Project, which selected men and women at least 35 years old randomly from city hall registries in southern Italy.

For the chocolate study, researchers identified 4,849 people in good health without risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These participants were asked about their dark chocolate consumption.

Chronic inflammation can lead to heart disease, so keeping inflammation under control is a major part of preventive treatment. Research has shown that patients who have a low amount of C-reactive protein in their blood have lower levels of inflammation. People who eat dark chocolate regularly, in small servings, have significantly lower levels of C reactive protein, according to the study. This holds true even after accounting for any other potential confounding factors (such as differences in other dietary practices).

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Smells During Sleep May Shape Dreams

A bedroom that smells good may make for sweet dreams, while a stinky sleep setting may lead to bad dreams.

That news comes from a German study in which a positive smell (roses), a negative smell (rotten eggs), or a neutral smell wafted through a sleep lab while 15 healthy young women slept.

When the women entered REM sleep, the researchers woke them up and asked them what was on their minds just before waking.

The women described the dreams they’d been having and rated how positive or negative those dreams had been.

The women reported more positive dreams when they had smelled the rose scent during sleep, and more negative dreams when they had smelled the scent of rotten eggs during sleep.

The type of scent didn’t affect how long the dreams lasted or how bizarre the dreams were.

It would be interesting to see if pleasant scents smelled during sleep affectnightmares, say the researchers, who included Michael Schredl, PhD, of the sleep laboratory at the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany.

Their findings were presented yesterday in Chicago at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

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Cell Phone Use Linked to Male Infertility

Men, beware: Using a hands-free device with a cell phone may affect your fertility if you keep your phone close to your testicles, Cleveland Clinic researchers warn in the journal Fertility and Sterility.

Men who use these hands-free devices tend to carry their cell phones in their pants pocket or clipped to their belts at the waist while in talk mode. As a result, they may be exposing their testicles to damaging radiofrequency electromagnetic waves, explains Ashok Agarwal, PhD, head of the andrology laboratory and the director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine at the Glickman Urologoical and Kidney Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

“The Bluetooth devices, which many people are using these days because of health or safety concerns, may not be always so safe. There is a downside,” he says.

Cell Phone Radiation Affects Sperm Quality

To arrive at their findings, researchers collected semen samples from 32 men and divided each man’s sample into two parts. They placed half of the semen samples 2.5 centimeters away from a 850 MHz frequency cell phone in talk mode for one hour. Most cell phones used in the U.S. are 850-900 MHz. They chose this distance because it is the typical distance between the testes and the trouser pockets.

Previous research from the same group showed that radiofrequency electromagnetic waves emitted from cell phones can impair sperm quality, and the new study shows why this may occur. Semen exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic waves emitted from cell phones had higher levels of damaging free radicals, lower sperm motility (the ability of thesperm to move and swim) and sperm viability (the percentage of live sperm), and possibly greater oxidative stress, the study shows. There were no significant differences in DNA damage between the exposed and unexposed groups.

“Our findings appear to be in line with other concerns that environmental factors such as toxins, pollutants, and materials used in farming play a role in male infertility,” Agarwal says.

Further study is needed to validate the findings. “We will also test the effect [of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves emitted from cell phones] at other distances,” he says. “We know the radiation impairs sperm quality at 2.5 centimeters, but we don’t know if the effect will continue at 3, 4, or 5 centimeters,” he says.

Future studies will determine if there is dangerous emission when the phone is in silent or standby mode.

“The emission may be smaller than when in talk mode, but could it still be harmful if it reaches the testes,” he says.

Do Ask, Do Tell

Sami David, MD, a New York City-based reproductive endocrinologist, tells WebMD that he asks every male patient where they keep their cell phones and whether they use a hands-free device.

“You want it to stay far away from the testicles,” he says. “I am more worried about the people that talk for three or four hours a day with the cell phone in their pocket than those who talk for shorter periods.”

It’s more than just cell phones. Other factors can affect male infertility, he says. “Men should not place their laptop on their laps due to the heat from the battery,” he tells WebMD. “Jacuzzis, tub baths, toxins, and fumes can all play a role in male infertility and should be discussed.”

Given the mechanism proposed by the new study, David says that antioxidants such as vitamins C and E may help reverse oxidative stress in sperm. He suggests all his male patients take certain antioxidants even when their sperm is normal.

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People we’d rather avoid

Metta (lovingkindness) is to be extended towards all beings and all manifestations, yet most of our difficulties lie with people. It is much easier to love birds, dogs, cats, and trees than it is to love people. Trees and animals don’t answer back, but people do, so this is where our training commences. . . . Sometimes people find they don’t feel anything while practicing metta meditation. That is nothing to worry about; thoughts aimed often enough in the right direction eventually produce the feelings. All our sense contacts produce feelings. Thoughts are the sixth sense, and even if we are only thinking metta, eventually the feeling will arise. It is one means of helping us to gain this heart quality, but certainly not the only one.

In our daily activities all of us are confronted with other people and often with those whom we would rather avoid. These are our challenges, lessons and tests. If we consider them in that manner we won’t be so irritated by these experiences. . . . When we realize that such a confrontation is exactly what we need at that moment in order to overcome resistance and negativity and substitute metta for those emotions, then we will be grateful for the opportunity.

–Ayya Khema, in When the Iron Eagle Flies
from Everyday Mind, edited by Jean Smith, a Tricycle book

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“The Warrior lives a life full of adventure, living on the edge of opportunity. Life on the edge keeps him in a space of heightened awareness and totally in the moment; therefore no matter what comes his way he is always prepared.”

— James Arthur Ray

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What is a Bear Market

What Does it Mean?
A market condition in which the prices of securities are falling, and widespread pessimism causes the negative sentiment to be self-sustaining. As investors anticipate losses in a bear market, selling continues, which then creates further pessimism. Although figures can vary, for many a downturn of 20% or more in multiple broad market indexes, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) or Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500), over at least a two-month period, is considered an entry into a bear market.

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Understand your Flying Dream

Flying dreams are common and are often associated with ambition, personal empowerment and breaking free from limitations.

Flying dreams can be interpreted in a number of ways, but in general can be seen representing your spirit risitn high, freed from limitations or boundaries.

A dream in which you can fly suggests that your mind is reaching for new heights. It is the search for, and exploration of, possibilities that lie beyond the reality of your everyday life. The flying dream often happens when there is opportunity for advancement in your life and may indicate optimism about your future. In order to understand the meaning of a flying dream you must assess its basic components. Factors such as how high you flew and whether the flight was easy or turbulent give an indication of how attainable your ambitions are in the real world.

Why we have flying dreams

Flying dreams are often symbolic and refer to aspects of your spirit rising or falling. In general, flying dreams tend to indicate a desire to:

• Rise above the mundane aspects of life to gain insight and knowledge about the bigger picture.
• Assess your capabilities in relation to your ambition in the world.
• Gain psychological freedom from your everyday problems.
• Compensate for a feeling of inferiority.
• Triumph over great difficulties and overcome obstacles.

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About Olive Oil

Although the olive tree originated in Asia, it has been cultivated for over 3,000 years in the Mediterranean countries, where much of the olive crop is used to make olive oil. In this process, olives are pitted and ground to a thick pulp. The pulp is then pressed to remove the juices, which are placed in a centrifuge to separate the water from the oil. One tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of fat, but the fat is mostly monounsaturated; it has a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels and is easily digested. In those countries where olive oil is consumed extensively, such as Greece, Italy and Spain, there is a low incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The mild vegetable mucilage in olive oil protects the body’s digestive tract. Ancient civilizations used olive oil to help heal wounds. Today, it is considered a good remedy for skin problems and an effective moisturizer. 

Choose the highest quality olive oil

Use only olive oil that is labeled “extra virgin”. This guarantees that the oil has been cold-pressed from freshly harvested olives and does not contain chemicals. Extra virgin olive oil supplies the best flavor and oil supplies the best flavor and oil that is golden-yellow in color is of higher quality than green.

Therapeutic Effect:

Taken internally, olive oil stimulates metabolism, promotes digestion and lubricates mucous membranes. It can also be applied externally to treat dry skin.

Components

Olive oil contains 77 percent monounsaturated fatty acids, 14 percent saturated fatty acids, and 9 percent polyunsaturated fatty acids, plus vegetable mucilage and vitamin E.

Help for the digestive tract

Take 1 tbsp. of olive oil on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion and relieve upset stomach, flatulence and heartburn.

Olive oil for constipation

In the morning, take 1 tsp. of olive oil mixed with lemon juice on an empty stomach. Or try an enema made from 5 oz. of olive oil in 20 oz. of boiling water, cooled to lukewarm.

The antioxidant benefit

The vitamin E in olive oil is an antioxidant. In addition, monounsaturated fatty acids are less easily damaged by oxygen than other types of fat. They are therefore less likely to produce free radicals, which damage cell membranes and contribute to several diseases.

Extra Tip

Olive oil can help build strong fingernails and soften cuticles. Before bed, soak your nails in a mixture of lukewarm olive oil and lemon juice. Put on soft cloth gloves and let the oil penetrate overnight. Your nails will gradually become more resistant to breaking and chipping.

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Excerpt from “The Complete Guide to Natural Healing”

About Parsley

Parsley | Petroselinum crispum

Now grown all over the world, parsley originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region. For more than 2,000 years, it has been known as a medicinal herb. The ancient Greeks valued the seeds and roots of the plant for their soothing, diuretic effect on those with kidney and bladder ailments. Today, parsley is still used primarily as a diuretic. In addition, it strengthens the digestive system and helps alleviate stomach and liver problems. In folk medicine, parsley is recommended for women who have irregular menstrual periods. As a diuretic, it may also ease the bloating that some women experience before their periods. in addition, parsley leaves are a good source of many vitamins and minerals including iron, which is important for the proper formation of red blood cells, potassium and vitamin C. 

A Parsley Tonic to aid circulation

Medieval German herbalist Saint Hildegard of Bingen prescribed parsley wine to improve blood circulation. It was believed to help heart conditions. To make parsley wine, combine 10-12 large springs of parsly with 1 quart of red or white wine and 2 tbsp. of white-wine vinegar. Boil for 10 min., then add 9 oz. of honey. Strain the mixture and pour into bottles. Take 1 tbsp. three times a day.

Therapeutic Effect

Parsley is a diuretic that purifies the blood and accelerates the excretion of toxins. It stimulates appetite and aids digestion and metabolism. The herb can also ease bloating, stomach cramps and nausea, as well as relieve arthritis symptoms. Eaten regularly, it reduces heart rate and lowers blood pressure. To keep your breath fresh, chew on fresh parsley leaves. And for treatment of kidney stones, brew up some parsley tea.

Components

This herb supplies important vitamins and minerals. For instance, just 1/4 cup of fresh parsley provides a third of your daily vitamin C requirement. Its high vitamin C and A content also help fight cancer. Parsley actually ranks higher than most vegetable sin bistidine, an amino acid that inhibits tumors. In addition, parsley is an excellent source of potassium, which is important in lowering blood pressure, and folic acid, which may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Finally, it contains some calcium, manganese and iron.

Extra Tip

Parsley contains essential oils; the most important one, apiole, is a kidney stimulant. Because these essential oils can stimulate uterine contractions, pregnant women should avoid eating large quantities of it. But, after the baby is born, parsley can help tone the uterus and promote lactation.

Kitchen Hints

• Don’t cook parsley, because heat destroys its valuable vitamins and minerals. To reatin parsley’s flavor, chop the herb just before using and add it to hot foods at the last minute. 
• Avoid dried parsley: it is far less tasty and healthful than the fresh herb.
• Try the flat-leaf variety, also called Italian parsley. It has more nutrients and a better flavor than curly parsley. Chop the herb just before using, then sprinkle the pieces over the dish.
• Add parsley to complement a dish, such as potatoes, pasta and vegetables.
• Freeze fresh parsley to save preparation time in the kitchen. Wash, dry and chop the parsley leaves, then freeze them in a plastic container or zip-seal plastic bag. You can then remove just the amount you need for each recipe.
• Keep parsley fresh by sprinkling it with water, wrapping it in paper towels and refrigerating it in a plastic bag. Of, place parsley stems in a glass of water (like a bunch of flowers) and refrigerate.

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Excerpt from “The Complete Guide to Natural Healing”