CHIROPRACTIC FOR HAY FEVER Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh Hay fever is an acute inflammation or excessive heat of the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages, as a general rule, and in some cases the inflammation extends down as far as the bronchi. This in coordination is characterized by a thin, watery discharge from the nose. The upper portions of the respiratory tract are so swollen from the inflammation existing that breathing is very difficult, especially through the nasal passages, and the patient often resorts to mouth breathing. The discharge from the nose is of a thin, watery, acrid character, and is almost continuous in its exudation from the mucous membranes lining the air passages of the nose. The mucous membrane of the nose, owing to the acute inflammation and congestion, is very sensitive, and as a result of this sensitiveness the patient sneezes very frequently. Hay fever, in its most pronounced form, generally makes its appearance in the late summer, generally the latter part of July or early August, and with most sufferers terminates about the first part of October. It is commonly supposed to be caused by some flower or weed or effluvia from some plant, weed or flower. This commonly supposed “cause” varies from the so-called “rag-weed” in certain sections to the effluvia from the “rose” in other sections, or the dust from freshly cut hay or weeds in other sections, this supposed cause depending on the character of the neighborhood and the flora of that neighborhood in which the patient resides. The pronounced stage of this dis-ease begins with sneezing, the same as with an ordinary cold; the eyes become easily irritated, tears flow easily and continuously; the eyeballs become inflamed and the tissues around the eyeballs and the eyelids become congested and reddened. There is an almost continuous watery discharge from the nose. Because of the irritation produced by the extreme sensitivity of the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages and the consequent sneezing and difficult breathing, sleep is very difficult and the patient is very restless and irritable during the sleeping hours. Because of the congested condition of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, the sense of smell is greatly impaired, often to such an extent that there is no sense of smell present, and the patient is unable to detect the most pronounced of odors. The sense of sight is also impaired because of the irritation of the eyes and their surrounding tissues. Because of the continued sneezing in this in coordination. inflammation may extend down into the trachea, bronchi, and eustachian tubes. impairing the sense of hearing. Temporary deafness may result, wherein the patient is unable to hear even the loudest of noises. Medically, this in coordination is considered incurable, and the only relief some doctors can promise the sufferer from this dis-ease is to send the patient to a higher altitude or to a drier climate, or to a climate where the supposed “cause”, the effluvia from the particular plant. weed or vegetation that is the particular pet bane of the patient is not present. In the eastern states the remedy prescribed is usually to go to Maine or up in the mountains, while in the middle western states. it is to go to Colorado or Michigan or Wisconsin. The great majority of these sufferers, however, cannot afford the time from their business or the money to take a vacation or several months for the purpose of ridding themselves of the supposed “cause” of this dis-ease, and they remain at their homes and places of business throughout the season, often suffering untold discomfort from the dis-ease. Chiropractically, the cause of this in coordination is a vertebral subluxation. The nerves going to the affected portions of the upper air passages of the respiratory tract emit from the spine, and when an impingement of these nerves occurs, it is necessary to release such interference by chiropractic care for the purpose of restoring normal transmission of nerve force between the brain and the affected organs of the body. As stated before, medically this in coordination is considered practically incurable and the medical treatment is given merely with a view of removing the irritation or of allaying the most imitating symptoms of the dis-ease. But, from a chiropractic standpoint, the prognosis is very favorable, and recovery is nearly always the rule. The chiropractor seeks to so adjust the subluxated vertebra that all interference is removed from the spinal nerves, thus permitting the free and uninterrupted flow of the mental impulse current from the brain to the mucous membranes lining the upper air passages of the respiratory tract and, where other portions of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract are involved, to these parts, resulting in normal expression and normal functioning. If the dis-ease is of long standing, then it may be a matter of some months before the mental impulse current may flow unobstructed and unhindered to the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages. In this class of cases, where the patient has had this dis-ease through several seasons running over a course of several years, the patient should begin chiropractic care some weeks or months before the usual time for the appearance of the marked symptoms of this in coordination, so as to have the subluxation adjusted to its normal position, the impingement from the nerves removed, and unhindered flow of mental impulse current to the parts affected existing, so as to have the tissue in proper condition of coordination to resist the irritants bringing on the acute state of the dis-ease.
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BE SLOW TO CRITICIZE Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh Most of us are too quick to criticize. The things we do seem quite all right to us. We follow customs and it seems the natural thing to do. Others do likewise but they may be followers of quite different customs; customs that appear strange, even ridiculous to us. Yet, have they not a perfect right to their beliefs? May they not be just as logical from their viewpoint in the things they do as we are? Who is to judge? The story is told that a sailor one day placed a bouquet of roses on the grave of a departed comrade and was turning away when he saw a Chinese man placing a bowl of rice on a nearby grave. Cynically, the sailor asked, “When do you expect your dead to come back and eat the rice you placed on his grave?” The native Chinese smiled. “Same time your dead friend comes back to smell the roses,” he replied. Would you say that the Chinese man was any more a slave to custom than was the sailor? The sentiment is all that matters. The means of expression is not important. Sometimes there are fields in which methods employed are important because a definite principle is involved. For instance you cannot use horse feed to run an automobile. The principle involved is different. Neither can a modern home be operated in the same way that a colonial home was serviced, nor would it be wise to try modern ideas in a home not so equipped. Judgement and common sense should govern your life on all occasions. The same is true with health methods. It ill becomes one imbued with medical theories, however well-trained he may be, to criticize the methods employed by chiropractors and vice versa. The method applied under one circumstance might not be the thing to do at all under reversed conditions. Chiropractic is as revolutionary in its methods and procedures as the electrical engineer of today is different from the mechanical engineer of the eighteenth century. What worked scientifically then may be quite out of date now So modern problems must be considered with modern interpretation.The philosophy of chiropractic insists that health comes from within. It teaches that an intelligent force directs and controls all functions through the nervous system. When the channels are blocked through which this force is normally expressed, there will be abnormal expression - disease of some nature. Chiropractors hold that the spine is the key to health because all nerve trunks emit through openings between the vertebrae and nerve interference most often occurs at this point. Falls and accidents may get a vertebra out of normal position so it locks and irritates and interferes with normal nerve function. Thus the life-giving, health-building life force is impaired. As a result, resistance is lowered, function impaired and disease follows. Chiropractors find and adjust this cause of disease and health returns. Does that seem strange to you? Be slow to criticize until you have given chiropractic a trial. After that, you will likely have nothing to criticize. It’s 10 p.m. You’re sitting on the couch watching TV The never-ending stream of commercials hawking fast-food joints and junk food has your mouth watering and your stomach rumbling. Your eyes wander to the kitchen and the bag of potato chips on the counter. You know you should resist, but before you know it, half the bag is gone. Sound familiar? Do you struggle to avoid candy and junk food Are you constantly tempted by unhealthy snacks? Rather than berate your willpower, consider what scientists have discovered: Accessibility, proximity and visibility may play the most influential role in food choice. Out of Sight, Out of Mouth Dr. Shamaeizadeh teaches patients that a healthful diet is a key component of the chiropractic lifestyle — a way of life that focuses on warding off the chemical, physical and emotional causes of spinal problems and related disease. A poor diet is considered a chemical instigator of stress. That’s why Dr. Shamaeizadeh shares research about the “out of sight, out of mind” theory with patients. Dr. Shamaeizadeh wants you to know that a variety of environmental factors influence food intake. Mood, portion size, even weather conditions, all affect appetite. But now new research shows that “out of sight, out of mind” may work wonders when it comes to sticking to a nutritious diet For instance, in one recent experiment testing this theory, researchers measured candy intake using four different variables. They placed 30 chocolate Hershey Kisses® in either clear or opaque candy jars on 40 test subjects’desks or six feet away from their desks. Every Monday during the four-week study, the researchers changed either the jar’s placement or switched its color. At night, the investigators counted how many candies were consumed and refilled the jars. The result? Individuals ate almost twice as many Kisses® in clear containers on their desks than when they were in opaque containers — and the fewest from opaque containers six feet away. Specifically, each day, participants ate an average of 7.7 Kisses® from clear jars on their desks, 4.6 from opaque desk containers, 5.6 from clear jars six feet away and 3.1 from opaque jars six feet away (Int J Obes 2006;30:871-5). More Effort, More Guilt Ironically, in follow-up questionnaires, all study participants consistently reported eating more chocolate from the jars farther away than those on their desks (the exact opposite of what actually occurred). The study’s authors explain that subjects were more apt to overestimate consumption of candy farther away due to the effort that was required to obtain it The study participants were more apt to recall consuming the candy when they had to stand up, walk over and select a piece. When the candy was close by, subjects were more apt to lose track of what they had eaten.The authors summarize that “the proximity and visibility of a food can consistently increase an adult’s consumption of it. Knowing about these deviation tendencies is important for those attempting to effectively monitor their consumption of fat and sugar.” (Int J Obes 2006;30:871-5.) Terminating Temptation Of course, Dr. Shamaeizadeh wants you to know that this study has broader implications than just moving your cookie jar from the counter to the cupboard! The key is that, in general, we tend to eat what’s nearby and accessible. Making a few simple changes based on this knowledge may have a dramatic impact on your diet. Following are tips to help you reduce the temptation factor for unhealthy snacks and increase consumption of nutritious ones: Consider Convenience Does this scenario sound familiar? Fruits and veggies in your refrigerator crisper are ignored, only to slowly rot. In contrast, unhealthy treats stored in high-traffic cabinets disappear with lightening speed. In addition to visibility and proximity, accessibility also plays an enormous role in food choice. When researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, surveyed students, they determined that convenience is one of the biggest barriers to healthy eating. The study consisted of 213 children, aged 7 to 17, from 34 different schools. Students were most apt to choose foods that were convenient, which often meant less than nutritious choices (J Am Diet Assoc2003;103:497-501). Fight Temptation With Food Prep Upon returning home from the grocery store, prepare veggies so that they’re ready to cook or consume. Place washed and diced portion-sized amounts in small Ziploc® or Tupperware® containers so they’re a snap to eat on the spot or take anywhere. Do the same with fruit. For variety, prepare a large bowl of fruit salad then divide it into serving-sized portions. Prevent sliced apples from browning with a slight spritz of lemon juice. If you’re craving sweets, add a tablespoon of honey or a dab of frozen concentrated orange juice to your fruit. Decorate Deliciously Fruit is less expensive than flowers. And, having a well-stocked fruit bowl as your centerpiece entices the entire family to grab a healthy snack. Be a Vocal Veggie Advocate In addition to having nutritious, ready- to-eat snacks visible, talk about their importance with family members. Unhealthy snacks have an unfair advantage in the out-of-mind game: We’re reminded of them everywhere, every day, from TV and print ads to grocery-store checkout counters. Combat this by becoming a fruit and veggie advocate. Keep Cookies Behind Closed Doors The best strategy for avoiding junk food is to not have it available. That means not purchasing it in the first place or stocking it in your cabinets. Plan your shopping list ahead of time, and don’t shop while hungry. If you must purchase junk foods, opt for the smallest-size bags or containers. When you arrive home, refer to the portion size listed on the item’s label and divide single servings accordingly into plastic bags or containers. This will allow you to track how much you eat. Once that’s done, place all treat containers in out-of-sight and difficult-to- reach areas, such as an upper cabinet, which requires a step ladder to access. Pay Attention to Portion Size If you feel you must have just a few high-sugar or high-fat treats around, keep only small portion sizes accessible. Why? When it comes to portion size, your eyes are more in control than your stomach. Research shows that visual cues of portion size influence intake. Translation: You’ll feel just as full with a smaller portion size treat as a larger serving. For example, in one study, 54 participants, aged 18 to 46, consumed soup from either standard bowls or bowls that imperceptibly refilled as the contents were consumed. Individuals who ate from self-refilling bowls consumed almost twice as much soup (14.7 oz. vs. 8.5 oz.) than those eating from normal soup bowls. However, despite consuming 73 percent more, they didn't believe they had consumed more or perceive themselves as more sated than those eating from normal bowls.“It seems that people use their eyes to count calories and not their stomachs. The importance of having salient, accurate visual cues can play an important role in the prevention of unintentional overeating.” (Obes Res 2005;13:93- 100.) Psychology of Eating Sticking to a healthy diet isn’t easy. Temptations are everywhere. Knowing how psychology affects food choice and consumption is fundamental to maintaining a nutritious diet. This chiropractic office is dedicated to helping you prevent disease naturally, and the foundation for preventative care rests on proper nutrition. Let us be your guide in your quest for healthy eating and optimal health. Psychology of Eating Cold season is still around, so instead of reaching for an over-the-counter medication, which will impair your body's ability to heal itself, do the following and help your body take care of itself: Did you know that it’s a myth that cold weather causes colds? Viruses — coupled with a lowered immune response — cause colds. Certain bacteria may also spawn infections that produce cold-like symptoms.
Vulnerable to Infection However, cold weather isn’t completely off the hook. Most cold-causing viruses survive better with low humidity, which occurs most often during winter months. Also, cold temperatures can dry nasal membranes, making them more vulnerable to infection. But, just because the temperature has dropped, doesn’t mean that you’re doomed to get sick. Dr. Masoud has developed a list of all-natural ways to help you ward off the common cold and shorten its duration. Commit to Chiropractic Care The chiropractic lifestyle protects and builds the immune system, which is fundamental to ward off colds. The foundation of this lifestyle centers on making choices that focus on preventative health from adequate nutrition and sleep to regular chiropractic visits. Why is chiropractic care vital to the immune system? The spinal cord contains a multitude of nerves that emerge between spinal bones or vertebrae. Vertebrae often become misaligned, restricting spinal movement and affecting adjacent nerves — a condition called vertebral subluxation. Preliminary research shows that vertebral subluxations weaken the immune system. The good news is that through a series of gentle and safe maneuvers, called chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Shamaeizadeh corrects vertebral subluxations. Chiropractic care may have a beneficial effect on immune function when misaligned vertebrae are corrected. For instance, one study found that levels of white-blood cells, which are associated with immune function, were “significantly higher” following chiropractic adjustments (J Manipulative Physio Therapy 1991;14:399-408). Embrace Exercise With the symptoms of a common cold runny nose, sore throat, a cough, watery eyes, sneezing and miserable congestion — staying active probably is the last thing on your mind. However, a small amount of gentle exercise may be helpful for body and mind. A short walk, unless you feel dizzy or have a fever, may do wonders to make you feel better and help to loosen built-up mucus and fluids. Of course, you don’t want to overdo it: Running a marathon while you’re under the weather probably isn’t the best idea, but some daily exercise like a short brisk walk will help strengthen the immune system. Exercise also produces feel-good hormones. These hormones fight off the blues that often go hand-in-hand with colds and winter. Stop Stress Study after study proves that emotional stress weakens the immune system and the body’s natural cold- fighting abilities. So, when you feel the sniffles coming on, work to reduce stress. It’s true that stress is practically unavoidable; however, we can control how we respond to a particular event, behavior, place or person. Begin by determining your major stressors and eliminating as many as possible. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when you’re approaching your limits — It’s impossible to do it all. Daily exercise and a diet packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, healthy fats and lacking in caffeine and other stimulants can immensely help with stress management. Savor Sleep Sleep is essential to rejuvenate the body and mind. Lack of sleep affects health, concentration, memory, decision-making abilities, energy, enthusiasm and mood. If that isn’t enough, inadequate sleep severely inhibits the body’s natural ability to ward off colds. If you begin to feel rundown, make a point of getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. When you have a cold, you may require even more zzzz’s. Have Some Hot Peppers For many cold sufferers, sinus congestion is their most detested symptom. Many medications that temporarily thin lung and nasal secretions are loaded with unhealthful ingredients, such as high-fructose corn syrup, coloring and flavors. Certain ingredients can also have side effects, such as intestinal pain and excitability. Loosening lung and sinus congestion with spicy food — notably hot peppers — is an all-natural way to thin and expectorate bronchial secretions. And, unlike drug expectorants, hot peppers have immune-boosting vitamins, such as A, C and E. They are also rich in potassium and folic acid. Get Some Green Tea Green tea’s history dates back to China approximately 5,000 years ago. A native of Southeast Asia, some green-tea plants have towered up to a record 40 feet in height. Yet this powerful goliath is not only a giant in stature, it’s also a health marvel. Research shows that sipping green tea has spectacular health benefits from reducing allergies and killing cancer cells to speeding weight loss. In addition, green tea also amplifies antioxidant activity, decreases inflammation and — you guessed it — helps fight the common cold! Try adding natural honey to this emerald libation. Scientific studies show that honey boasts its own cold-fighting properties as well. Get Jazzed About Ginger Preliminary research shows that ginger may help fight germs associated with the common cold. Researchers collected throat swabs from more than 300 cold sufferers. They then isolated four respiratory tract pathogens in the swab specimens and treated them with ginger extract. The result? The ginger extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against all of the pathogens (East Afr Med J 2002;79:588-92). Check Out Vegetable Soup Not only is vegetable soup comforting when you’re under the weather, but research also shows that Grandma was right: Vegetable soup is an effective cold remedy! Investigators found that vegetable soup inhibits inflammation and upper respiratory infections. Homemade vegetable soup is the most beneficial: The study’s authors point out those commercial soups vary widely in their ability to help. Lower the salt in your homemade creation, but include all the fixings. Tasty ingredients, such as onions, sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, carrots, celery stems and parsley, also exhibit medicinal properties (Chest 2000;118:1150-7). And, don’t forget the garlic and a sprinkle of crushed cayenne pepper, both are bursting with disease-fighting chemicals. Choose the Right Vitamin Oriented vitamin regime includes a reputable ORGANIC multivitamin and mineral supplement with adequate levels of all components, including B-complex vitamins. In addition, consider taking a calcium and magnesium supplement and extra antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E or grape-seed extract. An omega-3 supplement free of heavy metals will also boost immune function. Talk to the doctor first about what specific supplement program is right for your individual needs. If you feel a cold coming on, your doctor of chiropractic may advise you to take extra antioxidant supplements. For instance, vitamin E may have protective anticold benefits according to researchers atTufts University, Boston, Mass. Scientists examined the effects of vitamin B supplementation on respiratory tract infections in 451 nursing-home patients, aged 65 or older. Participants either received 200 IU of vitamin E or a placebo capsule each day. Vitamin B participants had lower incidence of common colds than individuals receiving the placebo. The researchers concluded that there is a “protective effect of vitamin E supplementation on upper respiratory tract infections, particularly the common cold, that merits further investigation.” (JAMA 2004;292:828-36.) Remember to consult your chiropractor and other health care providers before taking any vitamin supplement or herbal remedy. Be sure to inform him or her of anything you’re taking to avoid counteracting any prescription or supplement. Powerful Pomegranates It’s difficult to pronounce and challenging to eat — but that hasn't stopped the humble pomegranate from becoming one of the most sought-after delicacies in the world, Or from being at the center of several new and exciting research discoveries! As part of our office’s ongoing commitment to educate patients about late-breaking wellness research, Dr. Shamaeizadeh wants to share the following data on this ruby-hued nutritional jewel. “Reports of the pomegranate’s medicinal qualities have echoed throughout the millennial. Several Middle Eastern, Asian and South American peoples continue to chew small bits of its bark, petals and peel to treat ailments ranging from dysentery to diseases of the mouth and gums.” (J Natl Cancer Inst 2003;95:346-8.) Peel a pomegranate open, and you’ll find a mass of red seeds nestled into a spongy, white membrane. The seeds are encased in little juice-filled pods known as ants. And pomegranates, whether plucked from a free or your grocer’s produce aisle, are laden with powerful disease-fighting antioxidant chemicals. But that’s just for starters. Dr. Shamaeizadeh wants patients to know that one medium apple-sized pomegranate — at a mere 100 calories— is packed with potassium (399 milligrams) and vitamin C (9 milligrams). And its seeds are a valuable source of fiber. Read on to get all the details about the powerful disease-fighting punch the pomegranate packs. Prevent Prostate Cancer New research, published just three months ago, suggests that pomegranate juice may have a therapeutic effect on prostate cancer. It may also prevent the disease. Using human prostate cancer cells, scientists at the University of Wisconsin showed that pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) possessed remarkable anti-tumor-promoting properties in mouse skin. The importance of this discovery is underscored by the fact that, as noted by the researchers, “prostate cancer is the most common invasive malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among U.S. males, with a similar trend in many Western countries.” (Proc Nat! Acad Sci USA 2005;102: 148 13-8.) Combat Other Cancers There are also a number of recently published studies linking pomegranate fruit — along with distillations of its skin, seeds and oil to the prevention of other cancers. For instance, researchers in Japan found that pomegranate seed oil can suppress the formation of a cell type associated with colon cancer (Cancer Sci 2004;95:481-6). The seeds and seed oil of the pomegranate may also stave off breast cancer, according to the results of animal testing on mice (Eur J Cancer Prey 2004;13:345-8). Bolster Your Bones As a holistic health-care professional, Dr. Shamaeizadeh coaches patients on all-natural alternatives to medication. And the pomegranate may prove to be such an alternative. Scientists explain that pomegranates contain natural plant estrogen , which combat menopausal symptoms. Experiments in mice show that consuming pomegranate seeds and oil slows menopause-related bone loss (J Ethnopharmacol 2004;92:93-101). Reduced bone strength leads to fractures, breaks and other musculoskeletal problems. Pomegranates — in addition to regular exercise and chiropractic care — keep bones strong without the potentially dangerous side effects of drugs. Help the Heart For patients with chronic heart disease (CHD), daily consumption of pomegranate juice may improve stress- induced insufficient blood flow to the heart, a condition known as myocardial ischemia (Am J Cardiol 2005;96:810-4). Researchers from The Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, Calif., divided a group of 45 CHD patients into two categories: Half drank 240 milliliters a day of pomegranate juice and half drank a placebo. After three months, the extent of stress-induced ischemia decreased in the pomegranate group but rose in the control group. Diminish Diabetes’ Effects In Unani medicine, the punica granatum flower (PGF) — the Latin name for the pomegranate’s crowning glory — is a traditional anti-diabetic remedy for those with type 2 diabetes (Toxicol Appi Pharmacol 2005 ;207: 160-9). Unani medicine, which originated in ancient Greece, aims to prevent disease by balancing the systems within the body. Modern research confirms that PGF benefits the hearts of diabetics. Excess triglyceride (TG) accumulation in the heart and blood, along with elevated fatty acid (FA) oxidation in the heart, contributes to cardiac dysfunction in type 2 diabetics. In a study published five months ago, researchers in Australia noted that long-term oral administration of PGF extract reduced cardiac TG content in addition to lowering plasma levels of TG and total cholesterol in rats bred to have diabetes (Br JPharmacol 2005;145:767-74). Another study found that concentrated pomegranate juice modifies heart disease risk factors for patients with high cholesterol levels, “and its inclusion therefore in their diets may be beneficial.” (JMed Food 2004;7:305-8.) Save Your Skin Oil from the pomegranate’s seeds promotes the regeneration of damaged skin cells. That’s what researchers from the University of Michigan’s Medical School discovered when they conducted a number of tests comparing the fruit’s oil with water-based solutions containing either its skin or fermented juice (J Ethnopharmacol 2005 Oct 8:Epub). This may mean fewer wrinkles and more radiant skin. Animal studies also reveal that pomegranate-seed oil is a safe and effective preventative agent against skin cancer (J Med Food 2003;6:157-61). Accumulate Antioxidants When it comes to disease-fighting, all- natural antioxidants, pomegranates are No. 1. According to researchers in India, who studied a number of fruits, extracts of pomegranate peel “gave the maximum antioxidant activity.” (mt J Food Sd Nutr 2004 ;55:5 11-16.) Why do we need antioxidants like those provided by pomegranates? Because natural processes as well as environmental toxins create what’s known as free radical chemicals, which cause us to “rust” (oxidize) from the inside out — sparking rapid aging and deterioration of cells and organs. Free radicals also play an important role in the failure of wounds to heal. Antioxidants, on the other hand, promote healing (Ann Plast Surg1997;39:516-23). Oxidative damage is also related to the development of several diseases. Therefore, an improved antioxidant defense may — according to researchers in Norway — “protect against these diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that dietary plants contain several hundred different antioxidants.” The same researchers further noted that fruits highest in antioxidants values include pomegranates, sour cherries, blackberries and blueberries. Among dried culinary herbs, the winners include oregano, sage, peppermint, garden thyme, lemon balm, clove, allspice and cinnamon (Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 2004;124:1643-5). Add an All-Natural Anti-Inflammatory Studies indicate that pomegranates quench inflammation — without the potentially harmful side effects associated with prescription and over-the- counter drugs. Welcome This Winter Treat A large percentage of pomegranates are grown in California between September and January: making December a perfect time to incorporate bushels of this elegant delicacy into your diet. During the off season, enjoy many of the same health benefits by drinking pomegranate juice. Whole pomegranates store well at room temperature for a week or refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to three months. Refrigerate seeds in an airtight bag for up to three days or freeze for up to six months (Environmental Nutrition 2002;25:8). Select Based on Skin and Seeds You can’t thump a pomegranate like a cantaloupe. Or peel its skin back like the husk on an ear of corn. But you can judge this scarlet-hued jewel by its skin. According to the folks at the Pomegranate Council (pomegranate.org), the skin should be thin, tough and unbroken. Inside that leathery exterior, the pomegranate should have a minimal amount of white membranes and the seeds should be tender and edible. Use care, however, when indulging in a pomegranate; its rich, colorful juice stains easily. Discover This Delicious, Delightful Disease-Fighter In addition to being healthy, pomegranates are just plain fun to eat! And, unlike medication, there are no side effects associated with these disease- preventing delights. So peel back a pomegranate today, and enjoy everything this delicious fruit has to offer. |
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