Foods for the Brain

Any idea what foods are good for our brain?

Well, foods that are rich in compounds such as anti-oxidants and omega 3- fatty acids can improve brain health and memory.

Here are the 6 foods that can boost up your gray matter.

Walnuts


It contains high amount of antioxidants which may combat the damage to brain cell's DNA caused by free radicals in our bodies, experts says.


And a study presented in 2010 at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease reported that mice with Alzheimer's demonstrated improved learning, memory and motor coordination after being fed walnuts.

Carrots

Not only good  for the eyes, but also to our brain.


Carrots have high levels of a compound called luteolin , which could reduce age-related memory deficits and inflammation in the brain, according to a study published in 2010 in the journal Nutrition. In the study, mice whose daily diet was  supplemented with 20 milligrams of luteolin had reduced inflammation in their brains. The researchers said the compound also restored the mice's memory to the level of younger mice's.

Olive oil, peppers and celery are also high in luteolin.

Berries

Adding some vitamin-rich berries to your diet may not be a bad idea if you want to improve your memory, according to several studies.

One study, published in 2010 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that after 12 weeks of daily supplements of wild blueberry juice, nine older adults who had started to experience slight memory problems showed better learning and recall abilities than a similar group of adults who didn't take the supplements. The blueberry group also showed reduced symptoms of depression.

And in a 2009 report in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers said they examined a group of studies that showed fruits such as blueberries and strawberries, which are high in antioxidants, can decrease a type of stress in cells associated with aging and increase the signaling capabilities in brains. In one of the studies, researchers placed 6-month-old rats on a diet supplemented with blueberry and strawberry extracts (totaling 2 percent of their diet) for nine months. These rats had better spatial and memory skills than rats not given the supplements.

Fish

Although recent research has shown that taking fish oil supplements may not help slow the cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease, other studies have shown that eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids could help slow typical cognitive decline that comes with age.

A 2005 study in the journal Archives of Neurology found that people 65 and older who ate two meals of fish a week for six years had a 13 percent decrease in cognitive decline, compared with people who didn't eat any fish regularly. And people who ate one meal of fish a week had a 10 percent decrease in cognitive decline.

Fish high in vitamin B12 may also help protect against Alzheimer's , according to a study published in 2010 in the journal Neurology.

Coffee and Tea


Coffee and tea do more than keep you awake in the mornings — studies have shown they may prevent Alzheimer's disease and improve cognitive function.

A 2010 study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that when researchers gave caffeinated coffee to mice genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer's disease, the disease either slowed in progression or never developed. Based on the finding, coffee eventually could serve as a therapeutic treatment for people with Alzheimer's disease, the researchers said.

Tea showed protective effects on the brain, too. Tea drinkers did better on tests on memory and information processing than non-tea drinkers did, according to a 2010 study of 716 Chinese adults 55 and older in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging.

Spinach

The green leafy vegetable is loaded with vitamins C and E, which, studies have shown, help to improve cognitive abilities.

A 2000 study in the Journals of Gerontology showed that rats whose diet was supplemented with vitamin E experienced a 500 to 900 percent increase in brain and nerve tissue over an eight-month period, as well as an increase in the release of dopamine in the brain, the "pleasure" chemical that controls flow of information to different parts of the brain.

And a 2000 study in the journal Brain Research found that aging rats had some of their age-related memory and motor deficits reversed after they were fed diets supplemented with spinach, strawberries or blueberries.

Pass it on: To amp up your brain health and slow cognitive decline, eat your leafy greens, berries, nuts and fish. myhealthnewsdaily.com

Oatmeal: My Daughter's Almost Everyday Breakfast

Good thing there are now varieties of oatmeal in the market and there is an instant option too. With the many brands popping out, there is this only brand that me and my kiddo like.

Waking up sometimes late and preparing for breakfast in a short time, eats our time prepping up for school. That's why I stock foods that can be easily prepared especially when rushing.

And number one in my list is oatmeal. And another reason to be grateful for oat-lovers is it also has different flavors. That's why my tot loving it too much that it became her daily breakfast meal.

Oats Nutritional Facts:

Oats and heart health-

The Oatmeal and oat bran are rich in dietary fiber, i.e both soluble and insoluble. One of the most important components of the soluble fibre abundantly present in oats is beta-glucans. These beta glucans have been studied to aid in lowering blood cholesterol levels. The benefits are attributed to the fact that when soluble fiber passes through the digestive tract, they break down and form a gel like substance. This gel then traps the cholesterol carrying bile acids and in turn reduces the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream and the adjoining cells. So, the entire process results in entrapping of the bad LDL cholesterol without having any effect on the good HDL cholesterol.

Oats and grains also contain compounds called tocotrienols, which are basically antioxidants which form vitamin E along with tocopherols. These tocotrienols reduce the free radical damage, inhibit cholesterol synthesis and help to lower blood cholesterol levels. A reduced synthesis and absorption of LDL cholesterol help to reduce the risk to coronary heart diseases. However, the point to be noted is that Oats and other whole grains shall be most effective in improving heart health, when consumed as part of a low-fat, high-fiber diet taken together with regular exercise.

It is recommended to have at least ½-1 cup (1½-3 ounces) of oats every day, so as to derive its health benefits. The oats may be prepared into hot cereal or porridges. However, there have been instances where excess consumption of oat bran have led to digestive complaints.

Oats and blood sugar levels-

The beta glucan present in oats helps to slow down the rise in blood glucose levels after a meal and also helps to delay the absorption into the cells. Here’s how it works. We have already seen that the soluble fiber forms a gel like structure while passing through the digestive tract. This gel increases the viscosity of the contents of the stomach and small intestine, which in turn slows down digestion and prolongs the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. This means that drastic fluctuations in the blood sugar levels after eating is avoided and a stable glucose level is maintained. This is desirable, especially for weight loss seekers and diabetics. Similar benefits may be derived by intake of other sources of soluble fiber like whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Oats and weight control-

The dietary fiber helps to make you feel full faster and longer. This help to reduce cravings and bingeing tendencies and leads to better chances of losing weight effectively. Oats also help to improve the athletic performance by providing calories for meeting the energy demands of a workout. They tend to improve metabolism, when eaten an hour before work outs.

 Additionally, oats contain phyto chemicals (plant chemicals which have been associated with protection against chronic disease like cancer) and a good balance of essential fatty acids. Oats are also a storehouse of essential vitamins such as thiamin, folic acid, biotin and minerals such as zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium.

Wow, there are plenty of reasons to include oats to our meal. Not bad for daily consumption, not at all.

Cassava

I don't have much time every morning to prepare a heavy breakfast for me and my tot. Almost always, its only her who have eaten her breakfast before going to school. 

So at school because its just near the market like maximum of 5 minutes walk, every morning I go there to buy me a breakfast. Or any food I can find that I want to eat.

Like this boiled cassava. It became my official food. :) There are varieties of food made of cassava I just don't know the names. Haha! I will update you next time.

Nutrition Facts

You can use the following information to decide whether or not to include cassava in your diet.

The cassava is:

• Low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol, and Sodium
• High in Vitamin C and Manganese

The nutritional value and health benefits of cassava makes it somewhat suitable for:

• Gaining weight

Don't eat too much cassava if you're interested in:

• Maintaining good general health
• Losing weight

Nutritional Values

The following table outlines the basic nutritional values of cassava.

Preparation	Portion	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Fat (g)	Energy (kj)
Cassava - peeled, boiled	100g	30.5	2	0.5	550

Drinking Apple Juice will Make you Fat

Yes people, you read it right.

I was browsing the web when I stumble on this article saying that apple juice's will make you fat. How come you say, well I have thought of that too.

According to nutrition experts its real danger is to waistlines and children's teeth. It has few nutrients, lots of calories and in some cases, more sugar than soda has.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says juice can be part of a healthy diet, but its policy is blunt: "Fruit juice offers no nutritional benefit for infants younger than 6 months" and no benefits over whole fruit for older kids.

Drinking juice delivers a lot of calories quickly so you don't realize how much you've consumed, whereas you would have to eat a lot of apples to get the same amount, and "you would feel much, much more full from the apples," Ansel said.

"Whole fruits are much better for you," said Dr. Frank Greer, a University of Wisconsin, Madison, professor and former head of the pediatrics academy's nutrition committee. 

If you or your family drinks juice, here is some advice from nutrition experts:

• Choose a juice fortified with calcium and vitamin D-3.

• Give children only pasteurized juice — that's the only type safe from germs that can cause serious disease.

• Don't give juice before 6 months of age, and never put it in bottles or covered cups that allow babies and children to consume it throughout the day, which can cause tooth decay. For the same reason, don't give infants juice at bedtime.

• Limit juice to 4 to 6 ounces per day for children ages 1 to 6, and 8 to 12 ounces for those ages 7 to 18.

• Encourage kids to eat fruit.

• Don't be swayed by healthy-sounding label claims. "No sugar added" doesn't mean it isn't full of naturally occurring sugar. And "cholesterol-free" is silly — only animal products contain cholesterol. http://today.msnbc.msn.com

 

 

 

Causes and Remedies for Dark Circles

Looking  at the mirror I see not only zits but dark circles as well. I was saddened because it only proves that I'm getting older each day.

What causes dark circles anyway?

Age

Ageing is the main factor for the development of dark circles. As you age, the skin becomes dry and the dark circles become very prominent.

Stress

Stress is also considered to be another common cause of dark circles. Dark circles are developed due to stress which includes excessive workload, family problems, money problems and many more. Stress has become quite common also among the youth which in turn cause dark blemishes under their eyes.

Lack of proper sleep

People who do not get their share of 8 hours of sleep on a daily basis will develop dark under eye circles.

Dehydration

Sometimes, there may be an excessive loss of water from the body, which could make your skin dry and weak.

Nutrient Deficiency

Dark circles can also be formed due to lack of healthy diet. It is very important to consume a meal that is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals that are extremely essential for the body’s development. These nutrients should be consumed on a daily basis to avoid any kind of health related problems.

So you see, age has something to do with it. Uhmm... I guess I'm going through all of the above. haha!

And what are the remedies for dark circles?

1) Application of a thin sliced cucumber on top of each eye for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day, relieves stress and cools down the eyes. 
2) A mixture of almond oil and honey should be applied on the affected area every night before bedtime. You will see a remarkable improvement in two to three weeks. 
3) Consume at least two to three liters of water on a daily basis. Water is a very essential remedy in this case and it flushes out the toxins present in the body.
4) Tea bags are known to be very effective in curing dark circles. A cold tea bag should be put on top of each eye for 10 to 15 minutes everyday. 
5) Make a paste of fresh mint leaves and add a few drops of lime juice in it. Apply the mixture on the eyes and the dark circles for 10 to 15 minutes everyday and see the difference in two to three weeks. 
6) Rose water is considered to be a natural coolant for the body and has been an old home remedy for generations. Apply two to three drops of rose water on a cotton ball and gently massage on the affected area of the eye for five to six minutes. You will see the result in two to three weeks. This method is considered to be one of the most effective cures for dark circles. 

Vitamins for Healthy Skin

Yeah, I know! I may sound like I'm having a real skin problem here by posting about anti aging stuffs, but I don't care. Haha! Because I know you will benefit from it if you happen to read this. ;)

In one of my post, I wrote that starting that day I have to take vitamins religiously.

Update: I am not taking my vitamins regularly.

Ouch, I'm lazy. That's the reason why. Heehee!

Well, oh well...

Vitamin A
Not only does vitamin A help prevent cancer and acne, but it rids your skin of free radicals that cause wrinkles. You can get a healthy dose of vitamin A by using products with retinol in them. If you want to unlock the full benefits of vitamin A, try using at least 15,000 IU daily.

Vitamin B
When applied topically, vitamin B helps trap moisture into your skin, and helps keep it hydrated. And when your skin is moist, you prevent wrinkles and flakey skin. When you ingest vitamin B, you’re promoting healthy skin, nails, and hair from the inside. Vitamin B is also known to combine with vitamin A to prevent acne caused by stress.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for keeping your skin’s healthy glow because it actually fights against damaging rays from the sun, smoke, alcohol, and other harmful pollutants. It is also an antioxidant that lowers the appearance of age spots, and aids in firming the skin by targeting the collagen responsible for skin elasticity.

Vitamin E
One of the most effective vitamins used for aging skin is vitamin E because it reverses skin wrinkling that has been caused by over-exposure to the sun. Not only does it take care of sun damage, but it also prevents a lot of skin diseases, gives the skin elasticity, and moisturizes your face. As if this is not enough, Vitamin E will improve your skin’s texture as well as restrict the production of cells known to cause cancer.

For more anti-aging tips, head over here. 

Anti Aging Beauty Tips

Every time I look in the mirror, I notice that aside from pimples I also see some lines already. Jeezzz.. It is an indication that I'm getting older.

I am turning *beeeppp* in October, but seeing my face like this, I don't want to get old.

Can someone give me some tips here?

Here are some tips I found.

Stay out of the Sun

The first step to any good skin care routine is keeping it out of harm’s way. Simply put, limit your skin’s exposure to the sun as much as possible. Sun damage causes wrinkles, freckles, age spots, and – worst of all – skin cancer. It is improbable to ask anyone to stay out of the sun completely; but what is not improbable is asking people to use sun block with SPF 15 or higher.

Treat your Skin with Care

Sometimes the only thing that sounds good after a long day of work is a hot bath. But exposing your skin to hot water strips it of good oils that keep your skin looking supple. Some soaps are also oil-striping and should be avoided; instead, use gentle soaps that are free of harsh fragrances. After a shower, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing the towel over yourself. Also remember to apply a moisturizing lotion right after a shower to lock in the maximum amount of moisture.

Watch what you eat

What you eat also plays a big role in the appearance of your skin and skin agingprocesses. Not only will you have more energy, but your skin will look great just by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and drinking plenty of water. Vitamin C, complex carbohydrates, and low fat foods also produce clear and younger-looking skin.

No Smoking

Smoking is not only harmful to your lungs; it also causes you to age rapidly. By smoking, you are depleting your skin’s oxygen, which causes wrinkles. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin in the skin leaving it weak and less elastic. One more thing to keep in mind is that the faces you make while smoking contribute to wrinkles around your mouth and eyes.

Of course, simply avoiding cigarettes and eating right is not going to make you look 30 years younger. But following these routines will assist greatly in the process of maintaining your skin’s current condition.

Purple Yam

Sweet Potato or Yam is a tuberous crop with scientific name Ipomoea Batatas. Its plant is a creeper with heart shaped or lobed leaves. The tubers color vary from purple or red to pale yellow or white, depending upon the variety, soil type, climate and minerals.

The red variety has drier and harder flesh while the white or the yellow type has more juicy flesh. The red variety has a characteristic aroma which becomes more prominent on boiling. The more reddish or orange the color of the flesh of the sweet potatoes, the stronger is this aroma. Perhaps this is due presence of beta carotene whose concentration also increases with the color.

• Immunity: Being very rich in beta carotene, which is a major anti oxidant, apart from vitamin-C and B-complex, iron andphosphorus present in them, sweet potatoes are excellent immunity boosters.
• Inflammation: Like the common potato,sweet potato also has anti inflammatory properties, although it does not belong to the family of common potato. This is primarily due to presence of beta-carotene, vitamin-C andmagnesium. It is equally effective in curing internal and external inflammations.
• Asthma: The sweet potato is effective in curing congestion of nose, bronchi and lungs, thereby giving relief in asthma. Its typical aroma helps in this.
• Bronchitis: The concentration of vitamin-C, iron and other nutrients help curing bronchitis. The sweet potatoes are believed to be capable of warming up the body (may be due to the sweetness and other nutrients). This property also is beneficial in bronchitis, apart from its property to ease congestion.
• Arthritis: Beta-carotene, magnesium, zincand vitamin-B complex, among others, make sweet potato a helping hand to cure arthritis. The water in which the sweet potatoes are boiled can be applied externally on joints too to ease pain in arthritis.
• Digestion: The fiber content of sweet potatoes is higher than that of common potatoes and it tastes good too. When these two factors are combined with other minerals like magnesium present in sweet potatoes, it makes an excellent facilitator for digestion. Sweet potatoes are easy to digest too, since they mainly contain starch. They are soothing for the stomach and intestines too.
• Cancer: Beta-carotene, the champion anti oxidant and anti carcinogen, the pigments responsible for the color of the peel of the sweet potatoes and vitamin-C, are very beneficial for curing many types of cancer, mainly those of colon, intestines, prostrate, kidneys and other internal organs.
• Water Balance: The fiber or roughage present in sweet potatoes helps retain water. This maintains water balance in the body.
• Stomach Ulcers: Sweet potato has a soothing effect on the stomach and intestines. The vitamins (B-complex and C), beta carotene, potassium and calcium are very effective in curing stomach ulcers. Moreover, the roughage in sweet potatoes prevents constipation and resultant acid formation, thereby reducing the chance of ulcers. The anti inflammatory and soothing properties of sweet potatoes also reduce the pain and inflammation of the ulcers.
• Diabetes: Contrary to the popular belief, the sweet potatoes are beneficial for diabetics. Amazingly, they are very effective in regulating blood sugar lever by helping proper secretion and function of insulin. Of course, that does not mean that diabetics should eat them indiscriminately. The idea is that they can replace theirrice or carbohydrate intake with sweet potatoes.
• Weight Gain: This is easily understood. The sweet potatoes are sweet as well as contain very good amount of complex starch, apart from healthy vitamins, minerals and some proteins too. Moreover, they are very easy to digest. Thus they provide a lot of energy and are excellent bulk builders. Those suffering from inferiority complex due to their bones visibly sticking out of their skin, will welcome this news, without having any risk any side effect, which most of the synthetic bulk building dietary supplements run.
• Other Benefits: They are effective in quitting addictions like smoking, drinking and taking certain narcotics. They are good for the health of arteries and veins, as they protect their walls against hardening. The high concentration of beta carotene (an alternative of vitamin-A) and phosphorus are excellent for ocular and cardiac health.

African Mango: America's Hottest New Way to Lose Weight

I read this article at Health Discoveries.

There's a hot newcomer to the weight loss scene.
Research shows an extract from a rare African Mango fruit may inhibit body fat production, through effects on certain genes and enzymes that regulate metabolism.
Supplementing a healthy diet with high doses of African Mango supplements have shown strong indications of success.
Here's the skinny about this new slimming superfruit: what it is, how it works, where to get it, and whether it can work for you.
What is African Mango?

• A rare mango fruit harvested in the rainforests of Cameroon, Africa.  

What are the benefits of African Mango?

• In a study published in the journal Lipids in Health & Disease, subjects taking African Mango extract lost an average of 8.9 pounds in 28 days.  
• Pure African Mango extract contains no stimulants.  
• African Mango has been found to increase metabolism, boosting weight loss by more than 3,990%.  
• Studies have shown a 39% reduction in cholesterol and an average 2 inchreduction in belly fat within 28 days.  

Are there any side effects ordownsides of taking African Mango supplements?

• To be fully effective, 3 daily servings of the supplement are required, taken 30 minutes before each meal.  
• There are currently no known side effects for African Mango supplements.  

5 Best Snacks for Mood

Looking for food to change your mood? Tired of the usual comfort food like chocolates you are binging when bad hair day comes?

Well, this is a good news for you and me! :)

Just read on...

Bananas

Bananas offer serious mood-lifting power, with their combination of vitamins B6, A, and C; fiber; tryptophan; potassium; phosphorous; iron; protein; and healthy carbohydrates.

When you eat a banana, you'll get a quick boost from the fructose as well as sustaining energy from the fiber, which helps prevent a blood sugar spike and ensuing drop in energy and mood. Carbohydrates aid in the absorption of tryptophan in the brain, and vitamin B6 helps convert the tryptophan into mood-lifting serotonin. Bananas are also a great source of potassium. Although potassium isn't directly related to mood, it's needed to regulate fluid levels and keep muscles working properly, which is important for feeling energized, a key factor for a sunny outlook. And finally, bananas also offer iron, which is crucial to producing energy and fighting fatigue.

Best of all, bananas are available year-round and are easy to tote -- just make sure to pack them on top!

Get even happier: Bananas are among the best when it comes to mixing and matching mood-boosting snacks. For a sunny smoothie, blend a banana with one handful of spinach, a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, and half a cup of apple juice. Spinach is one of the richest food sources of folate (vitamin B9) you can find, and flaxseed is full of omega-3s. When combined, these nutrients help maintain stable levels of brain serotonin and may help reduce your risk of depression.

For a sweet treat, try a frozen dark chocolate-covered banana, which you'll find in the freezer section of many natural foods stores. Or melt your own dark chocolate at home to dip banana slices in for a satisfying, mood-lifting fondue.

Walnuts

Walnuts contain a handful of components that contribute to a good mood, including omega-3s, vitamin B6, tryptophan, protein, and folate.

Higher blood levels of omega-3s have been linked with better mood and lower rates of depression, while lower blood levels of omega-3s have been associated with higher rates of depression and negative feelings. An animal study authored by Harvard Medical School Professor William Carlezon found that omega-3s and uridine (another substance found in walnuts, which plays an important role in helping metabolize carbohydrates) worked in the same way as standard antidepressant medications.

The standard dosage of omega-3 oils recommended by many experts is one gram (1,000 mg) per day. You'll get about the same amount, as well as a healthy dose of fiber and protein, in just half an ounce of walnuts. About two teaspoons of walnut oil will also do the trick, but you won't get the all the nutrition you would from the whole nut.

Get even happier: Crumble walnuts on top of a serving of organic yogurt for a crunchy and creamy treat with a double-dose of tryptophan.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are a super source of folate and magnesium, two substances that play a significant role in regulating and boosting mood. Just a handful of sunflower seeds delivers half the daily recommended amount of magnesium.

Magnesium, in addition to regulating mood, plays an essential role in hundreds of bodily functions. Magnesium deficiency is often responsible for feelings of fatigue, nervousness, and anxiety (since it triggers an increase in adrenaline), and it's been linked to various mood disorders. Sufficient, stable magnesium levels, on the other hand, help us achieve a calm and relaxed state, the perfect precursor to a good mood. It's so effective, in fact, that scientific studies have shown magnesium supplementation to be beneficial in treating major depression, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.

Folate (also known as vitamin B9 and as folic acid) is a B-complex vitamin that's intimately linked with nervous system function. Folate deficiency may result in feelings of irritability, depression, and brain fog, as well as insomnia. Being well rested and keeping a clear head are two of the primary factors in fueling a good mood, so snacking on sunflower seeds is a smart move in more ways than one.

Sunflower seeds are a good source of tryptophan and are often recommended by nutritional experts as a natural method of boosting serotonin levels. They're also rich in fiber, which helps maintain stable hormone levels -- one of the keys to keeping even-keeled.

Get even happier: Try this homemade trail mix to blast the blues: Sift sunflower seeds together with almonds, Brazil nuts, raisins, and dark chocolate chunks. Brazil nuts contain selenium, another natural mood booster.

Dark Chocolate

A number of unscientific studies name chocolate the number-one craved food in America, so it makes sense that indulging in chocolate makes for a happy experience. And, as it turns out, there are some real reasons why that's so. For one, chocolate contains a number of substances that elevate mood, including fat, sugar, caffeine, phenylethylamine, flavonols, theobromine, and tryptophan.

Caffeine and theobromine are two naturally occurring stimulants found in chocolate. Along with sugar and fat, these substances provide a swift burst of energy and mood-lifting power. Chocolate also contains the mood-boosting compounds phenylethylamine, tyramine, tryptophan, and magnesium. While these substances are found in many other foods, even in higher concentrations, chocolate has an advantage because of its appeal on several sensory levels: it has a rich, mouth-pleasing texture; an intense taste; and an appealing aroma. For many of us, just the idea of indulging in chocolate is enough to elicit a positive emotional response.

In addition to these natural pick-me-ups, when you eat chocolate, a number of reactions occur, including the release of serotonin in the brain and mood-elevating endorphins in the body. This heady combination can result in a temporarily lifted mood and even a fleeting feeling of euphoria, which may explain why some people turn to chocolate when they're feeling blue.

Finally, cocoa is a natural source of antioxidant flavonoids, which increase blood flow (and thus oxygenation) in the brain, and which may contribute to better brain function. Not all chocolate is created equal, though. For the best health and happiness benefits, go for good-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa level of 70 percent or higher. The more cocoa it contains, the higher the levels of healthy compounds, so the darker the chocolate, the better it is for you.

Get even happier: Chocolate-covered almonds are a decadent snack full of fiber, vitamin E, potassium, manganese, magnesium, copper, tryptophan, and vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Almonds help lower the glycemic index of the chocolate, preventing a spike in blood sugar and its resultant low energy and mood. In fact, fiber, manganese, copper, and B2 are power players when it comes to energy production -- and steady energy is a must for a happy mood.

Eggs

Eggs might not be the first food that comes to mind when you think of a snack, but a hard-boiled egg is easy to make and easy to transport. It's also a really good-for-you and good-for-your-mood snack. Full of high-quality protein and omega-3s (from hens eating a diet rich in omega-3s), eggs are also an excellent source ofvitamin B12 (riboflavin) and a good source of vitamins B2, B5, and D. And one boiled egg contains more than 20 percent of the daily recommended amount of tryptophan.

While carbs are crucial for converting tryptophan into serotonin, protein is an important part of the process, too. A balanced diet that includes high-quality lean protein, like you find in eggs, and healthy carbs also helps stabilize blood sugar and prevent emotional highs and lows. And the Vitamin B12 in eggs plays a significant role in the production of energy and helps alleviate memory problems and symptoms of depression.

Get even happier: Add your egg to whole-grain toast for a satisfying snack that will give you a boost of long-lasting energy and fuel a feeling of well-being. Complex carbohydrates are an ideal pairing for protein-rich eggs, since they temporarily produce a calming effect by delivering a dose of tryptophan and triggering the production of serotonin. Carbohydrates also aid in the absorption of tryptophan in the brain.

http://health.yahoo.net/

Now we know! So maybe next time, we will just  eat all of it to be more happier and in good mood always? 

The 10 Biggest Skin Mistakes You Can Make

According to Leslie Baumann, M.D. of Yahoo Health.

1. Using tanning beds. In case you haven’t heard, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified tanning beds as a known carcinogen (i.e. cancer-causer). And if you want to accelerate the formation of wrinkles and/or get skin cancer and unsightly brown spots, using a tanning bed is the best way to do it.

2. Not using SPF daily. One unpublished study by Unilever showed that using just SPF 5 every day for five years prevented significant sun damage. Do yourself and your skin a favor and use a moisturizer with at least SPF 15. You’re moisturizing anyway, right? Most people do not apply enough sunscreen, so using an SPF of 15 should give you at least an SPF of 5.

3. Getting too much sun. 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected sun a few times a week can help your body get its vitamin D fix, but if you’re sitting outside at Starbucks for an hour a day without sunscreen, your skin will remind you years from now.

4. Using the wrong cleanser. If dryness is an issue, a foaming cleanser will only make matters worse. Two of the best cleansers for dry skin are Estée Lauder Soft Clean Tender Crème Cleanser and CeraVe hydrating cleanser. Oily types beware! A cleanser that’s too rich can send oily skins’ sebaceous glands into overdrive. The best cleanser for oily skin is a foaming cleanser such as Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel. Combination skin types will like Paula’s Choice Hydralight One Step Facial Cleanser. If you do not know whether your skin is oily or dry, take the free quiz at www.SkinTypeSolutions.com. (Lists of cleansers that are best for each skin type can also be found in my bestselling book, The Skin Type Solution.)

5. Not using a retinoid. I am often asked “What is the best night cream to prevent aging?” In my opinion, the family of vitamin A creams known as retinoids are the best night creams and I believe that everyone over the age of 20 should be using aretinoid at night. This may help prevent aging and will smooth wrinkles you already have along with preventing acne and exfoliating the skin.

6. Over-exfoliating. How do you know how much to exfoliate? The answer is… It depends on your Baumann Skin Type. If your skin is dry, too much exfoliation strips lipids from the skin, and sensitive types can experience even more inflammation. Exfoliation is best for oily, resistant types.

7. Using daytime moisturizer if you have oily skin. If you’re on the oily side, skip the moisturizer and go straight to the sunscreen. Sunscreens have hydrating ingredients and very oily types make their own fatty acids, so they don’t need a moisturizer. (If you have dry spots, apply moisturizer only to those areas.) Everyone’s skin feels tight after cleansing, since it takes about 30 minutes for oil glands to replenish the skin—so see how your skin feels after 45 minutes and then you’ll know if you need moisturizer. Even better, take the quiz atSkinTypeSolutions.com to determine if your skin is oily.

8. Paying too much for skincare. Are expensive skincare products better? You don’t always get what you pay for. Check out this article to learn when to save and when to splurge on skin care products.

9. Not knowing your skin type. If you don’t know your Baumann Skin Type, you’re probably using the wrong products. Using the right ingredients can make a significant difference in the appearance of your skin.

10. Not getting a full-body skin exam every year. Think of this as a birthday present for your birthday suit—especially if you’ve had two or more bad sunburns in your lifetime.