So Bad, It’s good: Healthy Food with Bad Taste but Good for You

A rhetorical question for every meat lovers that keeps on coming everytime mom serves those good ol’ broccoli and carrots for dinner, “Why bacons can never be considered healthy food?”

If you think about it, it’s quite sad to see most of those green & leafy veggies, plant root, bean curd and those other grub being left out just because most of them taste weird. Some even taste more bitter than your ex-girlfriend/boyfriend (that means you, bitter gourd). Truth be told, bland is definitely an understatement when it comes to most healthy food we see. But nevertheless, these foods meant well, especially when it comes to taking care of our well-being.

So before these good eats go into obscurity, here are some of the most hated food that we should all love:

Wheatgrass

Just by simply seeing that green stuff being poured in a glass makes us want to throw up instantaneously. Wait until you shrug down the shot of this bitter-tasting smoothie. Wheatgrass is made from wheat sprouts, and has been long-recognized as a wonder tonic by dieticians, nutritionists and doctors for its high vitamins and amino acid contents to enhance overall well-being.

Okra

We can blame our hatred on this vegetable’s hairy outer texture and its mucus-like gooey fiber on the inside. Looks and texture aside, this “lady finger” vegetable (or is it a fruit?) is rich in vitamins, riboflavin, zinc, antioxidants, folic acid and fiber, making it ideal for pregnant women, as well as for people who are undergoing detox.

Durian

The smell is without a doubt, unbearable, that you can actually compare it to a soiled diaper or a guava fruit covered in used pair of socks sundried for 3 hours without exaggerating it. Don’t believe me? In Singapore, the spike-skinned fruit is banned on most public transits and hotels. Mind you, it may smell like a cesspool of rotten fruits but it sure does good to one’s health and wellness, but it can sure take away the blues, as it contains high Vitamin B6, which is responsible for the production of serotonin. It is also fiber-rich, which is essential for better digestion.

Calf’s Liver
I, myself ain’t a fan of this “superfood”. Along with its stale smell, the texture of this food is like chewing a rubber tire with grainy stuff all over it. And yes, imagine eating an animal part that’s responsible for deterring toxins in its body is already a factor for hating it. However, calf or cow’s liver is essential for regulating blood circulation as well as the production of red blood cells and improvement of the immune system with its high vitamin B12, riboflavin, iron, zinc and omega 3 contents.

Asparagus

One of the default “hated greens” by kids, merely because of its musty smell and bland taste. But with the right seasoning, prep and cooking, asparagus is one of the most delectably-tasting veggies. Not only that, this strings of veggies are good source of fibers, folic acid, amino acids, glutathione and other antioxidants to detoxify and helps the immune system to fight off free-radicals.

Spinach

This food is so hated by many, even Popeye had a hard time convincing them to devour a spoonful of these leafy food. In reality, spinach is known to contain vitamin A, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, which is good for the improvement of vision, blood circulation, muscle efficiency, brain function and in the production of hemoglobin.

Tomatoes

Maybe it’s because of the seeds and the watery part of this fruit that makes it unpalatable for kids and even to some adults, which is kinda weird if you think, considering it is one of the key ingredients in making spaghetti. Going back, eating fresh tomatoes are fortified with folic acid, fiber, potassium, as well as vitamins A, C and E, the last two being the key nutrients for having a more radiant youthful skin.

Bleu Cheese

Another food that breeds hatred (and molds)… Now who would want to eat a food that is practically spoiled? Nevermind the “cannot be unseen” fungus living all over the cheese, this processed milk contains anti-inflammatory properties to keep the arteries free from blockages, as well as preventing arthritis. Moreover, this food is calcium-filled, making it vital for fighting osteoporosis.

Ginseng

In its most basic form, the taste of American ginseng can be compared to that of its cousin, ginger. It has this strong and sharp bitter taste, with a hint of pungent sensation, leaving your tongue somewhere in between feeling the sense of discomfort and being numb. On the other hand, this perennial plant contains high dose of ginsenoside – a chemical compound responsible for a number of health benefits including reviving your virility, stimulate brain cells and deter chances of having an erectile dysfunction just to name a few.

Mushroom

Heck, just look at how Mario and Luigi love this fungus food. This icky food contains a significant amount of vitamin D – rare vitamin that can only get from a few source like… well, shrooms. This vitamin is responsible for regulating and absorbing calcium and phosphorous intake. No wonder those videogame superheroes love this! Moreover, a substantial intake of vitamin D lowers the risk of getting type 1 diabetes and cancer.

Is it bad? Maybe it’s not.

Researchers, doctors and dieticians says that these foods are not exactly “bad” in terms of taste. Okay, granted that some those have sharp taste, and even odd smells. But the main point is that once you get the hang of it, this list of food won’t be that bad anymore, and in fact can be substituted – or included to say the least – to your typical meat dinner for a more balanced meal.

Got anymore bad tasting food in your fridge that are not included on this list? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Rock Baby Rock: Hard-Turned-Lullaby Rock Songs For Mommies and Babies

Apart from following the recommended pregnancy supplements during the course of pregnancy, there’s an old notion that soon-to-be-moms should put the headphones onto their bellies/listen to classical music such as Für Elise, Symphony No. 40 in G Major or Canon in D will make your babies smarter. Doctors refer to this as “The Mozart Effect”. Truth be told, no one can still prove if this is effective, as those studies conducted in 1993 that started this whole “Mozart will make your babies the next Einstein” lacks sufficient to support this pre-natal practice.

As for budding moms, we all can’t blame them if they follow this so-called effect while nursing a 7-pound human being in their belly. Truth or not, it’s still essential for every pregnant ladies, as well as for new moms and their babies. Besides, classical music can indeed make one feel relaxed.

Noise is not good for babies… Rock and Roll is!

Moveover Beethoven, Pachelbel and Mozart!

Classical music and all its entirety are genius, that is a given. However, with all those Ode To Joys and Piano Sonatas playing on loop 24/7, why not add something more, err, modern. How about rock music? You heard it right, Rock music!

For sure, upon reading the words, “rock music” and “pregnant women”, the first mental image you probably pictured is a spike-headed, tattooed pregnant woman in black leather dress and boots listening to Sex Pistol’s Anarchy In The UK on full blast. (BTW, what’s wrong with listening to one of the best punk rock acts while carrying a baby in your belly?)

You can now erase that picture in your head because luckily, CMH Records figured out a way for mommies, daddies and babies to enjoy their favorite rock music without potentially making their offspring deaf. Rockabye Baby! Is a compilation of rock songs that were interpreted in a baby-friendly way. Through these renditions of classic rock music ranging from The Beatles to Radiohead; Pearl Jam to Pantera; Nine Inch Nails to Elvis Presley; The Flaming Lips to Kanye West and many more.

The lullaby compilation aims to make rock music likeable to babies, infants and kids while making lullaby more appealing to parents. Think of it this way, it’s like teaching your kids’ music at an early age. Also, it would be nice to see your child fall from slumber as you sing along to Pixies’ Where’s My Mind and The Smith’s There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, right?

Baby-friendly Morrissey/Marr music
Photo courtesy: rockabyebabymusic.com

 

Now, anyone who says rock music and babies don’t go well is a joke poseur who needs to go back to his/her cave.

Aphrodisiacs That Can Make You Go EWWW instead of WOW!

If you think ingesting the most potent ginseng is a major sacrifice that you need to accomplish just to wake “One-Eyed Willy”, then think (or taste) again. You’ve got to taste these weird food and animal parts that will surely challenge your gag reflex go gaga in the name of boner alert.

Here are 6 of the world’s out of this world aphrodisiacs that will make you think twice… And acquire a bulge at the same time:

By CCAYearbook via morguefile

1. Balut

For most people, this icky, slimy duck embryo is just another taboo (not to mention unappetizing) food reality shows offer to poor challengers with weak stomachs to see if they have the guts to chow down the whole thing in exchange for a wad of cash. But for countries like the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, balut is considered a staple food, and believed to be an elixir for your manhood.

2. Bull’s Testicles/Penis

Photo courtesy: telegraph.co.uk

Never mind all the sexual innuendos that are running through your mind as you read this. Bull’s testicles, AKA Soup Number 5 is known to unleash your inner-matador in bed. Is it because the bull’s “strength” is practically being channeled on to you by means of literally eating out the lone cattle’s genitals? Be it certified “horny” or nothing but a “bull crap”, this exotic soup delicacy can sure make your stomach turn.

By singhajay via morguefile

3. Cobra Blood

Again, enough with the double meaning “snake” jokes and other sexual insinuations. It is highly-regarded that drinking this poisonous creature’s blood equates to playing Let’s Get It On and Sexual Healing by Al Green in full-blast. While some want it straight up, others preferred to mix the whole thing or its body fluids (bile and blood) onto the rice wine for a more flavorful experience.

 

By Peter Kaminski via wikipedia

4. Ambergris

Ambergris is basically sperm whale puke and/or crap. Aside from being used as fixatives for perfumes, this whale discharge can awaken your manly senses by applying and rubbing it directly to the skin. Now you know why Moby Dick is called as such!

5. Oysters

By DAVEFILLA via clker

It has the appearance and texture of a slimy wad of mucus packed in a shell. Love it or hate it, oysters have been widely considered as men’s refuge to achieve a stiffy. Perhaps, it is safe to say that most guys couldn’t agree more on this. Of course, what a better way to stimulate your shaft than to partake of the appetizer that resembles a woman’s beef curtains, right, guys?

6. Tiger Penis

By ProjectManhattan  via wikipedia

Just like bull’s testicles, it is said that devouring a tiger penis will give you the endurance, stamina and the hard-on that can make a man growl for more lovin’. These feline danglers typically serve as a soup, the way soup number 5 is cooked. Looks like this is how Charlie Sheen got his tiger's blood, and why he is always “winning”. But that’s just a thought.

Ginseng Wars on TV: History Channel’s Appalachian Outlaws

You want to know what seems to be the big fuzz about ginseng? Find out on TV.

Appalachian Outlaws is a relatively new, 6-part series made and released early this year by History. It tackles about rival families trying to conquer and outsmart each other over the claims of their own share of vast land, deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

In search for furs, moonshine and the main cast of the show: Ginseng; These families are willing to risk jail time, even lives, just to get a chunk of the ginseng action, as well as the other riches of the Appalachian to sustain their day-to-day lives.

Talk about recapturing The Godfather and Breaking Bad fighting over turf, only set in the rural area of North America.

War over ginseng but across America, has been running for quite sometime now, and it continues to rise whether the camera rolls or not. To know more why Appalachian locales outsiders alike are clamoring about the “Green-Gold” plant root known as American Ginseng, here are some quick facts about it:

-    Ginseng, along with moonshine and fur, is the primary source of income in the Appalachian Mountains. This explains the rising feud between families and locales that are situated in the said mountain region of North America.

-    The supply of American ginseng is slowly deteriorating. As an alternative for its natural cultivation process (wild method), wild simulation is being utilized to help its sustainability. This allows landowners to cultivate their own ginseng plant, provided that they should acquire permits, certificates and other licenses from US Fish and Wildlife Service.

-    Wisconsin, particularly in Marathon, is known to be the largest ginseng producers in America, supplying a record high of 97% of the total ginseng production in the US.

-    Unlike any other ginseng that is grown in America, Wisconsin ginseng proves to be more potent and effective, containing a higher concentration level of ginsenosides, a compound responsible for the medical effects found in the plant root.

-    Harvest of ginseng is strictly regulated. One of the stipulations is the plant must have at least three leaves to the maturity of the ginseng (at least 5 years.). For the state of Illinois, it requires at least four leaves (10-year maturity) before it can be legally harvested.

-    The cost of ginseng can be as high as $1,000 per pound. This explains why some landowners, families, poachers and other ginseng players are willing to literally get their hands dirty for this plant.

Appalachian Outlaws premiered last January 9, 2014 in the US, and will be shown in Asia on August 21, 2014. Intrigued ginseng followers can also binge watch reruns on various video sites.

See the ginseng war as it erupts right before your eyes!

Parenting and American Ginseng for ADHD

Image Credit: projectwellness.com.au

Being a parent of a child with ADD or ADHD is a lifetime challenge. You definitely want to be part of your child's life for as long as you live, right? Your child is having an ADD or ADHD condition should make your resolve all the more resolute. But beware: being in the life of a child with ADD or ADHD is both overwhelming and frustrating. But these emotions should not distract you from doing what you can because as a parent, you have the capability to exercise a lot. You just need to find all the help you can get, be it with advice from medical experts or natural methods and cures like American ginseng. You have the power to aid your child in meeting his or her challenges daily, channel his or her energy into positive areas while maintaining order in your home and controlling the negative symptoms of ADD or ADHD.

Adopt a positive attitude and don't be hard on yourself. Getting fed-up is normal, even in rearing a child without any psychological condition. Thus, you always need to remember to take care of yourself. Children with ADD or ADHD are likely to be less mature than kids their age, usually displayed with their impatience and impulsiveness. Being too hard on yourself, you will eventually transmit that attitude with your child, which will guide him or her to be more stubborn as they can sense your frustration.

Tackle one thing at a time with your youngster. Perform all activities piecemeal so that he or she won't get frustrated and you will take it easy on yourself as well. Sit down with your child and when he is settled, and set one rule for that sit-down session. For instance, set a rule that when he or she is inside the bathroom and needs your assistance he or she needs to call you just once so that you can attend to him or her. Tell your child about the no-nos like shouting and roughhousing. Then, you can make a chart that would allow him or her to find out when a rule has been adopted. Then, if he or she follows for five times, you can give him or her some reward like a trip to the zoo or a story at bedtime. A behavioral program will enable you to condition his or her behavior and at the same time give each other special time and beautiful memories.

Another thing you can look into is integrating herbal supplements in your child's diet. You may be struggling with your child's inability to focus, so it would be wise to seek natural cures that will assist with that issue. Studies have shown that American ginseng may be effective in improving levels of inattentiveness in children with ADHD. Though the jury still out on how it can help in improving the general condition of ADHD, or bouts of depression and anxiety children with ADHD experience, the fact that it helps in focus is already a huge help.

As adults, we do not need to be helpless in dealing with children that have ADHD. We just need to know where to look for assistance because they are abundant and can really ease the burden.

The Best Home Remedies for Common Colds

Common colds is no tough customer. In fact, a little rest is sometimes enough to make you well.

Image Credit: vitalhomeremedies.com

While this is true, it isn’t the case sometimes. When common colds become so much of a bother, you may need to take some action. Don’t worry, you don’t even have to leave the house for this one.

In here is a list of home remedies for common colds to speed up your recovery. Some of them are as ordinary as water to less popular choices like American ginseng.

Water – first on the list is the one thing humans can’t live without. Be sure it’s the clean kind though. In place of water, you may have fruit juice (those rich in Vitamin C like orange). Fluids aren’t only good in keeping you hydrated; they can fight common colds because they keep your throat moist. Remember the 8-10 glasses of water people have been telling you since you were in 5th grade. If you feel you’re having more than enough water, you may insert some green tea, ginger tea, or any nutritious fluid in there.

Chicken soup – Yes, your grandmother was right all along. Chicken soup is packed with the nutrients that help treat colds. Not only does it fill the stomach when you have lost your appetite, it also ups your energy level. Experts say the noodles and the broth release the mucus from your nose. Sprinkle some garlic in the soup and it gets even better.

Salt water – Oh no, no one’s asking you to go to the beach and have your salt water fix. What you need to do is dissolve at most, ¼ teaspoon of salt with about 8 ounces of water. Gargling this mixture will help kill the bacteria on your mouth and throat.

Honey – Honey is another popular home remedy for colds. Like salt water, it helps soothe irritated throat. It’s also known to help kids sleep soundly at night. Be forewarned though, honey isn’t meant to be consumed by children under one year old.

Pepper – Kids may not agree on this one but pepper really helps in fighting colds because of an essential expectorant. Putting in some pepper in your meal or simply smelling it will help relieve you from colds.

American ginseng – Known to be a wonder herb, American ginseng can battle many kinds of ailment. There are American ginseng extracts and capsules available in the market so you won’t have to search North American rainforests. Recently, it’s been gaining popularity for its anti-viral capacity.

Herbal Medicines: Natures’ Precious Gifts

Mighty China has influenced the world in many ways; one of them can be seen in how the latter has embraced herbal medicines.

Image Credit: www.wellbeing.com.au

Here is a list of the best herbs with medicinal properties. Try looking up the web and you will see that there are an abundance of similar lists, but with contrasting entries – a testament to the abundance of gifts nature has for us.

American ginseng – There are other types of ginseng but American ginseng is the most popular, and quite easily, the best. It’s because of its surplus of medicinal properties. Among its top benefits is it boosts the immune system, decreases the blood sugar level especially of people with type 2 diabetes, and slows down the cell growth of colorectal cancer.

Ginkgo biloba –Native to China, Ginkgo biloba strengthens the lungs and heart, among other things. It enhances the memory and helps cure memory disorders like Alzheiner’s. It likewise helps relieve headache, depression, vertigo, and certain hearing disorders.

Cilantro – This herb improves bone strength and aids in blood clotting. It helps in lowering cholesterol, and because it is rich in antioxidants, it helps in the prevention of a lot of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, certain cancers, and other age-related problems.

Astragalus – If you want to talk about an herb that really strengthens the immune system, astragalus is it. It also cures colds and certain allergies, and like many other herbs, it also helps control heart rate.

Cinnamon – Another herb that is capable of lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels so it reduces the risk of heart ailments.

Ginger – This root crop and popular spice fights fatigue, nausea, and indigestion. It is also known to reduce the risks of cancer, lower blood pressure, and assists in relieving pain caused by arthritis.

Garlic – Another popular spice that offers cardiovascular benefits and helps control blood pressure. Garlic also lowers the risks of cancer, particularly ovarian and colorectal.

Licorice – This aromatic herb is good for treating asthma and heartburn. A popular sweetener, licorice has detoxification capacities so it helps care for fatigue, depression, and for the figure conscious, it helps trim your waistline.

Oregano – For certain kinds of infection, the oregano is your herb. Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial attributes help treat food-borne diseases. Apart from this, oregano also helps fight respiratory tract disorders and urinary tract infection. Apply it topically and you may just be saying goodbye to dandruff and acne.