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Nopalea

March 27th, 2009 by tripowerteam

Nopalea

Nopalea more commonly known as Nopal is a genus of the cactus family. It produces purple flowers in the winter and is pollinated by hummingbirds. The plant thrives in subtropical and tropical regions and can be found in the south-western desert regions of the United States and Mexico. This amazing Nopalea Cactus (sometimes referred to as the prickly pear) is also known and grown for its beautiful bloom, bright red fruit and paddle-like leaves.

Sonoran Bloom Nopalea

Nopalea is also plentiful in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. The Sonoran Desert is the most fruitful desert in the world and is visited by millions of people yearly. It is one of the least polluted areas on this planet and Nopalea plants that originate from the Sonoran Desert are organic. The Nopal cactus or prickly pear cactus is found in many arid and semi-arid environments around the world. The people from some countries of North Africa call cactus pear “the bridge of life”, because it is the only feeding and watering resource for animals during drought seasons.

Sonoran Desert dwellers have enjoyed the nutritional benefits of the Nopal cactus for centuries. When the spines are removed from the cactus pads they can be used as a vegetable in a salad or as a tasty treat on the barbeque. The fruit of the Nopal cactus is a naturally sweet, succulent fruit that is enjoyed by both desert dwelling people and animals.

The Nopal fruit contains 18 amino acids, all of the B vitamins as well as minerals and bioactive phytonutrients. It is undoubtedly a super food that has been found to have a whole range of health benefits.

The scientific community has been interested in the potential health promoting benefits of the Nopal cactus for decades. Scientific studies have increased interest in cactus-pear cultivation and the number of possible uses and application of cactus-pear fruits. Anecdotal testimonials from people who have enjoyed Nopalea, a health promoting nutritional juice, is mounting.

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Ref:

Banos, G., et al. (2008). Medicinal agents in the metabolic syndrome.

http://www.springerlink.com/content/6mh181q470l20751/

Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali Agrarie e Biotecnologie Agro-Alimentari
Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy

http://www.jpacd.org/V6/Piga_PF2fnl.pdf

Cactus stems (Opuntia spp.): A review on their chemistry, technology, and uses Florian C. Stintzing *, Reinhold Carle Hohenheim University, Institute of Food Technology, Plant Foodstuff Technology, Stuttgart, Germany. Fax: +49-711-459-4110

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/chamc/2008/00000006/00000004/art00002

http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=1

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Comments (2)

Lose Weight

March 27th, 2009 by tripowerteam

Lose Weight

It is not unusual for people who are overweight to make the excuse that they can’t lose weight so there is no point trying. Losing weight is not for the feint hearted. It demands life style changes and discipline and can take many months to achieve your goal.

However if you are serious about wanting to lose weight it is worth making sure that you are properly organized before you begin. Being well organized will get you off to a good start as will my list of tips and hints to make your weight loss journey a little less stressful

1. Get rid of any foods that may tempt you to return to your old ways and instead fill your cupboards with healthy foods that will help you to lose weight

2. Buy fresh foods on the day you want to eat them. This will help to ensure that they have the maximum nutritional value.

3. Make sure you have some healthy snacks at hand in the fridge, like carrot sticks and hummus.

4. You will need to have plenty of high quality protein in your weight loss diet. Protein is necessary to convert fat into lean muscle and subsequently to speed up your metabolism.

5. Most of us suffer from a sweet tooth on occasions so it is sensible to keep a store of fruit such as bananas, apples and oranges that will offer a healthier alternative. Pure sugar causes insulin levels to rise too quickly leading to a condition known as hyper-insulinism. Fruit contains fiber which has to be broken down and results in a slower absorption of sugar and a more gradual rise in insulin levels.

6. You should aim to stick to your diet at least for 95% of the time and don’t be too hard on yourself if you have a bad day or feel the need for a treat. It is always better to have a treat and get back to your diet rather than feel deprived and ending up binging

7. Start thinking like a slim person and imagining yourself as slim. If you think like a slim person you will act like a slim person and consequently you will begin to eat like as a slim person. The power of though can help you to lose weight more effectively and maintain that weight loss in the future.

8. Don’t be tempted to give up. There will always be times when sticking to your diet will prove to be more than you can cope with, but the most important thing is to get back on the diet as soon as things get back to normal.

9. Trying to lose weight on your own can be a lonely business. Either join a class or maybe form a weight loss group of your own amongst your friends, colleagues or family members. The benefits of group therapy and a good support system can make all the difference to your ultimate successful weight loss

10. Determination and a resolve to do it to the best of your ability will certainly help you to lose weight. Many people have lost vast amounts of weight and have kept it off successfully it just takes a bit of will power and an understanding that this is an eating plan for life and not just for the duration of your weight loss regime

Janet L. Matthews
Skype ID: lindajanetmatthews

Categories : Lose Weight