Aloe Vera for Health, Beauty and Luck Blog

An Aloe Vera Plant Killed by Frost

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:14:00 +0000

The nice dark shiny green color actually shows the frostbite, the leaves are very floppy. I don't know if it is also root dead. I deliberately left this one out to test how much cold they could stand, well it appeared to survive down to freezing point, but we've had it much colder this year in the UK. All the same I don't know which night killed it, I'll have to be more scientific next year

Aloe Vera and Surviving Overwatering and Frost

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:36:00 +0000

I put my Aloe Vera plants outside as much as possible. They spent last Summer outside and even though it was the wettest on record and their pots were often swimming in water they didn't seem to harm.

Recently we had our first frosts so I took them inside however I forgot one large plant outside. Unexpectedly this plant survived a week of frosts and is actually doing rather well. So how cold a frosts is required to kill an Aloe Vera plant?

So Aloe Vera are even hardier than I thought. What is your experience?

N.B. From a book
Overwatering what should we look for?

A plant suffering from overwatering may appear to actually need water. The leaves or stems will wilt and turn yellow, sometimes dropping off. Someone seeing this might believe that the plant needs water and add to the problem. But once again, feeling the soil is the best way to avoid this.

When in doubt: Soil + dry = water. Soil + wet = don't water.

Horny Goat Weed Natural Aphrodisiac

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:30:00 +0000

This is a little off topic for this blog, but I just love the name "Horny Goat Weed" and it is natural. Epimedium, also known as Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, or Yin Yang Huo.

Legend has it that Horny Goat Weed was discovered when a goat herder in ancient China noticed that whenever his herd ate a certain weed, their promiscuous sexual behaviour increased. This ‘certain weed’ soon became known as ‘Horny Goat Weed’ and is now traditionally used as a libido enhancer.

More on Wonder-Weed Purslane or Little Hogweed

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:53:00 +0000

This common, introduced, 'weed' comes to us from India or the Middle East but is a close relative of several less common native plants. Rooting easily from cut stems and with the ability to mature the seeds even after the plant has been pulled it is a difficult plant to remove from gardens.

Lore: Purslane is a good edible and is eaten throughout much of Europe and Asia. It can be eaten fresh or cooked and has no bitter taste at all. Since it has a mucilaginous quality it is great for soups and stews.

Medical Uses: Purslane contains more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable plant we know of. The most common dietary source of Omega-3s are cold water fish like Salmon. Omega-3s aid the body in the production of compounds that effect blood pressure, clotting, the immune system, prevent inflammation, lower cholesterol (LDL), prevent certain cancers and control coronary spasms. In addition recent studies suggest that Omega- 3s may have positive effects on the brain and may aid in such conditions as depression, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, autism, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and migraines. Though very beneficial, there are few good dietary sources other than seafood for Omaga-3s. (Some oils, nuts, grains and other leafy vegetables do contain Omega-3s)

Learn more here http://2bnthewild.com/plants/H186.htm

Have You Considered Buying a Health Franchise?

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:59:00 +0000

Having started several businesses from scratch I realise that there are a lot of attractions to buying a franchise, no burning up your enthusiasm and your capital just getting your business and market setup. With a franchise you get a ready-made proven business model, a business plan laid out to the finest detail, you cannot go wrong. Well that's true at least if you choose the right franchise and that's obviously the trickiest and most important part.

Well there are Franchise Exhibitions but now there is a special website called www.franchisegator.co.uk which has hundreds of franchises . To make the search easier these are devided into many categories including fitness, women's opportunities, health, sports and many more. You can also search for a franchise in the UK by Town or City, Capital available, and industry or sector.

The site is aimed at people looking for a franchise opportunity in the UK. The site also has lots of information about finance, the legal side, and general advice on franchising.

The most important thing is to take your time, perform due-diligence and choose wisely and you could find a sure-fire business.

Franchise Gator is a subsidiary of Microsoft so is a really solid organisation.

Eight More Unusual Superfoods

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:35:00 +0000

Beets: is one of the best sources of both folate and betaine. These two nutrients work together to lower your blood levels of homocysteine, an inflammatory compound that can damage your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease. Plus, the natural pigments -- called betacyanins -- that give beets their color have been proved to be potent cancer fighters in laboratory mice. Eat them RAW!

Cabbage: loaded with valuable nutrients. At the top of the list is sulforaphane, a chemical that increases your body's production of enzymes that disarm cell-damaging free radicals and reduce your risk of cancer. In fact, Stanford University scientists determined that sulforaphane boosts your levels of these cancer-fighting enzymes higher than any other plant chemical.

Swiss Chard: A half cup of cooked Swiss chard provides a huge amount of both lutein and zeaxanthin, supplying 10 mg each. These plant chemicals, known as carotenoids, protect your retinas from the damage of aging, according to Harvard researchers

Purslane has the highest amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fats of any edible plant, according to researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The scientists also report that this herb has 10 to 20 times more melatonin -- an antioxidant that may inhibit cancer growth -- than any other fruit or vegetable tested. Purslane is an edible weed, Ghandi's favorite food.

Portulaca oleracea (Common Purslane, also known as Verdolaga, Pigweed, Little Hogweed or Pusley)

Purslane : Photo from Wikipedia Commons by ZooFari

Guava: has a higher concentration of lycopene -- an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer -- than any other plant food, including tomatoes and watermelon. In addition, 1 cup of the stuff provides 688 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which is 63 percent more than you'll find in a medium banana. And guava may be the ultimate high-fiber food: There's almost 9 grams (g) of fiber in every cup.

Pomegranate juice Israeli scientists discovered that men who downed just 2 ounces of pomegranate juice daily for a year decreased their systolic (top number) blood pressure by 21 percent and significantly improved bloodflow to their hearts. What's more, 4 ounces provides 50 percent of your daily vitamin C needs

Goji berries have one of the highest ORAC ratings -- a method of gauging antioxidant power -- of any fruit, according to Tufts University researchers. And although modern scientists began to study this ancient berry only recently, they've found that the sugars that make goji berries sweet reduce insulin resistance

Dried plums: (Prunes) contain high amounts of neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, antioxidants that are particularly effective at combating the "superoxide anion radical." This nasty free radical causes structural damage to your cells, and such damage is thought to be one of the primary causes of cancer.

Pumpkin seeds : They are the most nutritious part of the pumpkin. Eating pumpkin seeds is the easiest way to consume more magnesium

Read more at abcnews.go.com/Health

A Miracle Elixir : Make your own Miracle Medicine from Honey, Garlic and Vinegar

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:10:00 +0000

Basic Elixir Recipe

Here's how to make your own miracle medicine...

Put the following in a blender...

1 cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar (called the mother)
1 cup raw honey (unpasteurised)
8 cloves garlic (organic preferred)

Mix on high speed for 60 seconds. Pour mixture into a glass container. Seal and leave in the refrigerator for five days. Normal dosage is two tsp. in a glass of water or fruit juice, grape or orange juice is best before breakfast.

I can't remember where I found this, but I remember that great claims were made for it as general clear all, and although I have no medical knowledge with those ingredients how could it do you at the least any harm!

Some of the claims
* Ease the symptoms of coughs and colds without drugs or drowsiness
* Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and keep your skin moist
* Boost your libido and energy
* Instantly treat common ailments like indigestion, heartburn and headaches
* Soothe stings, bites and rashes the natural way
* Sleep more easily at night... get rid of bad breath...
* Tackle fungal infections quicker than expensive sprays and creams!

Today I've just had my first dose, first impressions it's like drinking liquid garlic, it's too early to say more, but follow this thread for more news

Using Aggregation of Marginal Gains to Lose Weight

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:49:00 +0000

It is well known that Diets don't work in the long-term Your only hope is is to retrain your eating habits.

You must have a good breakfast otherwise you will get hungrier as the day goes on
Choose to eat more natural fresh products, fruits and vegetables
Don't eat standing up, encourages hurried eating and re-serving
Always choose the smaller portion,slice (important)
Create pauses between courses, mouthfuls
Put down your knife & fork between mouthfuls
Get to dessert quickly (avoid a second serving of main course)
Have lots of healthy nibbles, olives, raw carrots, fruits available
Choose either-or ie cheese or dessert
Never eat in a hurry, you will get no pleasure
Use smaller utensils especially the spoon
Try to always leave something on the plate, an empty plate encourages another serving
Never be persuaded to "finish off" the bowl
Remember that eating food you don't need is also wasting it
If you do crack for junk food/comfort food don't panic you are allowed treats
When eating comfort food you can still choose quality treats ie real chocolate not candy
Train your self to wait a minute between squares of chocolate
Count your mini-victories, not your lapses

So use the AMG technique to gradually improve your eating habits, remember you have to change from being someone who thinks that "what will it hurt to have an extra portion" (or worse "You only live once") to being someone who realises that the only thing you control is what you eating now

Medicinal uses of Aloe Vera

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:53:00 +0000

Short but excellent introduction to Aloe Vera

Gandhi Drank Aloe Vera Daily

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:35:00 +0000

This is by Forever Living but contains lots of useful stuff

Tea 'healthier' drink than water

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:50:00 +0000

The researchers recommend people consume three to four cups a day

Drinking three or more cups of tea a day is as good for you as drinking plenty of water and may even have extra health benefits, say researchers.

The work in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition dispels the common belief that tea dehydrates.

Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, but it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers, UK nutritionists found.

Experts believe flavonoids are the key ingredient in tea that promote health.

Healthy cuppa

These polyphenol antioxidants are found in many foods and plants, including tea leaves, and have been shown to help prevent cell damage.

Learn more here

$34 billion US market for products containing Aloe Vera.

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:27:00 +0000

US Farms, Inc. intends to generate revenue from Aloe Vera bulk leaf sales, potted Aloe Vera plant sales, Aloe Vera produce, and Plant and Nursery sales. The Company currently grows over 250,000 full-grown Aloe Vera mother plants on approximately 70 acres in Imperial Valley, Ca, which it anticipates will produce approximately 4,000,000 "pups" annually. These Aloe Vera "pups" are then repotted and sold though retail and wholesale Nursery channels throughout the United States. It will divest its Tomato, Asparagus and Garlic operations. US farms plans to be a vertically integrated player in the $34 billion US market for products containing Aloe Vera."

Health-Diet-Superfoods

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:32:00 +0000

Hi came across another list of superfoods in a french magazine

Blueberries (Mrytille)
Kiwis (however some people can be allergic)
Broccoli
Jerusalem artichoke (Topinambur)
Mango (My favorite)
Fennel (Fenouil)
Soya

So what are superfoods? Well they are foods that have more than fair-share of vitamins and health benefits. Wikipedia defines them as "foods with high phytonutrient content that some may believe confers health benefits as a result. For example, blueberries are often considered a superfood (or superfruit) because they contain significant amounts of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese and dietary fibre" Wikipedia even lists Aloe Vera as a superfood . Learn more at wikipedia.org/wiki/Superfood

Aloe Vera for Horses

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:44:00 +0000

There are countless uses for Aloe Vera, and investigations by veterinary professionals have shown that Aloe Vera is effective in the treatment of a large range of skin problems, joint problems and internal disorders in equines.

Many trainers and riders now give Aloe Vera to their horses as a dietary supplement, significantly enhancing their stamina and performance, and reducing competitive stress and post-event fatigue.

A few years ago, international show jumper Liz Edgar fed Aloe Vera to her horses during a flu outbreak with good results. She now regularly feeds it to balance cell counts and uses the extract for minor injuries. People can also benefit. Aloe Vera Gel is taken as a drink by jockeys to improve energy levels and many event riders swear by it.

Learn more at www.aloeveraforhorses.com

A Surprise Superfood

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 09:43:00 +0000

The real power to prevent and cure illnesses and diseases is not in prescription drugs but in eating healthy food. Raw fruit ranks especially high on the list of healing food. It is not widely known to the average person just how powerful these fruits can be in building a healthy body. Here are a few fruits that are noteworthy to mention.

Kiwis offer an unusual array of health promoting substances. They are extremely rich in vitamin C and offer folate, potassium, fiber, carotenoids, polyphenoids, chorophyll, gluthione, and pictin.anti-oxidants Although everyone might not be knowledgeable about what these various substances are, that doesn't really matter. What is really important is they can help us build, restore and maintain a healthy body.

Kiwis are super antioxidant all stars offering a rich bounty of vitamin C.- more than the equivalent amount of an orange- kiwis can help neutralize the free radicals that damage cells, ultimately leading to inflammation which in turn, can lead to cancer and other chronic diseases.

Vitamin C plays such an important role in so many bodily functions including the immune system. It's even associated with preventing many ailments such as asthma, atherosclerrosis, osteoarthritis and colon cancer.

I didn't realize until recently what a powerful punch this fruit has regarding your overall health. This next news is really important . Kiwis also promote health heart. It lowers triglycleride levels, it reduces platelet hyperactivity - which in turn seems to play a role in the development and stabilityof artherosclerotic vascular plaques. Kiwi's can also promote heart health by limiting the tendency of blood to form clots. Now let's move on to some other fruits with amazing health benefits.

Oranges might have been America's first health food. It's long been recognized as a potent source of vitamin C. While they are a little bit of an effort to peel they are tasty and juicy to eat. It doesn't seem that too many people get excited about oranges but they should. The power of the orange to support heart health and prevent cancer, stroke, diabetes and a host of chronic ailments (as well as the common cold) should be a significant component in a healthy diet.

It's important to know that 20 to 30 percent of America's adults have marginal blood levels of vitamin C and 16 percent are deficient in the vitamin. Humans and a few animals can't manufacture vitamin C in their bodies.

It's water soluable and not retained in the body, so we need a constant replenishment from dietary sources to maintain adequate cellular and blood levels. What's even more alarming is a high percentage of children consume only minimal amounts of vitamin C. Because many people are so deficient in vitamin C we are seeing epidemics of heart disease, hypertension and cancer. Vitamin C along with other nutrients can play a major role in reducing these high levels of chronic disease.

Let's talk about another fruit now that is not so commonly known. I really never knew much about it myself but I'm now interested in giving it a try..

One of the joys of the autumn season, pomegranates are not only beautiful and exotic looking, but they also have health benefits that have long been known. Pomegranates can range in color from yellow to red to purple. They are rich in potassium, vitamin C, polyphenols and vitamin B6.

Pomegranates juice may have two to three times the antioxidant power of equal amounts of tea or red wine. As low as one quarter cup of pomegranates juice daily may improve cardiovascular health by reducing oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Pomegranates posesses yery potent anti-flammatory phytochemicals and consumption of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure in hypertension volenteers.

Studies of several fruit juices and wine have reported the highest polyphenol concentration in pomegranate juice followed by red wine and cranberry juice.

The last fruit I want to tell you about is one who most people think of as a decorative gourd rather than a highly nutritious and desirable food ... it's the pumpkin. Usually we buy a pumpkin at Holloween to carve out and use it as a lighted decoration by putting a candle inside it and placing it in an appropriate place for people to look at and enjoy it. We usually only eat it once a year in a Thanksgiving pie.

This is unfortunate because the squash known as pumpkin is one of the most nutritionally valuable foods known to man. (By the way, pumpkin is not a vegetable, it's a fruit) It's also very inexpensive and available year round in canned form, incredibly easy to incorporate into recipies, high in fiber and low in calories. Pumpkin really is a nutrition super star.

The nutrients in pumpkin are really world class. Pumpkin packs an abundance of disese fighting nutrients, including potassium, pantothenic acid, folate, magnesium, niacin, and vitamin B1,C and E. The key nutrient that boost pumpkin to the top of the Superfoods RX list is the synergistic combination of carotenoids.

Pumpkin contains one of the richest supplies of bioavailable carotenoids known to man. A half-cup serving of pumpkin gives you more than two times the recommended daily dietary intake of alpha-carotene and 100 percent of the recommended daily dietary goal of beta-carotene.

Well these four fruits should give you some idea of just how powerful nature's medicine can be. I know there are plenty other fruits that have some remarable healing qualities too.

It will be interesting to find out at a later date about other fruits also I will be anxious to review them and when I do I will write another article about them.. In the meantime why not experiece any of these fruits you haven't already experienced and see what they might do to enhance your overall health condition. You might be totally surprised what they might do for you.

To your health,

Sonny Julius www.HealthyAsCanBe.net

Who Is Googling for Aloe Vera?

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:47:00 +0000

Or rather what are they searching for? Here is some of my research.

Using the famous WordTracker Keyword Tool these were the top non-trivial search terms
health benefits of aloe vera
medicinal uses of aloe vera
care of aloe vera plants
benefits of aloe vera

From Google "Related Searches"
aloe vera drink
aloe vera acne
aloe vera sunburn
aloe vera care
benefits of aloe vera
history of aloe vera
aloe vera recipe
aloe vera pills

Ask.com "Narrow your search" suggested
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Medicinal Uses of Aloe Vera
Benefits Drinking Aloe Vera Juice
What Is Aloe Vera Good for
Aloe Vera Plant

So this is what people are looking for nothing too surprising if unless that people are looking for Aloe Vera Pills and Recipes.

Take your Aloe Vera Plant on Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:51:00 +0000

No I don't mean the whole plant, just one or of the thickest lower leaves. Remember it's on vacation everything seems to attack the skin insect bites and stings, sunburn, rashes, scratches. A little Aloe Vera gel may be enough to sooth or cure the problem, and no bottle to spill or leak. Just wrap the leaves in a cloth. Have a great holiday

Salt Pipes for Respiratory Relief

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:29:00 +0000

A few years ago we visited the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland, they have have built a sanatorium underground for patients with respiratory complaints. For the visitor there is also an underground church built out of salt. It was very interesting and I can confirm you feel fantastic breathing in that salty air (even better than sea air) Well as popping down a salt-mine is not generally too handy you can now purchase "Salt Pipes". It is recommended to inhale from the pipe for 15 to 20 minutes daily learn more by clicking on either link below (US & UK)

Salt Pipe (UK)

Original Himalayan Crystal Salt Inhaler (US)

Can help to relieve:-

Asthma, Allergies
Sinus problem, Hay fever
Chest infections, Bronchitis, Emphysema, COPD
Persitent Cough and Sore throats
Cystic Fibrosis
Breathing difficulty, Shortness of breath
Respiratory problems caused by smoking

Benefits of Aloe Vera

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:07:00 +0000

The benefits of aloe vera are manifold. Aloe vera is used to treat first-degree burns for speedy healing. Aloe vera is used to shrink warts and lessen the painful effects of shingles. The symptoms of psoriasis can be reduced with aloe vera. Taken orally, aloe also appears to work on heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain and asthma, and studies have shown that it has an effect on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics. Other situations in which it appears to work when taken internally include congestion, intestinal worms, indigestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, liver problems such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, kidney infections, urinary tract infections, prostate problems, and as a general detoxifier. Lastly, many people who take aloe internally report just feeling better overall, which is in and of itself something of a testament to its remarkable properties.

Aloe Vera can trigger uterine contractions and must not be taken by pregnant women. Children should not be given aloe vera internally too.

Traditionally Aloe Vera has been consumed in liquid form, however Aloe Vera in capsule or tablet form has become popular recently as it is more convenient to carry and requires no refrigeration. Aloeride tablets have recently appeared on the market these have the extra benefit of removing the anthraquinones that are naturally present in aloe vera (which cause a laxative effect)

Aloe Vera Dessert

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:45:00 +0000

Originally uploaded by Food Trails.

Aloe Vera is rich in minerals, vitamins and fibre. Take a thick chunky leaf and cut away the exterior. The green sap from the peeled Aloe Vera should be rinsed away with water. The chunky cubes should then be boiled and sweetened with rock/cane sugar. Then chill the mixture of Aloe Vera and serve with ice cubes and lemon.

This soulds great but I haven't tried this yet, will let you know when I do!

AloeRide and Crohn’s disease

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:05:00 +0000

Article quoted from Prima Magazine:-
I’d been suffering with Crohn’s disease since my eldest daughter, now 19, was a baby. It was diagnosed after a year in which everything I ate seemed to go straight through me, and I was passing so much blood from ulcers in my colon that I was too weak to climb the stairs without sitting down for five minutes at the top to recover. For three years, Bekki and I were prisoners in our home. Not only did I lack the energy to go out, but I dreaded not being able to reach a toilet fast enough if I needed one. When I got pregnant with my second daughter, my symptoms subsided. Like many other autoimmune conditions, where the body attacks itself, Crohn’s goes into remission in pregnancy. But, the symptoms came back with a vengeance soon after Ashli, now 15, was born. Terrified of “accidents”if we were out,I started wearing huge pads, like nappies – and I couldn’t go to the supermarket without my husband, Richard, 52, in case I needed to run to the loo while at the checkout.
Eighteen months ago, things were so bad that my consultant wanted to take out a large part of my colon, and leave me with a colostomy bag instead. Desperate to find an alternative, I searched the Internet and came across an aloe vera remedy, Aloeride. It claimed to be able to reduce inflammation wherever it occurs, be it the skin (eczema), joints (arthritis), or the bowel (as in Crohn’s). Supplements were said to work best alongside other treatments, such as a change in diet, and traditional medicines, too.
The change the Aloeride capsules made was astounding. By the third day, I had no tummy pain (and I had lived with pain for nearly 20 years) and, within weeks, I was going to the loo less often, and gaining weight. The aloe vera in these capsules is so effective at fighting inflammation that if I ever burn myself while cooking, I break open a capsule and rub the oil in – and the redness fades instantly. When I next saw my doctor he agreed I no longer needed a colostomy, and an examination proved that my bowel was much healthier.
A year on, I’ve halved my medication, my weight has reached 8st, and I feel as if I’m on the brink of a new life. I’ve always dreamed of a career in social work, and now I feel ready to start a college course. Richard and the girls are as delighted with the new me as I am. I’m more independent, more energetic – and I look so much better, too!
Article quoted from www.primamagazine.co.uk
Always consult your medical practitioner

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Aloe Vera Page

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:56:00 +0000

US goverment Page on Aloe Vera http://nccam.nih.gov/health/aloevera/ . Read this for sober advice on Aloe Vera. I am an Aloe Vera enthusiast but freely confess I have no medical training. Always consult your medical practitioner.

This will get you Flossing!

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Will this finally Kill Smoking?

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:42:00 +0000

Governments have spent millions over the years trying to persuade "young" people not to smoke without much success. Of course at the same time the cigarette industry was spending billions sponsoring cool sports and paying Hollywood to insert smoking scenes into top films. In these scenes and I am thinking of "Pulp Fiction" some of the most beautiful people on the planet are seen smoking in a seductive way. However now with the smoking ban operative here in the UK and many other countries, smokers are obliged to smoke outside often in the street and to be honest they look a bit silly. Young people have been drawn to smoking because it appears rebellious, adult and glamorous. Will smoking finally be exposed for what is really is a highly addictive drug which is increasingly consumed by losers?

Discover a New Fruit Today

noreply@blogger.com (zzapper) — Mon, 26 May 2008 13:08:00 +0000

Somehow I'd never eaten a Mango until recently. Mangos are not particularly attractive they are large, greenish, bulbous and slightly misshapen. They contain a large flat stone which makes slicing/preparing them difficult. But oh the taste, I started eating and couldn't stop just like you might do with a tub of icecream. The difference is you don't have to feel guilty after eating fruit!! So next time you buy fruit try a fruit you don't know. By the way I was inspired to write this post by the wonderful Mango Smoothie I had in my local coffee store.

Juice Blend Mango Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients:
1 large mango diced and chilled
1 banana
1/2 cup of yogurt
1 cup of orange juice
6 ice cubes