Donna,

Awesome !


30 Days To Wellness
A Public Service Campaign of The Wholefood Farmacy

A Little Goes A Long Way
 

Even a very modest amount of exercise might be better than none at all when it comes to preventing disability from arthritis, according to research published in the December 2006 issue of the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism. The study followed more than 3,500 U.S. adults with arthritis.

Researchers found that those who were getting some regular physical activity at the study's start were less likely than their sedentary peers to develop worsening problems with walking, climbing stairs and other daily activities.  In addition, exercisers were more likely than inactive adults to show improvements in any mobility problems they had at the outset. The findings were published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism in December 2005.

The new findings suggest that even modest levels of exercise can help prevent disability from arthritis, or even reverse it in some cases. Study participants who got less than 30 minutes per day of moderate activity or less than 20 minutes of vigorous exercise, were still less likely than inactive arthritis sufferers to show functional decline over time.   

In the study, participants were divided into three groups based on their reported leisure-time activities at the start of the study: an inactive group, an insufficiently active group, and a group that got the recommended level of exercise for adults - at least 30 minutes of moderate activity like walking or gardening on most days of the week, or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise like running or swimming.  

Overall, adults in this latter group were 41 percent less likely to show functional decline over the next 2 years than their inactive peers were. The risk reduction was almost as great for those who exercised at a less-than-ideal level. The researchers wrote that: "Given the high prevalence of arthritis, even modest increases in rates of lifestyle physical activity among older adults could make a substantial contribution to disability-free life expectancy."  They also noted that it is always a good idea for sedentary people with arthritis to consult their doctor before taking up any activity.

As with most all health related issues, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Have you had your ounce of prevention today?

If you feel that you need more energy, Farmacy Pro Power is a delicious Super Food energy drink that is loaded with nutrients and topped off with a delicious and refreshing mint taste. You can energize your body, mind and spirit with one easy serving per day.

 

 
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"Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself"

Day 29 - Carrots
 

All our lives we've been told to eat our carrots, they help improve your eyesight. Maybe you've wondered -  what exactly is it about the carrot that is good for my eyes? That would be the beta-carotene. In addition to giving the carrot its name and orange color, it also converts to vitamin A in the body which helps improve vision. The vitamin A forms a purple pigment called rhodopsin the eye needs to see in dim light. Rhodopsin production is spurred by vitamin A, raising the effectiveness of the light-sensitive area of the retina.

 
But that's not all that carrots can do for you. The beta-carotene in carrots is an antioxidant combating the free radicals that contribute to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration. Medical studies conducted in Texas and Chicago indicates that men with the high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin C had a 37% lower risk of cancer than the men with lower levels. Carrots also contain another antioxidant called alpha-carotene. A study conducted in Bethesda , MD concluded that men who consume high amounts of alpha carotene have a lower incidence of lung cancer.

Cooking carrots actually raises the nutritional benefits. The fiber in carrots can trap the beta carotene, making it difficult for your body to extract. By cooking them slightly, you free the beta-carotene, from the fiber, which allows your body to absorb it better. Eating only a half-cup serving per day will give you more than the recommended dosage of beta-carotene. Remember, when you buy carrots raw at the store, you should cut off the leafy tops before storing for maximum vitamin retention.  Getting your carrot-a-day is easy, considering the vegetable's versatility and "blendability". Carrots can subtlety enhance but don't overwhelm. Here are a few ways to put more carrot power on your table.

Toss grated carrot with potatoes for hash browns.

Add grated carrots to sauces, white or red. Grated carrots give body and impart subtle flavor, and they fit any tomato or creamy soup, sauce, or casserole.

Mix finely-ground carrots into peanut butter for a new kind of healthy crunch.

Herb and Vegetable Bread or Biscuits: To your regular dough, add finely grated carrots; minced onion (dried flakes or fresh green); parsley; garlic powder; sprinkle of basil and pinch of oregano or sage. Top it all off with some dried or pesto tomatoes and a few hearty shakes of parmesan cheese.

You can also find carrots in some of your favorite Wholefood Farmacy foods such as Veggielicious, Veggielicious Spice and Farmacy Gourmet V-12 Vegetable Soup.

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Hi Linda,

Yes, I grew up hearing this very thing, that carrots are good for your eyesight.  I however, ate them mainly because I loved the taste of them, whether raw or cooked.

Thank you for sharing all this information with me.

Blessings,

Beryl