Ding-a-ling-a-liquid
Going green these days is the norm and reducing our energy consumption is a key priority to keeping our planet going. So why not take one more step to being greener with a new alarm clock that works with water rather than electricity or batteries.
The Bedol Water Alarm Clock is a 100 percent water-powered alarm clock. There’s no back up electricity because there isn’t a need. Instead it is completely self-powered by the metallic plates that convert ions in the water into enough energy to power the device.
So go to bed each night knowing you’re making the world a bit better. Plus it’s a cool conversation piece.
Under the Weather
Drink This: Ginseng Tea, Hot or Iced In a Canadian study, people who took 400 milligrams of ginseng a day had 25 percent fewer colds than people who popped a placebo. Ginseng helps kill invading viruses by increasing the body’s production of key immune cells.
Not This: Caffeinated Beverages and Energy Drinks Excessive caffeine messes with your sleep schedule and sabotages key immune agents. In addition, insufficient sleep opens the door to colds, upper respiratory infections, and other ills. What’s more, caffeine can dehydrate you, and hydration is vital during illness: fuids not only transport nutrients to the problem zones, but also carry away toxins.
Polyphenols Anyone?
When buying chocolate, select dark chocolate with a high level of cocoa solids. The higher the amount of cocoa solids, the more polyphenols the chocolate will contain. Manufacturers are getting wise to consumer interest and you’ll soon notice more of this type of labeling on chocolate. Look for at least 70 percent cocoa solids.
Try these: • Newman’s Own Sweet Dark Chocolate – 955 mg/40 grams • Endangered Species Chocolate Company Wolf Bar – 811mg • Chocolate de Dina Extra Dark Chocolate with Green Tea – 676mg
More at www. superfoodsrx.com
O’so Brewing Creates “Memory Lane” Beer to Help Fund Programs for Those with Alzheimer’s Disease
O’so Brewing has created a brand new pilsner, “Memory Lane”, to help raise funds for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. “We decided to choose the Alzheimer’s Association after watching my grandfather pass away with this terrible disease,” said Marc Buttner, owner of O’so Brewing. “Not only was it tough to watch the most influential man in my life progressively deteriorate, but my grandmother’s career was nursing so she took care of him at home right up to the end. We wanted to give to a cause that was not only close to our heart, but that we were also passionate about. O’so is pleased and honored to help any way we can.” Memory Lane is made in Plover by people from Central Wisconsin who really care about fighting Alzheimer’s. Five percent of all sales of “Memory Lane” will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Tummy Trouble
Big Belly (Truncal Fat) – People with truncal fat have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in their body. Cortisol breaks down muscle, making these individuals hard-wired to store fat.
Obstacles: Extra belly fat slows down your metabolism and puts you at risk for heart disease and cancer.
Diet Solution: Concentrate on a diet of monounsaturated fats, which increase fat-burning and flatten your stomach. Start eating olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts and seeds.
You also want to concentrate on eating whole grains and fiber. Studies show that whole grains help to trim fat from waistlines, and fiber will help with metabolism.
Meal Plan: Eat three 300-400 calorie meals that include whole grains and two fiber-rich snacks.
Green Pet
Let Fido or Mittens sleep more soundly tonight knowing they are helping the environment. Eco Nap pet beds by West Paw Design are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles with 61% of its batting that has been recycled, too. Westpawdesign.com. Price: From $31.90
Zarbee’s All Natural Children’s Cough & Sleep Drink
• Safe & effective for children and adults (2 years +) • Pediatrician recommended • Soothes sore throats and coughs • Contains .5 mg of melatonin to promote healthy sleep
Natural Grape flavor with Elderberry – 6 2-oz. servings $8.99
Hangover Helpers
This holiday season when the office party gets a bit later and thirstier than you thought, get back on track with these helpers.
Ginger the Wonder Root Ginger is an all-purpose digestive aid. You can eat it with sushi, drink it as a tea, or mix ginger juice with water for a nausea-reducing elixir that’ll balance your gastric fluids and calm your system. This powerful antioxidant and anticoagulant can work wonders, but don’t consume fresh ginger on an empty stomach: mix it up with something else.
Matzo Ball Soup The medicinal healing powers of the matzo ball have been well documented throughout history. Known as Jewish penicillin, matzo ball soup can kill a hangover, eliminate pink eye and, in some cases, even cure cancer. Embrace the power of the matzo. It’s the most comfortable comfort food ever invented.
Eggs Yep, eggs. Eggs have cysteine in ’em. Cysteine is an awesome amino acid that breaks down acetaldehyde, a toxin that’s a byproduct of the oxidation of ethanol. Acetaldehyde causes hangovers and eggs break down the acetaldehyde. So get over the fact that you don’t want breakfast and scramble that hangover out of your system.