Book -- Healthy Without Health Insurance: Protect Yourself (Volume 1) By Dr. Matthew Edlund

I am contemplating to buy this book;

Book --- Healthy Without Health Insurance: Protect Yourself (Volume 1)
By Dr. Matthew Edlund

ISBN:9780974892719

Info source: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0974892718/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

Indian Multigrain Porridge Recipe - Kanji by padhuskitchen.com

Info source: http://www.padhuskitchen.com/2010/07/multigrain-porridge-porridge-recipe.html

Ingredients needed

1.Finger millet/Ragi -1/4 kg

2.Pear millet/Kambu -1/4 kg

3.Green gram - 1/4 kg

4.Wheat - 1/4 kg

5.Boiled rice - 1/4 kg

6.Fried gram /pottukadalai- 100 grams

7.Barley - 100 grams

8.Sago/jevarisi - 50 grams

9.Dry ginger/Sukku -2 inch piece

10.Almonds -25 grams

For more details, please visit http://www.padhuskitchen.com/2010/07/multigrain-porridge-porridge-recipe.html

Why Vitamin B12 is usually measured at the same time as a folic acid test?

Info Source: http://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-b12-15239

Vitamin B12 is usually measured at the same time as a folic acid test, because a lack of either one can lead to a form of anemia called megaloblastic anemia. Lack of vitamin B12 also affects the nervous system.

Folic Acid (Folates) from WebMd

Info source: http://www.m.webmd.com/hw-popup/folic-acid-folates

Folic Acid (Folates)

Folic acid, one of the B vitamins, is important for the normal development of an unborn child (fetus). Folic acid and its closely related compounds, folates, are needed for the production of red and white blood cells and platelets, the formation of genetic material (DNA) in cells, and growth.

Only a small amount of folic acid is stored in the body. So to avoid a deficiency, a person must get folic acid regularly from the foods in the diet. Folic acid is found in foods such as liver, kidney, yeast, fruits (bananas, oranges), leafy vegetables (spinach), eggs, whole wheat bread, lima beans, and milk.

Taking supplements of folic acid before and during pregnancy can reduce the chance of having a baby with birth defects, such as spina bifida.

B12 Information from WebMD

Info source: http://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-b12-15239

A vitamin B12 test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood. The body needs this B vitamin to make blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system.

Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs. Most people who eat animal products are not likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency anemiaunless their bodies can't absorb it from food. 

Strict vegetarians (vegans) who do not eat animal products and babies of mothers who are strict vegetarians are at increased risk for developing anemia and should take a supplement containing vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver for a year or more, which reduces a person's risk of anemia.

Vitamin B12 is usually measured at the same time as a folic acid test, because a lack of either one can lead to a form of anemia called megaloblastic anemia. Lack of vitamin B12 also affects the nervous system.

Multigrain drinks with Mfg date labels made for BB on 2012-09-12

I made 4 bottles of multigrain drinks on 12-9-2012, Thursday. They were sent to BB on 13-9-2012.

Each bottle multigrain drink can be taken as breakfast, lunch or dinner. Energy per bottle is about 450 to 500 kcal.

They are very nutritious. Full of the micronutrients BB needs for good health, hair growth, bone, etc.

Ingredients of the multigrain drink made this time:

Brown rice
Wheat
Oats
Millet
Buckwheat
Polenta (crushed corn)
Barley
Black glutinous rice
Soya bean
Pinto bean
Wheat germs
Walnut
Almond
Black sesame powder
Brown flaxseed meal
Honey.
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Korean Multigrain Drink Misugaru by cafe Bene

Info and picture source: http://www.chubbychinesegirleats.com/2012/05/caffe-bene-escape-with-a-misugaru-drinkin-times-square.html

Misugaru is a multigrain drink. High in protein, which boosts energy and is easy to digest. It’s a healthy good for you kinda drink. It comes in powder form (black sesame seed, black bean, black ride, brown rice, barley). 

It’s a very popular in Korea, when I visited a couple years ago, they would grind it fresh. Here in the States, you can buy pre-packed ones at Korean grocery stores. Before Caffe Bene came to town, I would get my fix at the tea shops in Korean Town. (Note: Updated on 2014-06-02)

Korean Multigrain Drink Misugaru by cafe Bene.

The five ingredients are:

Black sesame seeds
Black bean
Black Rice
Brown rice
Barley

Raw multigrain rice (530 grams) before cooking and cooked multigrain rice

Raw multigrain rice (530 grams) before cooking and one of 4 serves of multigrain rice cooked from the raw multigrain rice. Date: 2012-09-12, Wednesday.

My Pre-packed raw multigrain rice for storing in the refrigerator for cooking any time.

My Pre-packed raw multigrain rice for storing in the refrigerator for cooking any time.

Living Life Fully --- www.Livinglifefully.com -- inspiration, motivation, and encouragement

On 2012-09-12, Wednesday, I came across a website called "Living Life Fully -- livinglifefully.com--inspiration, motivation, and encouragement". I find it useful for healthy living.

You may visit the following links to find out more:

http://www.livinglifefully.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Living-Life-Fully/211760518848971

Green smoothie made with Organic Summer pak choy/choi for the first time on 8 September 2012 at 6.45 pm

Green smoothie made with Organic Summer pak choy/choi for the first time on 8 September 2012, Saturday, at 6.45 pm.

Ingredients:

150g of Organic Summer pak choy/choi
150g of carrot
120g of peeled orange
130g of peeled banana
200ml of plain boiled water

Smoothie made = 750ml

No. Of serves = 3

Consumer = me

Taste = OK

Organic Summer pak choy/choi（0r called summer Chinese white cabbage or Xia Bai Cai) (or 夏白菜 in Chinese) for my green smoothie

At about 12.30 pm on 8 September 2012, Saturday, my organic vegetable stall young lady owner gave me about 150 grams of organic Summer pak choy (夏白菜 in Chinese) free to try out as an ingredient of my green smoothie.

This organic vegetable is a product of Fireflies Health Farm of Singapore.

Origins brand 250-gram Brown Flaxseed Meal (天然亚麻籽粉) at S$3.50 bought on 4th September 2012 and S$3.85 bought on 9 December 2014 respectively

Note: On 9 December 2014, Tuesday, I bought a 250-gram packet of Origins brand Brown Flaxseed Meal (天然亚麻籽粉)from NTUC Fairprice XTRA at AMK Hub. The price was S$3.85. packing is still the same.

.========================.

On 4th September 2012, Tuesday, I bought a 250-gram packet of Origins brand Brown Flaxseed Meal (天然亚麻籽粉)from NTUC Fairprice XTRA at AMK Hub. The price was S$3.50.

I am using Brown Flaxseed Meal as an ingredient of my Chinese multigrain rice.

According to http://www.livestrong.com/article/68851-flaxseed-meal/

Flaxseed meal is an excellent source of vegetable protein and is rich in soluble fiber. Flaxseed meal is also contains significant amounts of vitamins B1, B2, C and E. It is also full of beta-carotene, an important antioxidant. Flaxseed meal also provides essential minerals, including potassium, magnesium and calcium. It also offers significantly more amounts of the phytonutrient lignin than other grains, such as wheat bran, millet, oats or soybean. Finally, flaxseed meal is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

What conditions or symptoms indicate a need for more high-omega-3 foods (from whfoods.org)

Info source:

http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84

What conditions or symptoms indicate a need for more high-omega-3 foods?

Depression
Cardiovascular Disease
Type 2 Diabetes
Fatigue
Dry, itchy skin
Brittle hair and nails
Inability to concentrate
Joint pain

Sardines, salmon, flax seeds and walnuts are excellent food sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Chinese Multigrain drink picture

At 9.30 pm on 7 September 2012, Friday, I made another multigrain drink.

Features of Renki Food Dehydrator

Features of Renki Food Dehydrator

Nutrients for healthy skin ( Extracted from "Nutrients for Healthy Skin" a WebMD Feature by Jen Uscher

Info source:

http://www.m.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/skin-nutrition?page=2

Extracted from "Nutrients for Healthy Skin" a WebMD Feature by Jen Uscher
---------------------------------
Choose Foods That Are High in Antioxidants and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
---------------------------------
Eating a healthy diet loaded with fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants is good for your whole body, including your skin.

Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and A and beta-carotene can help reduce the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. These molecules can injure skin cells and cause signs of aging.
One of the best ways to increase your antioxidant intake, say dermatologists, is to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

"I recommend going for as much variety and color as possible in your diet," Day tells WebMD. "Try snacking on blueberries, strawberries, grapefruit, kale, spinach, and different kinds of peppers." Day also suggests adding a little tomato paste, which contains an antioxidant called lycopene, to stir-fried vegetables, brown rice, or quinoa.

It's also a good idea to stock your grocery cart with foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, including wild salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, and walnuts.

"Omega-3 fatty acids help keep the top, outer layer of the skin strong and intact so that external toxins and pollutants are kept out," says David E. Bank, MD, director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, N.Y., and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Fish is really brain food (from wenmd)

Info source:

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/slideshow-brain-foods-that-help-you-concentrate?ecd=wnl_din_090612&ctr=wnl-din-090612_ld-stry

Chang brand Organic Thai White Glutinous Rice as an ingredient of mymultigrain rice and drink.

On 2012-09-05, Wednesday, for the first time, I bought one 1-Kg packet of Chang brand Organic Thai White Glutinous Rice produced by THE SUKHA HOUSE for my non-regular ingredient multi grain rice and drink.

The price of one packet was S$3.50.

The shop is Piore Organic, Blk 3 queen's road #02-163 Tel: 64744047.

Vegetarian Diets - Is it safe for children to be vegetarians? (by Webmd)

Info source: http://www.m.webmd.com/food-recipes/tc/vegetarian-diets-is-it-safe-for-children-to-be-vegetarians

Vegetarian Diets - Is it safe for children to be vegetarians?

A well-planned vegetarian diet can be healthy for children. Young vegan children tend to be slightly smaller but still within growth normal ranges. And they tend to catch up to other children in size as they get older.

If you are raising a child on a vegetarian diet, consider the following:

    * Babies who get only breast milk should have supplements of iron after the age of 4 to 6 months. (This is not necessary if you add iron-fortified infant cereal to the child's diet at this age.)

    * A vitamin D supplement may be appropriate for children under 1 year of age. Talk with your doctor about how much and what sources of vitamin D are right for your child.

    * Breast-fed babies of vegan mothers need vitamin B12 supplements if the mother's diet is not fortified.

    * Children younger than 2 years need the extra fat in whole milk for brain and nerve development. Don't give them low-fat or fat-free milk. If you are using soy milk instead of cow's milk, make sure that it's full-fat soy milk, and talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to make sure your child is getting enough fat.

    * Vegan diets can contain a lot of fiber. Fiber is great because it fills you up without adding a lot of calories. But children have small stomachs, and the fiber they eat can fill them up before they get enough calories. Frequent meals and snacks-with plenty of cereals, legumes, and nuts-will help children get the energy and nutrients they need for healthy growth.

Origins brand organic pinto bean 500 grams pack S$3.75 on 2012-09-04

On 4 September 2012, Tuesday, I bought Origins brand organic pinto bean 500 grams pack at S$3.75 from NTUC Fairprice Extra at AMK Hub. The pinto bean is a USA product and is a less regular ingredient of my HL123 multigrain rice.

My regular food sources of omega-3 fatty acids

Last update: 2014-08-24

My regular food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

(1) Ayam brand canned mackerel after washing off tomato sauce

(2) Ayam brand canned sardines after washing off tomato sauce

(3) Soybeans in my multigrain rice

(4) Walnuts in my multigrain rice

Sometimes I add Flaxseed powder to my multigrain rice.

Note: Last update: As at 2014-08-24, faxseed is a regular ingredient of my cereal consisting of Multi whole grains, nuts, beans and seeds.

I need to add more variety of food sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Eating fish is generally the best way to get omega-3 fatty acids. (By Web MD)

Eating fish is generally the best way to get omega-3 fatty acids.

But keep in mind that some fish contain higher levels of mercury: king mackerel, swordfish, and albacore tuna. 

The benefits of eating fish are thought to outweigh the risks, but it's a good idea to limit intake of these high-mercury fish.

Info source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-omega-3-fatty-acids?page=1

Food for healthy hair by webmd

Info source:

http://www.m.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/ss/slideshow-best-kept-hair-secrets?ecd=wnl_day_090312&ctr=wnl-day-090312_ld-stry

Eat Fish and Nuts for Healthy Hair

The same nutritious foods that are good for your body promote stronger, healthier hair.

The protein and omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and nuts produce a healthier scalp.

 Nutrients found in leafy vegetables, beans, and carrots are also good for your hair.

Beware of fad diets aimed at quick weight loss.

Deficiency of some nutrients, such as zinc, biotin, or protein, can lead to brittle hair or hair loss.

Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids (From WebMD)

Info source:

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-omega-3-fatty-acids

Can you get omega-3 fatty acids naturally from foods?

Good food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

· Coldwater fish, like mackerel, tuna, salmon, and sardines

· Cod liver

· Flaxseed and canola oils

· Soybeans and tofu

· Walnuts

The American Heart Association recommends that people eat fish at least twice a week to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Eating fewer foods with omega-6 fatty acids -- like some meats, eggs, and oils -- can also improve the ratio of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood, effectively raising the concentration or levels in the body. Many people in the U..S eat diets that have 10-25 times as many omega-6 as they do omega-3 fatty acids. This imbalance may play a role in the onset of many diseases. The more appropriate ratio appears to be approximately 3:1 or 4:1.

As at 3 September 2012, Ayam brand canned mackerel (after rinsing offthe tomato sauce) has been part of my diet in the last few months

As at 3 September 2012, Ayam brand canned mackerel (after rinsing off the tomato sauce) has been part of my diet in the last few months.

This canned food has no preservatives, no added MSG and no Trans fat.

I normally buy from a provision shop near my home canned Ayam brand mackerel in tomato sayce with net weight 425 grams at S$3.30 per can.

I eat the fish after rinsing off the tomato sauce and warm it up in microwave oven.

For the time being, Normally i take about 100 grams of fish per day for 5 days a week . Take about 100 grams of chicken breast once a week and about 100 grams if lean minced pork once a week.

If you have any advice, please let me know.

Curry multigrain rice I made for the first time on 2 September 2012

Last evening, I cooked curry for Latte with "Dancing Chef" brand Indonesian Curry Paste (100g), plain water 400 ml, low far milk 20l0 ml 200 g of chicken, 100 g of fish, small potatoes and 1 medium onion.

Today, 2-9-2012, Sunday, I added some curry to my multigrain rice to make curry multigrain rice for the first time. Delicious!

Of course, my plan is to cook vegetarian curry in future.