A Simple Method to Beat Coffee Addiction

Coffee is the favorite hot drink in the United States (as tea is in Great Britain), and more than two billion pounds (1 billion kilograms) of coffee are consumed in the country every year. Those who drink coffee dote on its aroma and flavor. But taste and aroma alone do not account for the popularity of coffee. It gives a lift which so habituates its users that they cannot perform their usual activities without a cup or two. It becomes a crutch on which they depend for a starter in the morning, for a pick-me-up at the coffee break, for pep on social occasions, and for a stimulant to stay awake. A cup of coffee contains about 100 milligrams (1.5 grains) of caffeine.

There are people who seem to be hopelessly hooked on coffee, but would like to beat their addiction to it just the same. A former habitual user has some suggestions that helped her kick her coffee-drinking habit: [Read Full Article]

Serendipity at the Salad Bar

Whenever I take a trip to a salad bar, you can be sure that I have pre-conditioned my mind into minding what the composition of my salad plate will be. After all, anybody who takes such a jaunt to a salad bar is presumed to be opting for a light alternative to a hefty meal, one that will complement her/his weight-control regimen and will not be too taxing to the digestive mechanism. So as I take my last few steps toward where the edible greens and bits and pieces are, I make one final pact with myself that I will keep my salad healthful by making it simple. Only the basics such as greens, vegetables, fruits, beans, small pieces of lean meat and a moderate amount of light dressing shall make up my wholesome plate.

A trip to a salad bar in Austin one fine Saturday noon was not supposed to be any different. As I was patrolling its perimeters, I was hunting for the different varieties of greens that supply some fiber and are low in calories. I was particularly looking for the dark-green ones like arugula and spinach which are known to provide more beta-carotene, vitamin C and other nutrients than the paler varieties. [Read Full Article]

Bananas in Singles for Sale: Hooray to the American Consumers

Without a doubt, the banana is one of the most popular fruits in the world. And next to milk, it is considered to be the most complete food when it comes to providing our bodies with the needed energy and in preventing a substantial number of illnesses. It is not fattening and has no cholesterol. Bananas are rich in carbohydrates, contain phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A and C, and three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose, and glucose.

As an integral part of a diet, bananas can help prevent a number of health-related conditions. For example, since they are high in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and thus help in preventing anemia. As they are likewise high in fiber, they can help prevent constipation by restoring normal bowel action without resorting to laxatives. They can boost brain power, as researches have shown: as they are packed with potassium, bananas can assist in the learning process of students by making them more alert. Their large amounts of potassium can also help in preventing dehydration. Here's a good tip: If you are bitten by an insect (a mosquito, in particular), don't go outright for the insect bite cream. Instead, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin first. Many people find it surprisingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. [Read Full Article]