The Simplest and Healthiest Way of Cooking an Egg

Eggs have become a popular breakfast food all over the world. One primary reason is it’s easy to cook. But, there is more to an egg than its easy cooking process. It is also one of the healthiest food today except for its high cholesterol content. For that reason, it is strongly recommended that one should only eat one a day. In addition to that, if you want to acquire all of its nutrients, opting for hard boiled eggs is the most efficient way to do it. With that being said, this article would give you some facts on why boiled eggs are highly preferred. Along with that, you’ll also learn a few tricks on how to boil the perfect egg.

Depending on the type you like, you can either boil chicken, quail or duck eggs. Although chicken eggs are the most common ingredient for hard-boiled eggs, you can also use duck or quail. There is no variation within their tastes but duck eggs has more protein, vitamin B, minerals and cholesterol contents compared to chicken eggs. Quail eggs on the other hand are smaller, tastier and in some expert’s opinion healthier than chicken eggs. Comparing all three types, duck eggs are healthier even though it has more calories. The reason for this is that according to some studies, only 10% of its cholesterol content reaches the human body’s blood stream so it does not cause any harm at all. Nonetheless, by proper cooking hard-boiled eggs, you’ll get all its nutrients.

One important trick in cooking the perfect hard-boiled eggs is the time. Depending on the size, you have to boil it 12 minutes for medium size, 17 minutes for large sizes and 19 minutes for extra-large eggs. Afterwards, you have to submerge it in cold water or refrigerate it for at least 10 minutes. This is to make sure that the white part of the egg will not stick with the shell. In addition to that using 3 to 5 days old eggs, will guarantee easy peeling. The simplest explanation for this is the lack of maturity in regards to fresh egg’s white membrane. Overcooked hard-boiled eggs would form discoloration within the yolk. This is perfectly normal due to the reaction between iron and sulfur. But, if you want a perfect egg, you might want to stick to the recommended boiling time mentioned above.

There are many reasons to opt for hard-boiled eggs. One particular reason is that it aids in losing weight due to its protein contents. It is also noted as good for the brain, eye and skin due to its vitamin B, lutein and choline contents. And lastly, eggs are imperative for the proper functioning of the human cells.

Filed Under: Health

Chronic Pain Can Signal an Often Misunderstood Medical Condition

Do you wake up with widespread pain and stiffness that may continue throughout the day? Do you suffer from fatigue, sleep problems and headaches? Are you anxious or depressed? If a combination of these symptoms applies to you, you may have a disorder called fibromyalgia. It strikes women between the ages of 20 to 50 most often. The cause of this condition is somewhat mysterious. The disease has been widely misunderstood in the past and even today. Often those who don’t feel well nevertheless look fine. Fatigue can be confused with laziness, and it is unpredictable in its day-to-day manifestations. Sometimes people suffering from fibromyalgia are told, “Oh, it’s all in your head.” Other people’s refusal to believe that such pain is a real medical problem can lead to frustration for those who feel its effects. Such frustration can worsen the feeling of helplessness for those who are already depressed. Pain from fibromyalgia can affect family life, relationships, ability to hold a job, and lead to social isolation.

Many in the medical community now believe that possible causes of fibromyalgia can be triggered by trauma (either physical or emotional), sleeping disorders, an abnormal brain or spinal cord response to pain, or even possibly a virus or infection. The main symptom is mild to severe pain in soft tissue and muscle areas such as neck, shoulders, back, and hips. The pain brings sensations of either burning or deep aches. Activity, anxiety, or stress can make the pain worse, as can rainy or cold weather. Inability to concentrate, numbness and tingling in extremities, or migraine headaches may be additional symptoms.

As both doctors and society have come to understand fibromyalgia better in the last few years, there is cause for hope. True, there is not an easy fix, and traditional treatments aren’t always effective. But lifestyle changes can improve quality of life for sufferers. Doctors will often first prescribe physical therapy, an exercise program, or stress reduction techniques like massage or meditation. If these methods don’t work well enough, prescription drugs that might be effective include pregabalin (Lyrica), Duloxetine (Cymbalta), and milnacipran (Savella) – all specifically designed to treat fibromyalgia. Other types of over-the-counter medications may help, like sleeping aids or muscle relaxants.

Refocusing the mind through cognitive-behavioral therapy can help combat negativity. This kind of therapy teaches management methods to improve well-being. Learning to relax, forming more realistic expectations, setting limits, exercising often, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding caffeine are important treatment steps as well. Sometimes non-traditional therapies, such as acupressure and acupuncture, can succeed in reducing pain. Dietary supplements include 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), magnesium, melatonin, SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine), and St. John’s wort. Be sure to talk with your doctor before using such supplements. A cautious approach is best, as some supplements can have harmful side effects, interfere with other medicines, or otherwise be unsafe. If all else fails, patients with severe symptoms of fibromyalgia may be referred to a pain clinic.

The mixed prognosis for the disease is as mysterious as the possible causes of fibromyalgia. This is generally a long-term disorder. While symptoms can improve, they often get worse, sometimes for months or even years. Unfortunately it is not preventable. Call your health provider if you suspect you have fibromyalgia. She can diagnose it, run tests to rule out similar conditions, and help you learn how to cope. Remind yourself to look for enjoyable activities and to take life easy. Get plenty of sleep, and try to understand what good sleeping habits entail. The most important thing to remember is that you have a medical condition, not a character flaw.

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An Elevator Ride Leads to Medifast

Sometimes you need a direct hit to your psyche to change your paradigm and take action. Several years ago, I was too fat. I knew it. But I was mired in misery that year. I was too unhappy to change the way I looked and the amount of food I was eating that made it happen.

As I look back, I wish I would have done things differently sooner. I certainly would have been happier. But I needed an outside actor to say, “Wake up!”

Someone like that found me quite by accident in an elevator. He wasn’t very nice, either. I don’t know why he started in on me. It was in a professional environment. He was only a casual acquaintance and really had no right to get so personal. But gosh, he told me that I looked terrible, was a fat cow, and should be taking the stairs rather than riding the elevator. On and on his rudeness seemed to go. Fortunately we were the only ones on the elevator then. He made me feel awful. I was proud of myself for replying with a zinger. “Tell me, Ed, since taking the elevator is so bad for a person, why are you riding it?”

My feelings had been hurt, but my resolve had been strengthened. I can now point to those ugly remarks as the incident that moved me to action. Where it led was to Medifast. And Medifast has taken me on a great magic carpet ride! I’ve lost a lot of weight without too much effort. It was pretty easy as long as I was serious about sticking to the diet. Attitude makes so much difference. Determination is key.

Medifast features prepackaged meals based on soy protein. They are balanced and nutritious. They are also low in fat, which is healthy. You eat one of these meals – each of which is about 100 calories – five times a day, with the addition of a “Lean & Green” meal of your own making. There are a variety of items from which to choose, such as shakes, puddings, drinks, puffs, crackers, soups, cereal, eggs, pancakes, and treats similar to ice cream. You can have most vegetables in between if you like.

While men generally lose weight faster than women on the Medifast diet, the pounds come off pretty steadily. Combine the diet with exercise and you’ll lose weight even faster. I came to really enjoy my time at the gym, and it helped me to get out of the mental rut in which I had found myself. Walking outside was even better. Vitamin D through sun and a blue sky encourages high spirits!

Some say that Medifast doesn’t teach you how to eat right after you’ve lost the weight. That was true in the case of my husband. While he followed the transitional diet, nevertheless afterward he was seduced by the very food item that helped make him fat in the first place. He loves tortilla chips and salsa! He would come home after a long day in a very physical job, and snack. While I’m sure the tomatos and other vegetables in the home-made salsa were very good for him, I know that too many tortilla chips can add up fast in terms of carbohydrates.

Fortunately I was familiar with carb-counting. My husband and I lost about the same amount of weight, but over two years I’ve only gained back eight pounds. I would like to lose some more weight, and I will do so. Perhaps I just need another elevator ride with a rude person to get me started!

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Green Tea Supplements Can Help You Lose Weight

There are a lot of weight loss supplements but which of these products are reliable? Green tea fat burner is one of the most reliable dietary supplements available today when it comes to losing weight. As you know, green tea diet is very popular nowadays. This is because studies have already proven the slimming capabilities of Camellia sinensis, green tea’s natural source. Thanks to the two primary constituents of green tea which are caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Basically, black, green and Oolong teas are all derived from the same plant species. However, unlike its two counterparts, there is something in green tea that makes it exceptional. If you want to know more about the what studies have shown, this article will explain to you the relationship of green tea fat burner and weight loss.

Since green tea and its other counterparts are made from the same plant, you may conclude that both black and Oolong tea can also aid in losing weight. This may be true in some extent but unlike these two teas, green has EGCG contents. The reason behind this variation is their preparation process or drying method. Green tea is not a product of fermentation. Oxidation reaction occurring during the fermentation process can destroy EGCG. Hence, green tea’s most potent weight loss constituent is preserved just by missing this process. What is the function of EGCG in weight loss? Basically, studies have found that EGCG has fat burning capabilities. That is why “green tea fat burner” is associated with green tea supplements. To explain further, EGCG hinders the enzyme catechol-O-methyltranferase (COMT) from functioning efficiently. COMT destroys the hormone norepinephrine, a fat burner. With depleted levels of norepinephrine, fat metabolism is not accomplished properly. When EGCG counters the effects of COMT, norepinephrine depletion is not a problem at all. With that, fat is metabolized and losing can be a lot easier.

Caffeine is another contributor of green tea’s slimming capabilities. This is achieved in two ways. First is through decreasing one appetite and second is via increasing one’s metabolism. Either way, with caffeine your calorie levels will be at minimum levels. Take note that calorie intake is an important factor in any weight loss programs to achieve your desired weight. By consuming low calorie drinks that contain caffeine, you are one step closer to achieving your weight loss goals. However, the amounts of caffeine found in green tea is not as high as coffee. This can actually be a great thing since overdose of caffeine can lead to some undesirable effects. Plus with EGCG, green teas potential to cause weight loss effects are increased. With that, you don’t really need to worry about green tea’s caffeine content may lessen its slimming capabilities.

Green tea dietary supplements are manufactured for individuals who doesn’t want or have any time for afternoon teas. Remember, to achieve exceptional results, one must devour 3 to 4 cups of tea per day. This is easy for tea lovers but what about those that prefer other beverages. Green tea supplements are the best option you can do. These supplements are made of powdered green tea leaves. Thus, its natural and free of any harmful chemical additives. Just be reminded that the recommended daily dose of green tea is 300 to 600 mg. Exceeding this dose can harm your body even if it’s considered as an herbal medicine or supplement. In addition to that, when purchasing green tea fat burner or supplements, always opt for trusted brands specifically those with FDA approval. These brands are tested and guaranteed safe for human use. Other than that, your quest to finding a reliable weight loss supplement is achieved with green tea supplements.

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