Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Talcum Powder - risk or safe to use?

A recent publication about the risk of using talcum by Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) has prompted me to share this:

CAP cited a study from the Harvard Medical School in the United States, an article about "the risk of regular genital talcum use was associated with ovarian cancer risk in women... and publication says "more research is needed on these interactions and the underlying biological mechanisms involved".

The main component in talcum powder is "magnesium silicate hydroxide", also commonly known as "talc", which is the main ingredient in baby, medicated and designer perfumed body powder.



For safer choices, you may consider alternatives such as:

1) use natural cooling powder made from rice, traditionally use by our grandparents, as the natural talcum powder.



2) look for talcum powder with "Bio degradable" quality. Bio-degradable means the residue can be flushed out by our body and will not stored in our body.



3) talcum WITHOUT "magnesium silicate hydroxide".

Happy "talcum" safely!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Iron (mineral) - good & bad

Iron is essential for blood formation and other minerals metabolic activity. Lack of iron will cause illnesses such as anemia; but too much of iron supplement will cause more danger and, in some cases, life threatening.

Some major side effects such as : damaged to liver and kidneys, promotes tumor and cancer cells growth, depletes other minerals such as zinc and calcium.

Foods that rich in iron : (animal source) liver (pregnant women should avoid), red meats, seafood and etc; (vegetable source) cooked beans and lentils, cereals, cooked potatoes with skin and etc.



Coffee, tea and soy products generally will block the iron absorption.



Happy choosing your right "iron"

Friday, February 6, 2009

Proper Way To Cook Beans


Beans - nutritious food with proteins, EFA, vitamins and minerals. Different colors has different health benefits. The main issue is - what is the proper way to prepare before cooking.

Non-sprout beans have natural protective layer - the phyto-toxin on the outer layer of the skin. Once you soak it over night, the beans will start to sprout, the nutrients will be released automatically and the toxin is neutralised. What a magic working of nature!!!!

Remember, soak overnight before you cook your beans.

happy cooking.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Lemon Grass - Many Health Benefits



You may try any of the followings:
1) Cooking - in curries, spices soup and stir-fry with vegetables and/or meaty meals.
2) Brewing as tea - it helps to relief - indigestion, digestive tract discomfort, after-meal drink to flush out preservatives/additives and calming effect.
3) External applications - essential oil, bath oil and natural anti-insects repellent.
4) Household usage - natural anti-insects repellent such as flies, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes and rats.
- mop and clean any types of floor and window.
- rub with wet towel on surfaces such as - cabinet, wall, rack and storage room.
Happy Gardening!!!