RSS Feeds

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Top 14 Non-Venomous Snakes

Today we will in list all Top 14 Non-Venomous snakes, or maybe we include some snake with mild venom.

Colubridae (Colubrids)
The Colubridae family comprises snakes (colubrids), most of which are non-venomous or possess venom that is too weak to cause any harm to human life. However, there are some exceptions, such as the boomslang and twig snake, whose bites have been reported to cause fatalities. Colubrids have their fangs located not at the front of the mouth but angled at the back. Hence, they are also noted as rear-fanged snakes. Unlike the elapids and vipers, the fangs of the colubrids are not hollow, but simply grooved to channel the venom when a bite is laid. The family of colubrids is known as the largest family of snakes, some common examples of which include:
1. The Scarlet Snake
DESCRIPTION:
Scarlet snakes are fairly small -- to 20 in (51 cm) -- relatively slender snakes that are patterned with alternating red, black, and white or yellow bands. Scarlet snakes are one of the three "tricolored" snakes in our region and, like the harmless scarlet kingsnake, have red bands that do not touch yellow bands. However, this species can be distinguished from the scarlet kingsnake because the kingsnake's bands completely or nearly completely encircle the body while the bands of the scarlet snake do not extend onto the venter, leaving the underside solid white, pink, or grayish. The venomous eastern coral snake has a black snout and red bands that touch yellow ones. Scarlet snakes generally have a snout that is pointed and red and red bands that are wider than bands of other colors. Young resemble adults.
HABITAT:
Scarlet snakes are found throughout Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions of the southeastern U.S., from the Pine Barrens of New Jersey west to Oklahoma and throughout Florida. Within this region, however, they are generally most common in the Coastal Plain and Sandhills and are uncommon and scattered in distribution within the Piedmont. In our region, they are found in all but the mountainous regions of northern Georgia and northwestern South Carolina. Scarlet snakes are adept burrowers and prefer forested habitats with dry sandy soils. They are frequently found in pine forest and sandhill scrub habitats.
2. The Desert Kingsnake
 The Desert Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula splendida) is a subspecies of kingsnake native to Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. It is nonvenomous, colored yellow and black. The desert kingsnake's diet consists of rodents, lizards, and smaller snakes, including rattlesnakes.They normally grow 3–4 feet long with a maximum length of 6.8 feet. They are docile creatures when coming face to face with humans. If they do not try to escape, often they will "play dead" by flipping over onto their backs and lying motionless. Some who domesticate kingsnakes, such as ranchers, do so in the hopes that the kingsnakes will feed on other snakes which might present more of a threat.
PREY:
This snake is known to be a powerful constrictor, and therefore its diet consists of mostly mice if domestic, and other rodents if wild. It also can feed on clutches of reptile eggs detected beneath the surface via smell. In part because of its resistance to pitviper venom, the desert kingsnake is able to consume young diamondback rattlesnakes that are common within its range, and at the scent of L. getula even adult western diamonbacks edge hastily backward, shielding their heads with defensive loops. 

3. Western Coachwhip
Coachwhips are thin-bodied snakes with small heads and large eyes with round pupils. They vary greatly in color, but most reflect a proper camouflage for their natural habitat. M. f. testaceus is typically a shade of light brown with darker brown flecking, but in the western area of Texas, where the soil color is a shade of pink, the coachwhips are also pink in color. M. f. piceus was given its common name because specimens frequently, but not always, have some red in their coloration. Coachwhip scales are patterned so at first glance, the snake appears braided. Subspecies can be difficult to distinguish in areas where their ranges overlap. Adult sizes of 127–183 cm (50–72 in) are common. The record sized specimen, of the Eastern coachwhip race, was 259 cm (102 in).[2] Young specimens, mostly just over 100 cm (39 in) in length, were found to have weighed 180 to 675 g (6.3 to 23.8 oz), whereas good-sized mature adults measuring 163 to 235 cm (64 to 93 in) weighed in at 1.2 to 1.8 kg (2.6 to 4.0 lb).

MYTHS:
The primary myth concerning coachwhips, that they chase people, likely arises from the snake and the person both being frightened, and both just happening to be going the same way to escape. Coachwhips are fast snakes, often moving faster than a human, and thus give an impression of aggression should they move toward the person.

The legend of the hoop snake may refer to the coachwhip snakes.

Another myth of the rural southeastern United States is of a snake that, when disturbed, would chase a person down, wrap him up in its coils, whip him to death with its tail, and then make sure he is dead by sticking its tail up the victim's nose to see if he is still breathing. In actuality, coachwhips are neither constrictors (snakes that dispatch their prey by suffocating with their coils) nor strong enough to overpower a person. Also, they do not whip with their tails, even though their tails are long and look very much like a whips.

Their bites can be painful, but generally are harmless unless they become infected.
 

4. Eastern Ribbon Snake / Garter Snake

 Ribbon snakes are slender snakes that range from 16-28 in. (41-71 cm) long. They have three light, usually yellow, stripes (two along the sides and one down the center of the back) against a dark background. Between the yellow lateral stripes and the belly there is a brown lateral stripe. Ribbon snakes resemble the closely-related eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), however ribbon snakes are generally more slender, have unpatterned lip scales, and the lateral stripes are found on scale rows 3 and 4 (in garter snakes they are on rows 2 and 3). They have a plain yellowish belly, and keeled scales. There are four subspecies of T. sauritus, of which two occur in Georgia and South Carolina: Thamnophis sauritus sauritus and Thamnophis sauritus sackenii (middorsal stripe of this subspecies is less distinct).

5. Grey-banded Kingsnake
  The gray-banded kingsnake (Lampropeltis alterna) makes a marvelous pet. It does not attain a large size, is usually a good feeder on easily acquired food items, and it exhibits beautiful coloration.

Gray-banded kingsnakes are naturally found in west Texas, New Mexico and northern Mexico. They are denizens of rocky haunts found in the Chihuahuan Desert. Because of its intense variability, the gray-banded kingsnake is one of the most sought-after snakes found in the United States. Indeed, many people from all walks of life make a yearly journey to west Texas in the hopes of finding a gray-banded kingsnake.

Gray-banded kingsnakes have a docile demeanor and usually feed readily on domesticated mice. Because of this, adults of this species make wonderful captives for first time snake keepers.  If you purchase a hatchling, make sure you acquire one that has fed on pink mice. Gray-banded kingsnakes come in a dazzlingly array of colors ranging from brilliant light gray and orange to darker morphs.
6. Baird's Rat Snake

Adults can reach 64 to 140 cm (25 to 55 in) in total length (body + tail). The dorsal color pattern consists of an orange-yellow to bright yellow, or a darker salmon ground color, overlaid with four stripes that run from the neck to the tail. The belly is generally gray to yellow, darkening near the tail.

7. Corn Snake

Corn snakes are slender with a length of 24 to 72 inches (61 to 182 cm). They are usually orange or brownish-yellow, with large, black-edged red blotches down the middle of the back. On the belly are alternating rows of black and white marks, resembling a checkerboard pattern. Considerable variation occurs in the coloration and patterns of individual snakes, depending on the age of the snake and the region of the country in which it is found. Hatchlings lack much of the bright coloration found on adults.
Corn snakes are primarily diurnal. They readily climb trees and enter abandoned buildings in search of prey. However, they are very secretive and spend most of their time underground prowling through rodent burrows. They also often hide under loose bark and beneath logs, rocks, and other debris during the day. 

8. California Kingsnake
 Active during daylight in cooler weather and at night, dawn, and dusk when temperatures are high. 
When disturbed, generally not aggressive, but sometimes vibrates the tail quickly, hisses, and rolls into a ball, hiding the head and showing the vent with it's lining exposed.This species of snake are immune to rattle snake venom.

Eats a wide variety of prey, including rodents and other small mammals, lizards, lizard eggs, snakes (including rattlesnakes), snake eggs, turtle eggs and hatchlings, frogs, salamanders, birds, bird eggs and chicks, and large invertebrates.  A powerful constrictor, coiling tightly around its prey.

 
9. Rough Green Snake
  Rough Green Snakes are fairly long – to 32 in (81 cm) – slender, bright green snakes with yellow or whitish bellies that spend much of their time climbing in vegetation. Their bright green color easily distinguishes them from all other snakes in Georgia and South Carolina but the similar Smooth Green Snake replaces this species in the Appalachian Mountains and the Northeast. Rough Green Snakes have keeled scales and large eyes. After death the color of green snakes fades to blue or black and dead individuals may resemble small black racers. Young Green Snakes resemble adults.

Rough Green Snakes are found throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast from the Pine Barrens of New Jersey west to central Texas and south throughout Florida. They are common in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain but are absent from the higher elevations of the mountains.
Rough green snakes can be found in a variety of habitats but are most common in open forests and edge habitats. They can be particularly abundant along the margins of wetlands and rivers, where they search overhanging vegetation for insects.

 
10. Red Milk Snake
 The Red Milk Snake is a tri-colored snake with broad red saddle-shaped markings bordered with black separated by pale bands. There are usually between 19 and 30 red or red-brown saddle shaped blotches edged with black, these blotches extend down the sides. The pale background color is white, pale gray, cream, or tan. There is often a row of black spots along the lower sides. The saddle markings become complete rings around the tail. Juveniles have similar pattern to adults but are often more brightly colored. The underside is white with black checker pattern. The head usually has a large red blotch edged in black. The snout, lips and chin are cream.

FOOD: 
feeds on lizards, small snakes, rodents. Prey is killed by constriction.

NOTES:
When disturbed, they will often thrash around and may bite and excrete a foul smelling musk. Red Milk Snakes can be kept in captivity and wild caught adults settle down fairly easily.

11. King Ratsnake
 Elaphe carinata is a large heavy built snake, ranging in size from 4-6ft, (100-200cm), with some specimens becoming larger, so provide with a spacious terraium with a loose substrate as they like to dig. Being mostly terrestrial they are known to inhabit open forest areas, bamboo thickets, fields and meadows and have also been collected near houses. Specimens have been collected during the day as well as at night.
E. carinata are very easy to keep and breed. They will eat almost anything including rodents, birds and bird eggs, and other snakes. They have even been known to eat their own kind, so be careful not to house larger animals with younger ones.
Mating usually takes place in the spring with 6-12 eggs being laid in early-mid summer, taking 40-60 days for incubation. Hibernate for 2-4 months for best results.
The common name "stink snake" or "stinking Goddess" refers to this species' highly developed post-anal glands, that when picked up are frequently emptied, with a very strong, bad odor.
The common name of "King ratsnake" refers to its habit of eating other snakes.
There are three recognized subspecies, E. c. carinata found throughout most of China and northern Vietnam. E. c. yonaguniensis, found on the island of Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan.
E. c. deqenensis, known from only a few specimens, are found only in Northwest Yunnan province, China. 

12. Black Rat Snake
 The common rat snake is medium-sized, averaging 42 to 72 inches (106.7 to 183 cm) in length. At the widest point of the snake's body, its average diameter is 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). The rat snake is covered with keeled scales, and has a powerful slender body with a wedge-shaped head. The anal plate of the common rat snake is divided. A variety of subspecies is found across the United States.
The black rat snake, as the name implies, is completely black except for a white chin. Hatchlings of the black rat snake have a pale grey background with black blotches along the back. As the snake matures, the color becomes darker until the snake reaches its adult phase. Hatchlings are often mistaken for copperheads because their skin patterns are similar.
Common rat snakes tend to be shy and, if possible, will avoid being confronted. If these snakes are seen and confronted by danger, they tend to freeze and remain motionless. Some adults attempt to protect themselves. They coil their body and vibrate their tails in dead leaves to simulate a rattle. If the snakes continue to be provoked, they will strike.
Rat snakes produce a foul-smelling musk and release it on the predator if they are picked up, spreading the musk around with their tail. The musk acts as a deterrent. A few of the rat snake subspecies tend to be more aggressive. The Texas rat snake and the black rat snake are very snappy, while the yellow rat snake is more passive. When alarmed, the Everglades rat snake swims away through the swampy waters. Rat snakes are excellent swimmers.

 

13. Dog-Faced Water Snake (cerberus rynchops)


  A rear-fanged and is mildly venomous.

In captivity, it is observed to move in a sidewinding direction on land. In the BBC series 'Life in Cold Blood' it was filmed adapting this sidewinding technique to jump across a mudflat in Singapore ( up until then no snakes were considered able to truly jump ). It also has a prehensile tail that would suggest it could climb mangrove trees. It is now known to give birth to live young, numbering from 8 to 30, either in water or on land.

It is a quite docile, mild-tempered and a hardy snake; in recent years it has become a welcome addition to snake hobbyists in the Philippines. It also owes its popularity to its bright yellow to orange belly coloring, mostly of females.

 This is a saltwater-tolerant species found in Australia (North Territory, Queensland, West Australia), New Guinea, Indonesia (Ambon, Babi, Bacan = Batjan, Bali, Bangka, Buru, Butung, Dolak, Enggano, Flores, Goram, Halmahera, Java, Kalimantan, Lombok, Mentawai Archipelago, Nako, Natuna Archipelago, Nias, Riau Archipelago, Roti, Sangihe Archipelago, Saparua, Seram, Simeulue, Singapore, Sulawesi, Sula Archipelago, Sumatra, Sumba, Sumbawa, Talaud Archipelago, Ternate, Timor, We, Western New Guinea, Wetar); Bangladesh, Cambodia, India (including Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Malaysia (Malaya and East Malaysia, including Pulau Tioman), Burma (Myanmar), Philippine Islands (including Palawan, Panay, Luzon), Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Race novaeguinea is found in Indonesia (western New Guinea). Type locality: "Ganjam" (Orissa State, SE India)

 
14. Banded File Water Snake
  This water snake is non-venomous and can have to harm to humans. Can be found in the Philippines. Inhabits on mangrove swamps.

Unlike other Marin Snakes of Hydrophiinae Family, this species bear thin and slender tail like terrestrial species. However body patterns and colour always gives confusion with venomous Sea Snakes.Morphologically it looks very close to Sea Snakes (Subfamily Hydrophiinae) due to presence of dark bands on rough body and similar head. However in former tail is compressed but not "Oar-like" which is specific character of Sea Snakes. Also head and body scales of A. granulatus are very minute and hard to count but in Sea Snakes they are found in countable and definable limits.











































Sunday, July 19, 2015

How To Get Pregnant With Twins



Are you itching to get pregnant with twins? Find out how to get pregnant with twins with these simple rules. 

Many young couples all over the world, want to inevitably start a family after they’ve been married. And some may be wishing for twins. Perhaps you have put off marriage until a little later in life. Perhaps you’ve been married awhile and been busy travelling and working hard at your careers, putting your baby-making plans on hold. And so it might be nice to have ‘two for the price of one.’ Or perhaps you are a young couple dreaming of everything in pairs or just wishing for the novelty of a matching set of babies. There are many ways that you can increase your chances of having twins. 


What is % chance of twins?
 
About every 1 in 89 childbirths will result in twins, those chances aren’t that bad. But they can definitely be increased, if the couple is sure they absolutely want twins. Then there are fertility medications or you can even undergo in-vitro fertilization. Most of the times, these treatments definitely usually result in the conception of twin babies. But if you don’t necessarily want to take drugs or go that route, then there are natural things that the couple can do as well.  


 

Take folic acid

When you are thinking about becoming pregnant and are definitely sure that you want twins, then you should begin taking a folic acid supplement. It has been recorded by one Australian study if you take folic acid while trying to conceive, you are 40% more likely to have twins. This particular method has worked for many women who want to conceive twins. And while trying to become pregnant you should always take a supplement or vitamin. 

Be slightly overweight or Taller

If you want to have twins, then you should eat more than usual and try to gain weight. It has also been proven that women who are slightly overweight have a greater chance of bearing twins. That study was in an 2005 edition of a very popular pregnancy magazine. Women who are taller also have a greater chance of being able to conceive twins. Though you aren’t able to change or increase your height, you can definitely change and increase your weight. 




Eat more dairy

You should also try eating more dairy products, such as cheeses and yogurts. A study has shown that women who consume these products on a regular basis are usually five times more likely to have twins at birth. Drinking milk that is treated with the rBST growth hormone treated cows is what usually helps women have twins. So diet is very important when trying to pregnant.  

source:http://www.conceiveeasy.com/get-pregnant/how-to-get-pregnant-with-twins/

6 Reasons Tilapia Farming is Dangerous



1. Recent Studies have found that farm-raised Tilapia may cause more inflammation – Farm-raised tilapia has always been a popular source for fish, not only because it is widely available in the US, but it is also very inexpensive. However, before you stock up on Tilapia, you may want to know about its correlation to inflammation. Recent studies have concluded that eating Tilapia may worsen inflammation that can lead to heart disease, arthritis, asthma and a world of other serious health problems. People who resort to eating more fish as a way to get their dose of omega-3-fatty-acids and lessen their risk of heart attacks may want to hold off on the tilapia. In fact, a scientist from Wake Forest University has found that the inflammatory potential of tilapia is far greater than that of a hamburger or pork bacon!

2. Farmed salmon may have at least 10 times the amount of cancer causing organic pollutants compared to the wild variety – This can most likely be attributed to the feeds that are used on farm raised fish. If you knew what went into the feeds of farm raised fish you would be horrified. Apparently, chicken feces is one of the main ingredients that go into farm fish feed. Not only that, the transfer of pig and duck waste to fish farms is also a very common practice.Fish-Farm

3. Farm-bred fish have been found to have high concentrations of antibiotics and pesticides – Where do farm-bred fish get their antibiotics? The crowded conditions of fish farms cause the fish to be more susceptible to disease. To keep them alive, farm owners give antibiotics to the fish to stave off disease. Farm-bred fish are also treated with pesticides to combat sea lice. The pesticides used to treat these fish are so deadly that they have been caused to kill wild salmon that are accidentally exposed to them. These pesticides are also eventually released in the ocean where they get into the bodies and systems of other marine life.

4. Farm-bred fish also have lower levels of healthy nutrients– Many of us consume fish, hoping to reap the omega-3 fatty acid benefits that come with it. However, did you know that the omega-3-acids that are found in farm-raised fish are less usable to our bodies compared to wild bred fish. Farm-raised fish also has a lower protein content. Not only that, because farm-raised fish are kept in cages, they have the tendency to be fattier, and can have a higher concentration of omega-6 acids. The problem with getting too much omega 3 and omega 6 acids is that they may cause inflammation to the body.

5. Dibutylin levels, a chemical used in PVC plastics is said to be 6 times higher in farm-raised mussels compared to wild ones – Dibutylin is toxic and can impair immune system function while also contributing to inflammation. Dibutylin may be the reason as to why there is a rise in asthma, obesity, allergies and other metabolic disorders in recent years.

6. Dioxin levels are 11 times higher in farm-bred salmon compared to wild salmon – Dioxin is actually a very toxic chemical that can contribute to cancer and other complications. The problem with dioxin is that once it enters our system, it can take a very long time until it is let out. The half life of dioxin is about 7 to 11 years.

7. These are only some of the dangers that have been linked back to eating farm-raised fish. What does this tell us? The biggest lesson that we can get from this is that we should find out where our fish is coming from. Not all fish are created equal, and sad to say, farm-raised fish, instead of helping us, may even harm us.

In addition to farm-raised fish being bad for you, there is actually one other creature of the sea that is even more toxic. That creature is shrimp.


source: http://draxe.com/eating-tilapia-is-worse-than-eating-bacon/

Friday, July 17, 2015

Haunted Places in the Philippines Part I



Diplomat Hotel, Baguio City

This place is a favourite destination of thrill seekers because it is said that a lot of headless priests can be seen in this hotel and chilling cries of babies are also being heard. Apparently, at the height of WWII, this hotel was attacked by Japanese forces and a lot of priests along with babies were brutally killed. In 2012, this haunted building was renovated and renamed The Baguio Dominican Heritage Hill and Nature Park.



This place is a favourite destination of thrill seekers because it is said that a lot of headless priests can be seen in this hotel and chilling cries of babies are also being heard. Apparently, at the height of WWII, this hotel was attacked by Japanese forces and a lot of priests along with babies were brutally killed. In 2012, this haunted building was renovated and renamed The Baguio Dominican Heritage Hill and Nature Park. - See more at: http://www.starcentralmagazine.com/inlife-magazine/2014/10/31/heres-top-10-of-the-most-haunted-places-in-the-philippines-creeepy/#sthash.O1pompCb.dpuf
 Teacher's Camp, Baguio City

This place is a popular location for school seminars and company meetings, among others. This camp was built as a tent-city for teachers during the American era; however, it was turned into a battleground for the indigenous citizens of Baguio. Legend has it that the warriors who have lost their lives in this camp have never left.


 Manila Film Center, Pasay City

When this building was still under construction during the reign of President Ferdinand Marcos, an accident happened—the upper floor collapsed that propelled workers to fall into the freshly laid concrete below…burying them alive. Such a tragedy indeed, but, because the workers are beating a deadline for an upcoming festival, Imelda Marcos, the First Lady, commanded the workers to leave the dead bodies buried inside the cement and just cover it with another layer of cement. People who have experienced paranormal activities in this place heard the walls talk because of the people that were buried alive.



credit:http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3744/9541724689_ef1c3b20eb.jpg
 Clark Air Base Hospital, Pampanga

During the WWII, Clark Air Base Hospital served as a place of refuge for dying and wounded American soldiers; thus, it is no surprise why it is being haunted by restless spirits. This establishment has been dubbed by the Ghost Hunters International as “one of the most haunted places in the world”. Documented paranormal activities range from unexplained shadows to violent spirit voices.

credit:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/Malacanang_Palace_facade_1910.jpg/1024px-Malacanang_Palace_facade_1910.jpg
 Malacañang Palace

Malacañang Palace has been the home to Philippines’ presidents since the reign of President Manuel Quezon. Having said that, this building has indeed withstood the test of time and there are a lot of hair-raising and spine-chilling stories that can be heard from witnesses. Apparently, the spirits of Quezon and Magsaysay have been sighted inside the palace. Other paranormal creatures that can be seen inside the building are the black lady of Mabini Hall, the ghost of an American chaplain named Father Brown.

credit:http://amazinginfos.com/13-most-haunted-and-scariest-places-in-the-philippines-you-should-visit-this-halloween/
 Corregidor Island

Corregidor is a small island located at the entrance of Manila Bay where the Spaniards built a lighthouse to help guide the ships around the Bay. During the American era, the island became an American outpost to watch for intruders.

When the Japanese came, they overpowered and outnumbered the Americans, causing some American soldiers to kill themselves. Those who didn’t commit suicide were enforced to submission and were tortured by the Japanese before being executed.

These fallen soldiers are said to haunt the island, from the ruined hospital to the remnants of the old theater that used to play Hollywood movies for American and Filipino soldiers. Aside from the war’s victims that still roam the island, there are also alleged to be about 60 more souls killed in the Jabidah Massacre who were murdered by the Marcos regime.

Now, the island is a tourist attraction with its well-preserved relics and the remaining American weaponry. At dark, there have been stories of ghosts and invisible presences.



San Juanico Bridge, Leyte

San Juanico Bridge, renamed from Marcus Bridge, was the longest bridge in the Philippines with a distance of 2,200 m (7,200 ft). The bridge stretches from Santa Rita, Samar to Tacloban City, Leyte crossing over the San Juanico Strait. The bridge is considered one of the most beautiful structure in the country with visually attractive views. 

According to legend, it has foundation allegedly been made stronger by the blood of numerous street children (some say babies). When it was under construction, there happened coincidentally a kidnapping in Samar-Leyte areas. Thus, they theorized that the kids were offered to a pagan or demonic ritual to guarantee the strength of the structure.

This is why, people say, the bridge is haunted by many lost spirits. Others say that the success of the bloody rituals done for San Juanico Bridge encouraged others to do the same for their bridges and buildings. Only one detail was constant: the use of street kids as sacrifice.
















Diplomat Hotel in Baguio City

Thursday, July 16, 2015

The Awesome Power of Mushrooms


Mushrooms for vitamin D and healthy bones
Credit:http://www.mountainviewmushrooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/portabella-mushroom.jpg

Mushrooms for vitamin D and healthy bones
Magic mushrooms
Many varieties of mushrooms contain good-for-your-bladder selenium and, like us, they produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Oyster mushrooms are a good source or iron. Plus, they're low in calories: Six medium white, for example, have just 22. Here are some of the many health benefits of mushrooms.

Increase your vitamin D

Yes, vitamin D! Mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable source of this critical vitamin. Like humans, mushrooms produce vitamin D when in sunlight. Exposing them to high levels of ultraviolet B just before going to market converts more of the plant sterol ergosterol into the so-called sunshine vitamin. In the U.S., portobellos fortified with vitamin D are already being sold, with a three-ounce (85-gram) serving providing about 400 IU of vitamin D (Osteoporosis Canada recommends that adults under 50 get 400 to 1,000 IU daily). William Stevens, CEO of the trade organization Mushrooms Canada, says, “A couple of Canadian producers are already testing this procedure.” He adds that “high D” or “sunshine” mushrooms should be in stores here in about six months or so.


Boost your immune system 
A study done on mice and published by the American Society for Nutrition found that white button mushrooms may promote immune function by increasing the production of antiviral and other proteins that are released by cells while they are trying to protect and repair the body’s tissues. A later study showed that these mushrooms promoted the maturation of immune system cells–called dendritic cells–from bone marrow. According to he researchers, this may help enhance the body’s immunity leading to better defence systems against invading microbes.


Eat your antioxidants

When it comes to antioxidants—the substances that help fight free radicals that are the result of oxidation in our body—we’re more likely to think of colourful vegetables than neutral-hued mushrooms. But a study at Penn State university showed that the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)—a measure of a food’s total antioxidants—of crimini and portobello mushrooms were about the same as for red peppers.


 Kick up your metabolism

B vitamins are vital for turning food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body burns to produce energy. They also help the body metabolize fats and protein. Mushrooms contain loads of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin): 100 grams (31/2 ounces) of crimini have 44 percent and 30 percent of your daily recommended amount, respectively, white button have 36 and 30 percent, and oyster mushrooms have 32 and 39 percent.


Good to your Bladder

An analysis of seven studies—published last year in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention—showed that the higher the level of selenium, as measured in blood serum and toenails, the lower the risk of bladder cancer. Selenium had a significant protective effect mainly among women, which the researchers believe may result from gender-specific differences in this its accumulation and excretion. Several types of mushrooms are rich in this essential trace mineral: 100 grams of raw crimini have 47 percent of your daily needs, cooked shiitakes have 45 percent and raw white button have 17 percent.



source:http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/nutrition/5-health-benefits-of-mushrooms?slide=6#tByjbwbw14SxYLLx.97
Disclaimer: All Images are all credit to the owner.


 

Mushrooms for vitamin D and healthy bones

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

That Alien Looking Thing: The Benefits of Sea Cucumber


Credit: http://mcr.lternet.edu/education/encyclopedia/images/Creature_Images/27.jpg

Found only in salty waters, sea cucumbers are sausage-shaped animals with a warty and leathery skin. They are widely used as food and folk medicine in many cultures in the Middle East and Asia. Sea cucumbers, though flavorless, readily absorb the flavors of seasonings and foods they are cooked with. However, don't let the bland taste mislead you; these animals have several notable benefits, even cancer prevention.
Cancer Prevention Potential

Eating sea cucumber may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. This is because sea cucumbers contain high amounts of compounds known as triterpene glycosides, which have antitumor activity. According to a study by Chinese scientists published in August 2005 in “Cancer Biology & Therapy,” sea cucumbers also contain a compound known as philinopside E, or PE. PE inhibits the formation of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors. This suppresses the growth and proliferation of such tumors in your body.



Anticoagulant Activity
Blood clotting helps prevent excessive bleeding when you are injured. However, clots can also form inside your blood vessels even when you have no obvious physical injury. This can lead to potentially fatal conditions such as pulmonary embolism - - where the blood clots accumulate in lungs - - and restrict the flow of blood. Sea cucumbers contain a compound known as chondroitin sulfate. A study by Brazilian scientists published in September 1996 in the “Journal of Biological Chemistry” found that chondroitin sulfate has anticoagulant activity.



Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Sea cucumbers have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate pain in patients with conditions such as arthritis. A study by Malaysian scientists that was published in October 2011 in “Marine Drugs” found that sea cucumber supplements reduced inflammation in both male and female rats. This sea animal contains compounds such as mucopolysaccharides, chondroitin and glucosamine, which can help relieve arthritis disorders. Such compounds help in the regulation of the balance of certain lipids known as prostaglandins. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis usually have high concentrations of certain prostaglandins, according to a study published in 2008 in the “American College of Rheumatology.”



Wound Healing
Eating sea cucumber or its extracts may have therapeutic effects such as speeding up wound healing. It does so by facilitating the formation of new tissues within a short time -- a property that is believed to stem from the ability of a sea cucumber to regenerate its own body tissues quickly when it is injured. According to the October 2011 "Marine Drugs" study, this is believed to be facilitated by certain fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, present in sea cucumber.

source:http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-sea-cucumber-5710.html

Amazing Benefits of Honey


credits to http://static1.squarespace.com/static/53769fd6e4b05ff1a087fdad/5405068ce4b08ac8f24c4713/54ece3c2e4b0360a498f6e5c/1424811898664/?format=1500w


Honey isn't Just Sugar!
Though highly regarded in ancient civilizations, honey is not appreciated enough in today's modern societies. Critics quiz, "How can anything that tastes so good be of any good? Isn't honey just fancy sugar?" The liquid is so sweet and comforting that many people do not give its healing abilities a second thought. Conventional nutritional authorities claim that sugar is sugar, irregardless of its source or state. They however, do not realise that the bee has added an extra goodness of their own. Honey possesses unique life-supporting qualities not found in other sugars and delivers much more than what many medical doctors could comprehend. Know that not all sugars are made equal and don't be too quick to dismiss honey as just another sugar. Honey isn't just sugar. It is more than just the sum of its sugars. There is more than meets the eye!

From Folklore to Scientific Evidence
It's baffling how some people would go about demanding for proofs that honey is good for us and yet not question a word about the processed sugars and even artificial sugars that they willingly eat. Nevertheless, today researchers are turning up more and more new evidence of honey's medical benefits in all directions. The benefits of honey don't just stop at satisfying the palate; honey also offers incredible antiseptic, antioxidant and cleansing properties for our body and health, valuable beauty and skin care tips for ladies, and amazing healing properties as a head-to-toe home remedy, from eye infection to athlete foot. Its powerful healing attributes have long been used thousands of years ago and known to promote healing for cuts, cure ailments and diseases, and correct health disorders for generations after generations. The renowned UMF Manuka honey, perhaps the tastiest natural medicine, is commonly cited in many discussions on health benefits of honey. This honey not only fights infection and aids tissue healing but also helps reduce inflammation and scarring. In addition, it is often used for treating digestive problems such as diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ulcers and gastroenteritis. The page, titled "In What Ways have You Experienced the Benefits of Honey?" is filled with eye-popping testimonies about the healing power of honey. I've lost count of the number of times I have accessed that page, but the stories posted there never cease to move and amaze me over and over again. With more and more health experts and theories, such as the Hibernation Diet, supporting its benefits, this oldest natural sweetener just keeps getting better.

Synergistic Health Effects with Other Foods
Besides its profound medicinal applications, honey also brings great synergistic health benefits when combined with other foods such as bee pollen, cinnamon, ginger and cider vinegar. Discover them, one by one at Honey Cure and Tonic Concoctions and learn what people who have tried them have to say. And with the ever-growing body of research and evidence of the immense healing abilities of other wondrous bee products such as royal jelly, bee pollen and propolis, we are so overwhelmingly grateful for what the precious bees have presented to us humans... Continue Prologue in Honey Health Benefits. 

source:http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/