5 Health Benefits of Avocados

I know what you are thinking: What? This guy again? And avocados? I love those creamy little treasures of nature, why do I need to know about the health benefits? Let me tell you why: because you aren’t eating enough of these delectable delights. That’s why.

1. Basics

The avocado is a fruit (not a vegetable) originally found in the Central Mexico region, which ripens after it is picked. There are more than 500 of varieties of avocado and it has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years. It is also known as the alligator pear because of its scaly skin. The outside skin and the pit are inedible, despite millennia of efforts (I mean, they are edible, sort of like gravel is technically edible). Avocados were first introduced to the United States in 1871, when Judge R.B. Ord planted three trees in Santa Barbara, California.

2. Creamy Deliciousness & Nutritious!

While avocados have a high caloric count (one avocado is 320 calories), the various nutrients and “healthy” fats make it a must-eat. Some call the avocado the alphabet fruit because of all the vitamins it contains. One avocado provides your body with vitamins A, C, E, K and B6, along with an enormous amount of potassium and “healthy” fat. Perhaps the biggest health benefit of avocados is that by adding avocado to certain foods, you can improve your absorption of nutrients. This means that when you combine other fat burning foods with avocado, you can improve your nutrient absorption up to 400%! Avocados can also reduce the signs of aging, regulate blood sugar and improve eye health.

3. Good for the Heart

The fat content of an avocado provides protection against heart diseases. Studies have shown that oleic acid improves cardiovascular health. Oleic acid is the primary fatty acid in avocadoes. Many people now take supplements in order to consume more omega-3 fatty acids to lower their risk of heart disease. Avocadoes are rich in omega-3, delivering 160 milligrams per cup of alpha-linolenic acid.

4. Vegetarians and Vegans Rejoice – Protein!

Avocadoes provide all 18 essential amino acids necessary for the body to form a complete protein. Unlike the protein in steak, which is difficult for most people to digest, avocado protein is readily absorbed by the body because avocadoes also contain fiber. If you are trying to cut down on animal sources of protein in your diet, or if you are a vegetarian or vegan seeking more protein, avocadoes are a great nutritional ally to include not merely as an occasional treat, but as a regular part of your diet.

5. To Read with your Guacamole

Here a couple of choice items to chew over. Once an avocado is picked, it takes between 7 and 10 days to ripen. Keeping it in the refrigerator will slow down the ripening process, while putting it in a paper bag with a ripe apple will speed up the process. Avocados have the highest protein content of any fruit. The first Hass avocado tree is still alive and producing fruit. Brazilians add avocados to their ice cream and Indonesians make avocado shakes (see below).

Bet You Didn’t Know:

On average, 53.5 million pounds of guacamole are eaten every Super Bowl Sunday, enough to cover a football field more than 20 feet thick.

To-do:

It’s time to start thinking of avocados as a regular diet supplement rather than a frisky Saturday treat. Get them into your daily diet in salads, on sandwiches or just plain. Start changing the way people view them and you will see more of them around.

Recipes:

Simple is Best! I am an extremely lucky guy. Not only is my wife a wonderful cook (and a wonderful person!) but her family owns an avocado ranch down in southern California – that’s my boy on the back of the trailer. When we were dating and I visited her parents for the first time, I had little to no experience with avocados and guacamole. We weren’t there for more than a few hours, when her aunt walked out into the orchard, picked up a couple of ripe avocados from the ground, came back inside, sliced and mashed them, and we had guacamole. No fancy additions. No cilantro or tomatoes (or salsa!) or any of that nonsense – no Sir! – just plain avocado mashed up and eaten with some lovely blue corn chips. And that’s one of my recipes for you today.

http://www.fullcircle.com/goodfoodlife/2012/06/21/5-health-benefits-of-avocados/

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Recognize Benefits of TEA

Drink tea in my spare time while inhaling fresh air certainly evoke a pleasant atmosphere .Aroma fragrance than this drink at any sniff adds another sense of calm and fresh , especially at a time when the mind was fatigue . On the contrary tranquility enjoyed it , contained a lot of benefits that you may not know .

1 ) Prevent KanserThe content of polyphenols present in green tea is an antioxidant ingredients most memorable prevent the risk of the spread and growth of cells in the blood kanser . Those who practice regularly drink green tea is said to stonewall kanser risk of breast , prostate , stomach and intestines .
2 ) YoungerIt is said that in 10 ounces of tea to drink every day attempt to absorb excess fat and cholesterol that include arteries of your heart . In addition to making the heart more counsel , the practice of drinking tea helped someone make it look young and energetic .
3 ) Weight DownIn accordance practiced for those who Want to slim and eternal counsel . Green tea is said to help the process of burning calories so you lose weight .
4 ) Power MemoryIn addition to preventing kanser , high content of antioxidants present in tea also helps strengthen memory and fight free radicals rather than attacking the brain . Those who drank two cups of tea a day to avoid cognitive problems than those who rarely drank directly .
5 ) Stabilize Blood Pressure50 % of people who drink tea rather than avoid developing high blood pressure versus those who never enjoy it . It contains polyphenols that you indulge in tea can keep the blood vessels , lowering cholesterol levels and preventing stroke .

 

http://healthyfitconcept.blogspot.com/2014/02/recognize-benefits-of-tea.html

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Rafflesia Life History

" a penetrating smell more repulsive than any buffalo carcass in an advanced stage of decomposition" (Mjoberg, 1928) There are approximately 17 Rafflesia species distributed throughout Southeast Asia (Nais, 2000; Meijer, 1997; Mat Salleh, 1991). These species are highly specific as to the hosts that they parasitize, preferring only a few species of Tetrastigma (a member of the common grape family) that are distributed in the same geographic area. Although technically a member of the plant kingdom, Rafflesia challenges traditional definitions of what a plant is because they lack chlorophyll and are therefore incapable of photosynthesis (as are all members of its family, Rafflesiaceae).
	While many parasites appear like normal plants, Rafflesia lacks any observable leaves, roots, or even stems (Meijer, 1993). Likened to fungi, Rafflesia individuals grow as thread-like strands of tissue completely embedded within and in intimate contact with surrounding host cells from which nutrients and water are obtained (Mat Salleh, 1996). Perhaps the only part of Rafflesia that is identifiable as distinctly plant-like are the flowers; however, even these are bizarre because they attain massive proportions (up to 3 ft in diameter) and are usually reddish-brown and stink of rotting flesh.. Although parasitic, Rafflesia species do not typically kill their hosts in spite of the drain on resources that they cause.
Pollination in Rafflesia has been studied (Beaman et al., 1988) but is likely a rare event due to the several factors. The flowers are unisexual and single sites usually produce either male or female flowers (see exception below). Therefore, in order to have effective pollination (reproduction), male flowers must be in close proximity to, and open at the same time as female flowers so that flies (or any other insect) can transfer pollen.
	While male and female individuals could be closely spaced, flower bud mortality is 80-90 % per site thereby reducing the chance of co-flowering of two individuals (Nais, 2000). Furthermore, flower lifespan is only 5-7 days thereby placing a temporal bottleneck on the process of pollination (Beaman et al., 1988; Nais, 2000). To complicate matters further, current population distributions are fragmented due to habitat destruction. Thus, successful sexual reproduction relies on the unlikely event that a male and a female would bloom during the same 5-7 days and that a fly could carry pollen between the often widely separated populations.
Challenges to Studying Rafflesia There are several reasons Rafflesia has remained difficult to study for the 180 years since its discovery. First, individuals grow entirely embedded within the body of the host plant that they parasitize (Kuijt, 1969). As such, Rafflesia individuals are only visible when they erupt from within the host body as a flower bud. Although traditional means of studying Rafflesia, like anatomical sectioning, could be performed, this method would likely result in death of both the host and parasite. Second, Rafflesia is rare in occurrence and can only be found in relatively remote lowland forests of Southeast Asia. In this region, much of its habitat has been converted to farm land or timber concessions and in some parts of its range, the buds are harvested and sold for their purported medicinal qualities. Third, even once Rafflesia individuals become visible as flowers, these only survive a few days before decomposing. All of these factors make it difficult to even find Rafflesia sites and even when they are known, the sites are often not protected so there is no guarantee that they will exist in subsequent years.
	Unlike other parasites that are important to study due to the economic loss they cause to important crops, Rafflesia causes economic benefit through ecotourism: thousands of people go to Sabah (Malaysian, Borneo) annually hoping to see Rafflesia blooms (Nais & Wilcock, 1998).
For this reason, there is great interest in conserving Rafflesia sites rather than eradicating existing populations (as is the case for noxious parasitic plant weeds). Although preserving as much of its habitat as possible would be the simplest and most obvious way to conserve Rafflesia, this is not currently practical throughout its range. Therefore, there is a need to investigate key questions that will establish priorities for ex situ (not natural habitat) propagation (which is only recently possible for the first time in history [Nais & Wilcock, 1999]), management of currently protected sites and procurement of unprotected sites, and in situ (within natural habitat) breeding programs.    http://homepages.wmich.edu/~tbarkman/rafflesia/Rafflesia.html

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Abuko Nature Reserve

Abuko Nature Reserve, Africa, was the Gambia's first reserve and is located in the Western Region (WR), (geographical coordinates: 13.41°N, 16.65°W). Part of it was accorded a form of 'protected status' back in 1916 when the source of the Lamin (Bolon) Stream was fenced to form a water collection point.

In 1967 a local Gambian man called Kalilu requested the then acting wildlife officer, Eddie Brewer (OBE), to shoot a leopard that had been killing their pigs which had been feeding there illegally. When he visited the spot with his daughter, Stella, they saw an amazing richness of Gambian wildlife and flora and realised the conservation importance of the stream running through Abuko. They made a request to the government to protect it which was promptly approved when it was officially declared a nature reserve in March 1968.

Abuko's size was extended from 188 to 259 acres in 1978 and enclosed in a 2.5 metre fence with the help of the WWF. It is among six protected wildlife management parks and covers an area of 105 hectares (roughly 2 sq. km). The park  is rectangular in shape with a surrounding narrow strip around its boundaries acting as an extra buffer zone. Later in its development 2,000 malina trees were planted to act as an extra barrier against encroachment by locals.

Today, Abuko is the Gambia's most visited tourist attraction receiving approximately 33,000 visitors per year. One interesting fact is that it is the nearest tropical forest to Europe.

Habitats:
The evergreen forest gallery follows the course of the Lamin Stream and covers approximately 1/3 its total area. Efforts are being concentrated on maintaining the crooked bush trails, bird photo hides, the animal orphanage as well as the boundary to prevent encroachment by people and cattle. There are a number of small pools at the bottom end or the reserve with the biggest being called the Bamboo Pool.  In and around the freshwater pond is the ideal location to spot crocodiles and birds.  Its location is within easy reach by taxi from any of the main coastal holiday resorts. It is an ideal first stop for birdwatchers and animal enthusiasts as well as tourist in general. There are designated guides on site to help you locate animals and birds while on the forest trail and a tip is always appreciated though not mandatory.

Park Management:
The conservation of the animals and plants is managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management who are based at the Darwin Field Station for Biodiversity. There main aim is to protect the location and prevent species extinction and helps to fund its activities by charging day trippers an entrance fee.

Flora:
Fifty types of mature tropical trees have been recorded in the protected area. Abuko's main geographic features are several kinds of habitat starting with thick tropical canopy which after 50 to 100m from the stream gives way to Guinean savanna. Probably due to increased borehole water removal the natural habitat has seen the gradual disappearance of mature tropical trees of which the most obvious is the A. Procera and the E. Guineensis. For non experts the trees are labelled.

Avi Fauna:
It has been estimated that there are over 290 bird species living within the forest gallery. Among the birds are Pied Kingfishers, African paradise flycatcher, Willow Warblers, waxbills, western bluebill , manikins, doves, lily trotters, giant kingfisher C. maxima, palm nut vultures, hammerkop Scopus umbretta, Ceryle rudis, grey headed bristle bill, white crowned robin chat, grey backed camaroptera, lanner falcon, pygmy kingfisher, violet turacoes, African thrush, fork tailed drongo, black Herons, squacco heron, oriole warbler, Black crake, red bellied fly catchers, little greenbul,  yellow breasted apalis, cattle egrets, Abyssinian roller, purple glossy starling & the Green Touraco.

Fauna:
There are 4 primate species: Vervet monkey, Red Colobus monkey, red Patas and Bush Babies. The other mammalian types include the Grimms Duiker, Ground Squirrel, Savannah Antelopes, Bushbuck Colobus badius, Tragelaphus, Brush Tailed Porcupine, Viverra civetta, sitatunga T. spekei, Erythrocebus patas, Mungos gambianus, serval Felis, Heliosciurus gambianus, Thryonomys swinderianus, Galago senegalensis, Actophilornis Africana, Tauraco Persa, Gastropyxis smaragdina Crocodylus niloticus, Xerus erythropus, Cercopithecus aethiops, Palm civet Nandinia binotata and several types of rodent including the Cane Rat.

Threats to the monkeys of The Gambia:
E. D. Starin 1
a1 Department of Anthropology, City University of New York, Graduate Center, 33 West 42nd Street, New York City, NY, USA. Published online by Cambridge University Press 24 Apr 2009.

"Abstract
There are five, perhaps only four, monkey species in The Gambia and all are under threat. The main problems are habitat destruction, hunting of crop raiders and illegal capture for medical research. The information presented here was collected during a long-term study from March 1978 to September 1983 on the socio-ecology of the red colobus monkey in the Abuko Nature Reserve. Further information was collected during brief periods between February 1985 and April 1989 on the presence of monkeys in the forest parks. It is not systematic nor extensive, but it indicates clearly that action is needed if monkeys are to remain as part of the country's wildlife. The most pressing need is for survey work to supply the information needed to work out a conservation plan."

Among the reptiles at the park are the Monitor Lizard, Nile Crocodile, West African crocodile, Dwarf Crocodile, Spitting Cobra, black cobra, python Python sebae, Puff Adders, emerald snake & Green Mamba though it is rare to see.

There are also numerous butterflies and moths such as the Saturnis.

While there you can also visit the Animal Orphanage which was set up in 1997 as a rehabilitation centre by the DPWM. It cares for parrots, hyenas as well as  various kinds of Monkeys including Chimpanzees. Also located on the reserve is the Darwin Field Station which is a research centre focused on maintaining The Gambia's biodiversity. There is also an exhibition, the Abuko Conservation Education Centre and refreshments area which are concentrated around the animal orphanage.

Nature Trail:
Starting your trek you will first come across loose leafed Guinea savanna and you will see trunks covered in mud deposited by tree ants. The trail later drops towards the main Bamboo Pool which is partly covered in water-lilies and fringed by large palms. You will then come across a wooden foot bridge which spans a small swampy stream and goes past the first bird hide and towards the visitor's centre. This building was built in 1970 as a rest house for visitors.

If you make your way up to the observation platform it is possible to get a birds-eye-view of  large lizards, numerous feathered avians and Dwarf or Nile Crocodiles (particularly in the mornings when they come out of the water to sunbath).

From this point you follow the nature trail which leads you to thick, dark, lush vegetation. As you turn left you will see the first glimmering of open bright savanna which is soon interrupted by  more thick jungle which is interspersed at ground level with huge trunks and large root systems. If you look carefully you can see numerous ground squirrels, brightly coloured beetles, vervet monkeys, soldier ants, birds and butterflies. As you continue along the cooked path leading along the southeast you will arrive at an enclosure housing some vultures and hyenas at the Animal Orphanage.

There is a kiosk here where you can enjoy some refreshments. In the next enclosure you can observe Crowned cranes, baboons and bushbuck and next to them you will come across a few lions. From this area there is a path that veers off towards the exit if you are feeling a little tired by this time.

A walk along the trail can take you a couple of hours though there is a short-cut route.

Contacts details:
Department of Parks & Wildlife
Management.
Tel no: +220 4375888
                     4376972
Fax:              4392179
Email: wildlife@gamtel.gm

Travel Information:
If you are not with a tour operator you can pick up a cheap bush taxi from Westfield Junction that is going to Lamin Village on the main Serrekunda to Brikama road and ask to be let off at the front entrance. The best time to visit for birdwatchers is early morning or late afternoon as you can avoid the tourist crowds who tend to come over in the late morning or early afternoon.

Wear thick sturdy boots, use mosquito repellent & bring along some refreshments if you plan to stay long.

An entrance fee is payable. With a tour operator it could cost around D150 for a day trip. If you use a tour operator then the cost could be up to £30 for a full guided tour as well as hotel transfers. Refreshments are available should you wish to spend the day there.



http://www.accessgambia.com/information/abuko-nature-reserve.html

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Flora and Fauna

The famous Divi Divi tree is Aruba's natural compass, always pointing in a southwesterly direction due to the trade winds that blow across the island from the north-east.
Aruba's trademark: the Divi Divi or watapana tree

An interesting observation is that attempts to plant this tree in other parts of the world have proved futile - it seems the Divi Divi is most comfortable in Aruba!

Aruba's dry climate is home to large Mondis (forests of cacti)

Despite its arid climate, Aruba has a large array of horticulture. One example is the Magdalena, similar in foliage and flower to the Impatiens found in the Eastern US, but which survive with very little water. Their purple and white flowers blossom all year round, providing natural decoration both along sidewalks and roadsides and also in the most looked-after gardens.

Also widespread are Caribbean Pines, a large variety of Hibiscus as well as Bougainvilleas, Wild Orchids and many other cacti, vines, shrubs and trees.

Lizards (Papiamento - lagadishi) abound in Aruba. In fact, half of the species of lizard known to man reside exclusively on the island. The kododo blauw (left) has a blue-green color, are quite friendly and totally vegetarian. Pega Pega are cousins to the gecko and get their papiamento name (pega means to stick) ,from the tiny suction pads on their feet which allow them to walk practically anywhere.
They are one of the last remaining prehistoric species who have eluded extinction - and have extremely loud voices. Iguanas (right), looking like miniature dinosaurs are often found high up on rooftops enjoying the sun or in trees where they find their favorite food - leaves.

Unfortunately they were often considered a delicacy themselves (their meat is tasty, comparable to chicken) and have been used in soup and stew by Arubans for generations. This practice is now illegal.

Iguanas adapt to their surroundings in much the same way as chameleons do, changing color from bright green to a more brownish hue when they're on the soil.
The Cottontail rabbit is also found in Aruba, and was probably brought over here originally by Indians prior to Columbus' time. A clue which seems to substantiate this theory is the fact that the rabbits here have a black patch on their necks, similar to those found in nearby Venezuela.

Although once thought to be disappearing, wild donkeys are making a comeback and are usually seen in groups of three or four in the more rugged parts of the island. For more information: www.arubandonkey.org Brought to the island by the Spanish, these donkeys were often a test of manhood for many youngsters from San Nicolas who would try to mount and ride them.
Some time ago, hotels in Aruba specifically put gratings outside their entrances to deter sheep and goats from entering their gardens. These animals are quite common on the island, and goats also find their way to the Aruban table where they are also considered a tasty dish.
A common sight on many of Aruba's beaches are pelicans. For more information on birds of Aruba: www.arubabirds.com These zealous fish eating birds can often be seen swooping down and diving into the sea, disappearing underwater for a few seconds while they home in on their targets.
Bats can be found in caves towards the Northeast of the island - most are insect eaters and nectar drinkers with the exception of one particular species that prefer fish and dive into the sea for their food.


http://www.visitaruba.com/tours-and-activities/flora-and-fauna/

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Benefits Of Aloe Vera

Parallel passage of time and the sophistication of medical technology today , dumping of skin health products are easily available in the market. Plant nutrients that has been previously used increasingly forgotten heritage even though it is more effective and cheaper. Plants such as aloe vera has many advantages that help maintain the texture of the skin, improve collagen and elastin to make the skin .

The aroma and refreshing taste of aloe vera extract is also able to relieve heat in the skin due to sun burns . The content of vitamin C and E found in aloe vera can also be used to moisturize the skin and aids in the regeneration of skin cells.1 ) Moisturize faceMix aloe vera with olive oil and apply on the face . Wait for five minutes and wash using warm water . Besides being used as a mask, it also provides nutrients and moisture to the skin.2 ) The hair can be managedApply aloe vera on dryer sheets and let some time before washing the hair as usual .3 ) Basic makeupTo highlight the make-up that is more durable and looks fresh , add a little aloe moisturizer or foundation .4 ) Treat fatiguePlease refresh your eyes tired after completing the task . Oles aloe vera on cotton and lenses on the eyelids . Wait until the cotton to dry then wash the area around the eyes .5 ) Essence NailUses of Aloe vera is believed to soften cuticles nail polish dry . Also make nails more frail , it also makes the nails stronger and not fragile .6 ) Waxing SootherAloe vera helps soothe the skin surface of the body of a painful example after undergoing a skin treatment. The applications also do not suffer from sensitive skin irritation and redness .

refer : http://healthyfitconcept.blogspot.com/2014/02/benefits-of-aloe-vera.html

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