Looking At Tears Under A Microscope Reveals A Shocking Fact.

One day Rose-Lynn Fisher wondered if her tears of grief would look different compared to her tears of joy, so she began to explore them up close under a microscope.

She studied 100 different tears and found that basal tears (the ones that our body produces to lubricate our eyes) are drastically different from the tears that happen when we are chopping onions. The tears that come about from hard laughter aren’t even close to the tears of sorrow. Like a drop of ocean water each tiny tear drop carries a microcosm of human experience. Her project is called The Topography of Tears.

Tears from laughing until crying

 

Tears of change

Tears of grief

Tears from onions

Joseph Stromberg of the Smithsonian’s College of Arts and Sciences explained that there are three major types of tears: basal, reflex, and psychic (triggered by emotions). All tears contain organic substances including oils, antibodies, and enzymes and are suspended in salt water. Different types of tears have distinct molecules. Emotional tears have protein-based hormones including the neurotransmitter leucine enkephalin, which is a natural painkiller that is released when we are stressed. Plus, the tears seen under the microscope are crystallized salt and can lead to different shapes and forms. So even psychic tears with the same chemical composition can look very different. Fisher said, “There are so many variables—there’s the chemistry, the viscosity, the setting, the evaporation rate and the settings of the microscope.”

Basal tears

Tears of timeless reunion

Tears of momentum, redirected

Tears of release

Tears of possibility and hope

Tears of elation at a liminal moment

Rose-Lynn Fisher

Credit: Rose-Lynn Fisher

Like snow flakes and fingerprints, no tears are alike. I can't believe the difference between all of these. If you found this post interesting, share it with others. 

http://www.lifebuzz.com/tears/

Why Burst Training is Your Best Fat-Burning Workout

by JJ Virgin

You see these folks at your gym, huffing away on elliptical machines and waiting impatiently for aerobics classes. What if I told you the right exercise could give you better fat-burning, muscle-building, metabolism-boosting benefits than the hours treadmills and aerobics classes require, in just minutes a day.



I know: it sounds like an infomercial, but I’ve got the science and experience to back it.

What Is Burst Training?
High-intensity interval training (HIIT), also called burst training, involves short bursts of high-intensity-style exercise for 30 to 60 seconds followed by one-to-two-minute recovery periods.

You don’t need special equipment to do burst training. If I’m attending a medical conference and don’t have time for the hotel gym, I’ll find the nearest stairs. You can get those same benefits at your mall stairs. (Sure, you might garner a few stares from curious passersby, but so what?)

See those guys running up the giant hill at your local park? That’s burst training.

Related Article: 7 Ways to Get Motivated to Exercise

How Burst Training Blasts Fat
When you burst, your body creates what scientists call oxygen debt, which it must then work to repay. This recovery requires energy, which your body utilizes via fat oxidation. Literally, you’re burning fat to meet this increased demand.

Sure, you also burn fat while you ride that treadmill, but the lower intensity doesn’t require any metabolic post-exercise repair, so you get limited overall metabolic benefits.

Related Article: How to Prevent a Weight Lifting Injury

Put another way: the more intense your exercise, the bigger metabolic cost you create and more fat calories you burn when you’re done.

Trust me, burst training is intense.

Studies Show Burst Training Superior for Fat Loss
Studies prove burst training is superior to cardio for fat loss. One study in the journal Metabolism, for instance, compared a 20-week endurance-training (ET) program to a 15-week burst-training program. The HIIT group showed a nine-fold greater fat loss than the ET group.

Numerous other studies confirm those benefits. A study in the Journal of Obesity, for instance, found that burst training forces your muscle to utilize more fat both during and after exercise.

Related Article: 7 Steps to Fat Loss

And another study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that moderately active women burned impressive amounts of fat doing just two weeks of burst training.

Burst Training Optimizes Fat-Burning Hormones
Numerous events elevate your stress hormone cortisol: your boss yelling about your under-performing third-quarter report, lack of sleep, and endurance exercise. Yep, plugging away for hours on the elliptical machine can raise your stress hormones. Two things cortisol does very well are stall fat loss and break down muscle.

Now, here’s the deal. All exercise raises cortisol. Unlike endurance training, though, burst training also raises your anabolic (muscle-building) hormones like testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH).

Related Article: 12 Ways to Make Healthy Choices When Eating Out

HGH is also called your “fountain of youth” hormone. Among its benefits, it boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, and helps you burn fat faster. To maintain optimal HGH levels, get 8 hours’ sleep every night and do burst training.

Ready to Get Started?
I hope I’ve convinced you burst training is the optimal workout for fast and lasting fat loss. The key involves full-out maximum speed for up to 60 seconds.

If you can do burst training over one minute at a time, you’re not doing it hard enough. You need to step up the intensity: you should be breathless after that burst-training minute. You’ll subsequently slow down to a normal pace to catch your breath for one to two minutes, and then repeat.

Lack of time no longer provides an excuse to skip exercise, since you can complete a burst-training workout in about 15 minutes. Which, coincidentally, is about the amount of time it takes for those elliptical-machine loving folks to find a parking place at the gym.

**********************

jj virgin

Celebrity nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin is author of The New York Times Bestseller The Virgin Diet.

Featured photo by Greg Westfall



References

Boutcher SH. High-intensity intermittent exercise and fat loss. J Obes. 2011;2011:868305. Epub 2010 Nov 24.

Talanian JL, et al. Two weeks of high-intensity aerobic interval training increases the capacity for fat oxidation during exercise in women. J Appl Physiol. 2007 Apr;102(4):1439-47.

Tremblay A, et al. Impact of exercise intensity on body fatness and skeletal muscle metabolism. Metabolism. 1994 Jul;43(7):814-8
http://inspiyr.com/why-burst-training-is-your-best-fat-burning-workout/

5 Reasons To Eat More Oatmeal

 By Kate Bratskeir

Need some healthy breakfast ideas? Look no further than oatmeal. Just a cup of cooked oatmeal contains 4 grams of fiber -- nearly the same amount that's in an apple or a cup of cooked brussels spouts. It's incredibly versatile and you can find it just about anywhere (even the drugstore!) so you don't have to compromise health when your stomach's grumbling and the options are limited. Below, find five reasons why eating oatmeal is an excellent choice for your health.

1. Oatmeal can keep you fuller than some other breakfast foods.

That glorious fiber that oatmeal boasts has the power to keep you from excessive snacking between mealtimes. A 2014 study published in Nutrition Journal showed that participants who ate oatmeal felt fuller for longer than those who ate the same serving size of Honey Nut Cheerios.

2. Oatmeal can help lower your cholesterol.

High-fiber foods famously benefit cholesterol levels, and oatmeal is no exception. The soluble fiber in oatmeal helps to reduce the body's absorption of "bad" cholesterol that can increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes, LiveScience reports.

3. Eating oatmeal may reduce your risk of cancer.

High-fiber, whole-grain foods — including oatmeal — have been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. A 2011 review in the British Medical Journal showed that the risk of colorectal cancer was 20 percent lower for people who consumed an extra 90 grams of whole grains each day.

4. Oatmeal is rich in a heart-protective plant chemical.

Delicious oatmeal is rich in lignans -- a plant chemical protective against cardiovascular diseases. Lignans can be found in other foods, like flax seed, broccoli and apricots.

5. Oatmeal is inexpensive.

You can buy a big container of the stuff for just a few bucks -- and a serving costs less than 20 cents. So it turns out oatmeal can leave both your stomach and wallet feeling satisfied.

Bonus: There are endless ways to eat oatmeal.

If you think oatmeal is boring -- or just a breakfast food -- you are mistaken. You can make savory dishes from the stuff: Top it with some Sriracha and a fried egg, bake it with some bacon or even mix it with some greens (avocado and kale add a really nice texture). And you can get a little creative with your favorite flavors -- try a couple of these recipes and experience the wonders of carrot cake oatmeal, toasted coconut oatmeal, Nutella oatmeal and more.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/29/oatmeal-healthy-eat-it_n_6042640.html?utm_hp_ref=health-fitness&ir=Health+and+Fitness

Fatty diets lead to £300m surgery

THE nation’s love of fatty foods has sparked a huge increase in people having their gallbladder removed, landing the NHS with a bill for more than £300million.

By: Matthew Davis and Lucy Johnston


Diets high in fat and cholesterol can trigger painful gallstones, where the cure is normally the removal of the gallbladder.

NHS figures show that the number of people seen by a hospital consultant about this has soared 41 per cent in nine years.

Almost 70,000 people who need the procedure currently have hospital appointments and nearly 200 people a day actually have the operation.

Most gallbladder operations are by keyhole surgery, enabling quicker recovery and a shorter hospital stay.

However, the bill for such treatment is still not cheap and private operations can cost more than £6,000.

The average age of a patient undergoing a cholecystectomy has also fallen in recent years to 51, as the problem now more frequently affects those in middle age.

Figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show there were 69,728 hospital appointments last year linked to gallbladder removal operations.

Nine years ago that number was 49,288.

It is crucial that young people are alerted to the outcomes triggered by eating too much fatty food
Tam Fry, spokesman for the National Obesity Forum
The gallbladder stores bile that is pushed into the stomach to help it break down food.

Experts believe that a high fat diet can trigger the production of gallstones, which can be incredibly painful.

In most cases the easiest treatment is to remove the gallbladder as most people can function without it and not notice any difference, although some patients have to move to a lower fat diet.

Tam Fry, spokesman for the National Obesity Forum, said: “There are more and more things coming through, which end up putting a strain on the NHS, that are linked to obesity.

“I’m not surprised at these figures but the tragedy is they will continue to rise unless something is done to tackle the problem of obesity.

“More people are becoming obese and those people who are already obese are becoming more obese.



“Teenagers who are overweight or obese are particularly at risk.

"Those who are even moderately obese are four times more likely to have gallstones than those with a normal body mass index.

“It is yet another indication that obesity related conditions are being seen at increasingly younger ages, with the acknowledged possibility of premature death.

"With this in mind, it is crucial that young people are alerted to the outcomes triggered by eating too much fatty food.”

Leading nutritionist Gillian Hamer blamed Britons’ love of processed foods and fats.

She said: “Butter, full fat yogurt and cream are not the cause.

"The problem is the bad processed fats found in cakes and overeating processed fats.

“Faddy diets are not the answer either.

"Cutting out any group of foods is not good for you and may lead to problems like gallstones,” she added.

Anton Emmanuel, medical director at Core, a charity that funds research into all diseases of the gut, liver and pancreas, said:

“The increase in cholecystectomy relates in part to the increase in obesity and in part due to the advances in technology permitting safer gallbladder removal compared to the older days of more complex, potentially adverse effect-causing open surgery.”

He said sudden weight changes, such as crash diets, could also lead to the risk of gallstones.

“This may explain some of the increased incidence in younger patients,” he said.
http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/524412/EXCLUSIVE-Bill-fatty-diets-galling-300m

New miracle cure for deadly Hepatitis C

A DAILY pill can cure deadly hepatitis C in months and may wipe out the disease altogether, experts say.

By Lucy Johnson

The new drug, which will be available on the NHS, has been shown to eliminate the virus in up to 98 per cent of patients.

It is estimated to affect 216,000 victims in the UK, including 85,000 diagnosed cases, and can lead to liver cancer.

Specialists say the drug Daklinza, will also stem the huge rise in cases of serious liver ­disease and cancer caused by the condition.

They have ­soared by 450 per cent in the past 15 years, from 5,500 cases in 2000, to 24,600 last year.

It still needs to be tested on certain types of hepatitis C but has proved successful on those for which it has been prescribed.

The late Body Shop founder Dame Anita Roddick suffered from the disease after she was given a contaminated blood transfusion in 1971.

Charles Gore, Hepatitis C Trust chief executive, said: “We are delighted patients will have access to this new treatment.

This takes us one step closer to making the elimination of ­hepatitis C a realistic possibility by improving both cure rates and tolerability.”

Liver specialist Dr John ­Dillon, at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, said: “New treatment options that can cure this virus are really important.

"The launch of this treatment in the UK is another big step forward.

"Its arrival paves the way for the use of treatment regimens that are oral, much more tolerable for patients than older treatments, and offer the chance of a cure."

Unlike older therapies, which try to boost the body’s immune system, a new class of drugs, known as NS5A inhibitors, bind to a protein in the virus to stop it replicating.

One of these, ­Daklinza, is most effective in patients who have late stages of the disease, many of whom are on the transplant waiting list.

Current treatments are less effective and involve a long course of immune-boosting drugs with severe side effects including depression, anaemia and fatigue.

The new drug has few unwanted effects and is taken for three months.

Nearly all sufferers are then free of the ­disease and experts believe it could eradicate hepatitis C, within 15 years.

The launch of this treatment in the UK is another big step forward

Dr John ­Dillon

The virus is associated with tainted blood transfusions from Europe and the US before screening was introduced in 1991, plus non-­sterile needles used by ­tattooists and intravenous drug users.

One in five liver transplants in the UK, 170 a year, is due to ­hepatitis C damage.

Many ­victims do not ­realise they have it as symptoms can be silent and surface only as the disease progresses.

In 2004 Anita Roddick announced she had hepatitis C.

She had lived with the virus for more than 30 years before discovering she was contaminated after a transfusion following the birth of her son Sam.

By this time she was suffering from severe liver damage.

The new drug will become available to patients on the NHS early next year.

Some severely ill patients have been given early access under a new scheme by NHS England.

Johanna Mercier, general manager of Bristol-Myers Squibb, which developed the drug, said: “We are committed to imp-roving the quality of life of patients living with hepatitis C and paving the way to cure this chronic and ­devastating ­condition.”

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/510655/New-miracle-cure-for-deadly-Hepatitis-C

10 Fun Ways To Eat Chia Seeds!

BY DANA JAMES

 Chia seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients. They're loaded with protein, Omega 3s, and fiber. Plus they're packed with calcium, magnesium and manganese. They are also gluten-free!

Here are 10 fun ways to eat chia seeds:

1. Chia pudding with kiwi fruit and pomegranate seeds

• Place 3 tablespoons of chia seed in a mason jar and pour over 12 ounces of almond milk.
• Shake the jar until the chia seeds are fully immersed in the liquid. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
• Once seeds have swelled to a tapioca consistency, stir in 1 tsp of coconut sugar.
• Pour into a serving bowl and top with chopped kiwi fruit and pomegranate seeds.

2. Raspberry-coconut chia pops

• Place 3 tablespoons of chia seed in a mason jar and pour over 12 ounces of coconut milk (from a can).
• Shake the jar until the chia seeds are fully immersed in the liquid. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar and 3/4 cup of raspberries. Stir well.
• Let chia pudding set for 2 hours then pour into ice-pop molds and freeze overnight.

3. Chocolate-chia mousse

• Pour 1 can of coconut cream into a blender, add 1/4 cup of chia seeds, 1/4 cup of maple syrup and 1/2 cup of cacao powder.
• Let it sit it blender for 10 minutes to allow chia seed to swell to 10 times their size.
• Once it has formed a tapioca consistency, puree it for 30 seconds or until smooth.
• Pour into serving cups and let it set for 4 hours.
• Top with fresh cherries.

4. Raspberry lemonade chia drink

Add the following to a pitcher:

• 2 cups of coconut water
• Juice 1/2 lemon
• 3/4 cup of blended raspberries
• 2 teaspoons of coconut sugar
• 3 tablespoons of chia seed

Let it sit for 30 minutes until it has formed a gel-like consistency. Enjoy the drink!

5. Raw cherry and chia bars

In a food processor, add the following:

• 1 cup of raw pecans
• 1/2 cup of dried cherries
• 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 1/3 cup of almond butter
• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of shredded coconut

Grind until a paste is formed, about 2 minutes. Add mixture to a baking try and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Slice into bars and serve.

6. Seeded granola with dried apricots

In a food processor, add the following:

• 1/2 cup of raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup of raw sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds

Pulse until seeds are in a chunky texture. Then add the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup and salt.

Pulse for another 20 seconds. Spread mixture out on to a baking dish.

Add to pre-heated oven at 300F for about 20 minutes, stirring half-way through to avoid burning. You could also use a dehydrator set to 118F for 4 to 5 hours. Allow the toasted granola to cool completely, then stir in the chopped dried apricots and store in an airtight container. Serve with almond milk.

7. Lemon and mango chia parfait

• Place 3 tablespoons of ground white chia seed in a mason jar and pour over a can of coconut milk.
• Add a pinch of vanilla bean, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup.
• Let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight until thick.
• Pour into serving glasses then top with freshly sliced mango.

8. Avocado on toast with chia seed.

Top gluten-free toast with avocado dusted in chia seeds, lemon zest, chili flakes and sea salt.

9. Cacao, chia cherry ice-cream

Add the following to a blender:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1.5 cans of coconut cream
• 2 tablespoons of cacao powder
• 3 tablespoons of maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ounce melted unsweetened chocolate
• 4 pitted dates

Let it sit for 15 minutes then blend for 60 seconds or until smooth. The mixture should be thick and creamy. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturers instructions. Freeze until firm enough to scoop.

10. Matcha chia smoothie

• Blend 12 ounces of almond milk with 1 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder, 2 pitted dates, 2 cardamon pods and a pinch of vanilla bean for 30 seconds.
• Pour into a large mason jar.
• Add 1 tablespoon of chia seed and shake it well.
• Let it sit for at least 15 minutes until chia seeds starts to swell. Serve over ice.
• http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15072/10-fun-ways-to-eat-chia-seeds.html

Moringa Leaf Powder for Energy

Moringa Leaf Powder for Energy

10 Amazing Reasons to Eat Papaya and What to Do with the Seeds

Papaya is a special fruit

– loved by some, an acquired taste for others.
The lucky ones can pick it from their gardens, but the majority will probably need to venture to a supermarket to get one. We live in the age when the first thing we need to check is the origin of the food we’re about to buy. Sad but true. Papayas are naturally very healthy, but the goodness is somewhat diminished when we buy from an unsustainable source. It’s even worse if we go for the genetically modified fruits, which have had their genetic-code changed in order to resist viruses and increase production numbers. Genetically modified papayas have been approved for consumption both in the USA and Canada, while Europe is still resisting. If you want to avoid a snack full of potentially harmful substances, pay attention to the fruit’s label. Most genetically modified papayas come from Hawaii, where they have been grown since 1999.



When you get hold of a good-old-non-GMO papaya, these are the benefits you can look forward to:

1. Papaya is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
It contains vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B complex, and is rich in magnesium, copper and potassium. Vitamin A and vitamin C are both powerful antioxidants, so the ‘fruit of the angels’, as Christopher Columbus called it, destroys free radicals in the body – the villains behind many chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. You can read more about antioxidants and their role in our body in my previous article about these 9 amazing antioxidants for great health.

2. Papaya lowers your cholesterol levels.
It inhibits the harmful LDL cholesterol and prevents it from sticking onto the walls of blood vessels and causing problems in the circulation that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you suffer from high cholesterol levels, you can find here 10 simple and effective ways to lower cholesterol naturally.

3. Papaya is rich in fiber and promotes digestive health.
To keep your bowels happy and moving, your diet should be rich in dietary fiber. Papaya has loads, and one serving can satisfy a quarter of your daily recommended intake.  Also, if you just underwent antibiotic treatment, make sure to eat some papaya, or drink papaya juice. The fruit does a good job at re-balancing your intestinal flora after an aggressive course of antibiotics. Papaya is one of the ingredients in this delicious digestive detox smoothie as the digestive enzyme papain helps to ease the burden of the complicated process of digestion.

4. Papaya contains unique enzymes that can lower inflammation.
Chymopapin and papain are papaya’s protein-digesting enzymes that can help lower the body’s inflammatory reaction. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease that presents as an inflammation of the joints, eating papaya can assist with symptom control. Also, eating vitamin C rich papaya can reduce your chances of developing arthritis in the first place. You can find here more foods that help to reduce inflammation in the body.

5. Papaya boosts your immune system.
Vitamin A and vitamin C, which both generously occur in papaya flesh, strengthen your immune system and help fight infections. You can also learn about other 10 quick life hacks to improve your immunity.

6. Papaya has anti-cancer activity.
The antioxidants in papaya are praised for effectively fighting cancer. Papaya reduces a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer, especially if combined with drinking green tea. It might also prevent cancer in your blood and bone marrow, by stopping the cells from oxidizing. The wonderful papaya enzyme, papain, can help relief side effects of chemotherapy. It is being studied for its beneficial effects on swallowing and mouth sores.  This fruit has been shown to be a good protective measurement against colon cancer. With a little help from papaya, colon cells don’t suffer DNA damage that could lead to new, potentially dangerous, growths.  I recommend you to read my other posts about this subject: The best cooking methods for cancer prevention and the top 5 cancer causing foods to avoid.

7. Papaya can protect your eyesight.
Beta carotene and vitamin A help to protect sight and can improve vision. A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology has pointed out that eating fruit can do a lot to prevent age-related macular degeneration. Three helpings of fruit a day are recommended, and papaya is a very suitable candidate due to its nutritional content.  You can get more information in my post about the top 9 secrets to prevent eyesight problems and improve your vision naturally.

8. Papaya helps to prevent blood clots.
Blood clots can narrow or block blood vessels, or sometimes they can dislodge and travel to the heart or brain and cause a heart attack or stroke. Papaya contains fibrin, which prevents blood coagulation and enables the blood to flow freely. So make sure to put a slice of papaya in your morning cereal or in your breakfast shake. Of course, to prevent blood clotting, you will need to remove other risk factors from your life too, starting with smoking. You can also eat turmeric every day to prevent blood clots – read more about it here. There are also a number of herbs that can improve your blood circulation and you can find more information about them in my e-book The Herbal Remedies Guide.

9. Eating papaya reduces your stress levels. A papaya snack not only fills your stomach, but it can also make you feel more relaxed. Vitamin C regulates the flow of stress hormones and can bring you back to your balanced zen-state. Well, it might take a bit more than just a slice of papaya for that, but it’s a good start.  If you want to reduce your stress, read my post about 14 effective natural remedies for stress and anxiety.

10. It is good for your skin.
Have you noticed that papaya often features in cosmetic products,such as creams, face masks and hair softeners? It is renowned for its beauty benefits. Papaya’s vitamin E and beta carotene prevent cell damage through their antioxidant activity. Vitamin E also supports collagen production, which is the substance that keeps your skin firm and elastic, in other words young-looking. Beta carotene further smoothies away the wrinkles and makes you look fresh. Try a face mask and expose your skin to the magic ingredients.


The benefits of papaya seeds and how to use them

When you cut a papaya, the insides look very inviting, and the seeds can easily be scooped out. They are high in fat and protein, and contain plenty of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Think twice before you discard them, as they can be used in many ways. According to Maryland Medical Center and Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical medicine, papaya seeds are great for getting rid of intestinal parasites. A recent study showed that people who were taking honey together with papaya seeds, cleared their stool of parasites in 23 out of 30 cases. Papaya seeds are also credited with anti-cancerous properties. The seeds have a distinct, slightly peppery flavor. They can be eaten as they are, or you can sprinkle them over salads and other dishes, just as you would use pumpkin seeds. Those who are not afraid of the spicy flavor, can try them in a smoothie.

Enjoy your next papaya experience!
http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/reasons-to-eat-papaya/

Eating Sesame Seeds Superior To Tylenol for Knee Arthritis?

Sayer Ji

A remarkable new study published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases confirms that food is not only medicine, but sometimes superior to it.  Medical researchers working out of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran, sought to investigate the effects of sesame seed supplementation on clinical signs and symptoms in patients with knee  osteoarthritis.[i]

Knee osteoarthritis is a form of degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis localized in the knee, and causes a variety of symptoms including pain, swelling, abnormal bone growth (which can result in bone spurs), disfigured cartilage and loss of motion, and it affects as many as 12.1% of adults aged 60+, according to the CDC.[ii]  Standard therapy involves the use of NSAID drugs, many of which have been linked both to internal bleeding and significantly increased risk of cardiac mortality, which is why the researchers sought out to look for "a complementary treatment to reduce complications and costs."

The study took fifty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, and divided them into two 25-patient groups: a sesame group, receiving 40 grams/day of powdered sesame seeds, and a standard drug therapy group, receiving two 500 mg doses of Tylenol twice a day along with 500 mg of glucosamine once daily. After two months of treatment, 22 patients in the sesame intervention group and 23 patients in the control group completed the study.

Table 1

Considering that treatment was comprised of little over an ounce and one half of sesame seeds, the results were truly remarkable. As presented in Table 1 above, there was a significant difference in pain intensity between the two groups after treatment, with the sesame group seeing the largest drop from 9.5 before treatment to 3.5 after treatment, and the control group seeing a more modest drop from 9 before treatment to 7 after treatment. Additional measurements were taken using both the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Questionnaire and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. Both tests revealed a similar degree of positive change in both treatment and control groups, when compared to baseline. [See table 2 and table 3 below].

Table 2 [KOOS]

Table 3 [TUG]

Taken together, sesame was the clear winner. Not only was this food therapy superior in reducing the intensity of pain, but it was at least equal in effectiveness to Tylenol and glucosamine in both the KOOS and TUG tests. This, of course, was accomplished without the notorious side effects associated with Tylenol; to the contrary, sesame seed has a wide range of side benefits, which we covered recently in our article on sesame's health benefits.

So, how much is 40 grams of sesame seed? A tablespoon of sesame seeds is approximately 9 grams. So, approximately 4 tablespoons will get you to what the study found to be a 'clinical dose.' Also, the researchers powdered the sesame seeds in order to enhance digestion. Remember, it is best to do this fresh with a mortar and pestle (first choice) or coffee grinder, also making sure that your seeds are raw, certified organic, and vetted to have not undergone gamma irradiation.

To truly appreciate the significance of this study, take a look at the growing body of toxicological research indicating that the unintended, adverse health effects of Tylenol (acetaminophen) far outweigh its purported benefits. We recently featured articles on the fact that even only occasional use of Tylenol may raise a child's asthma risk 540%, and that it may be time for the FDA to remove it from the market.

For additional research on natural and/or integrative interventions for knee osteoarthritis visit our research page on the topic: knee osteoarthritis.

---

[i] Bina Eftekhar Sadat, Mahdieh Khadem Haghighian, Beitollah Alipoor, Aida Malek Mahdavi, Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi, Abdolvahab Moghaddam. Effects of sesame seed supplementation on clinical signs and symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

[ii] CDC.gov, Osteoarthritis statistics
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/eating-sesame-seeds-superior-tylenol-knee-arthritis

70-Year-Old Looks 30, Reveals Fountain of Youth

27 years ago, Annette Larkins decided to become a raw vegan. She was already enjoying a vegetarian diet at the time, but decided to take it a step further. Her main motive was to improve and maintain her health. What she got in return surpassed her expectations and made her a star of the raw vegan community. Watch the video below to hear her full story:

High-Protein Diets In Midlife Linked To High Risk Of Premature Death, Study Says

Atkins aficionados, Paleo enthusiasts, and Dukan devotees, you may want to reconsider what's on your plate. While high-protein diets have been all the rage over the last few years for their waist-whittling goodness, a new study says they could be as bad for you as smoking.

Researchers at the University of Southern California's Davis School of Gerontology believe high protein consumption in middle age could mean a much higher risk of death from cancer and diabetes. The study followed 6,318 adults from a variety of ethnicities and health histories over two decades and found those with diets high in animal proteins were just as likely to die as a result of cancer as a regular smoker, according to a university release. Other researchers, however, say that there simply hasn't been enough research to draw this conclusion.

The study also pinpointed animal proteins as the culprit behind the 74 percent increased risk of death within the study period, from any cause. Even when controlling the amount of fats and carbs in the participants' diets, high animal protein diets had negative health effects. Animal proteins include things like meats, cheeses, milk, and eggs. Diets high in plant-based proteins, however, including foods like beans, lentils, and nuts, did not have the same dangerous effects as animal proteins.

"The research shows that a low-protein diet in middle age is useful for preventing cancer and overall mortality, through a process that involves regulating IGF-I and possibly insulin levels," study co-author Eileen Crimmins said in a release.

The good news? High-protein diets could actually be beneficial after age 65, when IGF-I levels naturally level off. People over 65 with a high- or moderate-protein diet are actually less susceptible to chronic disease.

The CDC recommends 46 grams of protein per day for adult women and 56 grams for men. But with popular fad diets, many people are consuming considerably more. "The majority of Americans are eating about twice as much proteins as they should, and it seems that the best change would be to lower the daily intake of all proteins but especially animal-derived proteins," co-author Valter Longo said in a release.

High-protein diets have been hotly debated for years. Health experts stress that these diets are deceivingly high in saturated fats and low in fiber, which could mean high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease or stroke. In 2010, a study found a direct link between high-protein diets and high rates of lung and colorectal cancers in men. The health of Atkins Diet founder, Robert Atkins, was also cause for concern, as he had a history of heart attack and heart failure before his 2003 death.

The USC study defined low-protein diets as those where 10 percent of calories or less come from protein, and high-protein diets as those with 20 percent or more calories coming from protein. But even moderate-protein diets in middle age were shown to result in three times the likelihood of death from cancer.

Researchers believe the protein-controlled growth hormone, IGF-I, could be to blame. Even slight increases in IGF-I have been shown to significantly increase the chances of cancer-related death.

"Almost everyone is going to have a cancer cell or pre-cancer cell in them at some point. The question is: does it progress?" Longo asked. "Turns out one of the major factors in determining if it does is protein intake.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/04/high-protein-diet-risks_n_4896501.html

Super Brain Yoga - video

Super Brain Yoga

An ancient exercise for balancing and increasing oxygen to the brain.

The Best Essential Oils for Weight Loss

1.    Grapefruit Essential Oil

The best EO (Essential Oil) out there to suppress appetite, increase energy, prevent water retention, reduce the appearance of cellulite, prevent bloating, and dissolve fat. It helps to cleanse and detox your body from excess toxins and fat. You can find helpful information about the concept of detox in my e-book The Detox Guide, which will teach you how to cleanse and energize your body naturally and safely.

Internally

Drink one glass of water with 1 to 2 drops grapefruit EO. Make sure to buy quality essential oils for internal use (food grade). This will help you to flush out more toxins, lose excess fat, and manage your weight. Best to drink it first thing in the morning.

Massage

Add a few drops of grapefruit EO to a carrier oil of your liking. Massage the area where fat accumulates for about 30 minutes. Do not wash the oil off.
FYI: The best carrier oil to use is olive oil. A study conducted at Munich’s Technische Universitaet and the University of Vienna, found that the scent of olive oil helps people to consume less calories and adapt their eating habits.

2.    Lemon Essential Oil

Just as grapefruit EO, lemon can be used to increase energy, suppress appetite and improve digestive health. It helps your body to get rid of toxins which are otherwise stored in fat cells. You can read more about lemon EO in my article about 10 amazing uses for lemon EO.

Inhalation

Add a few drops of lemon EO to a cotton ball and slowly breathe in the vapors before a meal to avoid overeating and reduce appetite. Seal in a zip lock bag for on the road.

Daily Massage

Add a few drops of lemon EO to a carrier oil of your choice and massage the area where fat or cellulite accumulates. This will help your body to eliminate toxins and waste materials stored in fat cells.

Internally

Add 1 to 2 drops of lemon EO to your morning water to help your body kick start digestion and eliminate more toxins. Make sure to buy quality essential oils for internal use (food grade).

3.    Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint works wonders to soothe an upset stomach and improves your digestive health. It gives you a full feeling after a meal, stops cravings, and gives you more energy. You can read more about this EO in my article about top 10 uses for peppermint essential oil.

Inhalation

Add a few drops of peppermint EO to a cotton ball and slowly breathe in the vapors before a meal to avoid overeating and reduce appetite. Seal in a zip lock bag for on the road.

FYI: Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Institute of Chicago found that lemon and peppermint EO are the most powerful scents to help control appetite and assist in weight loss.



Internally

Add 1 to 2 drops of peppermint EO to one glass of water and drink before a meal to reduce appetite and prevent overeating. Make sure to buy quality essential oils for internal use (food grade).

Peppermint Bath

Add 5 to 10 drops to your morning bath to energize your body and reduce food cravings.

4.    Cinnamon Essential Oil

Another great EO to suppress your appetite and boost metabolism. Cinnamon EO assists your body to break down sugars for energy, instead of storing them as fat. It improves digestion, stimulates circulation and has shown some great results to improve IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

Internally

Add 1 to 2 drops of cinnamon EO to a cup of warm water with a little honey. Drink before a meal or before going to bed to avoid midnight cravings. Make sure to buy quality essential oils for internal use (food grade).

Inhalation

Add a few drops of cinnamon EO to a cotton ball and slowly breathe in the vapors before a meal to avoid overeating and reduce appetite. Seal in a zip lock bag for on the road.

5.    Bergamot

Many people eat more when they are stressed or emotional. The scent of bergamot can help to relax and lift your spirit to avoid eating when you are not truly hungry. Bergamot EO not only has antidepressant or mood lifting properties, it is packed with polyphenols, which are also found in green tea, and help your body to burn fats and sugar. You can also get tips on how to beat emotional eating here.

Inhalation

Add a few drops of bergamot EO on a cloth and slowly breathe in the vapors to calm and relax body and mind when you are in the danger zone of grabbing food to address your emotions.

Feet or Neck Rub

Dilute a few drops of bergamot EO in a suitable carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. Gently massage your feet and neck to wind down. Or add a few drops to your morning bath to help you through the day. Just as bergamot, sandalwood can be used to avoid stress eating and overcome negative feelings. Try them both out to see which scent relaxes you the most.

Essential Oil Blends For Weight Loss

Cellulite Reducing and Weight Loss Boosting Bath Blend

Add 5 drops each of grapefruit, ginger, orange, sandalwood, and lemon EO to 1 cup raw apple cider vinegar and add to a warm bath. Do not add the essential oils to running water to avoid evaporation and mix in by hand. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

Fat-Burning Trio For Internal Use

Have one of these capsules every day after breakfast with a glass of water to help curb your appetite and speed up fat-burning mechanisms. Make sure to buy quality essential oils for internal use (food grade).

Ingredients (per capsule)

2 drops peppermint EO
2 drops grapefruit EO
2 drops lemon EO
12 drops coconut oil (liquefied)
Combine the ingredients in one capsule. You could multiply the recipe by mixing the EOs in an amber vial, add six drops of the mix into a capsule together with 12 drops liquefied coconut oil. Store pre-made capsules in the fridge for later use.

Opt For Quality Oils Only!

Always make sure to opt for organic 100% pure or therapeutic grade essential oils. These oils are made through non-chemical processes (ie steam distillation) and are save to use externally and internally.
http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/best-essential-oils-for-weight-loss/

Open Sesame! 10 Amazing Health Benefits Of This Super-Seed

Sayer Ji
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, prized as an oilseed for at least 5,000 years.  While it is beginning to regain favor due to its exceptionally high calcium and magnesium content, few realize it is also one of the most potent medicinal foods still commonly consumed today.

In fact, its history as a medicine goes back 3600 years to Egyptian times where it was listed in the scrolls of the Ebers as a favored medicine.  Also, women in ancient Babylon were believed to use a mixture of honey and sesame seeds (halva) to prolong youth and beauty, and Roman soldiers ate the mixture for strength and energy.

In the past twenty years, a glut of scientific information has poured in demonstrating that sesame seed, and its components, have over three dozen documented therapeutic properties [see sesame research page].  Given these new revelations, it would seem that sesame would be just as at home in a medicine cabinet as it would be a kitchen cupboard.

Here are just 10 evidence-based medicinal properties of this food-medicine:

Diabetes: A study published in 2011 in the Clinical Journal of Nutrition showed that sesame oil improved the effectiveness of the oral antidiabetic drug glibenclamide in type 2 diabetic patients. [1]  Another study published in 2006 in the Journal of Medicinal Foods showed that the substitution of sesame seed oil as the sole edible oil lowers blood pressure and glucose in hypertensive diabetics. [2]

High Blood Pressure:  A study published in 2006 in the Yale Journal of Biological Medicine showed that sesame seed oil has a beneficial effect in hypertensive patients on either diuretics or beta-blockers. Substitution of all dietary oils with sesame oil brought down systolic and dystolic  blood pressure to normal, in addition to decreasing lipid peroxidation (bodily rancidity) and antioxidant status. [3] One of the compounds identified behind sesame seed's antihypertensive effects are peptides that act as angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors.[4]
Gingivitis/Dental Plaque: Sesame seed oil has been used for oral health for thousands of years in the traditional Indian medical tradition known as Ayurveda in a process known as "oil pulling." It involves swishing sesame seed oil in the mouth for prolonged durations and has been said to prevent teeth decay, halitosis, bleeding gums, dry throat, and for strengthening the teeth, gums and jaw. Clinical research now confirms that it compares favorably to chemical mouthwash (chlorhexidine) in improving plaque-induced gingivitis,[5] and that it is capable of reducing Streptococcus mutans growth associated with oral plaque formation. [6]

Infant Health/Massage Oil:  A study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research in 2000 showed that massaging infants with sesame oil improved both their growth and post-massage sleep, in comparison to control oils such as mineral oil.[7]
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): In the animal model of MS, also known as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, sesame seed oil protects mice from developing the disease by reducing IFN-gamma secretion, a key factor in initiating autoimmune inflammation and injury in the nervous system.[8] It has also been research for its potential beneficial role in another neurodegenerative condition, Huntington's disease. [9]

Antibiotic-Induced Kidney Damage: Sesame seed oil protects against gentamicin-induced kidney damage in rats by reducing oxidative damage caused by the antibiotic.[10]
Atherosclerosis: Sesame seed oil prevents the formation of atherosclerotic lesions in mice fed an atherogenic diet.[11]  The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory lignan found within sesame seeds known as sesamol has been identified to be partially responsible for its anti-atherogenic properties. In fact, sesamol has been shown to possess over two dozen beneficial pharmacologically active properties, many of which may contribute to improving cardiovascular health.



Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.


How much to use ?

I would not roast it unless it has to be used roasted and I did not read any comparative studies too. Heat can make the fat worse, especially omega 6, and makes enzymes useless(enzymes may not be much important in this food) but it may also eliminate antinutrients. Nuts and seeds are suggested to be soaked in water to get rid of antinutrients but it's not much practicable with sesame.

My question is, how much do you use and what is the amount you use based on ? Too much omega 6 may bring one closer to all inflammatory diseases:

http://atozhealthtopics.blogspot.com/2011/11/list-of-inflammatory-diseases.html

Selection between healthy foods that are high in omega 6 contradicts me. I've let myself eat a diet with high(though lower than most people's diets) omega 6 to omega 3 ratio for some time and I want to lower this ratio in my diet. Getting back to sesame, I will make a selection between sesame and eggs because they are both vitamin T and also omega 6 sources. Sesame is a source of sesamol and sesamin, and eggs are one of the best sources of phosphatidyl choline. Lignans are better obtained from high omega 3 source flax seeds, I think and other choline sources are either unpleasant to eat to me(organ meats, fat trimmed kidneys are best choline sources per calories) or inconvenient to eat enough to get enough choline(vegetables, cauliflowers are best), therefore I will try to choose eggs usually.

So which high omega 6 source foods and how much do the writers here suggest in general ? I do not know and I hope to read on this.
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/open-sesame-10-amazing-health-benefits-super-seed

Is your child addicted to sugar?

Nearly half of mothers believe their children are addicted to sugar - but most are unaware quite how much they're really consuming

Most mothers questioned were unaware of the high sugar content of everyday foods such as yoghurts and juice Photo: Alamy

Nearly half of mothers (46 per cent) believe their children may be addicted to sugar, according to a new poll conducted by Bupa.

Yet many of them were unaware of the true scale of the problem, with the majority uninformed about the high sugar content of everyday foods such as yoghurts and juice.

Even though 43 per cent of the 2,000 mothers questioned claimed to know how much sugar was in the food their children eat, when asked how much was contained in everyday lunchbox items, most had no real idea.

While 88 per cent of children have at least one yoghurt a day, 93 per cent of the mothers questioned weren't aware that a typical fat-free yoghurt contains five teaspoons of sugar

The research found that 77 per cent of children consumed at least one glass of fruit juice each day - but 94 per cent of mothers didn't know that the average amount of sugar in a typical glass of apple juice is 6.5 teaspoons.

Some 93 per cent of mothers had no idea that a typical glass of apple juice contains 6.5 teaspoons of sugar

According to Mumsnet editor Sarah Crowne, sugar consumption is a continual source of anxiety among parents: "There's a great deal of discussion on Mumsnet about how to feed your kids well - from coping with fussy toddlers to tips for cajoling refusenik teens into managing a sensible breakfast before school.

"Excessive sugar consumption is a perennial concern amongst our users - particularly with 'hidden' sugar popping up in everyday products such as pasta sauce and bread, not to mention the large quantities in some of the most popular children's yoghurts and fruit snacks.

"In an ideal world, obviously, we'd all shun jars and packets and cook perfectly-balanced meals from scratch every day - but the fact is that time and money constraints often make this impossible.

"As with most aspects of child-rearing, parents simply do their best: to be clued-up about nutrition, avoid the obvious sugar-laden pitfalls and try to strike a healthy balance when feeding their kids."

Yet, in spite of these concerns and efforts, 40 per cent of parents questioned in the new poll said they gave their children sweets, fizzy drinks or chocolate at least once a day.

Nearly 25 per cent surveyed said they placed sugary treats in their child’s lunchbox, with the top culprits being cakes, chocolate, crisps and fruit juice. Nearly a third of mothers believed that, as they gave their children healthy food, too much sugar wasn't an issue.

Nicole Mowbray, author of Sweet Nothing, an account of giving up sugar, says: 'While these figures are shocking, they're not surprising."

"Even though parents try their best, sugar lurks in so many of the foods we give our children, from the addition of fruit juice to savoury baby foods to make it more palatable, to the high quantities of sugar lurking in everyday sauces such as tomato ketchup, or this new idea that honey is in some way healthier, when it isn't.

"That's before you've even considered the amount of sugar given to youngsters in the form of 'treats'. Parents should use their pressure power to force manufacturers to start reducing the amount of sugars they add to food and drinks aimed at children.'

Too much sugar in a child’s diet can cause permanent damage to health, including increased risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. as well as severe damage to dental health.

Andrew Wallis, of Cornwall Council, said earlier in the year that tooth decay among children had reached epidemic proportions. In fact, the research was commissioned by Bupa to mark the launch of its Tooth Fairy campaign - parents can create a personalised video for their children at toothfairy.bupa.co.uk.

Bupa's Clinical Director of Dentistry, Dr Steve Preddy commented: “With 26,000 primary school children admitted to hospital for tooth decay in the past year, there is a need now more than ever, for parents to be paying attention to their child’s sugar consumption.

"The recent announcement from NICE has caused much debate amongst health and teaching authorities, however the most important thing to remember is tooth decay is preventable.

Parents need to be regularly looking at the nutritional information of food products; it is often what are thought of as healthy foods or unexpected ones."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/11183503/Is-your-child-addicted-to-sugar.html

14 Things Every Fat Girl Absolutely Needs to Hear

Body-positive blogger Jes Baker breaks it down.

I knew I had to get in contact with body-positive blogger Jes Baker, a.k.a. The Militant Baker, when the raw beauty and humor in her piece called "Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls… So I will" moved me to tears.

For years, Jes has worked in this sphere of reminding people and especially women of their right to feel beautiful. She's a mental health professional, a speaker, a writer, and a photographer who created this beautiful photo series called "Body Image(s)."

Below are 14 absolutely true things she wants fat girls to know, or as she prefaced:

Things that I wish I knew earlier. Things that I've learned in real life. 

Things people really need to talk about more:

1. Everyone has rolls when they bend over. Everyone. Lets just get this out of the way right off the bat. In the last few months, I've had over 30 women ranging from rail thin to extra large naked in my bed and I would routinely ask them to hug their knees. You wont believe this... ALL OF THEM HAD TUMMY ROLLS. Not one was exempt. Even my super fabulous professional model 6 foot tall and some amazing Katie had rolls. The stomach pictures turned into some of my favorite images from the project... so quit thinking they're bad, and try accepting (dare I say embracing?) yours!

2. When people say "you're gorgeous", believe them. I tend not to, and it's a cryin' shame. When people genuinely compliment you, it's because they really see it. Try to not dismiss their perspective as wrong and assume that you know better. They see all of you. We see our flaws. Believe them.

3. "Arm flab is embarrassing." No its not, go f*** yourself. No, not you. The people who tell us that, silly.

4. You're not stunning despite your body. You're stunning because of your body. There is a distinct difference. I grew up in a culture that would deem "unattractive" women as "special spirits". A degrading categorization that implied that the only thing worthwhile was whatever was inside. Well, yeah. We are all much much more than our bodies, but our bodies are a beautiful part of us too. Beauty comes from the inside AND the outside.  I am of the firm belief that every person is beautiful, and so this leaves the inside to be the part that is the most telling when it comes to true "beauty".

5. A guy can pick you up off your feet, and it won't break his back.  "Wait, whaaaaaa Jes? You're full of shit." Nope. This just happened to me for the first time in... six years? I'm considerably heavier than I was 6 years ago (like... 70 pounds heavier) and so when I ran up to my friend Eric for a hug and he picked me up with my heels in the air... it left me breathless. I had forgotten that it was possible; I had accepted a life void of being lifted. So exhilarating. Eric didn't suffer any injuries and walked away unscathed.

6. You don't need to exercise every day in order to feel better about yourself. Many believe that someone who's fat needs to exercise as much as possible in order to prove that they're committed to becoming "less fat". As if accepting one's body as is would be a sin, and that's just silly. Yes, exercising has wonderful physical and mental benefits, but you don't owe it to anyone else to make an effort to change your body unless you wanna. You do not have to alter yourself to be okay. Period.

7. You're allowed to fall in love with yourself. I promise. This will be the scariest thing you will ever do, and that's okay. It will also be the most amazing (albeit super gradual) experience you will ever have. It doesn't make you narcissistic. It doesn't make you vain. It is liberating in every form of the word.

8. It's also okay to have days where you don't love yourself. Read this. No really. Read it. And then realize that we've grown up learning and internalizing that we are not okay our entire life. For me, that's 26 years of self-hate indoctrination and brainwashing.  It's going to take a lot longer than you think to reverse this thinking, and it's definitely not going to happen overnight. Allow yourself to have "weak" days. Cry, mourn, sob, yell, throw things. Whichever. Then get up, brush yourself off, give the media the finger, and move forward because you're a warrior.

9. Everyone's boobs are uneven. If you have a lot of boobs, they might be way uneven.  Don't stress. This is totally normal.

10. There are people who prefer large ladies. And I mean all sizes of large. I thought that my best bet in life was to find a partner who accepted my fat. Pause. Give me a minute to hang my head and shake it at myself. Not only are there people who adore "thick" women, but a LOT of them who prefer it. This eventually ends up in an interesting territory which Marianne talks about here, but the point that I'm trying to make goes back to the "despite vs because of" argument. Here is what you need to know: you do NOT need to settle for a lover who is "okay" with your body. You have the right (and millions of opportunities) to find someone who is infatuated with your body. You deserve to be worshiped, woman!

11. Fat chicks bang hot guys... ALL. THE. TIME. I know that hot is relative and all inclusive depending on who you chat with, but for these purposes, lets talk about the "universally attractive" kind of hot. Y'know, the kind fat chicks don't deserve? We want to pretend that we don't know what I'm talking about, but lets be real; we totally do. The fact that "fat chicks bang 'hot' guys" was one of the most powerful realizations I've had thus far. In line with the above paragraph, I knew that there would be someone that would find me attractive but the pool would be small (because of my body) and potentially full of guys I didn't personally find sexy. So I would have to settle for anyone that would take me. After all, how could a conventionally gorgeous man (tall and with tattoos of course) like fat chicks?  Weh-he-hell, let me tell you somethin': through various sites, events, parties, and corner store meetings, I found myself with over a hundred men who were chomping at the bit to get with this. I was the one who had to sift through and pick the hottest of the hot. Ladies, over a hundred.

"Girls" showed what society thinks about that when Hannah's character has a weekend romance with an attractive and wealthy doctor. People flipped their shit. "Patrick Wilson is so hot he would never do Lena Dunham" was the most eye catching. Wilson's wife responded to that rubbish here, but the tweet speaks volumes about what the majority of people think unconventional women deserve. Jesus christ, it's annoying. I won't spill the details of my bedroom coming and goings, but lets just say this: the hottest guys in Tucson and I get along just fine. I would recommend reading Emily's article on xoJane for a better explanation of what I'm struggling to say. Know this: the myth that "atypical" bodies can't be paired with "typically attractive" bodies is false. Women need to know that all bodies can be paired with all bodies.

12. Riding during sex will NOT collapse his insides. Just trust me on this one, what you fear is totally false. Here's a great article that changed my life.

13. Wearing whatever you want is a political statement. Join the revolution. Throw style rules out the window. Wear the tutu. Wear the horizontal stripes. Wear the turquoise skinny jeans. Wear the see-through blouse. Wear the bikini. Wear the sweat pants. Wear the shirt that says "Does this shirt make me look fat?". Wear whatever it is that makes you happy. This is your life.

14. You are f*****g beautiful. I'm saying this with a straight face and seriously meaningful look where I maintain eye contact for an uncomfortable amount of time. I know you don't feel like you fit into the category of gorgeous that our world creates. I know that its hard. I know that its a daily battle. But fuck their fascist beauty standards. The second you stop looking for a skinny model in your mirror and start looking at YOU... is the second you will start to appreciate what you are. Stop looking for flaws. Stop looking for differences. You are perfect. You are more than enough. You are the best thing that has ever happened to you. And you are f*****g beautiful.
Say it with me. 

http://www.worldlifestyle.com/beauty-style/14-things-every-fat-girl-absolutely-needs-to-hear