ROSEMARY

"There is rosemary for remembrance" Hamlet; IV Ophelia to Laertes

Looking for a gift for the gardener in your life or even for yourself, how about a rosemary plant?
With a little effort they can be kept as a houseplant in the winter. They like sun, and need to be not too wet or too dry. Occasional misting of their needles will also help if you have a dry house.

The scent of rosemary is one of my favorites. Touching the branches as you pass by sends its fragrance throughout the house.

Rosemary is known to be a memory enhancer. Research has proven that this herb increases blood flow to the brain.
Scientists found that rosemary also slowed the degrading of acetylcholine, which is involved in the formation of new memories. Used in food or as a natural medicine it also had the ability to improve longterm memory.

Rosemary is also a rich source of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper and magnesium.

When using in cooking be sure to either add as a sprig and take out at the end of cooking, or mince very finely to avoid the feeling of eating sharp needles!

The flavor of rosemary enhances meats, eggs, and tomato based foods. Serve it minced in olive oil for as dip with bread. As a tasty healthful tea add a sprig to boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink!

Want more tips for growing and using herbs for health?
Head over to my website www.heidicolella.com and sign up for my newsletter, or shoot me and e mail heidicolella@gmail.com to set up an informative private session to have all your questions answered!


Photo credit Serge Berlasius at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

PROBIOTICS - Stocking up on friendly bacteria

Spring is approaching and it is time to focus on optimizing our gut health.
Digestive health is so important for so many systems.
Probiotics are found in fermented foods such as sauerkraut (only those found in the refrigerated section) and yogurt and kefir.
The probiotic bacteria showing the most benefits are lactobacillus strains and bifido bacteria strains. They are found in fermented foods as well as high quality supplements.
Probiotics have been found to affect everything from reducing allergy related symptoms to decreasing the development of brain diseases.

Some other ways these bacteria provide a positive impact on our health.
- Treating infections: Research shows probiotics can compete with disease causing microbes for nutrients.
- Sinusitis and nasal congestion linked to allergies maybe decreased by improved gut bacteria, specifically lactobacillus casei.
- Reducing inflammation: A Gut Microbe study found that probiotics can help to reduce inflammation. This is important as many diseases, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and arthritis have been linked to chronic inflammation.

Choose supplements with labels giving full probiotic names. Most are found in a refrigerated section.
Choose "no sugar added" yogurt that says live cultures on the label.
Choose unpasteurized, unheated fermented foods such as sauerkraut, and kimchi found in refrigerated sections. Heating destroys the probiotics.

Feed your good bacteria to keep them healthy! they love all leafy greens and other vegetables and fruits!!
Need help incorporating foods into your diet for a healthier gut? I would be glad to help.
Contact me through my website www.heidicolella.com or e mail, heidicolella@gmail.com.

WALKING FOR FITNESS

This is the oldest and most natural exercise, walking for fitness really works.
Walking for fitness not only is easy and simple for most people. It works all the major muscle groups. It increases you oxygen intake, and oxygen is what helps you burn more calories!
Walking causes many fewer injuries than other types of workouts. It can be done almost any where, anytime, and you do not need any special equipment other than a good pair of walking shoes.
Walking will allow you to control the intensity without quitting early.
Start from where you are, 5, 10 or 20 minutes at a comfortable pace, then increase slowly as you feel able. You can increase the speed or the duration. Try interval walking 10 minutes at a comfortable pace and then 5 minutes at a faster pace, back to 10 minutes at a comfortable pace.
To include your upper body in this workout, swing your arms slightly more than you would normally, carry light weights, or incorporate two hiking, or walking sticks.
Start your walking program working out four times a week, you will start burning fat and toning muscles immediately, this is something you can continue for the rest of your life.
Walking for fitness is easy, safe, fun, and most importantly it works!!