Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an herb cultivated primarily as fodder for cows and other animals, but it also has traditional uses as a medicinal. Unlike many other herbs, all of the plant is used as medicine, but the tea is typically only made with seeds or dried leaves.
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Tulsi is the Sanskrit name for the holy basil plant. It is a member of the mint family and grows wild in India (ref 1). The traditional medicinal uses for tulsi are many, particularly in the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, but it is primarily known today as an adaptogen -- meaning it helps the body cope with stress.
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Chock-full of healthy proteins and calcium, cheese can be part of a balanced diet, if eaten in moderation. For those with high blood pressure, however, eating cheese can be problematic.
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Tea, including black tea, is the second-most consumed beverage in the world, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, second only to water. Primarily known for its stimulating effects and promotion of mental alertness, black tea also has other potential health benefits.
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Humans have consumed cheese for millenia -- at least as far back as 4,000 years ago, according to the International Dairy Foods Association. Unfortunately, many people have a difficult time digesting cheese, primarily due to its milk content.
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Brussels sprouts resemble mini cabbages, which makes sense as they are a member of the cabbage family. They are high in several vitamins and other important nutrients, as well as dietary fiber -- a major contributor to healthy digestion and elimination.
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Six-pack abs are considered by many to be the epitome of health and physical appeal. Getting that muscular, defined look for your belly requires a combination of a healthy, low-calorie diet, cardio exercise and strength training, focusing on the abdominal muscles.
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Cabbage is difficult to digest, which can lead to gas in the intestinal tract -- a common cause of cramping or pain in the abdominal region for some people. While experiencing pains due to gas is common, an underlying digestive disorder or food poisoning could also be to blame.
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Green tea is an infusion of the often slightly withered, unfermented leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The infusion process -- basically soaking the tea leaves in hot water -- brings out chemicals with potent antioxidant properties that are in the green tea leaves.
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All those pikes, herkies and split jumps may look easy when you see them on TV, but cheerleaders actually have to work pretty hard to pull off those feats with ease. If you're struggling to gain height in your jumps, spend a few days each week working on several types of training.
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Whether you're trying to lose weight or training for a big event, monitoring your progress can help you stay on track.
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With the added resistance of the water, swimming laps of any type is going to help you build muscle faster than the cardio workouts you may currently be doing on dry land.
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For those who are serious about getting or staying in shape, having equipment at home -- including weights and punching bags -- is the way to keep up a certain level of fitness. Punching bags are one thing, but installing a heavy bag in your home is a more serious matter.
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Walking is a simple, low-impact exercise you can do nearly anywhere -- but even with its relative simplicity, there's always the risk of injury. To keep from getting hurt or experiencing persistent pain, it's important to get a pair of shoes that are designed for walking and which you'll use just for that purpose.
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Dips can be a challenging and beneficial upper-body exercise, helping to strengthen the pectorals and triceps. Most gyms have some type of dip bar or parallel bars, but they're also a relatively inexpensive and simple thing to make at your own home.
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There's no doubt that using a stationary bicycle can help you get in shape, lose weight and even build muscle. When it comes to the speed at which you should be riding, though, that's all going to depend on your level of fitness and how hard you're willing to work.
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Asking how many calories you're going to burn during any workout is a very loaded question indeed. Instructors for specific fitness programs don't tend to provide an exact number of calories you'll burn, because calorie burn is so dependent on factors including your age, weight, gender and intensity level.
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If you're looking to start a dumbbell routine as part of your exercise program, you're taking a step in the right direction.
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You're probably aware that weight lifting can result in sore muscles -- but you may be surprised to discover that your training session resulted in a sore, stiff neck and head. While it might seem odd, it's a typical response to poor form, and in most cases it's not cause for serious concern.
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Let's face it -- those love handles hanging out from the top of your jeans are not your best look. Making a commitment to change it is a big step toward meeting your goals, and since you already know that gym machines are going to help you meet your goals, you're even further along.
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