Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The 10 Best Power Foods for Women

No matter your age, you can benefit from these foods!

Parmesan cheese for strengthening bones: Calcium is key for preventing osteoporosis (especially in your 20s). Yogurt and nonfat milk help, but who wants them three times a day? Work Parmesan cheese into your diet; its 340 mg of calcium per ounce - compared to about 200 mg in cheddar or Swiss - goes a long way toward your 1000 mg/day quota.

Apples boost your immune system: Smart and sweet, apples are rich in quercetin, an antioxidant that can bolster your body's disease-fighting abilities. In one study from Appalachian State University, just 5 percent of people who ate more quercetin came down with a respiratory infection over a two-week period, compared to 45 percent of those who didn't.

Lentils build your iron stores: Low-calorie lentils pack about 30 percent of your daily iron per cup cooked. About 12 percent of young women have low iron stores - at the extreme, that leads to anemia. But one study found that even women who were iron deficient (not anemic) had poorer performances on skill tests than those with normal levels.

Broccoli fights wrinkles: "A cup of broccoli has 100 percent of your vitamin C-crucial for production of collagen, which gives skin elasticity," says Tammy Lakatos Shames, R.D. It's also rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This vitamin assists in cell turnover, so old skin cells are replaced with fresh (read: younger-looking) ones.

Potatoes pack healthy carbs: Potatoes contain a fat-fighting compound called resistant starch that can help keep weight in check. One medium spud with the skin will run you just around 100 calories, and with more potassium than bananas, potatoes also help fight heart disease by keeping blood pressure low.

Spinach is dense with key nutrients: This leafy green is high in vitamin K and also contains calcium and magnesium - a combo that may help slow the breakdown of bone that occurs as you get older - as well as folate, a B vitamin that helps prevent birth defects. And it packs just 7 calories per cup raw!

Dark chocolate stops stress and fights disease: European researchers found that people who ate an ounce and a half of dark chocolate - about 200 calories worth-every day for two weeks produced less of the stress hormone cortisol and reported feeling less frazzled. Cortisol causes a temporary rise in blood pressure; consistently high levels up your risk for depression, obesity, heart disease and more.

Mushrooms deliver cancer-fighting antioxidants: One study showed that women who ate just one third of an ounce of raw mushrooms a day (that's about one button mushroom) had a 64 percent reduction in breast cancer risk. Other research suggests that mushrooms reduce the effects of aromatase, a protein that helps produce estrogen - a major factor in some breast cancers.

Sardines fight heart disease: These pungent little fish are good sources of omega-3 acids, which decrease inflammation that can lead to blocked arteries. They also prevent blood clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes, and keep blood vessels smooth and supple. Three ounces of sardines have about 1.3 grams of omega-3s (you need about 1 gram a day).

Avocados: Avocados are high in monounsaturated fat, which has been shown to help you drop weight, including from your troublesome middle. In one study, people who got the most monos (about 23 percent of their daily calories) had about 5 pounds less belly fat than those who ate a high-carb, lower-fat diet.

http://ph.she.yahoo.com/photos/the-10-best-power-foods-for-women-slideshow/

Zodiac signs and their working styles

We all dream of a high flying career but only those who are determined, hardworking or talented get to live this dream. Astrologically, which signs are career driven and which sun signs are not? Take a look at our analysis and find out. In Astrology there are 12 sun signs and each sun sign is blessed with a unique characteristic of its own.

The Aries Worker (March 21 to April 19): Stubborn and impatient, the Aries is known for being impulsive and hot-headed in most situations. An Aries works with his head and he seldom follows his heart. They are hardworking and are blessed with leadership skills. In a group, they have the ability to shine and do not shy away from taking the lead when required.

The Taurus Worker (April 20 to May 20): Astrologically, Taurus as a sign is well known for not taking too many risks. They would rather opt for the safe route and not engage in anything that brings about a change in their work profile. Taureans like to keep things simple and uncomplicated.

The Gemini Worker (May 21 to June 21): Gemini loves to communicate and can convince you about anything. Being an air sign, Gemini finds it difficult to focus entirely on one thing. They love to change things around rapidly and are often confused about which way to head. A very creative sign, one can expect something innovative from a Gemini worker.

The Cancer Worker (June 22 to July 22): Cancer is hard working and efficient, but rarely tries to outshine others. They quietly go about doing their work. They are calm and like to think through things before jumping into conclusions.

The Leo Worker (July 23 to August 22): Leo is a born leader and would not be satisfied without leading in a group. In Astrology, Leo workers are known for coming up with great ideas and their attention to detail. Don't expect too many mistakes when a Leo is leading the pack.

The Virgo Worker (August 23 to September 22): The Virgo worker is quite a perfectionist. Astrologically, the sign is known for finding flaws. They get impatient while dealings with slow colleagues. They are organized when it comes to work and this helps them advance in life.

The Libra Worker (September 23 to October 22): The Libra worker loves to multitask and impresses others with their creativity and ability to come up with interesting ideas. Astrologically, the sign is quite capable of handling additional responsibilities and gets along well with others in the team by being diplomatic.

The Scorpio Worker (October 23 to November 21): The Scorpio worker can be considered for leadership positions. Scorpio's dominating personality helps them lead. It's tough to dictate them around, as they prefer to work on their own terms.

The Sagittarius Worker (November 22 to December 21): The Sagittarius worker is highly ambitious and aims for nothing but the best. Their intellect helps them succeed in their work and advance in their careers. People don't mind looking up to Sagittarians and following their lead.

The Capricorn Worker (December 22 to January 19) : The Capricorn worker is known for believing in hard work and determination. They will not rest till they reach the top. They don't believe in taking shortcuts. Expect an overload of work and responsibilities while working with a Capricorn.

The Aquarius Worker (January 20 to February 18): The Aquarius worker is like a free bird and believes in working independently. It's not easy to control or instruct an Aquarian as they believe in working in their own style. They achieve much better results when someone gives them the space that they need to focus and deliver.

The Pisces Worker (February 19 to March 20): The Pisces worker is far more creative than other sun signs. They are always busy making plans and visualizing the next big thing. Their unique ideas help them carve a niche for themselves no matter what they do.

http://ph.she.yahoo.com/astro-signs-and-career.html