Cooking with Oils

Everyone knows the foods to eat that improve health, although how we cook the food can be just as important. With there being so many oils and butter products claiming to be the best, it can be quite difficult to know which ones to use and which ones to avoid. 1. Canola oil Canola oil is a popular oil, with many physicians claiming that it has the ability to lower the risk of heart disease. The oil is low in saturated fat, high in monounsaturated fat, and offers the best fatty acid composition when compared to other oils. You can use canola oil in sauting, as a marinade and even in low temperature stir frying. It has a bland flavor, which makes it a great oil for foods that contain many spices. Unlike other oils, this one won't interfere with the taste of your meal. 2. Olive oil olive oil offers a very distinct flavor with plenty of heart healthy ingedients. The oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce risk of cancer. It's also rich in antioxidants and has a very long storage life. Even though it can be used in cooking, it's the healthiest when uncooked, such as with a salad or dipping sauce. When you use it with cooking, you should heat it on low to medium temperatures, making sure to avoid high heat. 3. Butter Butter is one food that has been around for many, many years. Butter tastes good, and offers sources of Vitamin A and other fat soluble vitamins such as E, K, and even D. Butter is also made from natural ingredients and not chemically or artificially processed. You can use butter with cooking, baking, or even as a spread. You can also pair it with creamy sauces, marinades, baked dishes, or even bread. 4. Margarine Margarine was first introduced as an alternative to high fat butter. When it was first created however, it was loaded with trans fat, a substance that we now know raises bad cholesterol. As a cooking oil, margarine tastes good, it's lower in fat than most oils and butter, and it's quite easy to spread. It's available in a variety of different products and a good source of vitamin E. When it comes to cooking with oils, there are several at your disposal. There are many more than what is mentioned here, although the ones above are the most popular. Eating healthy involves cooking healthy food - which is where your cooking oil really takes center stage. (word count 424) PPPPP

Investing in Alternative Energy Stocks

Alternative energy stock portfolios are a great part of a modern investor's financial plan, due to the fac that there is so much upward potential. These make excellent long term growth investment vehicles, and the money put into them by you, the investor, serves to further the cause of implementing the alternative energy power sources that we need as we sail into the 21st century and beyond. Analysts predict that by 2013, the alternative energy industry will be a $13 billion dollar industry in today's dollars. This figure bespeaks an enormous return on investment. Indeed, if you were to invest in a start-up alternative energy company, you might find yourself having invested in the next Microsoft in terms of return on investment. People are fed up with the rising costs of gasolinewhile this alone is not sufficient understanding of the need for developing alternative energy sources, it is a factor which can act as a market makermeaning for you that investments in alternative energy companies makes a lot of financial sense. However, this does not mean that you don't first want to do some careful research into alternative energy stocks, perhaps with the help of a financial planner. A few alternative-energy companies are going after the right markets but that doesn't mean you should go buy every name in the sector. Investors need to be cautious about chasing the stocks, says Sanjay Shrestha, who is an analyst at First Albany Capital. And if you are an investor, then you know that the problem in this sector is that nearly every single one of the major players in the alternative energy for profit game are start-ups or in the very early stages of growth. This means for you that they have relatively minuscule (even if rapidly growing) sales, and no expected profitability in the near term or history of earnings for you to be able to research. This can lead to some bubbling, as with what happened to the dot-com industry at the turn of the 21st century. Bubbling in the stock market is not a good thing for investors. Ananlysts and financial planners can play a crucial role in helping you get it right with alternative energy investing. We don't play around in the tiny cap stocks that have technology and not much revenuethe 'hope' stocks. We invest in companies with clear cash-generation plans in place, are the words of Ben walker, who is a senior portfolio manager at the Gartmore Global Utilities fund out of London. Still, the outlook is very positive overalland healthy. It is good to see that the number of renewable energy funds and the amount of money flowing into these funds is increasing, according to chief executive of UK alternative elecricity supplier Good Energy Juliet Davenport. The renewable generation market is at an important stage in its development; it needs the continued support of the consumer, investor and government to ensure that it reaches its potential and really starts to make a difference to climate change.

Interior Decorating Plans for your Home Bar

Your home bar is an area that is enjoyed by you as well as those who visit your home. Although a home bar is not essential in a home, it is a great addition to any space. If intending to use this space often, interior decorating plans for your home bar are important. Finding techniques and ideas to make this space welcoming and enjoyable would be a great asset. Depending on the general theme of your home dcor, you might want to use similar ideas and techniques in interior decorating plans for your home bar. However, it isnt necessary to stick with the same theme. You can easily use different design themes throughout your home. Since your home bar is a place to sit back and relax, you might want to pick calming colors such as blues and greens. These colors provide a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. When picking furniture in interior decorating plans for your home bar, youll definitely need bar stools, There are all sorts of bar stools to choose from. Theres a standard wooden bar stool which is practical since it matches nearly any design style. There are fancier stools with upholstery done in different color leathers. Some bar stools are able to swivel and others are stationary. This decision in your interior decorating plans for your home bar should probably be based on comfort since this space is used for socializing. Interior decorating plans for your home bar ought to include accessories that are entertaining such as music. A stereo system would certainly make your home bar a big success. People like to listen to music when sitting and chatting. If your budget will allow it, perhaps you could include a small television in interior decorating plans for your home bar. It would be a nice spot to sit, have refreshments and watch the football or hockey game. Obviously your home bar will require beverages of some kind. Your interior decorating plans for your home bar must include a cooler or bar refrigerator in order to keep the drinks cold. Many people install a bar sink in their home bar. This is a convenience since it eliminates the need to bring glassware back and forth to the kitchen to wash. Of course you will need glassware included in your interior decorating plans for your home bar. Choosing different sizes and styles of glasses would be a good idea since not everyone will require the same type. There are many little details you could include in your interior decorating plans for your bar. Keeping with the color scheme you might pick coasters and other accessories to match. Lighting is very important when making interior decorating plans for your home bar. There are different choices of lighting such as track-lighting and recess lighting for example. Many people use recess lighting in their home bars. This is a neat and tidy method of installing lighting. Having the lights installed in the home bar is popular. Lighting that can be adjusted up or down is also a good idea for your home bar. If entertaining a big crowd you may want the lights up but if sitting relaxing alone, you may enjoy a quieter and dimmer atmosphere.

Vital steps in preparation for an industrial emergency

First things first, the fact of the matter is that there are great benefits to be had when there is guidance and ample preparation in cases of an emergency. Planning and preparation helps industries and corporation discover any hazardous problems or conditions that could be unrecognized and if not paid attention to could possibly aggravate a situation. When there is preparation, deficiencies are immediately brought to light. Some of these deficiencies could include resource-lack (e.g. lack of personnel that are adequately trained, lack of supplies, lack of equipment, to name a few). Knowing these details beforehand helps correct any lack in the soonest possible time. It also prevents major losses and casualties as well as financial organizational collapse. Another advantage of preparing for an industrial emergency is that it helps promote appropriate safety and awareness among the workers as well as present a company that is concerned with the welfare of all its staff. The following are some of the needed steps designed to assist industrial plants as well as businesses in preparing for any type of emergency. Establish a team As much as possible, set-up a good planning team. A leader as well as a staff must be chosen as based on their appropriate capabilities and skills. Particular tasks should also be assigned to teams or individuals. Analyze hazards and capabilities It is also important to assess the preparations the industrial plant or the organization currently has against risks such as power failure, damage in structures, among others. In an emergency such as flooding, contacting the manager of the local floodplain as well as other flood officials helps organization and industries learn the risks involved. Using building materials that are flood-resistant, erecting a physical barrier as well as anchoring structures and tanks is one of the ways to prepare in advance for flood emergencies. Meanwhile, preparing against high winds is by reinforcing the roof as well as the side panels. Covering windows is also important, covering the doors and removing any objects that are loose from the industrial plants site is a must. Have a backup As much as possible, have a backup emergency power such as a battery storage, power and heat system combined. It is also vital that contact utility info be obtained in case of a power outage. The plan should be developed It is important that there is a plan developed during, before as well as after a particular emergency. Protocols should be established for the welfare of the employees, especially their safety and similarly the readiness of the site. Emergency power should also be updated as well as the options for power supply. Communication emergency systems must also be established. Responsibilities for each staff with regards to the recovery, shutdown and restart procedure should be outlined. An evacuation plan should also be developed including employee support. Procedures on shutting down the utility and the safe processing of operations is a necessity. Methods in protecting records, inventory and materials must also be developed. Plan implementation Staying in touch with the operations emergency center on your own state is important. In this stage, the appropriate preparation, shutdown, emergency backup and evacuation should be started. All in all, the final stage is the recovery process and the assessment of the damages brought by the emergency as well as in prioritizing needed repairs. Hopefully, the procedures above helps in the adequate preparation of industries and organization.

Changing How You Eat

As you may know, not fueling up with the right nutrients can affect how well your body performs and your overall fitness benefits. Even though healthy eating is important, there are myths that hinder your performance if you listen to them. Below, you'll find some myth busters on healthy eating. 1. Working out on an empty stomach. If you hear a rumbling noise in your stomach, the rumbling is trying to tell you something. Without listening to them, you are forcing your body to run without any fuel. Before you exercise or do any physical activity, always eat a light snack such as an apple. 2. Relying on energy bars and drinks. Although they are fine every once in a while, they don't deliver the antioxidants you need to prevent cancer. Fruits and vegetables are your best bets, as they are loaded in vitamins, minerals, fluid, and fiber. 3. Skipping breakfast. Skipping breakfast is never a good idea, as breakfast starts the day. Your body needs fuel as soon as possible, and without it, you'll be hungry throughout the day. 4. Low carb diets. Your body needs carbohydrates for your muscles and the storing of energy. 5. Eating what you want. Eating healthy and exercising doesn't give you an all access pass to eat anything you want. Everyone needs the same nutrients whether they exercise or not, as well as fruits and vegetables. 6. Not enough calories Although losing weight involves calories, losing it too quickly is never safe. What you should do, is aim for 1 - 2 pounds a week. Always make sure that you are getting enough calories to keep your body operating smoothly. If you start dropping weight too fast, eat a bit more food. 7. Skip soda and alcohol. Water, milk, and juice is the best to drink for active people. You should drink often, and not require on thirst to be an indicator. By the time you get thirsty, your body is already running a bit too low. Changing how you eat is always a great step towards healthy eating and it will affect how your body performs. The healthier you eat, you better you'll feel. No matter how old you may be, healthy eating is something you should strive for. Once you give it a chance, you'll see in no time at all just how much it can change your life - for the better. (word count 402) PPPPP

Importance of Warming Up Before Exercise

Since a lot of people are involved in physical exercises, it is imperative that the importance of warming up before any strenuous activity should be discussed. Many have repeatedly ignored going through the warm up stage before working out, not knowing the consequences in doing so. Why warm up? Several changes takes place in the body once physical activity is initiated. A person's respiratory rate, blood flow, and oxygen and nutrient levels delivered to the cells increases. The rate of increase should be regulated in a steady pace to prepare the body for the physical stress that exercise will demand. If one foregoes this priming procedure, the body will function less efficiently and the workout will produce less quality results. Warming up preps up the nervous system, heightens mental awareness and alertness, and loosens up joints and muscles to make them less prone to injuries. Warm ups jump starts the fluid located in the joints, minimizing the risk for wear and tear of the muscles. It gives the heart a suitable period to adjust and pump up blood and nutrients into muscles. This is vital for older people, since they have tissues that are less supple; they have joints with less fluid, and weaker hearts. Sudden exercise can produce heart attacks to older people. How does a person warm up properly? Initially, it can be done in any procedure that enables the heart to beat faster. One can simply walk and jog, or if a cardiovascular equipment is available, such as rowing machine or a bicycle, it can be utilized. Start at a gentle pace, and then slowly increase the pace until heart beat rate increases and the body temperature rises. It important to note that the pace should be in accordance to one's current fitness level, where the activity will leave the person energized and not exhausted. After working up a light sweat (suggested time is 3-5 minutes, longer if the person is working out in a cold environment) one should do dynamic stretching. Stretching helps in developing overall flexibility, particularly in the spine, shoulder, and hip areas. The kind of stretching depends on the type of activity a person plans to engage to. For instance, if one is about to play sports, the recommended kind of stretching would be the ones that mimics the movements that will be done in the court or field. If one is about to do martial arts, light sparring can be done in the quarter of the normal speed, or just simply do the movements in slow motion. Be certain that the major muscles groups are stretched for 8 seconds minimum. It is necessary to remember to keep feet moving or do leg exercises whenever the upper body is stretched to keep prevent blood from pooling in the legs. Remember, one should only do stretching if the muscles are already warmed up. Do not bounce while stretching. It leads to a contraction that can result in muscle tear or pull. For weight-lifters, this is what should be done after the initial warm up. Load the bar with about 50-60% of the heaviest weight to be done for the session and perform the number of repetitions that will be done for the heavy sets. For the second set, the weight will be increased to 80%, then eventually to 90%, decreasing to 2-3 repetitions. Afterwards, rest for about 30 seconds, then repeat the steps. After this warm up, one can now proceed to the heavy lifting for the day. The advantage of doing the procedure is that the heavy sets will feel less daunting and can now be performed with considerably less stress. After warming up and proceeding to the main workout, it is equally important to cool down. When a person suddenly stops exercising or lifting weights, blood gathers in the muscle and oxygen is blocked. When this happens, a person runs the risk of having a heart attack. So cooling down should have the same importance as warming up. Exercise is good for the health. Everyone is encouraged to pump it up, just remember to remember all the necessary precautions not only to maximize the workout, but also to stay safe and healthy.

Yet more scare stories?

One of the ways newspapers aim to sell more copies is to blanket the front page with a scoop. Every journalist dreams of getting one - if it's sensational enough, there's a chance of the Pulitzer and national recognition. Unfortunately, there are only one or two really sensational stories out there at any one time. Most of the news is the boring same-old, same-old. That's where the editors come riding into the rescue of their corporate owners. If there are no real scoops and factual stories are not going to sell, you have to tweak the facts to make them exciting. So, suddenly, the everyday becomes scary. Why scary, you ask. Because news about danger captures people's attention. It's something built into our genes. When people lived in caves, we needed to know if there was a sabre-tooth tiger outside waiting for a meal. Today, we need to know if killer tomatoes (those are the ones coated with E.Coli from the sewage processing plant next to the farm) are being sold in our local store. That's where the FDA and scientists come into the picture. They tell us when danger lurks. So, for food, The Centers for Disease Control estimates that tens of million people are made ill by the food they eat, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized and thousands die every year in the US. Hence the stories about the killer tomatoes, leafy greens and sprouts. All of which brings us to Bisphenol A (BPA) and erectile dysfunction.

It would be wonderful if all these new stories about BPA were an exaggeration and there was nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, that may not be the case. Let's start at the beginning. BPA is everywhere. It's used to make plastic, it lines food and drink cans, and when made into epoxy resin, it sticks things together. The scientific evidence is clear. When used in packaging, it leaches into the food and drink. Most every time we eat or drink out of a can, the odds favor us consuming some BPA. This is bad for infants and, in many countries around the world, the use of BPA in baby bottles has been banned. In the US, major chains like Wal-Mart and Toy "R" Us have already removed all infant products containing BPA from their shelves. The FDA has been reviewing all the evidence and is due to report on the level of danger in the next few months. Which brings us to new research published in Human Reproduction, funded by the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, and carried out by an American company in China. It confirms that men exposed to high levels of BPA are up to seven times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than men who have no exposure.

The potential threat is serious because damage would not be reversible. Once toxic levels are reached in men, they would become impotent and no use of levitra would be able to restore erections. For once, there is real reason to watch out for the headlines when the FDA publish their report. If BPA is found too dangerous to use, it will require a revolution in the food packaging and plastics industry to find a safe alternative. If you have erectile dysfunction now, buy levitra online. It is the most powerful and effective of all the drugs used to treat this problem.