Men and post-menopausal women need about 10 milligrams of iron daily, and pre-menopausal women need 15 milligrams. It’s not a large number, but it is an important mineral.

There are two basic sources of iron: heme and non-heme. “Heme” sources are those of animal origin. “Non-heme” refers to vegetable sources of iron. Some experts say that the iron in vegetables and fruits is not as easily absorbed by the body.

Here are two lists of the top sources of iron – a list of ten heme sources and ten non-heme sources. Read the rest of this entry

Health professionals emphasize the importance of calcium in our diets, especially for women. There are good reasons for this emphasis – calcium is essential for strong bones (especially in post-menopausal women), proper muscle and nerve function, and proper blood clotting. Food sources are best for obtaining this mineral. Supplements may not be “bioavailable,” or easily absorbed by the body.

Adult men and pre-menopausal women need about 1000 milligrams of calcium a day, and women need about 1200 milligrams after menopause. Here are ten of the top foods that are good sources of calcium. Read the rest of this entry

A “microwave” is a wave of electromagnetic radiation. These waves are shorter than radio waves, and, besides their use in microwaves ovens, are used in radar and transmitting data. In a microwave oven, these waves pass through the food, which is heated via dielectric heating. This basically means that the molecules in the food are agitated in order to align themselves with the frequency of the microwaves.

But do the microwaves stay in the oven, or do they radiate throughout the room? Should you be concerned? Read the rest of this entry

You may find that the more research you do into the contamination of produce from pesticides, herbicides, bacteria and other dangerous substances, the more afraid you become! But don’t despair – there are things you can do to make your produce consumption safer. Here are some tips. Read the rest of this entry

Depression is a difficult problem that often goes undetected in the sufferer. It can have a paralyzing effect, wrapping the depressed person in a fog of darkness that prevents him or her from thinking clearly and getting help.

It seems so enormous and overwhelming that many sufferers give up without even trying to help themselves. However, writing can be very therapeutic for a depressed person, especially because it does not involve having to face people (which can be difficult). While seeking therapy, counseling, and possibly medication are important steps to take in getting help, writing definitely has a place in healing from depression. Read the rest of this entry