Top 10 healthiest vegetables

  by Sarah Kelsey

 

Veggies are an important part of everyone's diet. They contain dozens of important nutrients and have loads of dietary fiber. And just by getting your daily quota of five to nine servings, you help build your body's immunity to things like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. So what are the healthiest veggies you should be eating to boost your disease-fighting potential? Read on to find out. 

 

Tomatoes

Though technically a fruit, tomatoes are most often served like a vegetable. Full of lycopene, these beautiful red orbs (and all tomato-based products) are renowned for their cancer-fighting capabilities. Not only are they chock full of vitaminy goodness (from vitamins A to K), they also keep our blood pressure in check and help to reduce the number of free radicals in our bodies.
How to eat them: Heirloom tomato recipes

 

Broccoli

Few foods measure up to the disease-fighting potential of broccoli. This cruciferous veg is packed with antioxidants that help reduce the risk of stomach, lung and rectal cancers. And because broccoli is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C and folate, it is also good at boosting your immunity to colds and flus.
How to eat it: Sesame-Ginger Frittata with Broccoli and Shrimp

 

Brussels sprouts

These little green veggies are especially important for pregnant woman because they're packed with folic acid, a B-vitamin that prevents neural tube defects. Brussels sprouts are also packed with vitamins C and K as well as fiber, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.
How to eat them: Stuffed Chicken Breasts with a side of Brussels Sprouts(cooking video) 

 

Carrots

These orange-wonders are loaded with eye, skin and hair-enriching nutrients. They're also the richest vegetable source of some important antioxidants, like vitamin A. And because they're rich in vitamin C, carrots protect your cardiovascular system from damage.
How to eat them: Carrot Raisin Muffins

 

Squash

A good source of anti-inflammatory nutrients like vitamin C and beta-carotene, squash, especially summer squash, can help treat dozens of conditions including asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Squash is also rich in potassium, magnesium and fiber.
How to eat it: Summer Squash Ravioli

 

 Sweet potato

This root vegetable has dozens of anti-cancer nutrients like vitamin A, C and manganese. They're also a good source of fiber and iron, so not only do they give you energy, they can also help regulate your digestive system.
How to eat them: Sweet Potato Soup

 

Eggplant

High in heart healthy nutrients, eggplants are rich in antioxidants like nasunin (a unique compound that protects your brain cells from damage). And because eggplants are loaded with fiber and potassium, researchers believe they may reduce your risk of stroke and dementia.
How to eat it: Eggplant Parmesan

 

 Bell Peppers

Whether you prefer red, orange or yellow, bell peppers are packed with dozens of heart-healthy nutrients like lycopene and folic acid. And recent research suggests digging into a pepper every day may lower your risk of developing lung, colon, bladder and pancreatic cancers.
How to eat them: Stuffed Roasted Bell Peppers

 

 

Spinach

This chlorophyll-packed type of produce is an excellent source of almost every vitamin and nutrient you need.
Scientists believe a diet heavy in spinach may be able to prevent everything from heart disease to colon cancer, and arthritis to osteoporosis.
How to eat it: Spinach Salad

 

 

Onions

These pungent smelling veggies are particularly good for people suffering from (or at risk of developing) osteoporosis. That's because onions are loaded with a peptide called GPCS which scientists believe slows your body's loss of calcium. Onions may also be useful in the fight against heart disease and diabetes because they're loaded with vitamin C and folate.
How to eat them: French Onion Soup

10 Most Poisonous Animals In The World

     1.  Box Jellyfish

Found in the oceans of Asia and Australia, the box jellyfish is considered as the most poisonous animal in the world. It has tentacles covered with cnidocysts that produce nematocysts. As it pierces through the skin and enters the wound, it will cause blood pressure elevation, cardiac arrest, and eventually, death upon the victim.

 

First aid treatment for box jellyfish found in tropical waters includes rinsing or soaking of the stung body part in vinegar for 15-30 minutes. For a non-tropical water box jellyfish casualty, seawater should be applied on the wound, as such can eradicate and  the nematocysts immediately.  Avoid rubbing the area or applying hot water or ice.

 

    2.  King Cobra

Also known as the Ophiophagus Hannah, the king cobra is hailed as the most venomous animal in the world. It comes in black, olive, or brown, and is usually found in the jungles of China and India. When threatened, it forms a hood and spits toxin into the eyes of his prey. The neurotoxin, once injected, will cause a painful sensation. Once it enters the blood stream, it can result to death if medical intervention is not provided right away.  The poison is so harmful that 7 milliliters of king cobra venom can kill 20 people, even an elephant.

    3.  Marbled Cone Snail

The marbled cone snail is one good proof that looks can be deceiving. This small animal is definitely terrible, as it delivers venom that can result in pain, inflammation, tingling sensation, and numbness. In severe cases, the Marbled Cone Snail venom can bring about vision and breathing problems and muscle paralysis. There’s no existing anti-venom, so be careful when you see this animal; it usually thrives in warm saltwater environments.

 

4.   Blue-Ringed Octopus

Blue-Ringed Octopus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Although the blue-ringed octopus is just as tiny as  a golf ball, it has gained notoriety as one of the most poisonous animals in the world. Found in the waters of Australia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Indonesia, this animal releases two types of poison that come from its saliva. Symptoms of poisoning caused by the blue-ringed octopus are vision loss, blindness, nausea, loss of motor skills and respiratory arrest. Because of the lack of antidote for blue-ringed octopus attacks, immediate ventilator assistance is crucial for the individual to survive.

5.   Death Stalker Scorpion

True to its name, the death stalker scorpion can launch an attack that can maim a person and lead him to his untimely demise. Also known as the Israeli Yellow Scorpion, it is commonly found in North Africa and the Middle East. A Death Stalker Scorpion sting is painful, and those with allergies or heart problems can easily die from it. Immediate medical attention is needed in order to prevent respiratory failure that can ultimately lead to death.

 6.   Stonefish

The stonefish is one of the most venomous animals living under the sea. Commonly found in the waters above the Tropic of Capricorn, this greenish-brown fish is infamous for the poisonous spines on its back. The sting it delivers causes pain, rapid swelling, and necrosis or tissue death. Muscle weakness, temporary paralysis, and shock can also take place if medical intervention is not provided right away.

If stung, immerse the affected area in hot water and go to the nearby hospital immediately in order to get a shot of stonefish anti-venom.

 7.   Brazilian Wandering Spider

Also known as the banana spider, it has been recognized as the most venomous animal by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2007. Commonly found in banana bunches in South America, the Brazilian wandering spider has an active venom that contains high concentration of serotonin, which makes the stinging sensation very painful. It also contains neurotoxins, which result in paralysis, loss of muscle control, breathing problems, and eventual death.

The upside: Brazilian wandering spider venom is considered as nature’s “Viagra” as it results in priapism or an hour-long erection. Experts are currently working on this poison, hoping that it can be used in patients with erectile dysfunction.

 8.   Inland Taipan

The inland taipan is considered one of the most poisonous serpents in the world. Found in the arid regions of Australia, inland taipan features venom ridden with protease enzymes and taipoxin. Its neurotoxin is said to be 400 times more potent than that of other snakes’ venom. While its poison can kill a human in as quickly as 45 minutes, no fatalities have been documented because of the availability of inland taipan anti-venom.

9.   Poison Dart Frog

   

Also known as the poison arrow frog, it is usually found in the rainforests of Hawaii, South America and Central America. The poison dart frog delivers a poison known as batrachotoxin,        which is released through the glands behind its ears and on its back. This neurotoxin can lead to death as it blocks the nerve transmission signals to the muscles.

10.   Puffer Fish

Found in the waters of Mexico, Philippines, Japan, and China, the puffer fish is considered as an exotic delicacy. While servings of puffer fish can sell like hotcakes for up to $200 each, wrongly-

prepared dishes can lead to poisoning and death.

The skin, liver, muscle and gonads of the Puffer Fish contain tetrodoxin, a deadly poison. When ingested, the individual will experience the following symptoms: tingling, burning of the tongue

and the mouth, nausea, slurred speech, headache and impaired coordination. In severe cases, the tetrodoxin from the puffer fish can lead to hypotension, increasing paralysis, convulsions, cardiac

arrhythmia, and death.

Now that you know the most poisonous animals in the world, make it a point to avoid them and their habitats. In case you get bit or stung by any of these animals, make sure to go seek medical

attention right away.

SOURCE:   O, Pish Posh!  From the absurdly bizarre to the 

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(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Top 5 Most Beautiful Beaches Iin The World

TOP FIVE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN THE WORLD

    5.        "FERNANDO DE NORONHA"

                             (BRAZIL)

The main islands are the visible parts of a range of submerged mountains, islets and rocks. The Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha hosts ecological sites ideal for exuberant marine animal life, due to its geographic location far from the continent and well within the path of the Southern Equatorial Currents, as well as the nature of its climate.

Thanks to the deep clear water surrounding the island, Fernando de Noronha is a great location for scuba diving. Warm water and exuberant subaquatic fauna and flora can be found during dives from 25 to 40 m deep.

   4. "MALDIVES"

    (MALDIVES)

The archipelago of the Maldives is the main source of attraction to many tourists visiting the country worldwide.

Maldives is very famous for its natural beauty which includes the blue ocean and white beaches, accompanied by clean air and pleasant temperatures. The climate of the Maldives is ideal for visitors to get engaged in water sports such as swimming, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, water-skiing and windsurfing. Due to its extraordinary underwater scenery and clean water, Maldives is ranked among the best recreational diving destinations of the world.

   3.  "ANQUILLA"

     (CARIBBEAN)

Anguilla is noted for its spectacular and ecologically important coral reefs and beaches. Apart from the main island of Anguilla itself, the territory includes a number of other smaller islands and cays, mostly tiny and uninhabited.

The numerous bays — Barnes, Little, Rendezvous, Shoal, and Road—lure many vacationers to this tropical island. The coast and the beautiful, pristine beaches are integral to the tourism-based economy of Anguilla. Because of Anguilla’s warm climate, the beaches can be used year-round.

   2.  "BORACAY"

   (PHILIPPINES)

Boracay is an island of the Philippines located approximately 315 km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines.

In 1990, it was voted by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook as one of the best beaches in the world and again in 1996 by British publication TV Quick as the world's number one tropical beach.

White Beach is the main tourism beach. It is about four kilometers long and is lined with resorts, hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses. Partly because of its wind and weather patterns, tourism in Boracay is at its peak during the Amihan season.

During Amihan, the prevailing wind blows from the east. Boracay's main tourism area, White Beach, is on the western side of the island and is sheltered from the wind. During the Amihan season, the water off White Beach is often glassy-smooth.

On the eastern side of the island, hills on the northern and southern ends of the island channel the Amihan season wind from the east onshore, onto Bulabog Beach in the central part of the island's eastern side. This makes the reef-protected waters off that beach ideal for windsurfing and kiteboarding / kitesurfing.

1.  "HORSESHOE BAY"

           (BERMUDA)

Horseshoe Bay is perhaps the most famous beach in Bermuda. A very popular tourist spot, it lies on the main island's south (Atlantic Ocean) coast, in the parish of Southampton. The sand of the beach is very fine and displays a pink tint.

It is a famous tourist spot , it lies on the main island's south coast , in the parish of Southampton. Its white and pink sand which is cool to touch even in hottest temperatures would make you feel like talcum powder beneath your feet.

SOURCE:  Bluedreamers Top 5