By: Brian Tracy
The art of good conversation centers very much on your ability to ask questions and to listen attentively to the answers. You can lace the conversation with your insights, ideas, and opinions, but you perfect the art and skill of conversation by perfecting the art and skill of asking good, well-worded questions that direct the conversation and give other people an opportunity to express themselves.
Ask Open Ended Questions
Ask open-ended questions that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Open-ended questions encourage the speaker to expand on his thoughts and comments. And one question will lead to another. You can ask open-ended questions almost endlessly, drawing out of the other person everything that he or she has to say on a particular subject.
Be Content to Listen
In order to be an excellent conversationalist, you must resist the urge to dominate the discussion. The very best conversationalists seem to be low-key, easy-going, cheerful, and genuinely interested in the other person. They seem to be quite content to listen when other people are talking and they make their own contributions to the dialogue rather short and to the point.
"Learn how to influence others -- Simply by using your words"
Your ability to communicate with others will account for fully 85% of your success in your business and in your life.
Would you like to be able to influence people you speak with, and get them to agree with your point of view?
How well you communicate, influence, persuade, and negotiate will ultimately determine the quality of your life.
How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators + Bonuses!
In my fast-paced DVD, How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators, you will learn the invaluable secrets of the most effective communicators of our time. You will learn to become a powerful communicator and you will learn the secrets of influencing others with your words.
Buy the How to Talk DVD with Bonuses today!
Share the Opportunity to Talk
In fact, good conversation has an easy ebb and flow, like the tide coming in and going out. Whether it is between two people or among several, the conversation should shift back and forth, with each person getting an opportunity to talk. Conversation in this sense is like a ball that is tossed from person to person, with no one holding on to it for very long.
If you feel that you have been talking for too long, you should stop and ask a question of someone in the group. You will be tossing the conversational ball and giving that individual an opportunity to converse.
Learn to Listen Well
Listening is the most important of all skills for successful conversation. Many people are very poor listeners. Since everyone enjoys talking, it takes a real effort to practice the fundamentals of excellent listening and to make them a habit.
Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, make a habit of asking good, open-ended questions of others in every conversation and in response to problems or difficulties. This shows interest and increases your understanding.
Second, take a deep breath, relax and let the other person talk more. Practice over and over until you become an excellent listener.
How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators + Bonuses!
In my fast-paced DVD, How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators, you will learn the invaluable secrets of the most effective communicators of our time. You will learn to become a powerful communicator and you will learn the secrets of influencing others with your words.
Buy the How to Talk DVD with Bonuses today!
(Bryan Tracy)
Monday, August 25, 2008
The lost Art and Benefits of LISTENING
By: Brian Tracy
The art of good conversation centers very much on your ability to ask questions and to listen attentively to the answers. You can lace the conversation with your insights, ideas, and opinions, but you perfect the art and skill of conversation by perfecting the art and skill of asking good, well-worded questions that direct the conversation and give other people an opportunity to express themselves.
Ask Open Ended Questions
Ask open-ended questions that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Open-ended questions encourage the speaker to expand on his thoughts and comments. And one question will lead to another. You can ask open-ended questions almost endlessly, drawing out of the other person everything that he or she has to say on a particular subject.
Be Content to Listen
In order to be an excellent conversationalist, you must resist the urge to dominate the discussion. The very best conversationalists seem to be low-key, easy-going, cheerful, and genuinely interested in the other person. They seem to be quite content to listen when other people are talking and they make their own contributions to the dialogue rather short and to the point.
"Learn how to influence others -- Simply by using your words"
Your ability to communicate with others will account for fully 85% of your success in your business and in your life.
Would you like to be able to influence people you speak with, and get them to agree with your point of view?
How well you communicate, influence, persuade, and negotiate will ultimately determine the quality of your life.
How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators + Bonuses!
In my fast-paced DVD, How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators, you will learn the invaluable secrets of the most effective communicators of our time. You will learn to become a powerful communicator and you will learn the secrets of influencing others with your words.
Buy the How to Talk DVD with Bonuses today!
Share the Opportunity to Talk
In fact, good conversation has an easy ebb and flow, like the tide coming in and going out. Whether it is between two people or among several, the conversation should shift back and forth, with each person getting an opportunity to talk. Conversation in this sense is like a ball that is tossed from person to person, with no one holding on to it for very long.
If you feel that you have been talking for too long, you should stop and ask a question of someone in the group. You will be tossing the conversational ball and giving that individual an opportunity to converse.
Learn to Listen Well
Listening is the most important of all skills for successful conversation. Many people are very poor listeners. Since everyone enjoys talking, it takes a real effort to practice the fundamentals of excellent listening and to make them a habit.
Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, make a habit of asking good, open-ended questions of others in every conversation and in response to problems or difficulties. This shows interest and increases your understanding.
Second, take a deep breath, relax and let the other person talk more. Practice over and over until you become an excellent listener.
How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators + Bonuses!
In my fast-paced DVD, How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators, you will learn the invaluable secrets of the most effective communicators of our time. You will learn to become a powerful communicator and you will learn the secrets of influencing others with your words.
Buy the How to Talk DVD with Bonuses today!
(Bryan Tracy)
The art of good conversation centers very much on your ability to ask questions and to listen attentively to the answers. You can lace the conversation with your insights, ideas, and opinions, but you perfect the art and skill of conversation by perfecting the art and skill of asking good, well-worded questions that direct the conversation and give other people an opportunity to express themselves.
Ask Open Ended Questions
Ask open-ended questions that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Open-ended questions encourage the speaker to expand on his thoughts and comments. And one question will lead to another. You can ask open-ended questions almost endlessly, drawing out of the other person everything that he or she has to say on a particular subject.
Be Content to Listen
In order to be an excellent conversationalist, you must resist the urge to dominate the discussion. The very best conversationalists seem to be low-key, easy-going, cheerful, and genuinely interested in the other person. They seem to be quite content to listen when other people are talking and they make their own contributions to the dialogue rather short and to the point.
"Learn how to influence others -- Simply by using your words"
Your ability to communicate with others will account for fully 85% of your success in your business and in your life.
Would you like to be able to influence people you speak with, and get them to agree with your point of view?
How well you communicate, influence, persuade, and negotiate will ultimately determine the quality of your life.
How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators + Bonuses!
In my fast-paced DVD, How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators, you will learn the invaluable secrets of the most effective communicators of our time. You will learn to become a powerful communicator and you will learn the secrets of influencing others with your words.
Buy the How to Talk DVD with Bonuses today!
Share the Opportunity to Talk
In fact, good conversation has an easy ebb and flow, like the tide coming in and going out. Whether it is between two people or among several, the conversation should shift back and forth, with each person getting an opportunity to talk. Conversation in this sense is like a ball that is tossed from person to person, with no one holding on to it for very long.
If you feel that you have been talking for too long, you should stop and ask a question of someone in the group. You will be tossing the conversational ball and giving that individual an opportunity to converse.
Learn to Listen Well
Listening is the most important of all skills for successful conversation. Many people are very poor listeners. Since everyone enjoys talking, it takes a real effort to practice the fundamentals of excellent listening and to make them a habit.
Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, make a habit of asking good, open-ended questions of others in every conversation and in response to problems or difficulties. This shows interest and increases your understanding.
Second, take a deep breath, relax and let the other person talk more. Practice over and over until you become an excellent listener.
How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators + Bonuses!
In my fast-paced DVD, How to Talk: Secrets of the Great Communicators, you will learn the invaluable secrets of the most effective communicators of our time. You will learn to become a powerful communicator and you will learn the secrets of influencing others with your words.
Buy the How to Talk DVD with Bonuses today!
(Bryan Tracy)
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Simplify Your Life!
Happy start of 08-08-08: Chinese Valentine's Day AND Breathtaking XXIXth Olympics opening ceremonies! ---and now:
Do you constantly feel overwhelmed? Do you find yourself praying for an easier way to manage your career, relationships or life in general?
As unmanageable as your hectic life appears, there are ways to get everything done and still have time for you:
1. Hire help. Too many people tell me, "I just don't have the money." Guess what? If you need your clothes dry cleaned, you hire a cleaner to do so. It's a matter of weighing the costs and benefits. If you do it yourself, you may end up using up valuable time and energy that could have been spent getting other work completed.
Let me share a personal story. When I bought my first home, I thought I would finally be crafty. I purchased a television/stereo stand in raw wood and planned to sand and stain it myself -- you know, to save money! Long story short: getting it out of the car, I tore the car's leather interior on both sides. I accidentally spilled the mahogany stain on my brand new living room carpet, and I broke the glass on the stand. Trying to do this myself not only ended up costing me more money than buying a new piece of furniture, but I wasted lots of time and became very frustrated. I had to learn my lesson the hard way.
2. Do one thing at a time. It's nearly impossible to do everything at once and do it well. If you are on a business call, focus. If you are working on a report, focus on that and nothing else.
I often find myself attempting to multi-task and believing I can do it all. One or more responsibilities end up getting half-done or completed under par. To remedy this, I write a list of everything I need to get done. Once it's in writing, I can stay focused on one thing at a time without my mind wandering to all of the other things I need to get done.
3. Take a message. Screen your phone calls if need be. It's time to change your thinking about the phone. If you are "working" on something important, you do not have to feel obligated to answer the phone. You have a right to take care of your needs before the needs of others. In the event of an emergency, let your friends and family know to ring once and then call back (or some other code that you can work out).
4. Don't obsess over cleanliness. Yes, keeping your surroundings clean and organized is important. However, if you are one who cannot seem to see the forest for the trees, you'll get nothing accomplished. Pick and choose what is important now.
5. Prioritize. Not everything is important right now. Take time to plan what you are doing. Figure out the amount of time each task will take you to accomplish. Do not bite off more than you can chew. Keep your goals for each day attainable. Make sure you measure your success on a daily basis.
6. Simplify your social life. A social life is of utmost importance. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed, don't arrange an elaborate dinner party. Instead, have a few friends over for a casual brunch, a football party or a catered get-together. The connection between you and your friends is more essential than a lavish extravaganza.
7. Take a break. Your body, just like your car, deserves to be refueled. You simply cannot do it all if you haven't replenished your energy source. Take a bath, exercise, meditate, watch your favorite program on television or engage in your favorite hobby. These activities are essential to include in your daily master plan.
Changing the way you think about things will change the way you manage your life. Give it a go! You'll be surprised at how much more relaxed you can feel while still being productive. Best of all, you'll find that you do have the time to have a life after all. And: don't overlook the indirect health benefits of following this revised lifestyle: blood pressure, heart, weight, peace of mind...
08-08-08 HAPPINESS, GOOD FORTUNE and a Great Weekend to you and yours! Your Friend,
Jacques
Do you constantly feel overwhelmed? Do you find yourself praying for an easier way to manage your career, relationships or life in general?
As unmanageable as your hectic life appears, there are ways to get everything done and still have time for you:
1. Hire help. Too many people tell me, "I just don't have the money." Guess what? If you need your clothes dry cleaned, you hire a cleaner to do so. It's a matter of weighing the costs and benefits. If you do it yourself, you may end up using up valuable time and energy that could have been spent getting other work completed.
Let me share a personal story. When I bought my first home, I thought I would finally be crafty. I purchased a television/stereo stand in raw wood and planned to sand and stain it myself -- you know, to save money! Long story short: getting it out of the car, I tore the car's leather interior on both sides. I accidentally spilled the mahogany stain on my brand new living room carpet, and I broke the glass on the stand. Trying to do this myself not only ended up costing me more money than buying a new piece of furniture, but I wasted lots of time and became very frustrated. I had to learn my lesson the hard way.
2. Do one thing at a time. It's nearly impossible to do everything at once and do it well. If you are on a business call, focus. If you are working on a report, focus on that and nothing else.
I often find myself attempting to multi-task and believing I can do it all. One or more responsibilities end up getting half-done or completed under par. To remedy this, I write a list of everything I need to get done. Once it's in writing, I can stay focused on one thing at a time without my mind wandering to all of the other things I need to get done.
3. Take a message. Screen your phone calls if need be. It's time to change your thinking about the phone. If you are "working" on something important, you do not have to feel obligated to answer the phone. You have a right to take care of your needs before the needs of others. In the event of an emergency, let your friends and family know to ring once and then call back (or some other code that you can work out).
4. Don't obsess over cleanliness. Yes, keeping your surroundings clean and organized is important. However, if you are one who cannot seem to see the forest for the trees, you'll get nothing accomplished. Pick and choose what is important now.
5. Prioritize. Not everything is important right now. Take time to plan what you are doing. Figure out the amount of time each task will take you to accomplish. Do not bite off more than you can chew. Keep your goals for each day attainable. Make sure you measure your success on a daily basis.
6. Simplify your social life. A social life is of utmost importance. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed, don't arrange an elaborate dinner party. Instead, have a few friends over for a casual brunch, a football party or a catered get-together. The connection between you and your friends is more essential than a lavish extravaganza.
7. Take a break. Your body, just like your car, deserves to be refueled. You simply cannot do it all if you haven't replenished your energy source. Take a bath, exercise, meditate, watch your favorite program on television or engage in your favorite hobby. These activities are essential to include in your daily master plan.
Changing the way you think about things will change the way you manage your life. Give it a go! You'll be surprised at how much more relaxed you can feel while still being productive. Best of all, you'll find that you do have the time to have a life after all. And: don't overlook the indirect health benefits of following this revised lifestyle: blood pressure, heart, weight, peace of mind...
08-08-08 HAPPINESS, GOOD FORTUNE and a Great Weekend to you and yours! Your Friend,
Jacques
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Killer Foods Alert
Hello, my dear friends!
For the past few weeks, the media has been reporting multiple cases of food poisoning caused by tomatoes. The popular red fruit is blamed for inducing severe attacks upon the consumers, resulting in severe physical and digestive discomfort, pain and more...leading to hospitalization and near-deaths.
Last week, as such cases diminished, tomatoes were exonerated as being safe again...however they were soon replaced by Mexican-origin chili peppers: serranos and jalapenos, which, when eaten raw or in a salsa, appear to also be infested with the same dangerous bug...
...which is why, when I read the following article by Debra Holtzman, I felt compelled to share it with you in her name. Her formal consent to reprint it is now in process.
I urge you to peruse and take seriously the Warnings that follow as, "the life you save may be your own" many never have been truer.
As Always, my Good Health best wishes to you and yours!
Jacques
--------
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 76 million Americans will suffer from food-borne illnesses, and at least 5,000 will die this year. Children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk.
Symptoms of food-borne illnesses include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, blood or pus in the stool, headache, vomiting and severe exhaustion.
Be aware: Sometimes symptoms may appear as early as a half-hour after eating; other times, it could take several days or weeks.
Simple tips for safer eating
1. Lettuce: Because it is grown so close to the ground, it can come into contact with manure or irrigation runoff. When you buy lettuce, you should first discard the outer leaves, then separate the inner leaves and thoroughly wash them. All raw fruits and vegetables can harbor disease-causing bacteria. Thoroughly wash any raw produce under cold running water before eating it. If appropriate, use a small scrub brush to remove any visible dirt. This is true for even organic fruits and vegetables.
2. Water: Contaminated water can be a major source of trouble, especially for those drinking from private wells or streams. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends private-water supplies be tested at least once a year for nitrates, total dissolved solids and coliform bacteria, the presence of which (although generally harmless) may indicate other contamination. You may need to test more frequently and for more potential contaminants if a problem is suspected. In some places, people who get their water from a public utility receive a yearly consumer confidence report that analyzes the water. Read it.
3. Raw sprouts: Alfalfa sprouts, clover sprouts and radish sprouts have all been associated with salmonella and E. coli. Cook sprouts thoroughly to kill off the bacteria.
4. Unpasteurized juices, milks or cheeses: Make sure you always purchase the pasteurized versions of your favorite products. Pasteurization kills bacteria. When you go to a juice bar, make sure the juices are pasteurized. Unpasteurized products have been linked to salmonella, E. coli and Listeria -- all can lead to death.
5. Moldy peanuts: Aflatoxins are by-products of common, naturally occurring mold growth on certain agricultural products such as peanuts, wheat, cereals and corn. Alfatoxins have been found to cause liver cancer in animal species. Check carefully for any sign of discoloration or mold.
6. Raw or undercooked shellfish: Shellfish, such as clams and oysters, must be cooked thoroughly. Consuming raw or undercooked animal protein can increase the potential for illness.
7. Swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EPA advise young children, women who are planning to become pregnant, and pregnant or nursing women not to eat these fish. Swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish have much higher levels of methyl mercury than other commonly consumed fish. Mercury is most harmful to the developing brains of unborn children and young children, affecting cognitive, motor and sensory functions.
8. Caesar salad: Many restaurant or homemade recipes call for raw eggs in Caesar salad. Always ask if the salad dressing contains raw eggs.
9. Wild mushrooms: Portabello and shiitake lovers have no reason to worry. Just don't go scavenging in your backyard. Only eat mushrooms you've purchased in the grocery store. A few common species of mushrooms are poisonous... deadly poisonous.
10. Raw homemade cookie dough: We're not talking about the prepackaged kind that many of us prefer to nibble on straight from the tube or tub. We're talking about homemade batter that's made with eggs. Raw eggs can be contaminated with salmonella, a food-borne illness that can prove fatal if untreated.
11. Rare hamburger: Hamburger and other ground meat should be cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent E. coli. Always use a food thermometer to ensure you've cooked the beef to a safe temperature.
12. Turkey and stuffing: Cooking stuffing in a turkey or chicken is a major no-no. The bird cooks both from the outside and the inside. When you stuff the bird, it reduces the heat penetration. Your best bet is to cook the turkey and stuffing separately. If you choose to cook them together, make sure the temperature reaches at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit in the innermost part of the thigh while the center of the stuffing inside the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that hasn't reached that temperature.
13. Shakes and eggs: A popular favorite these days is protein shakes. Unfortunately, they can do more harm than good when raw eggs are added to the mix. Once again, you're putting yourself at risk for salmonella when you consume raw eggs. Also, beware of sunny side up or runny eggs. The rule of thumb is to cook the egg until both the yolk and the white are firm.
To get your copy of The Safe Baby : A Do-It-Yourself Guide for Home Safety, go to Amazon.com (available in paperback, new or used). For more great advice from Holtzman, click here.
Debra Holtzman, JD, MA, has a master's degree in Occupational Health and Safety and is an attorney. She has nearly two decades of experience in the safety and health fields. Debra is the safety expert on the Discovery Health Channel's TV show Make Room for Baby.
For the past few weeks, the media has been reporting multiple cases of food poisoning caused by tomatoes. The popular red fruit is blamed for inducing severe attacks upon the consumers, resulting in severe physical and digestive discomfort, pain and more...leading to hospitalization and near-deaths.
Last week, as such cases diminished, tomatoes were exonerated as being safe again...however they were soon replaced by Mexican-origin chili peppers: serranos and jalapenos, which, when eaten raw or in a salsa, appear to also be infested with the same dangerous bug...
...which is why, when I read the following article by Debra Holtzman, I felt compelled to share it with you in her name. Her formal consent to reprint it is now in process.
I urge you to peruse and take seriously the Warnings that follow as, "the life you save may be your own" many never have been truer.
As Always, my Good Health best wishes to you and yours!
Jacques
--------
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 76 million Americans will suffer from food-borne illnesses, and at least 5,000 will die this year. Children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk.
Symptoms of food-borne illnesses include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, blood or pus in the stool, headache, vomiting and severe exhaustion.
Be aware: Sometimes symptoms may appear as early as a half-hour after eating; other times, it could take several days or weeks.
Simple tips for safer eating
1. Lettuce: Because it is grown so close to the ground, it can come into contact with manure or irrigation runoff. When you buy lettuce, you should first discard the outer leaves, then separate the inner leaves and thoroughly wash them. All raw fruits and vegetables can harbor disease-causing bacteria. Thoroughly wash any raw produce under cold running water before eating it. If appropriate, use a small scrub brush to remove any visible dirt. This is true for even organic fruits and vegetables.
2. Water: Contaminated water can be a major source of trouble, especially for those drinking from private wells or streams. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends private-water supplies be tested at least once a year for nitrates, total dissolved solids and coliform bacteria, the presence of which (although generally harmless) may indicate other contamination. You may need to test more frequently and for more potential contaminants if a problem is suspected. In some places, people who get their water from a public utility receive a yearly consumer confidence report that analyzes the water. Read it.
3. Raw sprouts: Alfalfa sprouts, clover sprouts and radish sprouts have all been associated with salmonella and E. coli. Cook sprouts thoroughly to kill off the bacteria.
4. Unpasteurized juices, milks or cheeses: Make sure you always purchase the pasteurized versions of your favorite products. Pasteurization kills bacteria. When you go to a juice bar, make sure the juices are pasteurized. Unpasteurized products have been linked to salmonella, E. coli and Listeria -- all can lead to death.
5. Moldy peanuts: Aflatoxins are by-products of common, naturally occurring mold growth on certain agricultural products such as peanuts, wheat, cereals and corn. Alfatoxins have been found to cause liver cancer in animal species. Check carefully for any sign of discoloration or mold.
6. Raw or undercooked shellfish: Shellfish, such as clams and oysters, must be cooked thoroughly. Consuming raw or undercooked animal protein can increase the potential for illness.
7. Swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EPA advise young children, women who are planning to become pregnant, and pregnant or nursing women not to eat these fish. Swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish have much higher levels of methyl mercury than other commonly consumed fish. Mercury is most harmful to the developing brains of unborn children and young children, affecting cognitive, motor and sensory functions.
8. Caesar salad: Many restaurant or homemade recipes call for raw eggs in Caesar salad. Always ask if the salad dressing contains raw eggs.
9. Wild mushrooms: Portabello and shiitake lovers have no reason to worry. Just don't go scavenging in your backyard. Only eat mushrooms you've purchased in the grocery store. A few common species of mushrooms are poisonous... deadly poisonous.
10. Raw homemade cookie dough: We're not talking about the prepackaged kind that many of us prefer to nibble on straight from the tube or tub. We're talking about homemade batter that's made with eggs. Raw eggs can be contaminated with salmonella, a food-borne illness that can prove fatal if untreated.
11. Rare hamburger: Hamburger and other ground meat should be cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent E. coli. Always use a food thermometer to ensure you've cooked the beef to a safe temperature.
12. Turkey and stuffing: Cooking stuffing in a turkey or chicken is a major no-no. The bird cooks both from the outside and the inside. When you stuff the bird, it reduces the heat penetration. Your best bet is to cook the turkey and stuffing separately. If you choose to cook them together, make sure the temperature reaches at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit in the innermost part of the thigh while the center of the stuffing inside the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that hasn't reached that temperature.
13. Shakes and eggs: A popular favorite these days is protein shakes. Unfortunately, they can do more harm than good when raw eggs are added to the mix. Once again, you're putting yourself at risk for salmonella when you consume raw eggs. Also, beware of sunny side up or runny eggs. The rule of thumb is to cook the egg until both the yolk and the white are firm.
To get your copy of The Safe Baby : A Do-It-Yourself Guide for Home Safety, go to Amazon.com (available in paperback, new or used). For more great advice from Holtzman, click here.
Debra Holtzman, JD, MA, has a master's degree in Occupational Health and Safety and is an attorney. She has nearly two decades of experience in the safety and health fields. Debra is the safety expert on the Discovery Health Channel's TV show Make Room for Baby.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
12 Food Additives To Avoid
From our Friend and Health Guardian Dr. Mercola...here is some vital information:
Including something new in a food isn’t always a good idea, especially when it comes to your health. Here are 12 additives to subtract from your diet:
(Please understand these are not my assessments, but those by MSN Health and Fitness. My comments and recommendations are in my comment below.)
1. Sodium Nitrate (also called Sodium Nitrite)
This is a preservative, coloring, and flavoring commonly added to bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, smoked fish, and corned beef. Studies have linked eating it to various types of cancer.
2. BHA and BHT
Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydrozyttoluene are used to preserve common household foods. They are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. They are oxidants, which form potentially cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.
3. Propyl Gallate
Another preservative, often used in conjunction with BHA and BHT. It is sometimes found in meat products, chicken soup base, and chewing gum. Animals studies have suggested that it could be linked to cancer.
4. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and restaurant food. It can cause headaches and nausea, and animal studies link it to damaged nerve cells in the brains of infant mice.
5. Trans Fats
Trans fats are proven to cause heart disease. Restaurant food, especially fast food chains, often serve foods laden with trans fats.
6. Aspartame
Aspartame, also known by the brand names Nutrasweet and Equal, is a sweetener found in so-called diet foods such as low-calorie desserts, gelatins, drink mixes, and soft drinks. It may cause cancer or neurological problems, such as dizziness or hallucinations.
7. Acesulfame-K
This is a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baked goods, chewing gum, and gelatin desserts. There is a general concern that testing on this product has been scant, and some studies show the additive may cause cancer in rats.
8. Food Colorings: Blue 1, 2; Red 3; Green 3; Yellow 6
Five food colorings still on the market are linked with cancer in animal testing. Blue 1 and 2, found in beverages, candy, baked goods and pet food, have been linked to cancer in mice. Red 3, used to dye cherries, fruit cocktail, candy, and baked goods, has been shown to cause thyroid tumors in rats. Green 3, added to candy and beverages, has been linked to bladder cancer. The widely used yellow 6, added to beverages, sausage, gelatin, baked goods, and candy, has been linked to tumors of the adrenal gland and kidney.
9. Olestra
Olestra, a synthetic fat found in some potato chip brands, can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and gas. Olestra also inhibits healthy vitamin absorption from fat-soluble carotenoids that are found in fruits and vegetables.
10. Potassium Bromate
Potassium bromate is used as an additive to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls. It is known to cause cancer in animals, and even small amounts in bread can create a risk for humans.
11. White Sugar
Watch out for foods with added sugars, such as baked goods, cereals, crackers, sauces and many other processed foods. It is unsafe for your health, and promotes bad nutrition.
12. Sodium Chloride
A dash of sodium chloride, more commonly known as salt, can bring flavor to your meal. But too much salt can be dangerous for your health, leading to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Sources:
MSN Health and Fitness
Including something new in a food isn’t always a good idea, especially when it comes to your health. Here are 12 additives to subtract from your diet:
(Please understand these are not my assessments, but those by MSN Health and Fitness. My comments and recommendations are in my comment below.)
1. Sodium Nitrate (also called Sodium Nitrite)
This is a preservative, coloring, and flavoring commonly added to bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, smoked fish, and corned beef. Studies have linked eating it to various types of cancer.
2. BHA and BHT
Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydrozyttoluene are used to preserve common household foods. They are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. They are oxidants, which form potentially cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.
3. Propyl Gallate
Another preservative, often used in conjunction with BHA and BHT. It is sometimes found in meat products, chicken soup base, and chewing gum. Animals studies have suggested that it could be linked to cancer.
4. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and restaurant food. It can cause headaches and nausea, and animal studies link it to damaged nerve cells in the brains of infant mice.
5. Trans Fats
Trans fats are proven to cause heart disease. Restaurant food, especially fast food chains, often serve foods laden with trans fats.
6. Aspartame
Aspartame, also known by the brand names Nutrasweet and Equal, is a sweetener found in so-called diet foods such as low-calorie desserts, gelatins, drink mixes, and soft drinks. It may cause cancer or neurological problems, such as dizziness or hallucinations.
7. Acesulfame-K
This is a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baked goods, chewing gum, and gelatin desserts. There is a general concern that testing on this product has been scant, and some studies show the additive may cause cancer in rats.
8. Food Colorings: Blue 1, 2; Red 3; Green 3; Yellow 6
Five food colorings still on the market are linked with cancer in animal testing. Blue 1 and 2, found in beverages, candy, baked goods and pet food, have been linked to cancer in mice. Red 3, used to dye cherries, fruit cocktail, candy, and baked goods, has been shown to cause thyroid tumors in rats. Green 3, added to candy and beverages, has been linked to bladder cancer. The widely used yellow 6, added to beverages, sausage, gelatin, baked goods, and candy, has been linked to tumors of the adrenal gland and kidney.
9. Olestra
Olestra, a synthetic fat found in some potato chip brands, can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and gas. Olestra also inhibits healthy vitamin absorption from fat-soluble carotenoids that are found in fruits and vegetables.
10. Potassium Bromate
Potassium bromate is used as an additive to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls. It is known to cause cancer in animals, and even small amounts in bread can create a risk for humans.
11. White Sugar
Watch out for foods with added sugars, such as baked goods, cereals, crackers, sauces and many other processed foods. It is unsafe for your health, and promotes bad nutrition.
12. Sodium Chloride
A dash of sodium chloride, more commonly known as salt, can bring flavor to your meal. But too much salt can be dangerous for your health, leading to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Sources:
MSN Health and Fitness
Sunday, June 15, 2008
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU DADS!
Your Friend,
Jacques
P.S.: By the way, have I ever told you about my other Blog, which should contain much valuable information, tips, guidelines for Better Mental, Psychological, Emotional, Spiritual and Physical Health?
If not, please accept my sincere apologies and consider this your official invitation to read, enjoy and benefit from: http://slim-for-life.blogspot.com
(and soon, a new Blog whose address I shall give you when it goes "live")
Ciao,
Jacques
Jacques
P.S.: By the way, have I ever told you about my other Blog, which should contain much valuable information, tips, guidelines for Better Mental, Psychological, Emotional, Spiritual and Physical Health?
If not, please accept my sincere apologies and consider this your official invitation to read, enjoy and benefit from: http://slim-for-life.blogspot.com
(and soon, a new Blog whose address I shall give you when it goes "live")
Ciao,
Jacques
Monday, June 9, 2008
Special Announcement...
Hi all!
I have not been able to enter frequent posts lately.
The reason is that a team of technical mavens are in the process of finalizing our first Website as well as a Blog which, I am told, will go on the internet in a more visible form than this one has---therefore attract more attention, be of service to more people who seek and need what I have to offer, get comments---in short: join the dynamics of the "Information Super-Highway".
Besides the "homework" they are giving me to do in order to help them with data necessary for the completion of the websites, I shall continue to add posts to this Blog, so: please Keep On Reading!
Of course, I shall keep you abreast of any changes, new links, addresses and other updates as they occur. :o)
Stay Well!
Your Friend.
Jacques
I have not been able to enter frequent posts lately.
The reason is that a team of technical mavens are in the process of finalizing our first Website as well as a Blog which, I am told, will go on the internet in a more visible form than this one has---therefore attract more attention, be of service to more people who seek and need what I have to offer, get comments---in short: join the dynamics of the "Information Super-Highway".
Besides the "homework" they are giving me to do in order to help them with data necessary for the completion of the websites, I shall continue to add posts to this Blog, so: please Keep On Reading!
Of course, I shall keep you abreast of any changes, new links, addresses and other updates as they occur. :o)
Stay Well!
Your Friend.
Jacques
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