Poor Diet Health Risks

Poor diet 'biggest contributor to early deaths across the world'

http://www.theguardian.com Thu, 10 Sept 2015 16:01:08 -0700
High blood pressure linked to bad diet contributed to most deaths, while smoking and air pollution were also high-ranking risk factors, study finds.Poor diet has emerged as the biggest contributor to early death around the world.... 
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Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA

Caffeine and Comfort - Amazing Things to Do When You're Alone in Coffee Shops

By Otto Kreistler 


Hanging out in coffee shops is one of the favorite activities of many people. Drinking coffee in the several shops that litter each and every major city in the world has gone far beyond the drink itself. It has become a social ritual wherein people converse, bond or share things with one another. Some of the greatest modern intellectuals have exchanged ideas inside coffee shops, many couples have exchanged their vows of love in one and a lot of lifetime friends have met each other within the confines of this amazing place known as a coffee shop. There is very little that you can't do in a coffee shop when it comes to social interaction and there are a lot less you can't try at least once.

But what do you do when you're alone? Does the coffee shop necessarily lose its charm once you're all by yourself? Of course not! It can be just as fun or even more so to spend some alone time in that place when there are so many different things you can do! Here are a few popular ideas when you're all alone in a coffee shop:

- Write a journal entry or literary piece: The surge you get when you drink coffee in addition to the peaceful atmosphere of the place can really get your creative juices going. If you have the time, writing down something in your journal or creating a short story or poem out of your philosophies, beliefs and recent experiences. What a way to be productive in your free time, right?

- Surf the Internet: With the advent of wi-fi technology, people find it much easier to stay connected every time. And now with the unique atmosphere that only a coffee shop can give you, surfing the web has never been easier and more comfortable! You can search for info, play online games or download music within the confines of this amazing place and with the most wonderful ambiance to boot!

- Paint: You don't see too many people painting in coffee shops, but it is an absolutely perfect idea for a coffee shop. The combination of coffee to keep your mind in perfect order and the wonderful peacefulness of the place will absolutely inspire anyone to create a masterpiece. Plus in a coffee shop, you never know what kind of inspiration will pass by that window or walk through that door!

- Befriend the baristas: One of the best things you can do is to befriend the baristas who give you the best service. If you are alone, a barista that you've befriended is sure to engage you in good conversation. You have an instant friend in addition to amazing service!

These are only a few things that you can do when you're faced with being alone in a coffee shop. That is definitely no excuse not to have fun! For more cool coffee shop ideas, visit: http://lifehackery.com/2008/09/14/various-8/



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Tea is a good health drink

Black Tea is also a Health Drink

Tea is a good health drink. While some prefer Green Tea, did you know that you can get the same benefits by drinking Black Tea?

This is because Green tea and Black tea come from the same plant. In fact, there are two other teas that can also be made namely oolong and white tea. What makes these teas different from one another is simply how it is processed. 

If you drink Black tea regularly, you will have healthy arteries and increase your blood flow because it has antioxidants known as falconoid that also give the tea this rich flavor. Your cholesterol levels will also drop, you can protect yourself from certain cancers, develop stronger bones, have fresher breath and fewer cavities.

Just like coffee, Black Tea contains caffeine. The difference between the two is the fact that a cup of Black Tea or any other only contains 30 to 40 mg. of caffeine while coffee contains about 135 mg. 

Another benefit of Black Tea is the fact that it is calorie free. However, this will only stay that way as long as you don’t add any sweetner or milk which can’t be helped since tea tastes bland without these additives. 

Heating is important to get the most of a sachet of Black tea.  This is because the heat helps the tea leaves impart their taste to the water. To do that, you have to set the sachet in the kettle for 2 to 3 minutes before pouring it into the cup. 

For those who decide to put the sachet straight into the cup, take out the bag first before drinking to prevent it from sinking to the bottom. Nothing bad will happen if you don’t except that when you are almost finished with the cup, the tea bag will probably land on your face. 

If you don’t like the taste of Black Tea and want to sweeten it a bit, try putting in some sugar, honey or a slice of lemon. You may even add milk similar to those who drink coffee. 

You can have a snack whenever you feel like drinking Black Tea. This is great to have with biscuits, cake or cookies. This will even be better if you decide to have this before you go to work, as you are relaxing in the house or when you are entertaining visitors. 

Black Tea does not always have to be served with hot water. You can enjoy a cold glass by adding some ice and honey. One alcoholic concoction is punch and for that, you will need some orange juice, apple juice, mint, ginger ale and some rum. 

It is also great to serve with egg nog by mixing some eggs, ground nutmeg, milk, vanilla extract, salt and whip cream.

Aside from these three drinks, there are other mixtures you can make with Black Tea. All you have to do is read up on it and try out a few experiments on your own. That way, you have something healthier to offer yourself and guests whenever you have someone over. 

Black Tea is very popular which is why a lot of people drink it. While some prefer this over coffee, little do they know that doctors and other health professionals consider it as health drink.