Six Reasons Why Butter Is Good For You

When we think of a “healthy” diet, there is one thing almost everyone believes to be true: Butter is bad. Whether they're considering their arteries or their waistline, butter has gotten a bad rap for the past 50 years.
But times, they are a’changin, and dairy products like butter are becoming increasingly nutrient-rich, thanks to the growing grass-fed cow industry. Research has found that feeding cows grass rather than corn or grain not only produces leaner, more nutrient-rich meat, but also more vitamin- and mineral-dense milk, meaning healthier butter.

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It's Filled with Immune-Boosting Vitamins

Spreading butter on your morning toast may not only improve your body’s immunity, but also help reduce cancer cell growth and increase red blood cell production thanks to vitamins A and D. One tablespoon of butter contains 7 percent and 2 percent of your daily values (DV) of vitamins A and D, respectively. Plus, because both vitamins are fat soluble, butter is a prime vehicle for aiding absorption of nutrients in the body.

It Keeps Bones Strong

Thanks to vitamin K and vitamin D, butter may also help increase bone and muscle strength. Known as the [blood] clotting vitamin, vitamin K not only helps maintain bone density but has also been linked to a 30 percent decrease in hip fractures in women who consume at least 110 micrograms per day, according to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Adding one tablespoon of butter to a baked potato accounts for 1 percent of your DV.

It Reduces Symptoms of Diabetes

Found almost solely in cheese and butter, sodium butyrate has been linked to an improved response to insulin for patients with diabetes and increased energy in mice, according to a study published by the American Diabetes Association. It may also help alleviate constipation and may even help protect against colon cancer.

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It Fights Cancer

Found in dairy products, including butter, conjugated linoleic acid has been tied to tumor reduction in colorectal cancer and may even help fight breast cancer, according to an experimental pathology study conducted at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

It's Better Than Margarine

Contrary to popular belief, some margarines – particularly first-wave varieties – are actually worse for you than butter due to high levels of trans fats. What’s more, researchers have also found that the vegetable fats contained in margarine are more likely to result in death among patients with heart disease than the saturated fat in butter.

It May Prevent Tooth Decay

Certain fat-soluble vitamins – including calcium and vitamins A, D and K – which are found in higher amounts in butter from grass-fed cows than in olive oil or margarine, may help fight cavities and even reverse tooth decay, according to research.

Butter Still Should be Used

Now, that’s not to say that butter doesn’t have its issues. It’s still high in saturated fat and shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities – particularly if you’re prone to high cholesterol or at risk for heart disease – but these lesser-known benefits may help you feel less guilty when you indulge in a golden pat or two.

How Vitamins Work

Common vitamins – their health benefits and sources.

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To promote growth and good health, we must fully understand how this complex machine (body) works. For it to function and work properly, a steady flow of nutrients working together harmoniously must be maintained. It is a common knowledge that our body can’t produce all the nutrients it needs; thus, we need to collect other substances from food. We can achieve this by taking in daily doses of multivitamins and minerals through supplements.

Vitamins are chemical compounds that fall into 2 categories: water-soluble — vitamin C and B-complex vitamins(such as vitamins, B6, B12) and fat-soluble – vitamins — A,D,E, and K.

Here is a list of these common vitamins – their health benefits and sources:

Vitamin A – promotes normal vision and regulates cell growth.
Sources: green leafy vegetables, broccoli, carrots, squash.

Vitamin B1 – helps produce energy from carbohydrates in body cells.
Sources: beef, bread, pork, corn, rice.

Vitamin B2 – helps produce energy in body cells.
Sources: beef, eggs, milk.

Vitamin B6 - facilitates the production of protein components as well as helps body produces chemical like antibodies, hemoglobin and insulin. antibodies.
Sources: animal meat, bananas, broccoli, spinach.

Vitamin B12 — keeps the brain healthy. Vitamin B12 also regulates red blood cells and helps maintain healthy nerve cells.
Sources: found almost exclusively in animal products.

Vitamin D – sustains bone health and density by allowing the body to retain calcium and phosphorus.
Sources: egg yolk and milk.

Vitamin E - it boosts the body’s immune functions. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E protects your cells against free radicals.
Sources: butter, brown rice, nuts, vegetable oils, such as soybean oil and corn oil.

Vitamin K- produces protein for bones and kidneys.
Sources: green leafy vegetables, cereals, dairy products, eggs, milk, and other vegetables.

Niacin – assists acids in producing energy in cells, helps enzymes in their normal function, and helps your body use sugars and fatty acids.
Sources: protein-rich foods

Folate - enhances the production of new cells. Work together with vitamin B12 to produce hemoglobin in red cells.
Sources: breakfast cereals, whole wheat products, meat, vegetables like asparagus, beans, and leafy green vegetables, fruits such as bananas, oranges, lemons, and tomatoes.

30 Other Ways to Use Salt in Your Home

Salt (sodium chloride) has been a main fixture in preserving food and for cleaning appliances, porcelain, brass, copper, kitchen utensils etc. Amazing how this versatile mineral do the tricks. Below is a list of other ways you can put salt to good use in your home:

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IN THE KITCHEN

** A very reliable way to test egg freshness is to add one tablespoon of salt in a glass of water. Then put the egg in it — a fresh egg will sink, while an older egg will float.
** We all know that fruits such as apples and pears, when peeled undergo a process called oxidation. To maintain their color, place them in lightly salted water to prevent browning.
** Expending much energy shelling pecans, walnuts and other hard nuts? Soak them in salt water for a few hours and presto! – removing the meat is much easier.
** For cake lovers – do you want to prevent your cake’s icing from sugaring? Just add a small amount of salt to cake icing and it will do the trick.
** For quicker, faster, higher peaks, add a tiny bit of salt when whipping cream or beating egg whites.
** Your favorite cheese can have a long life, how? Before placing them in your refrigerator, wrap it in a cloth dampened with saltwater; this will prevent mold on cheese.

PERSONAL CARE

** Prolong toothbrush life and save a few bucks! Before your first use, make it a point to soak it in salt water.
** Want to have a clean, white, shiny teeth? Dip your toothbrush in a mixture of one part fine salt to two parts water – and brush as usual.
** A mixture of salt and baking soda (1:1) in water is an effective mouth rinse.
** For mouth problems like abscesses and cankers, gurgle with a solution of warm saltwater three or more times a day.
** Got stung by a bee? Quickly moisten affected area by placing a small pile of salt to help reduce pain and swelling.
** Ouch.. itchy mosquito bite! A saltwater soak can do a quick relief.
** Freshens skin after a bath. Before drying yourself, massage your body with dry salt.
** Sore throat? A mixture of salt and warm water can do wonders.

AROUND THE HOUSE

CLEANING

** Keep grease from building up in your sink drains – make it a regular routine to pour a “hot water and salt” solution down the kitchen sink.
** A good sprinkling of salt and paper towels is a sure way to clean greasy frying pans.
** Get rid of stubborn coffee and tea stains, by gently scrubbing stained cups with a salt and liquid dish soap solution.
** A salt and soda solution can be used as deodorizer and to clean the inside of your refrigerator.
** A paste made from a mix of salt and lemon. with just enough water is all you need to clean rust. Rub on rust, let dry for several minutes and polish with a dry, soft cloth.
** Cleaning a glass coffee pot? Do it the quick way – pour ice cubes and add few bits of salt to a coffee pot, shake or twirl around energetically, and rinse.

LAUNDRY

** How to eliminate excess suds while doing your laundry? – Easy, just a sprinkle of salt will do the work.
** Brighten colored curtains, carpets and faded rugs by rubbing them vigorously with a cloth that has been soaked in a saltwater solution.
** Removing blood stains – soak stained clothes in cold saltwater, then rinse in warm water and boil after the wash. Warning! Use only on fibers such as linen and cotton that can bear high heat.
** For rust stains – soak stained spots in a salt and lemon juice solution for several minutes, have it sun-bleached for several hours, then rinse and dry.