My conversation with the kids before bedtime on sugar and oil.

Today I wanted to know how much my two older kids know about food. The types of food they will eat when I am not looking and be around them. 15 minutes before bedtime we spoke about sugar and oil. W is 5 year old and R is 7 year old.

Mommy: Do you think sugar is healthy?

W: Candies and sweets that strangers gave are not healthy, they are poison.
R:  Sugar is not healthy and it makes your teeth rot. My friend's uncle lost his toes because of having too much sugar.

Mommy: You are right R. Do you think oil is healthy?

W: Oil can only be use for cooking, we cannot drink the oil.
R: We have to use less oil for cooking.

Mommy: Do you think eating french fries is good for you?

W: No, because we need to use a lot of oil to fry french fries.
R: No, but eating french fries once in a while is fine.

Mommy: How do you define once in a while?

R: Once a month.

Mommy: R, do you know that there are chemicals in the oil when they fry french fries and these chemicals make you sick.

R: Oh!!!

Mommy: If I use oil to rub on your body, how would you clean them?

W: I will use soap to wash it away.

Mommy: Good. Can you drink soap to wash the oil away in your body?

R & W: Cannot. (Kids laughing)

Mommy: Will you still take french fries ?

R & W: Noooo

Mommy: Let's sleep now.

W: Mommy, what is the answer. Is sugar healthy? Is oil healthy?

Mommy: W there is no right and wrong answer. You need to have the right knowledge and be wise in food selection.

R: W, we have to know all this so that we can teach our children next time.

Mommy: (I chuckled myself. They fare quite well in their theory. Next time will see how do they do in practical.)

• How do you choose cooking oil?
• How to prevent your children from against HFMD

Dr Chen you tube on cooking oil

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w-ft4XRxQ0

Oxyginberry Essence eliminates scars and promote wound healing.

It was raining heavily and R fell down on the pavement on 22nd November 2015. Her leg was very badly scrape. While cleaning up her wound, I noticed that she has a few dark marks (uneven skin tone) on her legs from previous wound. This time round, I paid extra attention on her wound. From experience, the longer the wound takes to heal and exposure to sun causes uneven skin tone  and it will leave dark spots and scars.

To avoid unsightly scars and uneven skin tone on her leg, I put Oxyginberry Essence twice daily to speed up the healing. Oxyginberry Essence has exceptionally high concentration of Oxyginberry Complex  that instantly nourishes and maximizes nutrients absorption deep into the skin. At the same time, it helps enhance skin repair and renewal while delaying the visible signs of aging.

Day 1 - The scrapes right after the fall

Day 4 - I put Oxyginberry Essence twice daily on her leg 

Day 13- Her leg heal very well

Day 15 - There is no uneven skin tone on her leg and no scars. We will continue to put Oxyginberry Essence till it fully recover.

Eat Healthy Live Happy

83323173

All about Glucosamine

All about Glucosamine

**Dangers of Manufactured Glucosamine**
Do you know that our body can produce its own Glucosamine
Replacing nutrients supposed to be secreted by the body can disrupt natural body processes, create imbalance in the body and cause dependence.

Glucosamine is ten times more potent than regular glucose in causing insulin resistance in animals. High doses or prolonged use of glucosamine causes the death of pancreatic cells and could increase the risk of developing diabetes, according to scientific research.

Other concerns about manufactured glucosamine include shellfish allergy, contamination, ecological harm and effectiveness.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced naturally by the body from glucose (a sugar) and glutamine (an amino acid). 

Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycans, which are major components of cartilage.

Cartilage - The cushion for your joints

Cartilage covers the ends of bones to prevent them from rubbing painfully against each other and to absorb shock as they move. It requires glucosamine, which the body produces from glutamine (found in glutamine-rich plant foods) and glucose.

That's not all. The human body needs glucosamine to produce chemicals involved in building not only cartilage, but tendons, ligaments, synovial fulid (the thick fluid that surrounds joints), nails, skin, eyes and heart valves. Glucosamine helps cartilage absorb water and keeps joints lubricated. It plays a role in the mucous secretion of digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts. Glucosamine, a naturally occurring compound in the body, is important for the healthy growth of bones and joints in children so that they can grow tall.

People of all ages, from growing children to the elderly, need glucosamine for healhty joints. As the body ages, it needs more antioxidants to help maintain healthy cell regeneration. A plant-based diet rich in glutamine and antioxidants provides the body with material to stimulate glucosamine production and help prevent osteoarthritis.

What is chondroitin sulfate?

Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan that occurs naturally in the body. It is a major component of cartilage. It helps to keep cartilage healthy by absorbing fluid (particularly water) into the connective tissue. Chondroitin sulfate may also block enzymes that break down cartilage, and it provides the building blocks for the body to produce new cartilage.

Where does the glucosamine in Glucosamine Supplements come from?

Supplemental glucosamine is either derived from animal sources or made in the laboratory. Glucosamine does not exist on its own in nature.

Sources Glucosamine Hydrochloride Glucosamine Sulfate Chondroitin Sulfate Animal • Extracted from chitin, a material present in the shells of shellfish e.g. crabs, lobsters and shrimp • Extracted from chitin, a material present in the shells of shellfish e.g. crabs, lobsters and shrimp • Bovine cartilage • Shark cartilage Man-made • Made in the laboratory using fermented corn as partial material • Made in the laboratory • Made in the laboratory

Do plants contain glucosamine?
No. Vegetarian glucosamine hydrochloride is made in the laboratory using fermented corn as partial material, and therefore cannot be considered as a natural source of glucosamine.
Do plants contain chondroitin sulfate?No.
Can the human body produce chondroitin sulfate?
Yes.
What are the sources of chondroitin sulfate in supplemental chondroitin sulfate?
Supplemental chondroitin sulfate is derived from animal products or made in the laboratory. It is often combined with glucosamine in joint health supplements.

Glucosamine Pills Interaction with Medication 

Diabetes Medications

There has been concern that glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate may decrease the effectiveness of diabetes medications, and may increase blood sugar in people with diabetes. Diabetics on glucosamine supplements should monitor their blood sugar closely. 

Warfarin

Do not take glucosamine supplements if you are taking warfarin (brand name: Coumadin). Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Several reports show that taking glucosamine supplements with or without chondroitin increases the effect of warfarin, making blood clotting even slower. This can cause serious bruising and bleeding. 

Cancer Medications

Taking glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulfate along with some medications for cancer might decrease the latter's effectiveness. 

Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate can cause some mild side effects including nausea, heartburn, diarrhea and constipation. Uncommon side effects are drowsiness, skin reactions and headache.

          Avoid taking glucosamine sulfate while pregnant or breast-feeding. There is currently
          insufficient reliable scientific information to know if glucosamine sulfate is safe to take during
          pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

 Why are Wholesome Plant foods better for joint health?

Wholesome plant foods present nutrients in natural, balanced and safe combinations.

The right wholesome plant foods can stimulate the body to secrete glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to protect joints, especially when the body needs them.

Athough the elderly cannot secrete enough glucosamine, antixodants from plant foods can speed up its production.

Each plant food is a unique and balanced package of antioxidants, phytochemicals and polysaccharides to nourish the immune system and cartilage.

What increases the body’s need for glutamine?

The human body may need more glutamine than usual in cases of heavy exercise, infection, surgery, and trauma such as burn injury. That is why it is important to nourish the body with a plant-based diet that is rich in glutamine.

What are some good Plant sources of glutamine?

Good plant sources of glutamine include brown algae, parsley and spinach. Note that cooking destroys glutamine in vegetables.

	Brown algae Rich in chlorophyll for tissue repair Rich in phytoestrogens (e.g. isoflavonoids and lignans) for bone protection Fucoxanthin, which gives brown algae their color, can promote bone health
	Parsley High in glutamine and vitamin C A 100-gram serving provides 2,050% of vitamin K needed daily by an adult for strong bones Helpful for arthritis and rheumatism in removing uric acid wastes from tissues
	Spinach High in glutamine Supports bone health with chlorophyll, magnesium, manganese, calcium and vitamin C Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Plant rich in antioxidants

Acerola Cherries Originating in tropical America, acerola cherries are naturally rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.  High amounts of vitamin C aid vitamin B12 and iron absorption.  Acerola cherries contain 33 times or over 3,000% the amount of vitamin C in orange juice, making them perfect complement to vitamin B12 and iron. It also helps to protect joints against rheumatoid arthritis. It has excellent source of bioflavonoids, rutin, beta-carotene, calcium, phosphorous, iron, sodium and potassium for immune system nourishment and bone formation.  It has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Plants with anti-inflammatory properties

	Ginger a powerful anti-inflammatory herb antioxidant properties effective for rheumatism and reducing osteoarthritis pain
	Alfalfa Has antioxidant properties that can protect against cell damage Abundant in chlorophyll, protein, carotene and vitamin K
	Cactus helps the cancer recovery process through its anti-inflammatory qualities.   In animal models, cactus extract was able to significantly inhibit arthritic inflammation.

What is Nutritional Immunology’s take on Glucosamine Supplementation?

Consuming any man-made substance or isolated chemicals without any side effects is virtually impossible. This is because nature is complex beyond the comprehension of science.

Intake of isolated chemicals causes chain reactions in the human body that are often unpredictable and may have severe or long-term effects. That is why wholesome plant foods are the safest sources of all biochemicals that the human body needs for healing, repair and maintenance.

Nutritional Immunology advocates eating plant foods rich in glutamine, manganese and antioxidants to stimulate the human body’s natural production of glucosamine. Nutritional Immunology products are called G-ART. G-ART contain (brown algae, spinach, parsley, ginger, Alfafa and cactus)

         

Dream Big Dare to Excel

Our family were invited to celebrate an award presentation of our two good friends on 22 November 2015. The award presentation was held in Resorts World Convention Centre.

I was very interested in the slogan for the night "Dream Big Dare to Excel". We look for a seat when we entered the ballroom. My daughter, R (7 year old) saw the slogan on the board and ask me what does "Dream Big Dare to Excel" means. Using layman language I explained to her, When Dreams are Big and Sky is the limit. We should aim high in life. At the same time remain contented with what we have and what we are. As parents, we have to model our beliefs and values and pass on our beliefs and values to our children.

Definition of success
Everyone desires success. But not all can realize their dreams. Success means different things to different people. Some people define success as owning a house. Some consider success to be having a stable and highly respected job. There are others who deem success as having a trophy wife. Some think success is having the ability to go for holidays overseas. There are also those who define success based on their ability to help others. Through people's expectations of what they get out of their success vary, success can be summed up as the realization of one's cherished dream.

Different expectations aside, most people view success as the amount of money one has acquired. While wealth can mean success, success is not limited to wealth alone. Real success brings about a fulfilling life that is in alignment with one's life goals and dreams. It can also be passed on to future generations to give oneself and one's family a sense of security.

Career Choice Determines Height of Success 
How can one attain success? There are many ways to achieve success. Whether one succeeds and how much one achieves depend on essential factors like choices, conviction, actions, direction in life, and career. The conviction one has and the actions one takes will determine whether one succeeds. One's career and direction in life will decide the degree of success one will have.

To achieve success, it is important to choose a career most aligned with one's dream. A good career provides a platform for personal development, creates lasting job security and enables one to help others.

Eat healthy and Live Happy

Pei Lin LEE

Antioxidant for beautiful skin

Antioxidant for Beautiful Skin

Elemente Oxyginberry Complex is the ultimate combination of Cactus, Cactus fruit, Ginseng, Ginseng Berry, Grape Seed, Rose and Seaweed.

Aging is inevitable. But looking your age is not. Powerful plants antioxidant can slow down signs of aging.

The Science Behind Elemente

How Free Radicals Cause Aging

Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause oxidative damage by stealing electrons from surrounding molecules, thereby disrupting activitiy in the body's cells. They are produced when the body breaks down food or by cigarette smoke, toxic chemicals and excess sunlight.

Free radical damage causes wrinkles by activiting enzymes that break down collagen.

Antioxidants Combat Free Radicals

Antioxidants are substances that soak up free radicals like sponges. Although the human body can produce antioxidants, these antioxidants cannot totally expel excess free radicals. Hence experts advise reinforcing them with an antioxidant-rich diet and topical application of antioxidants to delay signs of aging.

Six of the BEST antioxidant-rich sources found in Nature:

• Ginseng berry

Ginseng berry is rare. You can hardly see it in the market. But Research shows that it contains some of Nature's best antioxidants that are important for healthy, glowing skin. For instance, it has 1.4 times more antioxidant activity than vitamin C. It plays a vital role in reducing environmental and oxidative stress, a precursor to premature aging. When applied topically, ginseng berry extract helps increase skin hydration and elasticity while delaying signs of premature aging.

• Cactus Fruit

Cactus fruit is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that contribute to a healthy body. In fact, cactus fruit boasts 7 times more antioxidant activity than vitamin C. Research indicated that cactus fruit may also help prevent DNA damage, promote cell repair and renewal, encourage phagocytic activity and improve skin's texture, softness and appearance. In addition, Scientists found that cactus fruit plays a pivotal role in wound healing both inside the body and on the skin's surface.

• Cactus

Research indicates that the high levels of nutrients and antioxidants in cactus canprevent DNA damage, improve the structure and appearance of skin, promote cell renewal and help delay skin's aging process. When applied to skin, cactus extract's anti-inflammatory abilities help speed up wound healing and improve the appearance of scars. Cactus extract also acts as a moisturizer and helps toprevent water evaporation from the stratum corneum layer of skin.

• Grape Seed

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin, better known as OPC, is a powerful antioxidant found in grape seed. Research shows that grape seed extract has 20 times more antioxidant activity than vitamin C and 50 times more than vitamin E, and is easily absorbed by the body. In addition, grape seed extract can support collagen structures and decrease UV-ray damage to skin, thereby preventing premature wrinkles and reducing signs of aging for a youthful, radiant appearance.

• Rose

Scientific research has verified that valuable antioxidants and nutrients in rose help prevent DNA damage, and promote wound healing in addition to improving skin texture and appearance. Rose also contains up to 50 times the amount of antioxidants found in lemons, which greatly enhance the body's ability to produce collagen, protect itself from harmful UV rays, combat colds, prevent disease and fight against free radicals. In addition, rose is a gentle astringent with cleansing, purifying, softening, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It enhances beauty by helping to lighten pigmentation for a smoother, fairer complexion.

• Seaweed

Seaweed is an excellent source of nutrition immensely beneficial to health as it concentrates all of the ocean's nutrients in a perfect balance for humans. Seaweed is especially potent for anti-aging skincare as it has the ability to help inskin repair, skin elasticity, firmness and prevent blood clotting, and eliminate toxins from the skin, besides treating and relieving burns. In addition, seaweed helps inhibit free radical damage, stimulate collagen synthesis and cellular turnover. As such, it is the perfect substance for the body and skin, whether eaten or applied topically.

Consuming and applying plant foods rich in antioxidants will allow our body to produce its own collagen.

These and many other studies document the amazing powers of ginseng berry, cactus fruit, cactus, grape seed extract, rose and seaweed. Backed by Science, you can be sure that they are your best bet for anti-aging skincare!