One very quick and simple way to boost your natural health regime is by eating less processed foods and replacing them with raw foods, preferably organically grown.

This trend of eating raw foods is really taking off as people look for naturally healthier ways to live even when they eat out. "There are already dozens or such restaurants in New York City" says Dana Yates, of the San Mateo Daily Journal, in her article "Raw Food For The Masses".

There are even raw food potluck parties as Roxanne Vick author of Raw Food Diet: Live Unfired Foods explains in this article "Raw Food PotLuck For A Raw Treat".

From a male perspective there's obviously more to it than just the natural health benefits of eating raw food though - just think of the time saved on the washing up!

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body by a variety of techniques, including the insertion of thin metal needles though the skin.

Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.

According to the NIH Consensus Statement on Acupuncture, there have been many studies on acupuncture's potential usefulness, but results have been mixed because of complexities with study design and size, as well as difficulties with choosing and using placebos or sham acupuncture.

It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang.

Visit the NCCAM Web site for more information on scientific findings about acupuncture.

Naturopathic medicine (also known as naturopathy) is a school of medical philosophy and practice that seeks to improve health and treat disease chiefly by assisting the body's innate capacity to recover from illness and injury. Naturopathic practice may include a broad array of different modalities, including manual therapy, hydrotherapy, herbalism, acupuncture, counseling, environmental medicine, aromatherapy, nutritional counseling, homeopathy, and so on. Practitioners tend to emphasize a holistic approach to patient care. Naturopathy has its origins in a variety of world medicine practices, including the Ayurveda of India and Nature Cure of Europe. [1] It is today practiced in many countries around the world in one form or another, where it is subject to different standards of regulation and levels of acceptance.

Naturopathic practitioners prefer not to use invasive surgery, or most synthetic drugs, preferring "natural" remedies, for instance relatively unprocessed or whole medications, such as herbs and foods. Practitioners from accredited schools are trained to use diagnostic tests such as imaging and blood tests before deciding upon the full course of treatment. If the patient does not respond to these treatments, they are often referred to physicians who utilize standard medical care to treat the underlying disease or condition.

With only a few exceptions, most naturopathic treatments have not been tested for safety and efficacy utilizing scientific studies or clinical trials. There is a concern in the scientific and medical communities that these treatments are used to replace well-studied and tested medical procedures thereby endangering the health of the patient.

More on naturopathy from Wikipedia

Cherries have pleased the palates of food lovers for centuries. Their ruby-red color and tangy taste won cherries a place on the tables of Roman conquerors, Greek citizens and Chinese noblemen. Ongoing research suggests the cherry not only offers great taste, but huge health benefits.

From old wives tales and folklore, this tiny red fruit has been credited with an array of natural health benefits, including helping people get a good night's sleep to keeping joints healthy and functioning well. However, with 21st century research technology we now know those folklores and tales are more than mere legend.

As more people are searching for natural remedies, the tart cherry is fast becoming a favorite of those who want to enjoy an active lifestyle. So what makes cherries so special and why are we only starting to hear about them now?

Finding Reliable Tart Cherry Research

Ongoing research from several leading universities and global organizations offer supporting scientific evidence regarding the amazing benefits of the tart cherry. According to research conducted at the University of Vermont, a tart cherry juice blend helped soothe muscle soreness due to physical exercise. In addition, research results from Michigan State University (MSU) have shed light on the ability of the tart cherry to help maintain healthy joint function.

The "Dean of Melatonin," Dr. Russel Reiter, professor of neuroendocrinlogy at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, has conducted research on the tart cherry and melatonin. Based upon these research results, tart cherries are found to be a natural source of melatonin. Since melatonin helps regulate the body's natural clock, tart cherries may also help many get a more restful sleep.

Your Daily Dose of Tart Cherry

Eating fresh tart cherries daily is an ideal way to get the health benefits of this fruit. Research from MSU suggests that by eating just 20 cherries a day a person could realize the health benefits provided by the tart cherry.

However, during the cold winter months finding fresh cherries may be extremely difficult. Until recently, one remedy for those looking to enjoy the antioxidant-rich benefits of cherries during the winter months was to wait until the summer harvest.

Fruit Advantage has solved this seasonal cherry dilemma. The company offers tart cherries in a convenient tart cherry capsule. These tart cherry capsules are convenient, kosher, vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Due to the proprietary manufacturing process, 100 percent of the original fresh cherry phytochemicals are able to be maintained. In fact, each daily serving delivers the specific antioxidant benefit of over 5 glasses of cherry juice without the sugar. Fruit Advantage Joint Formula made from tart cherries is available directly from the Fruit Advantage Web site at www.fruitadvantage.com or by calling (877) 746-7477.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

If you would like to be able to find this lens again easily you can do so by clicking on this easy bookmarking link.