Pineapple -- Facts, usage and health benefits

     I'm really a pineapple lover ever since. From the juice to the flesh, it's refreshing taste makes it all that good not to mention its health benefits.

     When I was a kid, as I have grown up in the Philippines, we can just afford to eat pineapples once in awhile as we can only buy the fresh fruit in a public market as we used to do marketing just once a week. During those time, canned pineapples are not yet available so my parents will have to do the removing of the pineapple's crown, skin and the eyes. It was indeed a quite hard time to spend before we can eat pineapple yet rewarding.

      Time and technology really did a lot of things in many things even in the production of our ever favorite fruit. Ready-to-eat pineapple in cans are now available everywhere (department/convenient stores, 7-11s, mini stops, gobblers, etc.), no need to spend time to have it; Ready-to-drink Pineapple juice likewise is phenomenal everywhere as once of good sources of Vitamin C and cancer-preventing agent. From oldies to kids, from all walks of life, most are turning Pineapple as a habit to a healthy living.

      Below are some of the research I make for all you guys about this naturally-good thing stuff -- Pineapple.

Common Name: Pineapple

Scientific Name: Ananas comosus

Wikipedia Definition: a tropical plant with edible multiple fruit consisting of coalesced berries, named for resemblance to the pine cone, is the most economically important plant in the Bromeliaceae family. Pineapples may be cultivated from a crown cutting of the fruit, possibly flowering in 20–24 months and fruiting in the following six months. Pineapple may be consumed fresh, canned, juiced, and are found in a wide array of food stuffs – dessert, fruit salad, jam, yogurt, ice cream, candy, and as a complement to meat dishes. In addition to consumption, in the Philippines the pineapple's leaves are used as the source of a textile fiber called piña, and is employed as a component of wall paper and furnishings, amongst other uses.

Nutrition Facts: Raw pineapple is an excellent source of manganese (76% Daily Value (DV) in a one US cup serving) and vitamin C (131% DV per cup serving).

Mainly from its stem, pineapple contains a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain, which breaks down protein. If having sufficient bromelain content, raw pineapple juice may be used as a meat marinade and tenderizer. Pineapple enzymes can interfere with the preparation of some foods, such as jelly or other gelatin-based desserts, but would be destroyed during cooking and canning. The quantity of bromelain in the fruit is probably not significant, being mostly in the inedible stalk. Furthermore, an ingested enzyme like bromelain is unlikely to survive intact the proteolytic processes of digestion.

7 Benefits of eating pineapples:

1. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

Pineapples are loaded with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It is also rich in fiber and calories. On top of it all, this fruit is low in fat and cholesterol. All the nutrients it contains promote good health.

2. Prevents Cough and Colds

Since pineapples are rich in vitamin C, it can fight off viruses that cause cough and colds. Even when you are already infected with such ailment, pineapples can help you. These fruits have bromelain, which is effective in suppressing coughs and loosening mucus. Eating pineapples while taking the right medications prescribed by the doctor for your sickness can help you recover more quickly.

3. Strengthens Bones

Pineapples are also popular for their ability to build and maintain strong bones. This is because these fruits contain manganese, which is a trace mineral that your body needs to build bones and connective tissues. In fact, if you consume a cup of pineapple, you can already get 73 percent of your total body requirement for manganese.

4. Keeps Gums Healthy

People are always very concerned with their teeth that they sometimes fail to give importance to the gums, which are equally essential since they hold the teeth in place. If a person has unhealthy gums, his/her teeth would be in bad condition, and eventually will fall out. Eating pineapple will strengthen your gums that will help keep your teeth healthy and strong.

5. Lowers Risk of Mascular Degeneration

Pineapples are known to prevent different kinds of ailments. One example is mascular degeneration. This disease, which is the primary cause of vision loss in adults, is caused by damage to the retina. Reading, recognizing faces, and doing daily activities can become a lot more difficult because of this problem. Including pineapple in your diet can lower risk of this disease by as much as 36 percent. This is because this fruit contains beta carotene that is good for our sense of sight.

6. Alleviates Arthritis

Since these fruits have anti-inflammatory qualities, eating pineapples can greatly alleviate the pain of arthritis while at the same time improve the condition by strengthening the bones. Apart from arthritis, it can also improve other similar conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and gout.

7. Improves Digestion

Bromelain found in pineapples work to neutralize fluids to ensure that they are not too acidic. It also helps regulate the secretions in the pancreas to aid in digestion. Apart from that, since bromelain has protein-digesting properties, it can keep the digestive track healthy.

8. It lessens risk of hypertension

Hypertension occurs when too much force is exerted on the artery walls while the blood circulates. One of the best ways to combat this is to infuse a high amount of potassium plus a small amount of sodium in your diet to lower blood pressure. Pineapples are the perfect for hypertension because a cup of pineapple contains about 1 mg of sodium and 195 mg of potassium.

9. It helps you lose weight

Eating pineapple can highly cut down your sweet cravings because of its natural sweetness, saving you from a lot of sugar-induced calories. Incorporating a lot of pineapple in your meals will also help a lot in weight loss because pineapples can make you feel full without giving you an ounce of fat.

10. It maintains good eye health

Time and again, studies have found that pineapples protect against age-related eye problems because it is rich in antioxidants.

11. It fights a lot of diseases, being rich in Vitamin C

Pineapples are known to be a very good source of vitamin C, which protects our bodies from free radicals that attack our healthy cells. Lots of free radicals in the body can lead to major diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. Vitamin C is considered the most important water-soluble anti-oxidant that fights against disease-inducing substances within the body. It is also an excellent fighter against flu and a great enhancer of the immune system.

12. It keeps your skin beautiful!

Pineapple contains enzymes that make skin elastic, improve skin hydration, and remove damaged and dead cells. Thus, it helps us achieve a clear and glowing complexion. The enzymes in pineapples also fight free-radical damage and can reduce age spots and fine lines.

Side Effects:

1. Pineapple may show allergic reactions in some people in the form of temporary swelling on lips accompanied by rash

2. Excess consumption may result in diarrhea and extreme menstrual bleeding

3. Excess consumption may also lead to miscarriages in pregnant women

4. Consumption of unripe pineapple may have serious complications


Some Uses:

1. Pineapple is eaten fresh, and served sliced, chunked, or as juice.
2. Pineapple is a favorite when processed into marmalades, jam, jellies, or candies.
3. Pineapple oil or essence is also used as flavoring for confectionery.
4. Meat dishes and curries become tastier with the fruit of the pineapple added.
5. Nata de Piña is a gelatinous product of the fermented fruit pulp which is eaten by itself as a sweet or mixed with fruit salad or halo-halo - a delicious mixture of various sweets.
6. Pineapple has long served medicinal purposes in folk medicine: It was found to arouse appetite;
7. the unripe fruit was effective as diuretic and contraceptive in the expulsion of intestinal worms.
8. Some scientists found in its leaves possible cure for venereal diseases.
9. The crown or leaves of the plant also serve as raw material for wallpaper and furnishings.
10. The waste from canning can be further processed into animal feed.
11. But the most remarkable non-food use of the pineapple, which is associated only in the Philippines, is the fabric woven from the fibers extracted from its leaves.

So there you go guys, Pineapple is one of the best thing so very available everywhere to keep us healthy and beautifully.

Sources: 

1. Wikipedia 

2. "7 Health Benefits of Eating Pineapples" http://www.3fatchicks.com/7-health-benefits-of-eating-pineapples/, 

3. "Pineapple: Medicinal Uses, Health Benefits & Side Effects" http://cvsingh.hubpages.com/hub/Pineapple-Medicinal-Uses-and-Health-Benefits
4. "7 Benefits of Pineapples" http://skinbeautifulblog.wordpress.com/2008/05/13/7-benefits-of-pineapple/
5. "Uses (of Pineapple)" http://bicol.da.gov.ph/Opportunities/pineapple%20profile/topic3.html

5 Essential Steps Every Aspiring Entrepreneur needs to Succeed in Starting their own Business

Everytime I got the chance to read an article regarding success or getting into success, I'm easily get motivated. As I go over some article in Singapore's 'Today Newspaper', I was able to have a glance of this article and this has caught my attention.

Sharing everyone the article's content I have read (not my own composition, just sharing);

1. Develop That Winning Business Idea That Will Work For You
You don't need a mind-blowing, innovative and new idea to start with. Learn how many successful start-ups exploded into success by modelling ideas and concepts to make it work for them.

2. Diagnose And Design A Strategy To Win In Your Chosen Market Place
Every business needs a unique strategy that is fluid and flexible. Take advantage of over 30 years of experience in applicable business strategies for local and regional markets from your business mentors.

3. Understand Where The Money Is Coming From
Master one of the most overlooked steps in business: learn how you can crystalize and focus your revenue streams to win.in any market.

4. Create Essential Catalytic Drivers That Will Impact Your Business Profits
Create and pre-plan drivers that will sustain, boost and explode your profits even before you begin selling.

5. Hold On To Your Income Streams
Many people have the illusion that you need to quit your full-time job to strart a business. Learn the risk mitigation strategies for you to kick-start your entrepreneurial ambitions while still keeping your day job.



Source: , The Today Newspaper (Singapore)

Health Benefits of Ginger

I suffered from throat infection from time to time especially when I was about to have cough and colds. I always do home remedies as I don't want to rely and take medicines every time I time I'm sick. I usually take vinegar to gargle when I have throat infection as I have read on an article before and has been proven to be effective for me as I was trying do that all along. 'Till I found out that ginger is also a good home remedy for throat and some other problems.

Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments for centuries. Now, science is catching up and researchers around the world are finding that ginger works wonders in the treatment of everything from cancer to migraines. Here are ten health benefits of this powerful herb.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.

Colon Cancer Prevention
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

Morning Sickness
A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.

Motion Sickness Remedy
Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.


Reduces Pain and Inflammation
One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.

Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.

Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.

Migraine Relief
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

Menstrual Cramp Relief
In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.

Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy
A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).


Reference: http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-ginger.html

6 Success Tools and Strategies that will begin to make that difference in your Life

Lately, I could hardly find myself have the time to read and write article at all. Busy work schedules most of the time eat my whole day. That's why, whenever got the chance to read something good, I see to it to learn something from it.

This success tools and strategies I do hope can help you guys make a difference in your life.


1. Design a Powerful Life Plan
You need to know where you want to go before you leave where you are now.

2. Model the Strategies of Excellence
You must learn to model the strategies that will allow you to attain your goals.

3. Develop Personal Power
You must fight procrastination and know how to consistently take action to succeed.

4. Be a powerful Communicator
You must learn to empower and influence the people around you to achieve your goals.

5. Eliminate Self-Sabotaging Habits
You must eliminate bad habits like procrastination apathy and resistance to change.

6. Develop Powerful Self-Beliefs
You must break down your mental barriers and create new empowering beliefs to succeed.




Source: "Master the 6 keys Towards Achieving All Your Life Goals"; Today Newspaper; August 7, 2012 Issue

How to give a sincere compliment

Giving compliments or saying "thank you" to employees and colleagues when they perform their jobs well is not a difficult thing to do. Furthermore, when done right, this can reinforce positive behaviour, as well as motivate and engage them in their work. 


But how would you pay someone a compliment and make it sound sincere? 


Do it now - When giving work compliments, always make it timely. Don't wait too long for the good deed to have passed before saying a word if thanks.


Be specific - This especially important when you want to reinforce positive behaviour in the employee. Instead of just saying a generic thank you, it is much better to phrase it in such a way that the person knows what he or she has been praised for. For example, you could say "Thank you for going out of your way to help that customer solve her problem."


Say it in public - Praise employees in public. Not only does this help boost their self-esteem and confidence at work, but it creates a positive culture in the workplace. Other employees can also learn what managers deem as positive work actions. 


Reward appropriately - Reward positive behaviour according to its magnitude. You don't need to buy a plaque for every positive thing you see. The general rule.of the.thumb is that small actions call for a small rewards, while big actions call for bigger rewards. 




Source: Headhunt Issue 106, June 21 - July 4, 2012 www.headhunt.com.sg

101 Reasons Why I Love You

1. I love the courage you took to approach me despite your shyness. I can be myself when I'm with you.


2. I love the way you say I LOVE YOU. You fill up my senses, like the mountains in spring time.


3. I love your willingness to share everything with me especially your heart. All the little things you do make such a big difference in my life.


4. I love the way we cuddle together. You are so beautiful to me.


5. I love the way you look when you first wake up. I don't have to vacuum before you come over.


6. I love your voice when your first wake up. You're never boring.


7. I love the way you care and love me. Even when I'm grumpy, you still like me.


8. I love the way you smile. You let me give you a detailed description of how I spent my day.


9. I love the way you laugh. Your idea of romance is dim lights, soft music, and just the two of us.


10. I love the way you whisper I LOVE YOU in my ears. We both know that together we can work out anything.


11. I love the way you look when you’re sleeping. You never make fun of me, even when I look like a clown.


12. I love your coolness. Because you make me feel like I've never felt before.


13. I love your shyness. I can tell you anything and you won't be shocked.


14. I love your seriousness. You never say, "Are you going to tell that story AGAIN?"


15. I love your smell. We can talk about everything or nothing--it's always okay with you.


16. I love your lil cute nose. You're the light in my life, you're the inspiration.


17. I love your beautiful eyes. When you hold me tight, everything becomes alright.


18. I love your juicy lips. I love sharing rainbow walks with you.


19. I love the fact that you’ll be there for me when I need you. You always seem to know when things aren't going great.


20. I love the thought of you when you’re not with me. Your undying faith is what keeps the flame of our love alive.


21. I love the way you look when you’re nude. You never intimidate me.


22. I love the way you look after shower. You know how to bring a smile to my face.


23. I love the habit of looking in the mirror every time after shower. You're always on my side.


24. I love your thoughtfulness. We can talk over the telephone for hours together even if I've seen you the day before.


25. I love the fact that you’ll be there for me when I need you. You always seem to know when things aren't going great.


26. I love your sensuality. When I need to cry, you lend me a shoulder and a tissue.


27. I love your temper. When I'm with you, nothing else seems to matter.


28. I love your tenderness. 'Coz a smile from you can chase away all the blues.


29. I love your patience. When you listen, I know you're really listening and not just waiting for your turn to talk.


30. I love the way you lead your life without being kia-su. You and me together...we can make magic.


31. I love the sense of security I feel when I’m with you. When you're around, everything's fun.


32. I love the softness of your lips against mine. We're a perfect match.


33. I love the softness of your lips against my body. We both really can't do without each other.


34. I love the way you look when you’re nude. Thinking of you add a wonderful touch of love to my every day.


35. I love the time when ‘strong lil prince’ meets ‘gentle and shy lil princess’. You've taught me the meaning of love and sharing. Our world is more complete because of it.


36. I love the way you make love to me. You understand me...even when I'm sobbing.


37. I love the way you fondle my breasts. Every moment spent with you is one filled with fun.


38. I love the way you kiss ‘shy lil princess’. Your idea of a big night out is just the two of us.


39. I love the completeness I feel when we make love. Your love gives me the feeling that the best is still ahead.


40. I love the way you dare to kiss me in public. With you I feel, as if in a single lifetime, I have known the joy of a thousand years.


41. I love the way you’re not scared to show your affection for me in public. You at least pretend you're going to do what I suggest.


42. I love lying in your arms without saying anything but to feel your presence. You never give up on me and that's what keeps me going.


43. I love waking up in the morning finding we’ve been cuddling the whole night. You're as helpful as therapy, but you never charge me for it.


44. I love the way you handle trouble times. You're simply irresistible.


45. I love your passion for reading. Sometimes you call just because you're thinking about me.


46. I love the way you look in white top. I can feel it, in the warmth of your touch, 'cause it touches my heart and soul.


47. I love the way you brush my hair with your fingers. For your sensitivity and support.


48. I love every parts of your body. I love your smile...I really do.


49. I love every beautiful hairs of your body. Your terrific sense of humor...you know how to make me laugh.


50. I love the fact that you’ll never give up on me. I love you because you bring out the best in me.


51. I love the way you plan our future. You never get mad at me...even when I drive you up the wall.


52. I love our life together. 'Coz you're amazing, dazzling, and extra nice.


53. I love the way you look at me. You understand if I forget something worth remembering.


54. I love the way we glance at each other across the room and say I LOVE YOU. In the story of my life, the best chapters are filled with you.


55. I love the way I dream about you being my only life partner. You always know just how to spoil me.


56. I love the way you console me when I’m down in the dumps. You're a good sport even when I'm not.


57. I love the way you encourage and support me when I’m off-track. Every heartbeat belongs to you.


58. I love the way you dress up. It's in the way you look at me and in your warm embrace.


59. I love the way you touch me. Every time I look at you my heart misses a beat.


60. I love the way you keep your profile low. Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure.


61. I love the way you ensure that you’ll love me eternally. You're the one who holds the key to my heart.


62. I love the way you protect and defend me. I like sharing crazy times with you because you add the spice to my life.


63. I love your intelligence. When we're together, time just comes to a halt.


64. I love your kindness. You can read my innermost thoughts.


65. I love the way you call me piggy. Your loving gaze is enough to carry me through a long day.


66. I love the way you react when I tickle you. You bring to me joy beyond measure.


67. I love the way we finish each other’s sentences. Your idea of fun is laughing really hard and playing practical jokes.


68. I love the way we copy each other’s sentences. You never snore while I'm talking to you.


69. I love the way you study. Honey, you're that someone who makes happiness happen.


70. I love the way you pay attention in lectures. I feel so at ease in your arms.


71. I love the fact that you'll do anything to make me happy. Because of you, no matter what may come tomorrow, today my life is more complete.


72. I love the fact you love me and only me. Since the day you came into my life, everything's perfect.


73. I love the way you say ‘uh-huh’. We share the right kind of love.


74. I love your ability to talk things through. You always say what I need to hear.


75. I love the way you make me feel that nothing is impossible as long as I’m with you. All I need to do is look at you and....


76. I love your ability to make me feel better when times are tough. You're cool--no matter what the time, no matter what the place.


77. I love your willingness to share everything with me especially your heart. All the little things you do make such a big difference in my life.


78. I love the way you send me message middle of the night telling me how much you love me. I want to stay forever with you.


79. I love the way you treat me. I can see my dreams come true in the ocean of your eyes.


80. I love the thought of you and me growing old together. You've taught me the meaning of love.


81. I love spending the rest of my time with the person I love most. The softness of your voice is like satin on my soul.


82. I love the way your voice sounds over the phone. You're so cuddlesome.


83. I love your sense of humor. I love all the ways you give.


84. I love the way you look when you’re sulking. I just can't imagine being me without you.


85. I love the way you look with love bites on your neck. You're my anchor in life's ocean and most of all, you're my best friend.


86. I love the way you make me feel royalty. You're always on my mind. I just can't do without you.


87. I love the way you call me darling. Just a touch...and I lose my heart all over again.


88. I love the thinking of us having our own children. You've seen me at my worst and you still love me.


89. I love the way you watch your diet. You're so magnetic...I just keep coming back to you.


90. I love the way you look when you’re surprised. Love is what you mean to me...and you mean everything.


91. I love your openness about everything. You are my theme for a dream.


92. I love the way you hold me really tight. You're someone I can be goofy with.


93. I love the way you look at me. I enjoy being with you.


94. I love the way I love you. You'd give up your favorite pastime to be with me.


95. I love the way you choose to show your love and care for me. I can ask you a dumb question without feeling dumb.


96. I love your uniqueness. Whenever I need it most you're there with your all-purpose hugs.


97. I love your manners. You excite me, delight me, ignite me.


98. I love your abnormal lifestyle. You know all my secrets...and keep them.


99. I love your obsession for coffee. You're too hot to handle.


100. I love how complete I feel when I’m with you. I've had the time of my life and I owe it all to you.


101. I love you for you. There are endless reasons why I love you but the most important is...darling, knowing you is loving you.






Source: "Reasons why I love You" http://www.mansh.co/101/?cid=10&seq=1

Good Studying Habits

Studying your lessons and preparing for an exams is indeed part of a student life. Most of us have been in this situation where we really need to "burn your eyebrows" as the idiom goes. This basic part is really so easy if you got your own style and as you were able to do your own studying techniques. 


The following paragraphs are some of my own studying techniques that I used to master and help me through with my student life. 




1. Make your own reviewer


Making your own reviewer is the most basic thing to do and the most powerful technique as well when preparing for exams. It is just like rewriting your notes into a different paper but just taking the most important key points which you think might be included and most probably will appear on the exams. 


Some instructors were giving out the so-called "pointers" which will highlight the topics where they will pick some of the questionnaires. If that would be the case, this will make your reviewer making alot more easier. 


Some people were photographic learner. They are the one who visualize what they saw when reviewing their lessons. They can easily recall in their memory what they memorize based on the exact locations on their reviewer. Making a reviewer helps these photographic learner to easily remember their lessons during exams.




2. Choose your own study time


Most of us will basically set a time as to when you will actually face your books and go over your notes but the major question is... "were you really able to start studying your lessons based on your own set time?" Well, I mean are you serious? As you were just on time thinking to start studying and keep on telling yourself that you will really start studying you mean is "really not yet ready" or "spare me some time before I start". Unless your mind is really set to start you can never start at all. 


Most people prefer to study and review their notes during night just before they go to bed as to this time is almost quiet time where no distractions and no noise at all. Some people cannot study when everything that surrounds is distractions while others cannot study when the place is too quiet... The tend to fall asleep. 


As I have one psychology book before, the best time to study your lessons is early in the morning just after you woke up and had your good night sleep. This is where scientific study proves that reviewing and studying notes during this time brings all the things you study into a maximum retention in your brain. Studying lessons before going to bed makes everything you study fall apart resulting to memory loss and feeling blank during exams, they added.


"I used to study also my lessons before during night before going to bed and I also admit the I really barely can remember the things I studied to cannot remember at all. Not until I have that techniques in the book I read, I began to study early in the morning."


Well, the only problem for this technique is that if you were not able to wake yourself up early in the morning and cannot review at all because your late already for your class. 


Choosing your preferred studying time is still up to you. Just do it on when you think you can concentrate. It is you to decide after all. 




3. Choose your perfect study environment


Some people prefers to study in a quiet place while some prefers in a noisy environment as I partially discussed on pointer number 1 above. 


Being on a noisy study environment does not literally necessarily mean noisy surrounding. It could be in the living room where distractions of television is permissible or in your own room with a background music of your choice. 


"Well, personally I prefer to study my lessons before with background music or with the television on. Without these background sounds, I could easily feel sleepy while going over my notes and ended up falling asleep."




4. Munch up some peanuts


Scientific studies proves that peanut has enzymes that enhances our brains to perform well to remember things in our memory. Some students all over the world did eat peanuts while reviewing their lessons. 


"I personnaly did not try this theory but most of my cousins did it and they really testified that eating peanuts while reviewing helps alot during the examination."




5. Make sure to have enough rest before the day of examination


Having enough rest will simply means an easier absorption of ideas into your memory. Of course if you do not have enough rest before reviewing your lessons early in the morning, as I suggest, will just make you not able to absorb anything and may just make you sleep again while reviewing. Having enough rest also makes your brain refreshed and get a proper circulation of oxygen resulting to a optimum recollection of knowledge you stored during the review period. 




6. Make sure not to cram


Most examinations have a time constraints. The most important thing to do while having the examination is not to cram or to panic when the time is running out and you cannot remember one of so many things you reviewed. Panicking will just make you mental blocked and cannot remember any of the things you studied. Just relax, calm down and try to remember, if possible go over the next question first and just get back to that question/s when everything is already been answered.

Health Benefits of Banana

Banana, the once-exotic fruit, has found its way into our daily lives. Whether sliced over cereal or blended in a smoothie, here are eight great reasons to include about four bananas a week in your diet.


DIET
One banana has 11% of the RDA of dietary fiber and only about 108 calories. The fiber in bananas not only keeps digestion regular, but also helps maintain low blood sugar and curbs overeating.


LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
Studies show that the high amounts of potassium in bananas (over 13% of the RDA) can lower one's blood pressure, which in turn lessens the possibility of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.


BONE HEALTH
Along with lowering blood pressure, potassium prevents the weakening of the body's bones. A high sodium intake, which is typical of many American diets, can cause excessive amount of calcium to be lost through the urine, which threatens not only the strength and general health of the bones, but also negatively affects blood clotting, proper muscle contraction, and normal nervous system function. The potassium found in bananas neutralizes the high amounts of sodium in one's diet, thus allowing for healthy amounts of calcium to remain within the body.


HIGH NUTRIENT ABSORPTION
The potassium in bananas is not the only means to ensure healthy levels of calcium in the body. Bananas also contain high levels of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) that--along with insulin--promotes calcium absorption. FOS further nourishes healthy bacteria in the colon that manufacture vitamins and digestive enzymes that boost the body's overall ability to absorb nutrients.
Healthy Digestive Tract Bananas can diminish the uncomfortable effects of diarrhea and constipation. The high amounts of potassium in bananas can restock electrolytes that are easily depleted when suffering from diarrhea -- potassium being an important electrolyte itself. Furthermore, bananas can relieve the body from constipation and help restore regular digestion with pectin, a soluble polysaccharide that helps normalize the digestive tract.


RUGGED GUT
Bananas protect the healthy constitution of the stomach in two ways. Firstly, they trigger the production of mucus in the stomach, which provides a protective barrier against stomach acids. Secondly, bananas possess protease inhibitors, a substance that breaks down bacteria in the stomach that cause ulcers. (Moreover, protease inhibitor also obstruct the replication of certain cells and viruses, including HIV.)


CANCER PREVENTION
A large study by the Internal Journal of Cancer illustrates that the probability of developing kidney cancer is greatly lessened by frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, though especially bananas. For instance, the probability of developing kidney cancer in female subjects decreased by 50% when eating bananas four to six times a week.


VITAMIN B6
One banana has an impressive 34% of the RDA of vitamin B6, which serves many important roles in the body's health. For example, the B6 in bananas acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps ward off cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, as well as obesity. B6 also contributes to the maintenance of the lymphoid glands that ensure the production of healthy white blood cells that protect the body from infection. Finally, the vitamin B6 in bananas plays a pivotal part in cell formation and proper nervous system function, making one banana a day a healthy and delicious choice.


Resources:
Agnes Kee, http://www.facebook.com/agnes.kee.33

Which Baby Are You?

JANUARY BABY
Pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Sensitive. Down-to-Earth. Stubborn. Repost this in 5 mins and you will meet someone new in 8 days that will perfectly balance your personality.




FEBRUARY BABY
Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexiest out of everyone. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest And loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Horny. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizing dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.




MARCH BABY
Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Great kisser. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Observant and assesses others.




APRIL BABY
Suave and compromising. Funny and humorous. Stubborn. Very talkative. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal. Does work well with others. Very confidant. Sensitive. Positive Attitude. Thinking generous. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Able to cheer everyone up and/or make them laugh. Able to motivate oneself and others. Understanding. Fun to be around. Outgoing. Hyper. Bubbly personality. Secretive. Boy/girl crazy. Loves sports, music, leisure and traveling. Systematic. Hot but has brains.




MAY BABY
Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Shy towards opposite sex. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High-spirited.




JUNE BABY
You’ve got the best personality and are an absolute pleasure to be around. You love to make new friends and be outgoing. You are a great flirt and more than likely have an a very attractive partner. a wicked hottie. It is also more than likely that you have a massive record collection. You have a great choice in films, and may one day become a famous actor/actress yourself - heck, you’ve got the looks for it!!!




JULY BABY
Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. spazzy at times. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.




AUGUST BABY
Outgoing personality. takes risks. feeds on attention. No self-control. Kind hearted. Self-confident. Loud and boisterous. VERY revengeful. Easy to get along with and talk to. Has an “every thing’s peachy” attitude. Likes talking and singing. Loves music. Daydreamer. Easily distracted. Hates not being trusted. BIG imagination. Loves to be loved. Hates studying. in need of “that someone”. Longs for freedom. Rebellious when withheld or restricted. Lives by “no pain no gain” caring. Always a suspect. Playful. Mysterious. “charming” or “beautiful” to everyone. stubborn. curious. Independent. Strong willed. A fighter.




SEPTEMBER BABY
Active and dynamic. Decisive and haste but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Usually you have many friends. Enjoys to make love. Emotional. Stubborn. Hasty. Good memory. Moving, motivates oneself and others. Loves to travel and explore. Sometimes sexy in a way that only their lover can understand.




OCTOBER BABY
Loves to chat. Loves those who love them. Loves to takes things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Brave and fearless. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care to control emotions. Unpredictable. Extremely smart, but definitely the hottest AND sexiest of them all.




NOVEMBER BABY
Trustworthy and loyal. Very passionate and dangerous. Wild at times. Knows how to have fun. Sexy and mysterious. Everyone is drawn towards your inner and outer beauty and independent personality. Playful, but secretive. Very emotional and temperamental sometimes. Meets new people easily and very social in a group. Fearless and independent. Can hold their own. Stands out in a crowd. Essentially very smart. Usually, the greatest men are born in this month. If you ever begin a relationship with someone from this month, hold on to them because their one of a kind.




DECEMBER BABY
This straight-up means you are the most good-looking person possible… Better than all of these other months! Loyal and generous. Patriotic. Competitive in everything. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Easy to talk to, though hard to understand. Thinks far with vision, yet complicated to know. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having lots of ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Has that someone always on his/her mind. Talkative. Daydreamer.Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Abiding. Able to show character. One guy/girl kind of person. Loveable. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves music. Pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt.






References:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tagpuan-NG-MGA-OFW-new-version/146488332059018

Business Communication Skills

To begin the topic, I just want to share the following dialogues that I have once read over the internet which I found to be the best example to illustrate simple communication;

The setting is the future, the law at this future date decrees that a woman should produce at least one child within 3 years of marriage. If not, then the Government, in order to boost the falling birthrate, will force the services of a certified Government sire on the hopeless female to assist in the creation of another human being. 

Wife: Well darling, this is the day we’ve been dreading. If I had only known that they would pass a law like this. 

Husband: Yes dear, and there’s no way out of it, the facts are that in view of the falling birthrate, it’s compulsory to have at least one child within 3 years of marriage. Failure to comply will entail the services of a certified Government sire being provided to assist. 

Wife: Oh dear, and the Man from the Government Birth Compulsion Department is due today! What shall I do? Well I must be off to work now. I hope it won't be too awful for you, and that they send you a decent chap to do the job. 

(Kisses Wife ......departs.) Wife later answers a ring on the doorbell. 

Wife: I suppose you are the man from the... 

Man: Good morning! I have come to... 

Wife: Yes, yes, I know. Please come in. Just excuse me for a sec ond. 

Man: (To himself) I suppose this is the right house. I don't know why people cannot bring their babies to the studio to be photographed, instead of dragging me all the way out here. 

Wife: Won't you sit down Mr.... 

Man: Jones is the name. I hope I have come at a convenient time. Your husband is away I suppose? 

Wife: Yes, we thought it would be the best thing to do especially as he can't do the job himself. 

Man: Ah! It's the professional touch that is needed to get really good results. I suggest one on the sofa, two on the rug, one on the edge of the bath and finally one on the bed. 

Wife: Good heavens! I didn't think so many would be necessary. 

Man: Oh yes! We professionals can't get results with  only one attempt, you’ll  be able to say which you like the best and one of them is sure to be a gem. 

Wife: Excuse me, but this seem to be a bit informal doesn't it? 

Man: The whole charm of the thing is in its informality. Would you like to see some samples of my work? ( Produces an album of baby photographs ). Now look at this one. I took four hours to get him, but it's a beauty. 

Wife: Yes it's lovely, to be sure. 

Man: And, look at this one, quite a photograph, a very tough assignment done on top of a bus, in one shot. 

Wife: Good gracious, on top of a bus? 

Man: Yes, the mother was a film star and wanted some publicity. This one I did in Central Park one snowy afternoon. I took from 2 o'clock until five. It was nearly dark when I had finished and the squirrels were nibbling at my equipment. 

Wife: Central Park! Oh my, and twins too! 

Man: Here's a nice job. People were crowded three deep at the end just to see me on the job. 

Wife: Oh! Oh! 

Man: I should never have finished but for the assistance of two policemen. Well, Madam, I think we better get started. Would you be so kind enough to help me with my tripod? 

Wife: Tripod? Whatever for? 

Man: Well you see I've got a 3 foot stand and...With that the poor woman fainted. 


Was the communication clear and were both persons clearly understood what they were talking about their respective states of minds (in particular the woman's) would have been considerably different? 

Communication is indeed essential in one’s life. A day isn’t a day without someone communicating to others. Daily living requires usual communication to convey the need to pay the bills, utilities, buy foods, and of course to persuade our parents to allow us for an out-of-town trip with friends and gimmicks. Business wise, employees need to have good communication towards others. Good communications are basic to successful management.   

Communication is a two way process wherein people transmit or send and receive, be it ideas, information, opinion, or emotion ideas, information, opinion, or emotion ideas, information, opinion, or emotion ideas, information, opinion, or emotion. Nidec Subic, as business partner of Nidec Group, is also aiming to develop communication patterns, between individuals and groups.  

Leader conveys information and instructions through communication, either written or verbal. It’s therefore a vital link between the leader and his or her team and effective communication is the key to good management. 



Here are some aspects to consider for effective Communication Skills; 

Plain Talking 

This, I think, is one of the neglected skills. During my first 2-days orientation at HR Training, I observed that trainers’ used to mention words like “PIC”, “NG”, “SOP”, and many more. As newbies in a group, there’ s a tendency that information that has to be imparted wasn’t able to convey properly because of unfamiliarity of the words being used.  

Nidec, as a manufacturing company, has different types of people working in it with specialization, for example, in Engineering (ECE, ME, IE, COE, Chem Eng, EE), Accountancy, Business Administration, etc., different expertise, varying knowledge, and different training ground, if a team leader would not use “words” that is understandable by a high school student, someone will really be left behind. 

Listening   


Why it is essential? Surely, after all that I have said so far on communications, this question ought not to be asked, but I’m sure that it should be asked,  because nobody really listens! 


It’s a vital communication skill, yet it’s always being taken for granted that people actually listen and understand.  

Most leaders were very eager of communicating all details to his people but it’s still not enough if more often than not, people just wonder while his leader talks. Based on my own experiences, listening is a way to relay information and builds effective communication. The active the listener tend to be, the clearer the instructions he may get, detailed tasks have imparted, and appeal on assignments can be made. 


I am giving the following guidelines that you may use for you to 
become a good listener (excerpt from Ten Rules of Good listening);


1. Look at the speaker 
2. Question the speaker to get clarification 
3. Show concern about the speaker’s feelings 
4. Repeat occasionally to confirm 
5. Don't rush the speaker 
6. Have poise and emotional control 
7. Respond with a nod, a smile or a frown 
8. Pay close attention 
9. Don't interrupt 
10. Keep on the subject till the speaker finishes his or her thoughts 


Negotiating

There were things that cannot be conveyed by telephone or letter. Sometimes, good communication were not able to achieved because most of us assume that tasks and information  relayed through telephone, intranet, and other medium has been coordinated well and we expect it went well. We often overlook that personal coordination or what I want to refer as negotiation, is what we really need to develop to have “effective communication”. We closed items right there and then and made amendments if it doesn’t went well the way we wanted it. 

Leaders are constantly involved in these in the course on their normal work. Their success depends on how they handle their daily negotiations with their teams and top management. They could order their team mates around, but the surest way to accomplish their tasks would be to negotiate with them and gently persuade them onwards to their goal. They should be able to negotiate for what they want and on this they should be quite clear. This is the so-called 'win-win' rather than a 'win-lose' situation, making negotiation a cooperative effort rather than a competitive process. 



CONCLUSION:


Communications are vital in management; in fact, they are the essence of management. We have shown that our communications skills are poor, and the poorest of these is listening. Managers spend a great deal, over half, of their time listening, or at least hearing, and yet they have never had any formal training in this discipline. Negotiation is also what management is about, so I discuss this in order to achieve the 'win-win' situation. A complete revolution in communication technology has and is still under way, but while it is making a most useful contribution, there is an urgent need to stay with the 'basics' of human nature vis-a-vis communications. 



References:     
“Ten Rules of Listening” by American Managemisent Association 
“Potential of the new communications technology” by  Haigh, Gerbner & Byrne (1981) 
“The kernel of the advice given” 
“Plain Talk”