Top 10 Unusual Uses For Beer

While beer and wine seldom lasts long in my household, from time to time there is the odd can or bottle left over after a party. When this rare event occurs, the leftovers can be put to use in a huge variety of ways – many of which most people would never think of. This list should help you use up your leftover beer. If you have any other tips for leftover beer, be sure to tell us in the comments.

10

Soak in it

Beer is an excellent skin conditioner. Next time you want to have a long soak in the bath, tip in a good can of dark beer before you hop in and just soak in it! This is a nice alternative to adding salt crystals (which soften water), but I see no reason that you couldn’t combine both for a super luxurious bath. Just don’t be tempted to drink the bathwater! Oh – and be careful if you go outside afterwards on a hot day (see item 4).

9

Soothe an Upset Tummy

This is my favorite item on the list. If you have a stomach upset, slowly sipping a can of beer can help to settle it down – and the alcohol has an anesthetic effect which helps to alleviate the pain. As most of us will know, this is also a very effective hangover cure! Just be sure not to use this trick if you have an ulcer or gastritis.

8

Polish Your Furniture

Beer is a surprisingly good wood furniture polish. Let a can of beer go completely stale and flat and pour a little onto a polishing cloth. Buff your timber furniture and follow up with a final dry buff. You will be amazed at how brilliant and shiny your furniture will end up looking.

7

Marinate Meat

Beer makes an excellent marinade. It really doesn’t matter what meat you are preparing – it will benefit almost all types from a few hours (the longer the better) in a marinade of beer. You can get really adventurous too – add any flavors you like to the beer – even things like marmalade or jam. A more common addition would be soy sauce or other Asian sauces. If you are marinating pork, you might want to add some chunks of pineapple and pineapple juice with some ginger for a sweet and sour result.

6

Naturally Remove Slugs

Slugs are a terrible pest in a garden – particularly if you are growing for eating. Instead of using chemicals like DDT on your veges, bury a small saucer up to its lip in the garden and put fresh beer in it each day. The slugs will be attracted to the smell, get drunk and drown. Be sure to refresh the beer daily. With a little luck you should have a saucer full of slugs and healthy looking cabbages!

5

Fertilize Your Garden

The yeast and other extracts in a can of beer are very good for plants. If you end up with a pile of left-over half-drunk cans or bottles of beer, tip them out onto the garden. Just watch out for cigarette butts if your guests use them for ashtrays – while some plants do like nicotine extract, not all do and you could kill your prize plants.

4

Deter Bees

Bees and wasps are attracted to beer – so instead of spending a fortune on citronella oils or candles, try putting a few open beer cans around the yard at your next BBQ. Obviously you should put the cans away from where people will be sitting or standing. Oh – and make sure no one decides to have a swig from one of the cans when they are drunk – it will result in a very unpleasant (and potentially lethal) situation!

3

Wash Your Hair

Beer “shampoo” can add luster and body to dull limp hair. It is also a much more natural alternative to store-bought shampoos which contain a lot of chemicals. Just mix one can of beer with a raw egg and use it as you would use a normal shampoo. It was quite common in days gone by to use raw eggs for shampoo – it even lathers up like the chemical stuff. Try it – I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. Just keep in mind that the shampoo will go off if you don’t use it within a couple of days. This is probably best as a once-a-month special treatment. You can also use beer on its own as a conditioner – rinse your hair with it, let it dry off, then rinse it off.

2

Make a Batter

When making a batter, you often add a little raising agent – usually baking powder. In this recipe, you use beer – the bubbles in the drink and the yeast provide the raising. So, here is the recipe: put 1.5 cups of flour and 1/2 a teaspoon of salt in to a bowl. Pour in 1 12oz can of beer while mixing. That is it! If the batter is too thick, add more beer. If it is too thin, add a little more flour. If you are planning to use this batter with fish, dredge the fish in flour first – remembering to shake off the excess. This is a great tasting batter that I use all the time.

1

BBQ a Chicken

This has to be one of the easiest recipes around. You simply take a full opened can of beer, stand a chicken on it, and throw it on the barbeque (well – don’t literally throw it – that could be very messy!) The beer can is inserted in the neck area (where you would normally stuff the chicken) and stood upright. While the chicken cooks, the beer heats up and subtly flavors the meat. You end up with a tasty and surprisingly moist chicken. You should also rub a little olive oil over the chicken and salt and pepper it before starting. If you have a favorite “rub” you can add that too. Oh – make sure you drink half of the can first – it should be half full when starting out. I am sure you will have no trouble finding someone to help you with that part of the recipe. Cook the chicken with the BBQ lid on for approximately 1 1/4 hours or until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F in the breast area and 180 degrees F in the thigh (or the juices run clear if you pierce it with a knife).

8 Herbal Teas for Cold and Flu Season

Discover some of the best herbal teas for cold and flu season!

Cooler weather has arrived and along with the season’s signature sweaters, thick blankets, and cozy fires, drinking tea can be a great way to eliminate the chill. And, if you choose one of the many herbs that fight off cold and flu viruses and alleviate sinus congestion, you’ll doubly reap the rewards of herbal tea-totaling. Here are some of the best herbs for cold weather.

HERBAL TEAS FOR COLD AND FLU SEASON

1. Echinacea

Exciting research in the medical journal Advances in Therapy found that Echinacea extracts powerfully reduce the risk of recurring respiratory infections, while also lowering the risk of pneumonia, ear infections, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis.

Even if you already have a respiratory infection, Echinacea has been shown time after time to reduce the severity of symptoms. In one study published in the journal Cell Immunology, researchers found that Echinacea significantly reduced the symptoms of upper respiratory infections. Echinacea demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory properties that are likely responsible for these effects.

2. Elderberry and Elder Flower

Elderberry has a lengthy history of use as a natural cold and flu fighter. 

Research in the journal Nutrients found that it significantly reduced the duration of colds in those who contracted cold viruses compared to those using a placebo.

In its herb texts, Dominion Herbal College in British Columbia, Canada, recommends a strong peppermint and elder tea to promote perspiration and fend off oncoming colds and flus. According to the college: “To make this traditional remedy, steep one tablespoon each peppermint leaves and elder flowers in hot water. Drink a half to a full cup every 30 to 45 minutes at the first sign of a cold or flu, until you start perspiring. Then take two tablespoons every hour or two until your fever breaks or your symptoms improve.”

3. Ginger

More and more exciting research showcases ginger’s potency against viruses and bacteria alike, even when antibiotic or antiviral drugs fail, according to world-renowned herbalist, Stephen Harrod Buhner in his book Herbal Antivirals.  That’s great news as we attempt to eliminate nasty viruses this time of year.

4. Melissa/Lemon Balm

While Melissa, also known as lemon balm, is widely known for its antiviral effects, particularly against the herpes virus, newer research has begun to test the virus against other viral diseases, including the flu.

In one study researchers found that Melissa essential oil effectively inhibited the bird flu virus. More research needs to be done to confirm the study but these initial results offer promise in this regard. And, since Melissa is such a lovely-tasting and safe herb, why wait for more study results when you can start enjoying it immediately?

5. Oregano

While it may not be the best tasting tea you ever drank, oregano has long been held in regard as a potent natural anti-infectious herb, with proven effects against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is in the latter capacity that you’ll want to include oregano tea into your daily regime to help keep cold and flu viruses at bay.

6. Peppermint

Author of The Green Pharmacy and botanist, James Duke, PhD, recommends peppermint tea to help alleviate sinus congestion. If your sinuses feel congested, drink a cup of peppermint tea two to three times daily.

7. Thyme

Thyme has been approved by the German government as a treatment for coughs, respiratory infections, bronchitis, and whooping cough. Flavonoids found in the plant have been found to relax muscles in the trachea linked to coughing and inflammation.

8. Yarrow

In the herb world, yarrow is known as one of the best herbs to induce sweating. Why would you actually want to increase sweating? It is well known among herbal practitioners that sweating helps to reduce fevers and help the body fight off infections. Sweating is one of the best ways for the body to reduce its internal temperature and eliminate toxic buildup linked to infections.

HOW TO MAKE HERBAL TEA FOR COLD AND FLU SEASON

• Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of crushed fresh or dried herb (leaves, except in the case of elder in which the flowers or berries are used, or ginger in which the fresh or dried root is used) to 1 cup of boiled water.
• Let steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Strain and drink.

Of course, you can mix and match herbs to get the perfect blend for your needs and taste preferences. Peppermint tends to boost the flavor of any herbal tea. Drink 3 cups daily for maximum therapeutic effect. Be sure to check with your doctor if you suffer from any health conditions or are taking and pharmaceutical drugs.

What is the Best Diet for a Healthy Heart?

The improvement of arterial function on a whole food, plant-based diet appears so pronounced that cardiac patients can achieve a 90% reduction in angina attacks.

Endothelial dysfunction is the initial step in the development of peripheral artery disease, heart disease, and stroke. 

We can retain the arterial function we had in our 20s into our 60s, like the elderly Chinese. This possibility may be due in part to green tea intake, but “[o]ther important dietary differences relating to increased consumption of vegetables and fish, with lower consumption of [other meat and dairy] in the traditional Chinese diet, may be contributing to the protection observed in older Chinese arteries.”

It’s probably not the fish. Pooling all the best double-blind, placebo-controlled studies found that fish oil supplementation has no significant effect on endothelial function. In by far the largest study done to date, a comparison of doses of fish oil equivalent to one, two, or four servings of fish per week found no effects of these long-chain omega-3 fats. 

This is consistent with studies that have looked at whole fish consumption as well. Overall, there was no significant association between fish intake and endothelial function. In fact, in women, those eating the most fish had the worst arterial function. Women who ate fish more than twice a week had significantly impaired endothelial function compared to those who never or only rarely ate fish.

So, if it’s not the fish, could it be the plants? Vegetarian diets appear to have a directly beneficial effect on endothelial function. Indeed, vegetarians’ arteries dilate four times better than omnivores’ arteries. But, could that simply be because vegetarians tend to smoke less? Within five minutes of smoking a single cigarette, our endothelium is brought to its knees, completely clamped down, and this happens if you’re a smoker or simply breathing in second-hand smoke.

But the diet study excluded all smokers completely. The beneficial effects were independent of non-dietary risk factors. In fact, a healthy diet may even trump smoking. The preservation of endothelial function in older Chinese may help explain why they have such low heart attack rates despite their high prevalence of cigarette smoking.

And, the improved arterial function was well correlated with the duration of eating vegetarian: The longer they ate healthy, the better their endothelial function appeared to be. That was a cross-sectional study, though, a snapshot in time, so you can’t prove cause and effect. What we need is an interventional trial—put people on a plant-based diet and see if their arterial function improves—which is exactly what Dr. Dean Ornish did, showinga significant boost in arterial function compared to control.

Is this just some intangible risk factor test result, though, or does it actually have real world implications? Are their arteries naturally dilating so much better that their chest pain actually improves? Ornish showed that on his plant-based diet and lifestyle program, cardiac patients had a 91 percent reduction in angina attacks. In contrast, control group patients, who instead were told to follow the advice of their personal physicians for diet and lifestyle advice, had a 186 percent increase in reported angina attacks.

This “marked reduction in frequency, severity, and duration of angina [chest pain with the plant-based lifestyle intervention]…was sustained at similar levels after 5 years. This long-term reduction in angina is comparable with that achieved following coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty,” but without the knife.

But that was back in the 1990s, when Ornish was only studying a few dozen patients at a time. How about a thousand patients put on a healthy lifestyle track with a whole-food, plant-based diet? Within three months, nearly three-quarters of angina patients became angina-free. 

Girl Gets Stuck In The Head Of Barney The Purple Dinosaur (7 pics)

15-year-old Darby got her head stuck in the head of a Barney costume. She wanted to prank her friends by scaring them with it but karma had other plans. At least, her friends had some fun when they tried to get her out of it even though their efforts weren’t successful. 

Darby told WVTM-13, “I, like, look over by the couch and I see the Barney head, and I was just like, ‘You know what? I’m just going to put it on. It seemed like a fun way to scare her friends, and how could one possibly resist putting on a Barney costume if it’s just lying around?”

“They laid me down on the floor and Meredith took my feet and Sam took the head and they both pulled opposite directions.”

Of course, her friends took advantage of the situation and drove her to the fire station.

“When she first got there, we looked at it and it was tight. It had come down around her shoulders and was holding her arms, which looked kind of like dinosaur arms because she could bend from the elbows down, and it was little comical,” Lt. Vince Bruno of Trussville Fire and Rescue told WVTM-13.

Can You Guess How Old She Is? (17 pics)

This is Ye Wen, a mother of one, from China. The photos of her super-toned body gone viral on the web after people found out that she actually looks decades younger than she really is. Her youthful look left speechless a lot of people. 

Incredible Ye Wen is 50 years old and the secret of her youthfulness, her flawless, wrinkle-free skin and well-toned body is everyday swimming and frequent gym sessions.

This is how she looked like when she was 30. She picked up swimming at around that time.

8 Fermented Foods to Boost Digestion and Health

Fermentation is a process that involves the breakdown of sugars by bacteria and yeast. Not only does this help enhance the preservation of foods, but eating fermented foods can also boost the number of beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, found in your gut. Probiotics have been associated with a variety of health benefits, including improved digestion, better immunity and even increased weight loss (1, 2, 3).

Here are 8 fermented foods to enjoy that have been shown to improve health and digestion.

1. KEFIR

Kefir is a type of cultured dairy product. It is made by adding kefir grains, which are made up of a combination of yeast and bacteria, to milk. This results in a thick and tangy beverage with a taste that is often compared to yogurt.

Studies have shown that kefir may come with many benefits, affecting everything from digestion to inflammation to bone health. In one small study, kefir was shown to improve the digestion of lactose in 15 people with lactose intolerance. Those who are lactose intolerant are unable to digest the sugars in dairy products, resulting in symptoms like cramps, bloating and diarrhea (4). Another study found that consuming 6.7 ounces (200 ml) of kefir daily for six weeks decreased markers of inflammation, a known contributor to the development of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer (5, 6). Kefir may also help enhance bone health. One study looked at the effects of kefir on 40 people with osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak, porous bones. After six months, the group consuming kefir was found to have improved bone mineral density, compared to a control group (7).

Enjoy kefir on its own or use it to give your smoothies and blended drinks a boost.

2. TEMPEH

Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans that have been pressed into a compact cake. This high-protein meat substitute is firm but chewy and can be baked, steamed or sautéed before being added to dishes.

In addition to its impressive probiotic content, tempeh is rich in many nutrients that may better your health. For example, soy protein has been shown to reduce certain risk factors for heart disease. One study in 42 people with high cholesterol looked at the effects of eating either soy protein or animal protein. Those eating soy protein had a 5.7% decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol, a 4.4% reduction in total cholesterol and a 13.3% reduction in blood triglycerides (8). Additionally, a test-tube study found that certain plant compounds in tempeh could act as antioxidants, helping reduce the buildup of free radicals, which are harmful compounds that can contribute to chronic disease (9). 

Tempeh is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Use it for anything from sandwiches to stir-fries to take advantage of its many health benefits.

3. NATTO

Natto is a staple probiotic food in traditional Japanese cuisine and, like tempeh, made from fermented soybeans. It contains a good amount of fiber, providing 5 grams per 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving (10). Fiber may help support digestive health. It moves through the body undigested, adding bulk to stool to help promote regularity and alleviate constipation (11).

Natto is also high in vitamin K, an important nutrient that’s involved in the metabolism of calcium and plays a major role in bone health. In one study of 944 women, natto intake was associated with reduced bone loss in those who were postmenopausal (12). The fermentation of natto also produces an enzyme called nattokinase. One study in 12 people showed that supplementing with nattokinase helped prevent and dissolve blood clots (13). Another study also found that supplementing with this enzyme helped reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 5.5 and 2.84 mmHg, respectively (14).

Natto has a very strong flavor and slippery texture. It is often paired with rice and served as part of a digestion-boosting breakfast.

4. KOMBUCHA

Kombucha is a fermented tea that is fizzy, tart and flavorful. It is made from either black or green tea and contains their potent health-promoting properties. Animal studies show that drinking kombucha could help prevent liver toxicity and damage caused by exposure to harmful chemicals (15, 16, 17). Test-tube studies have also found that kombucha could help induce cancer cell death and block the spread of cancer cells (18, 19). One animal study even found that kombucha helped reduce blood sugar, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol (20).

Although most of the current research is limited to test-tube and animal studies, the benefits of kombucha and its components are promising. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine how kombucha may affect humans.

Thanks to its rising popularity, kombucha can be found at most major grocery stores. It can also be made at home, though it should be prepared carefully to prevent contamination or over-fermentation.

5. MISO

Miso is a common seasoning in Japanese cuisine. It’s made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji, a type of fungus. It is most often found in miso soup, a flavorful dish made up of miso paste and stock that is traditionally served for breakfast.

In addition to its probiotic content, several studies have found health benefits tied to miso. In one study including 21,852 women, consuming miso soup was linked to a lower risk of breast cancer (21). Miso may also help lower blood pressure and protect heart health. In fact, a study in rats found that the long-term consumption of miso soup helped normalize blood pressure (22). Another study in over 40,000 people showed that a higher intake of miso soup was associated with a lower risk of stroke (23). Remember that many of these studies show an association, but they don’t take other factors into consideration. More studies are needed to evaluate miso’s health effects.

Besides stirring miso into soup, you can try using it to glaze cooked vegetables, spice up salad dressings or marinate meat.

6. KIMCHI

Kimchi is a popular Korean side dish that is usually made from fermented cabbage, although it can also be made from other fermented vegetables like radishes. It boasts an extensive array of health benefits and may be especially effective when it comes to lowering cholesterol and reducing insulin resistance. Insulin is responsible for transporting glucose from the blood to the tissues. When you sustain high levels of insulin for long periods, your body stops responding to it normally, resulting in high blood sugar and insulin resistance. In one study, 21 people with prediabetes consumed either fresh or fermented kimchi for eight weeks. By the end of the study, those consuming fermented kimchi had decreased insulin resistance, blood pressure and body weight (24). In another study, people were given a diet with either a high or low amount of kimchi for seven days. Interestingly, a higher intake of kimchi led to greater decreases in blood sugar, blood cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol (25).

Kimchi is easy to make and can be added to everything from noodle bowls to sandwiches.

7. SAUERKRAUT

Sauerkraut is a popular condiment consisting of shredded cabbage that has been fermented by lactic acid bacteria. It is low in calories but contains plenty of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K (26). It also contains a good amount of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that help promote eye health and reduce the risk of eye disease (27). The antioxidant content of sauerkraut may also have promising effects on cancer prevention. One test-tube study showed that treating breast cancer cells with cabbage juice decreased the activity of certain enzymes related to cancer formation (28). However, the current evidence is limited and more research is needed to look at how these findings may translate to humans.

You can use sauerkraut in just about anything. Throw it in your next casserole, add it to a hearty bowl of soup or use it to top off a satisfying sandwich. To get the most health benefits, be sure to choose unpasteurized sauerkraut, as the process of pasteurization kills off beneficial bacteria.

8. PROBIOTIC YOGURT

Yogurt is produced from milk that has been fermented, most commonly with lactic acid bacteria. It is high in many important nutrients, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin and vitamin B12 (29). Yogurt has also been associated with a wide variety of health benefits. One review of 14 studies showed that fermented milk products like probiotic yogurt could help reduce blood pressure, especially in those with high blood pressure (30). Another study found that a higher intake of yogurt was linked to improvements in bone mineral density and physical function in older adults (31). It may also help keep your waistline in check. A recent review showed that eating yogurt was associated with a lower body weight, less body fat and a smaller waist circumference (32). Remember that not all yogurt varieties contain probiotics, as these beneficial bacteria are often killed during processing.

Look for yogurts that contain live cultures to make sure you’re getting your dose of probiotics. Additionally, make sure to opt for yogurts with minimal added sugar.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Fermentation can help increase both the shelf life and health benefits of many different foods. The probiotics found in fermented foods have been associated with improvements in digestion, immunity, weight loss and more (1, 2, 3). In addition to containing these beneficial probiotics, fermented foods can positively impact many other aspects of health and are an excellent addition to your diet.