Role of Ascorbic acid and Other Absorption Promoters

Ascorbic acid is the most potent enhancer of iron absorption (7, 28-32). By adding substantial quantities of ascorbic acid to a plant-based meal, iron absorption may be increased as much as 6-fold (28). This influence is most pronounced in meals that contain high levels of phytates and polyphenols (31). The solubilizing effect of ascorbic acid counterbalances the negative consequences of dietary fiber and phytic acid (7).
In iron deficient individuals, vitamin C greatly enhances iron absorption from foods when consumed in the same meal (33). In individuals with normal iron status, vitamin C has a lesser effect on improving iron absorption. The absorption-enhancing effect is much smaller when the vitamin C is taken 4 to 8 hours before the meal. Both synthetic and dietary ascorbic acid enhance iron absorption (7). For meals consumed in the morning, the iron-enhancing effect of vitamin C is high. With meals consumed later in the day, the effect may be somewhat dampened.
When food is held at warm temperatures, ascorbic acid is oxidized and the iron absorption enhancing effect is decreased (33, 34). Ascorbic acid also increases the iron bioavailability of those iron compounds used in fortification (2). Citric, malic or tartaric acids found in fruits and vegetables improve iron absorption two- to four-fold (35). Lactic acid, found in sauerkraut also enhances iron absorption (35). There is limited information about the influence of vitamin C on zinc bioavailability.
PolyphenolsPolyphenols commonly present in many vegetables include phenolic acids, flavonoids and their polymerization products (35). There are numerous kinds of phenolic compounds in beverages such as tea and coffee, herbal teas, cocoa and red wine. These compounds form insoluble complexes with iron and may exist as an "iron-tannin" complex and thus inhibit iron absorption (5,15). The relative order of polyphenol content per cup of beverage follows the following order: black tea>coffee>cocoa>herbal teas. There is reason to believe that in iron deficient individuals, drinking polyphenol-containing cocoa, tea or coffee beverages along with a phytate-containing wheat-, rice- or maize-based meal may further compromise iron status. For clients with severe iron deficiency, use of herbal teas may be the preferred option. Similarly, phenolics present in vegetables such as butter beans, spinach and lentils may strongly inhibit iron absorption from a composite meal

Menopause Insomnia

Menopause Insomnia

Natural Cures for Insomnia

There are fairly a few natural cures for insomnia so hold confirmed successful for many people. While not a single one of the following suggestions is going to make every effort perfectly for me experiencing of sleep problems, there is normal somewhat right here too can at the very least spark your own ideas of how to achieve a restful sleep tonight.

Musical Sleep Induction

There are quite a few different musical CDs or downloads available online that will help your body relax, your mind turn off, and encourage the sleep process to begin. You may want to seek out different types of musical downloads online, purchase a CD or even a DVD with calming imagery, or simply use lullaby music intended to help infants go to sleep.

This is more likely to work if you ensure your sleep environment is as comfortable and clean as possible and completely relax into the music. Focus on the music and nothing else.

Natural Sleep Supplements

Many people swear by natural supplement products such as valerian root and there may be some level of legitimacy to these claims. The thing is you have to take these supplements on a very consistent basis to allow the long term effects to take root. You also have to ensure you choose a very natural supplement that is not filled with other ingredients.

Evening Routine

Developing one evening routine that you follow strictly every single evening can help by allowing your body to get on a regular system. Limit your activities to those that encourage you to unwind and relax. Go to sleep at the same time every night and try to avoid stress and emotionally upsetting news or TV programs within a few hours of lying down. Do your body a favour. Have a good sleep tonight! Download your Menopause Insomnia

Budget and wedding flowers

Are you planning for your wedding and running out of budget for the wedding flowers? There are ways to have an elegant wedding without breaking the bank while getting your wedding flowers on a budget. All you need is some imagination and some helping hands to have wedding beautiful flowers on the cheap, while you spend money on other important things.
First, check with the local florist (and go to more than one) to check the rates of the flowers in the month of your wedding. Compare the prices and identify the cheapest ones. If you have some specific flowers in mind, then you can still buy them but pair them up with the cheapest flowers of the season in order to somehow fit into your budget.
If you still haven’t picked a location for the wedding and the cost of the wedding flowers is really bothering you, then consider choosing a garden or a restaurant with a garden as the venue. Then you won’t have to worry about buying wedding flowers (except bouquets for the wedding party).
Another wise choice in scheduling your wedding with flowers in mind is to place the date near Christmas or Easter. The church will be already decorated for the occasion and you won’t have to go all out with buying flowers to decorate at teh ceremony.
You can also select a venue which has already booked another couple on the same day but at a different time. You can talk to the couple about splitting the costs of the flower decoration, which will save you both a lot of money.
If you have enough time before your wedding and insist on having DIY budget wedding flowers, you can plant the flowers in your garden and also have your family and friends grow them for you. By wedding time, the flowers will be ready for use, and you’ll only have to cut and arrange them.
Don’t forget to get creative with your wedding flowers. You can decorate the flowers with ribbons, streamers, mirrors and other decorative items, so the number of flowers you need to purchase is fewer and well within your budget.
Locate a wholesale florist in your neighborhood and check the prices of flowers with them. It’s most likely that their prices will not be as steep and will be ideal for elegant as well as cost effective wedding flowers.
Avoid getting married in the month of February, especially close to the Valentine’s day, as the cost of the flowers is definitely on the rise then because of higher demand. Plan well, think seasonal and look out for opportunities to be creative, and you’ll have the best wedding flowers on a budget!

Buying Silk Flowers

Buying Silk Flowers: Price Versus QualityObviously, there are vast differences in the craftsmanship and price of silk flowers. That old saying is still true — you get what you are willing to pay for.
Although we collectively call them silk flowers, artificial flowers, plants and foliage can incorporate many different materials these days. Silk, polyester, parchment, velvet, latex, special coatings and finishing treatments...there is something to suit everyone's tastes and design ideas. Year round, you'll have lots of choices when buying silk flowers.
In the low price range, a silk stem might have only a single blossom and nothing more. Another could have several blossoms with a few leaves attached. Stems are made of molded plastic. There are few or no wire inserts in stems, branches, petals and leaves to aid in shaping.
Overall height could be from 8 to 12 inches. Retail price per stem might be from 69 cents to a few dollars, depending on the construction involved for the type of flower.
Artificial flowers in this price range are generally found in variety stores or department stores. They are acceptable in many arrangements, but be warned that lower priced silks are limited in realism and 'workability.'
For a higher price you can get more realistic reproductions. These higher-end silk flowers may have wired petals, leaves and branches. You can bend and shape them to look incredibly lifelike. They can have very long stems, measuring up to 2 feet and more. Petals and details may be hand-painted. The stems may be hand-wrapped with a natural colored floral tape. Retail price per stem can range from $4 to $10 or more. Again, this depends on the construction involved for the type of flower.
You can find these quality silk flowers in flower shops and the better floral craft stores
It's nice to have choices, and in the last five years artificial flowers have been pushed to even higher levels of realism. The cream of the crop even goes by a special designation — 'botanically correct.' Careful attention is given to every shape and detail. Blossoms may be coated in, or molded of, latex to give them a 'real feel' and finish. Fuzz may be embedded right into stems and leaves. Although latex elements may not be wired for extra shaping, that is probably not necessary at this level. When buying silk flowers of this highest quality, you get a true and faithful reproduction of the real thing. Astounding!
These top-level artificial florals may be found at the consumer level, but are more readily accessible to floral trade professionals.

Wedding flowers

When it's time to plan your wedding day, you wedding flowers will be a big part of the ceremony. While the scenery alone will add a beautiful touch, choosing the right flowers can be a difficult process. However, if we can help you make this a lot easier, the day will be even more special than you can imagine.

Most brides begin their search by looking at the various colors and figuring out the meaning of each one. Even though many of your guests won't realize it in the beginning, conversations will start to arise about the meanings. It's a great way to bring uniqueness to your wedding day.

For instance, if your focus is on true love, then say it with your wedding flowers. Obviously there are several different flowers that give off this meaning, so choosing the right one for your wedding will take a little time. While one choice will be more than enough, it doesn't mean you have to stick with one. We tell many brides the more you choose, the deeper the feeling is about one another. Whether its pansies, red roses, forget-me-nots or baby's breath, they all pertain to a love that is symbolic in more ways than one.

Then again, marriage isn't just about love. So we're never surprised when others are chosen to express joy and hope, goodness, or beauty. In the same order these wedding flowers would be Calendula, irises, zinneas, orchids, and call lilies.

Want to say something about the constancy or lasting love that the two of you have? Well, there are wedding flowers that can say that too. Choose scarlet zinneas if you want to show constancy, while magenta zinneas will show affection that is lasting. Sunflowers speak of loyalty that lasts, and primroses mean that you can't live without that person.

Often brides want to use flowers for good luck or for good things in the future. Bells of Ireland make a perfect choice, since they symbolize good luck. Orange blossoms are thought to bring about wisdom, and white violets deal with happiness.

These are only a few examples to the many wedding flowers you have out there. If you truly want your wedding day to be perfect, then finding the right meaning behind your flowers will be important. In the beginning there will only be a few people that truly understand the meanings, but before long the conversations will surface at an unbelievable rate. It's just an enjoyable part to your wedding planning.

So before you walk down the aisle, say something special with an array of wedding flowers. Even though most people won't understand, letting your soon-to-be spouse in on their meanings will create a stronger bond between you. If by chance you let others know, we suggest adding this to your wedding bulletins. The respect of your marriage will only be magnified.