One of the symptoms of HSV 1 or herpes simplex virus 1 is cold sores. These are small fluid filled blisters that are usually present on mucous membranes such as the buccal mucousa or at the mouth. These sores may be swollen and painful. It won’t leave scars as it heals but there are tendencies that it will reappear.

Herpes simplex virus 1 is the one accountable for the formation of cold sores. In fact, cold sores are one of its major symptoms. The virus is infectious and can be transmitted from one person to another. The mode of transmission occurs when there is an exchange of body discharges or when in contact with an active and open blister. Examples of transmission include kissing, sexual intercourse and using the same utensils with someone who is infected with the virus. When blisters are gone, it is not an assurance that you won’t be able to get the virus. HPV1 can still be infectious even if blisters already disappeared. A burning feeling on the skin is the earliest sign before blisters appear.

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As we all know HPV 1 is a communicable disease, it is still significant to get rid of it by being cautious and meticulous in dealing with person having the disease. Hand washing is the simplest form of protecting yourself from catching the virus. It is also advised to avoid touching delicate parts of your body such as on the genital area and on the eyes because these areas where the virus can replicate at its best.

Numerous studies have proved the benefits of using natural alternative cold sore remedies. These remedies are shown to be safe and effective. This article provides the list of effective home remedies for cold sores.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores

Lysine is an amino acid that not produced by our body so it has to be acquired from foods and processed supplements. Foods that contain lysine include red meat, wheat germ and dairy products. Lysine is vital in the production of protein in our bodies which aids in the formation of hormones, antibodies and body tissues. It is responsible in combating another amino acid called argenine. Argenine is an amino acid used by HPV1 in replicating itself. Lysine should be of a higher amount compared to arginine. Foods that contain argenine should be avoided. These foods include chocolates, almonds and peanuts.

Lemon Balm has an antiviral characteristic and is effective in fighting the herpes virus. When lemon balm is administered directly on the blisters it will allow the blister to heal usually in less than five days.

Peppermint oil can get into the skin assisting in the destruction of the virus and preventing its replication.

Reishi and astragalus is useful in augmenting the immune system. It is effective in diminishing the replication of the cold sores virus.

Resveratrol is also helpful in treating HSV 1. This is mainly obtained from red grapes. It helps in repressing the cold sores on lips when topically applied on the sore three to five times daily.

Propolis is also used as a cold sore treatment. Propolis prevents the HSV 1 to penetrate into the cells of the body.

Vegetarians and vegans love peanuts and peanut butter for the protein and nutrients they provide. Parents choose peanut butter because it’s a healthy, low sugar snack. While many tout the health benefits of peanuts, food lovers alike still wonder if peanut butter is good for you even though it contains saturated fats. So, is peanut butter good for you? The answer is yes, depending on what type of peanut butter you choose to buy. From looking at the health benefits of peanuts to picking the best natural peanut butter to buy, take a look at the following health tips for this delicious snack.

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

The benefits of peanut butter make it a perfect snack for people interested in their wellbeing. From the protein peanut butter provides to the nutrients you can’t find in other foods, some of the benefits of peanut butter include:

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• Resveratrol: This antioxidant helps prevent damage from free radicals and maintains overall health. A powerful antioxidant that is found in higher concentrations in peanut butter processed with skins intact, look for all natural peanut butter if you’re interesting in increasing reveratrol intake.
• Protein: For vegetarians, vegans, and those who seldom eat meat, getting enough protein is often a challenge. Eating peanut butter for a snack or during a meal will help boost essential protein intake.
• Folate (Iron): Iron is an important nutrient for proper blood health and nervous function. For those who are anemic or iron deficient, try adding peanut butter to the diet.
• Dietary Fiber: With most people not getting enough fiber in their diets, peanut butter is a great way get the fiber you need. Try pairing peanut butter with fibrous toast to boost fiber intake. Often, the healthiest peanut butter also contains the most fiber.
• Vitamins B and E: Both of these vitamins are important for overall health and are found plentifully in peanuts and peanut butter. Again, look for peanut butter made with the skins intact during processing.

Depends on the Brand You Buy

So, it seems as if we’ve found the answer to the question “is peanut butter healthy,” but be aware that health benefits are directly related to the type of peanut butter your purchase for you and your family. Peanut butter can become an unhealthy snack with added sugars, preservatives, and emulsifiers. So if you’re interesting in finding out what to avoid on peanut butter labels, take a look at the following.

• Glyceryl monostearate or distearate: These preservatives keep the natural oils of peanut butter from separating. These additives are not a healthy option, though. Take a look at the labels before purchasing and look for these items. Even though peanut butter without these compounds will separate, they’re a healthier option.
• Palm oil: This oil is another cheap emulsifier used to keep peanut butter from separating. Palm oil contains fats that are unhealthy. In fact, peanut butter with palm oil contains up to 20% more saturated fat than peanut butter without the oil does.
• Dextrose, sucrose or fructose: These three items are basically sugar in disguise, heightening the unhealthiness of the peanut butter you eat. While some added sugar is okay, peanut butter that contains too much sugar is not a healthy option.

Is Peanut Butter Good for You?

Peanut butter is a natural, healthy option for those looking to increase the amount of protein, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals in their diets. Be aware, though, that some peanut butters with added preservatives and emulsifiers will only be detrimental to your health. Even though peanut butters without these additives will separate, avoid the health problems they cause and go natural. Look at the labels when shopping and pick a peanut butter that will be healthy to you and your diet.

Juicing has become a popular addition to a healthy life style for many. The growth of its popularity can be attributed to ( mostly) the famous and successful Jack Lalanne  power juicer infomercial. Jack Lalanne gave juicing a new light, and helped bring the practice of juicing more into the main stream. He couldn’t be a better example of how juicing benefits health. Now at the amazing age of 94, Jack Lalanne still works out 2 hours everyday!

Juicing Benefits for the Heart
Study after study has shown that those who eat (and drink) lots of fruits and vegetables are considerably less likely to develop heart disease. The juicing benefits for the heart are attributed to the high levels of antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, and also include phytochemical flavonoids and carotenoids. Antioxidants scavange free radicals and disarm them so they can be flushed out of the body.

These free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage our cells causing disease and premature aging. There is no avoiding free radicals, they are the by-products of chemicals reactions that go on in the body. They are also found in UV light and pollution. The only solution is to provide ourselves daily with lots of antioxidants – juicing is one of the best methods for this.

There are specific antioxidants like vitamin C, beta carotene, hesperiden and naringenin that have been shown to protect arteries from free radical attacks that.  These free radicals damage LDL cholesterol in the blood. In turn these damaged cholesterol cells becoming part of the artery wall and harden causing atherosclerosis, a condition that is a leading cause of heart disease. Juicing carrots will provide you with the heart health benefits of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Whereas citrus fruits will provide you with the juicing benefit of the antioxidants naringenin and hesperedin.

Heart Healthy Juice #1
3 – 4 apples

When juicing apples, it is recommended to juice them with the skins on. The skin contains a lot of fiber. Studies show that eating fiber lowers cholesterol levels. Another study has also shown that drinking 12 ounces of apple juice everyday lowers cholesterol levels in humans.

Heart Healthy Juice #2
1 cup of bluberries
1 cup of blackberries
1 cup of raspberries
8 – 10 strawberries

The juicing benefits of blueberries and blackberries include heart health anthocyanins and resveratrol.  Anthocyanins and resveratrol are the antioxidants that are considered as the heart healthy components of red wine. All berries are also a good sources of vitamin C.