First published in Daily Tribune under Anthony Vivero's Vibes and Vision dated March 2, 2009.
What will I do with all the money in this world if I don’t have a day to spend it in a healthy and happy manner? I am willing to give half of my money, all of my P60 million worth of bank deposits to anyone who can give me another leash in life!”
That was the statement of a dying man 10 years ago. Being a healer, I was approached by a friend who knew this man. I agreed to heal him and scheduled the date, but not to try my luck with the offer because with half of the treasure or without it, I would still find the best possible way to heal him. Sadly, that was his last statement. Soon I was given the information that he had passed on and I never got the chance to visit him.
He died with all the money and worldly treasures any mortal would wish for. He may have been very good in making money, but he wasn’t able to use it to buy even a single day for an extended life to enjoy and savor. It was rather too late. All the power of money can never replace a good and healthy life.
Health is indeed wealth, as the saying goes. But do we need to spend a fortune to be healthy? Not really. Here are some frugal ways to be able to live long and experience the happiness a healthy body brings to our life, a treasure only a fit body can bring.
Dos and Dont’s
1. Do not eat too much, especially fast food products. Do eat lots of fruits and vegetables as your alternatives. Eat boiled bananas or camote fruits as replacements for hamburgers or pizzas.
2. Do not drink soft drinks or instant juices too often. Do drink natural fruit juices, tea and chocolate or rice coffee.
3. Do not ride all the time. People who prefer to ride all the time end up in wheelchairs for the rest of their lives. Do use your feet more often, and you will be walking more distance in your entire life.
4. Do not eat just because it is time to do so. Noontime does not mean that it is lunch time and you “have” to eat. Do eat when your stomach starts feeling the hunger. Don’t let time dictate your needs, let you body do it for you.
5. Do not overwork yourself. Do have “power naps” when you feel tired.
6. Do not go to malls too often. Do spend more time in parks or near the seashores. These are nature walks and they are food for our body and senses.
7. Do not watch too much television. Do spend more time talking with friends and loved ones.
8. Do not get angry and stop shouting too often. Do laugh more and be happy as often as you can muster.
9. Do not ask God for everything that you need and want. Do thank God for anything that you have and currently possess.
10. Do not blame others for your problems and misfortunes. Do have faith that others may be able to help you with your problems, and thus have a better future ahead for you.
Healthy food to eat
1. Onion — A powerful cancer fighting food. Studies made by the American National Cancer Institute states that eating onions significantly lowers the risks of prostrate and esophageal cancers. An onion contains diallyl sulphide, which increases the body’s production of Glutathione S, which is a vital cancer-fighting enzyme. Raw or cooked, the potency remains the same.
2. Garlic — Known as the poor man’s antibiotic, it is scientifically and medically proven to treat leprosy, colds and flu, kill worms and parasites, lower fat level, prevent blood clotting, prevent high cholesterol, blood pressure and strokes. Eat one or two cloves a day. If you eat it raw, it will even prevent colon cancer, as long it is taken with your stomach full.
3. Saluyot/Corchorus/Jute — Almost considered as ordinary grass here in the Philippines, for Ilocanos the saluyot is a staple in their meals. The saluyot leaf is rich in beta-carotene, iron, calcium and Vitamin C. It contains a very good dose of the antioxidant tocopherol, equivalent to Vitamin E, that enables nutrients to be absorbed by the blood cells. For clear skin, eat saluyot! It was the source of health and beauty among the Egyptian royalties in the olden times — Cleopatra was said to have eaten saluyot to stay young and healthy.
4. Malunggay/Moringa — The best source for calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, protein and Vitamin C. The leaves and fruits are both edible. The bark and the tree are used as medicine (though the roots are poisonous and should never be eaten). This is the best vegetable for nursing mothers, and today it has been proven to be a “sex” plant that corrects or remedies erectile dysfunction, prolonging sexual activity for both male and female.
5. Ampalaya/Momordica Charantia/Bitter Gourd or Melon — Best for diabetic patients because it lowers the cholesterol, the ampalaya also contains agents to cure malaria. It helps correct stomach problems such as poor digestion, dyspepsia and constipation. The leaves and fruits are both edible, raw or cooked.
6. Labong/Bamboo Shoots — Rich in fiber and calcium. Blanch (pour boiling or very hot water) the shoots first before cooking, otherwise it may cause discomfort in the throat and stomach. Labong is also good when combined with other vegetables. Blend according to your taste and preference.
7. Camote/Sweet Potatoes —Rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, beta carotene, Vitamin C and B6, iron, calcium and protein. The leaves and the roots are edible. The color varies, the darker the color the richer the content of its potency. It helps stabilize blood sugar and the red blood cells.
8. Tomato — Contains lycopene, a well-known antioxidant that prevents prostate and skin cancers. Whether eaten raw or cooked, the effect is the same. Eating more tomatoes would mean more healthy days ahead of you.
To be healthy means having the right attitude and doing what’s best for your mind and body. You need not spend a fortune on it. Eat the foods that will help you live longer and healthier. These are all easily available. Subscribe to a food regimen that is economically affordable and yet highly beneficial to your well-being. It is a discipline that will surely extend your life.
Comments and suggestions may be forwarded to anthonyvivero@yahoo.com and to anthonyvivero@hotmail.com.
That was the statement of a dying man 10 years ago. Being a healer, I was approached by a friend who knew this man. I agreed to heal him and scheduled the date, but not to try my luck with the offer because with half of the treasure or without it, I would still find the best possible way to heal him. Sadly, that was his last statement. Soon I was given the information that he had passed on and I never got the chance to visit him.
He died with all the money and worldly treasures any mortal would wish for. He may have been very good in making money, but he wasn’t able to use it to buy even a single day for an extended life to enjoy and savor. It was rather too late. All the power of money can never replace a good and healthy life.
Health is indeed wealth, as the saying goes. But do we need to spend a fortune to be healthy? Not really. Here are some frugal ways to be able to live long and experience the happiness a healthy body brings to our life, a treasure only a fit body can bring.
Dos and Dont’s
1. Do not eat too much, especially fast food products. Do eat lots of fruits and vegetables as your alternatives. Eat boiled bananas or camote fruits as replacements for hamburgers or pizzas.
2. Do not drink soft drinks or instant juices too often. Do drink natural fruit juices, tea and chocolate or rice coffee.
3. Do not ride all the time. People who prefer to ride all the time end up in wheelchairs for the rest of their lives. Do use your feet more often, and you will be walking more distance in your entire life.
4. Do not eat just because it is time to do so. Noontime does not mean that it is lunch time and you “have” to eat. Do eat when your stomach starts feeling the hunger. Don’t let time dictate your needs, let you body do it for you.
5. Do not overwork yourself. Do have “power naps” when you feel tired.
6. Do not go to malls too often. Do spend more time in parks or near the seashores. These are nature walks and they are food for our body and senses.
7. Do not watch too much television. Do spend more time talking with friends and loved ones.
8. Do not get angry and stop shouting too often. Do laugh more and be happy as often as you can muster.
9. Do not ask God for everything that you need and want. Do thank God for anything that you have and currently possess.
10. Do not blame others for your problems and misfortunes. Do have faith that others may be able to help you with your problems, and thus have a better future ahead for you.
Healthy food to eat
1. Onion — A powerful cancer fighting food. Studies made by the American National Cancer Institute states that eating onions significantly lowers the risks of prostrate and esophageal cancers. An onion contains diallyl sulphide, which increases the body’s production of Glutathione S, which is a vital cancer-fighting enzyme. Raw or cooked, the potency remains the same.
2. Garlic — Known as the poor man’s antibiotic, it is scientifically and medically proven to treat leprosy, colds and flu, kill worms and parasites, lower fat level, prevent blood clotting, prevent high cholesterol, blood pressure and strokes. Eat one or two cloves a day. If you eat it raw, it will even prevent colon cancer, as long it is taken with your stomach full.
3. Saluyot/Corchorus/Jute — Almost considered as ordinary grass here in the Philippines, for Ilocanos the saluyot is a staple in their meals. The saluyot leaf is rich in beta-carotene, iron, calcium and Vitamin C. It contains a very good dose of the antioxidant tocopherol, equivalent to Vitamin E, that enables nutrients to be absorbed by the blood cells. For clear skin, eat saluyot! It was the source of health and beauty among the Egyptian royalties in the olden times — Cleopatra was said to have eaten saluyot to stay young and healthy.
4. Malunggay/Moringa — The best source for calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, protein and Vitamin C. The leaves and fruits are both edible. The bark and the tree are used as medicine (though the roots are poisonous and should never be eaten). This is the best vegetable for nursing mothers, and today it has been proven to be a “sex” plant that corrects or remedies erectile dysfunction, prolonging sexual activity for both male and female.
5. Ampalaya/Momordica Charantia/Bitter Gourd or Melon — Best for diabetic patients because it lowers the cholesterol, the ampalaya also contains agents to cure malaria. It helps correct stomach problems such as poor digestion, dyspepsia and constipation. The leaves and fruits are both edible, raw or cooked.
6. Labong/Bamboo Shoots — Rich in fiber and calcium. Blanch (pour boiling or very hot water) the shoots first before cooking, otherwise it may cause discomfort in the throat and stomach. Labong is also good when combined with other vegetables. Blend according to your taste and preference.
7. Camote/Sweet Potatoes —Rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, beta carotene, Vitamin C and B6, iron, calcium and protein. The leaves and the roots are edible. The color varies, the darker the color the richer the content of its potency. It helps stabilize blood sugar and the red blood cells.
8. Tomato — Contains lycopene, a well-known antioxidant that prevents prostate and skin cancers. Whether eaten raw or cooked, the effect is the same. Eating more tomatoes would mean more healthy days ahead of you.
To be healthy means having the right attitude and doing what’s best for your mind and body. You need not spend a fortune on it. Eat the foods that will help you live longer and healthier. These are all easily available. Subscribe to a food regimen that is economically affordable and yet highly beneficial to your well-being. It is a discipline that will surely extend your life.
Comments and suggestions may be forwarded to anthonyvivero@yahoo.com and to anthonyvivero@hotmail.com.
