Things I’m Doing to Sleep Better

My nightly routine these days starts around 8pm. I pop one Magnesium Bisglycinate with diluted apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. 🍋

I started taking magnesium a few months ago because I’ve been dealing with chronic insomnia and hoped it would help me wind down and fall asleep more easily. Lately, I do feel that it has been helping.

As for the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, I mainly take them diluted in water as part of my evening routine. I don't consider them a magic sleep remedy — it's just something I've gotten into the habit of doing together with my magnesium.

But honestly, I think some of the biggest improvements have come from the things I don't do. 😂

1. I don't resist sleepiness.

If I doze off in front of my laptop for even five minutes, I take it as a sign that my body is ready for sleep.

I used to think, “It's not bedtime yet! I'll sleep later.”

I've discovered that if I fight that sleepy feeling and force myself to stay awake, when “the proper time” to sleep finally arrives, I may suddenly be wide awake and unable to sleep. 🤦🏻‍♀️

So now, if I'm nodding off in front of my laptop, I don't argue with my body. I get ready for bed.

2. I try not to scroll my phone while waiting for a WhatsApp reply.

This is HARD. 😂

Especially when I'm waiting for an important reply and keep telling myself, “I'll just check one more time…”

We all know how that story ends.

3. I keep the room really dark.

As dark as possible. No unnecessary lights, no bright screens and no little glowing things staring at me from across the room.

4. I keep the temperature comfortable.

Not too cold, not too warm. Just right.

Apparently, my body has become quite the Goldilocks when it comes to sleeping. 😂

5. I try not to solve life's problems at bedtime.

This is probably the hardest one.

My brain loves to suddenly go:

“Oh, you're trying to sleep? GREAT! Let's think about that problem you've been putting off all day!”

Then I start analysing, worrying, planning and trying to find solutions to things that can absolutely wait until tomorrow.

I'm slowly learning to tell myself, “Not now. We'll deal with it tomorrow.”

Because I've realised something very important:

Whatever problem I'm worrying about at midnight will probably still be there tomorrow morning. But if I don't sleep, I'll be the one feeling like shit the next day. LOL. 😂

This routine is definitely not foolproof. I still have nights when I struggle to fall asleep, especially when I know I have to wake up early for something important — like catching an early train or going to the clinic first thing in the morning.

Ironically, knowing that I must sleep seems to make my brain even more determined to stay awake. 🤦🏻‍♀️

But slowly, I'm getting there.

Maybe better sleep isn't just about finding the right supplement. Maybe it's also about learning to recognise when your body is sleepy, putting the phone down, making your room comfortable… and telling your overthinking brain:

“Not tonight. We can worry about it tomorrow.” 😴

I got my Magnesium Glycinate from Shopee here > https://s.shopee.com.my/50Z9dnLIh6

Cold Pressed Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - The Most Versatile Oil in My Room and Kitchen

I have been using organic cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil for more than 10 years, and it has become one of the most versatile products in my home.

I use it as a face moisturiser before applying sunscreen every single morning, as a lip balm for chapped lips, and as a moisturiser for my entire body. I also use coconut oil to clean my teeth.

One of my daily routines is massaging my breasts with coconut oil three times a day. My acupuncturist and gynaecologist both encouraged me to massage my breasts regularly. I don't know whether it was the massage itself or simply changes in my hormones over time, but I personally noticed that I developed fewer breast cysts after making it part of my daily routine for almost 10 years. This is just my own experience and not medical advice, as there isn't strong scientific evidence that breast massage prevents breast cysts.

In the kitchen, we use coconut oil for cooking and baking too. Mum adds a little to cook rice and for making keto breads/cakes, and if I run out of coconut milk, I sometimes use it in tong sui as an alternative.

I also rub a few drops onto the ends of my hair to help tame frizz and detangle knots.

For health and skincare purposes, I only use organic cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil because it undergoes minimal processing and retains more of its natural compounds.

And no, I don't go around smelling like a walking coconut! The scent doesn't linger for long. Sometimes I mix in a few drops of essential oils such as geranium, sweet orange or mandarin for a lovely fragrance. However, citrus essential oils like sweet orange and mandarin can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so I only use those blends when I'm staying indoors.

Some of the benefits of organic extra virgin coconut oil include:

Helps moisturise dry skin and chapped lips.

Works well as a gentle massage oil.

Can help reduce moisture loss from the skin.

Contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties.

Suitable for hair to help reduce frizz and improve manageability.

Heat-stable for many everyday cooking methods because it is high in saturated fats.

Minimally processed, so it retains more of its naturally occurring compounds compared with refined coconut oil.

This is the brand that I have been buying from Shopee and it smells and tastes really good : https://s.shopee.com.my/AKYypHDjby

What’s your best budget-friendly hack for surviving this heat?

It’s been absolutely sizzling in Ipoh lately!  Afternoon temperatures have been hitting 33–35°C, and every day I’m so tempted to switch on the air conditioner, hide in my room, and hibernate until sunset.

BUT… knowing that electricity tariffs are at their highest during the daytime, I’ve been trying to survive the heat without giving our wallets a heatstroke too. . Our electricity bill is already running into the RM300 p.m. region now.

My current strategy? Taking four to five cold showers a day, then stay in my room in my birthday suit (with the curtains and door closed! ) while two fans blast me at full speed. It’s surprisingly effective!

Anyone else refusing to turn on the aircond until absolutely necessary? 

This is a refreshing drink that I made this afternoon to cool down – organic roselle tea with organic lemon juice and a pinch of organic stevia.

I got my organic roselle tea from Zenxin Organic shop on Shopee here – https://s.shopee.com.my/80ApbCLiL7

Apple Cider Vinegar for Blood Sugar

One of the things I've started doing recently to help regulate my blood sugar is drinking one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) mixed with water after dinner. Sometimes I add a tablespoon of organic lemon juice to make it more palatable.

Some studies suggest that taking diluted ACV after a meal may help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates and improving insulin sensitivity. ACV is also rich in acetic acid, which may support digestion, increase feelings of fullness, and help reduce unnecessary snacking. Some people also take it for its potential benefits in supporting weight management, gut health, and cholesterol levels, although more research is still needed in these areas.

That said, even good things should be taken in moderation.

I know of a few friends who drank almost half a cup of ACV and ended up vomiting and suffering severe stomach discomfort, requiring medication. Another friend experienced enamel erosion from drinking too much ACV over time.

Because ACV is highly acidic, caution and care should always be exercised. I personally take no more than one tablespoon, diluted in about 150ml of water, and occasionally add a tablespoon of lemon juice for taste. Drinking it diluted and in moderation is key. If possible, drink it through a straw and rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards to help protect your teeth.

I got my organic ACV here -https://s.shopee.com.my/1Vx7nvSW72

and the organic lemon juice here - https://s.shopee.com.my/40eSmfbht6

My New Favourite Superfood Drink: Raw Cacao + Beetroot

My latest healthy beverage obsession is simple: raw cacao powder mixed with organic beetroot powder.

I started making this drink for breakfast recently and have been enjoying both the taste and the health benefits. The earthy sweetness of beetroot pairs surprisingly well with the rich chocolatey flavour of raw cacao.

Why this combination?

Raw cacao is naturally rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and plant compounds called flavonoids. These nutrients may help support heart health, blood circulation, brain function, and mood.

Beetroot contains natural nitrates that the body converts into nitric oxide, which helps relax and widen blood vessels. This may support healthy blood flow, exercise performance, and cardiovascular health.

Together, this cacao-beetroot combination provides a nutrient-rich drink packed with antioxidants and compounds that may support energy levels, circulation, and overall wellbeing.

I simply mix the powders with lukewarm water and enjoy it as part of my breakfast routine. No sugar needed. The natural flavours are delicious on their own.

You can also try beetroot latte (coffee with beetroot powder + milk) or beet mocha (coffee + cocoa powder + beetroot powder + milk). I also drink my beetroot powder with apple cider vinegar + honey.

Happy trying! 😁

For anyone who’s interested, I got my raw cacao powder and organic beetroot powder from here:

Raw cacao powder -https://s.shopee.com.my/20tD26TMFT

Organic beetroot powder - https://s.shopee.com.my/5AqEnld0fp

Why I Love Flaxseed Meal

Every morning, I add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal into my decaf coffee. The flaxseed does not change the taste of my coffee and it has a subtle nutty flavor, which is very pleasant.

Flaxseeds may be tiny, but they are packed with goodness. They are rich in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, plant protein, antioxidants and lignans — natural plant compounds that are especially beneficial for women’s health.

Because of their high fibre content, flaxseeds may help support digestion, improve bowel movements and keep you feeling fuller for longer. I prefer eating flaxseeds over oats as these seeds are lower in carbs and contain more nutrients. The omega-3s are known to support heart health and may help with cholesterol levels and inflammation. Many people also take flaxseed regularly to help with blood sugar balance and overall wellness.

I personally like using ground flaxseed meal because it is so easy to incorporate into daily meals and drinks. Besides coffee, you can also add it into oats, yoghurt, smoothies or even baking.

I’ve been buying my organic flaxseed meal from this Shopee seller and have been very happy with it. If you’d like to check it out, you can shop for it here:
Shopee flaxseed meal seller

JoyMix Concentrated Beetroot Juice Powder

The beautiful and bright colour of beetroots can make anyone fall in love with it, yet it is often ignored, perhaps because of its distinctive earthy taste.  Beetroot has been gaining amazing popularity as the new superfood around the world. It’s low in fat, full of powerful antioxidants, rich in Vitamin C, and helps in the absorption of iron.  Both the leaves and the roots can be eaten. While the pink root is sweet, the dark green leaves are bitter but very rich in calcium, iron and Vitamin A.

Beetroots are best enjoyed raw and uncooked as cooking may destroy most of its nutrients. You can add them in salads or easier to just juice them up.

I love eating beetroot, in all forms, whether it's beetroot juice, salad, roast or soup.  I started to eat beetroot frequently when I was severely anemic before my fibroid removal surgery 1.5 years ago.  Beet root is rich in iron.

 Preparing beetroot can be a major turnoff and hassle for some as the uneven and rough skin is a tad hard to peel off even with a fruit peeler. And the red juice splatters can be pretty messy. Busy people who are always on the go and rush may not have the time to prepare beet root for juicing, salad or soup. And this includes yours truly.  The solution to this is beet root  powder.  With beet root powder, you can include this superfood into your diet at anytime, hassle-free.

I found a good brand of concentrated beet root juice powder  from https://www.joypremix.com/ and I am so in love with it!  With such convenience, I can now drink beetroot juice whenever I feel like it and it takes just a minute to prep a refreshing beetroot beverage.

 

The best part is JoyMix’s red beetroot powder is odor-less, unlike red beet juice that has an earthy smell. It is easy to drink, making it ideal for children and even some adults who find the smell of beetroot distasteful. Even Cass who does not like the taste of raw beetroot loves JoyMix beetroot powder.  She says it tastes like Ribena! I think so too.  This, you got to try it to verify it!

We like our beetroot powder mixed with Korean fruit vinegar.  I add one heap teaspoon of JoyMix beetroot juice powder and 2 tablespoons of Korean fruit vinegar into 200 ml of water and top up with lots of ice cubes to make a super refreshing and delightful drink to chillax when I feel hot after cooking in the evening.  Alycia loves to guzzle down this refreshing drink to quench thirst after working out in the gym or when she's back from kickboxing / Muay Thai class.

 


 I love the au naturel maroon color of the beetroot powder from JoyMix!

Excellent Mixability – The red beetroot powder from JoyMix has a very fine texture and excellent flowability to prevent caking and lump formation. It will easily dissolve in water and other liquids alike and won’t curdle. You can even mix it in flours for baking cakes and pastries.

 

I will surely restock my beetroot powder from JoyMix when the existing stock runs low.

JoyMix's health food products are ISO22OOO/ HACCP certified. Muslim consumers can safely consume their products as they are HALAL CERTIFIED.


 

Here are some of the health benefits of beetroot:

Conditions Liver – Beetroot contains betaine that conditions liver and stimulates the production of enzymes. It detoxifies the body and makes you feel fresh and rejuvenated.

Lowers cholesterol - A 2011 study on rats found that beetroot extract lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides and increased HDL (good) cholesterol. It also reduced oxidative stress on the liver.

Lowers blood glucose - Though high in sugar, beetroot actually helps in regulating your blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that it does not lead to high glucose concentration in the blood. This simply means that the natural sugars in beetroot are released very slowly in the body and thus, prevents sudden spikes. In the form of the juice, it may actually help diabetics.

Rich in Folate – Joymix’s red beetroot powder is rich in folate that is necessary for production and differentiation of cells as well as maintenance of DNA structure. The high folate content makes it a great option for young children, teenagers, and pregnant women alike.

Reduces Blood Pressure – Betaine in beetroots reduces blood pressure by lowering homocysteine levels in the body. Joymix red beetroot powder contains high amounts of betaine that reduces the chances of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.

Great For Older Adults – Various studies have found beetroot to prevent and halt the progress of dementia in older adults. Regularly consuming beetroot juice can assist in keeping dementia at bay.

Sharpens Minds of Students – The high nutrient content of beetroot and its effect on blood flow enhances the cognitive functioning of the brain making it beneficial for students and teenagers.

Ideal For Keto and Vegetarian Diets – People who are following a keto or a vegetarian diet will find it easy to incorporate red beetroot powder to their diets as it has low calories.

Boosts Sports Performance – Beetroots have betaine which improves cardiovascular health and blood flow. It increases the rate at which oxygen reaches cells and boosts the performance of athletes and sportspersons.

May Prevent Cancer – The antioxidant betaine which is present in rich amounts in Joymix’s red beetroot powder has been found to protect the body against different types of cancer. It protects DNA structure in cells against damage, which is a primary cause of cancer.

Improves Digestive Health – Beetroot improves digestive health by stimulating the production of enzymes and HCL in the stomach. It also aids in the absorption of specific vitamins, minerals, and proteins.

Excellent for Weight Management – Joymix red beetroot powder is excellent for individuals who are focused on weight management as it contains low calories while being nutritionally dense.

Sharing is caring  😘 Read below to get a discount on your beetroot powder!

JoyMix is now having a promotion on their health products from organic soy powder to collagen, Bentong ginger powder, macha latte powder, chia seeds, diabetic foods and of course beetroot powder.  Just key in discount code: JOYLOVE during checkout to enjoy a 10% discount on their products!

The promotion is valid from 1 January 2019 ~ 31 March 2019, so hurry and get your beetroot powder or any health products before this offer expires!

For more information on JoyMix health food products, kindly visit:

www.joypremix.com
www.facebook.com/joypremix
www.instagram.com/joymix9

Breakfast For A Recuperating HFM

I have been feeling malaise from the last few days of 2018 right until now.  Thank God things are looking up today and I've gotten back my appetite. Glad that I managed to treat myself yet again with home remedies.

It first started off with just a tingling sensation in my throat after dinner with our friends at a Chinese restaurant, which progressed to lost of voice and then a strep throat, which mutated into a horrendous productive cough which caused me to lose 4 nights of sleep from continuous coughing, then back to having sore throat and then ended with a cold that lasted for just a day.  I was so tempted to drive to the clinic to get some meds but I knew that the doctor would conveniently prescribe me with antibiotics, which would bring on a whole load of nasty after effects, including antibiotic resistance super bugs.

So I soldiered on with just chewing on Indian Borage (Mexican Mint) leaves from my little balcony garden, gulping down packets after packets of Izumio, Super Lutein, Esberitox, raw honey, propolis, essential oils and finally succumbed to buying a bottle of Prospan to stop the cough and Difflam antibacterial lozenges for the sore throat. I also ate pineapple and jackfruit for days as these two fruits are believed to be effective cough remedies. Prospan is the world's no.1 natural chesty cough medicine for adults and children. It contains extracts of Ivy leaves, is sugar-free and does not cause any drowsiness. It tastes mild and not foul-tasting at all.


I don't know which item in particular helped to treat the cough, sore throat and phlegm, but all of the above natural remedies stated above seem to have synergized and produced effective results, though not magically fast but they worked. Once again, I treated myself with home remedies without succumbing to antibiotics!

This was my breakfast on one of my sick days:





Kintry's salted caramel granola, Happy Baby organic kale and spinach rice puffs, organic brazil nuts with a little coffee milk and a spoonful of homemade organic ABC nut butter (almond, brazil nut and cashew) that Sherilyn made.



Are you blinking your eyes to see if you read and saw the correct words and picture? Is that baby food in my bowl? Hell yes! I bought it after tasting my twin baby niece and nephew's snacks when we were in Ipoh last December.  😂😆  I never thought that organic baby snacks these days can be this yummy that even adults would love.  These are quite costly at RM15 for a small tub but  I am willing to pay a little extra for organic and non-GMO snacks packed with healthy ingredients.

Mulberry Leaves Powder

The latest health food added to my daily health regimen is organic mulberry leaves powder. Basically, I am adding more chlorophyll into my diet.  I have been drinking a teaspoon of organic lemongrass powder, half a teaspoon of organic green lemon powder together with a teaspoon of Bentong ginger powder every day for the past one month. Now, I rotate lemongrass powder with organic mulberry leaves powder.


Mulberry leaves


Chlorophyll is a pigment found in all green plants. This includes leafy greens and other veggies we commonly eat, plus certain types of algae or bacteria. Chlorophyll is packed with a range of powerful nutrients. It is a good source of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and beta carotene. Chlorophyll is rich in antioxidants, vital minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and essential fatty acids.

Chlorophyll aids in restoring and replenishing the red blood cells, which is excellent for me as I am anemic.

Below: my organic mulberry leaves drink.  Sometimes I drink it on its own. Most times, I mix it with Bentong ginger powder and organic green lemon powder with a small cube of ginger brown sugar.




Mulberry leaf contains 18 amino acids, minerals and vitamins such as calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin A-B1-2. The most important ingredients are ‘phytosterol’ and ‘gamma-amino acid’ which help to decrease cholesterol level in the blood and high blood pressure.

Healthy digestion -- The Chinese use this tea to regulate the digestive system, as it's loaded with both potassium and fiber. You'll find that the tea also promotes healthy gut bacteria - ensuring proper digestion.

Heart health -- The tea has antioxidants that can fight cholesterol and lower your blood pressure, so it's definitely a heart-smart beverage.

Blocks enzymes -- Mulberry leaf tea has been known to block the enzymes that break down carbs and sugar in your stomach, thereby reducing the amount of sugar absorbed into your body.

Keeps liver healthy -- The leaves are known to be effective at detoxifying the body, which can clear up a lot of the toxins that are clogging up your liver.





You can get a wide range of organic plant based powder from De Market supermarket, at the organic food section.

Meal Replacement Shakes

Designed to have fewer calories than an average meal, meal-replacement shakes include all the vitamins and nutrients needed for the rest of the day. While taking such shakes, one needs to make sure it is followed by healthy dietary and lifestyle habits in order to drop some weight.

Generally, it is a good idea to drink the shake for breakfast in the morning. It goes without saying that  your dinner, lunch and snacks ought to be low in calories and sugar-free. Such changes make you lose weight faster and easier to sustain.

Here are a number of tips on what properties to look for:

Avoid sugar
When your liver is unable to absorb the excessive amount of sugar, it is turned into fat.

You should avoid the following foods, among others:
~ Spirits (and alcohol)
~ Sweets, pastries, cakes, biscuits
~ Jarred fruits

Fruits can be consumed in larger quantities quite safely as fructose doesn’t make you gain weight like sugar.  However, it is best to eat everything in moderation.  Fruit is an excellent choice as a healthy source of carbohydrates.

Low-caloric diet makes our body use fat as fuel
Consuming excessive calories, your liver transforms them into fat. If you alter your dietary habits and avoid sugar, your body will use fat for energy. Seek shakes that are lower than 200 calories. Also, avoid eating foods low on nutrient properties such as donuts, French fries, corn dogs, popcorn, etc. Such foods are rich in calories and low in nutrients.

Know that there are different carbohydrates
After consumption, they can either be transformed into sugar or as protein. Simple carbohydrates are easier to digest providing us with energy in a short term. Dairy products and juices are the sources of such carbs. Complex carbohydrates work vice versa – they take more time to digest, yet provide more energy in a longer term (grain products, greengrocery). Thus, aim for shakes with food fibers and low on carbs so that they fill you up and you shed weight faster.

20g of protein or less
In addition to enhancing your metabolic process, shakes also help to get rid of fat and keeps you full longer. For you to choose the right shake, choose one with 20g of protein per serving.



 

Add greengrocery in your menu
They are rich in fiber, which is paramount for you to lose weight. It goes without saying that fruits and vegetables are the key to good health due to the abundance of vitamins and minerals. What’s more is that they reduce your craving for unhealthy snacks, give you energy and are low in sugar.

Cutting Down On Salt
We should aim for less than 1500 mg of sodium per day, and definitely not more than 2300 mg. 1500 mg of sodium amounts to 0.75 teaspoons or 3.75 grams of salt per day, while 2300 mg amounts to one teaspoon or 6 grams of salt per day.  Try to avoid eating foods high in salt.





GMOs and gluten-free
Your diet should be free from GMO and gluten containing products. This includes paying close attention to the greengrocery you buy.

There are plenty of shakes available in the market to meet the preferences of vegans, lactose intolerant patients, those on a weight loss diet, etc.

With the  above tips, I am sure you now have a better idea on  how to choose a proper nutrition shake.

My Monday & Tuesday (29 & 30 August 2016)

On a manic Monday morning yesterday, this little butterfly perched on the outside of our bedroom mozzie net lightened up my morning.  For the first time, I had the chance to take an up close and personal inspection of a butterfly's body. Pretty fascinating wings it has, though the body has resemblance of my enemy - the roach!  I snapped a picture of it to show my girls when they returned from school.





Yesterday's haze situation deteriorated overnight.  There was acrid smell of haze in the air from dawn till dusk. Visibility was bad.




This morning was bad too but it rained cats and dogs all of a sudden at around 8am for 3 hours, with strong winds. Several places in KL were flooded.  However, the haze doesn't seem to abate much.




Din din last night was something light and easy to dish up - steamed chicken drumsticks with dong guai, red dates and goji berries, blanched cauliflower and sweet corn + tomato + onion + scallion omelette, which Drama Queen cooked... on her own :)





Breakie today is organic multi puffs with skinny yoghurt, Pic's sugar-free peanut butter, dried cranberries, organic pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds and a drizzle of palm sugar syrup.




Yesterday I bought a packet of Good Morning organic multi puffs.  Good Morning is an Australian brand.  Multi Puffs is a mix of Brown Rice Puffs, Buckwheat Puffs and Sorghum Puffs. The variety of grains gives a different texture and taste.  It is low in carb, low in salt, low in fat, has no preservatives, no coloring and no artificial flavors.  It tastes very much like pop corn  minus the sugar, butter, caramel and salt.   Very mild in taste but I like it au naturel.  Multi Puffs is good for toddlers too as it has no food additives.













My shopping cart yesterday...

Saving Money through Online Product Shopping

People of all ages today know more about natural remedies for common ailments. As insurance costs rise and fewer doctors are available to treat patients, many people are taking it upon themselves to save money and take care of their own health care needs by using natural supplements. When you are on the lookout for a specific product, such as an anti-aging supplement, you can avoid the hassle of looking in stores. You may find exactly what you need when you shop online.

The website helps you understand exactly what you are getting when you use these products. The video explaining the basics of natural remedies is on the homepage. Additionally, you can click the science tab and read about the scientific explanation of why natural remedies may work for you. You also can use the customer service options if you have specific questions about how these products may interact with other medications you are on or if you have a condition that you are treating with medical interventions.

If you are convinced to use these products, you can get started by checking out the site's extensive inventory. The wholesale tab lets you discover wholesalers who may have what you need for the lowest price. You can also fill out the online form and sign up for a free newsletter explaining the top eight causes of disease today. This information lets you be on guard to protect your health and that of your family today.

Rails For Support

Whether you know someone elderly who has a hard time getting out of bed or someone who is confined to the bed except to get up for necessities, a bed handle would be convenient. Some handles come on a rail, making it more of a benefit, especially if you assist the person while getting in and out of bed.

When the person is in bed, the rail can be used as a support for the person to sit up in the bed to eat, to watch television or simply change positions. The rail can also be used to help when the person wants to roll from one position to another. If you are caring for someone, then you can use the rail to lean on while you are getting the person out of bed to use the bathroom or help the person sit on the side of the bed. It can be used as a support so that the person doesn't fall back on the bed while they are sitting. An adjustable rail is ideal for those who can do more activities unassisted as the rail is easily moved out of the way. Rails can also help keep the person safely in the bed while they are asleep. Learn more online about kinds of rails for beds.

Muscovado Sugar

Recently, my mil started to use organic Muscovado sugar to bake bread and cakes. When I first saw it, I was stunned. I have never heard of such a sugar for the life of me! But I knew for sure it must be more superior than white or brown sugar.  My mil only puts in good stuff into her bakes, makes and cooking.



 So I googled Muscovado sugar and here is what I found:
 
Muscovado sugar takes its name from the spanish 'mascabado' (meaning unrefined). Also known as Barbados sugar. This sugar is pure, wholesome, unrefined, natural cane sugar. It is also called 'poor man's sugar'.

Muscovado sugar retains all of the natural ingredients of sugar cane, making it wholesome and healthy. High in nutitional value, comparable even to pure honey.

Muscovado sugar is unrefined, with a high mineral content. Common in South America and south east Asia, but comparably more difficult to find in the USA.

Usage
It is used just like normal sugar. Excellent for baking, cooking, and as a coffee/tea sweetener.

Production Process
The production process is very traditional. The main ingredient is natural cane sugar, but some of the other ingredients are small lime (called kalamansi or calamondin, often described as a cross between a mandarin orange and a kumquat) and fresh coconut milk. The coconut milk is used in the heating process to prevent the sugar cane juice from foaming.

The heating process evaporates the water content and the cane juice will gradually thicken into a gooey liquid. This liquid is sun-dried. The hardened sugar will then be pounded to produce the natural, unrefined muscovado sugar.

Nutrient value
Compared to normal white sugar, muscovado sugar retains all the cane sugar nutrients. High in minerals: potassium, calcium, iron, it has more health benefits compared to normal white sugar, which has zero nutrients, as the refining process to produce white sugar has practically eliminated all traces of nutrients from it.