Sister Health
benefits of olive oil
Olives, one of the oldest foods known, are thought to have originated between five and seven thousand years ago. Since ancient times, the olive tree has provided food, fuel, timber and medicine for many civilizations, and has been regarded as a symbol of peace and wisdom.
A diet rich in olive oil contributes to longevity and reduces the wear and tear of aging on the body tissues, organs, and the brain. It reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer, and it can protect against stomach ulcer
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming about two tablespoons of olive oil a day may reduce your risk of heart disease.
A study involving men and women with coronary heart disease found that exclusive use of olive oil was associated with a 47% lower likelihood of having coronary heart disease. It showed relying only on olive oil may cut your risk of having it almost in half.
By reducing both inflammation and free radical damage to cholesterol, dietary olive oil protects the lining of our blood vessels, helping to maintain its ability to relax and dilate (thus preventing high blood pressure).
Olive oil is especially protective in people with high cholesterol. By protecting LDL against oxidation, olive oil short circuits the process so plaques do not form. It’s rich in the substance that fights clots.
Studies in diabetic patients have shown that healthy meals that contained some olive oil had better effects on blood sugar than healthy meals that were low in fat.
Other benefits include:
n Regular use of olive oil has been associated with lower rates of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis because it helps reduce inflammation.
n Olive oil can help prevent bone loss which causes osteoporosis.
n Olive oil is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.
n Olive oil is a fat that helps you lose fat when substituting it for other oils.
Instead of serving butter, use extra virgin olive oil for use on bread, rolls, potatoes or other vegetables, and for even more flavor, try adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkling of your favorite spices to the olive oil. It’s not suggested to cook with olive oil, so add to foods immediately after cooking.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=132
Time to Testify
I Sing Because I'm Free!
By Cynthia McMillan Johnson
I didn't know I sing in my sleep! Until one day my husband decided I needed to know, so he told me. He also told me that I actually hit high notes. He and I both found it very interesting because although I know more top 40s and R&B songs from exposure to them in the past, all the songs I sing in my sleep are praise and worship songs that I have learned as a result of being a member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden, as well as old hymns that I learned as a child.
Oftentimes, I would visit my ailing father in the hospital or nursing home and sing to him. I could be heard throughout several rooms in the facility and at the nursing station. Some of the residents and staff at the nursing facility would stop by my father's room and tell me certain songs that they enjoyed hearing me sing; they had their favorites. After my father passed, I continued to sing while taking my morning walks—not caring who saw or heard me. I always enjoy singing in my car and lifting my hands in praise and worship.
I oftentimes sing while taking a bath. One moment 1 will always remember; I had a cyst located on a part of my body that was causing me pain and concern. I didn't want to go the doctor because I knew I would have to be injected with a needle in order to have it drained. I just remember being in the tub singing, "I really love the Lord" over and over again for approximately one hour. Before I got out of the tub, the cyst was gone and to this day, it has never come back—to God be all the glory! There is healing in singing songs to the Lord.
Several years ago, I decided I really wanted to sing so I can touch lives in a positive way. I wanted God's anointing. I wanted to sing in such a way that it would bring deliverance to a hurting soul. So, I decided to take voice lessons which 1 found to be a mistake and I stopped singing for a while. I lost the desire for awhile, but what I learned from that experience was it's not about me. My spirit was restless, and I believe that's why I started singing in my sleep—deep in my spirit, 1 wanted to sing.
After becoming a member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden, I joined the Fellowship Chorale Choir, and what a great support system I have with them. Someone is always there to let me know if I'm not singing in the right octave and to guide me along the way. 1 observed that when the choir is singing the members seem so happy. "Why are they all so happy I wondered? " And, I
realized they have Jesus Christ in their hearts and He brings them joy through singing—what a priceless treasure.
Perhaps you already know God, but you find yourself doubting His faithfulness. Have you strayed away from His heart, looking at things of this world as answers? Look at the things you have already discarded, thrown away, and ceased to love because you were looking for something or someone to fill the void.
In the midst of sickness, trials, and disappointments, I can truthfully say that in spite of it all, I really love the Lord, and I sing because "I'm happy, I sing because I'm free; His eye is on the sparrow and I know He's watching me." Why? Because, as a Child of God, I have discovered that if you don't have God you don't have anything. "1 Sing Because I'm Happy!" Now it has not kept me from trials and disappointments - God loves me enough to strengthen my faith in Him, and so allows them, for my good. But what a price I have had to pay to learn this: lost friendships and family members; confusion on the job by looking outside of myself, hurt by taking offense, lack of confidence because I didn't know "I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me, "I'm wonderfully and fearfully made" and believing that if God said it that settles it; His word will not return void. However, God has always brought me into a safe haven and the end was always a treasured testimony of His faithfulness. His Word has promised that "all things work together for GOOD to them that are called, according to His promises." God says "I know the plans I have for you ". I may not understand why I am going through something that is painful and exhausting, but I know that from the beginning, my pain is for my good ... and one day He will tell me why it was good. Therefore, I will continue to ask for forgiveness and be forgiving. "Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life ..." These are words that are deeply implanted in my heart and spirit ... they are the light bulbs that come to my remembrance every time darkness comes along. He will never let go of my hand!
So it is no wonder that I will always sing for the Lord—awake and asleep! Singing is like medicine to the soul. "/ Sing Because I 'm Free " - brought with a price.
Share a testimony with One Sister to Another. Time to Testify! www.administration@osta.us
Upcoming Events - Community Outreach
“Make a Difference Day”
Please join us on October 25, 2008 for Make a Difference Day, a national day of volunteerism and service. There will be a Community Breakfast at the Hyattsville Municipal Center, 4310 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781. After breakfast, volunteers will be dispatched to a service project where they will volunteer for 2 to 3 hours. Please call (301) 699-2800 for further information and/or if you are willing to help make this day of service a success in our community
