Edible Plant – Juniper
Juniper is found on chalk downs, limestone hills, heaths and moors, mainly in south east England and in the north of the country. It is a shrub 1.5 metres to 3.5 metres high with narrow evergreen leaves. The flowers are small, yellow and are found at the base of the leaves, appearing in May and June. The fruit is a green, berry like cone, appearing in June but not ripening until September or October of its second year, when it turns blue and black in colour.
Vegetarianism And The Test Of Time
Vegetarianism has been a dietary option since the dawn of recorded time. Its origins are something of a mystery, though the mythologies of many cultures tell of a beginning without violence, where people lived off the plants of the earth. One of the most widely recognised sources is that found in the Old Testament where Adam and Eve are told what is to be their food:
And God said, behold, I have given you every herb-bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. Genesis 1:29
Throughout history vegetarianism has been woven into countries around the world. Many of the world’s greatest philosophers and intellects refused meat in times when such a choice was contrary to dictates of the ruling class.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the nerve going from the forearm to the hand, thumb and fingers. It produces pain, numbness and pins and needles in the thumb, index and middle fingers of one or both hands. Women between 40 and 60 years old are most frequently at risk. It may effect women when they start to take the Pill and those who suffer from PMS. It is also common during pregnancy. Men and women with rheumatoid arthritis are also prone to carpal tunnel syndrome.
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
People diagnosed as having Crohn’s disease often have a tendency to malnourishment, either as an effect of the inflammation or from changes that they have made to their diet. It is therefore necessary for anyone with the condition to plan their diet carefully.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 35. Symptoms of the disease usually fluctuate in severity and may include internal pain, fever, diarrhoea and weight loss.
The causes of Crohn’s disease are not fully understood. It may be an auto-immune response in which the body attacks its own intestinal tissue as the result of an infection or a reaction to stress or other environmental factors. It has been suggested that the high incidence of the disease amongst people who eat a highly processed Western style diet may be significant.
Crohn’s disease remains something of a mystery to the medical profession and as yet there is no cure. Effective medical treatment usually involves anti-inflammatory drugs. Many sufferers will require surgery to the most affected areas of the intestine at some time. poor nutrition may be a result of the inflammation, which can cause the walls of the intestine to become scarred and thickened, obstructing the passage of food. Patients can also suffer from a loss of appetite.
Pregnancy Children Vegetarianism
It is perfectly safe for pregnant women to follow a vegetarian diet if they contain foods that contain iron, calciun, folate and vitamin B12.
Vegan mothers-to-be may need to take calcium and vitamin B12 supplements but they should consult their doctor first.
Unless women are iron deficient during pregnancy, their babies will be born with enough iron in their bodies to last about six months. After that it is important to include good sources of iron in the child’s diet. Prolonged breastfeeding can lead to iron deficiency anaemia in the baby as milk is a poor source of iron.
Good vegetarian iron sources include leafy green vegetables, cereal, mashed lentils and beans.
