National Cupcake Day on december 15

It’s National Cupcake Day! Cupcakes have been an American culinary icon since the 19th century. Prior to cupcakes, ingredients used in baking were primarily weighed rather than measured. These delightful treats shifted the art of baking from weighing to measuring ingredients.

For many years, cupcakes were known as one-two-three-four cakes because of their recipe: one cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, four eggs, plus one cup of milk and one spoon full of baking soda. This formula is still the traditional cupcake recipe that many people use today. Fun fact: the world's largest cupcake was displayed in July of 2009 at the Covent Garden Real Food Market in London. This cupcake was about 4 feet in diameter and weighed over 330 pounds! It also contained 200 eggs and took over 50 hours to make.

Celebrate National Cupcake Day and send a whimsical Christmas cupcake free eCard! Then bake your favorite cupcake recipe or head to a local cupcake shop!

Chia Seeds and Women’s Health

Instantly half of the world population—women--would have better health if their diets contained some chia seeds. And that is because a higher intake of Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) has been proven to relieve or even reverse some of the most common conditions affecting women.   

v  Improvement of General Health. Elevated triglyceride levels are linked to heart disease, particularly in women. Because Omega-3 essential fatty acids have a powerful effect on triglycerides, women especially gain from a regular intake of Chia seeds. 

v  Relief from Dysmenorrhea (painful periods).One underlying cause of painful periods is a disturbed balance between anti-inflammatory, vasodilator Omega-3 (which increases blood flow) and pro-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor Omega-6. Chia seeds, as previously explained in a previous page, has a higher ratio of Omega-3s over Omega-6s, and can relieve monthly pain and cramping. 

v  Protection from Breast Cancer.Omega-3 EFA contains natural anti-inflammatory qualities that prevents cell mutation and kills cancer cells.

v  Improves Fertility. Increased intake of Omega-3 can facilitate pregnancy by increasing blood flow to the uterus and improving hormonal levels.

v  PREGNANT WOMEN NEED OMEGA-3!    During pregnancy, Omega-3 supplementation lowers the risk of premature birth. Chia could also play an important role in preventing pre-eclampsia or high-blood pressure during pregnancy. 

v  Healthy and Happy Babies.  Omega-3 EFA transfers from the mother to the baby via the placenta. Omega-3 is vital for the development of the fetus. It can promote fetal health and growth. It can also enhance the baby’s brain development. A human brain literally sits in Omega-3 fatty acids and needs Omega-3 in high concentration for it to function properly. In babies, Omega-3 is crucial for their brains’ structural development, something so foundational that it could affect their mental capabilities for the rest of his/her lives. 

v  After-Birth Benefits.  Numerous studies have shown that Omega-3 EFA increase levels of serotonin, a ‘feel good’ hormone that relieves depression. An increased intake of Chia by new mums could help postpartum depression. Also, a breast feeding mum taking Chia seeds, pass on Omega-3 to her baby and enable infant brain development to continue at a health rate. Not all baby formulae are enriched with Omega-3, and if they are, could come at a premium price. 

v  Stress-Free Menopause.  It is generally accepted, and has been proven that Omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent problems associated with menopause. Studies show that increased daily intake of Omega-3 could reverse symptoms of depression and occurrence of hot flushes. 

v  Safer Hormone Therapy.  Hormone therapy has been seen to increase triglyceride levels in women, which could lead to cardiovascular disease . An increase intake of Omega-3 by women receiving hormone therapy is recommended.