How to Boil an Egg

easy step-by-step guide on egg boiling.

Hard-Boiled

1. Remove desired number of eggs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

2. Gently place the eggs in a saucepan.

3. Run cold tap water into the saucepan until the water is about 1 inch (3 centimeters) above the eggs.

4. Put the saucepan on a stove and cook over medium heat until the water starts to boil. Covering the pan will lead to a quicker boil. Then reduce the heat to low and remove the cover from the pan.

5. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Remove the egg with a spoon or ladle and let it cool slowly. If you want it cool more quickly, run cold water over it. If you are hard-boiling several eggs, carefully remove the pan from the stove top and place beneath the kitchen faucet. Run cool water into the pan for a minute until the water is cool to the touch and let them sit in the water for 2-5 minutes.

Soft-Boiled

1. Remove desired number of eggs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

2. Gently place the eggs in a saucepan and add enough water into the saucepan until the water is about 1 inch above the eggs.

3. Put the saucepan on a stove and cook over medium heat until the water starts to boil. Covering the pan will lead to a quicker boil. Then reduce the heat to low and remove the cover from the pan.

4. The amount of time the eggs are allowed to simmer will determine how cooked the yolk. Soft-cooked runny yolk: 5 minutes. Medium-cooked creamy partially-firm yolk: 7 minutes

5. Carefully remove the pan from the stove top and place beneath the kitchen faucet. Run cool water into the pan for a minute until the water is cool to the touch.

Do not over cook your eggs because it can cause a green ring to appear around the egg yolk, due to the iron and sulfur in the egg. Even though this will not affect the taste of the egg, it can hurt the egg’s protein quality. Enjoy your boiled eggs!

5 Quick Health Tips That Your Body Will Thank You For

Many of us live very fast paced lives that we never seem to have the time to stop and think about whether we are looking after our health properly. If you are the sort of person who never seems to have enough time then the following 5 quick health tips will help you.

Tip 1: Start the morning with a short 5 minute breathing exercise. You can do this standing or lying down. The key thing is to breathe deeply to the pit of your stomach to a count of 7. Then release quickly for a count of 4.

Tip 2: Following your breathing exercise drink a glass of warm filtered water and include a slice of lemon if you have it. This will help to cleanse and lubricate your digestive system. Have another glass of warm water in the evening time.

Tip 3: Eating a meal when you are stressed out or when you're on the move is a fast track to indigestion. You will not be able to digest your food properly. Therefore, acquire the habit of finding a quiet place to sit down, relax and enjoy your meal in peace.

Tip 4: Gandhi once said that you should drink your food. Meaning the food we eat should be digested in the mouth before it reaches the stomach. Many people do not take the time to chew their food properly. They swallow whole chunks of food which does nothing but put more stress on an already over worked digestive system. Chew your food slowly and savour every flavour of the food you eat. Chewing slowly has many benefits because it enables your digestive to get the maximum amount of nutrients out of your food. It also avoids the risk of undigested food getting trapped and bunging up your intestinal tracts where toxins can breed.

Tip 5: Eating food and drinking liquids that are either too hot or too cold can affect the balance of your body. Different temperatures that are extreme can weaken the functions of the organs such as the spleen. If you eat very hot food then you can actually burn the sensitive membrane on the surface of your mouth and stomach lining. Over time this can lead to serious health complications. Before you put any food or drink to your mouth make sure it is not too hot or cold before you swallow.

With over 2 years experience as a freelance writer, Tim Bose writes on topics he is passionate about. His new website provides useful information on free standing mirror products and a replacement mirror glass services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Bose

Caring for Simple Cuts

There are a just few mandatory rules to follow when caring for simple cuts. And although most people know first aid for minor cuts, there are times when visiting a health care professional are warranted.

There are a few simple rules when caring for simple cuts:

1. Immediately apply pressure to the cut. Use a clean compress such as a Kleenex for small paper cuts, or a large towel if you've cut your hand, leg, or arm. Continue to apply pressure until the bleeding stops.
2. After you've stemmed the bleeding, wash the cut with soap and warm water, taking care to clean any debris in or around the cut. You can dab or pour hydrogen peroxide onto the cut to help wash away dirt and debris.
3. Dry the cut by patting it with another clean compress.
4. Apply antibiotic ointment or spray on the cut to inhibit infection.
5. Cover the cut with a sterile bandage to keep germs out.
6. If the cut gets wet, repeat steps 3, 4, and 5.
7. Let the cut heal before permanently removing the bandaging.
8. See your doctor if the cut reddens, develops pus, or doesn't heal within a few days.

Water—a vital part of a healthy diet

Water makes up about 75% of our bodies and helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins. Yet many people go through life dehydrated—causing tiredness, low energy and headaches.
Caffeinated beverages, in particular, actually cause the body to lose water. Fresh fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, contain plenty of water and can help with hydration, especially when you are looking for an alternative to your eighth glass of water for the day.

Exercise? No Excuses

Want to add years to your life? Make regular, moderate exercise part of your healthy lifestyle routine. Physical activity is good for the body, mind and spirit, helps maintain and improve the health of your heart, reduces the risk of diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's, promotes energy, quality rest and a healthy weight, helps manage unhealthy stress, and can address symptoms of mild to moderate depression.

So why isn't everyone exercising? People can always find excuses not to exercise, but really - there is no good reason. To reap all these benefits, all most people need is 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity at least four days a week, including at least two days of strength training, and a stretching routine.

It's simple to begin: rent fitness DVDs, join a gym, make an appointment with a personal trainer, or simply get some friends together for daily walks or bike rides.

1. Exercise improves your mood.

Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help you calm down.

Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression.

2. Exercise combats chronic diseases.

Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent osteoporosis? Physical activity might be the ticket.

Regular physical activity can help you prevent — or manage — high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular physical activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.

And there's more. Regular physical activity can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

3. Exercise helps you manage your weight.

Want to drop those excess pounds? Trade some couch time for walking or other physical activities.

This one's a no-brainer. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn — and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. You don't even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but physical activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.

4. Exercise boosts your energy level.

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Don't throw in the towel. Regular physical activity can leave you breathing easier.

Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular physical activity helps your entire cardiovascular system — the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels — work more efficiently. Big deal? You bet! When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep.

Struggling to fall asleep? Or stay asleep? It might help to boost your physical activity during the day.

A good night's sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. And you guessed it — physical activity is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. There's a caveat, however. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you may be too energized to fall asleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, you might want to exercise earlier in the day.

6. Exercise can put the spark back into your sex life.

Are you too tired to have sex? Or feeling too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Physical activity to the rescue.

Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. But there's more to it than that. Regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women, and men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise — especially as they get older.

7. Exercise can be — gasp — fun!

Wondering what to do on a Saturday afternoon? Looking for an activity that suits the entire family? Get physical!

Physical activity doesn't have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you're moving, it counts!

Are you convinced? Good. Start reaping the benefits of regular physical activity today!