FEATURE ARTICLE
The Search for the Miracle Fruit
TIPS & ADVICE
Keep Fit - Keep Focused
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Paddington Insurance Agency
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Travel Medical Insurance
DID YOU KNOW
Clements Insight
ON A GOOD NOTE
A word from our clients
The Search for the Miracle Fruit
by Emilie Udell
Will the old adage, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" stand true when you live abroad? Making healthy eating choices can be difficult when you relocate to a new culture and are faced with a wide array of dishes to try (or avoid), but maintaining good health can be as easy as slicing open a new fruit.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes can be reduced by simply eating more fruits and vegetables. Science is continually searching for a cure-all, cancer-fighting, age-reversing fruit, but until that fruit is found and made available in grocery stores and smoothie cafés everywhere, here are a few health-improving fruits to look for in your new location.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates grow wild in northern India, but are cultivated in a number of other countries worldwide. Studies have shown this fruit might prevent various cancers such as prostate and breast cancer. Research also shows eight ounces of pomegranate juice per day over the period of three months can increase the amount of oxygen getting to the heart in coronary patients.
Safety Tip
Pomegranates can interfere with some medications, just like grapefruits, so if you can't eat grapefruits while on your medication, stay clear of pomegranates too.
Mangosteen
Popular in Asia, mangosteens are often called the "Queen of Fruits.” This fruit was first discovered growing in Thailand, and attempts at cultivating it in other countries have failed since the climate conditions have to be near perfect for it to thrive. For years, the mangosteen has been used to treat skin disorders and reduce fever, but new studies are showing it is capable of much more. The mangosteen has rare antioxidants called xanthones, found mostly in rainforest-grown fruits. This antioxidant is particularly beneficial to people suffering from hypertension. It has also been shown to repair damaged cells, slow aging, and discourage degenerative diseases.
Safety Tip
Be careful where you slice this fruit; its bright purple juice is virtually impossible to remove from fabrics and carpet.
Acai
Some argue this is the most nutritious fruit on the planet. Found in the Amazon, this purple berry has 10 times the amount of antioxidants as grapes. Its significant concentration of antioxidants helps fight aging and provides fiber for a healthy diet. Acai is also currently being evaluated as a possible dyeing or contrasting agent in the human body for MRI scans of the gastrointestinal tract.
Blueberries
You are probably very familiar with this fruit, since it is grown in many locations worldwide, including the United States and Canada. While it may not sound as exotic as other fruits on the list, its health benefits are still significant. One of the most beneficial aspects is its anti-aging properties. Some studies show it improves short-term memory and slows brain function degradation from diseases such as Alzheimer's. This fruit is also a low-calorie source of fiber and vitamin C.
Wolfberries
Also known as "Goji berries," this fruit is found in Asia and a few locations in the United Kingdom. Wolfberries are said to give a sense of well-being when they are consumed, earning the nickname “happy berry.” For hundreds of years, Wolfberries have played a role in traditional Chinese medicine, since they are believed to help the immune system, protect the liver, and improve eyesight. With 500 times more the amount of vitamin C than oranges, this berry might become your new favorite breakfast fruit.
Almonds
Obviously almonds aren't fruits, but if you are looking for a snack packed with fiber and calcium, this nut's for you. One serving of almonds (23 nuts) provides half of your daily allowance of vitamin E. They are also high in monounsaturated fat (the good kind of fat) which can help lower blood cholesterol levels. And like any other nut, almonds are a great source of protein.
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|||| Tips & Advice
Keep Fit
Constantly being on the go, many people find it difficult to stay fit without having the opportunity to go to the gym. Exercising goes far beyond helping you build muscle and slim down; it helps you sleep better, slows the aging process, strengthens your immune system, and increases your confidence and energy. There are a number of easy ways to help you stay fit and active, all of which can be done no matter your fitness level, in less than an hour a day.
- Jogging/Walking – One of the more effective and easier ways to exercise that anyone can do. Like all exercise programs, start slowly and progressively build your routine over time, being sure not to overexert yourself. Gradually increase the frequency, intensity, and time (by 10% at most) until reaching a comfortable and appropriate level.
- Yoga – Yoga has quickly become one of the more popular ways to stay fit and healthy these days. Yoga not only helps to tone muscles and improve flexibility, but it also helps improve stress and mental well being. There is an abundance of instructional DVDs to guide you on the proper yoga techniques without having to sign-up for a class.
- Jumping Rope – Another easy and convenient way to stay in shape and you don’t even have to leave your house. Similar to a jogging regiment, start small and work up to a point where you can comfortably go for 30 min. to an hour.
- Abdominal Routine – Help keep your waistline in check by establishing a simple ab routine that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Simple exercises such as crunches, leg lifts, and bicycle kicks can be put together for an effective abdominal workout that can be done for 20 minutes every day.
With the growing rate of obesity, and heart disease being one of the leading causes of death, it is important for everyone to do their best to stay fit. Implementing a healthier diet by reducing fats and sugars, along with some type of fitness program, will get you on your way to a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle.
Keep Focused
Here are a few quick tips on staying motivated to excercise:
- Pack Excercise Clothes
Invest in comfortable exercise clothes and shoes that will help make exercising more enjoyable.
- Buy an Excercise Resistance Band
A lighter and more portable substitution for dumbbells.
- Write out your Workout
A written workout detailing the exercise, number of repetitions and frequency will help keep you focused and on track.
- Set Realistic Expectations
Remember, the key to a successful exercise program is slowly building up the intensity and frequency of your workout.
- Enjoy the Scenery
If you are traveling or living abroad, combining an excercise with sightseeing can help to keep your program far from routine.
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|||| Partner Profile
Paddington Insurance Agency
The Paddington Insurance Agency, located in Newlands Harare, Zimbabwe, is owned by Gary Pattenden, a member of the Clements Global Broker Network. Gary was born in England and moved to Zimbabwe in 1968 for school; he stayed in Zimbabwe and has been in the insurance industry there for the past 22 years. Gary’s experience in the insurance industry and his expatriate background has made for a great partnership with Clements. The agency caters to local Zimbabweans as well as expatriates living abroad, and the broker relationship he has established with Clements gives him access to products that fit the needs of all of his clients.
Clements’ partnership with Paddington Insurance Agency has been made possible by the Global Broker Network. This network includes contracted brokers in different parts of the world with access to the expatriate community. Members of the network range from those traveling as spouses with the State Department to those who have an established agency, such as Gary Pattenden, or even agencies in the U.S who want access to our specialty products. The brokers are given access to Clements’ portfolio of products and are able to sell directly to their clients. To learn more about becoming a broker, go to www.clements.com/brokers/.
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|||| Product Spotlight
Travel Medical Insurance
Whether you are jet-setting to a vacation in Fiji or attending a business meeting in Beijing, the last thing you want to worry about is the unexpected. Illness, accidents, and lost bags can ruin your trip, but with travel insurance, you won’t be left with unexpected bills.
If you read the fine print, chances are your current medical coverage will not extend beyond your home country’s borders. If you are sick or injured abroad, you could be left with a steep medical bill. Proper travel insurance can help ensure you receive the best treatment possible at a modern medical facility, or repatriate you for additional treatment in your home country if necessary.
Even if you successfully complete your trip without an accident or illness, travel insurance covers a wide array of other unexpected events, such as:
- Permanently lost luggage and personal items are covered up to $250 per bag.
- If inclement weather causes you to be displaced from your trip destination, travel insurance will pay up to $100 per day for accommodations.
- An emergency 24-hour travel assistance hotline will provide you with embassy and consulate referrals, legal and accounting referrals, bail bond assistance, and translation and interpretation assistance
Flexible policy terms allow you to purchase insurance for trips as short as a week to extended stays as long as a year. The coverage is renewable on daily or monthly cycles if you are unsure how long the trip will last.
Unfortunately, not all trips abroad can be trouble-free, but if you prepare ahead of time with insurance coverage, the unexpected can become uncomplicated.
Visit www.clements.com/life/globalcare_liaison.htm to plan for your next trip with Clements International’s GlobalCare Atlas plan.
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Meet Our Staff
To continue to acquaint you with your friendly, dedicated Clements International staff members, we'd like to introduce you to Sherman Blow |
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Meet Sherman Blow |
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