Health benefits of fish

Eating plenty of fish on a regular basis can help protect you from a range of serious diseases. But are there any dangers in eating too much?

Oily fish such as salmon have the highest concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids

Fish is a superfood. Packed with vitamins and minerals, and a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, fish can help to protect against a range of diseases, from cancer to heart disease, depression to arthritis.

The benefits of eating fish

Heart disease

No wonder the Government wants us all to eat more, with the Food Standards Agency recommending at least two portions a week of fresh, frozen, or tinned seafood (one of them of oily fish). The British Heart Foundation says eating oily fish can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve your chances of survival following a heart attack. Fish does this by lowering levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood - raised levels are associated with heart disease. Fish oils also appear to help reduce blood clotting and abnormal heart rhythms after a heart attack.

Alzheimer's

Polyunsaturated fatty acids found in many fish may prevent damage to brain cells. Eating fish can also reduce the risk of high blood pressure, which is linked with dementia. A French study of 2000 people showed that those who ate seafood at least once a week had a significantly lower risk of dementia over a seven-year period than those who didn't.

Cancer

A Swedish study of 6000 men over a 30-year period showed that those who didn't eat any fish had between double and treble the risk of developing prostate cancer, compared to those who ate moderate or large amounts. Shellfish, such as crab and lobster, also contains selenium, thought to have cancer-fighting properties.

Depression

It's been reported that fish can help to ease depression. Again, it's down to omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to raise levels of the brain chemical serotonin.

Arthritis

Population groups that eat a lot of fish - Inuits in Greenland, for example - have low rates of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Studies have also shown fish oils to be useful in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Social benefits

According to research carried out in Mauritius, children given lots of fish from the age of three are less likely to have criminal records by the time they reach 23.

Skin

According to dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, author of The Perricone Prescription, a salmon-packed diet can help smooth out age lines.

Which fish to eat

• White fish like cod are a good source of low-fat protein and minerals.
• Oily fish such as sardines, pilchards, salmon and mackerel have the highest concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Crab, lobster and mussels come into the shellfish group and contain selenium, thought to have cancer-fighting properties.
• source- http://www.saga.co.uk/health/healthy-eating/benefitsofeatingfish.aspx

Things To Look For In A Personal Trainer

Regular exercise is key to getting in great shape and staying that way. While many people can exercise on their own and get excellent results, others need a little bit more motivation to achieve their goals. Hiring a personal trainer is one way to ramp up your exercise program and get the results you want from your exercise program. When hiring a personal trainer, there are a few things you should look for before putting your money and your body on the line.
Before hiring a personal trainer, be sure to ask if he holds an accreditation or certification. The National Committee For Certifying Agencies or NCCA, certifies professionals such as personal trainers, nurses and therapists who provide excellent care. Your trainer should also be certified in CPR, in case you begin to feel unwell during exercise sessions. While many personal trainers do not have a college degree, it is helpful to hire one that has extensive education in anatomy and physical fitness. Personal trainers who are independent contractors should also carry liability insurance. While many trainers are employed by fitness centres, many are contractors who work for their clients. Failure to carry liability insurance could cause you to be liable for any injuries your trainer receives while working with you.
The personality of your personal trainer may also affect the results you get from training sessions. Many people need someone to push them to exercise harder, while others are self-motivated and need less instruction. Find a personal trainer you can relate to and who pushes you to get the best results possible. Avoid choosing a trainer who works you too hard, making you extremely sore for days on end. While it is normal to have some muscle soreness after exercise, you should be able to move around and complete daily tasks after exercise sessions. Personal trainers should also answer any questions you have regarding your exercise routine. Avoid hiring a trainer who dismisses your questions or avoids giving you direct answers.
Hiring a personal trainer can help you achieve your fitness goals more quickly than working out on your own. However, it is important to realize that you must do the work yourself to get the best results possible. Always come to training sessions dressed in women's sportswear or activewear and be ready to exercise. Bring water with you and write down any questions you have for your trainer, so you can make the most of the time you have with this fitness professional.