Newspapers have reported on the drawbacks of having a diet high in fat. High-fat diet has been linked to high cholesterol and ultimately to heart attacks. Hence, people have started avoiding beef and eggs. But cholesterol is not bad. Our body needs it to protect nerves and build new cells and hormones. It is only when we include foods like pizzas, burgers, ice creams, steaks or any food containing animal product that the problem starts. Excess cholesterol settles along the walls of the arteries and can clog them thus, restricting blood flow. This gives rise to angina, heart attack or stroke. It has also been shown that high cholesterol leads to gallstones. There are two types of cholesterol called good cholesterol or HDL and bad cholesterol or LDL. LDL is the cholesterol that clogs the arteries and should be lower while HDL scours the artery walls and removes the harmful LDL and should be higher.
Doctors recommend reducing and avoiding high-fat diets containing meat, eggs and dairy products. But you can use the following home remedies for treatment:
• Increase the intake of Vitamin E: It is advised to increase your intake of Vitamin E to 400 international units to prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol where the cholesterol hardens into the arterial plaque thus giving rise to heart attack. It also raises the level of HDL. You can include Vitamin E as dietary sources or include vegetable oils, nuts or grains in your diet.
• Eat your breakfast: People who skip the breakfast have higher cholesterol levels than those who have breakfast everyday. This is because they tend to eat unhealthy foods which are high in fats.
• Eat small meals frequently: Large meals have been shown to release a large amount of insulin, which in turn stimulates the production of the enzymes that increases cholesterol production by the liver. But eating small frequent meals without increasing the total calories will limit the insulin production and thus controls the cholesterol and in turn heart diseases.
• Add Vitamin C to your diet: Though other vitamins and minerals play an important role in the cholesterol production, Vitamin C is the most crucial vitamin for cholesterol control. It increases HDL levels and is very beneficial if you get it from fruits and vegetables, since they have a special fibre called pectin. It surrounds the cholesterol and flushes it out of the digestive system before it gets into the blood. Include fruits like citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, apples and spinach which are rich in vitamin C and pectin.
• Increase garlic intake: Taking seven cloves of garlic a day will reduce cholesterol levels significantly. If you cannot stand the normal garlic, then you can opt for odorless garlic pills, which are available in local health stores.
• Skip decaf: Avoid decaffeinated coffee since it has been shown to raise LDL levels. This is because the beans used for decaf are far stronger than the normal beans.
• Munch grapes: Grapes and their products have a compound which lowers cholesterol significantly. So you can increase your intake of grapes, grape juice and wine to decrease your cholesterol level.
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Monday, 7 October 2013
Improve Your Diet With These 5 Tips
Those looking to improve their diet usually do so because they want to lose weight or become healthier. It's a great idea to make your diet better; however, it's not an easy task as it takes a lot of commitment to stick to it day in day out. From personal experience, it can be a bit too much to totally overhaul your diet, so changing things bit by bit can work better. Simply add in healthier foods and phase out junk food. Below are some tips for improving your diet.
Make sure your diet is balanced It's important to eat a balanced diet as too much of one thing is not good. Moderation is the key for most things in life, including food. Make sure you eat enough carbohydrates as they'll give you energy; eat a good amount of protein as protein will help build and repair cells; and eat some fats as fat is essential in your diet (just not too much and try to avoid the bad fats!). Also, fibre is important to ensure that your digestive system stays in good working order.
Don't eat large portions of food Keep your portions small. Nowadays lots of us overeat because we are greedy. We may be feeling very hungry so we eat a large plate of food and then feel absolutely stuffed afterwards. Eating too much means you'll put on fat and your stomach will grow bigger, meaning you will start needing more food to feel fuller, which isn't a good thing. Don't reduce your portion sizes drastically; simply reduce them slowly so that your stomach gets used to it and it'll then shrink.
Try and eat fruit and veg You should try and get fruit and vegetables in your diet as they're very good for you. They contain lots of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. Aim for five pieces of fruit or veg per day. That means anything like apples, bananas, carrots, lettuce, broccoli, grapes, etc. It's not too difficult!
Eat your meals slowly It's important to eat your meals slowly as it can take your brain around 20 minutes to realize you're full up. This is a big reason for people overeating; they eat a big meal and after 10 minutes they don't feel full so they eat some more food. Then after another 10 minutes, they feel absolutely stuffed. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal!
Don't consume too much sugar Sugar adds a nice sweet taste to most things you put it in, so it's no wonder we all like it so much. You can't really get rid of sugar from your diet but you can at least try to limit your sugar intake. When choosing a dessert, go for something with less sugar content or even better eat some fruit. Try to drink diet sodas instead of full sugar sodas.
Just by doing little things to your diet, you can make a difference to your overall health and also your weight. These tips are simple to implement so there's no excuse to not do them!
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Make sure your diet is balanced It's important to eat a balanced diet as too much of one thing is not good. Moderation is the key for most things in life, including food. Make sure you eat enough carbohydrates as they'll give you energy; eat a good amount of protein as protein will help build and repair cells; and eat some fats as fat is essential in your diet (just not too much and try to avoid the bad fats!). Also, fibre is important to ensure that your digestive system stays in good working order.
Don't eat large portions of food Keep your portions small. Nowadays lots of us overeat because we are greedy. We may be feeling very hungry so we eat a large plate of food and then feel absolutely stuffed afterwards. Eating too much means you'll put on fat and your stomach will grow bigger, meaning you will start needing more food to feel fuller, which isn't a good thing. Don't reduce your portion sizes drastically; simply reduce them slowly so that your stomach gets used to it and it'll then shrink.
Try and eat fruit and veg You should try and get fruit and vegetables in your diet as they're very good for you. They contain lots of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. Aim for five pieces of fruit or veg per day. That means anything like apples, bananas, carrots, lettuce, broccoli, grapes, etc. It's not too difficult!
Eat your meals slowly It's important to eat your meals slowly as it can take your brain around 20 minutes to realize you're full up. This is a big reason for people overeating; they eat a big meal and after 10 minutes they don't feel full so they eat some more food. Then after another 10 minutes, they feel absolutely stuffed. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal!
Don't consume too much sugar Sugar adds a nice sweet taste to most things you put it in, so it's no wonder we all like it so much. You can't really get rid of sugar from your diet but you can at least try to limit your sugar intake. When choosing a dessert, go for something with less sugar content or even better eat some fruit. Try to drink diet sodas instead of full sugar sodas.
Just by doing little things to your diet, you can make a difference to your overall health and also your weight. These tips are simple to implement so there's no excuse to not do them!
------------------------
For more information about weight loss visit this site <a href="http://proteinonlydietreviews.com/">http://proteinonlydietreviews.com/</a> . Also be sure to check out this site as well, <a href="http://proteinonlydietreviews.com/about/">http://proteinonlydietreviews.com/about/</a> .
Friday, 13 September 2013
Eating 14 Superfoods Is A Good Way To Go Green For Better Health
One of the best points of green living is to slow down and enjoy life. It is possible to do this, even in this fast-paced world we live in. We need to get back to where it was better to prevent disease in the first place. Too many people have the attitude of destroying the body today, and fix it with a pill tomorrow. Everywhere you look, you read about some magic pill that will instantly fix your latest problem. There are certain pills that help, but only if you make some necessary changes in your life. When your body wears out, you can't trade it in for a new one, like your car. You should learn how to take care of it before it is too late. Your body needs proper nutrients to function at its best levels.
When you eat, do you eat out of convenience or taste without determining if what goes into your mouth is good for you? How often do you fill up on mini mart junk food, or greasy fried foods from the local fast food restaurant? Eating sugar and starches, as well as fatty foods, is there any wonder why new diseases are being discovered all of the time? There is an epidemic of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and many others, probably caused by the foods that are eaten. People are becoming more health conscious, and eating better, because they are tired of feeling poorly. A lot of good food can now be found at your local health food store or farmer's market.
Today, you can find an organic food section in almost all grocery stores. There you will be able to find what science has termed superfoods. That name has been given to 14 foods that have been shown to slow down certain diseases, or even reverse them. By eating these foods, your body will be uplifted to new heights in mental awareness, and perceptions. When you trade in the junk food for these super foods, you will be amazed at how well you will soon feel. By getting the correct nutrition, your body will function the way it is supposed to function. When this happens, the immune system will be able to fight off any disease.
Your daily diet should contain at least some of these super foods. To start with, beans are very good, and berries, especially blueberries. Things that are green, such as broccoli, spinach, and green tea. Whole grains, and oats, along with a variety of nuts, mainly walnuts. Also, you should have yogurt, soy, pumpkins, oranges, and tomatoes, along with salmon and turkey. Eating from this list of foods, you will never have a weight problem again.
Green living gives you a solid eating plan, with all of the right ingredients for better health. Your immune system will be rebuilt, and your body can become disease free. Prepare for a healthy future by changing your eating habits today.
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For more information about Prostate problems visit this site, <a href="http://menshealthreviewed.com/mens-health-review-prostacet-review/">http://menshealthreviewed.com/mens-health-review-prostacet-review/</a> .Another resource that I am sure you'll like is the blog post, <a href="http://menshealthreviewed.com/mens-health-review-prostacet-review/">http://menshealthreviewed.com/mens-health-review-prostacet-review/</a> .
When you eat, do you eat out of convenience or taste without determining if what goes into your mouth is good for you? How often do you fill up on mini mart junk food, or greasy fried foods from the local fast food restaurant? Eating sugar and starches, as well as fatty foods, is there any wonder why new diseases are being discovered all of the time? There is an epidemic of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and many others, probably caused by the foods that are eaten. People are becoming more health conscious, and eating better, because they are tired of feeling poorly. A lot of good food can now be found at your local health food store or farmer's market.
Today, you can find an organic food section in almost all grocery stores. There you will be able to find what science has termed superfoods. That name has been given to 14 foods that have been shown to slow down certain diseases, or even reverse them. By eating these foods, your body will be uplifted to new heights in mental awareness, and perceptions. When you trade in the junk food for these super foods, you will be amazed at how well you will soon feel. By getting the correct nutrition, your body will function the way it is supposed to function. When this happens, the immune system will be able to fight off any disease.
Your daily diet should contain at least some of these super foods. To start with, beans are very good, and berries, especially blueberries. Things that are green, such as broccoli, spinach, and green tea. Whole grains, and oats, along with a variety of nuts, mainly walnuts. Also, you should have yogurt, soy, pumpkins, oranges, and tomatoes, along with salmon and turkey. Eating from this list of foods, you will never have a weight problem again.
Green living gives you a solid eating plan, with all of the right ingredients for better health. Your immune system will be rebuilt, and your body can become disease free. Prepare for a healthy future by changing your eating habits today.
------------------------
For more information about Prostate problems visit this site, <a href="http://menshealthreviewed.com/mens-health-review-prostacet-review/">http://menshealthreviewed.com/mens-health-review-prostacet-review/</a> .Another resource that I am sure you'll like is the blog post, <a href="http://menshealthreviewed.com/mens-health-review-prostacet-review/">http://menshealthreviewed.com/mens-health-review-prostacet-review/</a> .
10 Benefits of Physical Activity For Diabetic Clients
For those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, there is a huge opportunity to turn the disease around and return to full health. The development of diabetes is usually related to blood sugars increases caused by poor diet and lack of exercise (type 2) but may also be due to lack of insulin (type 1). The good news is that it is possible to control diabetes with the correct approach to exercise and diet.
Through consistent scheduled exercise, you will improve your blood glucose control which means your blood sugars levels will be less likely to fluctuate between hypo and hyperglycaemia.
As you become fitter and your cardiovascular output improves, you will reduce the risk of heart disease happening to you. Start exercising today and decrease chances of developing heart disease which, as a diabetic, you are at greater risk of.
Get a grip on those blood sugar levels. Exercise can help lower blood sugar levels, therefore prevent symptoms of diabetes occurring. No more of those dreaded blood sugar level dips which can leave you feeling nauseous and reaching for the sugary snacks.
As you exercise, your body actually becomes more sensitive to insulin and therefore prevent symptoms of diabetes happening to you.
Of course, you will burn calories, look and feel great and reduce the risk of obesity and weight gain. Obesity is 100% reversible through healthy diet and exercise so get moving today.
When you exercise your blood pressure will begin to stabilise. Reduced blood pressure which lead to cardiac problems.
Your blood circulation will improve. For diabetics, this is most important because improved blood circulation reduces risk of problems with legs and feet.
Reduced blood sugar levels may reduce the risk of retina blood vessel damage in the eyes leading to blindness, which is a complication that diabetics frequently face.
Your new exercise plan may also help control blood glucose levels reducing risk of damage to kidneys, another complication frequently related to diabetes.
And finally, exercise can help stress management. Nearly every illness is exacerbated by stress and certainly diabetes is no exception. So your body and mind will thank you for any activity which can reduce the stress levels from climbing out of control.
Be sure to seek written medical clearance from a doctor before initiating any exercise programme. Start slow and do not overload the body all at once with intense exercise. Avoid further injury or damage and stop all activity if pain is experienced.
Be creative and think of activities that you enjoy and can do from home if necessary on days that you cant make it to the gym. Consider video games (WII Fitness) which can similate tennis, cricket and can be played from the chair or trying an exercise bike and weights at home. Enjoy your new exercise and keep it fun by changing and challenging the body and mind.
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For more health, diet and detox information, check out Dublin Vitality Center <a href="http://www.dublinvitalitycenter.com">http://www.dublinvitalitycenter.com</a> where treatments are provided by nurse trained therapists. Dublin Vitality Center provides colonic irrigation, liver detox, food intolerance testing, diathermy, microdermabrasion and laser teeth whitening <a href="http://www.laserteethwhiteningdublin.ie">http://www.laserteethwhiteningdublin.ie</a> by qualified medical professionals in Ireland.
Through consistent scheduled exercise, you will improve your blood glucose control which means your blood sugars levels will be less likely to fluctuate between hypo and hyperglycaemia.
As you become fitter and your cardiovascular output improves, you will reduce the risk of heart disease happening to you. Start exercising today and decrease chances of developing heart disease which, as a diabetic, you are at greater risk of.
Get a grip on those blood sugar levels. Exercise can help lower blood sugar levels, therefore prevent symptoms of diabetes occurring. No more of those dreaded blood sugar level dips which can leave you feeling nauseous and reaching for the sugary snacks.
As you exercise, your body actually becomes more sensitive to insulin and therefore prevent symptoms of diabetes happening to you.
Of course, you will burn calories, look and feel great and reduce the risk of obesity and weight gain. Obesity is 100% reversible through healthy diet and exercise so get moving today.
When you exercise your blood pressure will begin to stabilise. Reduced blood pressure which lead to cardiac problems.
Your blood circulation will improve. For diabetics, this is most important because improved blood circulation reduces risk of problems with legs and feet.
Reduced blood sugar levels may reduce the risk of retina blood vessel damage in the eyes leading to blindness, which is a complication that diabetics frequently face.
Your new exercise plan may also help control blood glucose levels reducing risk of damage to kidneys, another complication frequently related to diabetes.
And finally, exercise can help stress management. Nearly every illness is exacerbated by stress and certainly diabetes is no exception. So your body and mind will thank you for any activity which can reduce the stress levels from climbing out of control.
Be sure to seek written medical clearance from a doctor before initiating any exercise programme. Start slow and do not overload the body all at once with intense exercise. Avoid further injury or damage and stop all activity if pain is experienced.
Be creative and think of activities that you enjoy and can do from home if necessary on days that you cant make it to the gym. Consider video games (WII Fitness) which can similate tennis, cricket and can be played from the chair or trying an exercise bike and weights at home. Enjoy your new exercise and keep it fun by changing and challenging the body and mind.
------------------------
For more health, diet and detox information, check out Dublin Vitality Center <a href="http://www.dublinvitalitycenter.com">http://www.dublinvitalitycenter.com</a> where treatments are provided by nurse trained therapists. Dublin Vitality Center provides colonic irrigation, liver detox, food intolerance testing, diathermy, microdermabrasion and laser teeth whitening <a href="http://www.laserteethwhiteningdublin.ie">http://www.laserteethwhiteningdublin.ie</a> by qualified medical professionals in Ireland.
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Ideas To Improve Your Eyesight Health Naturally
The reason that many people work out and alter their diets is because they feel they can improve their bodies by dropping pounds and building muscle. It is accepted that the health advantages of following a fitness program and changing our lifestyles can help to reverse certain conditions and slow down the signs of aging. However, there are some problems that are not looked at in the same way and one of those areas is our eyesight. If you suffer from bad eyesight and need contacts or glasses, it may be that you feel that there is nothing you can do about this and decide to live with your vision as it is. In this article we'll examine a number of natural ways that may help to improve your vision.
If you want to start to help yourself to better sight, the need to go to an optician is still the place to start since they are trained to spot any underlying eye health problems that may require expert help. Nonetheless, if your condition is only a matter of needing glasses or contact lenses, then you can look at ways to try and boost your sight before your next eye test. The first habit to develop is to identify times when you can give your eyes a rest from your eyeglasses so that you aren't always depending on them. The natural state for your eyes is to be functioning on their own, so if you are at home without needing your eyeglasses or contacts, take the opportunity to take them off for a short time.
The reason we work out our bodies is to grow muscles and make them stronger. In the same way, you can give your eyes exercise by keeping them moving in various ways. If you look at some objects, instead of staring at them you can move your eyes around the different lines and angles and begin to work out your eye muscles. It's something you can do at various times of the day and you can try it with various shapes and forms. There are several activities in the modern world that put a strain on our sight such as computer screens and television and so you have to make up for this by making certain you take care of the fitness of your eyes.
If you find out how to exercise your eyes, you should learn how to keep them relaxed too. There is, for instance, a method known as palming which calls for cupping your hands over your closed eyes to allow them a period of relaxed darkness. If you do this for about fifteen minutes you may well see that objects do appear a little clearer later. An alternative approach to your health with modifications to your diet should aid you in getting the nutrients you need, many of which can be good for your eyes.
If you use certain exercises and relaxation techniques for you eyes as well as improving your overall health, you may find that your sight can improve naturally.
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Kathy Jenkins writes about Eyesight along with <a href="http://bgm.me/r/590948">http://bgm.me/r/590948</a> To know more about <a href="http://estebanperez12.insanejournal.com/710.html">http://estebanperez12.insanejournal.com/710.html</a> click here.
If you want to start to help yourself to better sight, the need to go to an optician is still the place to start since they are trained to spot any underlying eye health problems that may require expert help. Nonetheless, if your condition is only a matter of needing glasses or contact lenses, then you can look at ways to try and boost your sight before your next eye test. The first habit to develop is to identify times when you can give your eyes a rest from your eyeglasses so that you aren't always depending on them. The natural state for your eyes is to be functioning on their own, so if you are at home without needing your eyeglasses or contacts, take the opportunity to take them off for a short time.
The reason we work out our bodies is to grow muscles and make them stronger. In the same way, you can give your eyes exercise by keeping them moving in various ways. If you look at some objects, instead of staring at them you can move your eyes around the different lines and angles and begin to work out your eye muscles. It's something you can do at various times of the day and you can try it with various shapes and forms. There are several activities in the modern world that put a strain on our sight such as computer screens and television and so you have to make up for this by making certain you take care of the fitness of your eyes.
If you find out how to exercise your eyes, you should learn how to keep them relaxed too. There is, for instance, a method known as palming which calls for cupping your hands over your closed eyes to allow them a period of relaxed darkness. If you do this for about fifteen minutes you may well see that objects do appear a little clearer later. An alternative approach to your health with modifications to your diet should aid you in getting the nutrients you need, many of which can be good for your eyes.
If you use certain exercises and relaxation techniques for you eyes as well as improving your overall health, you may find that your sight can improve naturally.
------------------------
Kathy Jenkins writes about Eyesight along with <a href="http://bgm.me/r/590948">http://bgm.me/r/590948</a> To know more about <a href="http://estebanperez12.insanejournal.com/710.html">http://estebanperez12.insanejournal.com/710.html</a> click here.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
health benefits of peanuts
Peanut Power
Also known as ground nuts, peanuts, along with beans and peas are members of the legume family which are the best sources of protein in the plant kingdom. Peanuts are found in a wide variety of products. They can be eaten salted, dry roasted, boiled and even raw. They can be found in peanut brittle, peanut butter and candy bars and is often a major ingredient in mixed nuts.
1. Helps Promote Fertility (Folate)
Peanuts contain a good amount of folate. Repeated studies have shown that women who had a daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid before and during early pregnancy reduced their risk of having a baby born with a serious neural tube defect by up to 70%.
2. Aids in Blood Sugar Regulation (Manganese)
One fourth cup of peanuts can supply the body with 35% of the DV of manganese, a mineral which plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.
3. Helps Prevent Gallstones
It may come as a surprise that peanuts can help prevent gallstones. But 20 years of studies have shown that eating 1 ounce of nuts, peanuts or peanut butter a week lowers the risk of developing gallstones by 25%.
4. Helps Fight Depression (Tryptophan)
Peanuts are good sources of tryptophan, an essential amino acid which is important for the production of serotonin, one of the key brain chemicals involved in mood regulation. When depression occurs, a decreased amount of serotonin may be released from the nerve cells in the brain. Tryptophan may raise serotonin’s antidepressant effects when there is an increased amount of serotonin in the blood.
5. Boosts Memory Power (Vitamin B3)
Do you know what can be found in peanuts that gave them the “brain food” tag? This is due to their vitamin B3 or niacin content whose many health benefits include normal brain functioning and boosting memory power.
6. Helps Lower Cholesterol Levels (Copper)
The same nutrient which gives peanuts their memory enhancing power also helps lower and control cholesterol levels. Added to that is their copper contents which aids in reducing bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels.
7. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
Numerous studies have shown that regular nuts consumption is linked to reduced risk of heart disease. Peanuts are rich in heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as oleic acid. Reach for a handful of peanuts and other nuts at least four times a week to reduce your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.
8. Protects Against Age-related Cognitive Decline (Vitamin B2)
Study participants have shown that those who have an intake of the most niacin-rich foods like peanuts were 70% less likely to have developed Alzheimer’s disease. A quarter cup a day of peanuts can already supply almost a quarter of the daily needed value for niacin.
9 Cancer Protection
A form of phytosterol called beta-sitoserol (SIT) is found in high concentrations in some plant oils, seeds, and legumes including peanuts. Phytosterols not only protects against cardiovascular disease by interfering with the absorption of cholesterol, they also protect against cancer by inhibiting tumor growth.
10. Lowers Risk of Weight Gain
Surprise! Eating nuts regularly is associated with a lowered risk of weight gain. Research has shown that people who eat nuts at least twice weekly are much less likely to gain weight than those who almost never eat them.
The only thing you should consider when adding peanuts to your diet, is that you try to avoid salted peanuts as too much salt intake is bad for you.
Also known as ground nuts, peanuts, along with beans and peas are members of the legume family which are the best sources of protein in the plant kingdom. Peanuts are found in a wide variety of products. They can be eaten salted, dry roasted, boiled and even raw. They can be found in peanut brittle, peanut butter and candy bars and is often a major ingredient in mixed nuts.
1. Helps Promote Fertility (Folate)
Peanuts contain a good amount of folate. Repeated studies have shown that women who had a daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid before and during early pregnancy reduced their risk of having a baby born with a serious neural tube defect by up to 70%.
2. Aids in Blood Sugar Regulation (Manganese)
One fourth cup of peanuts can supply the body with 35% of the DV of manganese, a mineral which plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.
3. Helps Prevent Gallstones
It may come as a surprise that peanuts can help prevent gallstones. But 20 years of studies have shown that eating 1 ounce of nuts, peanuts or peanut butter a week lowers the risk of developing gallstones by 25%.
4. Helps Fight Depression (Tryptophan)
Peanuts are good sources of tryptophan, an essential amino acid which is important for the production of serotonin, one of the key brain chemicals involved in mood regulation. When depression occurs, a decreased amount of serotonin may be released from the nerve cells in the brain. Tryptophan may raise serotonin’s antidepressant effects when there is an increased amount of serotonin in the blood.
5. Boosts Memory Power (Vitamin B3)
Do you know what can be found in peanuts that gave them the “brain food” tag? This is due to their vitamin B3 or niacin content whose many health benefits include normal brain functioning and boosting memory power.
6. Helps Lower Cholesterol Levels (Copper)
The same nutrient which gives peanuts their memory enhancing power also helps lower and control cholesterol levels. Added to that is their copper contents which aids in reducing bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels.
7. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
Numerous studies have shown that regular nuts consumption is linked to reduced risk of heart disease. Peanuts are rich in heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as oleic acid. Reach for a handful of peanuts and other nuts at least four times a week to reduce your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.
8. Protects Against Age-related Cognitive Decline (Vitamin B2)
Study participants have shown that those who have an intake of the most niacin-rich foods like peanuts were 70% less likely to have developed Alzheimer’s disease. A quarter cup a day of peanuts can already supply almost a quarter of the daily needed value for niacin.
9 Cancer Protection
A form of phytosterol called beta-sitoserol (SIT) is found in high concentrations in some plant oils, seeds, and legumes including peanuts. Phytosterols not only protects against cardiovascular disease by interfering with the absorption of cholesterol, they also protect against cancer by inhibiting tumor growth.
10. Lowers Risk of Weight Gain
Surprise! Eating nuts regularly is associated with a lowered risk of weight gain. Research has shown that people who eat nuts at least twice weekly are much less likely to gain weight than those who almost never eat them.
The only thing you should consider when adding peanuts to your diet, is that you try to avoid salted peanuts as too much salt intake is bad for you.
Sunday, 30 September 2012
5 Reasons Why Diet Soda Is Making You Fat And Sick
Diet Soda.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet.
Drinking any diet soda seems harmless but lots of studies show the exact opposite. It appears that diet soda is free of calories, but not consequences.
But just how bad can reduced calorie sodas be?
I have to admit, years ago I drank quite a bit of a well known diet soda. I have never drunk regular soda as I have always been aware of the sugar content but I would have diet soda nearly every time I went out if I wasn't drinking alcohol. Not being a huge drinker, this would be quite often but now I TRY to avoid it when I can. After reading this, perhaps you might too.
Firstly, it reduces the PH levels of your blood which can cause an extremely acidic environment which in turn lowers the alkalinity in our bodies. There are many things that we eat that are acidic, things like eggs and coffee for example but we can balance this out by eating green vegetable and drinking green tea. Diet soda on the other hand provides no nutritional value and a whole host of other problems.
It can over time, alter the chemistry of your mind.
Bisphenol-A or BPA is a chemical used to make plastics hard and also line cans. The acidic nature of diet soda increases the exposure to this chemical from the can and studies now show that exposure to BPA can lead to increased aggressiveness, hyperactivity and impaired learning in children. Please DO NOT let your children drink these drinks if you care about their health.
The link between obesity and diet drinks have been well documented but can drinking diet sodas ACTUALLY cause you to gain body fat?
YES THEY CAN.
When you drink any artificially sweetened drink, it tricks the body into thinking it is eating sugar. The body will release insulin from the pancreas to combat that supposed rise in sugar (which isn't there) and then have nowhere to go and no job to perform. We know that if you can effectively control the insulin response from food you can avoid gaining fat. Diet soda has been shown to stimulate the release of insulin and you WILL gain fat.It gets worse.
Artificial sweeteners trigger appetite and inhibit brain cells that signal the feeling of being full which means that regular diet soda drinkers have a tendency to over eat.
Diet soda causes your gut bacteria to adapt in a way that interferes with your satiety signals and metabolism. When the gut is exposed to this new sweetened environment, the bacteria in the gut produces more short-chain fatty acids. These short-chain fatty acids decrease satiety signals and may cause disruption in our feeling full and can cause us to over eat.On top of that, these acids promote inflammation in the lining of the gut. Scientists are not entirely sure how but they do know that inflammation damages gut tissue and results in leaky gut syndrome. This means bacteria can leak through the stomach into your blood stream and cause serious problems like insulin resistance which can lead to type 2 diabetes and the increased risk of heart disease.
Diet soda doesn't sound so cool now does it?
Gavin
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Gavin Gillibrand BSc. Fat loss and Body Transformation Expert in the City of London, UK
Please visit our website <a href="http://ultimatecityfitness.com">http://ultimatecityfitness.com</a> for more great articles on fat loss, weight loss and health & fitness.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet.
Drinking any diet soda seems harmless but lots of studies show the exact opposite. It appears that diet soda is free of calories, but not consequences.
But just how bad can reduced calorie sodas be?
I have to admit, years ago I drank quite a bit of a well known diet soda. I have never drunk regular soda as I have always been aware of the sugar content but I would have diet soda nearly every time I went out if I wasn't drinking alcohol. Not being a huge drinker, this would be quite often but now I TRY to avoid it when I can. After reading this, perhaps you might too.
Firstly, it reduces the PH levels of your blood which can cause an extremely acidic environment which in turn lowers the alkalinity in our bodies. There are many things that we eat that are acidic, things like eggs and coffee for example but we can balance this out by eating green vegetable and drinking green tea. Diet soda on the other hand provides no nutritional value and a whole host of other problems.
It can over time, alter the chemistry of your mind.
Bisphenol-A or BPA is a chemical used to make plastics hard and also line cans. The acidic nature of diet soda increases the exposure to this chemical from the can and studies now show that exposure to BPA can lead to increased aggressiveness, hyperactivity and impaired learning in children. Please DO NOT let your children drink these drinks if you care about their health.
The link between obesity and diet drinks have been well documented but can drinking diet sodas ACTUALLY cause you to gain body fat?
YES THEY CAN.
When you drink any artificially sweetened drink, it tricks the body into thinking it is eating sugar. The body will release insulin from the pancreas to combat that supposed rise in sugar (which isn't there) and then have nowhere to go and no job to perform. We know that if you can effectively control the insulin response from food you can avoid gaining fat. Diet soda has been shown to stimulate the release of insulin and you WILL gain fat.It gets worse.
Artificial sweeteners trigger appetite and inhibit brain cells that signal the feeling of being full which means that regular diet soda drinkers have a tendency to over eat.
Diet soda causes your gut bacteria to adapt in a way that interferes with your satiety signals and metabolism. When the gut is exposed to this new sweetened environment, the bacteria in the gut produces more short-chain fatty acids. These short-chain fatty acids decrease satiety signals and may cause disruption in our feeling full and can cause us to over eat.On top of that, these acids promote inflammation in the lining of the gut. Scientists are not entirely sure how but they do know that inflammation damages gut tissue and results in leaky gut syndrome. This means bacteria can leak through the stomach into your blood stream and cause serious problems like insulin resistance which can lead to type 2 diabetes and the increased risk of heart disease.
Diet soda doesn't sound so cool now does it?
Gavin
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Gavin Gillibrand BSc. Fat loss and Body Transformation Expert in the City of London, UK
Please visit our website <a href="http://ultimatecityfitness.com">http://ultimatecityfitness.com</a> for more great articles on fat loss, weight loss and health & fitness.
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Toning Your Arms the Healthy Way
So you've made the decision to start toning your arms. You're buying exercise DVDs, comparing hand weights and deciding whether or not to splurge on stylish sportswear online, but do you know what it truly means to get in shape? Do you understand the physiology of fitness when it comes to resistance exercises and weight training?
Don't fret. Whether you're an eager beginner or just a fitness buff looking for new tricks, here are four tips that should be applied to all arm-toning endeavours.
Start Small
Many women jump into new exercise regimes with too much enthusiasm and too little planning. It's okay to be excited, but it's equally important to take baby steps, especially if you've been out of shape for awhile. Start with light weights and easy reps. Learn to recognize the difference between a satisfied burn and genuine pain. Make sure to stretch before and after exercise of any kind.
Get the Right Gear
Not all fitness equipment is created equal. For one thing, you'll need quality women's sportswear to ensure freedom of movement during exercise. You should also look into comfortable, easy-to-grip weights that are appropriate for both your size and your fitness goals. What are you trying to accomplish with your toning exercises? Are you trying to get stronger for work or more flexible for yoga? Should you buy dumbbells or fitness ropes? Both?
Add Weight, Not Repetition
A little-known fitness fact is that exercise loses its effectiveness over time. As your body becomes used to a routine, you expend less energy to reach your goals, burning fewer calories and building less muscle.
The trick to avoiding this "slump" is to keep challenging yourself and changing your routine, ideally by increasing the poundage on your weights. Repetition itself is only useful for building your strength and gradually increasing your tolerance for heavier burdens. It won't increase your tone, only your endurance. To actually see a difference in your arms, increase the size and heft of your gear, not the number of repetitions you complete with them.
Increase Overall Fitness
All the toning in the world isn't going to make a difference if your overall body weight is obscuring the results of your hard work. Muscle lies under fat, so you can actually have the world's strongest arms under a layer of flab!
A good routine will combine fat-burning cardio with an equal amount of resistance training to build muscle. Work up a sweat, burn some calories, then focus on your arms. The goal should be strength and weight loss in equal measure.
Follow these tips and you're sure to have sleek, toned arms in no time. Good luck!
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Aubrey Reeves is a freelance blogger who specializes on green and healthy living. Stay tuned for her healthy natural tips and guides about Women's Activewear by visiting <a href="http://www.lornajane.com/">http://www.lornajane.com/</,a> .
Don't fret. Whether you're an eager beginner or just a fitness buff looking for new tricks, here are four tips that should be applied to all arm-toning endeavours.
Start Small
Many women jump into new exercise regimes with too much enthusiasm and too little planning. It's okay to be excited, but it's equally important to take baby steps, especially if you've been out of shape for awhile. Start with light weights and easy reps. Learn to recognize the difference between a satisfied burn and genuine pain. Make sure to stretch before and after exercise of any kind.
Get the Right Gear
Not all fitness equipment is created equal. For one thing, you'll need quality women's sportswear to ensure freedom of movement during exercise. You should also look into comfortable, easy-to-grip weights that are appropriate for both your size and your fitness goals. What are you trying to accomplish with your toning exercises? Are you trying to get stronger for work or more flexible for yoga? Should you buy dumbbells or fitness ropes? Both?
Add Weight, Not Repetition
A little-known fitness fact is that exercise loses its effectiveness over time. As your body becomes used to a routine, you expend less energy to reach your goals, burning fewer calories and building less muscle.
The trick to avoiding this "slump" is to keep challenging yourself and changing your routine, ideally by increasing the poundage on your weights. Repetition itself is only useful for building your strength and gradually increasing your tolerance for heavier burdens. It won't increase your tone, only your endurance. To actually see a difference in your arms, increase the size and heft of your gear, not the number of repetitions you complete with them.
Increase Overall Fitness
All the toning in the world isn't going to make a difference if your overall body weight is obscuring the results of your hard work. Muscle lies under fat, so you can actually have the world's strongest arms under a layer of flab!
A good routine will combine fat-burning cardio with an equal amount of resistance training to build muscle. Work up a sweat, burn some calories, then focus on your arms. The goal should be strength and weight loss in equal measure.
Follow these tips and you're sure to have sleek, toned arms in no time. Good luck!
------------------------
Aubrey Reeves is a freelance blogger who specializes on green and healthy living. Stay tuned for her healthy natural tips and guides about Women's Activewear by visiting <a href="http://www.lornajane.com/">http://www.lornajane.com/</,a> .
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