Thursday, 31 May 2012

How to cook healthy

One of the barriers for healthy eating is the time it takes to actually prepare a healthy meal. If you already don't like the idea of cooking, making a well-rounded meal is even more of a daunting task. However, it is possible to make meals without actually working too hard for them and we'll show you how to do it.

If you Want to get the most nutritional value out of cooked food? As a rule, rapid cooking techniques are better for retaining nutrients than slower methods. For healthiest results, most experts recommend cooking food thoroughly but rapidly.

Baking. It’s not just for breads, cookies, or cakes. Bake seafood, lean meat, chicken, or vegetables for a meal that tastes great—using little or no fat. When preparing veggie, timing is essential since they can become overcooked in seconds. It is also important to use precisely the amount of liquid called for in the recipe. When cooking grains or beans, allow enough room for them to expand; do not fill the pan more than half full. To prevent beans and grains from foaming over, add a few teaspoons of oil.

Braising. Brown your main ingredient (for example, meat or chicken) in a pan on the stove. Then, add a small amount of liquid such as water or broth and let it simmer. In some recipes, the remaining liquid is rich in nutrients and can be used as a sauce.

Broiling or grilling. Cook food in the broiler in your oven or on a grill. Both ways allow fat to drip away from the food.

Poaching. Gently simmer ingredients in water or liquid such as broth, vinegar, or juice until they are cooked through.

Roasting. Cook food in the oven, at higher temperatures than baking. Use a rack in the roasting pan so fat drips away from meat, poultry, or seafood as it cooks.

Sautéing or stir-frying. Cook small or thinly sliced pieces of food quickly using very little oil. If you use a nonstick pan, you can cook without adding fat or oil. You also can use a small amount of cooking spray. Stir-fried meals are healthful because the food cooks rapidly at relatively high temperatures. Very little oil is needed, just enough to form a thin film on the pan. If desired, broth, wine or nonstick cooking spray can be used instead of oil. (Just be sure to add more liquid to the pan as it evaporates.) Gradually add the oil or broth to the pan, heating until hot but not smoking. Then toss in the food and stir constantly until meats are thoroughly cooked and vegetables are just tender and crisp.

Steaming. This is 1 of the simplest ways to cook food. Steam vegetables, chicken, or fish using a steamer basket suspended above simmering water. Adding seasonings to the water helps flavor the food as it cooks. No oil or fat needed. A large steamer pot is ideal since it provides ample space for the steam to circulate, cooking the food most efficiently. Water will boil away as the food is cooking, so be sure to start off with enough liquid in the pot.


Eating healthy food does not mean you have to give up your favourite foods, your favourite recipes can be adapted to provide a healthier alternative.

Cooking Healthy Sauces

It is very easy to make rich creamy sauces without using fat, cream OR butter. Here are some of my favorite sauce bases:

- Blend cooked white beans or potatoes with soy or cow's milk to make a base for another a healthy cream sauce. Once again, adding slow-cooked onions will add even more flavor.

-Slow-cook onions and garlic over low heat, then blend with silken tofu and soy milk for a rich, creamy texture. When you cook the onions slowly, they release a lot of flavor that enriches the flavor of the soy. For even more flavor, add fresh herbs to the onions while cooking.

- A little more complex method of making a flavorful sauce is to simmer vegetables, such as carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and spices, for about 30 minutes, starting with cold water. Once you have drawn out the flavor from the vegetables, strain the broth and return it to your pan. Continue to simmer on a high temperature to reduce the sauce to about half the quantity. This reduction will intensify the flavor. If you are serving meat or fish, pour this sauce into the pan in which you just cooked the meat or fish, and it will add even more flavor.

- Pestos are another great way to make healthy sauces. They are not only very flavorful, but the fresh herbs are incredibly beneficial medicine. Try my Cilantro Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds.

- Whenever a recipe calls for a mushroom sauce, I like to add a little bit of reconstituted dried mushrooms such as porcini or shitake. It's easy to keep dried mushrooms on hand, and they add a lot of flavor you don't get with just fresh mushrooms. Add dried porcini mushrooms to a little tomato sauce and fresh herbs, and you have a very flavorful sauce that is quite versatile and goes with many dishes.

How much water is the right amount?

Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual.Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live.

Although no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.

How much water do you need in a day - eight glasses or one litre? Do I drink one litre when I wake up? If I drink more than that, will I get water retention? Is there such a thing as too much water? It's time we set the facts straight. How much water does your body need? We look at the guidelines for the right amount of water intake for you.

According to research women need two and half litres of water while men need three and half litres of water. BUT, there are some criteria:

-You have to take into account the liquids from beverages and foods.
-If it's a hot sweaty day, you need more than this amount.
-If you're pregnant, exercising, sweating or vomiting you need more than the 3 litres of water.

Water makes up more than half of your body weight and it is essential to drink the recommended glasses of water to avoid dehydration and for the normal functioning of the body. It is also a well known fact that drinking the recommended daily intake of water can reduce the chances of heart disease and kidney problems. Drinking the right amount of water can also help the body regulate temperature and avoid dehydration.

It is well known fact that water intake should be increased along with increased levels of exercise, sport or physical exertion. The body loses 2.5 percent of body water every day, and this rate goes up with exercise and sport. The daily water intake calculator factors in the daily activity level to counter the body water lost during exercise. It is recommended that you drink 16 ounces of water for every pound of body weight lost during exercise. Many people do not know that it is essential to drink the recommended daily amount of water while going through weight loss or while dieting. The reason for this is that the liver requires water to metabolize body fat.

Thirst may be an indicator that your body needs water, but the best signal that is 100 percent foolproof is your urine. If it's translucent or has a tinge of yellow, your body is hydrated, if it is bright yellow, drink up. If your urine is brown in colour, we suggest you visit the doctor.

The story does not end here. Some believe that they can consume a large amount of water at one stretch, say in the morning, and rest easy for the rest of the day. Well the fact is that your intake of water has to be spread throughout the day. When you take in an enormous amount of water at one time you are more likely to experience water intoxication.

Wednesday, 30 May 2012

Lack of sleep can make you fat

It turns out that poor sleep, such as from chronic insomnia, disrupts one of our hunger hormones, which can make us fat.
There are many factors that will run down the body, and make you at risk of obesity. Sleeping allows the body to repair itself and combat the day’s stresses. When you feel tired or sleepy, that’s your intelligent body telling you what it needs. Pushing your limits by taking caffeine or other stimulants can cause the body to ultimately break down. Sleep deprivation affects the body much like stress, increasing cortisol levels, distorting thyroid hormone levels, and elevating glucose and insulin. All of these factors contribute to WEIGHT GAIN.

The research explores how lack of sleep can impact appetite regulation, impair glucose metabolism and increase blood pressure.

Sleeping is not a time waster either. When we sleep, the body gets rid of waste products, circulates minerals, vitamins and hormones, and allows the body to naturally defend and repair itself from potential diseases. Since toxins are stored in fat cells, allowing the body to detoxify itself each night as you sleep will improve you ability to lose weight.

The studies revealed how signals from the brain, which control appetite regulation, are impacted by experimental sleep restriction. Inadequate sleep impacts secretion of the signal hormones ghrelin, which increases appetite, and leptin, which indicates when the body is satiated.

"Future research should determine whether efforts to improve sleep can also help prevent the development of these diseases or improve the lives of patients with these conditions".

Health benefits of cold showers

Everybody wants to take a warm shower either in the morning or afternoon for the simple reason that they cannot stand the cold. Don’t you know that bathing with cold water gives you the feeling of freshness and a lot of health benefits? The best way to beat the summer heat is a cold shower, but there are more uses to a cold shower than we realise.

Bathing with cold water freshen your mind in the morning or after a day’s hard work in the warm city. Besides that, cold water can increase metabolism, prevent post-exercise injury and regulate levels of uric acid in your body. There are still other health benefits of having a cold shower.

Male fertility: Very few men may know this fact but heat is bad for your testes, it can potentially lower the sperm count. If you want a child, it's time to shower in cold water, plus you're saving electricity. So next time you visit the sauna you may want to think again.

Blood circulation is increased to get rid of toxin. By the time cold water touches the skin, it reduces blood circulation but at the same time body mechanism increases blood pressure causing the blood to circulate with extra force.

Strengthens Immunity: The most established benefit of cold showers is that overall, they simply increase your chances of fighting off disease and infection. People who take regular cold showers have been shown to have less chance of getting things like:
- Cancer
- Colds
- Flu's
- Haemorrhoids
- Varicose veins

Increases metabolism: When you're cold you reach out for a sweater. Similarly, when your body is cold it automatically generates heat, putting the metabolism into fast gear. That's when carbs and fats are burned to keep you warm.

Avoid sport or workout injuries: After you have over exercised your muscles, that is when they are inflamed and you need them to relax. To improve strength and muscle mass your muscle fibers expand and contract, hence to prevent ruptured fibers due to over training, cold water showers are advised.

Alleviates Depression: Depression is yet another thing that cold showers help and prevent. It is caused by the stimulating effect the cold has on the brains "blue spot", the main source of noradrenaline for our bodies, a chemical that might be used to help alleviate depression.

Additional benefits: Cold showers can decrease chronic pain, reduce body aches, improve your hair health, improve kidney function, reduce swelling and edema, heal and tone skin and regulate your autonomic nervous system.

Cold water and body rhythm: It deepens your breathing. If you're tired, a cold shower will do the trick as it helps to fight fatigue. Can't sleep? A cold shower will help you hit the snooze button. If your hair products are not giving you the desired sheen, try cold water. Who knew cold showers had so many health benefits!

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Cooking Tips for Diabetes

Diabetes people can control their blood sugar level by following simple cooking tips. Cooking tips for diabetes help diabetic patients to eat balanced diet with essential nutrients. Diabetes is a disease that occurs due to inability of our body to produce sufficient insulin to metabolize the food that we eat. Normally the food we eat is converted within our body into a form of sugar called glucose. Glucose level increases in the blood which stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin that regulates the blood glucose level and helps in utilizing and storing glucose in our body.

Diabetes can be controlled through effective management of the balance of sugar and insulin, to enable your body to function well. Management of diabetes involves attention to diet, exercise, medications in the form of injections and pills. The diet plan helps a diabetic patient to control the intake of food as well as weight.

Some healthy cooking tips include:

- Season foods with herbs and spices, vinegar, lemon juice, or salsa instead of salt.
- Use vegetable oil spray instead of oil, shortening, or butter.
- If you do use oil, use canola, sunflower, or olive oil in food preparation instead of vegetable oil.
- Steam vegetables using a low-fat broth or water.
- Use low- or no-sugar jams instead of butter or margarine.
- Eat or cook cereal with skim milk or 1 percent milk.
- Use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese, or nonfat yogurt in place of full fat versions.
- Drink 100 percent fruit juice that has no added sugar.
- Eat chicken or turkey without the skin.
- Broil, roast, stir-fry, or grill meats. Always buy lean cuts of meat.
- Use lemon or lime on fish and vegetables instead of butter or sauces.
- Buy whole-grain breads and cereals.

Always consult your health care provider, registered dietitian, or nutritionist to get advice on planning and preparing healthy meals.

Home remedies for diabetes

There is an alarming rise above the people having diabetes in their early age. st lack of insulin. Day by day its patients are increasing. Young people even get affected by the problem of diabetes. It is very common among the overweight people. Each and every person must have a regular check whether they are suffering from diabetes or not.

No, you don't have to pop pills everyday. Just a few changes in your foot habits and you can cut the risks to a great extent. Here are some things that you can do at home to prevent diabetes or reduce it if you already are affected by it.

Nobody likes bitter things. But isn't it better to take a fruit or a vegetable instead of medicines? Having bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach has proved to prevent diabetes. If you are too stubborn or enjoy eating bitter gourd, then you could make stuffed karela (bitter bourd) or fry them like chips and have them as a snack. This will not just bring a change in your menu and give a respite to your taste buds, but also be beneficial to your health.

Soak a few seeds (1/4 tsps) of methi in water overnight. First thing after you brush your teeth in the morning, gulp down the methi along with the water.

The nutritional components of Apple Cider Vinegar help control the rise in blood sugar levels when you eat a meal. Take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and add a pinch of salt to it. Mix it in a glass of water. Drink this before every large meal.

Jambul fruit is considered as an effective medicine for diabetes considering its effect on pancreas. The seeds too can be dried, powdered and had with water twice a day.

To control this disease, eating of tomatoes, Plum and oranges are much more beneficial. You have to take these fruits at least 300 grams in your diet regularly then it will be very effective.

The guava is among those fruits that are available in most times of the year. With its vitamin C property and high fibre content, this is perhaps one fruit that diabetics can fearlessly have. However, a recent study has shown that having guava with its skin can heighten the blood sugar levels, so make sure you peel off the skin before consumption.

Gooseberry/amla juice too cuts the blood sugar levels.

If you can't do without sugar in your coffee or tea, try and substitute honey.

Studies have shown that black coffee without sugar cuts the risk of Type 2 diabetes

Among other benefits, green tea is also helpful in reducing the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body

Talk to the eldest member in your family and am sure they will come up with a number of home remedies to prevent diabetes. Besides, make regular walk and exercise part of your routine.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes is related with the high level of blood sugar. It is also characterized by the excess excretion of the glucose through urine. The actual cause of this disease is no insulin or at least lack of insulin. Day by day its patients are increasing. Young people even get affected by the problem of diabetes. It is very common among the overweight people. Each and every person must have a regular check whether they are suffering from diabetes or not.

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

weight loss
frequent trips to the bathroom
unquenchable thirst
fatigue and weakness
numbness or tingling sensation in the hands, feet or legs
blurred vision
dry or itchy skin
frequent infections or cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal

When these signs are associated with diabetes, they are the result of high glucose levels in the body. If you notice any of the above signs, schedule an appointment with your family doctor. Blood tests will be able to tell you about a diagnosis of diabetes.

Causes of Diabetes

Usually three types of diabetes affect the people. They are gestational diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type1 the body stops to produce insulin. In type 2 pancreas produces the insulin but the body is unable to use it. It can be easily and effectively controlled by proper weight loss through diet and exercise. Lastly the gestational diabetes is found in the pregnant ladies especially in the second half of their pregnancy. But this problem is automatically cured after the woman delivers the baby

Thus far, medical scientists have been unable to pinpoint the exact causes of diabetes. However, there are certain factors which may increase the risk of developing diabetes, and therefore an individual must try to overcome them. The most common causes are:

obesity
eating an unbalanced diet
smoking
having a family history of diabetes
regularly consuming too much sugar, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
emotional stress
age

Monday, 28 May 2012

Benefiting from whole grains

A diet high in whole grain foods is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, according to the new buzz word in health corridors is to be believed, then 'brown' is the new 'healthy'. By brown, we mean whole grains.

Different kinds of whole grains and how they are beneficial. Grains are essential part of a healthy diet. Grains and whole grains come in different shape and sizes. They are good sources of carbohydrates and some key vitamins and minerals. Whole grains are unrefined grains, without bran, whose germs are removed by milling. The refined grains are milled, in which a fine texture is given to extend their shelf life. White rice, white flour, white bread are a few examples. Enriched grains are those grains, which are enriched by vitamins and minerals.

Understanding the concept of refined grains. As refined grains are treated during processing, they lose their nutrients and vitamins. Therefore, whole grains are recommended instead of refined grains, as refined grains have many sub standards like excessive starchiness, use of chemicals to bleach, use of colours for colouring and majorly imbalanced nutritive values.

The whole grain may be used intact or recombined, as long as all components are present in natural proportions. To recognize whole grains, keep this list handy when you go to the supermarket and choose any of the following grains:

Whole-grain corn
Whole oats/oatmeal
Popcorn
Brown rice
Whole rye
Whole-grain barley
Wild rice
Buckwheat
Triticale
Bulgur (cracked wheat)
Millet
Quinoa
Sorghum
100% whole wheat flour

But what about when you're buying processed products, such as a loaf of bread? You probably know to avoid products made of "refined" wheat. But did you know that some manufacturers strip the outer layer of bran off the whole kernel of wheat, use the refined wheat flour, add in molasses to color it brown, and call it '100% wheat' bread? That's true -- but it is not a whole grain.

Top strategies to get whole grain in your daily diet. Switch to brown bread and rice from white bread and rice. Include popcorn, oat meal in your diet. Have whole wheat pasta & pizzas instead of regular ones. No Indian meal is complete without having one or two chappatis. Try and incorporate whole grains in your chappatis. Prepare them from whole wheat, bajra, jowar, and Ragi for maximum health benefits instead of flour.

Explaining the calorie-controlled benefits of whole grains. Whole grains are very useful in losing weight, as the foods that are high in carbohydrates are lower in calories. The fiber and protein in whole grains helps to regulate blood sugar, which increase satiety and delay the return of hunger. You won't need to worry about calories in your diet, when consuming whole grains, as whole grain products are always efficient in calorie control. All health experts suggest brown rice, brown bread and other whole grain products for controlling weight.

The amount of grains you need daily varies based on your age, sex, and physical activity level, but to keep it simple, the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines say whole grains should make up half of your grain intake.

Friday, 25 May 2012

Eating Healthy With a Busy Lifestyle

When in need of something quick and easy to eat, it is also more likely that we make poorer nutritional choices than usual. However, with preplanning, clever shopping and time saving strategies, you too can succeed in having nutritious and tasty meals without draining time from your busy day. Make healthy eating a priority and you will find yourself more alert, energetic and productive.

People are losing their sense of taste as they compete with the pace of modern life, A survey found that 60 per cent of those polled admitted to never or rarely tasting what they eat, mainly because they're too busy.

"The abundance of great flavours and the range of food experiences have never been more plentiful, nor more diverse, yet our findings suggest consumers are lazy when it comes to tasting and appreciating their food.

A lot of people feel trapped by their busy lifestyles when they're trying to eat healthy. After all, who has time to cook when they need to commute two hours each way, pick the kids up from school, and do the laundry? Eating healthy with a busy lifestyle does not have to be complicated. Here are a few steps that can help you eat well even when you're constantly crunched for time.

1) Simplify Your Diet
One of the easiest ways to eat healthier when you're strapped for time is to simplify your diet. You might want to have that fancy curry reciple you've just learned, but do you really have the time for it? Stick to the basics of what you like, buy them in bulk, and mix those up over the week in a few basic meals. You'll be surprised at how much you actually like simple foods.

2) Eating Out Like a Pro!
Not everyone has time to make a baked potato and eggs. Some people don't even enjoy cooking at all! In order to eat healthy while eating out,

3) Carry Food With You!
It isn't terribly hard to carry some good healthy snacks with you. Carry some nuts (unless you're allergic, because then you would die) and eat a few every time you feel like you're getting hungry in between meals. A hand full of nuts can go a LONG way in keeping you satiated. Fruits are also delicious, healthy, and portable snack foods.

Common mistakes while plannig a diet

Poeple diet like crazy but they are still not losing any weight. There are some diet-related mistakes you could be making. When you diet, you may fail to take into account some hidden calories you consume. At other times, you do not stick to your plan completely. Here are some basic dieting mistakes.

Eating too Fast
In today's hectic world, a leisurely lunch is a luxury. If you are at work, you may need to have a quick lunch so you can get back to that important project. At home, lunch is squeezed in between picking up your children from school, dropping them off at their classes, and running to the market to buy groceries.

Eating too quickly can wreck havoc in a diet plan. When you eat fast, you do not spend sufficient time chewing your food. This delays the signals to your brain that indicate you are full. The delayed signals increase the chances of you overeating. In addition, when you eat quickly, you are more likely to feel hungry faster than if you had taken the time to chew your food properly.

Missing Meals
People often believe that if they skip meals, they will lose more weight. This misconception is the number one cause of gaining weight while dieting. If you miss a meal, you feel hungrier. To make up for what you have missed, you tend to snack on unhealthy food or eat a little extra at other mealtimes. This increases the amount of calories you consume.

Skipping meals also affects your body's metabolism. When you do not eat, your body goes into starvation mode. A large percentage of the food you consume is stored as fat, because your body does not know when it will get food again. This fat adds to your weight.

Liquid Calories
When you diet, you not only monitor your food intake but also your consumption of liquids. Water is the only non-calorific drink. Any other liquids you consume will contain some calories. A can of cola contains 150 calories while a cup of tea can go up to 120 calories depending on the amount of sugar you put in it. Fruit juices, milk, smoothies etc. also contain many calories.

If you consume a large amount of liquids besides water, you fail to account for these hidden calories. There is no point in having a small lunch if you are going to keep drinking sweetened tea throughout the day.

Use of healthy food
Many people subconsciously add fattening items to their diet without realising it. For example, a salad is healthy as long as it is not overloaded with a high calorie dressing. Similarly, the calorific value of a whole wheat bread sandwich increases if you add rich mayonnaise or a creamy cheese spread to it. Most salad dressings and dips have a large oil and saturated fat content. These substances do not only make you gain weight but also are among the leading causes of heart disease.

You may often make mistakes while dieting. Do not lose heart. By identifying these mistakes, you can find solutions to them and truly achieve your weight-loss goals.

Why dates are good for you

Dates are rich source of vitamins and minerals. Consuming dates regularly can help to lower cholesterol and keep many health disorders away.The health benefits of dates are innumerable. It is, in fact, a dry fruit that is sweet in taste and is rich in calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium which are advantageous for health. The cultivation of dates can be traced back many years in history.

It is said that consumption of one date daily is necessary for a balanced and healthy diet. You can have dates just like that. Or you can add it to those mouth-watering desserts. Or you can use dates to make chutney with either tomatoes or tamarind. You can store it in the refrigerator. It is delicious to have it with snacks.

Fresh date is made of soft, easily digestible flesh with simple sugar like fructose and dextrose that when eaten replenishes energy and revitalizes the body instantly. Precisely that's why it is used to break fast.

The fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which prevents dietary LDL cholesterol absorption. It is also a good bulk laxative.

Health Benefits of Consuming Dates:

- Dates are free from cholesterol and contain very low fat. Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals.
- They are rich source of protein, dietary fiber and rich in vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B5 along with vitamin A1 and C.
- Dates are rich in potassium and reduced in sodium. This helps regulate a healthy nervous system. Researches have revealed the fact that potassium intake up to a certain extent can reduce risk of stroke. Dates also help in lowering of the LDL cholesterol.
- Dates have high iron content and are very useful in treating anemia. The patients can eat many dates for better advantages. - It helps improve the digestive system as it contains soluble and insoluble fibers and different kinds of amino acids.
- Dates are great energy boosters as they contain natural sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose. To get more advantage add dates to milk and make it a very nutritious snack. Dates are very low in calories and are extremely suitable for health conscious people.
- Dates also have fluorine that slows down the process of tooth decay.
- It helps people suffering from constipation. Soak dates overnight and take it along with water to have added advantage.
- It helps increase one’s sexual stamina. Soak one handful of dates in goat’s milk overnight. In the morning grind the dates in the milk and add honey and cardamom powder and drink it.
- Dates help in weight gain and are beneficial for those who suffer from over slimming problem. Dates are excellent for alcoholic intoxication.
- Cures abdominal cancer. The best thing is that it does not have any side effect on the body and is completely natural as well as it works better than medicine. It also helps in improving eye sight and helps in curing night blindness as well.

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

Importance of Vitamins within Human Body

Vitamins are one of the main blocks in the human body. It is important for the progress and success of our bones, muscles, teeth and nerves. The application also helps the body rolling, besides lining the walls of which retain moisture and prevent germs and bacteria. Any vitamin deficiency can lead to greater susceptibility to infection, most blindness. People who receive vitamin with food and milk products, cheese, eggs and liver.

vitamins can be classified into two broad categories, namely, water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins. Soluble in water, supplements (vitamins and vitamin C), it was clear throughout the body, resulting in the present is the need to eat this type of vitamin supplements on a regular basis. In contrast, fat-soluble supplements (vitamins E, K, A, C and D), introduced in the fatty tissues of the body. There are distinctive kinds of vitamins and each vitamin plays the original function to promote physical health.

Vitamin C
All the nutrients the body uses for the C market with wound healing, as well as production in the skin, bones, muscles, blood and teeth. Vitamin D reduces the damage caused by free radicals cell phone, which occur when the body turns food into energy directly. necessary measures of vitamin D causes dry, delicate body, nails and hair, reduced ability to help in the fight against bacterial infections, more time to heal. Extreme lack of vitamin C is known as scurvy, as well as a major cause of anemia, physical weakness and blue. There are sources of vitamin C are citrus benefits of participation, melons, vegetables and other plant stage, kale, apples and sweet.

Vitamin K
Vitamin K is responsible for blood clotting, and the creation of our bones healthy. The blood coagulates not deprived of vitamin C. Lack of vitamin A can cause bruising, bleeding more than most. Some bacteria, while in the body of vitamin K, but people also want to vitamin K from food sources, such as broccoli, leafy greens, soybeans, vegetable oil, and liver.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for health, the progress of your bones and teeth. It is important that the capacity of the human body to be able to take calcium supplements to support optimal levels of calcium in the blood. Not able to get enough nutrients can cause muscle weakness as well as some bones, which increases the risk of injury to the muscles broken bones. Severe deficiency of vitamin D n, also known as rickets, may prevent growth in the years of my son and cause deformities in the bones. Your body produces healthy food D when skin is exposed to sunlight, in addition to helping men and women get almost all of their healthy food D from sunlight. alternative supply of natural resources of D consists of fish and liver. dairy producers are often safer and butter milk, cheese, plus cream with vitamin D.

The complex
The complex of B vitamins and minerals can be a group of eight vitamins, which may be involved in virtually every major real functions. The complex includes vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. each works differently inside the body. Some help the body break down carbohydrates and proteins, together with the conversion of food into energy. Others take control of important digestive enzymes and amino acids, and helps ensure that production with the participation of red blood cells and antibodies. health food B9, also known as folic board established sugar is essential for the proper growth of mobile DNA in the early stages of fetal development. In vitamin A deficiency can cause fatigue, anemia, tachycardia, tingling or numbness, perhaps in the extremities, and depression. People in the vitamin B complex with chicken, seafood, seeds, beans, rice grains, corn and others.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that specifically protects the body from harmful free radicals. it also helps the skin retain moisture needed in addition to oil. Deficiencies of vitamin E occur only.

Best Anti Aging Foods

We all know that your diet is one of the most important aspects of your anti aging skin care treatment plan. Here are some suggestions anti aging treatment.

- Fish Rich In Omega-3Fats
You may already beware that Omege-3 in fish such as tuna and salmon have positive effects on your heart and play very important role in helping reduce cholesterol.Did you know fish also hold anti-inflammatory effects?

The Omega-3 fats can reduce inflammation that can cause skin to produce wrinkles.If you are not into eating fish Walnuts and Flax seed are another great source of Omega-3.

- Fruits Like Pomegranate And Blueberries
Dark-Colored Fruits Like Pomegranate And Blueberries are chock full of antioxidants that work to fight off free radicals that damage your body and skin.

- Nuts
Eating a variety of nuts can give you many different kinds of benefits.Walnuts are super nut containing high levels of Zinc,Selenium,Iron,Magnesium and potassium that can aid in strengthening your cells.But be careful that the nuts you eat are fresh-spoiled nuts can contain free radicals that can damage your skin.

- Treat Yourself With Chocolate
The occasional treat of treat of dark chocolate will boost your mood while actually helping your body combat the signs of aging.Dark Chocolate is rich of antioxidants to fight off those free radicals.The buckwheat in the pancakes are essential for collagen production, which needs to be replaced as you age, and the chocolate will give your body that extra boost of antioxidants.

- Fruits
The foods with the highest levels of vitamin C are iwi,Oranges and lemon which are also packed with antioxidant..

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Key Lifestyle Changes to stop aging

We may be able to stop the aging process or by manipulating genes, cloning, robotics or other medical procedure.

If we can not stop aging as we can at least slow down the aging process? Fortunately there are simple lifestyle changes you can do to help you age well. Here are key lifestyle changes have been slow aging.

- Do not smoke: I think if you're reading this, you're not a smoker. I will not repeat all of science for the harm of smoking, just do not do it.
- Be happy: Stress kills, we know that stress damage the mind and body were fully documented scientific community. "Do not worry, be happy" mantra is simplistic, but to be honest, filling your life with things you love and get rid of almost everything else a lot of aging and strategy. The practice stress relief activities such as meditation and exercise, and should be grateful be a daily goal.
- Eat fish: Some evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, especially useful for the skin. Because of concerns about mercury in some fish, like tuna fish go on like sardines. Also, stay away from farm raised fish, it may be cheaper, but studies show that they are less healthy choices.
- Eat fruits and vegetables: Yes, your mother was right, and the science behind it with hard evidence that oxidative damage caused by the toxin contributes to the aging process at the cellular level. Foods (fruits and vegetables) high in antioxidants seem to protect us from oxidative stress.
- Dispose of Sugar: before you break the habit of sugar sooner you slow down the aging process. Beware of sugar in the form of corn syrup in almost all the food process. Sugar is the immediate cause of aging and reduced life expectancy of organisms from yeast to primates.
- Sleep on time: We all know how much better we look and feel when we have a full night's sleep.sleep early in night heals and restores your body.
- Exercise Your Brain: An interesting himself in thought, doing things like traveling and learning new languages ??at any age is a key element in slowing the aging process. Go out of your way to try new things and implement your brain.
- Check the level of vitamin D: Recently, my doctor check my vitamin D levels and found that it's less than I should be, despite the adoption of several vitamins. I am now 1,000 IU of D. Recent studies show that vitamin D may be especially important for slowing the aging process.
- Weightlifting: The pump iron or do body weight exercises like push-ups, build strong muscles the best way to look younger than your years. You lose muscle mass as you age. But anyone of any age can build muscle looks fabulous and feel great.
- Cardio: Cardio exercise is still important for your health. So the move to work, walk, do jumping jacks, square dance, it really does not matter, just to get that heart rate up to 70-80% of max

We can not stop aging, but we can age well. Above key lifestyle changes outlined in this article, in no way alters only you can do to slow the aging process, but also the adaptation of these changes take a long way toward improving your chances of slowing the rate of aging.

small amount of chocolate regularly could actually help you lose weight

For chocolate-lovers feeling guilty about their indulgence it is the best kind of news – eating more can help keep you thinner.

Although chocolate contains more calories than many other foods, those who eat it regularly have less body fat than those who don’t, a study shows.

Researchers suspect the calories in chocolate are not like ‘normal’ calories.

The ingredients in chocolate appear to make your metabolism work harder, which means they offset the fat that might otherwise have stayed around.

As a result, the metabolic effects of certain ingredients make chocolate a good slimming food because it is calorie- neutral, says by research study.

Our findings appear to add to a body of information suggesting that the composition of calories, not just the number of them, matters for determining their ultimate impact on weight.

In the case of chocolate, this is good news, both for those who have a regular chocolate habit, and those who wish to start one.

The scientists investigated the chocolate-eating habits of 972 men and women with an average age of 57 for a study of statins – cholesterol-lowering drugs.

The participants did not have any known heart problems but were asked diet and lifestyle questions including: ‘How many times a week do you consume chocolate?’ Their Body Mass Index, which relates weight to height, was also recorded.

The surprising findings showed those who ate chocolate on more days of the week than average were statistically likely to have a lower BMI.

This was despite the fact that people who ate more chocolate did not consume fewer calories overall, or take more exercise. In fact they ate more. Chocolate consumption was associated with greater overall saturated fat intake from other sources.

Other studies have found that the benefits of chocolate can include a drop in the risk of heart disease and strokes, a reduction in blood pressure and a cut in the risk of diabetes.

Monday, 21 May 2012

Medical Uses of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera plays an important role in maintaining the healthy functioning of the major organs, and preventing diseases.

- Aloe Vera releases pepsin, which aids digestion, soothes digestive tract irritations, colic pain and ulcers.

- It also heals heart burns.

- It boosts circulation, and thus increases the supply of oxygen to the cells. Therefore, it could play a major role in alleviating the condition of thalasemmia patients.

- Aloe Vera acts as a general tonic, raises immunity and fights diseases. Research reveals its efficacy in conditions like HIV and cancer, especially leukemia, due to its ability to produce white blood cells. Consequently, it can minimize the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

- Aloe Vera is also beneficial for Asthma patients.

- It helps to maintains healthy joints and muscles, and thus, prevents arthritis.

- Aloe Vera detoxifies the body, and is considered the best colon cleanser. It prevents constipation; therefore, it is an effective blood purifier.

- It is beneficial in kidney and liver problems, like jaundice.
Aloe Vera also reduces blood sugar, and controls diabetes.

- It reduces cholesterol and triglycerides, leading to a healthy heart, and preventing cardiac problems.

- Aloe Vera reduces inflammation and infection of the eye and ear.
Finally, it provides energy, and acts as a restorative. Moreover, it is said to alleviate depression.

Aloe Vera a natural healer

Aloe Vera is considered as a natural healer and can be used to cure multiple diseases according to the various studies and researches.

Around 300 varieties of Aloe Vera are being used for thousands of years and can be used as first aid for burn injuries, skin irritation, constipation and moisturising the skin.

Father of Pharmacology, Paracelsus said, “All that mankind needs for good health and healing is provided in nature, the challenge of science is to find it.”

Aloe Vera helps treat kidney problem, heal cuts, insect bites, sun burns and kills fungus and bacteria and it also contains six natural antiseptics which kills germs, Najma said.

Dermatologist suggest its use for healing surgery scars, reduce dandruff and vanish pimples spots from the skin.

However, the researchers are also working to find uses of Aloe Vera to fight AIDS and cancer diseases, she added.

According to the medical experts, drinking Aloe Vera juice on a regular basis help maintain health by replenishing body naturally with the essential amino acids.

In 2004, biologists tested the effects of Aloe Vera on certain bacteria which proved that it inhibits the growth of the Streptococcus and Shigella bacteria and prevent human conditions like rheumatic fever, pneumonia, meningitis and diarrhoea.

Some of the minerals found in Aloe Vera juice include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc.

Aloe extract has been proven to decrease blood glucose levels and it can prevent or at least slow down the development of diabetes.

Aloe Vera juice provides natural support for the immune system and increases protein absorption, decreasing unfriendly bacteria and yeast, ensures a greater feeling of well-being, increase energy levels and maintain a healthy body weight.

Aloe Vera can be used to disinfect wounds and it can protect your open wounds from certain microorganisms that can cause infections.

It can be used to treat injuries that occurred on soft tissue, such as mouth ulcers, canker sores, fever blisters and other lesions, bleeding gums and for hair growth. It can also be used as a sun screen on the face.

Guavas can help to enjoy healthy life

Guava is very common fruit available easily in Asian countries. It is a good looking pear shaped or round shaped seasonal fruit, light green or yellow or maroon in color from outside when ripe, with white or maroon flesh and lots of small hard seeds enveloping very soft and sweet pulp. It is eaten raw (ripe or semi-ripe) or in form of jams and jellies.

This attractive fruit is a real storehouse of nutrients. If it is “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” in Europe and Americas, it must be “A few guavas in the season keeps the doctor away for the whole year” in the Indian Subcontinent and places where guavas grow. Its scientific name is Psidium Guajava.

Constipation: Guava is one of the riches sources of dietary fiber. Its seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives. These two properties of guava help forming bowels, retaining water and clean your intestines and excretory system thoroughly. It is said that single constipation can lead to seventy two types of ailments. It is absolutely true. Every way to your total health goes through proper digestion and more importantly, proper excretion. Guava ensures both of these.

Skin Care: Guavas can help improve your skin texture and avoid skin problems more than the best of beauty creams or skin toner gels can do. This is chiefly due to the abundance of astringents in its fruits (more in immature ones) and in leaves. You can benefit from it either by eating the fruits (this help tighten your muscles apart from your skin) or by washing your skin with the decoction of its immature fruits and leaves. It will tone up and tighten the loosened skin. In addition to the astringents, guava is very-very rich in vitamin-A, B, C and potassium which are very good anti oxidants and detoxifiers and keep your skin glowing and free from aging, wrinkles and other disorders.

Diarrhea & Dysentery: Guava is very rich in astringents (compounds those make your gums feel tighter and fresh after you chew guava leaves or eat a raw guava or use some toothpaste) which binds up loose bowels in diarrhea. These astringents are alkaline in nature and have disinfectant and anti-bacterial properties, thus help cure dysentery by inhibiting microbial growth and removing extra mucus from the intestines. Further, other nutrients in guava, such as vitamin-C, Carotenoids and potassium strengthens and tones up the digestive system and disinfect it. Guava is also beneficial in gastroenteritis due to reasons stated above.

High Blood Pressure: Guava helps reduce cholesterol in blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that food stuffs which lack fiber (such a refined flour) add to blood pressure, due to quick conversion to sugar. Guava, being very rich in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, helps reduce blood pressure.

Weight Loss: Guava is very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising with their intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber. Guava, being very high in roughage and very rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, but with no cholesterol and less digestible carbohydrates, is very filling and satisfies appetite very easily. Just have a medium sized guava in the lunch and you will not feel hungry till night. But ironically, it helps gaining weight in lean and thin people. This is probably due to its richness in nutrients, which keeps your metabolism right helping proper absorption of nutrients.

Thursday, 17 May 2012

Basic healthy lifestyle habits

Eat less and live longer. Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as opposed to the same ones all the time.

Drink a glass or two of cold water first thing in the morning to eliminate the bowels. Add more fiber to your diet - one option is psyllium. Dietary fiber is thought to decrease the transit time of food in the colon and to dilute carcinogens, thus minimizing the body’s exposure to toxins.

Drink 4 to 8 glasses of water per day, more in hot weather. Studies indicate that 5 to 8 glasses of water a day helps maintain good health. Water makes up more than 70 percent of solid body tissue and helps regulate body temperature, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, removes waste, cushions joints and protects organs and tissues. Lack of adequate water intake leads to headaches, grogginess and dry, itchy skin. Severe dehydration affects blood pressure, circulation, digestion, kidney function and nearly all body processes.

Eat more protein and fat at breakfast and lunch, and switch to more complex carbs at night if you have trouble falling asleep. Carbs, such as vegetable soup, pasta, or grains help induce sleep at night.

It's better to eat small frequent meals than two or three large meals, although each person has his or her own routine and schedule and some people may prefer infrequent large meals.

Sleep has a major influence on health — Good sleep enhances libido. See also how to improve sex drive with herbs.

Alcohol such as beer and wine are acceptable in moderation, such as a glass a day.

Dental cleaning and flossing — floss and brush at night before bed. Ideally do so after every meal.

Limit exposure to excessive sun, more than an hour or two a day, in order to avoid wrinkled and damaged skin.

Limit caffeine intake. People who consume caffeine may experience an increase in blood pressure, feel more stressed and produce more stress hormones than on days when they opt for decaf. The effects of caffeine appear to persist until people go to bed, even if they don't consume any caffeine after lunch.

Plan for health and weight loss

Many cases of serious illness and premature death are caused by poor diet. Insufficient consumption of fish, fruits and vegetables is as bad for human health as smoking.

Make changes slowly and accept the fact that there may be times when you binge on unhealthy snacks and foods. we try to do my best and have a healthy diet, but we have my weaknesses too. For instance, we love chocolate and once a week or so we treat ourself to dark chocolate or another sweet. So, don't be hard on yourself if you can't follow the recommendations perfectly.

Diet influences almost every disease
The types of foods and drinks we ingest have an influence on a vast number of chronic diseases. In simple terms, many chronic diseases, such as heart disease or arthritis, are due to inflammation. Diet has a great deal to do with inflammation. What we eat influences the formation of certain inflammatory prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and a number of other substances that cause inflammatory changes within our tissues, organs, including the lining of blood vessels. Most doctors do not recognize the extent of the influence of diet on health. Even mood disorders can be influenced by inflammation. Therefore, as much as you can, eat a diet that has a wide variety, includes plenty of fish and fresh produce, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. Reduce or avoid white bread, sugar, baked goods, trans fats and foods cooked at very high temperatures. What you eat affect the populations of viruses and bacteria that live in your gut.

Optimistic Ways to Live a Healthy Lifestyle

You hear a lot about living a healthy lifestyle, but what does that mean? In general, a healthy person doesn't smoke, is at a healthy weight, eats healthy and exercises. Sounds simple, doesn't it?

The trick to healthy living is making small changes...taking more steps, adding fruit to your cereal, having an extra glass of water...these are just a few ways you can start living healthy without drastic changes.

One of the biggest problems in our routine lifestyle is lack of activity. We know it's good for us but avoid it like the plague either because we're used to being sedentary or afraid that exercise has to be vigorous to be worth our time. The truth is, movement is movement and the more you do, the healthier you'll be. Even moderate activities like chores, gardening and walking can make a difference.

Just adding a little movement to your life can:
Enhance self esteem
Improve memory in elderly people
Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes
Improve joint stability
Increase and improve range of movement
Help maintain flexibility as you age
Maintain bone mass
Prevent osteoporosis and fractures
Improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Reduce stress

So, even if you opt for small changes and a more modest weight loss, you can see the benefits are still pretty good. One study has found that just a 10% weight reduction helped obese patients reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and increase longevity.
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