Nutrition

Self Help Books

Health is wealth is a well established and widely known fact. Numerous ailments affect a large percentage of people on the surface of the earth and all of them deal with it in their own unique way. In spite of medical assistance, it is recommended that adults read and try to understand the most about the disease that ails them or their near and dear ones. One of the most effective ways to do this is to read specialized books that are based on various diseases.

One of the most common ailments that effect most of the population is allergy of various kinds. It is up to the individual to read up as much as they can about their allergy so that they know about the disease. They need to understand if their line of medication is correct, what they need to avoid and what is recommended for their condition. There are a number of books that provide this information and offer diet plans for people with special needs.

Apart from books that guide individuals dealing with their needs and problems, there are numerous books available that teach the importance of good health management. Most of us unknowingly eat or drink certain things that are best avoided for good health. Similarly a good lifestyle and healthy habits also help inculcate good health. Invaluable such tips can be learnt and imbibed through the right books and by following the right thoughts.

Online pharmacy India

Patients suffering from diseases like asthma need help and assistance from the people around them. Books that guide and educate about their conditions and specific needs are available online so that people around them can be more attuned to their needs and be aware and alert in the case of an emergency.

Where children are concerned parents have to be excruciatingly careful and watch their child minutely to understand their affinity towards certain food groups. Reversely they also need to be aware of the food groups that do not suit their child. It is totally the parent’s responsibility to provide their child with a well balanced, nutritious and yet delicious and varied meal. Parents thus can take the assistance of several specialized books that are available to buy online. They can learn about healthy cooking and healthy lifestyles for the well being of their offspring.

Adults often do not realize the various sources of impending danger around them. For instance they might develop cosmetic allergy or even develop an allergic condition to the pesticides in their purchased food items. Thus is it imperative that they read about such conditions carefully and critically to avoid any mishap with themselves. Women need to read about their special needs and dietary supplements to be able to plan the right nutrition for themselves. Every individual has to read and understand the demands, scopes and requirements of their body type and learn to adapt accordingly. If every person is individually aware of what they need to avoid and what they need to encourage, they will end up building extremely healthy habits.

By Health Care on November 30, 2010 | Nutrition

Sugar Cravings

Many people suffer from sugar cravings. It is that feeling when a bar of chocolate appears in our minds eye and we want to devour one right away. People who suffer from sugar cravings usually have diets that contain a lot of food made of refined sugar, processed food and fast food. Sugar cravings are also linked to deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals.

In extreme cases certain people may have a condition called hypoglycaemia. This is a condition where the body’s blood glucose level is very low. People who have this condition crave sugar even more and over time this can lead to serious health complications.

The problem with eating too much refined sugar in your diet is that it causes an imbalance in your blood sugar levels. It can create this seesaw effect that when you eat a candy bar or a slice of cake your blood sugar level shoots up giving you a quick energy boost. The only problem is this energy boost is short lived. Your blood glucose level suddenly drops, making you feel tired and lethargic. This will make you crave even more sugar to get a boost. This turns into a vicious circle where your blood sugar levels reach extreme highs and lows.

The only way to stop this happening is to cut out sugary and processed foods from your diet and replace them with healthier alternatives. This can be done the cold turkey way when you cut out all sugar from your diet immediately. This way you will probably feel more side effects. You can be less extreme and gradually wean yourself of the sugar over a period of 2 weeks.

As you wean yourself off your dependency on sugar you need to introduce healthier foods in to your diet. These foods need to be high in nutrients, vitamins and minerals to balance and regulate your blood. Particular minerals that help with balancing the blood and reducing sugar cravings are iron, manganese and chromium. These can be taken as liquid supplements are naturally in green leafy organic vegetables.

Other foods that can help you stave off those sugar cravings can be found in foods that are high in wholegrain and vegetables. Particular good ones are sweet potatoes. These are a root vegetable but unlike the common potatoes they are orange in colour and are low in starch. They also have a sweet taste and taste absolutely delicious when they are roasted in the oven. Even though they are called sweet potatoes they actually do not increase your blood glucose level and therefore, help to lessen your sugar cravings.

If you have a health condition or you are on medication always seek the advice of doctor before making any changes to your diet

By Health Care on June 14, 2010 | Nutrition
Tags:

Ideal Diet to Reduce Inflammation in the Body

Yes, you heard me correct, there are many options available for the diet to reduce inflammation in the body. However, what is the best diet to control the inflammation in the body? Let us find out.

Generally speaking, any diet to reduce inflammation in the body is effective if and only if it has high amount of essential Omega-3 fats and low percentage of omega6 fats. Omega6 fats have inflammatory properties while n-3 types of fats have anti-inflammatory properties and hence can counter act the excess of inflammation in the body because of n-6 type of fats.

Ideal diet to reduce inflammation in the body includes reduced consumption of processed, oily, junk food (all of them have high amount of n-6 types of fats), and inclusion of fish oil supplements (they are rich in n-3 fats).

The food sources that are rich in n-3 fats are nuts, tofu, soya, green vegetables, berries, pumpkin, flaxseed, fish, etc. However, the best amongst them is the cold-water fish like Hoki, Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel, etc. This is because; fish contains DHA Omega-3 fats unlike other food sources that are rich in ALA Omega-3 fats.

Studies have proven that once eaten, the body can convert DHA to a chemical called Resolvin D2, which is a medically proven and effective anti-inflammatory agent.

Though the body can convert ALA to DHA, but since this process is not very effective, experts recommend having DHA diet direct instead. Therefore, fish scores more than the other dietary sources. However, with the increase in pollution in the ocean waters, fish caught from them are also full of toxins like mercury, lead, arsenic, PCBs, etc. This is the reason, there are many government warnings against eating too much of fish for DHA fats.

Rather, the most recommended and safe option is fish oil supplements. They are nothing but the sift gels containing the oil extracted from healthy and oily fish, therefore are rich in DHA fats. In addition, they undergo various refining techniques during their manufacturing process to filter out the unwanted chemicals from the oil. Thus, are safe for human consumption.

For best results, look for supplements that have at least 250mg of DHA per 1000mg of oil and have undergone the molecular distillation process. This refining process ensures that the oil is of pharmaceutical grade quality. In nutshell, the ideal diet to reduce inflammation in the body is a high-quality fish oil supplement that is fresh and pure.
Mexican pharmacy viagra
If you want to learn about my hoki-tuna blend supplement that my family and I have included in our diet to reduce inflammation in the body, visit my website mentioned below. This supplement has more than twice anti-inflammatory properties as in comparison to any other supplement available in the market.

By Health Care on May 28, 2010 | Nutrition

Honeydew Facts and Information

Honeydew is a variety of muskmelon, considered the sweetest of all melons. They’re also called winter melons because they’re harvested late in the season, peaking during late summer, fall and winter, though honeydew is available almost the whole year round. Most of our U.S. honeydews come from Arizona, Texas or California with imported melons from Mexico taking up the slack during winter months.

Where did Honeydew originally come from?

No one is exactly sure the origin of honeydew but Persia is named the likely humble beginnings for this succulent melon. Columbus carried honeydew seeds to America and now it’s one of our favorite melons behind watermelon and cantaloupe.

How To Pick A Honeydew Melon:

Things you want to look for when picking out a perfectly ripe melon are no bruises, soft areas or cracks. Don’t bother shaking or hitting it, that won’t tell you anything. Sniff the stem end (which should be somewhat smooth): if you can smell it, then it’s ripe. Also, a ripe melon should be somewhat firm, if it’s a little soft that’s ok but if it’s very soft, put it back, it’s overripe.

Honeydew Nutrition:

Like other melons, honeydews contain a large amount of water and are happily quite low in calories. Additionally, they’re fat-free and cholesterol free. They’re also a great source of Vitamin C and potassium.

How To Store Honeydew Melon:

You can refrigerate cut honeydew in a covered container for up to three days. Make sure to keep it covered though, as the smell can mix with other foods thanks to its wonderful aromatic properties.

Want to keep that sweet taste of summer with you all year? No problem, you can easily freeze honeydew. Just slice it up, freeze it on a cookie sheet and place in freezer baggies. You can also add syrup or sugar if you like.

Some Honeydew Serving Suggestions:

Before cutting into it, it’s best to wash your melon with soap and water because honeydew is grown on the ground and can make contact with fertilizer and other contaminants you don’t want to ingest.

Serve it barely chilled. If it’s been stored in the refrigerator, remove it from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving. You can put it in a fruit salad, whip it up into a frothy cool summer drink or drizzle lemon on top to add tang to the melon’s natural sweetness. A clever serving idea is to use a half-cut melon as a serving bowl, perfect for yogurt, cottage cheese or even ice cream if you’re feeling mildly decadent.

By Health Care on May 19, 2010 | Nutrition

Raw Chocolate and Cacao Nibs

When people think about chocolate, one word comes into mind – fattening. Well, sure, most would say that chocolates are fattening, but this has nothing to do with the fact that they contain powerful antioxidants. What makes chocolate fattening is the other ingredients that are incorporated when they are manufactured commercially. Raw chocolate or cacao nibs on the other hand are the pure forms, which mean that they still contain all of the natural nutrients and benefits.

Cacao or more familiarly known as cocoa by many is actually a fruit. And what’s even more surprising that the taste of cacao in its pure, unprocessed form is actually very far from what you may be used to. Raw chocolate is not sweet, not even a little; it’s actually very bitter which might initially turn you off.

You don’t even have to consume large amounts to start benefiting from raw chocolates, a single cacao nib a day will do. So what do you really get from eating raw chocolate or cacao nibs?

Just to give you an idea of all the benefits that you can expect, here as some that have been tested and proven by research:

Anti oxidants: Cacao beans come highly packed with anti oxidants which have been proven to slow down the process of aging as well as help the body eliminate unwanted harmful chemicals and wastes. In actuality, the antioxidants percentage present in chocolate is found to be one of the highest. This makes it twice as effective in breaking down free radicals in the body, which may already know, can cause cancer.

Flavanols: Research has also found that raw chocolates contain high levels of flavanols which is a chemical responsible for regulating and clearing blood vessels. The flavanols found in chocolates are in fact so concentrated that they have been found to be very effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases and can even help people that are already dealing with the problem.

Sulfur: Cacao beans has also been known to contain sulfur in high percentages which is responsible for promoting healthy and radiant looking skin as well as help build healthy nails and hair. Aside from these visible benefits, sulfur has also been found to be beneficial in detoxifying the liver as well as help in optimizing pancreas function.

Increased sensitivity to insulin: Individuals who consume cacao nibs daily has also been found to be more sensitive to insulin making them less prone to blood sugar issues such as diabetes. This is also a great way to enjoy chocolate without all the refined sugar.

Apart from all of the benefits that have was mentioned above, there are other benefits that raw chocolate can give. So what are you waiting for? Learn more about preparing cacao nibs and raw chocolate. As bitter as they might be, you can enjoy eating it if it’s prepared correctly. Remember, the closer the chocolate is to its natural, unprocessed form, the healthier it will be for you.

This article was written by Arthur Martin who has been an expert on health foods in general, and has owned a health food shop for several years. He has now become one of the leading and most trusted sources of Raw Chocolate and Cacao Nibs in the UK.

Most Important Meal Of The Day

Whether you are an adult getting ready to take on the world at work, or a student who needs to be fuelled for a day full of learning at school, breakfast is essential to making sure the day starts off right. For many though, the morning rush prevents them from having a healthy breakfast – but skipping this important meal doesn’t only impact your day, but also your health.

“Research shows that adults who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight or have a higher body mass index than adults who eat breakfast daily,” says registered dietitian, Sue Mah. “A healthy, balanced breakfast not only kick-starts your morning but also helps control your appetite throughout the day.”

Starting each day with a healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. Mah, in partnership with the Peanut Bureau of Canada, offers the following tips to get your day started right:

Plan ahead –With a little preparation, you can plan a quick and healthy breakfast rather than stopping at the local coffee shop or drive-thru. Freeze slices of homemade Peanut Butter Banana bread and simply reheat. Team it up with a glass of low fat milk and breakfast is ready in no time. Or whip up a smoothie made with fresh/frozen fruit and low fat vanilla yogurt.

Keep it interesting – Mix up your breakfast menu and include a variety of wholesome foods. Remember to add some protein to help you stay full for longer. Try cheese and crackers, a scrambled egg sandwich, or peanut butter on whole grain toast. Even last night’s dinner leftovers can work.

Set yourself up for success – To avoid the morning rush, try moving a few tasks to the evening before. Pack the kids’ lunches, set the table for breakfast, and pick your outfit for the next day. You’ll have less stress and more time in the morning to enjoy a healthy breakfast.

Not only important for adults, breakfast is equally essential for children. Research shows that students who eat a balanced breakfast before school are better prepared for the day and have better memory, problem-solving skills and creative abilities.

Importance Of Calcium

Calcium is one of the most important mineral required by body to maintain it healthy.

• Generally, body of an adult normally contains about 1200 g of calcium. At least 99% of this is present in the skeleton, where calcium salts (chiefly hydroxyapatite), held in a cellular matrix provide the hard structure of the bones and teeth. Obviously all of this calcium comes from the diet.

• Among common foods, the calcium-containing protein of milk (caseinogen) is much the richest source, which is one reason why milk and cheese are especially valuable for growing children. Half a liter of cow’s milk contains about 06 g of calcium.

Most other foods contribute much smaller amounts. However, peas, beans, other vegetables and particularly cereal grains are frequently the chief contributors because of the large amounts eaten.
Mexican levitra
Drinking water can provide significant amounts of calcium. In Britain the average intake from this source is about 75 mg Ca/day; but the variations are large: from none in water from peaty, acidic hill lochs in Scotland to 200 mg or even more in water obtained from wells sunk in chalk or limestone.

About 70 to 80% of the calcium in the food is normally excreted in the faces. Calcium absorption may be impaired either by lack of vitamin D, by any conditions causing small intestinal hurry, by the combination of calcium with excess fatty acids to form insoluble soaps in steatorrhoea, or by certain substances in the diet which can form insoluble salts with calcium. These include foods rich in oxalic acid (e.g. spinach) and phytic acid which is present in the outer layers of cereal grains. Hence ‘whole meal’ bread contains more phytic acid than white. To overcome the influence of phytic acid, calcium carbonate has been added to flour in Britain.

World Health Oganization recommends a daily intake of 500 mg for adult men and women, rising to 1200 mg during pregnancy and lactation. For adolescent boys and girls the recommended intake is 600 to 700 mg daily.

In many parts of Africa and Asia children develop healthy bones and adults remain in calcium balance despite calcium intakes which may be no more than half the above recommendations. Abundant sunshine possibly produces this effect. However a daily intake of 1000 mg should be taken during pregnancy and lactation.

Deficiency of calcium and vitamin D go hand in hand and are best considered together.

4 Reasons to Aoid Overdosing on Fat

For many years fat was seen as the bad boy of the macronutrient world. However, more recently research has revealed that it actually has many health benefits and should be included with carbohydrates and protein as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Although fat is required for good health you can still get too much. In this article I am going to be outlining four of the disadvantages of eating too much fat.

1) HEART DISEASE:

- Omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) have many health benefits when eaten in balance. However, eating too many omega 6 EFAs in relation to omega 3s can cause your blood to clot. These blood clots prevent blood from reaching the heart making it weaker and more prone to disease.

2) INTERFERENCE WITH OMEGA 3 EFAS:

- Eating a high concentration of omega 6 EFAs can interfere with omega 3s and stop your body using them properly. This can negate many of their benefits which include healthy vision, improved brain health and protection from cancer.

3) THINNING BLOOD:

- Eating high levels of omega 3 EFAs can cause your blood to thin. This leads to a number of problems which include bruising very easily, excessive bleeding and difficulty healing wounds. Thinning blood also causes problems for people who suffer from blood related conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

4) WEIGHT GAIN:

- Fat is relatively high in calories containing nine per gram. Carbohydrates and protein both contain less than half of these calories coming in at four per gram. Since fat contains so many more calories than carbohydrates and proteins, overindulging can quickly lead to weight gain and obesity. This can lead to further problems such as breathing problems, circulatory problems, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and joint problems.

I hope this article has given you an insight into the potential problems eating too much fat can cause. Fat is one of the three main nutrients your body needs to survive so do not come away from this article vowing to remove it from your diet. Instead review your diet and ensure that all the calories you eat do not come from fat.

Your diet needs to contain good levels of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. At the very most 70% of your daily calories should be coming from fat. Any more could lead to the problems listed in this article. If you think you are eating too much fat then substitute in some fruits and vegetables (for carbohydrates) and lean meats (for protein) to help yourself avoid the disadvantages of too much fat.

Benefits of Saturated Fats

Saturated fat is often linked with clogged arteries and heart disease. However, recent research suggests that the opposite is true. Rather than being detrimental to your health, this type of fat actually supports it. In this article I will be discussing five of the benefits saturated fat can provide.

1) BETTER ABSORPTION OF OMEGA 3s:

- Eating this type of fat enhances your body’s ability to absorb omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFAs). Omega 3 EFAs offer numerous health benefits which include protection from cancer and heart disease. Therefore, by eating this type of fat on a regular basis you can indirectly enjoy the benefits of omega 3s.

2) HEALTHIER HEART:

- When your heart is placed under stress it uses the saturated fats palmitic acid and stearic acid for energy. Therefore, contrary to popular belief they actually support heart health rather than cause heart disease.

3) HEALTHY LUNGS:

- Your body uses this type of fat to produce a substance called lung surfactant. Lung surfactant is essential for keeping your lungs functioning properly and without it you would not be able to breathe. Not eating enough saturated fat causes faulty lung surfactant to be produced which can make breathing difficult and also cause lung damage. Therefore, eating it on a regular basis ensures that your lungs remain strong and healthy.

4) STRONG BONES:

- Consuming saturated fat helps your body absorb calcium properly. Calcium is one of the most important nutrients when it comes to bone health and is essential for building both strong bones and teeth. Therefore, by eating this type of fat you can keep your bones healthy avoid bone related conditions such as osteoporosis (reduced bone density).

5) STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM:

- Certain saturated fats have been shown to strengthen your immune system. For example, both lauric acid and myristic acid help your body produce white blood cells. White blood cells help your body fight infection and are essential for strong immunity.

I hope this article has given you a true insight into saturated fat. Whilst most people would encourage you to avoid it because it has a negative effect on your health, the exact opposite is true. This type of fat is needed to keep your body functioning properly, support your vital organs and protect your cells from disease and infection. When it comes to avoiding fats, hydrogenated trans fats are what you should be focusing efforts on. These are artificially created fats which are extremely detrimental to your health and have no reported health benefits.