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‘Healthy Foods’ Category

  1. How diabetes affects patients’ alimentation

    August 30, 2012 by admin

    Today I want to give you some information about a certain disease that affects more than 300 million people all over the world: diabetes. Diabetes is a widespread disease that causes a high level of blood sugar in the body. Therefore, it seriously affects the way people are allowed to nourish themselves. Since it is so common, I thought that some tips on nutrition might be useful, whether you suffer from diabetes yourself or know somebody who does. Generally, there are three main types of diabetes, all having to do with the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin. Researchers and a list of antibodies suppliers continuously develop and perfect insulin and antibodies to fight diabetes.
    The first type of diabetes mellitus comes from the body’s inability to produce insulin by itself. Therefore people suffering from type 1 DM need to inject insulin into their bodies on a regular basis.

    Diabetes type 2 is the result of the body’s resistance to insulin. Body cells of people suffering from this condition are unable to use insulin properly. Diabetes type 2 is the most frequent type of diabetes.

    The third type of diabetes may precede the development of diabetes type 2. It is called gestational diabetes and can occur with pregnant women who suddenly develop a high level of blood glucose.

    Special case sugar

    In any case, the high blood sugar that results from every kind of diabetes produces certain symptoms: the urge to urinate frequently as well as an increased hunger and thirst. Diabetes therefore affects the way patients need to eat. They need to pay special attention to sugar, since too much or too little of it can be very deleterious. Problems with the eye-sight and nerves can occur and the risk of stroke and heart attacks increases. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid carbs and stick with vegetables and proteins.

    Keep in mind, however, that many diabetics can really get annoyed if they are told what they can and cannot eat all the time. Generally they know more about what their body can handle and how to take their insulin than anybody else. So definitely try not to domineer over a diabetic and leave the choice to him or her.

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  2. Why Is Health Eating So Complicated?

    August 14, 2012 by admin

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    It never ceases to amaze me how complex our human bodies are, and how they’re can be so much misinformation out there about what it takes to lead a healthy lifestyle.  Now I’m not just talking about the nonsense floating around the internet regarding health, but even within the medical community.  It’s scary the more informed I become about healthy eating when I look at the messages that we’ve been receiving from our own medical doctors and governmental health agencies.  Since the 1970′s obesity rates in the US have gone from 1 in 9 people to 1 in 3 people.  And don’t think your safe, just because you live outside the US.  There are very few countries in the world that haven’t experienced similar obesity rate statistics as the US.  If your interested an excellent video on the topic of what we really should be eating, check out this one below.  Start it at about the 4:00 minute mark if you want to avoid the lengthy introduction.

    No doubt, there are no limits to the number of people out there telling us what and what not to eat.  Just have a look at this review of what sounds like a really bad idea diet: http://www.dietingdirection.com/the-truth-about-the-hcg-diet/ .  Myself, lately I’ve been doing a lot of looking at eating in what really is a more simple approach.  It’s been dubbed the paleo / primal / caveman diet, but it really makes a lot of sense to me.  I first got hooked on it when I was looking into the differences between CrossFit and P90X.  I was a big fan of P90X for years, and had a cousin that did the CrossFit thing.  When googling the two I ended up at Mark Sissons site http://www.marksdailyapple.com/ .   Mark’s site is truly a beacon in the darkness of healthy living.  But, as much as I truly believe in 90% of what I read on Mark’s site, it’s tough to talk to others about it.

    Food is such and en-grained part of our live’s from both a cultural and habitual perspective it’s really hard to get people to consider making changes, even when it’s better for them.  I figure that best thing I can do is live the healthy lifestyle that paleo living gives us and then start preaching to the soon to be converted masses.

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  3. Foods That Can Boost And Improve Brain Function

    April 19, 2012 by Guest

    Have you been draining all the powers in your brain? Are you feeling sluggish and you can’t seem to remember the things that you need to do next? Is your memory failing you on a regular basis? If your answer to all these questions is a resounding yes, then it’s time to take a break and munch on the following foods that can improve and boost your brain functions. Although there are natural health supplements that you can take to improve your memory and promote good brain health, eating the foods below is highly recommended since they contain raw vitamins and minerals that the brain needs to function properly.

    1. Spinach - protects your brain from age-related issues.
    2. Egg yolks - contribute choline which is important for brain health and function.
    3. Cranberries- improve coordination, memory and balance.
    4. Yellowfin tuna- protects you from Alzheimer’s disease.
    5. Strawberries- minimize the risk of age-related decline.
    6. Sweet potatoes- rich in vitamin B6 and carbohydrates for the production of neurotransmitters and fuel source.
    7. Kidney beans- improve cognitive functions.
    8. Wheat germ- powerful food for the brain because it has Vitamin E, selenium, magnesium and choline.
    9. Lamb loin- helps in good mental performance and concentration.
    10. Oily fish- high in DHA fatty acid that is needed in the maintenance of a healthy nervous system.
    11. Avocado- enhances blood flow to the brain.
    12. Whole grains- regulate glucose levels and improve circulation of blood.
    13. Nuts- rich in vitamin E that is good for your memory.
    14. Sage- improves your memory.
    15. Tomato- contains lycopene that protects against free radicals that affects the brain.
    16. Broccoli- high in vitamin K which enhances brainpower and cognitive functions.
    17. Milk and yogurt- essential for brain tissue growth.
    18. Lean beef- one of the best sources of iron and zinc, nutrients that are good for improving memory and concentration.

    For those who still want to supplement their diet, you can check out the natural supplements being sold at the Health Chemist website.  And then pick one designed for improving the brain’s overall health.

     

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  4. Easy Steps To Cooking Delicious Pancakes

    April 15, 2012 by Guest

    Moist, fluffy pancakes are the perfect accompaniment of hot, fresh coffee. It might be a breeze to make pancakes from ready to cook pancake boxes bought at the grocery but oftentimes, prepacked pancake mixes lack that distinct fluffiness that very well reminds you of your favorite pancake your mom used to make. You need not worry for making pancakes from scratch is quite easy to learn.  The primary important thing to consider is the ingredients. It is very crucial to choose quality ingredients for your batter. It is a very easy procedure and cooks quite fast.

    So, how to make pancakes? Below are easy pancake making steps that you can follow.

    • Sift first 2 cups of flour 2 ½ tsp baking soda1/2 tsp salt. This is done to ensure that there are no lumps. You can use a sifter or a fine sieve for this.
    • Mix one egg, which is slightly beaten and 1 1/2 cups of milk.
    • Mix the ingredients until it becomes smooth, and then add 2 tbps of melted butter.
    • Pour the wet ingredients over the dry one while stirring it gently. Avoid over stirring as it can produce hard pancakes.
    • For fluffier pancakes, you can keep the batter first in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes, or even overnight if you want fluffier pancakes.
    • Heat pan on medium flame and grease lightly with butter or vegetable oil
    • Pour the batter over the pan and cook first one side until bubbles form on top.
    • Once the bubbles are formed, turn the pancake over to cook the other side.
    • Serve hot with butter or maple syrup

    Now you are all set for a hearty pancake breakfast! Bon a petit!

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  5. Foods That Burn More Fats

    March 10, 2012 by Guest

    Living a healthy life does not only mean maintaining an appropriate weight and keeping a slim figure. It also means being free from diseases and nourishing the body with vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals. That said, a lot of people these days practice healthy eating by loading their diet with more fruits and vegetables and staying away from fatty foods or those with empty calories.

    Perhaps, the most problematic part of the body is the abdominal region. Most have problems eliminating those unsightly belly fats. Good news is that, including the following foods in your diet will allow you to melt away belly fat faster.

    • Broccoli – Packed in Vitamin A, iron, fiber and calcium, eating broccoli will not only eliminate belly fat but can also help boost the metabolism and lower down the risk of developing heart related diseases.
    • Salmon – It contains omega-3 amino fatty acids that help to fight cardiovascular diseases. Eating salmon will also help the body to burn more fat by increasing the body’s metabolic rate.
    • Green tea – Drinking green tea will allow you to eliminate free radicals in the body since it is filled with antioxidants, particularly catechins. It also has epigallocatechin-3-gallate which lowers down the level of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood.

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  6. Going Organic: The Benefits of Eating Organic Foods

    January 28, 2012 by Guest

    Although some countries like the United States, Canada and Japan strictly require farmers to comply with specific standards in order to be able to label and release their products as genuine organic produce, the term organic food generally refers to food that is produced without the aid of chemicals, pesticides or in the case of livestock, growth hormones or antibiotics.  Due to the influx of commercial pesticides, consumers from developed countries often shy away from patronizing organic produce since these tend to be more difficult to obtain and have a higher price than those foods produced using conventional farming methods. However, people living in third-world countries often find it easier to grow, buy and consume organic foods since the materials needed for organic farming are more accessible in these locations, thus making organic food the popular choice, especially  for the budget-conscious. But since various options are now available for organic food, taking time to research about them, like what you would when checking the policies provided by Sovereign Insurance, will allow you to find organic food options that best suit your taste and nutritional requirements.

    Just like health insurance policies, consuming organic foods has its pros and cons. But even with the downside, the advantages of going organic certainly outweigh the disadvantages. First of all, consuming organic food has been proven to be the healthier choice. Studies show that the average fruit produced with conventional farming methods contain approximately 20 different pesticides, all of which are absent from organically-grown fruit. Less pesticides and chemicals equal more vitamins and nutrients that can be absorbed by the body, not to mention that the taste of organic food is undoubtedly better and more natural than those slathered with pesticides and chemicals. The risk of getting diseases is also significantly lowered since the body now has sufficient nutrients to produce more antibodies. Animal-rights advocates will also be pleased to note that organic livestock growers, such as free-range chicken producers, refrain from force-feeding antibiotics and growth hormones to cattle and poultry.  Environmental activists also endorse organic farming since this method uses little or no chemicals that tend to harm the soil, air and water quality of the area.

    Good for you and your family’s health, good for animal rights and welfare, and good for the environment. With all these advantages, going organic is definitely the only way to go.

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  7. Go Nuts in the New Year

    December 30, 2011 by admin

    Are you looking for creative ways to keep your New Year’s resolution on track? Whether trying to lose weight, eat healthier or spend less, getting nuts and dried fruit in bulk can keep you motivated.

    Nuts and dried fruit are high in fiber, which leaves you feeling full and can curb overeating, and the vitamins and minerals found in these products put you well on your way to healthier snacking.

    For instance, filberts (hazelnuts) are high in magnesium and phosphorus. These minerals keep muscle cramps at bay, promote bone health and help regulate the levels of other minerals and fluids within your body. Almonds help protect your cardiovascular health and though many people avoid nuts thinking they will cause weight gain, studies show that people who eat nuts are less likely to gain weight than those who don’t and that nuts may even help you lose weight as part of a low calorie diet.

    Buying nuts and dried fruit in bulk keeps the cost of these products down and allows you to infuse healthiness into your diet without depleting your wallet. Watching your weight, eating healthful foods and counting your pennies lose its luster fast; sometimes New Year’s resolutions hardly make it out of January. Think about rewarding yourself this year with foods that don’t sabotage any of your goals but instead give you a little lift in the right direction. Order some wholesale filberts or dried mangos; give bulk almonds a try and push to make this year’s resolution one that really sticks.

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  8. Eat Right Before You Get In Shape

    December 21, 2011 by Guest

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    If you want to achieve a body that everyone will covet, then one of the most important things you must do is to eat right. Fast food, junk foods, too many sweets and too much fats cause people to gain excessive weight which considered unhealthy and, most of the time, also deemed as unsightly. You have to eat the right foods if you want to shed off those unwanted pounds. Here are a few tips on how to do it properly.

    Consume more fruits and vegetables. These contain a lot of nutrients which are necessary for a healthy body. Also, these nature’s gifts contain fiber to get rid of your body’s wastes and make you feel well on the inside. Instead of munching on salty chips or candies, why not opt for veggie chips or fresh fruits for snacks?

    Limit your eat outs. Usually, food served in restaurants and fast food chains are beyond the right serving portions and pack in a lot of calories and fats. To ensure that you are eating the right stuff, cook or make your own food.

    Do not skip breakfast. Considered as the most important meal of the day, eating a hearty and healthy breakfast will give you enough energy boost to be able to start the day right. When you skip this meal, you will end up eating more during snacks and lunch.

    Stock up on yogurt. Yogurt is a very nutritious snack that helps in the body’s digestion process. It contains friendly microbes which help to digest food. When you have fast digestion, you will lose weight more effectively.

    Eating too much during dinner is not advisable. Since you will definitely be sleeping or resting after dinner, you don’t need extra food. When you have eaten too much for dinner, the unused calories could end up accumulating around your thighs, arms and belly. This will hinder your efforts in losing weight and keep you from having a healthier and fitter body that you could show off in public.

    Drink a lot of water every single day. Water is the key to losing weight the safest way. It is calorie-free and easily available, so why not drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily to keep your body functioning well and make your waste disposal easier. Drink two glasses of water before a meal and you will be surprised at how fast you will feel full after eating a small portion of the meal.

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  9. Finding The Healthy Foods You Enjoy

    November 23, 2011 by Guest

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    Obesity has been a pressing issue not only in the United States but also in other parts of the world. I have personally battled with my weight since I was a child, and it wasn’t easy. I have tried a lot of weight loss products just to eliminate those excess fats. Some indeed help me lose weight but I gained them back after a few days.

    I came from a family who loves to eat and we always try out new restaurants in our area. The temptation of food is not easy to resist especially if sumptuous and tasty dishes are in front of you. However, since I am really eager to shed away those excess pounds I started to cut down my food intake and switch to eating healthy foods. Fortunately, I love eating salads. Because of that, my eating transition wasn’t that difficult. I was able to easily adjust to eating healthy foods.

    Instead of filling my plate with fatty and unhealthy foods, I now opt to fill it with leafy greens and fruits. I’ve been doing this for a couple of months now and I must say, I have dropped a significant weight (from 75 kilos to 65 kilos in two months) just by simply altering the way I eat and smartly choosing the foods I consume.

    It is really hard for people to enjoy healthy food alternatives because many think that most of them are flavorless and are therefore not appealing to the taste bud. However, there are actually a lot of healthy foods that anybody can enjoy if they only allow themselves to like them. Salads may not be a favorite of many but there is a way to make them look more appetizing. You can combine nuts and fruits into your salad so it will taste better. You can also include grilled chicken breast or chicken coated with honey to satisfy your meat cravings.

    Those who have a sweet tooth can have their fill of sweets by eating fresh fruits. Instead of eating cakes, fruits are healthier food alternatives. They are full of vitamins and minerals that are good for the body. That said, be sure to include bananas, apples, oranges, grapes and other kinds of fruits in your diet.

    Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, cashew, and pine nuts, are high in fiber and rich in protein. Although many dieters shun the idea of including nuts in their diet, due to their high fat content, nutritionists actually recommend them. The key to successfully incorporating nuts to a healthy diet is portion control. To prevent over-indulging, it is best to pre-pack nuts in smaller bags. An ounce of nuts contain around 160-200 calories and they contain healthy monosaturated fats, which are very good for the heart.

    Transitioning to eating healthy foods may need some getting used to, but you will soon realize that being a healthy eater will allow you to maintain the right weight and a healthy body.

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