Health & Nutrition

One of the most important things that our body needs in order for survival is one special macronutrient: protein. Protein is essential for the growth, recovery and regeneration of muscle tissue, and without protein, we would die. This has been proven, with a number of diseases and other illnesses proving to be directly related to protein deficiencies.

Not only can protein deficiencies cause malnutrition, not having enough of the right proteins in your diet can lead to such health issues as colon and breast cancers, cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease (as well as low blood pressure and a low heart rate), and countless other problems. One health issue that is caused by protein deficiencies is thrombosis. This is a condition that has been heard about much in the news lately, with a number of airline passengers actually dying because of it.

Protein contains amino acids. The body is able to build and use thousands of amino acids, but there are 22 essential and non-essential amino acids that can only be found in healthy food sources, with animal foods providing the largest amount of protein per serving. Some vegetables are also good sources of protein, especially beans.

Dietary Sources of Protein

When you are eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, you should be getting the right proteins, and enough of them, to maintain a strong and healthy body. Eating the right diet, and getting plenty of protein, will help you to avoid a number of serious health issues, even the ones mentioned above.

There are a number of delicious foods that you can incorporate into your diet to get the protein you need, and these foods are good for you too. Some of the tastiest foods that are really protein-packed include:

Nuts – Everyone loves nuts, and even though many people think of them as just a tasty snack, they are an exceptionally good source of protein. Of course, if you want nuts in your diet, the healthy way to go is to get them unsalted. They’re better like this anyway, because you don’t have all that salt taking away from the natural flavor of the nuts. And, make sure that your servings of nuts are small, because they are loaded with calories. To avoid extra calories when using nuts as a source of protein, try eating almonds instead of cashews, which are just as high in protein, but lower in fat and calories.

Peanut Butter – This kind of goes along with nuts. Because peanut butter is made from peanuts, which are high in protein, it only stands to reason that peanut butter is also an excellent source of protein. You can get a double shot of protein if you eat a peanut butter sandwich made with whole grain bread. It can often be difficult to get kids to eat healthy foods, but by giving them peanut butter sandwiches (if they won’t eat whole grain bread, get the new whole grain breads that look and taste like white bread), you can be sure that they will be getting the protein they need to build strong muscles and have plenty of energy for playing.

Beans – Just about every type of bean, from black beans to kidney beans, are loaded with protein. In fact, one of the foods that is highest above all others in protein is a bean: soy. And, because it is a vegetable protein, it is great for people with allergies. So, enjoy your beans and wieners, because you are getting a meal that is absolutely packed with protein.

Meat, Fish and Poultry – All of these foods are great dietary sources of protein. A regular six-ounce serving of any cut of beef provides about seven grams of protein. Of course, if you are really health conscious, you will choose lean cuts of meat. Pork, poultry and fish also provide at least seven grams of protein per serving.

Milk Products – Here is one of the best dietary sources of protein. Whey and casein, proteins used to make protein supplements, are milk derivatives, and are some of the most popular sources of protein supplements. And, with milk products, you have so many delicious options, such as cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, or just a plain old glass of milk.

Types of Protein Supplements

There are many sources used for protein supplements, and even if you have food allergies, there is still a protein supplement that will work for you. There are many types of protein supplements, snack bars, including powders, liquids and capsules, which can be used as snacks and meal replacements. Some of the types of proteins used in supplements include whey, soy, casein and rice.

Whey Protein – Because it contains all 22 of the essential and non-essential amino acids, whey is considered to be a complete protein. Whey is a milk derivative, and is a bi-product left over from the cheese-making process. Because it is a milk protein, people who are lactose intolerant, or allergic to milk, should avoid whey and opt for a different source of protein, such as soy or rice.

Casein Protein – This is another milk derivative. Actually, casein is what whey protein comes from in the first place. But, because it is a milk sugar and not a milk protein, most people who are lactose intolerant are able to easily digest casein.

Soy Protein – Soy is a great alternative for vegetarians, and people with intolerances or allergies. Soy protein is another complete protein, and it contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. It also has a low glycemic index, so it will not cause a rise in blood glucose levels. Some people may find that they are unable to digest soy well, and may want to try another one of the popular types of supplements.

Rice Protein – Here is a protein that is hypoallergenic, so it is ideal for people with allergies, and those who are lactose intolerant. It is gluten-free, and is great for dieters, because it is low in fat and carbohydrates. Rice protein is available in powdered form, and works well in most recipes.

Have you ever wondered what are the health benefits of eggs? Some people eat them every day without even thinking about all the good things have eggs to offer. Most people just know about the protein and the cholesterol that eggs contain and don’t know about the many other ingredients and qualities of eggs. Well, this article will reveal the many health benefits of eggs and why you should include them in your diet.

It’s no secret that eggs are one of the best sources of protein there is. The thing which makes this even better is the high ratio of protein/fat that eggs offer. With about 6 grams of protein (concentrated in the egg white) and just 5 grams of fat, you don’t need to gain fat due to eating eggs in order to enjoy the high protein in eggs.

But eggs have much more to offer than just protein. It’s quite amazing when you know how good they can be for you. Here are some of the extra benefits of eggs:

1. Eggs help to boost brain health and function – One of the ingredients of egg is Choline, a substance that is a component in some molecules in our brain. Since out body does not produce an adequate amount of choline on its own, we need to eat more of it to have enough. Eggs are an excellent.

2. Eggs are a rich source of many vitamins that our body requires to continue functioning properly. These vitamins include A. B2, B5, B12, D, E, all of which you need to maintain your health.

3. Eggs are a source of antioxidants which help to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Antioxidants help to delay the aging process and help ward off diseases of many sorts.

4. Eggs are a source of cartenoid, a substance that it beneficial to our eyes and helps to protect them against degenerative diseases.

5. Due to their massive dose of protein, eggs can actually help you to lose weight. The protein helps to curb your appetite and keep you feeling full for a long time. The protein also help to develop your muscle tissue that can in turn boost your metabolism to burn more calories.

As you can see, eating eggs can be very beneficial. Naturally, you shouldn’t overeat them. Just make sure to have one every once in a while to enjoy the benefits they offer.

If you follow a good eating regime you could be letting yourself down by snacking on junk food, but you can control this fairly simply with a few changes.

Even if you snack during the day there are things we can do that don’t affect your diet.

Keeping to your diet may be hard if you are a continual snacker but it will truly be worth the effort as it will keep your body healthy and regulate weight fluctuations.

A good way to prevent snacking is to eat smaller meals through the day; this would replace the three or so large meals a day we normally consume.

If it transpires your snacking because you constantly feel hungry then it’s likely the case more energy is being used than you are consuming, therefore you might have to make changes in your diet.

By digesting several smaller nutritional meals a day this should keep your energy levels up and the urge to snack will hopefully disappear.

So what we are doing is simply removing the urge to snack, if the urge to snack continues to happens then ask yourself the question am I hungry or just bored?.

When relaxing it’s very easy to look for comfort food, if you are eating because you are hungry then that’s fine, but make sure it’s a healthy option.

One of the best things to do is eliminate processed foods from your diet. Have a look in your home and clear out the cupboards of your kitchen throw all the junk food out and don’t replace it thus eliminating temptation.

Next time you do a shop go for healthy options, try to think about what you are eating it’s easy to categorise foods into good and bad just use common sense.

If its processed its probably not good for you, Fruit, veg and low fat dairy products work well as snacks where as sweets and candy don’t.

Snacks should also include what we drink, try to stay away from fizzy drinks these are high in calories, also low in nutrients and are inherently bad for your teeth.

Instead go for options that compliment your intended diet, water is the best option even something with a flavour through it, sports drinks are another good option however please be careful with some of these as the caffeine content can be high.

Try to avoid alcohol. An exception to the alcohol rule is red wine,in moderation this can be good for our heart.

If you are looking for ways of shrinking fibroids, your diet is a great starting point. Although to completely eliminate fibroids, you will need to use a multifaceted approach to eliminate all the root causes of your fibroids, there is no doubt that modifying your diet is an absolute necessity.

Indeed, there is evidence to suggest that by cutting out certain food groups and introducing cleansing and nutrition-rich foods, you can begin to ease some of your fibroid symptoms.

With so much dietary information out there, most of us know the principles of healthy eating. Eating a low-fat diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats and fish is recommended for most people. As far as fibroids are concerned, extra care should be taken to eliminate any foods which have been sprayed with pesticides and any which contain artificial additives. In addition, stay clear of any meat products, such as salamis and sausages.

Concentrating some of the best sources of foods for shrinking fibroids into smoothies is a good way to get a high dose of some of the essential nutrients. One of my favorites is below-enjoy!

Apricot, Apple and Flaxseed Smoothie

3 fresh pitted apricots
1/2 medium apple cut into chunks
2 tablespoons of flaxseeds
1/8 cup lemon juice
1 cup pure water
Dash of cinnamon
Stevia to taste

Soak the flaxseeds overnight and drain. Add all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Add more water if necessary.

Like many things worthwhile, changing your diet is never easy, but the effort will be worth it in the long run. Once you begin to see positive results in respect of your shrinking fibroids, it’s not so difficult to stick to the changes you have made.

Oil is necessary to maintain health and beauty but too much of it can lead to the destruction of the body. There are a wide variety of oils available but do they contain the same properties? Most of the oils used for cooking are vegetable-based. Fish oil is another type of edible oil which is commonly used as a supplement.

1. Health benefits

One can benefit greatly from edible oils if they know how to use it the right way. Most vegetable and fish oils are rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs). There are two types of essential fatty acids namely omega-3 and omega-6. Essential fatty acids are essential to life. However, they are not produced by the human body. The good news is they can be found in certain foods.

Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish and olive oil. So how is it able to benefit one’s health? Omega-3 fatty acids is said to be able to lower cholesterol and improve heart functions. Omega-6 fatty acids has been found to crucial for proper brain functioning. It can be found in vegetable oils such as peanut and sunflower oils.

A good balance between the two fatty acids will bring about a significant improvement in heart health.

2. Good versus bad fats

Oils are high in mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Mono-unsaturated fats help to increase good cholesterol while polyunsaturated fats aid in decreasing the bad cholesterol. However, one need to be cautious as some oils also contains a high percentage of saturated fat such as coconut and palm oil. Saturated fats are known to increase bad cholesterol which leads to the clogging of blood vessels. It is hence best to avoid the intake of coconut and palm oils.

3. Limit your oil intake

Oil has its health benefits but if over consumed, they can cause destruction to the body. This is because oil is high in calories yet easy to over consume because they make food taste better. Consuming too much fat can lead to weight gain which bring about health problems like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

4. Say no to trans fats

So what are trans fats? Trans fats are man-made and are produced from high temperature treatment, pressure and hydrogenation. Hydrogenation is a process which hydrogen is add to oil and allowing them to solidify at room temperature. Trans fats is dangerous to heart health as they increase bad cholesterol and decrease the good ones.

It is hence important to understand what type of oils and fats we are consuming daily and maintain a balance not to over consume.

OK, so the big thing today is the realization that what you put in your body has more to do with health than most realize, many consumers are beginning to wonder is mineral water healthy for you.

The answer can be found in many different places, but the good thing is that you’re looking into the water supply that you’re putting into just about every aspect of your life. Did you know that water, H2O, is simply two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen molecule that have bonded, yes, it takes millions of these to make a just a drop.

The fact is, that many of our H2O sources have more than just H2O in them, taking mineral water as an example. This can be considered H2O and a certain amount of minerals together. Some of the minerals are going to be needed by your body, others, can cause problems with a healthy functioning system.

When you drink tap water, there’s a good chance that it’s mineral water as well as possibly a few other undesirable ingredients. If you notice any sort of residue in your sinks, tubs, or on your faucet, these are mineral deposits from your water, yes, that means your drinking those mineral deposits.

While certain minerals are good for you, too much of one or not enough of another is not a good thing. This is why having your tap or drinking water supply checked by a professional is a good thing. Once your water has been tested, you’ll have a better idea of what type of filtration system you may need to make your drinking water safe and healthy for you.

There are plenty of filtration systems out there that can improve your drinking water, remember, pure H2O is nice, but you’ll need certain minerals that are often delivered to your body through your water, so a pure system may not be the best.

Look into the different purification systems that are available and make sure you also look into those that replace certain minerals as well. While different delivery system offer you many options, over the long run, you may find a system attached to your own H20 supply will be more cost effective in the long run.

The answer to the question of is mineral water healthy for you, is yes, but all in moderation. You don’t need to be drinking or consuming as much iron, calcium and lime that many home taps bring. It’s much better to make sure your drinking water is safe than it is to assume that the H2O you’re drinking from the tap is healthy.

Red Lentils belong to the plant family Fabaceae. Red lentils are classified as Lens culinaris.

The Lentil is Popular around Europe and a regularly consumed food throughout the Middle East and India. The Lentil is often used as a substitute for meat. There are several varieties of lentils.

The red lentil has a history dating back to South West Asia and Syria. Evidence suggests the Lentil was cultivated and used as far back as 6,000BC.

In Ancient Greece, Lentils were used in soups and as an ingredient in bread. The use of lentils is mentioned in the book of Genesis (Chapter 25).

Lentils are considered an easily grown plant. They are an annual growing at around the same rate as peas. They are known to grow in a variety of conditions ranging from an infertile soil to deeply rich and free draining soils with lots of natural organic matter. Although they do prefer warmer conditions, they have been known to survive well in colder climates.

Commercially,  Lentils are produced in large volume in countries where growers can access cheap labour, though there are Fair Trade varieties also available.

Red Lentils are a source of Protein and Carbohydrates. They are High in Calcium Iron and Phosphorous. Their high Protein content makes them an ideal substitute to meat for Vegans and Vegetarians.

Red Lentils are high in Vitamin A, B Group Vitamins, Vitamin C and E as well as Vitamin K. They are also rich in Minerals including, magnesium,    manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.

Red Lentils can be purchased from most supermarkets, they are usually in the same section as soup mixes or grains. Most stores will also have them available in Cans, which are ideal for use when pre-soaking is not an option.

Red Lentils can be used a several ways. They are a versatile addition to many dishes.

Lentils make an ideal thickener in soups and stews not only as a thickener but for their high nutrient content. Soups and stews are an ideal way maintaining nutrient content of vegetables as the dish is consumed liquid and all. When boiling or steaming food the nutrients are usually lost in the water when it is poured off.

Lentils can be cooked and used in warm salads or allowed to cool and blended with summer salads.

Red Lentils can be used as a base for vegetable cakes or fritters or used as a part replacement for bread crumbs in chicken stuffing.

Lentils are ideal in baby food for their nutrition and mild texture when moving to more solid foods. They can also be mashed to a fine potato like paste for younger babies.

It is from Japan. It is the highest absorption calcium with 7 international patents for a life-time of stronger bones and teeth.

UNICAL uses advanced IAM(Increased Absorption Material) technology that incorporates Mucopolysaccharide which helps to increase UNICAL’s calcium absorption rate to as high as 98% thus surpassing all other calcium supplements. They have 7 international patents:- USA, Germany, UK, France, Japan, Korea and China. This delicious light lemon-flavoured sachet easily mixes in water or can be taken straight from the 2g sachets.

Each sachet supplies 200mg of elemental calcium containing natural occurring minerals which includes magnesium, manganese and phosphorus with perfect ratio to promote stronger and healthier bones and teeth. Also prevents osteoporosis, relieve muscle cramps and twitches, alleviate insomnia and sleeping problems, and reduce high blood pressure.

UNICAL, unlike other calcium supplements, DOES NOT cause gas, constipation or bloating. It also doe not depend on the sun to manufacture vitamin D for the absorption of calcium into our system. This is to our advantage because now more people are avoiding the sun due to skin cancers. UNICAL has its patented IAM to help us absorb calcium naturally without the sun.

However, if calcium is not being absorbed readily into the system, it would collect at the joints causing bone spur(a system of arthritis), in the kidneys causing kidney stones or in the blood vessels causing clogged arteries!

Those that should take UNICAL are:-
- woman with smaller frames
- pregnant
- menopausal woman or approaching menopausal
- frequently consume coffee, tea and carbonated drinks
- have a diet high in refined carbohydrates, salt, sugar, protein and insoluble fiber
- are inactive and lead a sedentary lifestyle
- are under physical or mental stress
- take antacids for gastric pains or heartburn

By taking UNICAL which is a calcium supplement, it can help one to build stronger bones and teeth, prevent osteoporosis, relieves muscle cramps and twitches, alleviates insomnia and sleeping problems, reduces high blood pressure (hypertension) and also alleviates premenstrual syndrome(PMS).

Sometimes, we get to thinking about meals. We are so used to having to “cook” something, we bring this into our raw food diet. It seems like we should be preparing a meal, with a bunch of different sides. You know what I mean.

Well, here is a tip: Keep it simple. You always just eat regular fruit and vegetables without cooking them or making a meal out of them. Today, for work, I took with me 2 apples, 2 bananas, and a handful of grapes. I had some raw nuts and seeds to go with it. It does not seem like much, but you would be amazed at how this will fill you up.

Before venturing down the raw food road, I was always told bananas were evil. That there was so much sugar, and no fiber. I believe the people who say stuff like this really are just misguided or uneducated. It is amazing at how the knowledge of main stream health is put out by people who do not have any real knowledge about health.

You would not believe the amount of bananas and apples we now eat. When we went shopping this past Thursday, we bought 7 things of bananas (what are they called, bunches?). Yes, 7!!!! We use them in smoothies and eat them plain. If you want a really good smoothie, slice up the bananas and freeze them. Then add these to a smoothie. WOW!!

Before I get ahead of myself, let me get back to the point. Do not get caught up in recipes. If you have time, make something. If not, just grab a handful of fruit and get going. Definitely do not let it be a deal breaker. In the summer time it is really much easier to do this because fruits and vegetables are readily available. In the winter, it will take just a bit more planning to make sure you have the fruits on hand.