Health & Nutrition

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.