Blueberry and Diabetes…

25 01 2010

   Bilberry has been used for ages by human beings in medicines as well as jams and other foods products. It is related to blueberry and contains a chemical called anthocyanoside. It is a plant pigment with excellent antioxidant properties. They scavenge the free radicals (of which we hear so much these days), also known as damaging particles and help prevent or reverse damage to cells.

   Vaccinum myrtillus, or blueberry leaves were traditionally used as folk medicine to cure diabetes. The infusions of these leaves were used as medicines. Researches suggest that these leaf extracts can lower blood sugar levels experiments have been carried out on animals and have yielded positive results.

   Blueberry is another natural ingredient used to cure diabetes. It is used naturally to control and lower rising blood sugar levels in diabetics. The leaf has an active ingredient which is capable of making the body get rid of excessive sugar in blood. It is not only a good source to rid body of excessive sugar but also a good astringent which helps relieve inflammation of kidney, bladder and prostrate.

   It is very simple to make the infusion and the hassle free and inexpensive method makes it a very desirable, affordable and side effects free natural medicine. It is generally used by steeping two or three handfuls of leaves in cups of hot water for half a day. This infusion is then consumed throughout the day. Isn’t it a very simple and inexpensive method to rid one’s body of the harmful effects of diabetes?



3 Foods All Women Should Eat Now…

18 01 2010

   Foods all women should eat and are important for your health will be discussed in this article. The are certain things we should all be eating if we want to stay healthy. Read this article below to find out what those food are.

   Eat Berries, are good for you and full of important antioxidants. They contain more antioxidants than many other foods. The antioxidants will enable your body to get rid of harmful toxins and will not allow your arteries to corrode. You should try to eat at least one cup of berries three time a week. If you can eat much more. Add them to your favvvvorite cereals, yogurts and even salads.

   Consume Salmon you should be eating alot more fish products than meat products. Eating fish is more healthy and better for you. Salmon is a great source of omega-3s, which are important healthy fats that will reduce your chances of developing heart disease. You should eat fish three times a week. You can eat tuna once a week.

   Eat alot of Greens, make should you eat a fair share of green vegetables. You can eat spinach and romaine lettuce, and chard. Green leafy vegetables have a good source of Vitamin C and fiber. They also contain Vitamin B, which guards your heart disease. Leafy green vegetables will also improve your memory.



Eating These Foods will Lower Your Blood Sugars

17 12 2009

   Why eat certain foods. Well foods will help you lower your sugars. Which in return help you with sugars the Natural way. Beside eating better is a win-win answer. If you eat better you will feel better and then you will do better. Have more energy, with more energy you have a better life and that will help you get healthy and live longer.

Berries, strawberries and other varieties are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and fiber.

Tomatoes everyone find a favorite with the old standby. No matter how your like your tomatoes pureed, raw, or in a sauce you’re eating vital nutrients like Vitamin C, iron, and Vitamin E.

Omega-3 rich fish like salmon, albacore-tuna, mackerel, hailbut, and herring are high in omega-3 fayyt acids, which are important for heart health. But stay away from breaded and deep-fried versions. They don’t count toward your goal of 6 to 9 ounces of fish per week.

Whole grains such as pearled barley and oatmeal are loaded with fiber, potassium, magnesium, chromium, omega-3 faty acids and folate. The germ and bran of the whole grain contain the important nutrients a grain product has to offer. Processes grains, like bread made from enriched wheat flour, do not have these vital nutrients.

An ounce of nuts can go a long way in providing key healthy fats along with hunger management. Nuts also give you a close of magnesium and fiber. Some nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and flax seed, also contain omegia-3 fatty acids.



Superfoods For Great Skin

4 10 2009

   It’s been said we are what we eat, and that sentiment definitely holds true when it comes to our skin. It’s our body’s biggest organ, and it deserves all the nutritional TLC we can give it. So Take a look at what you’ve been feeding yourself, and therefore feeding your skin.

   One the most important components of skin health is Vitamin A, and probably one of the best sources of it is low-fat dairy products. It could be said the health of our skin depends on Vitamin A. Low-fat yogurt is not only high in Vitamin A, but also have an impact on the skin, since it aids in digestion. Other sources of Vitamin A include cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables and fortified breakfast cereals.It’s important to also make sure you’re eating foods rich in antioxidants such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberris, and plums. The benefits of those food for healthy skin are plentiful. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in these fruits can proect the skin cells, so there is less change for damage. This in turn guards against premature aging, and keeps skin looking younger longer. Other fruits and vrgrtables that are high in antioxidants include artichokes, black, red and pinto beans, prunes and pecans.

   Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are essential to your skin. Include salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flaxseed. EFAs keep cell membranes healthy, and allow nutrients to pass through.

   We also need healthy oils, which contain more than essential fatty acids. Eating good-quality oils helps keep skin lubricated and keeps it looking and feeling healthier overall. Look for oils that are cold pressed, such as olive or extra virgin oil. We only need about two tablespoons a day of healthy oils, so use wisely.

   Selenium plays an important role in the health of skin cells. Turn foods like Whole wheat bread, muffins and cereals, turkey, tuna and brazil nuts for this important nutrient. Recent studies show that if selenium levels are high, even skin damaged by the sun may only suffer minimal, if any damage.

   Choosing the whole grain versions of complex carbohydrates can have a significant effect on insulin levels. Processed and refined sugars can cause inflammation that may ultimately be linked to skin break outs.

   Green tea has anti- inflammatory properties, and it protects the membrane of the cell. It may even help prevent or reduce skin cancer risks.

   Water plays such an important role in your overall health, and it has a profound effect on your skin’s health as well. Well-hydrated skin is healthy, and it has a profound effect on your skin’s health as well. Well-hydrated skin is healthy and young-looking. It also helps move the toxins out of your system so they have less chance to do damage.



Superfoods for Circulatory System

29 09 2009

   Circulation problems can be felt in a number of ways. Some symptoms include fatigue due to poor circulatory function, which may bring on other symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. The inability to concentrate, coldness in the hands or feet, headaches, angina, and high blood pressure are also other signs there could be problems with the circulation system. There are nutritionally-dense foods we can incorporate into our diets to ensure our circulatory system is functioning at it’s best.

   If your circulation is poor, it is vital that the Vitamin C content of the body is kept up, because it will help prevent hardening of the arteries ballooning. Citrus fruits, red berries, tomates, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprout, red and green bell pepper, cabbage, and spinach are all great Vitamin C foods sources, and it helps promote a healthy immune system and is required to help make collagen, which holds cells together, which is vital in maintaining the integrity and strenght of the arteries and veins.

   Leafy green vegetables, almonds, hazelnuts, and vegetable oils like sunflower, canola, and soybean are all great sources of antioxidants, which are widely recognized for their ability to ward off diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Other great sources include broccoli, cabbage and kale.

   Nuts are high in beneficial, unsaturated fatty acids and research shows a correlation between nut consumption and a reduced incidence of ischemic heart disease. Walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts are very high in these needed fatty acids.

   Fish Oils an in sardines and may help to improve or reverse atherosclerosis, angina, heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhyththmias, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Fish oils help maintain the elasticity of artery walls, prevent blood clotting, reduce blood pressure and stabilize heart rhythm.

   Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects body tissue from damage caused by unstable substances called free radicals. Free radicals can harm cells, tissues, and organs can cause damage to the cell walls of the vessels in the circulatory system. Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells. Wheat germ, corn, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, and asparagus are all wonderful Vitamin E food sources.

  



Superfoods for Healthy Prostate

13 09 2009

   The prostate gland has a reputation as a health destroyer. Hypertrophy of the prostate gland, which affects nearly every eilderly male, strangles and urethra. This troublesome condition makes urination difficult and increases the risk of bladder infections and kidney damage. However, there are many superfoods that may already be a part of your everyday diet that can help thwart the onset of prostate problems.

  Tomatoes, watermelons, red grapefruit, papaya and red berries are all great sources of lycopene, a health-promoting plant pigment known for its cancer battling ability. It also promotes a strong immune system and helps supports prostate health in men. Though fresh are always an excellent option, the lycopene in cooked tomatoes is actually absorbed more readily by the body. It’s also your ally in the battle against heart disease.

  Quercetin, a flavonoid that forms the backbone of many other flavonoids, may have positive effects in combating or helping to prevent many different types of cancer, including prostate. It also acts as an antihistamine and has anti-inflammatory properties, which may be helpful in relieving pain of an inflamed prostate.

   Foods rich in quercetin including apples, black & green tea, onions, raspberries, red wine, red grapes, citrus fruits, broccoli & other leafy green vegetables, and cherries. Quercetin can also be found in honey and sap, including the type from eucalyptus and tea tree flowers.

   It’s important to remember to get a healthy balance of foods to keep your prostate healthy, including antioxidants, Vitamin E from nuts and seeds, and drink plenty of clear fluids to help flush the bladder. Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. Keeping your weight in check will also help maintain a healthy prostate.

  



Superfoods To Help You Manage Menopause

14 08 2009

   Including these superfoods in your diet can help to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, maintain your memory power, and prevent osteoporosis. These superfoods are delicious to eat, easy to prepare, and super good for you.

   Tofu is an alternative protein source to meat. Along with other soy products, tofu can be beneficial for lowering your cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Soy products like tofu may also decrease the side effects associated with menopause, including the dreaded “hot flashes”.

   Navy beans loaded with fiber, which can help reduce your risk of cancer and other forms of cancer, as well as relieve the symptoms associated with diverticulosis. Women need 30 grams of fiber a day, so include them in your favorite chili recipe, or try them as a side dish alternative to pasta or rice.

   Packed with calcium, yogurt can help prevent osteoporosis. It has also been shown to boost your immunity and help with weight management. Additionally, yogurt contains high amounts of good bacteria such as acidophilus, which helps to prevent yeast infections and urinart tract infections. It also contains protein, which may help your body battle the fatigue and weariness that follows a hot flashe.

   As we age, we sometimes find ourselves forgetting things or feeling as if we’re in a fog. If you find this to be the case, grab for the blueberries the next time you’re shopping for groceries. Recent studies show they may actually help with short term memory loss. They’re also loaded with antioixidants. Pair them with some low fat plain yogurt for a top notch way to protect both your brain and your bones.

   Avocado also contains antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which can help to protect your vision and skin, which can suffer as we age. The monounsaturated fat found in avocados has also been shown to improve the condition of hair and skin. They’re great on a turkey sandwich, or mash up a few ripe ones and whip up a quick side of guacamole to have with some low fat baked tortilla chips.

   And as always, it’s important to make low fat and low sodium choices when menu planning. These do nothing to help alleviate the symptom’s brought on by menopause, and are unhealthy options at any age, but especially as we grow older. Avoid smoking or alcohol, and get plenty of rest, and you’ll soon find your menopause symptom’s are easily managed



The Power of Antioxidants

19 05 2009

   Everyone wants to grow old gracefully. Some go under the knife to get that youthful look while others opt for more natural way to maintain that healthful glow. The way to make peace with age can be found in the types of foods that we eat and the miracle ungredient they contain.

   This hidden “miracle” is called antioxidants. They have graced the pages of magazines, medical journals and every product from hand cream to supplement pilss. But what are antioxidants and what can they do to keep you looking your best?

   Antioxidants are substances that fight the aging process that goes on in your body. They are not produced by the body so to get the benefit of these power-packed substances you must ingest them. A variety of foods contain antioxidants.

   Let’s go back to the beginning. The body continually replenishes its cells. Through a process  called cellular metabolism, the body produces energy, more cells and repairs any damage. One by products of cellular metabolism is unstable molecules called free radicals.

   Free radicals are molecules that damage your body. They are unstable because they are missing an electron. To get another one and become stables, free radicals will steal electrons from cells. That theft damages the cells in a variety of ways.

   The results are visible and invisible changes to our bodies. The development of disease like cancer, diabetes, arthritis and neurolical deficiencies may begin to affect you as you age. also, thinner skin wrinkles and brittle bones are a problem. Free radicals enter our body from outside sources as well: cigarette smoke, radiation and the sun’s UV rays. The more free radicals we encounter, the greater the damage that can be done.

   Antioxidants have been shown to be of great help in the free radical problem. Antioxidant substances combine with free radicals and neutralize them. Once they are neutralized, they can no longer do any damage. Scientists don’t have any idea of a recommended daily dose of antioxidants to correct free radical damage and the disease that come with age, but they do know that eating foods rich in antioxidants makes a huge difference in how we live.

   Where do you find antioxidants? They are all around us. Look no further than your local farmer’s market or produce stand in the grocery store. Fruits and vegetables contain the principle sources of antioxidants. Vitamin C, A, E, Lutein, Lycopene, Beta-carotene.

   Certain minerals like zinc and selenium also function in the body. They are not antioxidants but they boost the immune system to fight against free radical damage.

   Antioxidants are also found in nuts, legumes, cold water fish, seafood and red meat. So, eating a varied diet of fruits, vegetables and the foods just named will increase the amount of antioxidants in your system and help reduce the incidence of disease. Eating fruits and vegetables in their natural form instead of juices brings the benfit of other nutrients found in the foods. Juices also contain a lot of sugar that is not needed by your body.

   Food does more than stave off hunger. Natural substances found there can cause us to live longer and stay free of disease as we age.



Tips on Food that Help You Live Longer

16 05 2009

   What is the secret to a long and healthy life? It is in the food that you eat. As you well know, all foods are not created equal. Choosing and eating the right foods may help increase your life expectancy as well as the quality of your life.

Here are a list of power foods:

   1- Beans- If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them. Now if you soak them before can help alot. Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpea, northern) are high in protein. This is plant protein so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories. If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthly portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthly

   2. Oatmeal- Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol. You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry. Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides mush needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.

   3. Fruits- Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A. Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of cancer. Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants. But choose an array of  fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health. The antioxidants in fruits boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.

   4. Alluim foods- This class of foods include garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol. Allium vegetables helps guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments. They also help lower blood pressure and prevent bllod clots. Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits.

   5. salmon- Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis. Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults. Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.

   6.Flax seed- Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omege-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes, with this seed. Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.

   7. Peppere- Peppper are colorful. They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C. Pepper ranges from mild and sweet to so hot you’ll be calling the fire department. All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has the properties of an anti- inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease. They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes.

   8. Nuts and Seeds- Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind. Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein. Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs. Nuts help to lower cholesterol. Eat them right out of the shell with no additives.

   9. Acai- This berry has been in the news. It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. You can get more done and look better while doing it. You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.

   10.Yogurt- The fat free varity is good for you. Yogurt contains calium, vitamin B, and protein. If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth. Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy dugestive system.

   Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat. Try these super foods to get started on the right foot.