What is red and bursting with juices?

17 10 2010

   The prefect red ripe tomato bursting with juices and rich flavor is appetizing and imparts great taste to food. Most of the people do not eat it in its raw form and cook it and consume it as gravies, sauces and ketchup. The good news is that, fortunately cooking brings out one of the important antioxidants in tomatoes, lycopene.

   Studies show that daily consumption of tomatoes fulfills the body’s daily requirement of minerals and vitamins and therefore exerts a protective effect on it. Daily consumption of tomatoes alleviates diabetes and reduces the exudate stress in type 2 diabetes. The lupine in tomato prevents serum lipid oxidation, thus exerting protective effects against cardiovascular diseases.

   Platelets are responsible for the blood’s ability to clot. Clotting can go too far, however and cause strokes, heart attacks and other life-threatening problems. In diabetes patients, platelets are stickier. As a result of this excessive “stickiness” for instance, people with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke.

   It has been observed that lupine in tomatoes act as blood thinners. The regular consumption of tomato has proved to decrease the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. These lipids are the key culprits in cardiovascular disease and lead to deposition of fats in the blood vessels.

   Tomatoes are low in carbohydrates and useful for diabetics who want to lose weight. They also control the amount of sugar in a diabetic persons urine.

   Besides that it also prevents urinary tract infection, reduce hypertension and improves vision. Vitamin K which is abundant in tomatoes is essential in blood clotting and controls bleeding. All of the above mentioned health problems are associated with diabetes and thus assert importance of including tomatoes in one’s diet to keep all the above mentioned health problems at bay.



10 Super Foods For Diabetes

30 09 2010

   What are Super Foods? Science and research have anointed them as anti-stress, life expanding and disease preventig foods. They are legumes, fruits and vegetables that have been around forever. The super foods listed below can be quite beneficial to a diabetic.

Almonds and Walnuts- Almonds and walnuts are rich in monosaturated good fat that contains many micro nutrients, vitamin E and fiber. They are known to lower the risk of heart disease. In addition walnuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids which are known for their health benefits.

Blueberries and strawberries- Besides being delicious, they are loaded with properties such as low in calories, rich in iron, fiber and vitamin C and high in antioxidants.

Beans- They are rich in protein, fiber slow metabolizing complex carbohydrates and folic acid.

Dark greens- They are delicious, satisfying and rich in nutrients. If looking for calcium, folate, vitamin C, potassium, carotenoids and fiber, your mantra should be GO GREEN. The choice is plenty , broccoli, spinach, kale etc to name a few.

Garlic- This spice lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. It also reduces the risk of heart attacks and retards growth of harmful bacteria.

Yellow fruits- Apricots, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, carrots, peaches and butternut squash. They are loaded with carotenoids, the powerful heart protectors. In addition they contain fiber, vitamins A and C, beta-carotene and potassium.

Fish- Wild salmon and other fatty fish caught in wild contain the beneficial omaga-3 fatty acids that lower cardiac risks.

Olive Oil- This monosaturated fat is beneficial in lowering cholesterol and fighting heart disease.

Dark Chocolate- Contains flavonols and antioxidants that improve the flow of blood throughtout the body and reduce blood pressure.

Green tea- Low in caffeine, and if drunk on regular basis it is known to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

   If included in the daily diet these super foods can improve one’s life phenomenally and help fight diseases.



3 Foods Everyone Should Eat

11 08 2010

   Eating Healthy is always a good idea. No matter what your age, your gender or your constitution eating right should be a priority all your life. The right diet can help your body stay healthy and fit. It will help you regulate your own metabolism and be energetic all through the day.

Cabbage:

   The hubble cabbage is not a very popular vegetable. Yet it is one packed with very powerful nutrients and cancer fighting anti-carcinogens. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, glutamine and indole 3-carbinol. Cabbage does not need to be always eaten to be useful. Cabbage leaves can also help treat acute inflammation when a paste of the raw vegetables leaves are placed around the affected area.

Garlic:

  That tiny pod of white garlic can be one of the most medicinal and useful parts of food you could ever eat. Garlic is well known for its medical properties such as being anti bacterial, anti viral and anti fungal. Documented studies have proved that it also good for preventing heart disease as it helps in lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure

Onion:

   The onion is effective against everything from a common cold to coronary disease. It is beneficial in diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Onion are often prescibed to women who are at a higher risk of bone disease. It is also a powerful antioxidant and has alleged aphrodisiac properties.

  



Green Tea …Cure!

29 05 2010

   Green tea is very healthy as it is full of antioxidants, but how good is it for those suffering from diabetes? If you have been drinking green tea on a regular basis, there is a chance that it has helped cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes as per one study.

   Green tea promotes glucose metabolism in healthy human beings, which means that if you drink enough green tea regularly you will not have very high blood glucose levels. At the same time enzymes found in green tea and some wines have been found to slow down the absorption of glucose from the small intestine into the blood stream.

   This helps the diabetics suffering from type 2 diabetes to avoid the sharp spike in blood glucose following a meal. As controlling the release of glucose into the blood is so important in diabetes, drinking green tea would seem to be a good idea.

   Another study has shown that drinking 6 cups of green tea a day for 8 weeks has helped to drop blood sugar values by 15 to 20% in the volunteers. So drinking green tea over a prolonged period of time may actually help decrease your blood sugar.



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.