1. It gives your immune system a flu-season boost. A 1/2-cup serving of pumpkin delivers a boatload of immune-boosting vitamins and nutrients, including alpha carotene and beta carotene, vitamin C, iron, and enough vitamin A to last you 3 days!
2. It fills you up for very few calories. Half a cup of Libby's canned 100% pumpkin puree packs 5 grams of stomach-satisfying fiber (20% of the recommended daily intake) for only 40 calories. In comparison, a slice of whole-wheat bread has 2 grams of fiber and 70 calories.
3. It's got the goods to protect your vision. Pumpkin delivers a duo of sight-saving carotenoid antioxidants (lutein and beta cryptoxanthin) that reduce the risk of age-related cataracts and sight-stealing macular degeneration.
4. It keeps your body humming. Pumpkin is a great source of potassium, which keeps your cells, nerves, and muscles running smoothly. Healthy potassium levels also help keep blood pressure in check and can lower the odds of stroke and heart disease.
5. It could cut your cancer risk. A diet high in carotenoids can lower the risk of breast cancer. And beta cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid that's particularly plentiful in pumpkin, may help protect against lung cancer. Aim to get your beta carotene from foods like pumpkin, since supplements don't offer the same cancer protection.
6. It gives your bones a little extra love. You'll also pick up a little extra bone-building calcium with each serving. Plus, beta cryptoxanthin defends against joint-destroying rheumatoid arthritis.
6 usages for Pumpkins
Squeeze fruit juice information
Squeezed fruit is as healthy as eating a piece of raw fruit out of your hand. Unlike many people think there is not a whole lot of fruit flesh lost when you squeeze fruit. This means that your glass of orange juice does contain all the fibers you need! These fibers prevent from many diseases. Fibers stimulate the digestive system so if you have a substantial amount of fruit intake it is not necessary to eat bran or other intestine stimulating foods.
If you are in the possession of a fruit press you can squeeze the citrus fruits. Real fruit lovers also have a blender so they can make mixes of all types of fruit. A juice-centrifuge easily extracts the juice out of all fruits and many vegetables and is in our opinion for the more extreme squeezers who also want to drink vegetable juices. It is not very practical in use (a lot of cleaning) and for squeezing almost any type of fruit a fruit press and a blender will do.
Try to get it into your system: squeeze those wonder-fruits yourself everyday. Freshly squeezed juices are best. Magical characteristics are ascribed to freshly squeezed juice. Avoid to drink fruit juice from a can or glass bottle because when the bottle or can is closed the juice is heated and gets an acid structure. Juice from cartons, cans and glass bottles has been pasteurized. This means the juice has been heated (cooked) to kill all the germs. The heating of food changes the enzymes of the food so it looses (some of) its nutritious value. This means you can't substitute freshly squeezed juice by juice from cartons.
New food pyramid for aging
Old age is a consequence of civilization; it is seen seldom in primitive societies and very rarely seen in wild animals. Although in this century the average life span of women and men has increased by 30% since the onset of industrialization and by over 300% since Neolithic times, we don't exactly know how or why aging occurs. We do know that aging is a function of cells ceasing to divide.
Many of the precautions against premature death are well known: wear seat belts; eat a low fat, high fiber, high complex- carbohydrate diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; get regular, moderate, exercise; get enough sleep; love yourself and your friends; do work that makes you happy; don't do drugs. It is worth repeating the low fat part: low fat.
Tufts University researchers have updated their Food Guide Pyramid for Older Adults to correspond with the new USDA food pyramid, now known as MyPyramid. The Tufts version is specifically designed for older adults and has changed in appearance and content. The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults continues to emphasize nutrient-dense food choices and the importance of fluid balance, but has added additional guidance about forms of foods that could best meet the unique needs of older adults and about the importance of regular physical activity.
Source: http://nutrition.tufts.edu/docs/pdf/releases/ModifiedMyPyramid.pdf
The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults will be published in the January 2008 issue of the Journal of Nutrition. Added to the new pyramid is a foundation depicting physical activities characteristic of older adults, such as walking, yard work and swimming. "Regular physical activity is linked to reduced risk of chronic disease and lower body weights. Government statistics indicate that obesity in adults 70 years and older has been increasing. Physical activity is one way to avoid weight gain in later years and its adverse consequences," says Lichtenstein, also the Stanley N. Gershoff Professor at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. "In addition, regular physical activity can improve quality of life for older adults."
Given the general trend in soil mineral depletion with the advent of mechanized farming and pesticide use, it may well be advisable to take a basic vitamin/mineral supplement. It is especially important for vegetarians to supplement B12. All of us will benefit from consuming antioxidants (which protect against excessive free radical damage) such as the fat-soluble vitamins A, E, and C; and the micronutrients zinc and selenium -- both co- factors in enzymes which break down by-products of peroxidation (cellular oxygen damage). All of the above (except B12) may be automatically accomplished by a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Organic produce is preferable, especially for root crops such as carrots, onions and potatoes, which sit in the soil to grow. Avoid all forms of animal fat (there's just nothing good about it) except fresh fish oil, which has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation and the damage incurred by tissue irritation.
What is caffeine? Drinking coffee may benefit health by targeting and killing viruses such as herpes and poliovirus
What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a widely used drug that has been around for centuries. It is a naturally occurring substance in cocoa beans, kola nuts and tea leaves which are used to make coffee, tea, cola drinks and chocolate. It is an additive in many soft drinks and nonprescription medications.
Coffee provides the primary source of caffeine for most Americans. Americans consume half of the world's coffee, or more than one thousand cups per person per year. In small to moderate amounts (50-300 mg) caffeine acts as a mild stimulant by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure. However, caffeine is a double-edged sword in that it provides an initial boost of energy, but if not continued throughout the day, it also provides the fatigue that comes from the withdrawl.
People who take in excessive caffeine and those individuals who are hypersensitive to caffeine may experience anxiety, trembling, insomnia, headaches, stomach irritations, diarrhea and/or irregular heartbeats.
Many studies have tried to link caffeine to increased risks of cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease and fibrocystic breast disease. However, most of these claims are unfounded. It is true that large amounts of caffeine can aggravate fibrocystic breast disease - but not cause it. Fibrocystic breast disease is a condition with benign fibrous lumps in the breast.
Heart Disease
Caffeine has been known to raise blood pressure. Theoretically this could raise the risk of stroke and heart attack, especially if high blood pressure is already a problem. However, experts agree that this increase is temporary and is not a factor in people who regularly consume caffeine. Because caffeine sensitivity varies greatly among people, people with hypertension should discuss caffeine consumption with their doctor.
Coffee is not linked to cardiac arrest, nor does caffeine raise serum cholesterol. It is actually substances called terpenes, which are found in coffee, that may have a cholesterol elevating effect. Using a gold filter or paper filter will help trap these substances.
Bone Loss
Recent research has shown that any bone loss effects attributable to caffeine can be neutralized by milk or calcium from other sources. So, having low-fat milk in your filtered coffee might be more helpful than harmful.
Arthritis
No reputable studies have found any association between coffee and rheumatoid arthritis.
Pain
Caffeine can aggravate or trigger migraine headaches and might also be associated with chronic back pain. If you suffer from either one, try gradually eliminating caffeine to see if it helps. If you stop caffeine intake too quickly, it can result in a very bad headache.
Broccoli Juice
A cancer patient credits his morning glass of broccoli juice with halting the disease.Ray Wiseman's claim has prompted more research into the vegetable's healing powers.Doctors told Mr Wiseman they did not expect him to survive, when they diagnosed him five years ago.
Green magic: Ray Wiseman with his wife JoanBut scans show that his cancer has stopped spreading - vastly improving his chances of a recovery.The grandfather, 79, puts his health down to the tumbler of broccoli juice that his wife prepares for him each day.Mr Wiseman, who lives in Braunstone, Leicestershire, said: 'I take this juice every day. I know it's done me good.'I suppose it would be the same for everybody.'
His wife Joan, 72, started giving him the juice after a friend told her about the healing benefits of green vegetables.For each half-tumbler dose she combines a head of broccoli with some apples and carrots to improve the taste.She said: 'We believe my husband's incredible luck is down to broccoli. I hope our experience can help other cancer sufferers.'The juice is a mess to make but it's something we have been happy to clear up. He now just takes it as second nature.'If anybody else's husband is suffering from cancer and they are not getting on too well, it could help them.'
Scientists from Cancer Research UK have asked her for the recipe, to further study the vegetable's benefits.Recent medical studies have highlighted the possible cancer-beating powers of broccoli. British scientists at the Institute ofFood Research found that men who ate one daily portion had altered patterns of gene activity in their prostates, suggestingthat the chemicals in the vegetable might be able to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
According to a report published in the British Journal of Cancer in 2006, natural chemicals found in certain vegetables, such as broccoli-cauliflower and cabbage, can enhance DNA repair in cells, which could help stop them becoming cancerous.
A spokesman for Cancer Research UK said: 'There's a lot of research that's focused on broccoli and the healing properties thatthe vegetable contains. 'If taken, broccoli needs to be with a healthy diet that is high in all fruit and vegetables. This can alsoreduce the chances of developing cancer..'
Around 10,000 are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year in the UK . It is the fifth most common form of the disease and affectsmore men than women.
A member of the cabbage family, broccoli is rich in vitamin C and has properties that boost the human immune systems that fightviruses, bacteria and cancer. Studies have found that boiling broccoli can reduce its anti-cancer compounds, but steaming and microwaving do not.
Caffeine and Food
Caffeine and Food
Caffeine can also be used to mask hunger and fatigue due to poor eating or sleeping habits. It is not unusual for caffeine to be used to provide extra energy when lacking sleep or food. Temporarily, this is normal, and certainly provides relief. However, use of caffeine to replace food and/or sleep on an on-going basis is not appropriate and can be detrimental. Many studies have shown the negative impact of sleep deprivation on judgment, acuity and physical well-being. Continually using caffeine as a means to address hunger and avoid food can be an early sign of disordered eating.
Moderation is Best
A moderate amount of caffeine per day, approximately 300 milligrams, is relatively harmless for most people.
Who should avoid or severely limit Caffeine?
* People with ulcers or who are prone to stomach stress
* People who are hypersensitive to caffeine
* Pregnant and nursing mothers
How can I reduce the caffeine in my diet?
* Drink decaffeinated coffee or mix it half and half with regular coffee.
* Drink decaffeinated tea or caffeine free herbal teas.
* Brew tea for shorter amounts of time.
* Read soft drink labels. Many citrus flavored sodas have more caffeine than colas.
* Read medicine labels. One dose of over-the-counter medications can contain the equivalent of one to two cups of coffee.
* Remember that tea and coffee contain substances that significantly reduce iron absorption if the beverage is drunk with the meal or up to one hour after the meal.
Aging Part 3
MUSCLES - Start ageing at 30
Muscle is constantly being built up and broken down, a process which is well balanced in young adults. However, by the time we're 30, breakdown is greater than buildup, explains Professor Robert Moots. Once adults reach 40, they start to lose between 0.5 and 2 per cent of their muscle each year. Regular exercise can help prevent this.
HEARING - Starts ageing mid-50s
More than half of people over 60 lose hearing because of their age, according to the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.
SKIN - Starts ageing mid-20s
The skin starts to age naturally in your mid-20s.
TASTE AND SMELL - Start ageing at 60
We start out in life with about 10,000 taste buds scattered on the tongue. This number can halve later in life. After we turn 60, taste and smell gradually decline, partly as a result of the normal ageing process.
FERTILITY - Starts ageing at 35
Female fertility begins to decline after 35, as the number and quality of eggs in the ovaries start to fall. The lining of the womb may become thinner, making it less likely for a fertilised egg to take, and also creating an environment hostile to sperm.
HAIR - Starts ageing at 30
Male hair loss usually begins in the 30s. Hair is made in tiny pouches just under the skin's surface, known as follices. A hair normally grows from each follicle for about three years, is then shed, and a new hair grows.Most people will have some grey hair by the age of 35. When we are young, our hair is coloured by the pigments produced by cells in the hair follicle known as melanocytes.
Aging Part 2
EYES - Start ageing at 40
Glasses are the norm for many over-40s as failing eyesight kicks in - usually long-sightedness, affecting our ability to see objects up close.
HEART - Starts ageing at 40
The heart pumps blood less effectively around the body as we get older. This is because blood vessels become less elastic, while arteries can harden or become blocked because of fatty deposits forming on the coronary arteries - caused by eating too much saturated fat. The blood supply to the heart is then reduced, resulting in painful angina. Men over 45 and women over 55 are at greater risk of a heart attack.
LIVER - Starts ageing at 70
This is the only organ in the body which seems to defy the aging process.
KIDNEYS - Starts ageing at 50
With kidneys, the number of filtering units (nephrons) that remove waste from the bloodstream starts to reduce in middle age.
PROSTATE - Starts ageing at 50
The prostate often becomes enlarged with age, leading to problems such as increased need to urinate, says Professor Roger Kirby, director of the Prostate Centre in London . This is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia and affects half of men over 50, but rarely those under 40. It occurs when the prostate absorbs large amounts of the male sex hormone testosterone, which increases the growth of cells in the prostate. A normal prostate is the size of a walnut, but the condition can increase this to the size of a tangerine.
BONES - Start ageing at 35
'Throughout our life, old bone is broken down by cells called osteoclasts and replaced by bone-building cells called osteoblasts - a process called bone turnover,' explains Robert Moots, professor of rheumatology at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool . Children's bone growth is rapid - the skeleton takes just two years to renew itself completely. In adults, this can take ten years. Until our mid-20s, bone density is still increasing. But at 35 bone loss begins as part of the natural ageing process.
TEETH - Start ageing at 40
As we age, we produce less saliva, which washes away bacteria, so teeth and gums are more vulnerable to decay. Receding gums - when tissue is lost from gums around the teeth - is common in adults over 40.
Aging Part I
BRAIN - Starts ageing at 20
As we get older, the number of nerve cells - or neurons - in the brain decrease. We start with around 100 billion, but in our 20s this number starts to decline. By 40, we could be losing up to 10,000 per day, affecting memory, co-ordination and brain function.
GUT - Starts ageing at 55
A healthy gut has a good balance between harmful and 'friendly' bacteria. But levels of friendly bacteria in the gut drop significantly after 55, particularly in the large intestine, says Tom MacDonald, professor of immunology at Barts And The London medical school. As a result, we suffer from poor digestion and an increased risk of gut disease. Constipation is more likely as we age, as the flow of digestive juices from the stomach, liver, pancreas and small intestine slows down.
BREASTS - Start ageing at 35
BY their mid-30s, women's breasts start losing tissue and fat, reducing size and fullness. Sagging starts properly at 40 and the areola (the area surrounding the nipple) can shrink considerably.
BLADDER - Starts ageing at 65
Loss of bladder control is more likely when you hit 65. Women are more vulnerable to bladder problems as, after the menopause, declining oestrogen
levels make tissues in the urethra - the tube through which urine passes - thinner and weaker, reducing bladder support. Bladder capacity in an older adult generally is about half that of a younger person - about two cups in a 30-year-old and one cup in a 70-year-old.
LUNGS - Start ageing at 20
Lung capacity slowly starts to decrease from the age of 20. By the age of 40, some people are already experiencing breathlessness. This is partly because the muscles and the rib cage which control breathing stiffen up.
VOICE - Starts ageing at 65
Our voices become quieter and hoarser with age. The soft tissues in the voice box (larynx) weaken, affecting the pitch, loudness and quality of the voice.
A woman's voice may become huskier and lower in pitch, whereas a man's might become thinner and higher.
Fruit against Flu
New research indicates that fruit flies can muster their own army of proteins against microbial invaders, hinting that the insect immune system is more complex then previously thought. In a recent animal study, quercetin did just that: The normal dip in immunity that comes with physical fatigue was pretty much cancelled out by the flavonoid. If it works as well in humans, quercetin could help power the body through both physical and psychological stress. Using antibodies that recognize such proteins, Schmucker's postdoc, Fiona Watson, found the molecules in fruit fly hemolymph--the insect equivalent of blood serum--and on the surfaces of fat body cells and immune cells called hemocytes. Graduate student Roland Püttmann-Holgado also showed through microarray studies that the insect's immune system used a wide variety of Dscam proteins.
Apples:
Apples (and red onions, broccoli, and tea) are great sources of quercetin -- a flavonoid that may stave off the influenza virus when the body is under stress.
Papayas:
With 250 percent of the RDA of vitamin C, a papaya can help kick a cold right out of your system. The beta-carotene and vitamins C and E in papayas reduce inflammation throughout the body, lessening the effects of asthma.
Cranberries:
Cranberries have more antioxidants than other common fruits and veggies. One serving has five times the amount in broccoli. Cranberries are a natural probiotic, enhancing good bacteria levels in the gut and protecting it from foodborne illnesses.
Grapefruit:
Loaded with vitamin C, grapefruit also contains natural compounds called limonoids, which can lower cholesterol. The red varieties are a potent source of the cancer-fighting substance lycopene.
Bananas:
One of the top food sources of vitamin B6, bananas help reduce fatigue, depression, stress, and insomnia. Bananas are high in magnesium, which keeps bones strong, and potassium, which helps prevent heart disease and high blood pressure.
Get Healthy in a Cheap Way
Doing simple, cost effective things to stay healthy today will keep you from spending more money down the line.
Fish Oil. Omega-3 is found in fish oil. Benefits of omega-3 consumption include:
* Lowered cholesterol levels
* Decreased body fat
* Reduced inflammation
You need to eat fatty fish 3 times a week to get these benefits. Time consuming & expensive, I know.
Always buy fruit and vegetables in season. This old-fashioned wisdom guarantees the best produce for the least coin. And peak produce is easy to spot. Just look for whatever’s most plentiful at the grocery or farmers market. In season now: The last of summer’s peaches, tomatoes, corn, and peppers. Coming next? Apples, pears, winter squash, yams, and brussels sprouts.
Look for healthy bargains. They’re usually right in front of you. One recent USDA study found that you can get three fruit servings plus four vegetable servings a day for a total of 64 cents -- much less than the cost of a candy bar or a fast-food snack. Other healthy, low-cost choices include oatmeal instead of expensive boxed cereals; beans instead of red meat; and frozen orange juice concentrate instead of fruit punch, soda, or bottled OJ.
Eat Less. This one is obvious. The less you eat, the lower your grocery bill. If you’re overweight, get on a diet. Your health & bank account will thank you. Don’t Buy Junk Food. The last one. Stop buying anything that comes out of a box, it’s: Unhealthy and Expensive. If you actually find junk food that is cheaper than whole food, think long-term. Health implications.
Quit smoking. There are scores of reasons to do this, but the one that fits this column is that the average price of a pack of cigarettes is $4.22, and as much as $7.50 to $10 in places like Chicago and New York City. If you’re a pack-a-day smoker, quitting will put an extra $1,540 or more per year in your pocket while it removes all kinds of gunk from your lungs.
Diet vs. Exercise
With excess weight a greater problem than ever, the question of whether changing eating habits or exercise is more likely to produce weight loss is vital. A new study confirms the overall research findings that dietary change, specifically eating less fat, produces more weight loss than changes in exercise. But it also shows that changes in one kind of behavior may help promote changes in the other, especially among women.
Because even if you lose weight through dieting alone, your body won’t burn fat any easier. To rev up your fat-burning engines, focus less on how often you empty your plate and more on how often you fill your walking shoes. When a group of sedentary and overweight older adults recently tested three weight loss systems -- exercise only (mostly walking), diet only, and exercise plus diet -- there was no question about the results. When it came to fat burning, the walkers won hands down over those who simply watched what they ate. The bodies of the people who strutted their stuff used more fat to fuel their activity.
We become overweight when we consume more calories in food and drink than we burn up. To lose weight, we need to shift that balance and burn up more than we consume. We can accomplish that by consuming fewer calories, burning more, or both. Cutting calories doesn’t necessarily have to mean going on a “diet.” It can just mean avoiding or limiting one or more foods high in calories from fat (such as high-fat meat, cheese, or snack foods, or too much added fat), lots of sugar (like sweets or sweetened drinks), or alcohol. Cutting calories can also be accomplished by reducing our portion sizes, or by eating smaller portions of those high-calorie foods and filling up on larger portions of low-calorie vegetables and fruits.
In another study in J.A.M.A., research from the ongoing Women's Health Study found that overweight and obese women--regardless of how regularly they exercised--were up to nine times as likely to develop diabetes as women of normal weight. Bottom line: there's no easy way around it. Stay trim and active.
For a Better Memory
For a quick and easy boost to your brainpower this weekend, pull down the shades, close your eyes, and catch some daytime ZZZs.
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is an herb native to India that has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance memory, learning and concentration and also to treat anxiety, heart problems, digestive disorders, asthma, and bronchitis. Most of the research on bacopa has been in animals, but a few small studies on humans have also been done. People who take daytime naps outperform non-nappers on memory exercises. And, surprisingly, a mere 6 minutes of shut-eye is enough to refresh the mind.
The single study I've been able to find on bacopa's effect on memory was a small, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week trial conducted in Australia with 46 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 60, divided into two groups. The volunteers in one group were given 300 milligrams of bacopa daily, and the others received a placebo. Prior to the study, the researchers tested all the volunteers to assess their verbal learning abilities, memory and speed of information processing. The tests were repeated five and 12 weeks after the study began. The researchers noted a significant improvement among the volunteers in the bacopa group compared to those in the placebo group. How does a quick catnap power up your thinker? Seems the mere act of falling asleep triggers a brain-boosting neurobiological process that remains effective regardless of how long you snooze.
Bacopa is now being widely promoted as a treatment for memory problems, but I would recommend more proven protective strategies. Keep your mind active by reading newspapers and books, doing crossword puzzles, playing musical instruments, participating in ongoing education, and learning a new language.
7 Great Breakfast-Drink Choices
Try one of these morning favorites. They taste great and do stuff like relieve achy joints, fend off insulin problems, and boost your brainpower.
1. Peppermint Tea. Peppermint not only gives you energy but it is great for your digestive system. Sipping on a cup of this tasty tea after a meal will get things moving and prevent indigestion and cramping.
2. Hot chocolate. Hot chocolate is a great treat that can be enjoyed guilt-free. If made from real coco, hot chocolate contains powerful antioxidants which combat aging and cancer.
3. Orange juice. Your favorite breakfast drink just got a little more appealing. It contains vitamin C and may help fight cancer, cataracts, and can boost your immunity. Having a glass of OJ every day will fight off those nasty colds.
4. Aloe Vera Juice. You can buy Aloe Vera juice at most health food stores. It is very refreshing and heals your body from the inside out. Mixing a few ounces a day into a glass of water or juice will keep your tissues and organs healthy.
5. Lemonade. If it’s made with real lemon juice and very low in sugar, home made lemonade can be great for you. Lemons are a miraculous fruit which are great for cleansing the liver and ridding your body of unwanted toxins.
6. Coffee: Researchers think the brew may improve insulin sensitivity. Men in a study who quaffed four 8-ounce cups a day had a whopping one-third reduction in type 2 diabetes risk.
7. Apple juice: This sweet drink is swimming with the brain-boosting chemical acetylcholine, which feeds memory and juices up learning skills.
8 Hours to Healthier Cells
Your body does important things while you sleep -- like healing your cells. But just one night of tossing and turning could trigger cell-damaging inflammation. So turn off the tube, slip on that sleep mask, and get your 40 winks.
Scientists at the University of Southern California (along with Italian researchers) report today that fasting for 48 hours before receiving chemotherapy could help limit the treatment's toxic effects to cancer cells—and spare healthy ones. The new finding may pave the way for higher and more frequent chemo doses that better shrink tumors without harming normal cells.
In a recent study, sleep-deprived people -- especially women -- showed a marked increase in their levels of a protein called NF-kB. That’s bad news, because NF-kB plays an essential role in the body’s inflammation response. The study may help explain why poor sleep is associated with several inflammation-related disorders, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
The technique stems from lessons learned during research on aging, according to Valter Longo, a U.S.C. gerontologist and co-author of the new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA: When normal cells are starved, the body uses up stores of glucose and energy to keep them functioning; in response, the cells shift into survival mode, revving up repair mechanisms and protective processes to resist anything—including potentially fatal drugs—that threaten to damage their genetic material.
Why Popeye Has Good Blood Sugar
Popeye’s power vegetable can do good things for your body, too -- like fortify it against blood sugar problems.
That’s right. Eating spinach -- and other leafy greens -- was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in a recent study. Spinach is known as a rich source of iron and calcium. According to the USDA, a 180 gram serving of boiled spinach contains 6.43 mg of iron, whereas one 6 oz. (170 gram) ground hamburger patty contains at most 4.42 mg. Thus spinach does contain a relatively high level of iron, compared to other vegetable and meat sources.
Spinach may reinforce the body on multiple fronts. First, it’s got a low glycemic load, so it doesn’t dramatically affect blood sugar levels when you eat it. Second, it’s a good source of magnesium, a mighty mineral associated with lower type 2 diabetes risk. Third, spinach is packed with alpha-lipoic acid, a disease-shielding antioxidant. And fourth, it’s low in calories and rich in fiber.
Ultimately, the bioavailability of iron is dependent on its absorption. This is influenced by a number of factors. Iron enters the body in two forms: nonheme iron and heme iron. All of the iron in grains and vegetables, and about three fifths of the iron in animal food sources (meats), is nonheme iron. The much smaller remaining portion from meats is heme iron.
Healthy Looking Hair
Go natural. "All shampoos contain cleansers," explains Christyn Nawrot, a regional educator for Phyto. But those with naturally derived cleansers are less apt to rob your hair of vital oils. (Phyto, Lavett & Chin, Ojon and Aveda use natural cleansers in all of their shampoos.)
Eat more salmon. Omega-3 rich foods like salmon and sardines help seal in shine. Distilled fish oils or DHA supplements will work, too.
Be a bran lover. Bran is rich in vitamin B, which may slow hair loss and promote hair growth. Other B-rich victuals include beans, peas, carrots, cauliflower, soybeans, nuts, and eggs.
Use products properly. For maximum benefits, before applying shampoo or conditioner, emulsify them in your hands. Then massage onto roots (where hair is most porous), crown and finally, down sides of hair.
Say yes to avocados. Avocados and avocado oil may prevent some funky stuff that kills hair follicles -- dihydrotestosterone (DHT) -- from getting where it needs to go.
Don't overwash. "Shampooing every day is drying to your hair and scalp," says Rodney Groves, a stylist at the Vartali salon in New York City. Instead, aim for two to three times a week - and on off days, rinse with water and condition only your ends.
Stock up on green tea. Brew a strong pot, cool it, then give your head a rinse to help kill off dandruff-causing fungus. Incidentally, if you drink green tea, the caffeine in it may help slow balding, too.
ARE YOU BUYING AND EATING " BABY CARROTS " ?
The following is information from a farmer who grows and packages carrots for IGA, METRO, LOBLAWS, etc. The small cocktail (baby) carrots you buy in small plastic bags are made using the larger carrots which are put through a machine which cuts and shapes them into cocktail carrots .
What you may not know and should know is the following: once the carrots are cut and shaped into cocktail carrots they are dipped in a solution of water and chlorine in order to preserve them (this is the same chlorine used your pool) and since they do not have their skin or natural protective covering, they give them a higher dose of chlorine.
You will notice that once you keep these carrots in your refrigerator for a few days, a white covering will form on the carrots; this is the chlorine which resurfaces. At what cost do we put our health at risk to have esthetically pleasing and simple to serve vegetables which are unhealthy?
We do hope that this information can be passed on to as many people as possible in the hopes of informing them where these carrots come from and how they are processed. Chlorine is a very well known carcinogen.'
