1. Garlic – Garlic contains a number of compounds that can protect against cancer, especially that of the skin, colon, and lungs.
2. Dark Leafy Greens – Dark greens are
rich sources of antioxidants called carotenoids. These scavenge
dangerous free radicals from the body before they can promote cancer
growth.
3. Grapes – Grapes (and red wine) contain the chemical resveratrol, which is a very potent antioxidant that can prevent cell damage before it begins.
4. Green Tea – The flavonoids in green tea have been shown to slow or prevent the development of several types of cancer including colon, liver, breast, and prostate.
5. Tomatoes – The compound lycopene, (which is most
easily absorbed from cooked tomatoes) has been shown to prevent
prostate cancer, as well as cancer of the breast, lung, and stomach.
6. Blueberries – Of all the berries, blueberries are the richest in cancer fighting compounds. They are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer.
7. Flaxseeds – Flax
contains lignans, which can have an antioxidant effect and block or
suppress cancerous changes. The omega-3 fatty acids can also help
protect against colon cancer.
8. Mushrooms – Many mushrooms contain compounds that can help the body fight cancer and build the immune system as well.
9. Cruciferous Vegetables – Vegetables such as
broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain strong
antioxidants that may help decrease cancer risk.
10. Whole Grains – Whole grains contain a variety
of anti-cancer compounds including antioxidants, fiber, and
phytoestrogens. These can help decrease the risk of developing most
types of cancer.
WE ARE ALL ONE FAMILY.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
How to Get a Good Night's Sleep.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
New SARS virus linked to bats.
A novel strain of
the deadly SARS virus that sparked a health scare this year is closely
related to a virus found in Asian bats, according to a study published
on Tuesday.
Scientists in the Netherlands said they had sequenced the genetic code of a viral sample taken from a 60-year-old man whose death in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in June triggered fears that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was returning in a new guise.
The new strain, called HCoV-EMC/2012, is part of a viral family called coronavirus, but in a specific category called betacoronavirus.
Its closest known cousins are a strain found in lesser bamboo bats (Tylonycteris pachypus) and another found in Japanese house bats, Pipistrellus abramus.
"The virus is most closely related to viruses in bats in Asia, and there are no human viruses closely related to it," said Ron Fouchier of the prestigious Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam.
"Therefore we speculate that it comes from an animal source," he said, noting that Pipistrellus bats are present in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring
countries.
An epidemic of SARS erupted in China in 2002, eventually claiming around 800 deaths in some 30 countries.
Bats were linked with a novel strain of SARS found in 2005. Hong Kong researchers found a natural "reservoir" of it in Chinese horseshoe bats.
Two other men have also fallen sick in the latest SARS episode.
One is a Qatari man who had been in Saudi Arabia and is being treated at a hospital in London.
There is 99.6-99.7 per cent similarity between his strain and the virus sequenced in the Netherlands, said Fouchier in a press release.
"They are the same species," he said, adding that the difference was sufficient to suggest that the men had been infected by different sources.
The other is a Saudi man whose case was announced earlier this month by the Saudi health ministry, which on November 4 described him as cured.
The genomic sequence of that virus is not yet available, Fouchier said.
The World Health Organization said that what set the new virus apart from SARS was that it causes rapid kidney failure.
Fears rose last month over the potential spread of the virus during the Muslim hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. But the kingdom's health ministry
repeatedly reassured pilgrims that no epidemic outbreaks had been registered.
Scientists in the Netherlands said they had sequenced the genetic code of a viral sample taken from a 60-year-old man whose death in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in June triggered fears that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was returning in a new guise.
The new strain, called HCoV-EMC/2012, is part of a viral family called coronavirus, but in a specific category called betacoronavirus.
Its closest known cousins are a strain found in lesser bamboo bats (Tylonycteris pachypus) and another found in Japanese house bats, Pipistrellus abramus.
"The virus is most closely related to viruses in bats in Asia, and there are no human viruses closely related to it," said Ron Fouchier of the prestigious Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam.
"Therefore we speculate that it comes from an animal source," he said, noting that Pipistrellus bats are present in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring
countries.
An epidemic of SARS erupted in China in 2002, eventually claiming around 800 deaths in some 30 countries.
Bats were linked with a novel strain of SARS found in 2005. Hong Kong researchers found a natural "reservoir" of it in Chinese horseshoe bats.
Two other men have also fallen sick in the latest SARS episode.
One is a Qatari man who had been in Saudi Arabia and is being treated at a hospital in London.
There is 99.6-99.7 per cent similarity between his strain and the virus sequenced in the Netherlands, said Fouchier in a press release.
"They are the same species," he said, adding that the difference was sufficient to suggest that the men had been infected by different sources.
The other is a Saudi man whose case was announced earlier this month by the Saudi health ministry, which on November 4 described him as cured.
The genomic sequence of that virus is not yet available, Fouchier said.
The World Health Organization said that what set the new virus apart from SARS was that it causes rapid kidney failure.
Fears rose last month over the potential spread of the virus during the Muslim hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. But the kingdom's health ministry
repeatedly reassured pilgrims that no epidemic outbreaks had been registered.
A soft drink a day raises prostate cancer risk.
Men who drink one
normal-sized soft drink per day are at greater risk of getting more
aggressive forms of prostate cancer, according to a Swedish study
released Monday.
"Among the men who drank a lot of soft drinks or other drinks with added sugar, we saw an increased risk of prostate cancer of around 40 percent," said Isabel Drake, a PhD student at Lund University.
The study, to be published in the upcoming edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed over 8,000 men aged 45 to 73 for an average of 15 years.
Those who drank one 330-millilitre (11-fluid-ounce) soft drink a day were 40 percent more likely to develop more serious forms of prostate cancer that required treatment.
The cancer was discovered after the men showed symptoms of the disease, and not through the screening process known as Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).
Those who ate a diet heavy on rice and pasta increased their risk of getting milder forms of prostate cancer, which often required no treatment, by 31 percent, while a high intake of sugary breakfast cereals raised the incidence of milder forms of the cancer to 38 percent, Drake told AFP.
While further research was needed before dietary guidelines could be changed, there are already plenty of reasons a person should cut back on soft-drink consumption, she noted.
The men in the study had to undergo regular medical examinations and kept a journal of their food and drink intake.
Previous studies have shown that Chinese and Japanese immigrants in the US develop prostate cancer more often than peers in their home countries.
Further research on how genes respond to different diets would make it possible to "tailor food and drink guidelines for certain high-risk groups," Drake said.
"Among the men who drank a lot of soft drinks or other drinks with added sugar, we saw an increased risk of prostate cancer of around 40 percent," said Isabel Drake, a PhD student at Lund University.
The study, to be published in the upcoming edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed over 8,000 men aged 45 to 73 for an average of 15 years.
Those who drank one 330-millilitre (11-fluid-ounce) soft drink a day were 40 percent more likely to develop more serious forms of prostate cancer that required treatment.
The cancer was discovered after the men showed symptoms of the disease, and not through the screening process known as Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).
Those who ate a diet heavy on rice and pasta increased their risk of getting milder forms of prostate cancer, which often required no treatment, by 31 percent, while a high intake of sugary breakfast cereals raised the incidence of milder forms of the cancer to 38 percent, Drake told AFP.
While further research was needed before dietary guidelines could be changed, there are already plenty of reasons a person should cut back on soft-drink consumption, she noted.
The men in the study had to undergo regular medical examinations and kept a journal of their food and drink intake.
Previous studies have shown that Chinese and Japanese immigrants in the US develop prostate cancer more often than peers in their home countries.
Further research on how genes respond to different diets would make it possible to "tailor food and drink guidelines for certain high-risk groups," Drake said.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
15 Hidden Health Secrets of Lemons .
Did you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and
drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of
poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.
2.Abolish Acne.
Lemon contains citric acid, which can be effective in treating acne. The vitamin C found in citrus fruits is vital for that healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. In addition to drinking lemon juice with water first thing in the morning, here are some suggestions on how to prepare a homemade acne treatment using lemon:
· With your finger or a cotton ball, apply fresh lemon juice on acne and leave it overnight. Wash with water the following morning. There may be an uncomfortable sensation of burning at first, but it will soon disappear.
· Mix one part of freshly squeezed lemon juice with an equal part of rose or honey water. Put the mixture on affected areas for at least half an hour. Wash it afterwards with water. This application should be repeated twice daily, ideally in the morning and the evening.
Note: these remedies are safe and natural, but if acne is severe or there are open wounds, consult your doctor first.
3. Abandon Your Anxiety.
Research has shown that lemon balm has a calming effect and therefore may be able to help remove fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps in increasing concentration and alertness. It can therefore be used as a room freshener in offices to increase the efficiency of the employees. If you’re feeling tense sprinkle a few drops of lemon balm essential oil (Melissa officinalis) on a handkerchief to inhale.
4. Canker Sore, No More.
The proven antibacterial and antiviral properties of lemons can accelerate the healing process in the case of cankers. Mix the juice of freshly squeezed lemon into a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with this solution; do this three times a day. There may be a burning sensation when the lemon juice comes into contact with the canker, however, the more frequently you use it, the less burning there will be.
5. Leave the Fever.
Chills and fevers may be due to a variety of causes, but the lemon is always a helpful remedy. Here is a method that can ease symptoms: add the juice of 1 lemon to a cup of hot water with honey and drink at once, then every 2 hours until the fever or chill subsides.
6. Cold and Flu Got You Blue.
When you have a cold, the healing power of lemons works both internally, by supplying urgently required vitamin C to your defense cells, and externally, through the application of its antiviral properties to the virus on the mucous membranes in the nose and throat.
At the first indication of a cold – a runny nose or sore throat –try to give your body as much immune-boosting vitamin C as you can so that the virus is eliminated before it gets a chance to take hold. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water every 2 hours.
If you have a sore throat, add the juice of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of sea salt to 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm water. Gargle three times a day for 1 minute to diminish the burning sensation. If it’s a case of tonsillitis, gargle every 2 hours for at least 30 seconds with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon. Tilt the head back to allow the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the juice to flow into the back of the throat. You can swallow the juice when you have finished gargling thereby benefiting from an immune-boosting vitamin C shot.
7. Cure Corns and Calluses.
Lemon poultices applied overnight are a good home remedy for corns and calluses. Place a slice of lemon approx 5 mm thick on to the corn, bandage and fasten. Dabbing the affected area with lemon essential oil also helps accelerate the healing process. Take care to only use the undiluted oil on the callused area using a cotton ball or Q- tip, as it is too strong for un-callused skin.
8. Erase Eczem.
If you suffer from skin infection such as eczema, a lemon wrap may offer relief. Add 8 drops of lemon essential oil to 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of liquid honey. Honey also has anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the healing power of lemon.
Soak a linen cloth in the liquid, squeeze out the excess, and gently place the cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. Not only will this ease the infection, it will counter the overwhelming urge to scratch.
9. Fight Fatigue.
Long distance walkers, world travelers, and explorers look upon the lemon as a Godsend. When fatigue sets in, they might suck lemon juice by piercing the top of the fruit with a straw, giving themselves a quick-acting medicine and a lovely refreshment.
Explorers also use lemon for protection against many infections of the tropics. A small amount of lemon juice will quench thirst more effectively than many times the amount of water. Experienced travelers declare that when they add lemon juice to ordinary drinking water, in various localities, it acts as an antiseptic and prevents illness due to allergy to different water supplies.
Lemon oil also seems to be able to stimulate brain activity so whenever you feel tired for no reason or are finding it hard to focus or concentrate, add 4 drops of lemon oil to a water-filled aromatherapy lamp. Alternatively, drink a glass of lemon water every few hours.
10. Hexed with Halitosis.
Lemons can help freshen breath that has gone sour after consuming certain spices, alcohol, cigarettes, or that is caused by insufficient salivation. To keep breath fresh, thoroughly rinse your mouth several times a day with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. Chewing on a lemon slice after every meal will also help.
11. Healing Hypertension.
Garlic and onions have been shown to be effective in the fight against hypertension, and they combine well with the healing power of lemon. Add 3 crushed garlic cloves and 1 chopped onion to 1 quart or cold skimmed or low fat milk or soy milk. Slowly bring to the boil and let it stand for 5 minutes. Pour through a sieve and chill. Add the freshly squeezed juice of 3 lemons and sip throughout the day.
And if you suffer from high cholesterol, don’t forget that the pectin power in lemons along with its other metabolism and circulation boosting nutrients can help lower cholesterol.
12. Smite a Bug Bite.
If the stinger is still in the skin, take it out with a pair of tweezers. Massage 1 to 2 drops of lemon oil, mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey, into the skin around the bite.
To repel insects, add 20 drops of lemon oil to 1 cup (250ml) of water and spray into the air. It smells great and repels insects at the same time. Another home remedy is to place a cotton ball soaked in lemon oil in your bedroom. If you are sitting outside in the evening, apply lemon scent to skin areas not covered in clothing. Or, add 10 drops of lemon oil to 1 ½ oz of sunflower oil and rub into the skin.
13. Put Insomnia to Rest.
Several studies have found that lemon balm combined with other calming herbs (such as valerian, hops, and chamomile) helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep. In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 18 healthy volunteers received two separate single doses of a standardized lemon balm extract (300 mg and 600 mg) or placebo for 7 days. The 600 mg dose of lemon balm increased mood and significantly increased calmness and alertness.
14. Pulverize Pain.
Even though it tastes bitter, lemon juice has a powerful alkaline effect in the body and is therefore a natural agent against excess acid, which is in part responsible for rheumatism. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water 3 times a day and if you experience severe pain add the juice of 2 lemons 3 times a day.
Lemon oil has pain-relieving qualities, so to inhibit inflammation and ease pain, massage the affected area daily with several drops of lemon oil mixed with 1 tablespoon (15ml) jojoba oil.
15. Save your Stomach.
Drink the juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water after each meal. The lemon acid will stimulate the production of stomach acid and the activity of stomach muscles.
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.
2.Abolish Acne.
Lemon contains citric acid, which can be effective in treating acne. The vitamin C found in citrus fruits is vital for that healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. In addition to drinking lemon juice with water first thing in the morning, here are some suggestions on how to prepare a homemade acne treatment using lemon:
· With your finger or a cotton ball, apply fresh lemon juice on acne and leave it overnight. Wash with water the following morning. There may be an uncomfortable sensation of burning at first, but it will soon disappear.
· Mix one part of freshly squeezed lemon juice with an equal part of rose or honey water. Put the mixture on affected areas for at least half an hour. Wash it afterwards with water. This application should be repeated twice daily, ideally in the morning and the evening.
Note: these remedies are safe and natural, but if acne is severe or there are open wounds, consult your doctor first.
3. Abandon Your Anxiety.
Research has shown that lemon balm has a calming effect and therefore may be able to help remove fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps in increasing concentration and alertness. It can therefore be used as a room freshener in offices to increase the efficiency of the employees. If you’re feeling tense sprinkle a few drops of lemon balm essential oil (Melissa officinalis) on a handkerchief to inhale.
4. Canker Sore, No More.
The proven antibacterial and antiviral properties of lemons can accelerate the healing process in the case of cankers. Mix the juice of freshly squeezed lemon into a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with this solution; do this three times a day. There may be a burning sensation when the lemon juice comes into contact with the canker, however, the more frequently you use it, the less burning there will be.
5. Leave the Fever.
Chills and fevers may be due to a variety of causes, but the lemon is always a helpful remedy. Here is a method that can ease symptoms: add the juice of 1 lemon to a cup of hot water with honey and drink at once, then every 2 hours until the fever or chill subsides.
6. Cold and Flu Got You Blue.
When you have a cold, the healing power of lemons works both internally, by supplying urgently required vitamin C to your defense cells, and externally, through the application of its antiviral properties to the virus on the mucous membranes in the nose and throat.
At the first indication of a cold – a runny nose or sore throat –try to give your body as much immune-boosting vitamin C as you can so that the virus is eliminated before it gets a chance to take hold. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water every 2 hours.
If you have a sore throat, add the juice of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of sea salt to 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm water. Gargle three times a day for 1 minute to diminish the burning sensation. If it’s a case of tonsillitis, gargle every 2 hours for at least 30 seconds with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon. Tilt the head back to allow the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the juice to flow into the back of the throat. You can swallow the juice when you have finished gargling thereby benefiting from an immune-boosting vitamin C shot.
7. Cure Corns and Calluses.
Lemon poultices applied overnight are a good home remedy for corns and calluses. Place a slice of lemon approx 5 mm thick on to the corn, bandage and fasten. Dabbing the affected area with lemon essential oil also helps accelerate the healing process. Take care to only use the undiluted oil on the callused area using a cotton ball or Q- tip, as it is too strong for un-callused skin.
8. Erase Eczem.
If you suffer from skin infection such as eczema, a lemon wrap may offer relief. Add 8 drops of lemon essential oil to 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of liquid honey. Honey also has anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the healing power of lemon.
Soak a linen cloth in the liquid, squeeze out the excess, and gently place the cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. Not only will this ease the infection, it will counter the overwhelming urge to scratch.
9. Fight Fatigue.
Long distance walkers, world travelers, and explorers look upon the lemon as a Godsend. When fatigue sets in, they might suck lemon juice by piercing the top of the fruit with a straw, giving themselves a quick-acting medicine and a lovely refreshment.
Explorers also use lemon for protection against many infections of the tropics. A small amount of lemon juice will quench thirst more effectively than many times the amount of water. Experienced travelers declare that when they add lemon juice to ordinary drinking water, in various localities, it acts as an antiseptic and prevents illness due to allergy to different water supplies.
Lemon oil also seems to be able to stimulate brain activity so whenever you feel tired for no reason or are finding it hard to focus or concentrate, add 4 drops of lemon oil to a water-filled aromatherapy lamp. Alternatively, drink a glass of lemon water every few hours.
10. Hexed with Halitosis.
Lemons can help freshen breath that has gone sour after consuming certain spices, alcohol, cigarettes, or that is caused by insufficient salivation. To keep breath fresh, thoroughly rinse your mouth several times a day with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. Chewing on a lemon slice after every meal will also help.
11. Healing Hypertension.
Garlic and onions have been shown to be effective in the fight against hypertension, and they combine well with the healing power of lemon. Add 3 crushed garlic cloves and 1 chopped onion to 1 quart or cold skimmed or low fat milk or soy milk. Slowly bring to the boil and let it stand for 5 minutes. Pour through a sieve and chill. Add the freshly squeezed juice of 3 lemons and sip throughout the day.
And if you suffer from high cholesterol, don’t forget that the pectin power in lemons along with its other metabolism and circulation boosting nutrients can help lower cholesterol.
12. Smite a Bug Bite.
If the stinger is still in the skin, take it out with a pair of tweezers. Massage 1 to 2 drops of lemon oil, mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey, into the skin around the bite.
To repel insects, add 20 drops of lemon oil to 1 cup (250ml) of water and spray into the air. It smells great and repels insects at the same time. Another home remedy is to place a cotton ball soaked in lemon oil in your bedroom. If you are sitting outside in the evening, apply lemon scent to skin areas not covered in clothing. Or, add 10 drops of lemon oil to 1 ½ oz of sunflower oil and rub into the skin.
13. Put Insomnia to Rest.
Several studies have found that lemon balm combined with other calming herbs (such as valerian, hops, and chamomile) helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep. In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 18 healthy volunteers received two separate single doses of a standardized lemon balm extract (300 mg and 600 mg) or placebo for 7 days. The 600 mg dose of lemon balm increased mood and significantly increased calmness and alertness.
14. Pulverize Pain.
Even though it tastes bitter, lemon juice has a powerful alkaline effect in the body and is therefore a natural agent against excess acid, which is in part responsible for rheumatism. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water 3 times a day and if you experience severe pain add the juice of 2 lemons 3 times a day.
Lemon oil has pain-relieving qualities, so to inhibit inflammation and ease pain, massage the affected area daily with several drops of lemon oil mixed with 1 tablespoon (15ml) jojoba oil.
15. Save your Stomach.
Drink the juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water after each meal. The lemon acid will stimulate the production of stomach acid and the activity of stomach muscles.
Tomatoes can lower stroke risk.
Eating tomatoes can
dramatically reduce the risk of having a stroke, according to a new
study out on Monday that provided more support for diets rich in fruits
and vegetables.
The key factor appears to be the powerful antioxident lycopene, according to the Finnish study published in the Neurology journal.
The research -- based on data from more than 1,000 middle-aged men, followed for an average of 12 years -- indicates that people with the highest levels of lycopene in their blood have a 55 percent lower chance of suffering a stroke.
"This study adds to the evidence that a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of stroke," said study author Jouni Karppi, of the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio.
Among the 258 men with the lowest levels of lycopene in their blood, nearly one in 10 had a stroke. But among the 259 with the highest levels of the antioxident, that number fell to around one in 25.
The correlation between lycopene levels and stroke risk was even stronger when the researchers only included strokes due to blood clots, leaving out those caused by hemorrhages.
The participants with the highest levels of lycopene had a 59 percent lower risk of stroke from a blood clot than the men with the lowest levels of the antioxident.
In total, 67 of the men suffered strokes during the course of the study.
Researchers looked at a number of other antioxidents -- alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, which is a form of vitamin E, and vitamin A, or retinol -- but did not find any link with stroke risk.
The key factor appears to be the powerful antioxident lycopene, according to the Finnish study published in the Neurology journal.
The research -- based on data from more than 1,000 middle-aged men, followed for an average of 12 years -- indicates that people with the highest levels of lycopene in their blood have a 55 percent lower chance of suffering a stroke.
"This study adds to the evidence that a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of stroke," said study author Jouni Karppi, of the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio.
Among the 258 men with the lowest levels of lycopene in their blood, nearly one in 10 had a stroke. But among the 259 with the highest levels of the antioxident, that number fell to around one in 25.
The correlation between lycopene levels and stroke risk was even stronger when the researchers only included strokes due to blood clots, leaving out those caused by hemorrhages.
The participants with the highest levels of lycopene had a 59 percent lower risk of stroke from a blood clot than the men with the lowest levels of the antioxident.
In total, 67 of the men suffered strokes during the course of the study.
Researchers looked at a number of other antioxidents -- alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, which is a form of vitamin E, and vitamin A, or retinol -- but did not find any link with stroke risk.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Reason women outlive men
Scientists said yesterday they have new evidence about why women
live longer than men, from a study of historical data showing castrated
Koreans far outlived their non-eunuch contemporaries.
The study, published in the scientific journal “Current Biology,” used detailed genealogical records of the Imperial nobility during Korea’s Joseon dynasty, which spanned more than 500 years from the late 1300s to the early 1900s.
According to the data, most men, including kings and royal family members, died in their late-40s or early-50s.
But noble-class eunuchs — men who were castrated either by accident or because of social benefits — lived, on average, to the ripe, old age of 70.
Study author Kyung-Jin Min of South Korea’s Inha University, told AFP the reason is probably that manly hormone, testosterone:
“Testosterone is known to increase the incidence of coronary heart disease and reduce immune function in males,” he said.
Castration “removes the source of male sex hormones,” the study notes, adding the practice has already been proven to help many male animals live longer.
Castration also cuts off the possibility of reproduction, which Kyung-Jin noted could also be a factor.
According to “one of the leading theories of aging, aging occurs at the expense of reproduction,” he said, because the body has limited energy that can be used either to keep up reproductive function, or else to keep up everything else.
But although the eunuchs could not father children biologically, they married, adopted and raised children, and generally lived lives very similar to their non-castrated peers.
“In order to eliminate socioeconomic factors that could have affected lifespan, the lifespan of the eunuchs was compared to the lifespan of men from other Yan-ban (noble class) families with a similar socioeconomic status,” Kyung-Jin said.
And “to exclude genetic factors that could have affected the lifespan, we compared the lifespan of eunuchs with multiple Yan-ban families.”
Modern men looking to extend their lifespan could consider “testosterone reduction therapy,” but Kyung-Jin said it’s probably premature.
For one thing, it is not clear if it would have an effect if the therapy were started at an older age — the eunuchs were all castrated as children.
And for another, the therapy could have side effects that some men may feel make that longer life less worth living.
“We may need to consider the side effects of it,” Kyung-Jin said, “mainly, reduction of sex drive in males.”—AFP
The study, published in the scientific journal “Current Biology,” used detailed genealogical records of the Imperial nobility during Korea’s Joseon dynasty, which spanned more than 500 years from the late 1300s to the early 1900s.
According to the data, most men, including kings and royal family members, died in their late-40s or early-50s.
But noble-class eunuchs — men who were castrated either by accident or because of social benefits — lived, on average, to the ripe, old age of 70.
Study author Kyung-Jin Min of South Korea’s Inha University, told AFP the reason is probably that manly hormone, testosterone:
“Testosterone is known to increase the incidence of coronary heart disease and reduce immune function in males,” he said.
Castration “removes the source of male sex hormones,” the study notes, adding the practice has already been proven to help many male animals live longer.
Castration also cuts off the possibility of reproduction, which Kyung-Jin noted could also be a factor.
According to “one of the leading theories of aging, aging occurs at the expense of reproduction,” he said, because the body has limited energy that can be used either to keep up reproductive function, or else to keep up everything else.
But although the eunuchs could not father children biologically, they married, adopted and raised children, and generally lived lives very similar to their non-castrated peers.
“In order to eliminate socioeconomic factors that could have affected lifespan, the lifespan of the eunuchs was compared to the lifespan of men from other Yan-ban (noble class) families with a similar socioeconomic status,” Kyung-Jin said.
And “to exclude genetic factors that could have affected the lifespan, we compared the lifespan of eunuchs with multiple Yan-ban families.”
Modern men looking to extend their lifespan could consider “testosterone reduction therapy,” but Kyung-Jin said it’s probably premature.
For one thing, it is not clear if it would have an effect if the therapy were started at an older age — the eunuchs were all castrated as children.
And for another, the therapy could have side effects that some men may feel make that longer life less worth living.
“We may need to consider the side effects of it,” Kyung-Jin said, “mainly, reduction of sex drive in males.”—AFP
Friday, August 31, 2012
Hong Kong's secrets to longevity.
Covered in smog and
cramped apartment towers, Hong Kong is not usually associated with a
healthy lifestyle. But new figures show that Hong Kongers are the
longest-living people in the world.
Hong Kong men have held the title for more than a decade and recent data show female Hong Kongers are overtaking their Japanese counterparts for the first time, according to the governments in Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Hong Kong women's life expectancy rose from an average 86 years in 2010 to 86.7 years in 2011, while Japanese women's longevity was hit by last year's earthquake and tsunami, falling to 85.9 years, census figures reveal.
So what is Hong Kong's secret to a long life?
Experts say there is no single elixir, but contributing factors include easy access to modern health care, keeping busy, traditional Cantonese cuisine and even the centuries-old Chinese tile game of mahjong.
Rolling stones gather no moss.
"I love travelling, I like to see new things and I meet my friends for 'yum cha' every day," Mak Yin, an 80-year-old grandmother of six says as she practises the slow-motion martial art of tai chi in a park on a Sunday morning.
"Yum cha" is the Cantonese term to describe the tradition of drinking tea with bite-sized delicacies known as dim sum. The tea is free and served non-stop, delivering a healthy dose of antioxidants with the meal.
"My friends are in their 60s -- they think I'm around their age too, although I'm much older than them," Mak laughs.
Mak's favourite food is steamed vegetables, rice and fruit. Cantonese food is famous for steamed fish and vegetables -- dishes that use little or none of the cooking oils blamed for heart disease, obesity and high cholesterol.
But before Mak enjoys her afternoon tea, she joins a group of elderly people for her morning exercise of tai chi, an ancient Chinese practice said to have benefits including improving balance and boosting cardiovascular strength.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February found that tai chi reduces falls and "appears to reduce balance impairments" in people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease.
Another factor behind Hong Kongers' longevity, experts say, is work. While others long for the day they can retire and kick up their heels, many people in Hong Kong work well into their 70s and even 80s.
Hong Kong does not have a statutory retirement age and it is common to see elderly people working in shops, markets and restaurants alongside younger staff.
"Many old people in our city remain working, that contributes to better psychological and mental health," Hong Kong Association of Gerontology president Edward Leung says.
"For older people, a lot of them are stressed because they have nothing to do and they develop 'emptiness syndrome'. This causes mental stress."
Fishmonger Lee Woo-hing, 67, says he could not bear to sit at home and do nothing. His inspiration is local tycoon Li Ka-shing, Asia's richest man, who still runs his vast business empire in his 80s.
"If Li Ka-shing continues working at the age of 84, why should I retire?" asks the father-of-four during a break from his 14-hour shift at a bustling market in central Hong Kong.
"If I just sit at home and stare at the walls, I'm worried that my brain will degenerate faster. I'm happy to chat with different people here in the market."
'Mahjong delays dementia'.
Hong Kong's cramped living conditions are famously unhealthy, fuelling outbreaks of disease and viruses including bird flu and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which have killed dozens of people.
The city's reputation won it the dubious distinction of a starring role in director Steven Soderbergh's 2011 disaster thriller "Contagion", about a deadly virus that spreads from Hong Kong to the United States.
But in the day-to-day habits of ordinary people, experts say Hong Kong is a great place to grow old.
A popular local way of keeping busy and meeting friends is mahjong -- a mentally stimulating tile game which can help delay dementia, according to aging expert Alfred Chan, of Hong Kong's Lingnan University.
"It stimulates the parts that control memory and cognitive abilities. It helps old people with their retention of memory," he says.
The complex rules and calculation of scores make mahjong, also known as the Chinese version of dominoes, mentally demanding. But the social aspects of the four-player game are just as important.
"In mahjong you need to play with three other people. It is a very good social activity, you have to interact with each other constantly," says Chan, who has studied the game's effects on the well being of elderly people.
"It is also a self-fulfilling game because if you win -- whether you play with money or not -- it gives you a sense of empowerment."
Mahjong parlours are popular in Hong Kong, and mahjong tables are a must at Chinese wedding banquets.
"I'm in semi-retirement. I work in the morning and hang out with my friends by playing mahjong in the afternoon," says 67-year-old tailor Yeung Fook, on the sidelines of a game in his modest garment shop.
"I'm happier when I work. It's boring to just sit at home."
Hong Kong men have held the title for more than a decade and recent data show female Hong Kongers are overtaking their Japanese counterparts for the first time, according to the governments in Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Hong Kong women's life expectancy rose from an average 86 years in 2010 to 86.7 years in 2011, while Japanese women's longevity was hit by last year's earthquake and tsunami, falling to 85.9 years, census figures reveal.
So what is Hong Kong's secret to a long life?
Experts say there is no single elixir, but contributing factors include easy access to modern health care, keeping busy, traditional Cantonese cuisine and even the centuries-old Chinese tile game of mahjong.
Rolling stones gather no moss.
"I love travelling, I like to see new things and I meet my friends for 'yum cha' every day," Mak Yin, an 80-year-old grandmother of six says as she practises the slow-motion martial art of tai chi in a park on a Sunday morning.
"Yum cha" is the Cantonese term to describe the tradition of drinking tea with bite-sized delicacies known as dim sum. The tea is free and served non-stop, delivering a healthy dose of antioxidants with the meal.
"My friends are in their 60s -- they think I'm around their age too, although I'm much older than them," Mak laughs.
Mak's favourite food is steamed vegetables, rice and fruit. Cantonese food is famous for steamed fish and vegetables -- dishes that use little or none of the cooking oils blamed for heart disease, obesity and high cholesterol.
But before Mak enjoys her afternoon tea, she joins a group of elderly people for her morning exercise of tai chi, an ancient Chinese practice said to have benefits including improving balance and boosting cardiovascular strength.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February found that tai chi reduces falls and "appears to reduce balance impairments" in people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease.
Another factor behind Hong Kongers' longevity, experts say, is work. While others long for the day they can retire and kick up their heels, many people in Hong Kong work well into their 70s and even 80s.
Hong Kong does not have a statutory retirement age and it is common to see elderly people working in shops, markets and restaurants alongside younger staff.
"Many old people in our city remain working, that contributes to better psychological and mental health," Hong Kong Association of Gerontology president Edward Leung says.
"For older people, a lot of them are stressed because they have nothing to do and they develop 'emptiness syndrome'. This causes mental stress."
Fishmonger Lee Woo-hing, 67, says he could not bear to sit at home and do nothing. His inspiration is local tycoon Li Ka-shing, Asia's richest man, who still runs his vast business empire in his 80s.
"If Li Ka-shing continues working at the age of 84, why should I retire?" asks the father-of-four during a break from his 14-hour shift at a bustling market in central Hong Kong.
"If I just sit at home and stare at the walls, I'm worried that my brain will degenerate faster. I'm happy to chat with different people here in the market."
'Mahjong delays dementia'.
Hong Kong's cramped living conditions are famously unhealthy, fuelling outbreaks of disease and viruses including bird flu and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which have killed dozens of people.
The city's reputation won it the dubious distinction of a starring role in director Steven Soderbergh's 2011 disaster thriller "Contagion", about a deadly virus that spreads from Hong Kong to the United States.
But in the day-to-day habits of ordinary people, experts say Hong Kong is a great place to grow old.
A popular local way of keeping busy and meeting friends is mahjong -- a mentally stimulating tile game which can help delay dementia, according to aging expert Alfred Chan, of Hong Kong's Lingnan University.
"It stimulates the parts that control memory and cognitive abilities. It helps old people with their retention of memory," he says.
The complex rules and calculation of scores make mahjong, also known as the Chinese version of dominoes, mentally demanding. But the social aspects of the four-player game are just as important.
"In mahjong you need to play with three other people. It is a very good social activity, you have to interact with each other constantly," says Chan, who has studied the game's effects on the well being of elderly people.
"It is also a self-fulfilling game because if you win -- whether you play with money or not -- it gives you a sense of empowerment."
Mahjong parlours are popular in Hong Kong, and mahjong tables are a must at Chinese wedding banquets.
"I'm in semi-retirement. I work in the morning and hang out with my friends by playing mahjong in the afternoon," says 67-year-old tailor Yeung Fook, on the sidelines of a game in his modest garment shop.
"I'm happier when I work. It's boring to just sit at home."
Saturday, July 28, 2012
10 steps to high blood pressure control
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a widespread problem in
America today, with about 1 in 4 adults having it. Many times, high
blood pressure goes undiagnosed, since there may be few or no symptoms.
But high blood pressure is serious. High blood pressure control can help
prevent health conditions, including kidney disease, heart disease and
stroke.
If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, don’t ignore it. Instead, learn what you can do to improve your health and control high blood pressure. Here are some steps you can take for high blood pressure control to keep your blood pressure within normal ranges:
3. Watch your weight. Talk to your health care team to find out what is a healthy weight range for you, and then take steps to achieve your weight goal. For additional support, you may want to consult a dietitian. A dietitian can offer you valuable tips and help you develop a healthy eating plan to help with high blood pressure control.
4. Develop a taste for fruits and veggies. Whole grains and low-fat dairy foods are also good choices for those who are concerned about their blood pressure. For people who also have chronic kidney disease and are following a kidney disease diet, you may want to check with your doctor or dietitian about consuming whole grains, dairy and certain high potassium fruits and vegetables. Watch how much soda and junk food you’re consuming. For high blood pressure control, try to limit or eliminate foods such as these that have empty calories.
5. Move your body. Exercise is vitally important for overall health including high blood pressure control. Exercise can strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system, improve circulation, help you feel more energetic, improve muscle tone, strengthen bones and reduce stress. To support healthy blood pressure, aerobic activity is usually recommended. Schedule at least 30 minutes most days for getting some moderate aerobic exercise. Remember too that even simple changes, such as taking the stairs rather than the elevator or parking the car farther from the store can help you add more movement to your daily routine. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
6. Skip the salt. Too much salt will only aggravate your condition. For high blood pressure control, be aware of the amount of sodium (salt) you’re consuming and be sure to limit it to no more than 2,400 mg per day. Read labels, limit fast food and avoid processed foods such as canned or frozen meals, regular canned soups, deli meats, bacon and pepperoni. Remove the salt shaker from your table and replace it with healthy spices and condiments. You may also want to ask your dietitian or doctor about other ways to limit sodium in the diet.
7. Don’t drink too much alcohol. An occasional drink is okay, but don’t overdo it. If you’re a woman, don’t have more than one drink daily. For men, it’s suggested that the maximum amount each day not exceed two drinks. Alcohol can make blood pressure rise, so for high blood pressure control it’s recommended you stick with these guidelines.
8. Limit the amount of caffeine you ingest to help with high blood pressure control. Remember it’s not just coffee and tea — sodas and chocolate can be loaded with caffeine also. For people on a kidney disease diet, chocolate and colas may be limited due to high phosphorus levels.
9. When you’re feeling stressed out, your blood pressure often rises to unhealthy levels so, for high blood pressure control, find a way to combat stress. Aerobic exercise is one way to relax and lower blood pressure. Yoga is also known as an ideal tool for helping folks feel calmer, as is meditation.
10. Your doctor may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home. If so, be sure to keep accurate records so you can track your blood pressure between doctor appointments and then report the results at your next office visit.
Following these recommendations for high blood pressure control can result in significant improvements in blood pressure levels. Begin today to make the lifestyle and dietary changes you need to maintain healthy blood pressure and prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease.
If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, don’t ignore it. Instead, learn what you can do to improve your health and control high blood pressure. Here are some steps you can take for high blood pressure control to keep your blood pressure within normal ranges:
1. The first step to high blood
pressure control is to know your blood pressure. Get your blood pressure
checked. If it is high, your doctor may prescribe medication to help
lower it. Remember to check in with your health care provider on a
regular basis so that your blood pressure can be monitored and your
treatment adjusted as needed.
2. Smoking can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.
If you currently are a smoker, find a program in your community that can
help you quit. Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do
for high blood pressure control. 3. Watch your weight. Talk to your health care team to find out what is a healthy weight range for you, and then take steps to achieve your weight goal. For additional support, you may want to consult a dietitian. A dietitian can offer you valuable tips and help you develop a healthy eating plan to help with high blood pressure control.
4. Develop a taste for fruits and veggies. Whole grains and low-fat dairy foods are also good choices for those who are concerned about their blood pressure. For people who also have chronic kidney disease and are following a kidney disease diet, you may want to check with your doctor or dietitian about consuming whole grains, dairy and certain high potassium fruits and vegetables. Watch how much soda and junk food you’re consuming. For high blood pressure control, try to limit or eliminate foods such as these that have empty calories.
5. Move your body. Exercise is vitally important for overall health including high blood pressure control. Exercise can strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system, improve circulation, help you feel more energetic, improve muscle tone, strengthen bones and reduce stress. To support healthy blood pressure, aerobic activity is usually recommended. Schedule at least 30 minutes most days for getting some moderate aerobic exercise. Remember too that even simple changes, such as taking the stairs rather than the elevator or parking the car farther from the store can help you add more movement to your daily routine. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
6. Skip the salt. Too much salt will only aggravate your condition. For high blood pressure control, be aware of the amount of sodium (salt) you’re consuming and be sure to limit it to no more than 2,400 mg per day. Read labels, limit fast food and avoid processed foods such as canned or frozen meals, regular canned soups, deli meats, bacon and pepperoni. Remove the salt shaker from your table and replace it with healthy spices and condiments. You may also want to ask your dietitian or doctor about other ways to limit sodium in the diet.
7. Don’t drink too much alcohol. An occasional drink is okay, but don’t overdo it. If you’re a woman, don’t have more than one drink daily. For men, it’s suggested that the maximum amount each day not exceed two drinks. Alcohol can make blood pressure rise, so for high blood pressure control it’s recommended you stick with these guidelines.
8. Limit the amount of caffeine you ingest to help with high blood pressure control. Remember it’s not just coffee and tea — sodas and chocolate can be loaded with caffeine also. For people on a kidney disease diet, chocolate and colas may be limited due to high phosphorus levels.
9. When you’re feeling stressed out, your blood pressure often rises to unhealthy levels so, for high blood pressure control, find a way to combat stress. Aerobic exercise is one way to relax and lower blood pressure. Yoga is also known as an ideal tool for helping folks feel calmer, as is meditation.
10. Your doctor may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home. If so, be sure to keep accurate records so you can track your blood pressure between doctor appointments and then report the results at your next office visit.
Following these recommendations for high blood pressure control can result in significant improvements in blood pressure levels. Begin today to make the lifestyle and dietary changes you need to maintain healthy blood pressure and prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease.
15 super foods for kidney health
Most of us know that eating a balanced diet is important for good
health. Now scientists have pinpointed certain foods as super foods. In
addition to promoting overall health, these are foods for kidney health
as well.
To understand why they're called super foods, we first have to understand oxidation and free radicals. Oxidation is a normal bodily process for producing energy and is part of many chemical changes in your body. However, it can sometimes lead to the production of molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that bounce wildly around inside your body, damaging proteins, genes and cell membranes. Free radicals are believed to contribute to aging and many chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
The good news is super foods contain antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. Even in relatively low amounts, antioxidants can help slow or stop the rate of oxidation caused by free radicals. Examples of antioxidants include flavonoids, lycopene and vitamins C, E and beta-carotene.
Super foods for your kidneys.
If you are on dialysis or have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you'll be glad to know that there are lots of super foods, containing antioxidants and other health-supporting properties, included in the kidney diet. People with kidney disease experience more inflammation and have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those without kidney problems. If you have kidney disease, it's important that you consult a renal dietitian and follow a kidney diet. Including super foods in your kidney diet eating plan can help you increase your intake of nutrients and antioxidants.
Here’s a list of the top 15 kidney-friendly super foods. These foods are good for everyone, not just people with kidney disease, so by using them in your family's meals, you'll be helping your loved ones enjoy good health too.
1. Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are a good choice for those concerned about kidney health, because they're low in potassium. In addition, they add color and taste to any dish, while packing a generous portion of vitamins A, C, B6, folic acid and fiber. They also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which protects against certain types of cancer.
If you're following the kidney diet, it's easy to add red bell peppers to your food plan. Mix them into tuna or chicken salad or eat raw with dip. Roasted, they're great for topping sandwiches or green salads. Chop them up for use in egg dishes, such as omelets or scrambled eggs, add them to kabobs for grilling or stuff them with a ground beef or turkey mixture for a tasty baked entrée.
2. Cabbage
Crunchy cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable filled with phytochemicals, chemical compounds found in certain fruits and vegetables. Phytochemicals work to break apart free radicals. Many phytochemicals are believed to combat cancer and support cardiovascular health.
Inexpensive cabbage is a great addition to your eating plan, because it's also high in vitamins K and C, high in fiber and a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid, yet it's low in potassium, so it's especially kidney-friendly.
If you're following the dialysis diet, add cabbage by turning it into coleslaw or use as a topping for fish tacos. Cabbage can be boiled, steamed or microwaved and then enjoyed with a touch of butter or cream cheese and a sprinkling of pepper or caraway seeds. Other nutritious meal options include cabbage rolls and stuffed cabbage.
3. Cauliflower
Another kidney-friendly super food is cauliflower. This cruciferous vegetable brings lots of vitamin C to your plate, along with folate and fiber. In addition it contains compounds that help your liver neutralize toxic substances.
Cauliflower can be eaten raw with dip or in salads. Steamed or boiled, it can be seasoned and turned into a great side dish. You can even mash cauliflower as a dialysis-friendly replacement for mashed potatoes.
4. Garlic
Garlic is good for reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. It also has antioxidant and anti-clotting properties. (Cooking garlic will not affect its antioxidant properties, but it will reduce its anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory effects.)
If you're following the dialysis diet, use garlic powder instead of garlic salt to add extra flavor to your meals without adding extra sodium. Garlic can be used in cooking many dishes: meat, vegetables or tomato sauce, for instance. Once you start cooking with garlic, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.
5. Onion
Another popular food used for seasoning is the onion. Onion is full of flavonoids, particularly quercetin. Flavonoids are natural chemicals that prevent the deposit of fatty material in blood vessels and add pigmentation (color) to plants. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to help reduce heart disease and protect against many forms of cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Low in potassium, onions are not only kidney-friendly; they also contain chromium, a mineral that assists your body with the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Onions can be enjoyed raw or cooked in a variety dishes.
6. Apples
An apple a day really does help keep the doctor away! High in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, apples help reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, protect against heart disease and decrease your risk of cancer.
Renal-friendly apples can be eaten raw or cooked. Or get their health benefits by drinking apple juice or cider.
7. Cranberries
Cranberries are great for preventing urinary tract infections, because they make urine more acidic and help keep bacteria from attaching to the inside of the bladder. They've also been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease.
Although we think of cranberries as a holiday side dish, cranberry juice can be enjoyed daily for added nutrition. Or toss a handful of dried cranberries into your cereal or salad.
8. Blueberries
These tasty berries get their blue color from antioxidant compounds called anthocyanidins. Blueberries get high marks for nutrition, thanks to natural compounds that reduce inflammation and lots of vitamin C and fiber. They also contain manganese, which contributes to healthy bones.
Use blueberries to top off your morning cereal, whip them up in a fruit smoothie or enjoy them in a baked treat, such as muffins or crisp.
9. Raspberries
Raspberries contain a compound called ellagic acid, which helps neutralize free radicals. The berry's red color comes from antioxidants called anthocyanins. Raspberries are packed with fiber, vitamin C and manganese. They also have plenty of folate, a B vitamin. Raspberries have properties that help stop cancer cell growth and the formation of tumors.
Sprinkle fresh raspberries on cereal, or whip them up in a kidney-friendly fruit smoothie.
10. Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in two types of antioxidants, plus they contain lots of vitamin C, manganese and fiber. They have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and also help keep your heart healthy.
Like most berries, they're wonderful on cereal or in smoothies. Add whipped topping for a quick dessert, or puree them for a fresh addition to pound or angel food cake.
11. Cherries
Cherries are filled with antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect your heart. When eaten daily, they have been shown to reduce inflammation.
Fresh cherries make a delicious snack. Of course, cherry pie is a popular dessert, but there's also cherry crisp, cherry cheesecake and even cherry coffee cake. Cherry sauce makes a nice accompaniment to lamb or pork.
12. Red grapes
The color in red grapes comes from several flavonoids. These are good for your heart, because they prevent oxidation and reduce the chance of blood clots. One flavonoid in grapes, resveratrol, may boost production of nitric oxide, which increases muscle relaxation in blood vessels for better blood flow. Flavonoids also help protect you from cancer and prevent inflammation.
Choose those with red or purple skin grapes for the highest flavonoid content. Eat grapes as a snack. When frozen, they make a good thirst-quencher for those on a fluid-restricted diet. Add grapes to fruit or chicken salad. Or drink grape juice.
13. Egg whites
Did you know that egg whites are pure protein? They provide the highest quality protein there is, along with all of the essential amino acids. If you're on the kidney diet, it's good to note that egg whites have less phosphorus than other protein sources, such as egg yolks or meats.
Use egg whites for omelets or egg white sandwiches. You can also add them to smoothies or shakes. Hard boil eggs and use the whites to use in tuna or green salads.
14. Fish
Another high-quality source of protein is fish. Both the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommend that you include fish in your meal plan two or three times a week. Besides being a great source of protein, fish contains anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s. These healthy fats help prevent diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. They also help lower LDL (the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (the good cholesterol).
The types of fish that have the most omega-3s are salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, herring and rainbow trout.
15. Olive oil
Research has shown that people in countries where olive oil is used instead of other types of oils tend to have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. This is believed to be due to olive oil's many good components: oleic acid, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid which protects against oxidation and polyphenols and antioxidant compounds that prevent inflammation and oxidation.
Use virgin or extra virgin olive oil – they're higher in antioxidants. Olive oil can be used in cooking or to make salad dressing, as a dip for bread and as a marinade for vegetables.
To understand why they're called super foods, we first have to understand oxidation and free radicals. Oxidation is a normal bodily process for producing energy and is part of many chemical changes in your body. However, it can sometimes lead to the production of molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that bounce wildly around inside your body, damaging proteins, genes and cell membranes. Free radicals are believed to contribute to aging and many chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
The good news is super foods contain antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. Even in relatively low amounts, antioxidants can help slow or stop the rate of oxidation caused by free radicals. Examples of antioxidants include flavonoids, lycopene and vitamins C, E and beta-carotene.
Super foods for your kidneys.
If you are on dialysis or have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you'll be glad to know that there are lots of super foods, containing antioxidants and other health-supporting properties, included in the kidney diet. People with kidney disease experience more inflammation and have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those without kidney problems. If you have kidney disease, it's important that you consult a renal dietitian and follow a kidney diet. Including super foods in your kidney diet eating plan can help you increase your intake of nutrients and antioxidants.
Here’s a list of the top 15 kidney-friendly super foods. These foods are good for everyone, not just people with kidney disease, so by using them in your family's meals, you'll be helping your loved ones enjoy good health too.
1. Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are a good choice for those concerned about kidney health, because they're low in potassium. In addition, they add color and taste to any dish, while packing a generous portion of vitamins A, C, B6, folic acid and fiber. They also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which protects against certain types of cancer.
If you're following the kidney diet, it's easy to add red bell peppers to your food plan. Mix them into tuna or chicken salad or eat raw with dip. Roasted, they're great for topping sandwiches or green salads. Chop them up for use in egg dishes, such as omelets or scrambled eggs, add them to kabobs for grilling or stuff them with a ground beef or turkey mixture for a tasty baked entrée.
2. Cabbage
Crunchy cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable filled with phytochemicals, chemical compounds found in certain fruits and vegetables. Phytochemicals work to break apart free radicals. Many phytochemicals are believed to combat cancer and support cardiovascular health.
Inexpensive cabbage is a great addition to your eating plan, because it's also high in vitamins K and C, high in fiber and a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid, yet it's low in potassium, so it's especially kidney-friendly.
If you're following the dialysis diet, add cabbage by turning it into coleslaw or use as a topping for fish tacos. Cabbage can be boiled, steamed or microwaved and then enjoyed with a touch of butter or cream cheese and a sprinkling of pepper or caraway seeds. Other nutritious meal options include cabbage rolls and stuffed cabbage.
3. Cauliflower
Another kidney-friendly super food is cauliflower. This cruciferous vegetable brings lots of vitamin C to your plate, along with folate and fiber. In addition it contains compounds that help your liver neutralize toxic substances.
Cauliflower can be eaten raw with dip or in salads. Steamed or boiled, it can be seasoned and turned into a great side dish. You can even mash cauliflower as a dialysis-friendly replacement for mashed potatoes.
4. Garlic
Garlic is good for reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. It also has antioxidant and anti-clotting properties. (Cooking garlic will not affect its antioxidant properties, but it will reduce its anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory effects.)
If you're following the dialysis diet, use garlic powder instead of garlic salt to add extra flavor to your meals without adding extra sodium. Garlic can be used in cooking many dishes: meat, vegetables or tomato sauce, for instance. Once you start cooking with garlic, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.
5. Onion
Another popular food used for seasoning is the onion. Onion is full of flavonoids, particularly quercetin. Flavonoids are natural chemicals that prevent the deposit of fatty material in blood vessels and add pigmentation (color) to plants. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to help reduce heart disease and protect against many forms of cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Low in potassium, onions are not only kidney-friendly; they also contain chromium, a mineral that assists your body with the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Onions can be enjoyed raw or cooked in a variety dishes.
6. Apples
An apple a day really does help keep the doctor away! High in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, apples help reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, protect against heart disease and decrease your risk of cancer.
Renal-friendly apples can be eaten raw or cooked. Or get their health benefits by drinking apple juice or cider.
7. Cranberries
Cranberries are great for preventing urinary tract infections, because they make urine more acidic and help keep bacteria from attaching to the inside of the bladder. They've also been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease.
Although we think of cranberries as a holiday side dish, cranberry juice can be enjoyed daily for added nutrition. Or toss a handful of dried cranberries into your cereal or salad.
8. Blueberries
These tasty berries get their blue color from antioxidant compounds called anthocyanidins. Blueberries get high marks for nutrition, thanks to natural compounds that reduce inflammation and lots of vitamin C and fiber. They also contain manganese, which contributes to healthy bones.
Use blueberries to top off your morning cereal, whip them up in a fruit smoothie or enjoy them in a baked treat, such as muffins or crisp.
9. Raspberries
Raspberries contain a compound called ellagic acid, which helps neutralize free radicals. The berry's red color comes from antioxidants called anthocyanins. Raspberries are packed with fiber, vitamin C and manganese. They also have plenty of folate, a B vitamin. Raspberries have properties that help stop cancer cell growth and the formation of tumors.
Sprinkle fresh raspberries on cereal, or whip them up in a kidney-friendly fruit smoothie.
10. Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in two types of antioxidants, plus they contain lots of vitamin C, manganese and fiber. They have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and also help keep your heart healthy.
Like most berries, they're wonderful on cereal or in smoothies. Add whipped topping for a quick dessert, or puree them for a fresh addition to pound or angel food cake.
11. Cherries
Cherries are filled with antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect your heart. When eaten daily, they have been shown to reduce inflammation.
Fresh cherries make a delicious snack. Of course, cherry pie is a popular dessert, but there's also cherry crisp, cherry cheesecake and even cherry coffee cake. Cherry sauce makes a nice accompaniment to lamb or pork.
12. Red grapes
The color in red grapes comes from several flavonoids. These are good for your heart, because they prevent oxidation and reduce the chance of blood clots. One flavonoid in grapes, resveratrol, may boost production of nitric oxide, which increases muscle relaxation in blood vessels for better blood flow. Flavonoids also help protect you from cancer and prevent inflammation.
Choose those with red or purple skin grapes for the highest flavonoid content. Eat grapes as a snack. When frozen, they make a good thirst-quencher for those on a fluid-restricted diet. Add grapes to fruit or chicken salad. Or drink grape juice.
13. Egg whites
Did you know that egg whites are pure protein? They provide the highest quality protein there is, along with all of the essential amino acids. If you're on the kidney diet, it's good to note that egg whites have less phosphorus than other protein sources, such as egg yolks or meats.
Use egg whites for omelets or egg white sandwiches. You can also add them to smoothies or shakes. Hard boil eggs and use the whites to use in tuna or green salads.
14. Fish
Another high-quality source of protein is fish. Both the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommend that you include fish in your meal plan two or three times a week. Besides being a great source of protein, fish contains anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s. These healthy fats help prevent diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. They also help lower LDL (the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (the good cholesterol).
The types of fish that have the most omega-3s are salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, herring and rainbow trout.
15. Olive oil
Research has shown that people in countries where olive oil is used instead of other types of oils tend to have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. This is believed to be due to olive oil's many good components: oleic acid, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid which protects against oxidation and polyphenols and antioxidant compounds that prevent inflammation and oxidation.
Use virgin or extra virgin olive oil – they're higher in antioxidants. Olive oil can be used in cooking or to make salad dressing, as a dip for bread and as a marinade for vegetables.
Summary
If you're concerned about the health of your own kidneys — or somebody else's — these 15 super foods for kidney health should be on your grocery-shopping list. Ask a renal dietitian for help including them in your kidney-friendly meal plan if you have chronic kidney disease. When buying fruits and vegetables, get the freshest ones you can find and be sure to include a variety, since some are rich in one nutrient and others are rich in another. If you can only find fruits that are not at their peak, the flavor may be lessened, but you'll still get good nutritional value from them for your kidney health.Monday, May 28, 2012
Healthy Foods, Healthy Liver.
Check out this list of the top foods for a healthy liver and healthy body:
Focus on eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables; herbs and spices; and fish and lean meats; and you will be enjoying the benefits of a healthy liver in no time. Oh, and keep drinking that water!
Just keep adding a new healthy liver food one day, or week, at a time.
The important thing is that you get that liver functioning smoothly so you can lose weight, feel good every day, and live well and live long.
- Garlic-super detoxifier for your liver! So are onions and leeks. They are high in vitamin C and have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Diabetics need to consume lots of onions and garlic to help lower blood sugar levels!
- Oat Bran-it's a source of liver-loving, water-soluble fiber which aids in the elimination of bile and cholesterol. Like oatmeal, it contains B complex vitamins, protein, fat, and minerals. In addition, oat bran can help the liver by reducing the bad LDL and raise levels of good HDL cholesterol.
- Cruciferous vegetables-these
include, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and
bok choy. One of the big reasons to eat plenty of cruciferous
vegetables is that they may help to lower your risk of getting cancer.A
tasty, simple, and efficient way to get more cruciferous and other
liver friendly vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds and cold pressed oils
into your healthy diet is through all natural Juices and Smoothies. Just follow the link for recipes and information!
A review of research published in the October 1996 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that 70% or more of the studies found a link between cruciferous vegetables and protection against cancer.
Some of these veggies have shown the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast, uterine lining (endometrium), lung, colon, liver, and cervix, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.
- Artichokes-although
an artichoke can look a little bit intimidating to us, this vegetable
is very good for your liver and packed full of flavor! One artichoke
contains approximately one fourth of an average sized adults fiber
needs. The artichoke is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, folic acid
and magnesium. It is cleansing to the liver, and protects and
regenerates the liver.
Research has also shown that there is a chemical naturally contained in the artichoke that may help lower blood fat levels. They believe this chemical causes your liver to release more bile which minimizes fat in your blood.
Any food that increases the bile that is released into your digestive tract will result in less fat being absorbed into your blood.
- Chicken-limited
amounts provide an excellent protein source. Chicken is a very good
source of the cancer-protective B vitamin, niacin, and B complex.
Chicken is also a good source of the trace mineral, selenium. Research published in the August 2004 issue of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry
indicates regular consumption of niacin-rich foods like chicken
provides protection against Alzheimer's disease and age-related
cognitive decline.
If you have access to organic chicken (and can afford it), go for it. Organically grown chickens have been fed an organically grown diet and have been raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics, which will ease the load on your liver. Free-range chickens are allowed access to the outdoors as opposed to being confined to the hen house.
- Eggs-one egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids. Eggs are extremely liver friendly.They
are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of
choline which is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain,
nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat,and eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D. You can also purchase eggs that are enriched with omega 3 fatty acids!
Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their liver-loving, high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.
According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.
- Legumes-beans, peas, soybeans and peanuts are a good source of essential B vitamins, fiber, protein, and iron. Beans also contains the amino acid arginine. There are many benefits of arginine, according to the Nutritional Supplements Health Guide, including increased immune function, the ability to detoxify the liver, and increased fertility in men.
Arginine also causes the release of nitric oxide in the blood vessels, which has the effect of relaxing blood vessels! You know what they say, "Beans, beans, good for the heart........"
- Beets-one
of the best foods out there for your liver could be beets, although
most people wouldn't list them under their "favorite food" category.Beets
are especially good for the liver. They're a wonderful source of iron;
a great source of antioxidants and folic acid; and have been shown to
be an immunity booster and guard against cancer. Follow the link for
testimonials and learn more about amazing health benefits of beet juice.
If you're wondering how to prepare beets, other than juicing, try a Borscht recipe. Borscht, a very popular vegetable soup made of beets, is a traditionally loved dish in Poland, Russia, Germany and other Eastern European countries. There are cold and hot Borscht soups and each country varies some of the ingredients, but beets are the one common, and main, ingredient of this revered and hearty soup.
- Brown Rice-brown rice is an great source of fiber, B vitamins, manganese, and of the minerals selenium and magnesium. White
rice can't compare to brown. The complete milling and polishing that
converts brown rice into white rice destroys 67% of the vitamin B3, 80%
of the vitamin B1, 90% of the vitamin B6, half of the manganese, half of
the phosphorus, 60% of the iron, and all of the dietary fiber and
essential fatty acids.
By law in the United States, fully milled and polished white rice must be "enriched" with vitamins B1, B3, and iron.
- Carrots-are
an excellent source of antioxidants and the richest vegetable source of
the pro-vitamin A carotenes, which help protect your liver. Carrots'
antioxidants help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer and
also promote good vision, especially night vision.
If you are a smoker.....EAT CARROTS!
They are easy to eat on the go, and are great as an appetizer, or snack, with some tasty veggie dips.
- Tomatoes-there
are more health benefits derived from eating a tomato than the
scientific community is able to print, at least yet. They are very high
in vitamins C and E, and lycopene!Cancers such as prostate cancer,
cervical cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and cancers of the
stomach, mouth, pharynx, and esophagus have all been proven to be staved
off by high levels of lycopene.
The tomato is a good blood purifier and tomatoes help in cases of congestion of the liver, protecting the liver from cirrhosis. Tomato juice is even recommended for gallstones.
- Nuts and seeds-are
rich in vitamin E and potassium, high in minerals including calcium,
iron, magnesium and zinc. Some are good sources of folic acid, niacin,
and other B vitamins. Others provide plant protein, fiber, and Omega-3
essential fatty acids.Don't worry that nuts are fattening. These are
the good fats that your liver and your body needs. They contain
monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oils that do not cause clogging of
blood vessels with fatty plaque. As a matter of fact, nuts have the
ability to lower cholesterol and heart attack risk.
Nuts are a slow-burning food and studies show they can even help people lose weight.
- Cold Water Fish-another great protein source and provider of omega 3 fatty acids for healthy liver function.Omega-3
is used in the body to make, repair, and maintain cell membranes. The
cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems all need
Omega-3 fatty acids. A deficiency of Omega-3 in the diet has been linked
to serious illnesses such as depression, heart disease, and strokes.
This would include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, and more. When possible opt for the "wild caught" instead of the "farm-raised" fish.
- Flaxseeds and Flaxseed oil-
flax has been called one of the most powerful plant foods on the
planet. There’s some evidence it can help reduce your risk of heart
disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Flaxseeds contain omega-3
essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have
heart-healthy effects; lignans, which have both plant estrogen and
antioxidant qualities; and both the soluble and insoluble types of
fiber.
- Fruits-several
fruits can benefit the liver by helping to build new blood cells and
eliminating the body of bacteria and harmful waste. A liver cleansing
diet should consist of quality fruits (organic when possible) and
plenty of pure water. Apples are very cleansing to the blood; fresh
lemon juice is great for cleansing the liver; and pomegranates provide
excellent antioxidant protection, and have been proven to lower LDL
cholesterol, which can clog the liver.
Pomegranates increase blood flow helping the liver function better, considering that there are about three pints of blood that flows through the liver every minute.
Decide what your favorite fruits are and try to consume some of them each day.
- Sea Vegetables-kelp,
nori, and wakame are a few. Sea vegetables are an excellent source of
iodine and vitamin K; a very good source of the B-vitamin folate;
magnesium; a good source of iron and calcium; and the B-vitamins
riboflavin and pantothenic acid. They also contain measurable amounts of
vitamins C and E. They offer one of the broadest ranges of minerals
of any food, containing virtually all the minerals found in the ocean -
and not surprisingly, many of same minerals found in human blood, which
is good news for the liver.
Where do you buy sea vegetables? Check out Live Superfoodswebsite! They also carry high quality, organic flaxseeds, nuts, and nut butters.
Focus on eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables; herbs and spices; and fish and lean meats; and you will be enjoying the benefits of a healthy liver in no time. Oh, and keep drinking that water!
Just keep adding a new healthy liver food one day, or week, at a time.
The important thing is that you get that liver functioning smoothly so you can lose weight, feel good every day, and live well and live long.
Healthy Food for the Liver.
Foods that are healthy for the liver
fall into two main categories. First are those that promote the
detoxification process of the liver. And second, are those that are high
in antioxidants and therefore protect the liver while it's carrying out
its detoxification processes.Eating healthy foods for the liver can
improve and support liver function on a daily basis. Having a healthy
liver results in greater energy and general well-being.
A poorly functioning liver can result in tiredness, headaches, bad breath, allergies and intolerances, problem skin and weight gain.
Foods that are healthy for the liver fall into two main categories.
First are those that promote the detoxification process of the liver. And second, are those that are high in antioxidants and therefore protect the liver while it's carrying out its detoxification processes. Below are a list of the top eight foods that are considered to be good for your liver.
1.Garlic and onions.
Garlic contains allicin which is a sulphur-based compound needed by the liver for effective detoxification. Garlic helps the liver rid the body of mercury, certain food additives and the hormone oestrogen.
2.Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage).
These vegetables are very powerful detoxifiers of the liver. They contain chemicals that neutralise certain toxins such as nitrosamines found in cigarette smoke and aflotoxin found in peanuts. They also contain glucosinolates that help the liver to produce enzymes it needs for its detoxification processes.
3.Freshly squeezed lemon in hot water.
Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice in a cup of boiled water first thing in the morning helps to cleanse the liver and promote detoxification. It also stimulates bile production, cleanses the stomach and bowel and stimulates a bowel motion.
4.Beetroot (Beets).
t's a blood-purifying tonic that is also capable of absorbing heavy metals.
5.High-antioxidant fruits.
In a study done by the US Department of Agriculture at Tuffs University, it was found that the following list of fruits had the highest levels of antioxidants (in descending order): Prunes, raisons, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe, apples and pears. Antioxidants help to protect the liver from the high levels of free radicals that are naturally produced during the process of detoxification.
Apples.
Apples contain pectin that bind to heavy metals in the body (in particular in the colon) and help their excretion. This reduces the load on the liver and its detoxification capacities.
Artichoke.
Increases bile production. One of the jobs of bile is to remove toxins through the bowel, as well as 'unfriendly' micro-organisms. It has been suggested that 30 minutes after eating globe artichoke, bile flow is increased by over 100%.
Bitter leafy salad greens (dandelion, chicory, endive, rocket).
The bitterness of these foods helps to stimulate bile flow within the liver.
A poorly functioning liver can result in tiredness, headaches, bad breath, allergies and intolerances, problem skin and weight gain.
Foods that are healthy for the liver fall into two main categories.
First are those that promote the detoxification process of the liver. And second, are those that are high in antioxidants and therefore protect the liver while it's carrying out its detoxification processes. Below are a list of the top eight foods that are considered to be good for your liver.
1.Garlic and onions.
Garlic contains allicin which is a sulphur-based compound needed by the liver for effective detoxification. Garlic helps the liver rid the body of mercury, certain food additives and the hormone oestrogen.
2.Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage).
These vegetables are very powerful detoxifiers of the liver. They contain chemicals that neutralise certain toxins such as nitrosamines found in cigarette smoke and aflotoxin found in peanuts. They also contain glucosinolates that help the liver to produce enzymes it needs for its detoxification processes.
3.Freshly squeezed lemon in hot water.
Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice in a cup of boiled water first thing in the morning helps to cleanse the liver and promote detoxification. It also stimulates bile production, cleanses the stomach and bowel and stimulates a bowel motion.
4.Beetroot (Beets).
t's a blood-purifying tonic that is also capable of absorbing heavy metals.
5.High-antioxidant fruits.
In a study done by the US Department of Agriculture at Tuffs University, it was found that the following list of fruits had the highest levels of antioxidants (in descending order): Prunes, raisons, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe, apples and pears. Antioxidants help to protect the liver from the high levels of free radicals that are naturally produced during the process of detoxification.
Apples.
Apples contain pectin that bind to heavy metals in the body (in particular in the colon) and help their excretion. This reduces the load on the liver and its detoxification capacities.
Artichoke.
Increases bile production. One of the jobs of bile is to remove toxins through the bowel, as well as 'unfriendly' micro-organisms. It has been suggested that 30 minutes after eating globe artichoke, bile flow is increased by over 100%.
Bitter leafy salad greens (dandelion, chicory, endive, rocket).
The bitterness of these foods helps to stimulate bile flow within the liver.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Don't lose sleep over weight, scientists say
A lack of sleep could make you fat, scientists said on Thursday.
Not getting enough shut-eye may inhibit a hormone which controls hunger satisfaction and boost an appetite-stimulating hormone, said a paper presented to the European Congress on Obesity in Lyon, France.
This, in turn, could increase the sensation of hunger by 25 per cent.
"If this translates to a proportional increase in calories, then a person with reduced sleep could eat 350 to 500 calories more per day," said a statement on the research led by Karine Spiegel from the University of Lyon.
A cheeseburger has about 500 calories.
The study compared data from other research projects on obesity and sleep duration. The findings are more pronounced for children and young adults.
"While it might be natural to think that sleeping less (or being awake more) means you use more calories and should therefore lose weight, studies have shown the opposite to be the case," said the statement.
"Interventions as simple as extending the nightly sleep duration in these younger, habitual short sleepers should be explored to prevent obesity."
Six hours are considered a short sleep period in adults and seven to eight hours a healthier one.
Not getting enough shut-eye may inhibit a hormone which controls hunger satisfaction and boost an appetite-stimulating hormone, said a paper presented to the European Congress on Obesity in Lyon, France.
This, in turn, could increase the sensation of hunger by 25 per cent.
"If this translates to a proportional increase in calories, then a person with reduced sleep could eat 350 to 500 calories more per day," said a statement on the research led by Karine Spiegel from the University of Lyon.
A cheeseburger has about 500 calories.
The study compared data from other research projects on obesity and sleep duration. The findings are more pronounced for children and young adults.
"While it might be natural to think that sleeping less (or being awake more) means you use more calories and should therefore lose weight, studies have shown the opposite to be the case," said the statement.
"Interventions as simple as extending the nightly sleep duration in these younger, habitual short sleepers should be explored to prevent obesity."
Six hours are considered a short sleep period in adults and seven to eight hours a healthier one.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Chocolate-eaters have lower body mass
Healthy people who exercise and also eat chocolate regularly tend to have a lower body mass index than those who eat the rich brown sweets less often, a US study suggested on Monday.
The survey of a population of more than 1,000 adults, published as a research letter in the Archives of Internal Medicine, reinforces the notion that chocolate packs heart healthy benefits, despite its high calorie and sugar content.
People in the study, whose ages ranged from 20 to 85, reported eating chocolate an average of twice a week and exercising an average of 3.6 times a week.
Those who said they ate chocolate more often than the norm tended to have a lower ratio of weight over height, a calculation made by taking a person's weight and dividing it by their height times two.
A normal BMI is typically 18.5 to 24.9, while people who figure lower are considered underweight and those above 25 are overweight.
"Adults who consumed chocolate more frequently had a lower BMI than those who consumed chocolate less often," said the study led by Beatrice Golomb and colleagues at the University of California San Diego.
"Our findings - that more frequent chocolate intake is linked to lower BMI - are intriguing," it added, calling for more detailed research and perhaps a randomised clinical trial of chocolate's metabolic benefits.
While the research stopped short of establishing a reasonable or beneficial limit for chocolate-eating, experts urged moderation.
"Before you start eating a chocolate bar a day to keep the doctor away, remember that a chocolate bar can contain over 200 calories which mostly come from saturated fats and sugar," said Nancy Copperman, director of Public Health Initiatives at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in New York.
"Consider limiting your chocolate fix to a one ounce (28 grams) portion of dark chocolate or adding cocoa powder which is very low in fat to your food once a day," said Copperman, who was not involved in the study.
Chocolate's benefits are rooted in antioxidant polyphenols which can improve blood pressure, and also help lower cholesterol levels and blood sugar.
Other studies have even linked chocolate to a lower risk of death by heart attack.
Chocolate's curious ability to improve heart health is usually considered as part of a lifestyle that includes exercise and moderation in diet, according to Suzanne Steinbaum, director of women and heart disease at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, who was not involved in the study.
"We have seen in multiple studies the benefits of chocolate, and yet again, we see as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, chocolate does not add to weight gain, but in fact, might help control it," she said.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Top 10 Healthy Foods
Everyone wants to keep healthy without too much effort. So let's start from our mouth by eating those healthy foods, which people can easily get in their daily life.
NO.1 Garlic.
Garlic is claimed to help prevent heart disease and cancer. Garlic supplements reduce accumulation of cholesterol on the vascular walls. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Garlic cloves are used as a remedy for infections, digestive disorders and fungal infections.
NO.2 Mandarin fish.
Mandarin fish contains protein, fat, and a small amount of vitamins. It has an easily digestible and tender texture, which is suitable for children, senior people and people with poor digestion. Mandarin fish is also good for people with tuberculosis. The fish is low in calories and high in antioxidants.
NO.3 Red grapes.
Red grapes are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which reduce risks for cardiovascular disease. Seeds of red grapes reduce cholesterol levels and systolic pressure. They also contain a great amount of energy and provide a very high level of carbohydrates and protein. Red grapes contain almost no fat.
NO.4 Green tea.
Green tea consumption is linked with reduced levels of psychological distress. A green tea component, the amino acid theanine, is thought to have a tranquilizing effect on the brain. Green tea can exert sun damage protection by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays.
NO.5 Oats.
Oats have beneficial effects on cholesterol levels. They can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and prevent heart failure. Oats are good for improving of blood circulation and relaxation. They contain calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc, which can prevent osteoporosis and anemia.
NO.6 Blueberries.
Blueberries are rich in Vitamin C, which can prevent plaques inside the artery and many cancers. They are helpful to improve nighttime visual acuity and promote quicker adjustment to darkness and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare. Blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions.
NO.7 Cauliflower.
Cauliflower possesses a very high nutritional density. It contains anti-cancer compounds released when it is chopped or chewed. It is high in flavonoid, which can prevent infection and reduce risks of heart diseases and stroke. It is also helpful to reinforce vascular walls and the immune system.
NO.8 Peanuts.
Peanuts are rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage linked to heart disease and cancer. They also contain high levels of protein and monounsaturated fat. Peanuts also help prevent bleeding from injuries and hemophilia.
NO.9 Spinach.
Folate, one of the components of spinach, is helpful for mental health. Spinach also has been found to be protective against various kinds of cancer. These include bladder, prostate, liver and lung cancer. Some components of spinach can be applied to protect the skin from harmful rays of sun, including UV rays.
NO.10 Tomatoes.
Lycopene from tomatoes is found to be protective against a growing list of cancers, including colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers. Tomatoes also lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, and are great for your skin.
NO.1 Garlic.
Garlic is claimed to help prevent heart disease and cancer. Garlic supplements reduce accumulation of cholesterol on the vascular walls. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Garlic cloves are used as a remedy for infections, digestive disorders and fungal infections.
NO.2 Mandarin fish.
Mandarin fish contains protein, fat, and a small amount of vitamins. It has an easily digestible and tender texture, which is suitable for children, senior people and people with poor digestion. Mandarin fish is also good for people with tuberculosis. The fish is low in calories and high in antioxidants.
NO.3 Red grapes.
Red grapes are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which reduce risks for cardiovascular disease. Seeds of red grapes reduce cholesterol levels and systolic pressure. They also contain a great amount of energy and provide a very high level of carbohydrates and protein. Red grapes contain almost no fat.
NO.4 Green tea.
Green tea consumption is linked with reduced levels of psychological distress. A green tea component, the amino acid theanine, is thought to have a tranquilizing effect on the brain. Green tea can exert sun damage protection by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays.
NO.5 Oats.
Oats have beneficial effects on cholesterol levels. They can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and prevent heart failure. Oats are good for improving of blood circulation and relaxation. They contain calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc, which can prevent osteoporosis and anemia.
NO.6 Blueberries.
Blueberries are rich in Vitamin C, which can prevent plaques inside the artery and many cancers. They are helpful to improve nighttime visual acuity and promote quicker adjustment to darkness and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare. Blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions.
NO.7 Cauliflower.
Cauliflower possesses a very high nutritional density. It contains anti-cancer compounds released when it is chopped or chewed. It is high in flavonoid, which can prevent infection and reduce risks of heart diseases and stroke. It is also helpful to reinforce vascular walls and the immune system.
NO.8 Peanuts.
Peanuts are rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage linked to heart disease and cancer. They also contain high levels of protein and monounsaturated fat. Peanuts also help prevent bleeding from injuries and hemophilia.
NO.9 Spinach.
Folate, one of the components of spinach, is helpful for mental health. Spinach also has been found to be protective against various kinds of cancer. These include bladder, prostate, liver and lung cancer. Some components of spinach can be applied to protect the skin from harmful rays of sun, including UV rays.
NO.10 Tomatoes.
Lycopene from tomatoes is found to be protective against a growing list of cancers, including colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers. Tomatoes also lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, and are great for your skin.
Top 10 things to do during Chinese Spring Festival
The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important festival for people in China and other neighboring countries, comparable to Christmas in the West. Family members try every means to get together before the Spring Festival Eve for the celebrations. The festival starts on the first day of the first lunar month – often one month later than the start of the year on the Gregorian calendar – and ends with Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month. China.org.cn gives you a list of 10 most popular activities still prevalent today for the Chinese people to do during the Spring Festival.
1. Laba porridge
On the eighth day of the 12th lunar month, many families make laba porridge, a delicious porridge made with glutinous rice, millet, seeds of Job's tears, jujube berries, lotus seeds, beans, longan and gingko. Boiling Laba porridge is one way people celebrate the harvest and show appreciation by sacrificing to the ancestors and heaven and earth.
2. Cleaning and decoration
Before the Lunar New Year comes, it is a tradition for every Chinese family to thoroughly cleanse the house as well as their clothes, bedclothes and all their utensils in order to sweep away any ill-fortune and to make way for good incoming luck. People also get debts paid or repaid, hair cut and new clothes sewn or purchased as preparation. Windows and doors will be decorated with red color paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of good fortune, happiness, wealth and longevity.
3. Eating Jiaozi
People in northern China will eat jiaozi, or dumplings, for supper on the Spring Festival Eve, as "jiaozi" is homophonous to the word phrase "to bid farewell to the old and usher in the new." Also, the shape of the dumpling resembles gold ingot from ancient China. So people eat them and wish for money and treasures. Meanwhile, people in southern China eat niangao (New Year cake made of glutinous rice flour) on this occasion, because as a homophone, niangao means "higher and higher, one year after another."
4. Watching gala shows on TV
After two decades of practice, watching the Spring Festival gala has become an essential entertainment activity for the Chinese both at home and abroad. Most families will stay up to see off the old year and welcome the New Year with their TV turned on. Now, there are 51 galas broadcasted by local television networks throughout China in 2012. Because of varying tastes, the gala shows are often a favored background noise while people in front of their TV enjoy other family activities.
5. Exchanging gifts
After extending greetings to their parents, children will receive money as a New Year gift in red envelopes. In most cases, these hongbao are given to children by their elder relatives or friends of the family.
6. Fireworks
Setting off firecrackers and fireworks has been the most practiced custom during the Spring Festival. People thinks the spluttering sound could help drive away evil spirits. Once in the mid-1990s, the government took safety, noise and pollution factors into consideration and banned fireworks in major cities. Now, however, almost all cities have lifted the ban to give way for such a long-held tradition.
7. Greetings
Waking up on the first day of the Lunar New Year, everybody dresses up. First they extend greetings to their parents and then to their grandparents and other relatives, neighbors and friends.
8. Friends gathering
The first five days after the Spring Festival are a good time for relatives, friends, classmates and colleagues to exchange greetings, gifts and chat leisurely. Friends meet together to share what have happened in their lives during the past year, talk about their plans for the coming year, and otherwise enjoy their time together.
9. Drinking
There is a Chinese saying that "a thousand cups of wine is not too much when bosom friends meet together," emphasizing the strong bond of friendship. The Spring Festival is a favorite time for family reunions and gathering of friends and classmates, and it is probably one of the most significant occasions for social drinking. However, please be careful not to drink and drive!
10. Gambling
Most families play card games or mahjong for fun over the Spring Festival. A small sum of bet is usually placed to add excitement. Playing mahjong or poker is not only for entertainment, but also a ritual for cathartic release traditionally at the social gathering of peasants, completing the leisure activities during the holiday break.
Top 10 Chinese Universities Favored by Foreign Students
China, a country with its fantabulous culture and history, has attracted more and more expats to stay for further studies. Records show that more than one million international students have come to China since its reform and opening up in 1978. In 2010 alone, there were over 260,000 international students from more than 180 countries and regions going to schools in China.
China National Radio (CNR) education channel, based on votes from Internet users and reviews by experts, have listed, in no particular order, the top ten Chinese universities most favored by foreign students in 2011.
1. University of International Business and Economics 对外经贸大学2. Nankai University 南开大学
3. Guangzhou University 广州大学
4. Central University of Finance and Economics 中央财经大学
5. Harbin Institute of Technology 哈尔滨工业大学
6. Nanjing Forestry University 南京林业大学
7. unan Normal University 湖南师范大学
8. Peking University 北京大学
9. Beijing Language and Culture University 北京语言大学
10.Qinghai University for Nationalities 青海民族大学
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Year of Monkey.
The monkey is a clever animal. It is usually compare to a smart person. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC – 476 BC), the dignified official title of marquis with the pronunciation 'Hou', was the same as the monkey's. The monkey was thereby bestowed with auspicious meaning. Pictures of it are pasted on walls and doors to bring good fortune in officialdom.
Strengths
There are more erratic geniuses in their character and life. Those born in the Year of the Monkey are lively, flexible, quick-witted and versatile. They love moving about and sports. Being talented problem solvers, they are self-assured, sociable and innovative, with competent practical ability. They are even willing to put their own business aside to help others. They have strong desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. When communicating, they do not like to be controlled and have a strong desire to present themselves. They will show amazing creativity in their work.
Weaknesses
They are probably to be successful but they are sometimes agreeable. If they can get into something immediately, they will be discouraged. They are jealous, suspicious, cunning, selfish and arrogant sometimes, and they tend to look down upon others. If they are not impatient and mouthy, they can gain more achievement.
Horoscope and Numerology Elements
Earthly Branch of Birth Year: shen 申
Wu Xing (The Five Elements): jin (metal)
Yin Yang: yang
Auspicious Directions: north, northwest, west
Lucky Colors: white, golden, blue; Avoid: red, black, grey, dark coffee
Lucky Numbers: 1, 8, 7; Avoid: 9, 2, 5
Lucky Flowers: chrysanthemum
Zodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: rat, dragon, snake; Avoid: tiger, pig
Fortune Foretelling in 2012
Overview: This dragon year runs smoothly for monkey people. This is a lucky sign among the twelve zodiacal animals in 2012.
Strengths
There are more erratic geniuses in their character and life. Those born in the Year of the Monkey are lively, flexible, quick-witted and versatile. They love moving about and sports. Being talented problem solvers, they are self-assured, sociable and innovative, with competent practical ability. They are even willing to put their own business aside to help others. They have strong desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. When communicating, they do not like to be controlled and have a strong desire to present themselves. They will show amazing creativity in their work.
Weaknesses
They are probably to be successful but they are sometimes agreeable. If they can get into something immediately, they will be discouraged. They are jealous, suspicious, cunning, selfish and arrogant sometimes, and they tend to look down upon others. If they are not impatient and mouthy, they can gain more achievement.
Horoscope and Numerology Elements
Earthly Branch of Birth Year: shen 申
Wu Xing (The Five Elements): jin (metal)
Yin Yang: yang
Auspicious Directions: north, northwest, west
Lucky Colors: white, golden, blue; Avoid: red, black, grey, dark coffee
Lucky Numbers: 1, 8, 7; Avoid: 9, 2, 5
Lucky Flowers: chrysanthemum
Zodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: rat, dragon, snake; Avoid: tiger, pig
Fortune Foretelling in 2012
Overview: This dragon year runs smoothly for monkey people. This is a lucky sign among the twelve zodiacal animals in 2012.
Career: Many things they do would happen in their favor. Their business is going well. For government officials, they are probably to get promotion.
Wealth: Good news in career means good luck in money. It is suitable for monkey people to start business and make investments this year. They should have the discernment to distinguish scams and frauds while cooperating with others and signing important documents and contracts.
Love: The only disadvantage comes only for those monkey people who had got married. They may have sensational fluctuations which may threaten the state of their marriage. For single monkeys, they are inclined to find their forever partner this year. They need to grasp the chance. Do not be particularly choosy.
Health: Be cautious about the small discomforts caused by anxiety and worry.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
CNY Celebration.
CNY holidays are precious to me,
As I will be totally free,no need to think about work,
Just sleep,eat,watch TV,online,visiting relatives,exercise,
But as they say all nice things will come to an end,
Hope after all these comforts end,I will be more energetic and motivated,
To face all challenges ahead.
As I will be totally free,no need to think about work,
Just sleep,eat,watch TV,online,visiting relatives,exercise,
But as they say all nice things will come to an end,
Hope after all these comforts end,I will be more energetic and motivated,
To face all challenges ahead.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Chinese Lunar New Year 2012.
May I wish all my siblings,relatives and friends a happy,healthy and energetic Dragon year.Malaysia will continue to enjoy high economic growth and political stability.GONG XI FATT CHOY.
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