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October 31st, 2009 | in Health and Fitness | Leave a comment

As one of the essential nutrients, minerals have an influence on your children’s growth and development as well as their health.

Even though the body needs only a little amount of minerals, compared to carbohydrates for example, they have an important role in our body. Without minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and the other nutrients can hardly carry out their functions. Let’s find out where the minerals come from.

Just as vitamins, the body needs minerals to run the process of children’s growth & development. They are also needed to take care of health, including shaping strong bones, producing hormones and maintaining heart pulses.

There are some kinds of minerals required in more than 100 mg per day like calcium. Though, the body only needs a little amount of zinc (less than 100 mg per day), for example.

The body needs the minerals everyday. Among so many important minerals for children, let’s see some of them and how they give benefits to our children.

1. Calcium (Ca)

Benefits:
- good for teeth and bones development
- avoids children from osteoporosis in the future
- controls blood coagulation and muscle contraction
Sources: milk and its processed products, like cheese, butter, yoghurt, and ice cream. Calcium is also available in soy bean and salmon.

2. Iron (Fe)
Benefits:
- helps forming hemoglobin (the color substance in red blood which functions in transferring oxygen from the lung to the whole body)
- important for energy forming and enhancing body immune system
Sources: beef, egg yolk, fruits, bread

3. Magnesium (Mg)
Benefits:
- has an important role in the process of energy metabolism
- controls the vital function of the body, like heart pulse, muscle relaxation, and avoids blood coagulation
- forms bones and teeth together with calcium
Sources: nuts, avocado, meat, milk, chocolate

4. Potassium/Kalium (K)
Benefits:
- produces energy
- controls heart pulse
Sources: banana, avocado, vegetables, cereals

5. Phosphor (P)
Benefits:
- with calcium, phosphor avoids bones and teeth calcification
- controls energy transfer in metabolism
Sources: beef, fish and poultry, egg, cheese, milk, and nuts

Our body, just the same as our children’s, needs a sufficient amount of minerals everyday. It requires a different quantity from every mineral.

For instance, your toddler has to consume at least 500 mg calcium per day, while he or she just needs about 75-100 mg of magnesium per day.

You really need not to file and calculate each mineral whenever you feed your children. How to tell if the children get the sufficient amount of the minerals then?

No need to be confused. The key is in the feeding pattern. Arrange your children’s menu so that they get various kinds of food, which are rich in numerous important nutrients, by giving them alternately.

There’s no food contains complete nutrients. However, one kind of food can contain more than one essential substance. For example, cheese is a great source of calcium and phosphor, besides protein and fat. Though, it doesn’t contain potassium/kalium.

Therefore, as long as your children obtain a great variety of nutritional food in a balanced quantity, just believe that the minerals needed by their body are accomplished.

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October 31st, 2009 | in Health and Fitness | Leave a comment

A mineral is a kind of micronutrient that is essential for good health. All minerals are inorganic substances absorbed from the earth by plants and cannot be produced by plants or animals.

The body utilizes over eighty of these chemicals. They are vital for the growth and production of bones, nails, hair, teeth, nerves, blood, vitamins, hormones and enzymes. In addition, they contribute to the healthy functioning of blood circulation, fluid regulation, nerve transmission, cellular integrity, muscle contraction and energy production.

Because the earth’s soil is now so nutrient depleted, even people who eat the healthiest foods often do not consume the required levels of minerals. This results in many kinds of illnesses, including energy loss, premature aging and degenerative diseases such as heart problems, bone disease and cancer.

Consequently, many people choose to take a supplement, which can provide some of the missing minerals. The risk of mineral deficiency can also be minimized through the consumption of a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Good sources of minerals other than fruits and vegetables include meats, nuts, beans and dairy products.

The following can serve as a rough guide for ensuring the adequate consumption of some of the most important minerals:

Calcium (Ca): This mineral is mainly found in dairy products, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Tinned fish such as sardines are excellent sources of Ca but are not eaten enough by most people. A sufficient intake of calcium may help to prevent osteoporosis.

Chromium (Cr): The richest dietary sources of Cr are spices such as black pepper and brewer’s yeast, raisins, mushrooms, prunes, nuts, beer, red wine and asparagus.

Copper (Cu): Foods high in Cu include kidney, liver, kidney, shellfish, nuts and wholegrain cereals.

Iodine: The condition of the soil contributes greatly to the concentration of iodine found in plants and animals across various regions of the world.

Iron: Meat provides one of the richest sources of iron. Vegetables and cereals also provide iron, but in low concentrations. A good iron intake is particularly important for menstruating women.

Magnesium (Mg): Mg is widely distributed in plant and animal foods, especially legumes, nuts, green vegetables, chocolate and cereals.

Manganese (Mn): Relatively high concentrations of Mn have been found in tea, brown bread, nuts, ginger and cereals. The concentration of Mn in crops depends largely on soil quality.

Selenium (Se): Cereals, seafood and meat products are the best sources of Se and are the main contributors to the daily Se intake. Most vegetables and fruits are relatively low in this mineral.

Zinc (Zn): The Zn content of foods varies from exceptionally high levels in oysters, to negligible in refined foods or those with a high fat content. The best animal source of Zn is found in lean red meat, which has at least twice that of chicken. Cereals and wholegrain foods also provide some zinc.

Without an adequate intake of minerals, the body ceases to function. Give your body the best possible chance to operate at an optimal level of health by making sure you consume plenty. Thankfully, the rainforest comes up trumps again. It seems that some rainforest fruits, like the acai berry, are packed full of minerals and are probably some of the best natural ways for people to boost their mineral intake. No wonder rainforest fruits like the acai are hailed as “super foods”!

[Sponsored] Bryan Seawell is the proud owner of this article and he owns a site called: “alli weight loss review“. See how he can help you with his site: “alli weight loss review” and allow him to share with you his best known secrets here at his exclusive site, “alli weight loss review“. Thank you for your trust and belief in Bryan. Hope it will benefit you and others. Have a wonderful day ahead. [Sponsored]

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October 31st, 2009 | in Health and Fitness | Leave a comment

Whether you are trying to lose weight or live an active healthy life style, nutrition and exercise are vital to your health. We have become as a whole in the western culture, a couch potato, slow moving, over weight and flaccid society. Of course there will always be that smaller percentage of people who get it right and remain fit and healthy. But those that do, make a conscious effort at it with diet and exercise. Well done if you are in that category!

Part of the problem is that because we as humans have it ingrained in us to constantly change things, we are the only creatures that invent food. No other animal or insect does this and they don’t have the diseases humans do unless we have poisoned their environment. We have so much in the way of processed food that have little nutrient value, that we pack on the pounds and become slower moving.

In the wild, animals that eat the raw greens, grasses fruits and berries are very healthy animals. The meat-eating animals consume the healthy plant-eating animals and remain virtually disease free. Our farms on the other hand, need to mass-produce cattle and chickens so we give them hormones and phosphates and the like and we consume them. That is by the way, some experts now think younger girls are developing much earlier than they used to because of the hormones in meat and dairy products. We can however, luckily eat raw organic fruits and vegetables and we should do so on a daily basis.

Another culprit is our need to once again, change our environment. We have more machines that do things for us now and it won’t stop there. This is both good and bad. The good is a higher rate of production for the products we need, bad because we are slowing down physically. In as little as ten years ago we could go out on a Sunday morning and see someone pushing his or her lawn mower. (And I mean pushing). Now a days, you’ll see more of sit down mowers or power mowers that literally pull you along with it. Our fore fathers were much more active and they ate nutrient rich foods. And they could eat a lot of it without getting fat because of how much energy they spent from hard physical labor.

Is all lost for us in this day and age? Absolutely not!!! We are perfectly capable of reversing this trend, but it does require a) your dedication and b) follow through. This can be done no matter what your weight and activity level.

Make your first step the decision to become healthy and fit. Once you have firmly made that decision you are on your way. Now take the time to evaluate your lifestyle and really look at it. Be honest with yourself about your eating habits and activity level.

Changing your diet to eating healthy whole foods is a good way to start. It’ll not only help you lose weight and help you feel better, but it will enhance your quality of life. You’ll have more energy and life just feels better when you are healthy.

There are many popular diets out there. The Zone, the Blood Type Diet, Atkins, the South Beach Diet, Weight Watchers and the list goes on. They all have had their share of successes so it is hard sometimes to know what to do. I can only say, do your homework. You will find the right one that works for you and you will be more likely to stick to it.

If you want to do it on your own you can be just as successful if you know some basic rules.

1) Portion control. Cutting down to smaller portions can help tremendously. A great
way to eat less food at one sitting is to drink a glass of water before you eat and then drink more water with your meal. Water takes up a lot of space in your stomach so you will feel full faster and water won’t give you any extra calories. Awesome!

2) Water, water, water. Drink lots of clean pure water. Your body needs it and more than you think. Most North Americans are in a state of semi dehydration. Water flushes out toxins, gets your bowels moving. (Did you know that the amount of pain you feel from injury or minor aches and pains are directly proportional to how dehydrated you are? An interesting tid bit)

3) Eat raw fruits and vegetables as much as you can especially dark greens. Cooked veggies lose some of their nutrients so eating a salad every day would benefit you. Most of your vitamins and minerals are going to come from fresh fruits and leafy green vegetables. And try to stick to organic on this to avoid the pesticides and chemicals.

4) Fiber. You need to keep the bowels moving and the combination of water and fiber will do the trick. The best fiber comes from fruit and whole grains. But consider this: You would need to eat 10 bran muffins to get the same amount of fiber as in a half cup of raspberries.

5) Protein. The best source of protein is from meats such as beef, chicken or turkey. But do limit the amount you eat at one time. You don’t need a 10 or 12oz piece of meat at one sitting. You can get protein from dairy and cheese but consume only small amounts because they digest too slowly. Nut is a source of protein but they are high in fat so consume small amounts.

6) Sugar, confectionary treats, soda’s, junk foods and some processed foods are your enemy. Nothing gives you weight gain and that sluggish feeling quite like this grouping. I am not saying you should never partake of them, but do so only occasionally. We do after all need our cheat days once in a while. Just make them small portions.

7) Find an exercise regimen that you like and will stick to. Pretty much any exercise program will help you lose weight if you stick with it. You will see on TV all the equipment people want to sell you but after watching for a bit you usually know what appeals to you or not. You may just want to pop in a video and exercise with that.

8) I can’t say enough about sticking with your program. It takes time and you can experience losses in the beginning when it seems it is not going fast enough, but if you stick with it, you will get your reward and you will reach your goal weight and have energy to burn.

9) And finally, because some of food is deficient in nutrients from growing in poor over used soil it might be a good idea to get some good vitamin supplements to assisting in getting our daily requirements in. Getting it in food is the best but that is hard to do these days so find a qualified nutritionist to help you in selecting what’s best for you.
Good luck and good health!

[Sponsored] Bryan Seawell is the proud owner of this article and he owns a site called: “alli weight loss review“. See how he can help you with his site: “alli weight loss review” and allow him to share with you his best known secrets here at his exclusive site, “alli weight loss review“. Thank you for your trust and belief in Bryan. Hope it will benefit you and others. Have a wonderful day ahead. [Sponsored]

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October 31st, 2009 | in Health and Fitness | Leave a comment

Stevia (STEE-vee-uh) is an outstanding, sweet tasting herb that has remarkable health promoting qualities. The sweetness of Stevia is largely due to its complex stevioside molecule that is composed of glucose, sophorose and steviol. A second compound called rebaudioside, which is present in Stevia, also contributes to Stevia’s sweetness. Stevia has a taste that is unique and has been described as very sweet with a slight licorice, almost bitter aftertaste. Generally, high quality Stevia contains very little of this bitterness. The sweetness of Stevia is much different than the sweetness of other natural sweeteners, sugar, or artificial sweeteners, but it is delicious. For some people the taste may require some “getting used to,” but most people quickly develop a taste for it.

Stevia is a South American shrub whose leaves have been used for centuries by native peoples in Paraguay and Brazil to sweeten their yerba mate and other stimulant beverages. The stevia plant belongs to the Compositae (sunflower family of plants). Centuries ago, Natives of Paraguay used the leaves of this small, herbaceous, semi-bushy, perennial shrub to sweeten their bitter drinks. Originating in the South American wild, it could be found growing in semi-arid habitat ranging from grassland to scrub forest to mountain terrain. The plant made its way to Pacific Rim countries where in recent decades it became cultivated domestically, used in its raw leaf form and now is commercially processed into sweetener.

If you’ve ever tasted stevia, you know it’s extremely sweet. In fact, this remarkable noncaloric herb, native to Paraguay, has been used as a sweetener and flavor enhancer for centuries. Stevia is a natural, non-caloric, sweet-tasting plant used around the world for its pleasant taste, as well as for its increasingly researched potential for inhibiting fat absorption and lowering blood pressure.

Stevia is about 300 times sweeter than sugar in its natural state, and much more so when processed. Its medicinal uses include regulating blood sugar, preventing hypertension, treatment of skin disorders, and prevention of tooth decay. Other studies show that it is a natural antibacterial and antiviral agent as well. Stevia is actually good for you! On top of that, it is calorie and carbohydrate free. Stevia is a great sweetener choice for diabetics, those watching their weight, and anyone interested in maintaining their health.

Topically, Stevia has excellent healing capabilities. If placed on a cut or scrape, it stings initially followed by a significant reduction in pain and accelerated healing with no scarring. Whole leaf Stevia extract can be used as a facial mask by smoothing the dark liquid over the entire face, allowing it to dry for 30-60 minutes, then rinsing. This will help tighten the skin, smooth out wrinkles and heal skin blemishes and acne. This has been reported to be effective when used on seborrhea, dermatitis and eczema, as well. Stevia is also beneficial for the hair and scalp; good results have been obtained by adding Stevia concentrate to shampoo, and also applying concentrate to the hair after shampooing, allowing it to remain on the hair for a few minutes, then rinsing.

Stevia is also able to perform a number of other beneficial tasks. For example, it has been shown that Stevia may enhance moods and increase energy levels and mental alertness. What’s more, it is also been shown to stop the growth of bacteria in the mouth is responsible for the production of acids that are responsible for gingivitis and cavities.

In recent years, Stevia has made its way to the Far East. In the 70’s and 80’s Stevia was developed as a sweetener/flavour enhancer which has since been used widely for this purpose in Japan, China, Korea, Israel, Brazil and Paraguay. It has been embraced in Japan, where it’s used in soy sauce, sweet pickles and soft drinks. In Japan, Diet Coke has been sweetened with Stevia.

The products in which Stevia has been used include soft drink, ice cream, cookies, pickles, chewing gum, tea and skin care products. In Japan about 40% of the sweetener market is stevia-based. The main producers of stevia are Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, Brazil, Malaysia and Paraguay.

The cosmetic industry also employs the use of Stevia in many of the available skin care products. It has been shown to reduce skin blemishes when applied topically. Stevia also relieves stomach discomfort.

There are no symptoms of deficiency but everyone can benefit from the use of Stevia. Populations that may benefit from the use of Stevia include: diabetics, the obese, the elderly, children, and athletes.

Diabetics, individuals with blood sugar problems, or the obese, may benefit from supplementing with Stevia due to its ability to regulate blood sugar.

Individuals suffering from hypertension may also benefit from the use of Stevia. It has been shown that in cases of high blood pressure Stevia has the ability to act as a vasodiolator, thus helping to lower hypertension.

In the late 1980s an “anonymous firm” lodged a “trade complaint” with the FDA about Stevia when it started to surface in the United States. One company using stevia was the Celestial Seasonings herbal tea company. They were ordered by the FDA to stop producing tea “adulterated” with Stevia. Traditional Medicinals, another tea company, had their inventory of Stevia teas confiscated during an unexpected FDA raid and were told the tea would be burned.

Why did the government treat Stevia like a controlled substance? FDA documents call Stevia a “dangerous food additive” even though the safety of Stevia has been widely tested for many years by scientists in Japan. The FDA will not reveal who made the “trade complaint” (despite the Freedom of Information Act) though many suspect that it was the makers of the artificial sweetener Aspartame (aka “Nutrasweet”) trying to fend off competition, as the artificial sweetener is very profitable.

To judge from the extensive measures the FDA has employed to keep Americans in the dark about Stevia, one might assume it was some type of dangerous narcotic. But, in fact, no ill effects have ever been attributed to it, although it has been used by millions of people around the world, in some locales for hundreds of years.

So adamant has the FDA remained on the subject, that even though Stevia can now be legally marketed as a dietary supplement under legislation enacted in 1994, any mention of its possible use as a sweetener or tea is still strictly prohibited.

In 1995 the FDA reversed their decision to ban Stevia, but only halfway. Stevia can now be sold as a “nutritional supplement” but not as a sweetener in the United States. This is also the case in the European Union, and the World Health Organization is pressuring other countries to follow suit.

Benefits
• non-caloric sweetener
• inhibits fat absorption and lowers blood pressure
• regulates blood sugar levels

[Sponsored] Bryan Seawell is the proud owner of this article and he owns a site called: “alli weight loss review“. See how he can help you with his site: “alli weight loss review” and allow him to share with you his best known secrets here at his exclusive site, “alli weight loss review“. Thank you for your trust and belief in Bryan. Hope it will benefit you and others. Have a wonderful day ahead. [Sponsored]

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October 31st, 2009 | in Health and Fitness | Leave a comment

When it comes to maximizing your energy levels, carbohydrates are the best “go” food around. Think of carbohydrates as gas in your fuel tank. If you don’t provide yourself with carbohydrates throughout the day, you simply won’t have the energy to function. Now this would be a shame for new moms who definitely don’t have much of an energy reserve and who have one or more little kids relying on them for just about everything.

Everything we eat is made up of some combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Simple sugars, like table sugar, starches, like pasta, and fibre, like oat bran, are types of dietary carbohydrates. All carbohydrates deliver four calories per gram. Something to digest: All carbohydrates are not bad! Carbohydrates are vital because they provide the body with the energy it needs to support daily activities-from breathing and digestion to thinking and exercise. Consuming whole grain and high fibre carbohydrates, including fruits, veggies, dried beans, and whole grain cereals, breads and crackers will make you feel satisfied for longer periods of time than foods high in refined sugar and low in fibre (i.e. cakes, cookies, sugary candy, etc.). Foods high in fibre expand in your digestive tract making you feel full. To visualize how fibre can expand, put a piece of whole grain or bran cereal in a bowl with a little water then watch it swell to two to three times its original size. This makes it very clear how fibre can help make us feel fuller.

Why do people count carbs? In general, carbohydrates cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly while fat and protein cause blood sugar to rise more slowly. In response to a rise in blood sugar, the body releases insulin, the hormone required to bring blood sugar into cells or fat tissue. If one eats excessive amounts of carbohydrates, the insulin cycle can become imbalanced, resulting in continually raised insulin levels. High insulin levels have been associated with obesity as well as increased risk for heart disease and blood sugar imbalances. Controlled carb diets may promote a gradual rise and fall of insulin and are therefore more satiating. In high protein/controlled carb diets, it is thought that weight loss occurs through consumption of fewer calories resulting from increased satiety. Weight loss also occurs because very low carb intake triggers a condition called ketosis, which forces the body to burn fat stores, but ketosis can be unhealthy if continued for a long period of time.

The glycemic index measures how quickly a carbohydrate digests, enters the bloodstream, and raises blood sugar levels. High glycemic index foods, such as refined flours and high sugar beverages, are quickly digested, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar and insulin levels. Such effects have been linked to diabetes, overeating, and obesity. Low glycemic index foods, in general, foods high in fibre and protein, contribute to a steadier blood sugar level and have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of diabetes. Many controlled carb diets recommend eating low glycemic index foods, such as beans, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Keep in mind that the glycemic index of a food may be balanced in the context of a meal where several foods of varying glycemic levels are consumed.

Remember, many theories exist about what constitutes a “perfect” diet. We believe a good foundation for any diet consists of a mix of fresh, minimally processed foods from all food groups, including: lean proteins; fresh fruits and vegetables; whole grain-based breads, cereals, and pastas; and heart-healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocado. And, just as important, a good diet contains delicious foods you enjoy and is one that you can maintain as an ongoing lifestyle choice

[Sponsored] Bryan Seawell is the proud owner of this article and he owns a site called: “dietrine review“. See how he can help you with his site: “dietrine review” and allow him to share with you his best known secrets here at his exclusive site, “dietrine review“. Thank you for your trust and belief in Bryan. Hope it will benefit you and others. Have a wonderful day ahead. [Sponsored]

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October 31st, 2009 | in Health and Fitness | Leave a comment

Nutrition used to be something like: “eat fresh food and stay away from potato chips”… now we are told beware of ‘free radicals’ in the body. Antioxidants are supposed to be good for you, but how do we encourage one and fight the other?

“If I’d known I was going to live so long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” — Leon Eldred

We live in an age where we are beginning to see an awareness developing between eating habits and good health. Several buzz phrases like low carb, high protein, and Hoodia are mentioned as a means to gaining a better life while honing a better physique.

Another phrase that is repeated often is ‘’antioxidants”.

What exactly is an antioxidant and why is it important?

Everyone has what is called ‘free radicals’ that roam throughout the body. These free radicals have the potential to attack the body, primarily in the form of cancer. Antioxidants fight back. A nutrition plan that includes antioxidants can assist in staving off the potential for acute illness due to free radicals.

Drinks such as coffee and tea often have a certain amount of antioxidants, but it is fresh fruit that is especially rich in antioxidants. Fruit, of course, remains high on the list of recommended foods by the U.S.D.A., but it may surprise you to know that extra virgin olive oil as part of a balanced diet can provide as much antioxidant as a piece of fruit.

The health benefits of olive oil remain a delightful discovery for many. It’s not often something that adds significant good taste to a gourmet meal and can also be an extremely healthy choice.

A diet that is lean in saturated fats (red meat) balanced with a healthy dose of fatty acids has pointed to a number of health benefits. Most of the fatty acids that your body may need can be found in extra virgin olive oil.

The health benefits of olive oil extend to the reduction of LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing the amount of HDL (good cholesterol).

Case Study

The University of Barcelona conducted a controlled study that followed 16 individuals that were advised to refrain from certain foods that contained phenols (an antioxidant designed to attack free radicals). After abstaining for four days the test group was given extra virgin olive oil to determine if this alone could increase the levels of phenol in the body.

50ml of olive oil was provided to test subjects while they refrained from things like butter, nuts, eggs and margarine. After the first day the total intake of olive oil was cut in half. One week later, blood samples indicated elevated amounts of the antioxidants vitamin E and phenols. Oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acids were also seen at higher levels – both acids are indicative of lower LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation.

Some researchers believe that the health benefits of olive oil may still be untapped, and many have indicated regular ingestion of olive oil may be one of the best kept health secrets available.

Beyond its antioxidant properties, extra virgin olive oil has provided significant data to indicate it may also lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and aid in the fight against colon cancer specifically.

Isn’t it time to discover the virtues of olive oil for yourself?

[Sponsored] Bryan Seawell is the proud owner of this article and he owns a site called: “dietrine review“. See how he can help you with his site: “dietrine review” and allow him to share with you his best known secrets here at his exclusive site, “dietrine review“. Thank you for your trust and belief in Bryan. Hope it will benefit you and others. Have a wonderful day ahead. [Sponsored]

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October 31st, 2009 | in Health and Fitness | Leave a comment

Constipation is a condition whereby the fecal matter traveling through your colon remains too long in your colon before traveling out of the rectum. You become aware that you are constipated if you have difficulty passing motion or take a few days to do one purge.

That said, if you are suffering from constipation, you have been advised to eat more fruits and vegetables to increase your fiber intake.

For fruit, have you considered having papaya as a constipation remedy or including it as part of your regular diet?

As a natural remedy, papaya not only aids digestion but also helps prevent constipation. It provides relief from piles and also has anti-cancer properties. Papaya has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels, prevents the formation of urinary stones, prevents intestinal infection by parasites and aids in the proper functioning of the body’s immune system. For lactating mothers, according to traditional beliefs, papaya also helps to stimulate milk production.
Papayas contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins (especially food with gluten). Concentrated amounts can especially be found in unripe papaya. This enzyme helps prevent the accumulation of mucoprotein (partially digested protein) in the body and lymphatic system. In fact, papain has been extracted to make dietary supplements for digestion. Thus, the unripe papaya is considered to have more healing powers for constipation than the ripe one.

Papayas are a good source of fiber. Its fiber is able to keep cancer-causing toxins in the colon away from the healthy colon cells. Those who are experiencing constipation or at risk of colon cancer should consider taking more papaya. Papaya’s folate, vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carontene and vitamin E have been linked with reduced risk of colon cancer.

Additionally, the antioxidant nutrients found in papaya have also been proven to reduce muscle inflammation and the healing of burns and wounds.

The papaya fruit is slightly sweet, with a musky smell to it. It is now mainly cultivated in the warm tropical parts of the world but can easily be found in many supermarkets.

To prevent constipation and for all stated health benefits, here are three simple papaya recipes:

1. Papaya Milk Energy drink. Cut papaya and blend with milk in a 50/50 mix. Add honey if desired. Papaya milk is a good energy drink for growing children.

2. Papaya Salad (Thai Style). Shred green papaya and cut some tomatoes. For dressing, add chopped garlic, 2 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, cilantro, Thai basil, 1 teaspoon chopped mint, chili padi (optional) and sugar to taste.

3. Unripe papaya juice. Peel off skin and put in blender. This recipe is especially good for the lymphatic system and after a meal that is heavy in gluten.

Including papaya as part of your regular diet is a great idea for a healthy functioning body.

[Sponsored] Bryan Seawell is the proud owner of this article and he owns a site called: “dietrine review“. See how he can help you with his site: “dietrine review” and allow him to share with you his best known secrets here at his exclusive site, “dietrine review“. Thank you for your trust and belief in Bryan. Hope it will benefit you and others. Have a wonderful day ahead. [Sponsored]

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October 31st, 2009 | in Health and Fitness | Leave a comment

Well conducted studies now show that low-fat shrimp and eggs, substituted for fatty foods, do not raise blood cholestero and are not a major contributor to heart disease. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says despite all that colesterol, shrimp is perfectly good for you.

This is no longer a health concern, because shrimp is low-fat with a rich content of highly unsaturated fatty acids, which lead to the formation of high-density lipids (HDL), commonly known as “good cholesterol”. Consuming shrimp may actually lower blood cholesterols.

So here’s a great shrimp dish I make quite often. the original recipe came out of an old Weight Watcher cookbook, but as always (something I learned from my Grandma) I usually throw in a few extras to make it taste better and substitute some ingredients, but it’s still healthy cooking. I lost 40 lbs. on these recipes even with additions. Here’s a tip I would like to pass on about fish. I always soak it in milk before cooking; it seems to take away any bad fishy taste.

Shrimp in Spicy Mustard Sauce

12 oz. shrimp, peeled, deveined
2/3 cup fat free 1/2 & 1/2, or substitute evaporated skim, regular skim or low-fat milk or soy milk
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon chicken bullion powder or 1 cube
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
parsley and parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Shell & devein shrimp, set aside. In 1-cup liquid measure, combine milk, mustard and seasonings, set aside (If you are using milk, instead of the 1/2 & 1/2, mix some of the milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch and add to sauce at end to thicken). In an 8 or 9 inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; add onions, garlic and shrimp, stir constantly until shrimp just turns pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour milk mixture into skillet, cook, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low, (add cornstarch mixture if using), let simmer until slightly thickened, 1 or 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove shrimp to serving platter, set aside. Increase heat to medium-high, continue cooking sauce until mixture is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Pour sauce over shrimp and sprinkle with parsley and parmesan cheese.

Makes 2 servings

This is great served over noodles or rice. Hope you enjoy your shrimp!

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October 31st, 2009 | in Health and Fitness | Leave a comment

They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, we say a Mega-T Green Tea Diet caplet a day keeps the doctor away…indefinitely!

Mega-T Green Tea Diet is the newest weight loss product to hit the market. A unique blend of green tea and other ingredients, Mega-T Green Tea Diet is the one product that can promote mega weight loss.

Mega-T Green Tea Diet includes a high amount of green tea extract that helps suppress your appetite and at the same time, increase your metabolic rates. Green tea in Mega-T Green Tea Diet contains substances that affect how the hormone noradrenaline acts.

The key to controlling the appetite is by controlling the release of this hormone first. And with Mega-T Green Tea Diet, that shouldn’t be a hard task. Mega-T Green Tea Diet is a natural when it comes to suppressing the appetite.

Aside from being an appetite-suppressant, the green tea in Mega-T Green Tea Diet also helps promote thermogenesis in the body. Thermogenesis is the process wherein calories are converted into heat energy for the body to use. Mega-T Green Tea Diet contains polyphenols which are antioxidants that interact with each other to stimulate thermogenesis. In this regard, Mega-T Green Tea Diet helps increase your body’s metabolic rates and helps you burn fats faster. More fats burned means more weight lost!

Green tea in Mega-T Green Tea Diet also has other benefits aside from weight loss. Studies have shown that green tea in Mega-T Green Tea Diet can cure cancer, arthritis, ulcers, and other diseases. The antioxidants in Mega-T Green Tea Diet also help reduce the cholesterol levels of the body, thereby maintaining the delicate balance between LDL and HDL cholesterols. In this regard, Mega-T Green Tea Diet also helps reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks among its users.

Mega-T Green Tea Diet also contains chromium. Chromium in Mega-T Green Tea Diet helps prevent fat storage. This ingredient of Mega-T Green Tea Diet also increases your metabolic rates by increasing the rate at which fat is burned. Therefore, with Mega-T Green Tea Diet, you are in for some mega fat-burning!

Another ingredient of Mega-T Green Tea Diet is Garcinia Cambogia. This herb found Mega-T Green Tea Diet can help you overcome food cravings and hunger pangs. Garcinia Cambogia in Mega-T Green Tea Diet, like green tea, acts as a natural appetite-suppressant. In this way, Mega-T Green Tea Diet gives you the perfect method to avoid going overboard with your eating program. Remember, the lesser calories you take, the lesser calories you store!

Mega-T Green Tea Diet contains a small amount of caffeine to provide you with enough energy to get you through the day. But if that isn’t enough, especially if you’re working out, Mega-T Green Tea Diet also contains Guarana and Siberina Ginseng. These two herbs in Mega-T Green Tea Diet are known energy-boosters. So if you want energy for your workout regimens, then Mega-T Green Tea Diet is right for you! Mega-T Green Tea Diet will provide you with all the energy that you need in order to achieve a healthier, slimmer you!

[Sponsored] Bryan Seawell is the proud owner of this article and he owns a site called: “alli weight loss review“. See how he can help you with his site: “alli weight loss review” and allow him to share with you his best known secrets here at his exclusive site, “alli weight loss review“. Thank you for your trust and belief in Bryan. Hope it will benefit you and others. Have a wonderful day ahead. [Sponsored]

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October 31st, 2009 | in Health and Fitness | Leave a comment

Facts about nutrition are becoming important to a greater number of people and that is terrific news for your health. There is an old saying that states: “You are what you eat.” – This holds true today just as it did centuries ago; even if it was originally coined when the majority of people received insufficient food. Today it refers more to the worldwide trend of over-eating.

Fortunately packaging now gives more advice on calories and servings. The major fault is that we ignore serving sizes; many people are quite happy to eat double size servings and then wonder why the pounds keep going on and the inward curves turn outward.

The new US label regulations force manufacturers to be more open with Nutrition facts and here are few tips concerning what you should check on the label.

Check serving size and use it. This figure is nutritional fact.

Check calories. A healthy adult requires at least 2,000 each day in total. Try to keep it below 2,750. The average American adult currently eats around 3,500 calories each day.

Avoid sugars. Sugar is calorie high and each one of us should check whether we need the amount of sugar that we use. I avoid sugar in beverages so that I can eat sweet things from time to time.

Know your fats. Foods that are low in saturated fats, trans-fats and cholesterol are good foods and will help reduce the risk of heart disease. (5% DV or less is low, 20%DV or more is high). Most of the fats you eat should be polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats. Keep total fat intake between 20% and 35% of total calories.

Reduce salt intake. Research indicates that our total sodium (salt) intake should never exceed 2,300 milligrams (about 1 teaspoon) each day to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. You should also know that the majority of salt is taken in from processed foods rather than from the saltshaker. – Watch those processed foods. Also look for foods that are high in potassium because they counteract the effects of salt on blood pressure.

Finally we come to exercise. The whole world seems to have forgotten how important it is to exercise and exercise burns calories which reduces weight. We should slowly work our way up to one hour of exercise each day. This can be done in 12 five-minute periods or 6 ten-minute periods until you are able to exercise for longer periods.

If you are looking to lose weight you will find more articles in our News Blogs articles section.

This article is copyright (c) David McCarthy and may be reproduced in its entirety with no additions.

[Sponsored] Bryan Seawell is the proud owner of this article and he owns a site called: “alli weight loss review“. See how he can help you with his site: “alli weight loss review” and allow him to share with you his best known secrets here at his exclusive site, “alli weight loss review“. Thank you for your trust and belief in Bryan. Hope it will benefit you and others. Have a wonderful day ahead. [Sponsored]

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