Archive for June, 2010

Bad Vs. Good Carbs

We know nutrition and diet is a complicated topic, otherwise there wouldn’t be professional dieticians.  The internet is somewhat helpful, although there’s good and bad info out there so it pays to be educated.  Today we’ll challenge a popular misconception: Not all carbs are bad!  In this article, I will explain the types of carbohydrates you should eat and which types you should avoid.

Firstly, carbohydrates are found in everything from processed cakes and pastries to soft drinks and microwavable dinners, and also in natural items like fruits, veggies and nuts.  Understanding the difference is the key to figuring out which foods you should eat and which you shouldn’t.

1. The bad: Processed foods contain a lot of carbs–unfortunately, the bad kind.  As soon as they’re processed, much of the nutritional value is lost!  What’s left for you are empty calories to make you gain weight, and nothing else.  Refinement of these carbs takes them out of their natural (healthy) state and makes them no longer good for you

Examples of such foods with over-processed carbs are chips, white bread, pasta, soft drinks, cakes, biscuits, candies, etc. These foods should be phased out of your diet, as these processed foods contain primarily a lot of sugar and (as you might be aware) sugar is high in calories. So the problem here is, the more sugar you consume the fatter you become! Apart from weight gain, eating processed foods regularly can also result in diabetes, since your blood sugar levels increase so much that it becomes extremely difficult for insulin to control it!

2. The good: What are good carbohydrates?  Complex carbohydrates, which can be found in raw fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, whole grain wheats, etc.  Because of the complexity of their chemical makeup, it takes more to digest them and they do not make you fat.  These foods make you feel full because of the fiber content.  So if there was ever a natural hunger cure, this is it!

Suffice it to say that not all carbs are bad. Understanding good vs. bad carbs can help you get a flat stomach fast!

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The Natural Characteristics Of Ginseng Root

A perennial plant, ginseng grows between 7 to 21 inches in height when wild. The plant takes only 5-6 years to grow, yet the roots can stay alive for over 100 years. The root is creamy yellow or white in color, and it branches off sometimes in the shape of a person. Ginseng grows naturally on the slopes of ravines and shady, well drained, mountainous, hardwood forests. The root carries all the nutrition and makes it the most widely used herb in the Orient.

Ginseng root is found in three types. American and Siberian ginseng are popular in North America. American ginseng grows from Quebec to Minnesota and to the south to Georgia and Oklahoma. The third kind, Korean or oriental ginseng, is the most widely used ginseng in the world. Some claim that American ginseng has a cooling quality while oriental ginseng warms the body. Siberian ginseng is not a true ginseng but has similar effects. The Chinese named the herb from two words meaning “Man Plant” since the root often gives the form of a person.

The value of this herb has been known for thousands of years. These start with its ability as andaptogen, that is, something that balances the body chemistry. In this way it can be used both to lower high blood pressure and also to raise low blood pressure. Ginseng contains 27 ginsenocides that enable ginseng to balance the effects of stress. At the same time ginseng increases performance and energy levels in people who are constantly exhausted. It benefits those recovering from an illness, experiencing a heavy work load, or who just feel run down all the time.

Ginseng root contains vitamins A, B-6 and Zinc. These help in the functioning of the immune system. Ginseng will increase estrogen levels in women and treat symptoms of menopause. It improves memory as well.

Ginseng helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, has anti-clotting effects, reduces the risk of arterial blood clots, and helps control diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels. It is known as an antioxidant, protects the liver from the effects of drugs, alcohol, preventing the cumulative cell damage, and toxins, minimizes cell damage from radiation, and increases intestinal absorption of nutrients.

Traditionally, ginseng has been used to enhance sexual desire by promoting sex hormone production. Recent research shows that regular use of Ginseng is helpful in the slowing down of the aging process. Ginseng’s value is mainly as a preventative though it is also used by some in cures. It should be taken over a long period of time to stimulate rejuvenation and virility.

Root slices can be brewed slowly in a tea pot (silver or glass) for one hour. Generally a bitter tasting root indicates higher potency. Root slivers can also be added to soups or other dishes. In some preparations it is desirable to first grind your ginseng. The resulting powder can be used in meals or can be placed under your tongue where the high concentrations of blood vessels allow the ginsenocides to be absorbed directly into the blood stream. Also, try chewing the dried root like a piece of hard candy. A quick five minute soak in boiling water will make the root more palatable. The optimal dosage of ginseng is two or three grams a day. Ginseng tends to kick in after six weeks or so, and the most significant results can be seen after six months of use. This is especially true in people with pale unhealthy skin, lassitude, and depression.

Ginseng appears to be relatively safe. Korean ginseng is the most potent of the three types, so overdose of it is most possible. Most side effects, such as nervousness, dizziness, mood changes, insomnia, headache and loss of appetite are from people who take more than the recommended dosage. Some say to avoid ginseng if you are pregnant or nursing but others say it is safe for everyone. Of course, always remember to consult your physician before taking this or any other supplement.

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The Alkaline Diet Plan For People In Their Golden Years

Practically anyone can benefit from the health benefits of the alkaline diet. The only purpose of most fad diets is rapid weight loss, but the alkaline diet is different, because it is designed to produce improved health. Weight loss is not the main goal, but for those who need to lose a few pounds, it is a common side benefit. An alkaline diet is appropriate for people of all ages, but I believe that it has especially great benefits for older adults.

When you’re young, you may be able to eat a poor diet and not see the consequences right away, but older people don’t have the same reserves. As people get older, their kidney function tends to decline. Because the kidneys are responsible for excreting the excess acid created by a low-alkaline diet, reduced kidney function can cause your body to become more acidic. In turn, a build-up of acidity in the body can put seniors at increased risk of various health problems.

For example, when the body removes alkaline minerals from the bones and uses them to neutralize acid, this process can lead to osteoporosis. This process, which might sound self-destructive, helps to keep acid from building up too much, but at the price of bone loss. By following an alkaline diet, you can prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.

Muscle tissue is another source of alkaline minerals, which means that excess acid production can increase the risk of muscle wasting in the elderly. At least one study has shown that the alkaline diet can help preserve muscle strength.

As you can see, older adults have a great deal to gain from the alkaline diet. In addition to the benefits that I’ve just mentioned, this healthy nutritional approach can also help to preserve kidney function, reduce the risk of kidney stones, and even reduce joint and muscle pain. Given that this natural way of eating has many benefits, why not give it a try today?

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The Truth About Alkaline Food

See My Alkaline Food Video

As you start to learn about the alkaline diet and which foods have an alkaline-producing result on your internal state, you may feel that you will need to do away with everything you enjoy in exchange for good health.

Fortunately, there are some really scrumptious sorts of alkaline diet food that can be used in a wide variety of ways to recreate your favorite acidic meals.

Potatoes

Because they are so versatile, potatoes are a big help on the alkaline diet. They can be sliced or diced and baked or fried or mashed into a creamy whip. Whether you whip them to produce mashed potatoes or bake them in the skin, potatoes can be made into a wide number of dishes. Sliced potato can also be used lined up in a casserole to mimic lasagna noodles.

Mixed Greens

Most grocery stores stock convenient containers of mixed greens, making it quick to eat alkaline when you’re pressed for time. Add them to omelets and other hot dishes and they will cook down to add flavor and texture. Toss them into a fresh salad or add them onto your plate as a visually appealing accent.

Fresh Fruits

I think of fruits as alkaline diet foods, since they can all be interchanged and used according to the mood of your taste buds or the season. This is one of the secrets to eating nutritious alkaline food, because of the fact that you can combine different fruits to produce healthy fruit salad, or use frozen fruits to produce nourishing smoothies in minutes.

This alkaline food can even be used to cope with your cravings for sweets that are very acidic inside the body. For example, produce a wholesome strawberry smoothie by mixing frozen strawberries with rice milk, rather than having a sugary pastry! Not only will it eliminate the craving but it will give you tons of energy and keep you thinner as well.

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Introduction To Alkaline Diet Food

Many people are starting to find out about the awesome rewards of the alkaline diet. Scientific studies suggest that foods which have an alkalizing effect on the body can boost bone health, promote healthy muscles, maximize energy, and help with innumerable health problems.

While our ancient ancestors ate a diet that was primarily alkaline-forming, we modern humans mostly eat acid-producing foods. This shift has taken place because hunter-gatherers had a high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, while most people today eat mostly meat, dairy products, processed grains, and sugar, all of which are acid-forming.

Experts disagree about how much of our diet should be alkalizing, but it is commonly said that around 70 percent of our foods should be alkaline-forming, with the remaining 30 percent consisting of nutrient-dense acid-producing foods. Keep in mind that your body’s pH is influenced by many factors. Air pollution, smoking, and emotional stress are all acidifying. So if you are feeling stressed-out, you may need more alkalizing foods than you would if you were in excellent health.

What Exactly Is an Alkaline Diet Food?

When foods are digested in your stomach, they leave a residue, or “ash,” much as if they had been burned in a fire. An alkaline diet food is a food that primarily consists of alkaline-forming minerals after it has been absorbed. These alkaline-forming minerals include calcium, magnesium, and above all, potassium. Because the richest sources of potassium are fresh fruits and vegetables, these foods are naturally eaten in abundance on the alkaline diet.

In contrast, acid-forming foods tend to be rich in the acid-forming minerals sulfur and phosphorus. These minerals are especially found in certain amino acids which make up the protein in meat and dairy foods. These sulfur- and phosphorus-containing amino acids are important for health, but only when eaten in the right proportion to other types of food.

The best part about alkaline diet food is that it’s delectable. With the right way of eating, you can alkalize your diet without a lot of hassle or expense. And while fast food drains your body of health, alkaline diet food makes you feel alive and energized.

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The Ways To Get Healthy And Strong

Are you tired of being tired all the time? Are you wondering why you seem to catch all the colds that pass you by? Do find yourself sleeping during the wrong times of day, only to lie staring sat the ceiling all night when you are in bed? These are all signs of ill health and the good thing is you can change it.

Do you get enough exercise? Do you eat like you are supposed to? Are you getting enough sleep and time to just relax? These are important factors when it comes to having good health. Once you have optimum health, then you are going to have to work at maintaining it.

The way that your body needs nutrients is the same way that your car needs fuel. Without the best in the kind of fuels that you give to your body, you are going to start experiencing many more episodes of ill health and tiredness and fatigue. The kinds of foods that you eat are more important than ever. You should also make sure that you include a multivitamin into your daily diet as well.Your body needs all the essential for proper muscle growth and organ vital organ processes.

One thing that may be making you feel tired and unhealthy a lot of the time is stress. You may be just grinding and grinding through your everyday tasks, not realizing that these are the things that are stressing you out. Everyone needs to kick back and find the ways to relax their minds and bodies. It is one of the best ways to benefit good health.

One way to help in taking away the effects of stress is through exercise. Yoga is even designed for this reason. You can get a great workout that benefits your heart through riding a bicycle. Swimming is another kind of exercise that provides a complete cardiovascular workout.

Riding a bicycle is one of the greatest of cardiovascular workouts you could do. If you do not have a bike, then it is time to go shopping to pick out the schwinn mountain bike for you. A mountain bike will allow for you to ride trails that are not paved, adding to your extent of working out on a bike. Hill climbing on one these bikes will certainly lend a helping hand to your good health.

Always remember to choose a good helmet for those times that you ride your bike. The emergency rooms of hospitals all over the country report many head injuries every year that could have prevented with a simple black helmet for biking.

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How To Meet Your Sweet Longings In A Healthy Way

Most of us with a sweet tooth are likely to shy off from desserts because of the calories related to them. Nevertheless, there are means in which 1 may gratify their sweet tooth without indulging in unhealthy bites. Here, we look at a few of the healthiest desserts that could fulfill your longings for sweet without adding on pounds.

Baked apples are a top healthy dessert that could be indulged in guilt free. Traditionally, most apple desserts come loaded with calories. Whether it is apple pie or candied apples, the desserts are full of sugar. On the contrary, baked apple pudding is healthy ‘n while it keeps the flavor of the fruit, it contains very immaterial amounts of calories and fat. If you want to additionally enhance the flavor of the dessert, you could look at adding healthy ingredients like cinnamon, honey and raisins.

Fruit salad is yet an additional dessert that can help you gratify your sweet tooth in a healthy manner. This pudding rates big on the nutritive value. However, most folks offset the nutrition quotient of fruit salads by utilizing unhealthy dressings such as fruit syrups, sugar and  full fat dairy items. However, you may enhance the taste of your fruit salad without utilizing any of these unhealthy add-ons. One of the simplest things you can do to make your fruit salad delicious is usually to use fruits in as many colors as feasible. Adding nuts and flaxseed could as well give a crunchy flavor to the salads. You may also consider using orange juice blended with lemon juice for the dressing.

Yet an additional yummy dish to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings is strawberries dipped in chocolate. The very mention of this delicacy may easily leave you feeling sensuous. Quite contrary to the well known notion chocolates aren’t unhealthy for the body. In reality it is awesome in improving the proficiency of the immunity mechanism. It is a good source of riboflavin which subsequently is high on antioxidants content which is great for health. However, try not to go overboard with the amount of chocolate that you use. This will go a at length in making the dessert healthy for you.

Crispy rice treats is an additional alternative to please your sweet taste buds in a healthy way. Nevertheless, you’d must substitute the conventional elements, with some better ones to make this 1 score on the nutritional worth also. Instead of white rice, go in for brown rice as it contains much more fiber. You can also replace the butter with peanut butter and brown rice syrup instead of marshmallows.

Binge on these healthy desserts and you’ll not have to feel guilty about being born with a sweet tooth.

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Benefits Of Paleo Diet

Paleo diet recipes are very hot now a major study has found fruits and veggies do not seem to help much, if at all, to prevent cancer.

Yes, it’s true: nearly half a million western european men and women were tracked for almost a whole decade eating lots of fruits and veggies, and yet cancer rates have not been significantly lowerd for this group.

Paleo diet recipe is thus gaining new traction in the ancient debate over what’s for dinner and whether it’s good for us to eat. Nonetheless a number of studies still show that high vegetable consumption is associated with decreased risks of heart illness. Therefore, as a matter of public health, authorities are probably going to continue to urge for increased consumption of greens ( and reds and yellows and lots of other colours of veggies and fruits ).

Those advocating paleo recipes believe that grain consumption is the chief cause of modern illnesses. Obesity, cancer, and any amount of other puzzling ills are attributed to the modern over-saturation of carbohydrates. While fruits and plants aren’t antithetical to paleo diet recipes, what paleo diet followers stress is meat.

It is believed that foods consumed by our ancient ancestors previous to agriculture and animal husbandry, during the Paleolithic Period of our history. With the rise of farming in Neolithic times, our diets modified radically, nearly diametrically dissimilar to what had sustained us thru some seven million or so years of human evolution.

So goes the discussion wanting to explain our modern ills. The 2 populations that subscribe to the paleo diet today are certain high-performance sportsmen and those wanting to avoid “foreign proteins” the first group of supporters. Recipes can vary generally due to the different incentives involved. For instance, some will avoid alcohol, while others will allow alcohol which is fermented without yeast.

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The Alkaline Diet – Do You Believe These Common Myths?

In this article, I wish to give you the scoop on three frequent erroneous beliefs about the alkaline diet. I believe that this diet can have countless health benefits. Regrettably, a lot of people fail to make the most of these advantages due to the fact that they’ve bought into certain faulty concepts about this manner of eating. My purpose is to provde the truth, and as a result increase the chances that you’ll make the best decision for your specific needs.

The primary myth I would like to explore is the idea that the acid alkaline diet plan is a mere craze that’s based on the weird dreams of “diet gurus” with phony degrees. There are some individuals who fit this description, and there are additionally devious businesspeople who try to sell this diet by means of extravagant claims. Nevertheless, this does not automatically mean there is no such thing as a rational foundation for the alkaline diet. In actuality, many scientific studies have substantiated the benefits of the alkaline diet for preventing osteoporosis, alleviating pain, and other effects.

The second delusion in regards to the alkaline diet is that it forces you to relinquish all animal products. It is true that meat and dairy products are acid-forming, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to eradicate them altogether.

Building on the previous myth, a lot of people believe that they will have to give up all acid-producing foods in order to have the acid alkaline diet plan. In fact, even the strictest alkaline diets let you make acid meals 20 to 35 percent of your diet. That allows you to have quite a bit of variety, and still bring about an ideal internal acid-alkaline balance.

In conclusion, the alkaline diet does not have to be as fanatical as you may have thought. And far from being a dangerous fad diet, is actually a sound and scientifically-based approach to dropping pounds and enhancing your overall health.

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The Alkaline Diet – Common Misconceptions

In today’s article, I would like to take a moment to demystify a few of the widespread myths about the alkaline diet. Because it is not as well-known as certain other approaches, this diet has been the subject of quite a lot of misinformation. Fortunately, the reality of this way of eating is much more appealing then you may have been led to think.

The first myth is that in order to follow an alkaline diet, you must surrender all acid-producing foods. The reality, however, is that the goal of this diet is not to go to an extreme, but rather to achieve an ideal balance between acid-forming and alkaline-forming foods. Translation: Twenty to thirty-five percent of the foods you consume can still be acidifying.

The next myth about the acid alkaline diet is that it forces one to quit eating all animal products and become a vegan. Sure, you will very likely have more success on an alkaline diet if you reduce your consumption of meat and dairy products. These foods are loaded with protein, which has an acid-forming effect on your internal environment. But you still need some protein, which can come from either animal or vegetable sources. Provided that you exercise moderation, you don’t have to give up animal products altogether–unless you wish to, of course.

The third myth regarding an acid alkaline diet is that it’s just a dietetic fad. The truth is that scientific studies have demonstrated the ability of alkaline foods to combat osteoporosis, preserve muscle strength in older adults, and more.

In short, the alkaline diet has more benefits and fewer drawbacks than you may have been led to believe. The downside is minimal, so why not give the alkaline diet a try for a few weeks, and see what it can do for you?

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