Articles : Health

Health Benefits of Spices

2009-01-21T18:15:00-07:00

Learn what spices yield the most health benefits. Spices have been credited with reducing a person’s risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and a slew of other harmful medical conditions. But not until recently have scientists discovered its role in helping to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Once spice in particular, Curcumin--the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow color—has been generating a lot of buzz in the medical world. Curcumin is a member of the ginger family and is used extensively in Asian and Indian cuisine to make curries, dhal, pilaf and chutney. These days researchers looking for natural remedies for Alzheimer’s disease are embracing it. In a recent study scientists discovered that Americans have four times the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as the people in India, who consume large amounts of Curcumin on a daily basis.

The Healthier Red Meat

2009-01-14T18:09:00-07:00

Find out why bison meat is becoming so popular. When was the last time you had bison for breakfast? If you have never tried buffalo at breakfast or any other meal of meal of the day, health experts say you are missing out. Bison is now being referred to as the “better red meat” because those who eat it on a regular basis reap numerous health benefits. Bison is referred to as the “better red meat” because it is loaded with nutrients. Health experts are quick to point out that not only does bison meat contain a high proportion of protein and minerals in relation to its calorie content, but it is also an excellent source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, niacin, vitamin B6 and B12. Farmers who raise bison note that the animals are healthier than many that people consume on a daily basis. Typically, bison graze on grass and are not fed commercial feed or grains. They are also not subjected to drugs, chemicals and hormones. Consequently, they have a lower fat content than beef and pork. In fact, if you were to compare a 3-ounce portion of bison meat with the same portion of lean beef you would see that the bison has 143 calories and 2.4 grams of fat, while the lean beef has 211 calories and 10 grams of fat. Likewise, when compared with lean pork, which contains 212 calories and 9 grams of fat, bison is the healthier choice.

Foods That Benefit Diabetics

2009-01-07T18:03:00-07:00

Simple ways you can protect yourself from diabetes. According to the Centers For Disease Control, about 21 million Americans have diabetes, but at least six million don’t know they have it. Even more startling—the CDC estimates that another 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes, which means many U.S. residents lead lives that put them at risk for getting the disease. If diabetes goes untreated, it can lead to blindness, stroke, kidney failure, heart attack and amputations. Fortunately, early detection can prevent the complications of diabetes. When diagnosed early and treated correctly, diabetes can be controlled and the complications may be avoided or possibly delayed. Recently, much has been made of the role a person’s diet plays in preventing and controlling diabetes. Certain foods have been shown to minimize the risks of the potentially deadly disease, including some types of whole grains. Studies show whole grains containing the soluble fiber beta glucan or phytochemicals, which lower blood sugar levels, benefit those with diabetes and should be added to their diet. The best whole grains include oats, barley, buckwheat and quinoa. If you suffer from diabetes you should aim to get three servings of high soluble fiber whole grains each day.

Diabetes and Your Diet

2008-12-31T17:51:00-07:00

Learn how your diet can increase your risk of getting diabetes. When it comes to dealing with Type II diabetes it’s important to carefully monitor diet and lifestyle. Studies show that weight gain, especially abdominal fat, along with little or no exercise increases the risk for Type II diabetes. If you are a junk food fanatic, then you are also at risk for Type II diabetes. Doctors say if you consume two or more fast food meals per week you increase your diabetes risk. In addition, trans fats also increase inflammation and insulin resistance and elevate blood sugar levels. And bad news for soda lovers, according to studies, each soft drink you consume increases your diabetes risk by 60 percent. But, the news is not all bad. Scientists have identified certain foods that help lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. If you are looking to reduce your risk of Type II diabetes, then add the following to your diet: fish oils, monounsaturated fats, whole grains, vinegar and spices. Research shows that fish oils in particular help increase insulin sensitivity, which aids in lowering blood sugar levels. This, in turn, reduces insulin resistance by lowering blood sugar levels. Fish oils also help reduce inflammation, which is a major factor in diabetes. Health experts recommend diabetics eat at least two fish meals per week and take a fish oil supplement. The best fish are wild salmon, wild halibut, sardines, sablefish, trout, herring and tuna.

Choosing a Healthy Turkey

2008-12-24T21:55:00-07:00

Tips on choosing a turkey that will benefit your entire family. According to the National Turkey Federation, more than 50 percent of Americans will eat turkey at Christmas. However, contrary to popular belief not all turkeys contain the same nutrients. Here’s what you should know to ensure that you get the best turkey possible this holiday season: Natural Turkey – If the turkey is labeled “natural” it was minimally processed and contains no flavor agents, artificial ingredients, coloring or preservatives. Natural turkeys cost $1 to $2 per pound and can be purchased from supermarkets and natural foods stores. Free-Range Turkey – These types of birds are popular with animal rights activists. Free-range turkeys are allowed to roam around in the great outdoors. Experts say because of their diet of bugs and other natural products, plus the amount of exercise they get, free-range turkeys tend to have a more robust flavor and smoother texture. They cost $2.50-$5 per pound and can be purchased directly from the farm or from natural foods stores. Organic Turkey – These are similar to free-range turkeys, but they are also fed pesticide and chemical free grains and are not given antibiotics. These birds tend to be more expensive and have a strong turkey flavor. They cost $3.50-4.50 per pound and can be purchased directly from the farm or from natural foods stores.

Holiday Health Tips

2008-12-17T14:27:00-07:00

Facts you should consider before stuffing your face at the holiday dinner table. If you plan to gorge on holiday goodies over the next few weeks you aren’t alone. Studies show that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the average American packs on an additional 10 pounds. To avoid dealing with the nasty consequences of your holiday indulgences consider the following tips: Researchers found taking antioxidant supplements (vitamin C and E) before a large meal can reduce stomach upset and heartburn. Taking a walk or participating in some other form of exercise before dinner can help to stimulate fat clearing enzymes that reduce triglycerides. If you are going to gorge on nuts this holiday season, experts say stick with walnuts, which have been proven to reduce inflammation and oxidation and improve artery function, when eaten after high fat meals. Eat small meals during the day, including a light breakfast. Doing so will take the edge off, so you don’t overeat later. Focus on enjoying the foods you love the most and eat those first. Don’t fill up on foods you can eat anytime. Eat slower to control your appetite, satiety and portion sizes. Experts recommend chewing your food twice as long as you are used to. Limit alcohol intake because it stimulates appetite and removes inhibitions. It also makes you eat more without the guilt. Opt for water or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage. Include foods high in fiber and antioxidants to minimize damage to cells. Translation: Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Is Candy Really Bad for Your Child’s Health?

2008-12-10T18:21:01-07:00

Food for thought before you let your kids eat their way to the bottom of their holiday stockings. We all know that candy is loaded with sugar, fat and very few nutrients. But now that your kids have hauled in massive amounts from trick-or-treating you can’t expect them to just waste all those sweet treats, right? While too much sugar can lead to cavities and negatively effect insulin levels (which in turn can increase the risk of cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis and obesity), doctors say, if you are healthy a little candy may not be harmful. The key is to stick with “healthier” candy options. For example: Chocolate. The luscious sweet treat contains antioxidants that may reduce heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Chocolate Covered Nuts, Seeds and Peanut Butter. These candies contain healthy fats and minerals that reduce heart disease and cancer and aid weight loss when eaten in small amounts. Xylitol Gum. Trident is a good example of this type of gum that kills oral bacteria and increases the mineralization of teeth. Doctors say when it comes to eating candy moderation is key. Studies show that small amounts of candy eaten once or twice a week have the ability to enhance longevity. Conversely, eating large amounts of candy every day or consistently throughout the day can be harmful since it robs the body of other nutrients.

Do You Need a Flu Shot?

2008-12-03T16:37:00-07:00

It’s important that anyone that is considered high risk be vaccinated to protect against the flu. As you prepare your body and mind for the long winter months ahead on of the decisions you need to make is if you will get a flu shot. For those that have had one in previous years the decision is probably an easy one. But if you have never had a flu shot there may be some things you need to consider before making your final decision. Before you can decide if getting a flu shot is right for you it is important to understand what a flu shot does. Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs which in caused by a virus. Most people can fight the infection and can get better on their own. But for some, serious complications can occur. Every year thousands of people end up in the hospital due to these complications. The flu shot is a vaccine that contains a killed form of the virus. The vaccine causes your immune system to produce antibodies that can fight the virus if you are exposed to it later. It takes about two weeks for your body to make the antibodies so it is a good idea to get the flu shot in October or November before flu season begins.

Are Snack Packs Bad for Your Health?

2008-10-24T18:37:00-07:00

Information you need to know before buying more snack packs. They are everywhere these days—those new 100-calorie cookie and cracker snack packs. The word popular doesn’t do justice to these handy packs. A recent survey found that there are more than 150 different kinds of snack packs on the market right now and in 2007 their sales topped the $200 million mark. Manufacturers tout them as the “safe” way to add some sweetness to your diet without sabotaging your weight loss goal. However, some nutritionists are not fans of the new craze and warn consumers to read the fine print before stocking up on the colorful snacks. They may be convenient, especially if you are a family constantly on the go, but according to the American Dietetic Association, those cute and crunchy snack packs are really nothing more than empty calories, meaning the cookies and crackers included in the tiny bags have very little nutrients. Nutritionists say the snack packs are often smaller, thinner versions of the originals and because of their size they don’t always satisfy a person’s craving. In many cases a person may end up eating three or four snack packs to fill up. In the end, someone who was thought they would be eating just one of the 100-calorie snack pack ends up consuming 300 to 400 calories in a single sitting. A recent study showed that roughly 60% of people who chose to consume a smaller snack pack of crackers rather than pour out a portion from a regular size box ended up consuming more because it took them four snack packs to feel full.

Confessions of an Exercise Video Junkie

2008-10-23T23:57:00-07:00

Exercise videos provide a wonderful options for people to work out in the comfort of their own home. There are many options to choose from to vary your workout from day to day. I must admit that I am a bit of an exercise video junkie. Over the years I have accrued a sizable video library with a variety of workouts from step aerobics, kickboxing and even indoor fitness walking. I can’t walk past a video store without stepping inside to scan their selection of home exercise videos to see if there is something that I can add to my collection. Like many others, I love a good gym workout as well but working out in the comfort of my own home has a certain appeal for me that I just can’t resist. If you have ever tried exercise videos at home you will probably agree that there are many benefits to this type of workout and that they can be very beneficial to losing weight and staying physically fit. Exercise videos are usually led by world class instructors who are the top in their field. You know you are getting the best workout with these instructors. Working out with exercise videos can keep you from getting bored in your fitness routine. Many gym workouts focus on one type of exercise such as step-aerobics, kickboxing, boot camp, pilates or yoga. With exercise videos you can choose to participate in a different type of workout every day to keep your exercise routine fresh.