Healthy Life

Cholesterol Feared, but Needed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 5 Apr 2011 23:02:00 +0800

Unhealthy lifestyles have made the cholesterol as the enemy of man. Yet, these substances beneficial for the brain and liver, and neural networks that exist in the human body. In fact, cholesterol plays a role in the formation of sex hormones.

Hearing the word cholesterol, our minds most certainly directed to the disease of death such as heart disease, stroke, and so forth. Opinion is increasingly shaped by the many advertisements of food products which gives the lure of "free cholesterol".

Excessive exposure, suggesting that cholesterol is a great enemy to human health. Really dangerous cholesterol?

Judging from history, cholesterol does give a bad record for the medical world. In 1908, experts have found that guinea pigs that were fed meat, dairy fat, and eggs will experience excessive fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries (blood vessels).

This causes blood vessels become narrower, known as atherosclerosis. The process lasts very long and is the forerunner of stroke and heart attack. In 1913, several experts to formulate that the deposition of fat is cholesterol.

In 1916, Cornelius de Langen, a Dutch doctor who was working in Indonesia, found that the number of Indonesian indigenous people who suffer from heart disease is lower compared to Dutch people who lived in Indonesia.

He made the speculation that a low cholesterol content among the people of Indonesia caused a diet that contains more elements of plants, rather than Dutch people who prefer meat and other animal foods.
At the end of World War II, research experts in Scandinavia found that deaths from heart disease dropped dramatically during the war. This was due to lower consumption of meat, milk, and eggs.

Currently, the scientists found that people who suffer from heart disease, generally have higher cholesterol levels than healthy people.

In developed countries the consumption of high cholesterol (such as the United States), heart disease is one of the main causes of death. Report of the American Heart Association (AHA) says that more than 100 million adults in the U.S. have cholesterol levels above average, and 40 million of them have very high cholesterol levels. The condition causes the death rate from heart disease and stroke to reach 500,000 people every year. In 1976, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that calcification of the heart due to cholesterol a person has experienced since the age of 20 years. Calcification is getting thicker by 3 percent each year.

Viewing the facts above, not surprisingly, many people identify cholesterol as something that is harmful to human health, although this opinion is not entirely correct. This paper will provide balanced information about the positive and negative effects of cholesterol.

Formed in the Body

Is it true cholesterol? Cholesterol is a typical product of animal metabolism results. Cholesterol is found only in foods of animal origin such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, brain, and viscera. Judging from its chemical structure, cholesterol is a steroid group, which is a substance included in the group of lipids.

In humans, cholesterol itself can be synthesized in the body, namely in the liver, cortex, adrenal, skin, intestine, testis, stomach, muscle, adipose tissue, and brain. Approximately 17 percent of the dry weight of the brain composed of cholesterol. Thus, no cholesterol, brain structure can not be formed perfectly.

Although considered to be dangerous, cholesterol is still needed by the body. The average human takes 1100 milligrams of cholesterol per day to maintain cell walls and other physiological functions. Of these 25-40 percent (200-300 mg) are normally derived from food and the rest is synthesized by the body.

If the amount of cholesterol in the body is less, the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver and intestine increased to meet the needs of other tissues and organs. Conversely, if the amount of cholesterol in the diet increases, the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver and intestine decreased.

Although the body can synthesize cholesterol requirement, cholesterol from food plays an important role because it is a major sterol in the human body, as well as components of the cell surface and intracellular membranes.

Research in mice showed, if there is only 0.05 percent of cholesterol in the diet, 70-80 percent of cholesterol the body will be synthesized in the liver, small intestine, and adrenal glands. If the content of cholesterol in the diet rose to 2 percent, kolsterol biosynthesis in the body decreased to 10-30 percent.

Cholesterol the body needs, among others, in the synthesis of bile acids needed for digestion of fat or oil, vitamin D synthesis, and as a component of cell membranes. Cholesterol has a very important role in the body because not only cell membranes, but also other common biosynthetic precursor, including sex hormones and bile acids.

Cholesterol is a precursor of bile acids expenditures that are synthesized in the liver and serves to absorb triglycerides (triasilogliserol) and fat soluble vitamins from food, as well as the precursor of steorid hormone, estrogen, and testosterone.

Another role of cholesterol, which helps nerve cells function. When no cholesterol, coordination of gestures and speech will be disrupted.

Types of Cholesterol

When the body in good health and normal food consumption, body tends to maintain the balance of cholesterol. Diasup and synthesized cholesterol is converted into body tissue, hormones, and vitamins that are then circulated into the body via the blood.

Cholesterol can not dissolve in blood. To be transported in the bloodstream, cholesterol along with other fats (triglycerides and phospholipids) must bind to proteins to form insoluble compounds, namely lipoprotein.

Chylomicrons is a lipoprotein that transports fat to the liver. In the liver, fat ties will be outlined, so that the element is formed back fat. Fatty acids that form will be used as an energy source or if the amount of excess will be stored in fatty tissue.

When cholesterol intake is inadequate, the liver cells will produce it. From the liver, cholesterol is transported by a lipoprotein called LDL (low density lipoprotein) to be brought into the body cells that need it, including the heart muscle cells, brain, etc. in order to function properly.

Excess cholesterol will be transported back by lipoproteins called HDL (high density lipoprotein) to take to heart and it will be broken down and thrown into the gall bladder as a bile acid.

LDL contains more fat than the HDL, so it will float in the blood. The main proteins that form of LDL is apo-B (apolipoprotein-B). LDL is considered bad fats because it can cause the attachment of cholesterol in blood vessel walls.

LDL cholesterol is the largest carrier, which is about 60 percent of total plasma cholesterol. Although often referred to as bad cholesterol, LDL has an important role, namely to bring sterols into peripheral tissues and used for the construction of membrane or to the formation of steroid hormones.

HDL is the lipoprotein particles are dense and small, disintetis in liver and intestine. HDL is often referred to as good fats because of the operation he was clearing excess cholesterol from the blood vessel wall to transport it back to the liver. It is believed to be the main mechanism of HDL in protecting blood vessels against atherosclerosis.

These good fats can remove cholesterol from foam cells in wounds ateroklerosis or modifications to protect LDL from oxidation. The low levels of HDL in the plasma will increase the risk of coronary heart disease. The main proteins that form of HDL is Apo-A (apolipoprotein).

HDL has less fat content and high density or heavier.

No Need to Fat Phobia

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 5 Apr 2011 20:40:00 +0800

Fats are able to make fat, but not necessary until the fat phobia let alone to actually avoid it. Fat content of the proper equipment needed by the body to stay healthy.

Fat is the natural molecules are not soluble in water. This is why when people eat too much fat will be fat.

But fat also serves as a source of energy, helps the absorption of vitamins and cell growth. So the right amount of fat is still needed by the body.

"Today the fat has a negative connotation, so that more people are phobic to eat it. But this is the wrong approach," said Dr. Rachel Djuwita Hatma, MPH, in the Workshop titled 'The Importance of Role Fats Essential For Growth.

According to Dr. Ratna, the body requires food with a balanced composition, including fat. Balanced composition that is intended for 50-60 percent carbohydrates, 15-20 percent protein, 30 percent fat, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, D, E and minerals.

Well, it turns needed by the body fat is 30 percent. Levels of 30 percent should consist of 3 types of fat, namely saturated fatty acids (saturated fat or SAFA), monounsaturated fats acid (unsaturated fatty single bond or MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (unsaturated fat or PUFA double bonds).

Of the 30 per cent, the fat content of each must be balanced. SAFA is needed for 70-10 percent of needs fat, MUFA and PUFA by 12 percent 10 percent. Or by comparison is roughly the ratio 1:1:1.

"However, the problem is the consumption of bad fats SAFA is higher compared to other fat levels," said the doctor who is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Public Health UI. The ratio between SAFA, MUFA, and PUFA can achieve 4:1:1.

This is dangerous for health, as SAFA is bad fats which when excessive can lead to various diseases especially those associated with cardiovascular disease such as coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia.

As reported by the healthcastle, saturated fat or SAFA widely available in foods like red meat, high-fat dairy, eggs, and all sorts of fried foods.

While unsaturated fats or MUFA many single bonds found in nuts such as peanuts, walnuts, almonds, avocados and olive oils.

And unsaturated fats or PUFA double bonds found in many deep-sea fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and snapper, vegetable oils that are not heated too high, beans, tofu, bean sprouts, coconut oil, and avocado.

High Cholesterol, Should Abstinence Meat?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:41:00 +0800

One's diet affects cholesterol levels in the blood. Talk about your diet, amount and type of fat consumed did influence the size of our risk of heart disease.

Foods that contain saturated fats, either from animal meat and coconut oil, both of which will increase levels of cholesterol can cause fatty, especially in the heart. This is the forerunner of heart disease.

One way to reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the body is to reduce the intake of bad fats, like trans fat and saturated fat, red meat, cheese, and high-fat milk.

As a substitute for red meat, you can eat white meat or lean meat. Such as chicken without the skin. You also can choose in which meat has less fat content. To reduce the fat content in meat, meat should be processed by steaming or made clear soup.

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish rich in omega-3 at least twice a week to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in people with high cholesterol.

Types of foods derived from vegetable, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, contains almost no cholesterol. That is why, vegetarians who do not eat meat, including poultry meat, usually have cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Risky if Cholesterol Too Low

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:40:00 +0800

We've often heard that excess cholesterol in the blood is one of the main factors of heart abnormalities. Cholesterol is too low was as dangerous.

Cholesterol is a type of lipid molecules in the bloodstream. Cholesterol is produced by the liver and is needed for metabolic processes. Cholesterol is beneficial to the formation of cell membranes, some specific hormones, and other necessary tissues.

Cholesterol levels in the blood of normal is less than 200 milligrams per dL, bad cholesterol (LDL) less than 130 mg / dL, HDL cholesterol of more than 45 mg / dL, and triglycerides less than 200 mg / dL.

Someone declared excess blood cholesterol levels or high cholesterol if the total cholesterol levels reached more than 240 mg / dL. Excess cholesterol can cause buildup of fats that clog arteries.

On the other hand, cholesterol is too low or less than 160 mg / dL was also not recommended because it is dangerous to health.

Research shows that pregnant women who had total cholesterol levels are too low at high risk of premature delivery. The number of total and LDL cholesterol is too low is also associated with depression, anxiety and cancer diseases.

How to Alleviate Mental and Physical Conditions by Being Mindful

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:57:00 +0800

Long practiced by Buddhists, mindfulness is now well established in the West and widely used by those seeking psychological or spiritual change in their lives. Advocates believe this meditational practice can help alleviate a variety of mental and physical conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. But what is mindfulness and how might we use it?

SEIZE THE MOMENT
Mindfulness is concerned with the present; with keeping your consciousness alive to the present moment. This may appear a simple task, but is harder than it sounds. Most of the time, our minds are taking us back into the past or into the imaginary future.

To help us to engage with the present moment, breath work is a great help, because unlike our mind, it is always present. So becoming aware of your breathing — in and out, in and out — is a wonderful start to becoming present.

NOTICE WHAT IS NOW

We are also helped into the present by noticing things: if we’re turning a key in a lock, we notice we are turning a key in a lock; if we’re walking down the street, we notice the shifting cloud formations or the negative feelings arising in us towards a car driver.

It’s about noticing what’s happening now. When we make a cup of tea or do the washing-up without thinking of what we are going to do next, we are mindful.

We are happier when we notice the present and let the future take care of itself.

BECOME THE EXPLORER

Mindfulness makes explorers of us, and like all explorers we will have to be brave if we wish to discover new lands. Mindfulness asks a hard question of us: are you willing to experience openly what makes you unhappy?

We tend to shy away from this because the thought of it scares us. And, of course, this is why we became unhappy in the first place, because we were scared.

But if we are willing to face things, we will discover a fresh knowing — virgin territory, which restores happiness.

If we are not willing to face things, then, sadly, we continue to walk the same mental circles we have always walked. There is a great courage in mindfulness.

SEA OF CALM

Meditation and mindfulness can ease depression, lower blood pressure and chronic pain

STOP THINKING

Surprisingly, mindfulness encourages us to stop taking our thoughts too seriously. It invites us to stop wandering off into the past or the future.

Instead, we stop thinking and focus on our breathing. We’re quiet, present and watch our thoughts as they arise. Soon, we become aware of the mad restlessness and capriciousness of our minds, and, in time, we begin to take our thoughts less seriously.

This is liberating, as we have been their unquestioning slave for too long. Our thoughts do not always offer us the ‘reality’ we imagine.

DON'T CENSOR YOURSELF - ACCEPT YOURSELF

As you get in touch with your breathing, thoughts will arise in you, unbidden. Don’t censor them, whatever their nature, but rather allow them all.

In accepting them, you accept yourself. If you censor emotions as they appear, they’ll bury themselves even deeper within you and you’ll never discover anything you didn’t know already.

If you allow everything, it may well be that you meet what is making you unhappy, but this is good.

How can you say ‘goodbye’ to it until you’ve said ‘hello’?

QUESTION THE NEGATIVE

We are shaped by what we do with our negative experiences. Depression, for instance, is a turning away from experience in order to avoid emotional pain.

Mindfulness doesn’t stop negative thoughts or feelings, but does help us to question their believability. Are these negative feelings quite as solid as they appear? Life is all in the perception; how we perceive events.

Mindfulness practice creates in us a sense of water flowing, things passing through, rather than hard blocks of ice inside us, solid and immovable.

JUDGE BY RESULTS

Our judgments of others arise in direct proportion to our self-judgment. But as we allow ourselves to notice self-judgment, we also allow ourselves to be free of it.

People at peace are those who both see and accept the truth of who they are, rather than avoiding it and blaming someone else. Such people are less likely to find fault with others.

GIVE UP YOUR OPINIONS

You cannot be mindful while holding on to your opinions. That’s like trying to keep dry by jumping into the sea.

PROTECT THE SPACE

Add a tablespoon of salt to a glass of water and it makes a significant difference. Add the same spoon of salt to a jug of water and it makes some difference to the taste.

Add it to a lake, however, and it hardly affects anything.

Mindfulness makes us larger containers. This happens as we remove from ourselves all the clutter of past and future concerns.

In the present, we have endless inner space, which is a great step towards happiness.

Difficult emotions, like salt, may remain, but their power to affect us is diffused. Previously they could ruin our day, but now they can barely ruin five minutes.

Source: Simon Parke’s new book One-Minute Mindfulness.

Healthy Bones Male Infertile sperm

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 15:49:00 +0800

Sperm quality in men is not only determined by the condition of the reproductive system, but also influenced by bone health. If you want to have sperm quality, make sure the framework of the body is always maintained his health.

A study at Columbia University showed that the healthy bone to produce more osteocalcin, a protein that make up the bones and teeth. Protein content is what will affect the fertility of male reproductive system.

In that study, men whose bones are not many produce osteocalcin tend to be less potent difficult to fertilize their partner. Conversely, if osteocalcin produced in the bone more and more, the quality of male sperm would increase so that more potent.

When investigated further, osteocalcin was associated with the production of the male sex hormone testosterone. High levels of osteocalcin which trigger the production of more testosterone, so men are capable of producing higher quality sperm.

The findings are then followed up with an experiment on male rats. When male rats were injected ostgeocalcin, testosterone production increases, which produced more sperm quality, and certainly more potent to inseminate female mice.

"The relationship between bone health with the reproductive system were observed only in men. We did not find similar effects in women and female rats," said the researcher, as quoted by Gerard Karsenty of Sify.com, Monday (02/21/2011).

This finding is quite interesting because the relationship between the bone with the reproductive system previously only focused on the function of the gonad gland, the gland that regulates male and female genitalia. The higher activity of the gonad gland, the more bone cells produced by the body.

Condensed sperm Not Necessarily More Fertile

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 11:59:00 +0800

Most men would not worry if the sperm is too weak, because the viscosity including indicators of sperm quality. But the sperm is thick also not always good, because if too thick it will be difficult to fertilize the egg.

Semen quality characteristics have somewhat thicker because it contains protein. The nature of the protein is easy to clot (coagulation) when involved in contact with air, so the level of consistency can be measured by the length of sperm clumping.

Normally sperm will clot within 20-30 minutes if left in the open air. Sperm that is too thin it may take longer to clot and is usually triggered by the number of sperm cells that are too small or there is infection in the urinary tract.

Still does not mean that rapid semen clot is always more potent or fertile than the more dilute. Sperm are too quick to clot alias too thick it difficult for sperm cells to swim toward the egg to be fertilized.

Quoted from WebMD on Thursday (17/02/2011), semen viscosity is rarely the sole cause of infertility in men. That is, sperm that are too thick really is not that affect the quality of sperm in relation to the ability to fertilize an egg.

But in many cases, sperm that are too thick are closely related to other conditions that reduce male fertility, such as prostatitis or prostate tract infection. Thickness of sperm is often used by urology doctors to detect the infection.

In these circumstances, the quality of sperm produced will generally decline. Moreover, the liquid becomes more viscous sperm, sperm cells must be diluted and then manually injected into the egg through artificial insemination if you want to have kids.

Male births over the year 1980 Number of Sperm Tended to Decrease

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 10:25:00 +0800

The male sperm cell production dwindle over time, allegedly due to increased pollution that contaminate food and the environment. The impact not only reduce fertility, but also increase the risk of cancer in men.

Research conducted by experts from the University of Turku in Finland showed that the number of male sperm cells began to decrease since the late 1970s. Only in 10 years, the average number of sperm produced by men has decreased by about 30 percent.

Research conducted in Finland that note, the number of sperm produced by men born in 1979-1981 was about 227 million / ml. Men born in 1982-1983 to produce 202 million sperm / ml, while the above was born in 1983 produced only 165 million / ml.

Although only performed in Finland, the results of this study is believed to be an indicator of male fertility in the world. The reason for this Finnish man considered the most 'manly' in terms of fertility, since sperm production average more than any other man in the world.

Besides observing that fewer sperm production, researchers also saw the risk of cancer in men who tended to increase. Compared to the group of men born in the era of the 1950s, testicular cancer is more common in men who were born after the 1980's.

Experts suspect, both of these are caused by pollutants that contaminate food and the environment. Pollution is increasing from time to time trigger disturbances in the growth of male fetuses while still in the womb, especially related to the reproductive system.

"Decreased production of sperm and the increased risk of testicular cancer occur simultaneously, so that the suspected cause is pollution that could have prevented," writes Prof. Jorma Toppari, who led the study, as quoted by the BBC on Monday (07/03/2011).

Prof. Toppari advised to follow up the findings of the investigative studies to identify any pollutants that trigger such changes. Later, if it has been ascertained the cause, sperm production can be maintained so as not to continue to dwindle in the next generation.

Cholesterol: Myths and Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 5 Mar 2011 09:54:00 +0800

A lot of myths circulating among the public about cholesterol. The lack of true understanding can lead to misinformation about cholesterol and symptoms. Therefore, it is important to straighten the myths that have long circulated in the community for cholesterol symptoms can be avoided with more careful and precise.

Myth: Eating goat meat will cause high cholesterol and hypertension.
Fact: Not true. There is no evidence that goat meat has a higher fat content than any other red meat.

Myth: In people with high cholesterol, if diligent exercise and diet and body in a condition fit means good cholesterol.

Fact: In addition to exercise and diet, there are other things that affect cholesterol levels, such as weight, smoking, family history, age, and gender. For cholesterol awake, it takes a healthy lifestyle and medication adherence.

Myth: High cholesterol and cardiovascular disease only problem man.
Fact: Not true. Although before the menopause women produce estrogen which can reduce the risk of heart disease, but keep in mind other factors such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, heredity, and so forth.

Myth: Just avoid the meat, coconut milk, and organ meats, cholesterol must be normal.
Fact: Not necessarily, because 80 percent of blood cholesterol is produced from within our own bodies. When metabolism is deteriorating, then the drug is needed in addition to a healthy lifestyle modification.

Myth: High cholesterol levels are not dangerous because they do not cause symptoms.
Fact: Although asymptomatic, high cholesterol levels are dangerous because they alter the blood vessel wall and trigger coronary heart disease.

Myth: High cholesterol is only suffered by parents.
Fact: High cholesterol can be suffered by people of various age groups, ranging from children, teens, to parents.

Myth: Fat people have higher cholesterol levels than thin people.
Fact: Not necessarily, because the cholesterol level is affected by many factors, including what we eat, how fast your body to produce and dispose of bad cholesterol, level of health and eating habits.

Don't Die Young Because Bad Habit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 4 Mar 2011 12:43:00 +0800

Most people already know that the bad things he did can lead to severe health conditions and lead to death. However, though still many people who still do it. If you always think positive, then everyone wants to live long and have a healthy body. But not a few people who actually plunged himself to die young by doing a bad habit.

Know there are some bad habits that can reduce a person for life expectancy or lead to premature death, namely smoking, especially if it starts from an early age, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity at least less than two hours in a week and have a poor diet that is consume less fruit and vegetables but consume lots of fat or sugar.

Researchers from Norway have found that people who have behaviors that allow fatal triple die from heart disease or cancer.

"The pattern of life as it could increase four-fold risk of death by various causes and can make someone look 12 years older than his age," said Dr. Elisabeth Kvaavik, from the University of Oslo, as quoted by the LATimes, Monday (05/10/2010 .)

In addition, an unhealthy lifestyle cause a person to have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and various other health conditions that can trigger blood vessel disease.

Bad habits that persist can destroy a person's life, which can make it become unhealthy, losing a lot of money and cause of death at a young age.

To prevent this, there must be awareness of that person to want to change the pattern of his life for the better.

As quoted from eHow on Monday (5/10/2010) there are some things you can do to stop this bad habit, namely:

Finding out what makes you enjoy these bad habits and pay attention to why it is spoiling this bad habit. Now we know the cause, try to rethink this and make changes.
Consistent with the efforts made to change bad habits. If you have a sincere desire to change, then try making these changes every day.
Keep the change these habits for 3 weeks. A study conducted several years show an ingrained habit could be if it has been done about 3 weeks. So during that time to do modifications to maintain it.
Try to have the notion that what is done today will be far more positive and good for your self and others.
Received support from the people around when needed. As much as possible away from the things that can trigger a return to bad habits.

To avoid death at younger ages due to unhealthy lifestyles, should avoid all bad habits that could increase the risk of death from various diseases. Begin to change into a healthier lifestyle.

Vegetables and Fruits are Important for Our Healthy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 3 Mar 2011 12:54:00 +0800

Eating fruits and vegetables is one recommendations for a healthy diet, but still many people who do not like to eat fruit or vegetables. Why eating fruits and vegetables important for the body? Here are some reasons why the fruit and vegetable important.

The National Cancer Institute recommends that every person eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. There are many reasons why fruit and vegetables is very important for body. As reported by the HSPH and FamilyEducation, Every person needs a lot of fruit and vegetable consumption Many studies have shown that fruits and vegetables is very important to obtain good health. In fact, the fruits and vegetables should be the basis of a healthy diet.

Every person, regardless of age, need to double the number of intake of fruit and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables protect the health. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibers are important for the body.

Eating fruits and vegetables every day can bring benefits:
   1. Reducing the risk of heart disease
   2. Reducing the risk of hypertension
   3. Reducing the risk of type II diabetes
   4. Reducing cancer risk
   5. Digestive system launched
   6. A healthy vision system
   7. A healthy memory function
   8. Boost the immune system
   9. Bones and teeth healthy

Fruits and vegetables against various types of diseases.
Fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals that chemical compounds such as beta-carotene which occurs naturally in plants, and very important to resist various kinds of diseases.

Phytochemicals are usually related to color. Green, yellow-orange, red, blue, purple, white and contain a combination of them own.

Here are the colors of fruits and vegetables for health:

Green color, containing various phytochemicals such as lutein and indoles, which act as antioxidants and enhance immunity.
Yellow-orange color, containing various amounts of antioxidants such as vitamin C and carotenoids and bioflavonoids.
Red color, vitamin A is good for health eye. Efficacy of other content such as lycopene and anthocyaninsbeing studied.
Blue-purple color, containing various amounts of phytochemicals promote health such as anthocyanins and phenolics, antioxidants that fight premature aging.
White and brown, containing various amounts phytochemicals that function for body fitness.

Fruit and vegetables to regulate body weight Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber can help control weight. By eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and low-calorie foods, you can easily control your weight your body.

Fruit and vegetable sources of energy
People who are busy need nutritious food, energy and easy obtained, such as fruits and vegetables fresh. Fruits and vegetables are sources of natural energy and provide the body many of the nutrients needed to stay alive.

Cheap Ways to Overcome Osteoporosis

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 2 Mar 2011 20:06:00 +0800

Studies by scientists at the Women's College Research Institute and the University of Toronto, Canada, indicates that the use of nitroglycerin ointment has the potential to increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

An initial study provide hope for the availability of an effective and inexpensive treatment for bone disease or osteoporosis.

In the Journal of the American Medical Association reported the use of nitroglycerin ointment for two years in post-menopausal women a significant effect on increasing bone mineral density (BMD) and decrease bone resorption.

"Nitroglycerin can stimulate bone formation and prevent resorption. It can give an effect on bone density and structure," said researchers in a report.

Nitroglycerin has been previously used extensively as a vasodilator, a drug that causes dilation of blood vessels and help solve problems of the heart such as angina and chronic heart problems.

Sophie Jamal and his team tested the efficacy of nitroglycerin ointment improvement the bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, femoral neck and pelvis. In addition to using nitroglycerin, the researchers also use a placebo as a comparator.

A total of 243 post-menopausal women were included in the research that took place between November 2005 to March 2010. Respondents were randomly selected to use nitroglycerin ointment or placebo, which is massaged before sleep for two years.

The results show, the group given nitroglycerin showed a significant increase in BMD at the lumbar spine (6.7 percent), hip (6.2 percent), and femoral neck (7.0 percent) over 24 months than those who were given placebo.

Users nitroglycerin also increased BMD and bone strength on the radius and tibia bone. In addition, compared to placebo, the use of nitroglycerin was significantly associated with increased specific alkaline phosphate, which is a marker of bone formation and decrease in N-telopeptide (markers of bone resorption).

Meanwhile, reports of serious side effects are not too different between the two groups. Among the group who continued treatment for 24 months, cases have been reported headaches in 35 percent of nitroglycerin and 5.4 percent in the placebo group during the first month and showed a decrease after 12 months.

"In conclusion, the granting of nitroglycerin ointment increases bone formation and resorption decrease so as to improve BMD, bone structure and bone strength index at least better than medication at this time. The findings also indicate the use of nitroglycerin per day lowered the risk of vertebral fractures and non-vertebral. Efficacy of nitrate reduce fracture risk should be examined again in a larger scale, randomized and controlled."

Cholesterol, Men Longevity Key Factor

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 2 Mar 2011 07:42:00 +0800

Research shows, the quality of a man's health can be determined also by the levels of cholesterol in their blood. Those who are able to maintain stable levels of good cholesterol or HDL his relative has a long life.

According to researchers at the Boston study published the American Journal of Cardiology, the man who is able to reach the age of 85 years tend to have high HDL cholesterol levels while in their 60s. Men of his HDL highest risk of less than 28 percent died at age 85, compared with men with HDL levels was the lowest.

Dr. Nir Barzillai from the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, U.S., believes the results of this study add to evidence that cholesterol plays an important role in determining the quality of one's health.

"We must always remember that this is a relationship, and it does not mean having a high HDL can increase life expectancy," said Barzillai.

According to the American Heart Association, about 12 million people in the land of Uncle Sam suffering from heart disease and stroke by the year 2006. But the risk of heart problems can actually be lowered by maintaining HDL cholesterol levels remain high. HDL levels are low, less than 40 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dL) in blood, as long as it is also known to increase risk of heart disease.

Scientists from the Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center in Boston, USA, conducted a review of medical records of 650 veterans when they were aged about 65 years. Later, these veterans can be sorted by their HDL levels.

Starting from the lowest level that is 40 mg / dL, the researchers found that each 10 mg / dL increase in HDL, a man has an 14 percent reduced risk of dying at age 85. Overall, there are 375 veterans who survive past the age.

In addition, there were few men of her high HDL levels who are overweight and among those likely to drink alcohol does not exceed two drinks a day. Among them are also less likely to have heart problems and smoking, than in the low HDL group.

According Barzillai these factors also may affect the durability of the men. Even so, the researchers did not consider these factors, and and the results of the study showed a strong relationship between attainment of age 85 with high levels of HDL.

Barzillai add, to alter HDL levels in the body is not easy. Exercise may help, but now there is no way the most efficient way to improve HDL levels. "At the end we may need medication," he said.

According to the Mayo Clinic, one type of supplement intake of vitamin B that niacin may help boost HDL levels between 15 to 35 percent. However, there is a risk that sempingnya effect on liver damage and increased blood sugar. But there is also a natural source of niacin that is made from dairy products, lean meat, beans, eggs and fish.

Keeping Cholesterol at The "Safe" Levels

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 1 Mar 2011 15:55:00 +0800

According to nutritionist Joy Bouner, MS, RD, CDN, author of Your Inner Skinny, food containing cholesterol is not the only cause of rise in bad cholesterol or LDL in the blood. In fact, actual genetic factor which becomes the biggest factor in the formation of LDL. "It is the heart that affect how much cholesterol is produced by the body and unfortunately there are some people who produce genetically high cholesterol."

We would often hear the shrimp and egg yolk is food with high cholesterol content. Does this mean we should stop eating them for cholesterol in our blood can not jump?

American Heart Association recommends us to eat no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day. And, sources of cholesterol are meat, dairy products, meat, poultry, shellfish, and egg yolks.

In people who are genetically sensitive to cholesterol when eating foods high in saturated fat, the levels of LDL in the blood will rise sharply. That's why we need an ideal dose of fat that enters the body for our hearts ldd produces fatigue in the blood. Lifestyle factors also affect the ease of the body to produce cholesterol.

American Heart Association recommends us to eat no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day. And, sources of cholesterol are meat, dairy products, meat, poultry, shellfish, and egg yolks.

Bouner later explained, in fact cholesterol is a nutrient that is unique. Cholesterol comes from animals, in principle there that contain saturated fat and need special attention to taking appropriate dose. While in plants, because the high fiber content then certainly lower cholesterol levels or even none at all.

Then, if the shrimp and egg yolk are safe for consumption? Overall, egg yolk contains 212 mg of cholesterol. But the truth is not only the cholesterol that is in the yolk, there is also choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Even the Harvard study in 2008 and then prove that moderate consumption of eggs (6 eggs per week) did not make the risk of heart attack and stroke increases.

So, we actually need tricks to enjoy eggs without making our blood cholesterol increases. Bouner suggest using 1 egg yolk with 2 to 3 egg whites when they want to make an omelet.

It is not much different can actually be applied to the shrimp. Although the actual levels of cholesterol can reach 166mg per 300 grams, but the shrimp are rich in protein and Omega-3. So, do not hesitate to eat them once a week. But remember, cook shrimp with boiled, not fried, because cooking oil will increase the levels of saturated fat.

However, specifically for people with type 2 diabetes, intake of cholesterol into the body is given special attention. Proportion did not exceed 200 mg per day. That means, egg yolks and shrimp should only be enjoyed occasionally.

Is Risky Using Laptop for Long Time Daily

noreply@blogger.com (Afdi Fadillah) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:19:00 +0800

Children and adolescents carrying a laptop is now a common sight. However, parents are advised to restrict the use of laptops in young people because it can affect the growth of muscles and their posture.
According to a study by a team from Boston University, revealed about 50 percent of the student laptop users often complain of pain after using the computer for an hour. Research carried out on 18 million students in 2008.

"Disturbances in the musculoskeletal system that occurs in childhood through young adulthood need to be a concern because of their posture and musculoskeletal system is still developing," said Karen Jacobs, lead researcher and therapist from Boston University.

He explained that the complaint of pain due to the use of laptops are now often experienced by children in many countries. In addition to parents to monitor the duration of the use of laptops, Jacobs also recommends that children be taught to do the stretching and muscle exercises to prevent posture problems in the future.
The report that was launched by The Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2009 found musculoskeletal disorders (muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons) reached 29 percent of all accidents in the workplace and cause the workers to take sick leave.

According to Jacobs, one of the causes of muscle or joint disorders in children are a laptop user's desk that is used is not appropriate. To relieve soreness, he suggested that laptop users use a mouse than the trackpad on the laptop.

"Wearing a trackpad made we are in an awkward position because the position of the hand through the body, rather than relaxing on the side," said Jacobs, who had become president of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

When using the trackpad, usually a finger, tendon fingers are constantly being widened and cause muscle and joint tension. In a long time, this discomfort will extend to the shoulder, wrist, and arm.

Besides, most people also rest their wrists when using the touchpad. This condition is called contact pressure (contact stress) and would overload the wrist muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

"Laptop originally designed for use on the desk. Therefore, we should add accessories such as mice and keyboards to prevent joint pain," said Jacobs.

From the research he is doing, it is known that children who suffer the most pain because the use of laptops are generally children who are not actively engaged. "There is a trend that physically active people more often suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. This occurs both in children and adults," said Robin Billespie, ergonomics expert.

Like athletes who must perform to warm up before getting out into the field, Jacobs also suggested that laptop users are stretching on the sidelines wearing laptop. "Walking around after using the laptop for two hours is a good start," he said. He also advised to perform stretching exercises the hands, neck, back, and head every day.

Avoid Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease with Fruits

noreply@blogger.com (Afdi Fadillah) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:39:00 +0800

As quoted by the Daily Mail, extracted from apples, oranges and bananas was found to reduce damage to neurons, sarah cells in the brain and spinal cord. The researchers also found that antioxidants contained in these three prevent toxins in neurons while you're experiencing stress.

Blessed are you who like to eat fruits. Recent research reveals that consume fruit regularly can make you avoid Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

"Apples are not peeled has a high antioxidant substances, only then oranges and bananas," said Professor Chang Y Lee, who led the research.

Research conducted by Professor Chang Y Lee was triggered by the number of questions about other benefits of apples, oranges and bananas. That's why he and his research team do some additional research.

"Many studies indicate that the brains of many Alzheimer's patients have increased pressure or stress. dysfunction that occurs is believed due to nerve degeneration in these patients. Our results suggest that fresh apples, bananas and oranges and other fruits may protect neuron cells. Fruit play an important role in reducing the neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, "concludes Professor Chang Y Lee.

Hypertension Due to Hereditary Factors

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 09:08:00 +0800

Hypertension or high blood pressure is known to be a derived condition. As many as 9 out of 10 people who suffer from hypertension due to hereditary factors proved.

"About 90-95 percent or 9 out of 10 patients with hypertension due to hereditary factors, so it means a reduced talent already there," said Prof. Dr. Dr. Jose Roesma, SpPD-KGH in the event of The 5th Scientific Meeting on Hypertension 2011 in the Ritz Charlton Hotel, Jakarta Saturday (02/26/2011).

Professor Jose said this talent could be from parents, uncle, grandfather, grandmother or aunt and will appear or if the situation develops and supports the surrounding environment. Because these transcription factors can not be avoided, then this environment to be maintained for example maintain weight, not eating too much salt and exercise so as not to become hypertensive.

"Hypertension is usually silent or do not have symptoms that appear, sometimes after 5-10 years feels new or existing complications," said Prof. Jose.

An estimated 76 percent of cases of hypertension in the community that have not been diagnosed, in this case one does not know that he suffered from hypertension. This is because hypertension does not show any symptoms or complaints so often referred to as the silent killer.

The high prevalence of hypertension allegedly closely associated with lifestyle, stress levels, eating patterns, especially in terms of salt consumption and physical inactivity. Based on 2007 data Riskesdas known almost a quarter (24.5 percent) of Indonesia's population aged over 10 years of eating a salty meal times or more each day.

"If someone already has high blood pressure will have to change lifestyles and also taking the drug. Because if not in 10 years just select the heart, stroke or dialysis," said Prof. Dr. MA Roesli Ruly, SpPD-KGH.

Somewhat normal blood pressure 120/80 and said if the value of high blood pressure if its value is 140/90. And if the pressure between 120-140 for systolic and 80-90 for diastolic, then called pre-hypertension. People who prehypertension should be careful and keep the pattern of his life so as not to cause complications.

Prof. Rully revealed in measuring blood pressure should also be done right, like in a sitting position, not out smoking, not drinking coffee out, not after exercise, not full bladder condition and has been calibrated tools.

"For that measure blood pressure is important and should be done regularly and properly. We encourage all people know how much blood pressure has, just like when he knows what blood type," said Prof. Rully.

The public should know that hypertension is a serious medical condition, can cause complications and should not be overlooked. Thus check blood pressure regularly and correctly.

Health Is Our Biggest Asset

noreply@blogger.com (Afdi Fadillah) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 15:27:00 +0800

Our health is our biggest asset - more than even happiness, at times.

Specially for the student like me.. So, do take best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am in the morning.

This is few tips from the expert about everyday check list for our own health:

Reduce the amount of coffee or tea you consume
Do not eat bread which has only JUST been toasted
Keep your distance from hand phone chargers
Drink more water in the morning, less at night
Do not drink coffee twice a day
Reduce the amount of oily food you consume
Best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am in the morning
Do not have HUGE meals after 5pm
Do not take alcohol more than one glass/cup/serving a day
Do not take pills with cool water
Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine before sleeping
Getting less than 8 hours of sleep affects your health
People used to napping will not get old easily
If you can't get do early morning runs, 5pm-8pm in the afternoon is a great time for jogging
When battery is down to the last grid/bar, do not answer the phone. The radiation is 1000 times, Answer the phone by left ear. It'll spoil your brain directly by using right ear
Do not use headphones/earphone for extended periods of time. Rest your ear awhile after 1 hour