Wednesday 20 November 2013

Coconut Sugar - A low GI sugar rich in amino acids and B vitamins.


 Coconut sugar which is called also coconut sap sugar, is a sugar derived from the sap of coconut tree flowers. In Southeast Asia where coconut trees flourish coconut sugar had been incorporated as a traditional sweetener. This type of sugar is consisted of sucrose which is responsible for the sweet and the caramel like flavour. One of the important features of coconut sugar is that there is minimum application of processing thus the majority of minerals remain in the sugar. As a sugar it can be an effective substitute to white and brown sugar. 

Health Benefits of Coconut Sugar:

  • Suitable for diabetics: The glycemic index score of coconut sugar which is 35, is similar to this one of the fruit and vegetables. Thus the effect of sugar in the blood sugar levels is insignificant. Other types of sugars can contain high glycemic index such as maple syrup and honey which account for 69 and more and refined sugars up to 90.

Coconut Sugar: ''Low Glycemic-High Nutrient''

  • Rich in amino acids: Coconut sugar does not undergo processing so the 16 amino acids that are found originally in the sap remain. 100 grams of coconut sugar provide with 34.2 grams of glutamic acid, 11.2 grams of aspartic acid, 15.4 grams of threonine and 8.2 grams of serine. The role of these amino acids is critical as they are essential for cell growth and repair, metabolic function along with hormone production. 

  • B vitamin complex: Coconut sap is rich in vitamins and particularly it contains 12 of the essential B vitamins with inositol being the prevalent. Inositol is applied for the treatment of anxiety and sadness. Coconut sugar is also high in thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, choline, pyridoxal, para-amino benzoic acid, pantothenic acid and nicotinic acid. 

  • Excellent source of trace minerals: A teaspoon of coconut sugar provides with significant amounts of trace minerals found in refined sugar. Phosphorus that is important for bone growth and kidney function,  potassium that reduces hypertension, nitrogen that is effective towards cardiovascular diseases and magnesium that stimulates the brain are minerals that are found abundant in the coconut sugar. 

Tuesday 12 November 2013

Alkaline Foods recommended for diet

Cantaloupe
 Nowadays the majority of the food that is consumed in the modern world is comprised of acidic foods. However this type of foods when acquired in high levels there are various health issues that arise such as damage of the digestive system. Therefore it is critical to be an appropriate balance between acid and basic foods. 

 The pH of our body is acidic so it is designated for us to consume foods that are basic such as bananas, avocados, carrots, celery and berries. Consumption of basic foods is associated with considerable health benefits such as proper function, protection from oxidation and viruses and improved body performance. 

 Top Alkaline Containing Foods:

1) Apples, apricots and alfalfa sprouts: Aid in digestion and contain large amount of fiber. The pH ranges around 8 which is critical for the regulation of pH in the blood. Additionally, enzymes assist in the maintenance of a normal and healthy hormonal balance.

2) Grapes, passion fruit, pineapple and raisins: High in antioxidants and in vitamin A, B and C. These foods are recognized for their blood regulation effect and they help in lowering blood pressure and in reducing the heart disease risk. Pineapple especially is high in L carnitine which is an ingredient that uses body fat for energy. 

3) Limes, mangos and papaya: Function of digestive system is enhanced and the kidney is cleaned out. 

4) Cantaloupe: Great source of Vitamin A which is effective towards free radicals consequences. 

5) Watermelon: Mild diuretic and high source of lycopene, vitamin C and beta carotene.


Monday 11 November 2013

Avoid infant formulas

Infant formulas: Don t prefer them

  Infant formulas is a mode of delivery that has been preferred by parents over many years however recent research suggests that there are potential harmful consequences concerning this type of formulas in terms of disease occurrence. Infants are at risk of developing ear infections, allergies, respiratory infections and other problems. Infant formulas are of significant concern as they contain ingredients that are harmful in relation to human milk which possesses beneficial and essential ingredients.

 Over the recent years there has been a considerable research towards the composition of the infant formulas and the outcome suggests that other modes of delivery are recommended due to the chemicals that are involved in the formulas. One type of chemical is Bisphenol A which can cause pediatric brain cancer, hyperactivity and reproductive abnormalities. This type of chemical is applied in the can lining for liquid formula by formula manufacturers. 

 A high amount of recalls is attributed to the chemical Melanine. It is a chemical compound that was detected in 76 tons of infant formula in China. Melamine is incorporated into pesticides, fertilisers, plastics and fish food. It can be harmless but as a chemical should not be applied in infant formulas. 

  There is a type of infant formulas that can cause severe health consequences and it is recommended to be avoided. This is the soya infant formulas. High levels of manganese within soy based formula results in poisoning which leads to hallucinations and brain damage. Physical and emotional disturbances are possible also due to the high amount of plant based estrogens. 


Astaxanthin found to reduce oxidation, DNA damage and liver cancer formation

Fresh Salmon-Astaxanthin

  Astaxanthin is a yellow orange pigment which belongs to xanthophylls. It can be found in abundance in algae and plankton and it is directly involved in the red-pink colour in krill, salmon, shellfish and even flamingos. Astaxanthin is recognized for some benefits that it offers and these are extended apart from removal of free radicals from the body. 

  Astaxanthin has a characteristic mobility which allows it to cross cell barriers, the retinal barrier and the blood brain barrier. Thus removal of free radicals from inside the cells, protection of eyes and brain are encouraged through application of Astaxanthin. Moreover, Astaxanthin tends not to oxidize after the removal of free radicals, therefore it continues working. 

  One of significant concerns of a vast range of the population is inflammation. An effective treatment for various inflammations and chronic diseases is Astaxanthin. It is incorporated as a remedy for joint pain arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and exercise related conditions. Apart from its contribution in the treatment of inflammation related incidences it boosts the immune system, regulates blood pressure, improves reproductive health, relieves prostate problems and it is one of the best antioxidants for eye health. 


Friday 1 November 2013

Juices. Best recipes for Health.

Cranberries: Beneficial for health

1) Vegetable juice: Plant based nutrients are provided to the diet through acquiring veggies in form of juices. Lycopene in tomato juice appears to lower the risk of prostate cancer. Beet juice reduces blood pressure. Additionally, pulpy vegetable juice contain significant amounts of fiber that aid in hunger control. 

2) Pomegranate juice: Juice that is quite high in sugar and calories but it is recognized for its antioxidant content. Thus brain function is enhanced and cancer occurrence is eliminated. 

3) Cranberry Juice: Juice that is high in Vitamin C that is vital to a healthy immune system. Unsweetened cranberry juice can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

4) Blueberry Juice: Blueberries contain a significant amount of antioxidants so when they are found in juice there is benefit associated with a healthy brain. Moreover memory is improved and learning is enhanced. 

5) Acai berry Juice: This type of juice is originated from a type of berry that is derived from South America. According to early studies it has been shown that acai pulp has a high concentration of antioxidants and even higher compared to the content involved in cranberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. 

6) Cherry Juice: This type of juice delivers a good deal of antioxidants but it has also anti inflammation properties. Furthermore this juice can eliminate the exercise induced muscle pain. 

7) Red Grape Juice: Consumption of fresh grapes does not provide the useful nutrients required for health however they can be consumed through red grape juice which contains the seeds, skin and all. Useful antioxidants are found in this type of juice. These are resveratrol and flavonoids.

8) Prune Juice: Type of juice that contains antioxidants, iron, potassium, fiber and a natural laxative, sorbitol. This juice is recommended to eliminate the constipation symptoms.