Saturday, 5 October 2013

Three super juices that revitalize your health.


  Fresh, organic and vegetable juices are beneficial juices that contain and provide essential nutrients. There are 3 kinds of juices that are powerful and very useful for human health.


  1.   Beetroot Juice
  • Lowers blood pressure due to high concentration of nutrients
  • Body converts nitrates into nitric oxide which is a compound that stimulated blood flow.
  • Nitrates in beetroot juice can improve exercise performance. According to a study carried out by the University of Exeter men who drank beetroot juice had better endurance during exercise.


    2.    Tomato Juice
  • Rich in lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant that eliminates free radicals.
  • Tomato juice due to its content in lycopene risk of cancer is reduced. Lycopene may boost the immune system, prevent blood clots and reduce inflammation.
  • Lycopene is recommended to be consumed on a daily basis in order the most to be got from lycopene. 

  3.    Pomegranate Juice

  • Pomegranate juice is a juice that is full of antioxidants. This type of juice can help reduce the blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
  • According to a research carried out in the University of Edinburgh pomegranate juice increases testosterone, a hormone that increases sex drive in both men and women. 



Low salt diets don't work and hurt your body


  Consumption of salt over the years is associated many times with health. However there was a belief among everyone over the years that low salt or no salt diets could be the best ways to avoid hypertension and heart disease. Findings of studies provided a useful outcome as it was found that low salt or no salt in the diet can lead to higher mortality rates among people with cardiovascular disease. 

  Type of salt is the main factor that plays a crucial role rather than the amount of salt. More specifically table salt which is normally found in the homes, restaurants and in processed foods is characterised for its lack of nutritional value, essential minerals and nutrients. This type of salt undergoes a series of processes such as heat for drying, addition of anti clumping and moisture inhibiting chemicals. Contrary, wholesome salt is a type of salt that undergoes minimal processing and one that has been developed far from industrial contaminants. 

  Salt is an essential component of human nutrition as there are many health benefits such as control of water levels, aid in heart health, promotion of healthy blood sugar, reduction of muscle cramp, improved lipido and reduced aging. 


Friday, 4 October 2013

Ten foods to help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's



  Dementia and Alzheimer's are medical conditions that are associated with impairment of the brain function. Many people experience the consequences of these conditions thus medical direct and indirect costs can be on significant rise by 2040. Daily physical and mental exercises along with a healthier diet can eliminate the frequency of brain impairment.

   Some foods that can be incorporated in the diet can enhance brain functioning.


  • Green, leafy vegetables like mustard leaves, spinach, kale and collard. This group of foods is characterised for the high folate content which can decrease depression and improve cognitive functions.

  • Vegetables of Cruciferae family such as cauliflower, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and bok choy. Due to the folate and carotene content the levels of amino acids associated with impaired cognition are decreased. 

  • Legumes and beans have magnesium, iron, folate and potassium. These components help maintain the functioning of the body' s systems and action potential in the brain cells. 

  • Cherries and berries have unthocyanin which helps in protecting the brain from harm caused by free radicals. Additionally, polyphenols are found in blueberries which prevent the buildup of pathogenic proteins that are found with people with brain diseases.

  • Whole grains, like kammut, quinoa and gluten free oats are complex carbohydrates that are rich in fiber and B Vitamins. Carbohydrates are converted into glucose which is the major energy source for humans. 

  • Omega 3 fatty acids are great brain boosters. Omega 3 obtained through the consumption of fish, olive oil, flaxseed and omega 3 supplements. 

  • Unsalted pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are recognized for their healthy fats, vitamin E, choline and zinc. These are useful in maintaining cognitive health.

  • Squash, pumpkin, asparagus, carrots, beets and tomatoes should not be overcooked as they contain folate, iron, Vitamin A. 

  • Sage, cinnamon, turmeric and cumin. Sage has strong anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin is an anti oxidizing enzyme. Cinnamon is known to enhance cognition, regulate sugar levels in the blood and have antimicrobial properties.

  •  Almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans and peanuts all contain pyridoxine, folate, magnesium and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that enhance brain functioning. 


Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Shocking: Nearly nine million Americans now take pharmaceutical drugs just to sleep at night.


  According to data supported by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention roughly 9 million Americans rely on pharmaceutical sleeping drugs such as Ambien and Lunesta to enhance their sleeping trends. The survey carried out investigated 17000 individuals aged 20 years and older. Patterns of sleeping pill use were evaluated between the years 2005 and 2010. The survey involved various demographic distinctions such as race, sex and educational level. 

   It was discovered that around 8.6 million people have used recently a prescription sleep aid within the past month. Moreover, significant amount of adults admitted various clinical conditions such as sleep disorders and troubles. The demographic group with the highest reported use were the female adults and more particularly, older, non hispanic and white. Throughout recent years the use of sleeping pills has been on the rise significantly as younger people become also addicts of sleeping pills.

  A natural approach is recommended compared to sleeping pills as they can have serious effects. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal people who take prescription sleeping pills regularly are five times more likely to die within 2.5 years compared to people who do not take drugs. Exercise is the best recommendation as significant amount of exercise can enhance and improve the sleeping trends. 


Antibacterial soap pollutes rivers, adds to bacterial resistance.


  Nowadays, in urban water and regional streams there are highly resistant strains of bacteria. These bacteria render the new antibiotics practically useless. According to various environmental studies from Chicago metro-area there are disturbing levels of powerful bacteria strains that are derived from specific urban areas. An example of a powerful bacterium is triclosan.

 Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial chemical often added to personal body care products. Its applications vary from commercial toothpastes, mouthwashes, soaps to deodorants. Products like Dial liquid soap, Clearasil Daily Face Wash, Colgate Total Toothpaste and Old Spice Deodorant contain the synthetic triclosan. Water treatment facilities can effectively remove triclosan but in some cities triclosan can be spread into the environments causing pollution in the nearby rivers, streams and groundwater. 

  An experiment in Chicago's urban sources involved the monitoring of triclosan levels in 3 sites. Findings suggested that urbanisation is directly proportional with higher triclosan levels. Urban areas often rely on sewage systems that can back up during high rain fall. Chemicals like triclosan are high in urban sewage and industrial waste water so chemical overflow significantly in the surrounding environment. 
  

   
  

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Sex after the age of 50.


  Nowadays, among many people it believed that only when young the sex is fulfilling and exciting but this is not the case. Older people possess a stronger sense of self and they express an ease with their sexuality so sex also during these ages can be unique. Moreover, seniors tend to appreciate better of what is important when it comes to pleasure with regard to physical, mental and emotional aspects. People that take care of their relationships and health often show better efficiency in sex. 

   However there are various sexual obstacles that humans have to face when 50 and above such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Sexual health issues can affect both men and women. When a man experiences erection issues and loss of libido, this indicates the presence of health issues. Confidence and self esteem levels are likely to be affected significantly. 

   Sexual obstacles for men over 50

  • Hormonal imbalances of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
  • Insulin imbalance
  • Reduced lipido
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of sleep
  • Weight gain
  • Muscle loss
  • Thinning of hair
  • Hot flashes

  Sexual obstacles for women over 50

  • Fatigue
  • Mood changes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Joint discomfort
  • Loss of vaginal elasticity
  • Thinning hair
  • Low libido
  • Difficulty concentrating

5 Foods and Drinks to avoid before bed.


  Sleep plays a crucial role in the performance of everyone. According to various studies it is found that sleep has a significant effect in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning and other vital functions. Inadequate sleep patterns lead to chronic health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity and depression.

  Some foods and drinks are recommended to be avoided as they lead to sleepless nights.

  1. Chocolate and other caffeine filled foods and drinks

   Cappuccino that is drank on the afternoon or a candy can have a significant impact in the sleep trends as the body needs to get rid of the caffeine up to 5 hours.

  2. Spicy foods

   Indian, Mexican and other spicy meals constitute examples of terrible late night meals. These type of meals enhance indigestion and reflux so sleep is disrupted significantly. The main concern associated with spicy foods is that heartburn occurs as a result sleep is impaired.

  3. Alcohol

  Alcohol consumption can induce sleep disorders by disrupting the sequence and duration of sleep states. Alcohol consumption within an hour of bedtime disrupts the second half of the sleep period. People in this case tend to be awakened from dreams and to return to sleep with difficulty. Sleep disruption can lead to daytime fatigue and sleepiness. The elderly are at a higher risk as they achieve higher doses of alcohol in the blood and in their brain.

  4. Water

   The optimum is to achieve hydration throughout the day as this regulates blood levels and improves performance. However moderation of hydration is recommended during later hours in order for the majority of fluid to be eliminated before bedtime. Excessive hydration can lead to hyperactivity in cases.

  5. Nothing

   Starvation or excessive hunger leads to sleeplessness and increased activity. Being too much hungry or not hungry at all does not help and improve sleep trends.


http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/alerts/l/blnaa41.htm
http://www.medicaldaily.com/5-foods-and-drinks-avoid-bed-get-good-night-sleep-choosing-right-late-night-snack-256629