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Posts Tagged ‘vitamins’
Thu, September 25, 2008 11:13 am By James Coolridge  Printer friendly version
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 Once a summer fruit, today no stylish wedding or garden party is complete without strawberries. However, these days you can get strawberries all the year round. Strawberry was a symbol for Venus, the Goddess of Love, because of its heart shapes and red color. Strawberries have been used as a food source since before ancient Roman times. Red, juicy, delicious strawberries are one of the healthiest fruits to include in your diet.
Strawberries are quite perishable as well. Handle strawberries properly and store them well after they have been purchased. They should be placed in a bowl, covered with plastic wrap, and kept in the refrigerator.
Besides being an excellent dessert fruit, strawberries are a good source of vitamin C. Many people discover that standard sized strawberries are sugary and tastier than bigger ones.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF STRWABERRIES
• Strawberries contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals. Free radicals are elements that can damage cells.
• Strawberries, when cut in half and rubbed on the teeth and gums, removes tartar from the teeth and strengthens and heals the gums.
• They are also known to clean or rid the blood of harmful toxins.
• They are an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese
• Although strawberries can be included in all manner of salads, appetizers, and desserts, to get the best benefit, eat them raw As they contain a full day’s supply of vitamin C
• They also contain folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Strawberry is highly rated as skin cleansing food, even though the skin eruptions may appear at first in some cases.
• Strawberries are also a great source of pectin and other soluble fibers that have been proven to lower cholesterol.
• They are also recommended for sluggish liver, gout, rheumatism, constipation etc
• Strawberries help your Body Combat Heart Attach, Stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease
• Strawberries help fight cancer
• Eat strawberries during pregnancy and infancy, when red blood cells need to reproduce and grow rapidly
• Strawberries also help in cases of syphilis.
Strawberry health benefits are long and extensive. Strawberries are delicious, but they are also nutritious, and ideally should be a part of everyone’s daily diet. It is said that they are one of the most nutritious fruits. People with intestinal sensitivities may choose to avoid strawberries, as the seeds can produce gastrointestinal irritation in susceptible individuals.
Tags: Health, Diet, vitamins, Nutrition, minerals
Wed, August 6, 2008 7:40 am By James Coolridge
 Has anyone told you not to focus too much on breakfast? Holy Christ, then you are on wrong way. Instead of trying games with your hair and face in morning, focus more on your stomach. Start eating proper breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day. Would you like to know a few reasons why it should not be avoided?
Breakfast eaters are possibly to be slimmer than breakfast skippers. It is excellent option for successful dieters. So be a breakfast eater to be free from extra pounds.
Eating breakfast reduces the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. It strengthens the immune system and resists common ailments like colds and the flu. Got another point in support of breakfast?
Looking for good option? Jesus Christ, again beak fast is a better option. Memory and concentration gets boosted by it. A recent study conducted on children found that kids who have breakfast score higher on tests. There are also fewer chances of them getting affected from depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity. It helps you in the office too. Any doubt? Try this.
Now let us see what a perfect breakfast should contain. A typical breakfast Is formed of couple of hundred calories in the form of simple carbohydrates that spike blood-sugar levels and leave the body starving for energy a couple of hours later.
A classic fiber-rich breakfast with ay a cup of raisin bran with blueberries and skim milk provides less than 300 calories and just 10 grams of protein. Always remember that an ideal breakfast must have between 500 and 600 calories. It should comprise of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, including at least 20 grams of protein and at least 5 grams of fiber. No doubt, it will provide high-quality, long-lasting, steady supply of energy that will help you in the morning.
Tags: Health, Calories, vitamins, carbohydrates, breakfast., diabetes, meal, energy, heart stroke
Fri, July 4, 2008 2:00 pm By James Coolridge
 Vitamin C:
Also referred to as ascorbic acid Vitamin C is connected with the health of bones, teeth, hormones, collagen, and blood vessels. It plays an important role in absorbing other important substances, such as iron, calcium, and folacin, and it may help cataracts, cancer, and heart disease. Vitamin C is particularly connected with the strengthening of the immune system and the healing wounds.
Vitamin C deficiency includes:
inflamed gums.
slow wound healing.
stomach disorders.
reduced resistance to colds and infections.
skin problems.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D can be produced in the body as well as from your diet. The human body can also make vitamin D from direct sunlight, or an ultraviolet light source, hits the skin. Ten to 20 minutes of sun exposure 3 times a week is all thats needed. Vitamin D helps build strong and healthy bones and teeth. A person who does not get enough vitamin D and calcium is at a higher risk for bone mass loss, which is known as osteoporosis.
Vitamin D
Turned into a steroid hormone by the body, vitamin D possesses a crucial connection with gene functioning. It significantly impacts how much calcium the body can absorb, and it is vital for bone density and prevention against osteoporosis. More and more new research finds that D may play an important role in fighting diseases such as colon, breast, and prostate cancers. Due to vitamin D’s importance, it is advisable for everyone to talk with their doctor. A simple blood test can reveal a deficiency.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is involved with immune system, DNA, and metabolism maintenance. As an antioxidant, research indicates that it may have a positive effect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin E has strong antioxidant properties. The vitamin may protect against heart disease and cancer and improves the way the body uses vitamin A.
Vitamin K:
While involved in protection against osteoporosis, skin wounds, and possibly cancer, Vitamin K significantly helps blood to clot after an injury.Medications, such as antibiotics and blood-thinners, can cause a hindrance. Injuries and illness, such as serious burns, gallbladder problems, and liver disease, may also disturb K levels. While vitamin K shortages are uncommon, particular attention should be given to breast-fed babies and the elderly. Older people are typically known to take more medications, to eat poorly, and to have difficulties forming vitamin K in the intestine.
Tags: Health, Balanced Diet, vitamins, vitamin pills, vitamin binge, vitamin uses, vitamin deficiency
Wed, July 2, 2008 2:00 pm By James Coolridge
 Vitamins work together with enzymes and release energy from digested food and regulate the billions of chemical activities that occur in the body every minute of every day. A balanced diet that includes a wide variety of the main food groups generally provides all the vitamins that your body needs.
But unfortunately today’s food with its contaminations and all is not enough and does not provide adequate amounts of vitamins needed for the proper growth and protection of our mind and body. The only alternate is to take vitamin pills. But this does not mean you go on a vitamin binge as excessive amounts can cause poisoning.
Here is a small guide about the types of vitamin and their uses.
Vitamin A:
Vitamin A helps keep teeth, tissue, membranes, and skin healthy. A is extremely important for eye sight, especially in poor lighting. Studies have indicated that it may be very important for breast-feeding mothers as well.
Because it is found in many foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol, people often unknowingly avoid vitamin A as well. Subsequently, a deficiency may result.
A lack in vitamin A may cause:
rough, dry, or pimply skin
digestive problems
lowered resistance to infections
problems with becoming pregnant
poor growth
improper tooth formation
night blindness
eye disease
Vitamin B:
There are eight separate vitamins in the B family: thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, and pantothenic. B vitamins increase energy levels, regulate metabolism, and help create new red blood cells.
A vitamin B deficiency may cause:
fatigue
dizziness
convulsions
mouth sores
nausea
nervousness
hair loss
loss of appetite
depression
Dry and scaly skin
cracks at the corners of the mouth
eye disorders
swollen tongue or gums
sleep disturbances
chest pain
irritation
abdominal discomfort
constipation
stomach upset and nausea
poor memory.
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 helps the body make red blood cells, maintain the nervous system, digest and use fats, carbohydrates, and some proteins for energy and form the neurotransmitters in the brain. Anemia is treated with injections of B12. Vegetarians, their children and the elderly are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
A lacking of vitamin B12 may cause:
anemia
fatigue
very sensitive skin
nerve damage such as tingling sensations and numbness
muscle and nerve paralysis
Tags: Health, Balanced Diet, vitamins, vitamin pills, vitamin binge, vitamin uses, vitamin deficiency
Sat, May 31, 2008 1:25 pm By James Coolridge
 Most of the people have the habit of taking an antibiotic whenever they are attached by the viruses causing influenza. But, they should know that these antibiotics are not going to work viruses. They kill bacteria and not viruses. So which is the best way to stay away from flu? Is it the eating and sleeping habits that need to be improved? Read on to know the answer.
Take the annual flu injections:
Immunity is the first priority. Since the young ones are elderly people are equally susceptible to flu, they should be immunized. The flu jabs must be taken annually without fail to keep the virus miles away from you.
Stay away from crowd:
It is better to be away from the crowd when the nasty flu in the air. One sniff can scattered lots of viruses in the air. So, it is better to be home.
Wash your hands thoroughly before meals:
You may have the habit of forgetting to wash your hands before eating. But, as flu is in the air, it is good to wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least a minute before have your meals. You may not be able to notice how your hands inevitable pick up viruses as you go through the day. Why should you take a chance? Wash your hands with soap and rinse them thoroughly with water as to avoid putting more germs than necessary into your mouth.
Stay healthy:
A healthy body is likely to fall ill less often. So, go for regular morning or evening walk (whichever is comfortable for you), jog every single day. Walk in the park which is less crowded. Exercise regularly. Effective exercises and fresh air is always good for you.
Monitor your sleeping habits:
Yes. You MUST monitor your sleeping habit. We are emphasizing on the importance of sleep as it is the time when your body repairs itself. The white blood cells are produces to fend off the “invaders.” Proper sleep will ensure a better condition of your body to defend itself when confronted with the flu viruses.
Balanced diet:
We have mentioned in many of our articles that a balanced diet is very essential for your overall health. We still maintain this! Eat a lot of veggies, include all the essential nutrients in your diet, take necessary vitamins and minerals and avoid eating junk. Since we are now talking about flu, Vitamin C requires special mention. Yes, eat a lot of fruits rich in Vitamin C. Orange is the best bet!
Tags: Exercise, vitamins, eat, rest, antibiotics
Thu, May 29, 2008 12:22 pm By James Coolridge
 The number of men suffering from prostate disorders is increasing at an alarming rate. Hence we need to look for the methods to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. A healthy Prostate diet is one of such methods to improve your health. Here in this article, we provide you a fair idea of what nutrients should be included in your diet as to reduce the risk of the deadly prostate cancer. Read on.
It is always suggested that you should not entirely rely on a singly type of food or supplements. You should rather prefer a combination of foods in your Prostate diet for your protection against cancer.
Many studies have proved that fruits and vegetables have a lot of protective functions in your body as compared to red meat. But, the Western diet often makes meat the focus of the meal. Red meats in fact have adverse effects in your overall health. So, try to avoid red meats as far as possible. Instead, include vegetable and grains in your diet.
You should of course, enjoy a wide variety of nutritious food. Your Prostate diet should include plenty of breads, cereals, fruits, and dark colored vegetables. You should have at least 7 serves of fruit and vegetables each day to improve your Prostate health. The phytochemicals present in plants play an important role in nutrition. For instance, lycopene, the carotenoid found in tomatoes, is probably preventive for prostate cancer, and a range of other anti-oxidants in fruits also reinforce the effect of vitamins. Tomatoes cooked with olive oil, such as in spaghetti sauce, seem to be the most beneficial. According to recent study, Selenium and vitamin E may help prevent prostate cancer.
Your diet should also contain low fat content. This is because many population studies have revealed that saturated fats are related with cancer. In particular, saturated fats from animal products seem to be implicated. The polyunsaturated fats in vegetables seem to be related with Prostate cancer. On the other hand, monosaturated oils are preferable. Hence, limiting the consumption of the unwanted fats reduce the risk of Prostate cancer.
Follow a healthy diet regime and safeguard yourself from the deadly Prostate cancer!
Tags: vitamins, fruits, Prostate cancer, minerals, Vitamin E, vegetables
Sat, May 17, 2008 1:33 pm By James Coolridge
 Do you know about linseed? If no then you should know that linseed is a product of Flax plant. You may be well aware of the fact that Flax is grown both for its seeds and for its fibers. Various parts of the plant have been used to make fabric, dye, paper, medicines, fishing nets and soap. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. But, how many of you know that the raw seeds have a lot of nutritional seeds?
Linseeds have up to 800 times the lignans (plant hormones) of other foods. Lignans are beneficial because they do not stimulate the growth of cancerous cells.
Moreover, linseed contains numerous beneficial components including Palmitic, Stearic, Arachidic and Oleic fatty acids. Perhaps the most important of these components are Linoleic and alpha-Linolenic acid.
Linoleic acid is considered an omega-6 fatty acid, which is very essential for proper cell functioning. It is found in the cell membranes and is necessary for proper production of prostaglandins whereas alpha-Linolenic acid belongs to the omega-3 fatty acid group. This fatty acid group is known for the prevention of heart disease, arrhythmia and the reduction of inflammation leading to such circulatory problems as atherosclerosis. Many studies support the fact that this group of acids reduces stroke and cancer risks as well.
In addition to this, linseed is considered as essential in bowel cleansing and maintaining regularity. If you want to reduce your tendency of eating a lot of food, you should take a spoonful of linseeds with or before a meal and you will feel full because this reduces hunger. Make sure that you drink at least 8 ounces of water when taking linseed.
Linseeds can also be used to sprinkle on salads or mixed into fruit smoothies because they taste good!
A mere table spoon of linseed is the health equivalent in lignans, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants of almost 30 cups of broccoli! What’s more? The fiber contained in 50 slices of whole wheat bread is equivalent to just a tablespoon of linseed! No wonder why it is called as a super-food!
Tags: vitamins, cancer, minerals, linseed, broccoli, fiber
Fri, May 2, 2008 1:32 pm By Eric Ott
 The right amount of nutrition plays a vital role for everybody, no matter in which profession you are. And if you are an athlete by profession, nutrition becomes all more important to give your best performance in the sports. Here is a know how of the right amount of nutrition.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates is the basis of fuel as it supplies energy in the form of glucose. Your diet should consist of at least 60 to 70 % of carbohydrates. The food variants with sumptuous amount of carbohydrates include whole wheat, whole cereals, wheat products, pastas, breads, rice, fruits and vegetables. Minimize the intake of refined flour. Since a lot of power and stamina is required for an athlete, proper amount of carbohydrates should be included in your diet to stay energized and perform well.
Proteins: As you know, proteins are the building blocks of life. They are required by the body to build new tissues and perform various other functions. 12-15% should be the caloric intake of Proteins in your diet.
Fats: When it comes to fats, quality matters, rather than the quantity. The caloric intake of fats is 20-25% of the total calories. Include polyunsaturated fats and mono-saturated fats in the diet. The quantity of saturated and trans-saturated fats should be should be less.
Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins and minerals also serve as essential part of your diet, for proper growth.
If you are following a well balanced diet, you don’t have to compulsorily include health supplements in your diet.
Tags: vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, sports diet, athletes, minerals
Sun, March 23, 2008 4:53 am By James Coolridge
 So you thought that boiled veggies are nutritious? A recent study found that boiling vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and green cabbage, strips them off their anti-cancerous properties by about 75%. Glucosinolates present in vegetables are believed to break down cancer-causing substances. And boiling cuts them down by 70-80%.
The best way to consume vegetables containing Glucosinolates is by steaming them for about 20 minutes. This helps to retain the nutrients.
One study found that vegetables such as spinach, peas and green beans retain appreciably more vitamin C when plunged into hot water direct from the freezer, rather than prior thawing. The amount of water in which these vegetables are placed is also of importance. Research shows that smaller the amount of water in which these vegetables are boiled, the better they retain the nutrients in them.
Tags: nutrients, Boiling, vitamins, cancer
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