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The greatest wealth is health!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Reasons to eat more plant-based foods
Seven reasons to eat less meat and more plant-based foods
Ayurvedic practitioners are usually experts at determining what foods you should eat, and some western health practitioners, whether physicians, chiropractors, or naturopaths have devised methods of their own to determine just what type of diet you should have.
Not all of us can or should be totally vegan, abstaining completely from meat, eggs, or dairy. But most agree that nutrients from greens are extremely vital, and the food you eat should be real and wholesome, which brings us to the first area of selectivity - commercial meat.
Seven reasons to eat no commercial meat and more plant-based food
(1) Commercial meat is factory farmed or CAFO (confined animal food operation). That livestock is cruelly treated and forced into tortuous slaughterhouses that inspire decades of artist renderings of hell. None of this should be supported for obvious humane reasons.Before their tortuous demise, livestock are crowded into confined, disease breeding spaces and constantly injected with antibiotics and/or GMO growth hormones, all of which get passed on to you when you eat their flesh.
They are force fed grains when they should be grazing on grass or at least eating hay. Those grains are usually genetically modified and overly sprayed with herbicides and pesticides, all of which gets passed on to you too.
So in addition to contributing to obscenely cruel animal treatment, you are contributing to your own bad health.
Select only meat, dairy products, and eggs from farms that don't use CAFO practices but allow their livestock to roam in open areas and graze on their natural diets. This eliminates cruelty and allows the real unadulterated health benefits of meat, eggs, and dairy to get through to you.
(2) Since it takes 100 pounds of grain feed to produce a pound of meat, that much more grain would be available for feeding humans if its not genetically engineered or GMO. Less meat eating allows more soil to be used for plant-based foods while causing less water and soil contamination. It's simply more ecological.
(3) If you buy non-GMO organic bulk grains and dry legumes, you'll get plenty of healthy nutrients and sufficient protein at a fraction of the price of meats. (http://www.naturalnews.com)
(4) Plant-based nutrients provide protein by surrendering essential amino acids that allow your body to form complete proteins. Breaking down complete proteins from cooked meats demands a lot of metabolic enzyme production, straining your pancreas to the point of exhaustion.
Metabolic pancreatic enzymes are proteins strong enough to penetrate and destroy free roaming cancer cells before tumors are formed. You need them for that, and therein lies a reason why heavy meat eaters are more prone to cancer. (http://www.naturalnews.com/031411_cancer_prevention.html)
(5) Most of the industrialized world is magnesium deficient. Magnesium is involved with over 300 metabolic processes in our bodies. Fresh, organic greens are a good source of magnesium.
Even unadulterated meat and raw dairy from grass fed cows can help pass on some magnesium from their consumed chlorophyll.
When it comes to dairy, don't bother with pasteurized products. They are food-like substances and not real food after their enzymes and major nutrients are cooked out. Try to get raw dairy or don't bother.
Meat from antibiotic injected CAFO cows as well as GMO grains or soy destroys your friendly gut bacteria. This intestinal flora is essential for your digestion, and it's a major part of your total immune system. (http://www.naturalnews.com/033094_gut_health_brain.html)
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Anti-Asthma diet
The Anti-Asthma Diet Plan: 10 Diet Tips for Asthmatics (Asthma Sufferers)
It also explains why asthma patients might want to avoid consuming certain substances such as sodium (salt), food additives, preservatives, dairy and eggs.
Take control of what you can, by choosing appropriate foods to eat if yous suffer from asthma. Every bit helps!
Vitamin B6, abundant in bananas, helps relax bronchial smooth muscle tissue.
#1: Be Sure to Get Enough Vitamin B6
Foods rich in vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) should be a vital component of any asthma relief diet. Several studies have found pyridoxine to dramatically reduce the intensity and frequence of asthma attaks. Pyridoxine plays a critical role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (CAMP), molecules that have been shown to help relax bronchial smooth muscle tissue. Pyridoxine is found in a wide range of foods, bananas being a particularly rich source of this important asthma-fighting vitamin.#2: Load on Foods That Contain Vitamin C and E
With strong antioxidant properties, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is highly effective at neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause contraction of airway smooth muscles. Studies have also shown high levels of vitamin C to be able to reduce histamine release in the body and make histamine break down faster. Histamine, a chemical produced by the body, can increase inflammation in asthmatics and cause constriction of smooth muscles. Vitamin E is another antioxidant that can help alleviate asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Vitamin C and vitamin E protect each other and are more effective when consumed together.
Quercetin, present in red onions and many other foods, has been shown to relive asthma symptoms.
#3: Eat Plenty of Foods That Contain Quercetin
Quercetin, a bioflavonoid with strong antioxidant, anti-histamine, and anti-inflammatory properties, has been shown relieve asthma symptoms and allergic symptoms in some asthma sufferers. Good dietary sources of quercetin include apples, red and yellow onions, capers, broccoli, lovage, red grapes, cherries, citrus fruits, red wine, tea, and many berries including lingonberries, raspberries, and cranberries.#4: Consume Herbs Rich in Rosmarinic Acid
Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which is why it may help alleviate asthma symptoms. The antioxidant activity of rosmarinic acid is believed to be superior to that of vitamin E. In addition, rosmarinic acid encourages cells to create prostacyclins, which help keep the air passages of the lungs open and thus promote easy breathing. Rosmarinic acid is found in many culinary herbs such as rosemary, sage, marjoram, peppermint, oregano, lemon balm, and thyme.#5: Limit Omega-6 Fats, Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids help fight inflammation associated with asthma attacks.
Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, have anti-inflammatory effects. Many experts believe that our ancestors consumed omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in roughly equal amounts. However, most modern diets in Western countries — where asthma is most prevalent — include extremely high amounts of the potentially inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and not enough anti-inflammatory omega-3 acids.
An easy way to balance the fats in your diet is to reduce the consumption of refined vegetable oils which are high in omega-6 fatty acids and to eat more omega-3 containing foods such as walnuts, soybeans, flaxseeds, and cold water fish like salmon, cod, and halibut.
#6: Watch Out for Dairy Products and Eggs
Food allergies and intolerances are often linked to asthma. Asthma sufferers often report that the foods that cause adverse reactions in them also make their asthma symptoms worse. Although food allergies and intolerances vary depending on the individual, allergies to dairy products and eggs seem to be particularly common among asthmatic people.
A diet rich in carotenoids can bring asthma under control.
#7: Consume Foods High in Carotenoids
The carotenoid beta-carotene is a fat soluble antioxidant that combats free radicals which cause contraction of airway smooth muscles. Also vitamin A, which can be made from beta-carotene by the body, is a potent antioxidant. Good food sources of beta-carotene include yellow/orange and green vegetables and fruit such as spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, mango, melon and apricots. Lycopene, another carotenoid with high antioxidant activity, has been shown to be particularly effective at controlling exercise-induced asthma. Food sources of lycopene include tomatoes, apricots, papaya, pink grapefruit, watermelon, and pink guavas.
Magnesium improves lung function and reduces wheezing.
#8: Eat Foods Rich in Magnesium and Potassium
Studies have shown that magnesium intake may be associated with a decreased risk of asthma. A high dietary intake of magnesium has also been linked to better lung function and reduced wheezing in people with asthma. Intravenous magnesium (magnesium injected directly to veins) is sometimes used for treating acute asthma attacks in hospitals. The beneficial effects of magnesium on asthma patients are due to the ability of magnesium to help smooth muscle cells stay relaxed. Furthermore, magnesium is needed to maintain adequate levels of potassium, another mineral that has been associated with improved lung function and a reduced incidence of asthma. Potassium is found in a variety of foods, root vegetables and beans being particularly good sources of this anti-asthma mineral.#9: Cut Back on Salt
Studies suggest that high intakes of salt (sodium) can make asthma symptoms worse by making airways more reactive to allergens. Regions where salt consumption is high also tend to have higher rates of asthma. Moreover, excessive intake of salt can strip the body of potassium, a mineral that has been associated with improved lung function and reduced incidence of asthma in children. If you feel the food is lacking flavor, try using spices and herbs instead of excessive amounts of salt. Be also aware of the "hidden" salt that is present in many packaged and processed foods, such as commercial cereals, canned vegetables, and frozen meals.#10: Avoid Food Additives and Preservatives
Some food additives and preservatives have shown to be strong asthma triggers in some people. Substances that may worsen asthma symptoms include benzoates, tartrazine, monosodium glutamate, and sulfites. Benzoates are antimicrobial preservatives that used in various products, particularly soft drinks. Tartrazine is an artificial food coloring used in many processed foods such as many canned vegetables, confectionery, soft drinks, sauces, chips, candy, cereals, instant soups, rices, pastas, butter, cheeses and pickled products. Monosodium glutamate or MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly used in Chinese restaurants and in many processed foods. Sulfites are used as preservatives in many packages foods and alcoholic beverages. The best way to avoid artificial substances in food is to consume unprocessed, organic foods.#11: Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds, chock-full of anti-asthma nutrients, are a very good food for asthmatics to eat on a regular basis. These mild nutty tasting seeds are loaded with vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. They are also a good source of selenium, with one cup providing more than a third of the recommended daily intake for this important mineral. Furthermore, sunflower seeds are among the seeds and nuts that are least likely to cause allergic reactions in people. When incorporating sunflower seeds into your diet, moderation should be practiced as these little seeds are very calorie-dense.
Studies show that apples and apple juice can increase protection against asthma.
#12: Apples
Studies show that apples possess some extraordinary properties that may provide protection against asthma. One study discovered that pregnant women who eat apples may be able to protect their child from developing asthma. Another study found that by drinking apple juice daily children could reduce their chance of suffering from wheezing by 50%. These beneficial effects of apples may be linked to their high concentration of bioflavonoids, such as quercetin. Quercetin is known to possess strong anti-histamine, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. When buying apples, be sure to purchase organically grown fruit: together with peaches, conventionally grown apples top the list of fruits that contain the highest levels of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.#13: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the oldest vegetables known to man. They are also one of the most nutritious vegetables and an excellent addition to your diet if you suffer from asthma. Sweet potatoes are one of the foods that are least likely to cause allergic reactions, which is great news since asthma is often linked to allergies. What's more, sweet potatoes contain plenty of vitamin C and potassium as well as unique root proteins which, according to preliminary studies, may have significant antioxidant properties. The pink, orange, and yellow varieties are also one of the most concentrated food sources of beta-carotene (the more intense the color, the more beta-carotene).
Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
#14: Ginger
Ginger, one of the oldest spices in the world, is well known for its cold treating powers, but it may also help prevent and alleviate asthma symptoms. Its asthma fighting properties are thought to be attributable to gingerols, strong anti-inflammatory substances that also give ginger its distinctive flavor. Fresh ginger, which is said to be the most effective form of ginger, is available year round in the produce section of your local supermarket.#15: Turmeric
Turmeric, a spice that lends its yellow color to curries and many other foods, has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat asthma and many other conditions and diseases. In recent years, also western medicine has started to pay greater attention to this extraordinary spice. Recent research suggests that turmeric possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. Although best known for its use in Indian style curries, turmeric can also be used to add flavor and color to fish, seafood, meat, rice, vegetable, and pasta dishes.
Studies show that the lycopene in tomatoes can reduce lung inflammation.
#16: Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain several extraordinary properties that make them exceptional at preventing asthma and alleviating asthma symptoms. Their most notable quality: they contain lycopene. In one study with 32 asthmatic adults, those who were given tomato extract rich in lycopene had a lower rate of lung inflammation than those who received a placebo.When incorporating tomato products into your diet, be aware that lycopene from processed tomato products — such as tomato paste, tomate juice, and catcup — appears to be more bioavailable than lycopene from raw tomatoes. Further, lycopene is better absorbed by the body in the presence of beta-carotene. Coincidentally, tomatoes also contain beta-carotene! In addition to lycopene and betacarotene, tomatoes contain vitamin C and a substantial amount of potassium in proportion to their calorie content (a 100-calorie serving of tomatoes provides a third of the reference daily intake for potassium).
#17: Kale
This relatively unknown member of the cabbage family is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins and other phytochemicals that have been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with asthma. Not only is kale a great source of vitamin C, it is also one of the most concentrated dietary sources of beta-carotene (kale contains ten times the beta-carotene of broccoli). As a result of its high content of vitamin C and beta-carotene as well as a number of other antioxidant phytochemicals, kale is one of the vegetables with the highest ORAC rating. ORAC, or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, measures foods' ability to disarm free radicals, unstable molecules that cause contraction of airway smooth muscles. The tender young leaves of kale can be eaten raw, for example as a substitute for iceberg lettuce in salads. The beautiful green leaves of kale can also be transformed into a savory warm dish by sautéing the leaves and mixing them with chopped onions, crushed garlic and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.#18: Carrots
You've probably heard that carrots are good for vision, but did you know that they may also be helpful for people susceptible to asthma? In one study, women who consumed the most carrots were found to have a 20% lower risk of asthma than women with the lowest intakes. These beneficial effects are likely to be linked to high concentration of beta-carotene in carrots, but also the vitamin C contained in carrots may play a role. When buying carrots, choose carrots with the deepest, darkest orange color as they contain the highest levels of beta-carotene. Further, it is advisable to buy organically grown carrots rather than conventionally grown produce. According to research, conventionally grown carrots are among the 5 most contaminated vegetables in terms of pesticide and chemical content. (Note: Aside from being a top food choice for people with asthma, carrots offer a host of other benefits which are discussed in the article Health Benefits of Eating Carrots).#19: Mustard Greens
Chock-full of antioxidants and nutrients, mustard greens can make an excellent addition to your diet if you are susceptible to asthma attacks. In addition to being one of the best sources of beta-carotene, they provide a good amount of vitamin C and vitamin E. The nutrients in mustard greens can scavenge free radicals that cause smooth muscle contraction and airway constriction in people with asthma. Moreover, they may aid in the breakdown of histamine. Mustard greens with their distinctly peppery flavor are available throughout the year and can be found in the produce section of your local supermarket.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
12 Anit-Asthma foods
1. AVOCADOS - is one of the prime source of Glutathione, which has been shown to protect cells against free radical damage and to detoxify foreign substances such as pollutants. Without glutathione, other antioxidants would not be able not function efficiently. Avocados are also a good source of vitamin E, particularly for people whose asthma is linked to a nut allergy (nuts are one of the most common sources of vitamin E). However, if you have been diagnosed with a latex allergy, you may want to be careful with avocados, particularly non-organically grown produce. Many suggests that people who are allergic to latex are often also allergic to avocados and other foods that may contain substances called chitinases. Organically grown avocados not treated with ethylene gas contain lower levels of chitinases.
2. BROCCOLI SPROUTS - are true nutritional treasure and a great addition to your diet if you suffer from asthma. A recent study found that the study participants who ate broccoli sprouts for 3 days had an increase in antioxidant compounds that control the airway inflammation associated with bronchial asthma. The effect was most pronounced in those who ate the most broccoli sprouts. Available at many health food stores and grocery stores, broccoli sprouts make a great addition to salads, soups, salsa-topped dishes, and sandwiches.
3. APPLES - Studies show that apples possess some extraordinary properties that may provide protection against asthma. One study discovered that pregnant women who ate apples protected their child from developing asthma. Another study found that by drinking apple juice daily children could reduce their chance of suffering from wheezing by 50%. These beneficial effects of apples may be linked to their high concentration of bioflavonoids, such as quercetin. Quercetin is known to possess strong anti-histamine, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. When buying apples, be sure to purchase organically grown fruit: together with peaches, conventionally grown apples top the list of fruits that contain the highest levels of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
4. BANANAS - Including bananas in your diet may help you breathe easier. According to a British study, children who ate just one banana a day had a 34% lower chance of developing asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing. The results where not surprising considering that bananas are one of the best sources of pyridoxine, commonly known as vitamin B6. Pyridoxine plays a critical role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), molecules that have been shown to help relax bronchial smooth muscle tissue.
5. GINGER - one of the oldest spices in the world, is well known for its cold treating powers, but it may also help alleviate asthma symptoms. Its asthma fighting properties are thought to be attributable to gingerols, strong anti-inflammatory substances that also give ginger its distinctive flavor. Fresh ginger, which is said to be the most effective form of ginger, is available year round in the produce section of your local supermarket.
6. SPINACH - Popeye was right about one thing: you'd better eat your spinach! The nutritional profile of spinach makes it an excellent health food and an important functional food to be included in any anti-asthma diet. One study with 68,535 female participants found that women with a high intake of spinach had a lower prevalence of asthma. This is not surprising considering that spinach features a host of important asthma preventing nutrients, including beta-carotene (spinach is one of the best sources of beta-carotene there is), vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium. It also has a substantial potassium content in proportion to its calorie content: a 100 calorie serving provides about 40% of the reference daily intake for this important anti-asthma mineral.
7. ROSEMARY - It contains rosmarinic acid, that may help alleviate asthma symptoms due to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant power of rosmarinic acid is believed to be even stronger than that of vitamin E. In addition, rosmarinic acid encourages cells to create prostacyclins, which help keep the air passages of the lungs open and thus promote easy breathing. Rosemary can be used to flavor fish, roast meats, and tomato sauces, but also fruits, especially oranges.
8. SUNFLOWER SEEDS - are brimming of anti-asthma nutrients, as these mild nutty tasting seeds are loaded with vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. They are also a good source of selenium, with 1 cup providing more than 1/3 of the recommended daily intake for this important mineral. Furthermore, sunflower seeds are among the seeds and nuts that are least likely to cause allergic reactions in people. But, be careful while consuming them, as they are quite calorie-dense.
9. SWEET POTATOES - are one of the oldest vegetables known to man and one of the most nutritious too. Sweet potatoes are one of the foods that are least likely to cause allergic reactions, which is great news since asthma is often linked to allergies. What’s more, sweet potatoes contain plenty of vitamin C and potassium as well as unique root proteins which, according to preliminary studies, may have significant antioxidant properties. The pink, orange, and yellow varieties are also one of the most concentrated food sources of beta-carotene (the more intense the color, the more beta-carotene).
10. KALE - This relatively unknown member of the cabbage family is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins and other phytochemicals that have been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with asthma. Not only is kale a great source of vitamin C, it is also one of the most concentrated dietary sources of beta-carotene (kale contains 10 times the beta-carotene of broccoli). Kale can be eaten raw, for example as a substitute for iceberg lettuce in salads. The beautiful green leaves of kale can also be transformed into a savory warm dish by sautéing the leaves and mixing them with chopped onions, crushed garlic and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
11. TURMERIC - a spice that lends its yellow color to curries and many other foods, has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat asthma and many other conditions and diseases. In recent years, western medicine has started to pay greater attention to this extraordinary spice. Recent research suggests that turmeric possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. Although best known for its use in Indian style curries, turmeric can also be used to add flavor and color to fish, seafood, meat, rice, vegetable, and pasta dishes.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Gluten/free foods
What is Gluten? Gluten is a protein found in all forms of wheat, rye
and barley. It's most commonly found in foods, but can also hide in medicine,
vitamins and make up. After being diagnosed with celiac disease or a gluten
sensitivity, you should schedule a meeting with a skilled dietitian or
nutritionist as soon as possible to help you learn the basics of a gluten-free
diet and find ways to adapt it into your lifestyle.
Treatment of Celiac
Disease & Gluten Sensitivity: The
ONLY treatment for celiac disease is adhering to a life-long gluten-free diet.
All forms of wheat, rye and barley must be eliminated from your diet. Research
is ongoing to find treatments for the conditions, however there are currently
no medications or surgeries to cure the diseases.
What Happens if you
Eat Gluten? Gluten is essentially toxic to
people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Unlike an allergic reaction,
someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity will not go into anaphylactic shock
if they eat gluten. Instead, they may experience physical symptoms such as
diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, skin rashes or headaches. Continuing to
consume gluten puts one at risk for long-term damage to the small intestines.
Additionally, there are no medical treatments to prevent the body from
responding once gluten has been ingested.
Unsafe Foods
Here is a basic list of items
containing gluten. Always be on the lookout for these keywords, especially on
packaged and prepared foods.
Barley
|
Barley Enzymes
|
Barley Extract
|
Barley Grass
|
Barley Malt
|
Barley Pearls
|
Bran
|
Bleached Flour
|
Bulgar
|
Bulgar Wheat
|
Couscous
|
Dextrin
|
Durum
|
Einkorn
|
Emmer
|
Farina
|
Fu
|
Graham
|
Hordeum Vulgare
|
Hydrolyzed Wheat
|
Rye
|
Kamut
|
Macha
|
Malt
|
Malt Vinegar
|
Matzo
|
Mir
|
Seitan
|
Spelt
|
Semolina
|
Tabbuleah
|
Triticale
|
Udon
|
Wheat
|
Wheat Berry
|
Wheat Bran
|
Wheat Bread
|
Wheat Germ
|
Wheat Oil
|
Wheat Protein
|
Wheat Starch
|
Wheat Fl
|
Safe Foods
There are hundreds of grains and other food items that are
safe and gluten-free. In fact, there are actually many more items you can eat
than you cannot. This is just a short list of some of the many gluten-free
items that are safe
Acorn
|
Almond
Flour
|
Amaranth
|
Arborio
Rice
|
Arrowroot
|
Basmati
Rice
|
Brown
Rice
|
Bean
Flours
|
Buckwheat
|
Calrose
|
Canola
|
Cassava
|
Channa
|
Chestnut
|
Coconut
Flour
|
Corn
|
Corn
Flour
|
Corn
Meal
|
Corn
Gluten
|
Cornstarch
|
Cottonseed
|
Dasheen
Flour
|
Enriched
Rice
|
Fava
Bean
|
Flax
Seeds
|
Garbanzo
Beans
|
Glutinous
Rice
|
Guar
Gum
|
Lentils
|
Millet
|
Modified
Corn Starch
|
Modified
Tapioca
|
Montina
|
Peanut
Flour
|
Potato
Flour
|
Quinoa
|
Red
Rice
|
Rice
Bran
|
Rice
Flour
|
Risotto
|
Sago
|
Sesame
|
Soy
|
Soy
Beans
|
Tofu
|
Sunflower
Seeds
|
Sweet
Rice Flour
|
Tapioca
|
Tapioca
Flour
|
Teff
|
White
Rice
|
Xanthan
Gum
|
Yucca
|
Yeast
|
||
Brown
Rice Flour
|
Chickpea
Flour
|
Dal
|
Hominy
|
Potato
Starch
|
Sorghum
|
Taro
Flour
|
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