Saturday, May 16, 2009

Natural Weight-Loss Foods: Pineapple

If you need something really sweet, and not just any old fruit will do, reach for fresh pineapple. It is one of the sweetest fruits around, and has much less caloric value than a sugary, flour-filled, processed dessert.

Although pineapples from Puerto Rico , Mexico , and elsewhere are cheaper, they aren't as juicy and flavorful as those from Hawaii . But all pineapples share the same desirable characteristics: exceptionally sweet taste and high fiber content.

Health Benefits

Serve pineapple for dessert and no one will complain about missing sweets. That's just one benefit of this delicacy. Moreover, its fiber will fill you up and might help keep you regular. Pineapple is also a sweet way to get your manganese, which is one of many bone-strengthening minerals and a star player when it comes to protecting you against free radical damages via its role in the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.

One cup exceeds a day's recommended amount by 30 percent. You also get a decent amount of copper and thiamin, plus more than a third of your recommended vitamin C needs.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, but it also helps keep your immune system in tip-top shape by increasing your resistance against colds, flu, and other infectious diseases. Fresh, raw pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that aids digestion and helps prevent inflammation and swelling. To get the most anti-inflammatory benefit, some suggest that you eat pineapple alone so the bromelain isn't used up digesting other food you've eaten with it.

Selection and Storage

Nutritional Values

Pineapple, Fresh
Serving Size: 1 cup diced Calories: 77
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Carbohydrate: 20 g
Protein: 1 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 1 mg
Vitamin C: 56 mg
Thiamin: <1 mg
Copper: <1 mg
Manganese: 2 mg

When choosing pineapple, forget all the other tricks; let your nose be your guide. A ripe pineapple emits a sweet aroma from its base, except when cold. Color is not reliable; ripe pineapples vary in color by variety. Don't rely on plucking a leaf from the middle either. You can do this with all but the most unripe pineapples. And it can just as easily mean that it's rotten.

Choose a large pineapple that feels heavy for its size, indicating juiciness and a lot of pulp. The "eyes" should stand out. A ripe pineapple yields slightly when pressed.

Once a pineapple is picked, it's as sweet as it will ever get. It does no good to let it "ripen" at home. It will only rot.


Chat Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint
Contact Me EbayFacebookYoutubeTwitter

Friday, May 15, 2009

In 20 yrs, cancer will lose its sting: Expert

London: While the rate of cancer survival has been improving day by day, a British expert reckons that cancer will no longer be a killer in the next 20 years.
    Karol Sikora, professor of Cancer Medicine at Imperial College London, has said that the treatments for the disease are undergoing a "revolution", which means that within just two decades, "we
will simply run out of things from which to die".
    And rather than facing a possible death sentence, cancer patients will be treated as if they have a long-term illness like diabetes, heart disease or asthma. Sikora said that better technologies, better delivery systems to treat the disease, and financial constraints are expected in the near future.
    And as improved cancer care leads to better survival rates, higher prevalence of the disease in our populations will lead to greater societal pressures as people will be expect
ing much more from medicine. "Within 20 years cancer will be a chronic disease, joining conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma," the Daily Express quoted Sikora as saying.
    "These conditions impact on the way people live and do not inexorably lead to death. The model of prostate cancer, where many men die with it rather than from it, will be common for most cancers.

    "Even greater progress will be made in understanding myriad causes of cancer," Silora added.
    Hazel Nunn, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "In recent decades cancer survival has been improving dramatically." The Government's cancer tsar, Mike Richards, said: "We will see more cancers being cured and some others may become more chronic illnesses." AGENCIES

Ginger eases chemo nausea

    Ginger, long used as a folk remedy for soothing tummyaches, helped tame one of the most dreaded side effects of cancer treatment — nausea from chemotherapy, the first large
study to test the herb for this has found.
    People who started taking ginger capsules several days before a chemo infusion had fewer and less severe bouts of nausea afterward than others who were given dummy capsules, the federally funded study found. "We were slightly beside ourselves" to see how much it helped, said study leader Julie Ryan of the University of Rochester in New York. But don't reach for the ginger ale. Many sodas and cookies contain
only flavoring — not real ginger, Ryan said. Still, ginger capsules may offer a cheap, simple way to fight nausea, which is far more than just a quality-of-life issue, doctors say. AP


Chat Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint
Contact Me EbayFacebookYoutubeTwitter

Thursday, May 14, 2009

How It Works: Sunburn The science of sun damage.

Understand Sunburn
Illustrated by 5W Infographics
To prevent burns, use a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and reapply often.
"The actual burn you see later comes from a series of chemical reactions," says Mehmet C. Oz, MD. Mast cells in the skin release chemicals like histamine and serotonin, triggering more chemical production and inflammation. Within 12 hours, skin cells begin to die, and inflammation turns the skin a darker red.

UV radiation damages your DNA, setting you up for possible skin cancer and suppressing immunity. But your skin does try to fight back. As soon as you're exposed to UV radiation, cells called melanocytes release melanin pigment that blocks UV rays-in the form of a tan that can reflect UV light. You've heard it before, but it bears repeating: To prevent burns, use a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and reapply often.


SUBSCRIBE TO Free SMS Alerts on India Stock Markets
OR SEND SMS "ON WAY2TRADE  " TO 9870807070
DisasterAwareness | Health | Commodities
Earn decent money by receiving SMSes on your cell phone.  Free Signup!


Chat: Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint
Contact Me: EbayFacebookYoutubeTwitter

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

GO NUTS FOR HEALTHY TEETH

That's right, snacking on the right foods can improve your dental health 

- DR SHANTANU JARADI

 According to research nuts are rich in magnesium, calcium, and phosphate – all important nutrients for dental health. Add some nuts to your regular diet for a healthy, beautiful smile and well-protected teeth and gums. Whether you realise it or not, the foods you consume can affect your smile as much as brushing or flossing. Each time you eat sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in plaque gets another chance to form decay-causing acid and bad breath can make you want to hide even
the most pristine teeth. Choosing the right foods that naturally fight bacteria, remove plaque, strengthen the enamel, and freshen breath is a good way to preserve your pearly whites.

Cashewnuts
Cashew is an energizing food. Cashew nuts help maintain healthy gums and teeth. The
extra chewing it requires produces plenty of saliva, which neutralises the bacteria Streptococcus mutans that causes cavities. Additionally, chomping on naturally abrasive foods massages gums and cleans between teeth. Snack on cashews once a day.
Peanuts
Studies have shown that
peanuts contain a good amount of calcium and vitamin D. Together these two promote good healthy teeth. Peanut butter sandwiches, salted shelled peanuts, unshelled or unsalted, however you like to eat them, there's no denying that these wonderful little legumes are a healthy choice for the teeth.
Almonds
Almonds are a great source of calcium. Studies have proved that the consumption of 12-15 almonds on a regular basis stuffs your body with around 40-50 mg of calcium. Almonds promote good healthy teeth and the calcium helps nourish and support healthy gum tissue.

Walnuts
Walnuts contain plant protein, folacin, dietary fiber, magnesium, iron, thiamine, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium and zinc, which are beneficial for teeth. The magnesium and phosphorus in walnuts is important for dental health. So, go crazy for walnuts.
    Good and healthy teeth are necessary for oral health and having good teeth makes you look younger, which is why you should visit a dentist regularly to help prevent problems before they get out of hand. So if you want to keep your pearly whites their brightest, go nuts with these super foods.











SUBSCRIBE TO Free SMS Alerts on India Stock Markets
OR SEND SMS "ON WAY2TRADE  " TO 9870807070
DisasterAwareness | Health | Commodities
Earn decent money by receiving SMSes on your cell phone.  Free Signup!


Chat: Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint
Contact Me: EbayFacebookYoutubeTwitter

Meditation leads to a bigger brain

Helps Areas Tied To Emotions Grow

New York: Push-ups, crunches and gyms are fine for building bigger muscles and stronger bones. But meditation seems to be the way to a bigger brain.
    A new study has established that certain regions in the brains of those meditating for a long period were larger than in a similar control group.
    A group of researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), used highresolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan the brains of people who meditate.
    Specifically, such people showed significantly larger volumes of the hippocampus and areas within the orbitofrontal cortex, the thalamus and the inferior temporal gyrus-regions known for regulating emotions.
    "We know that people who consistently meditate have a singular ability to cultivate positive emotions, retain emotional stability and engage in mindful behaviour," said Eileen Luders, study co-author and postdoctoral fellow at the UCLA Lab of Neuro Imaging.
    Luders and colleagues examined 44 people, 22 control subjects and 22 who had practised Zazen, Samatha and Vipassana meditation, among others. They had devoted an average of 24 years to the practice.
    More than half of all the
people who meditate said that deep concentration was an essential part of their practice, and most meditated between 10 and 90 minutes daily, said an UCLA release.
    The researchers used a high-resolution, three-dimensional form of MRI and two different approaches to measure differences in brain structure. These findings were published in NeuroImage. AGENCIES

Chemical may play key role in anxiety
    
Achemical important for brain development may play a role in explaining why some people are genetically predisposed to anxiety and could lead to new treatments, US researchers said. They said rats bred to be highly anxious had very low levels of a brain chemical called fibroblast growth factor 2 or FGF2 compared with rats that were more laid back. But when they improved the anxious rats' living conditions, levels of FGF2 increased and they became less anxious. "The levels of this molecule increased in response to the experiences that the rats were exposed to. It also decreased their anxiety," Javier Perez of the University of Michigan, said. REUTERS

SUBSCRIBE TO Free SMS Alerts on India Stock Markets
OR SEND SMS "ON WAY2TRADE  " TO 9870807070
DisasterAwareness | Health | Commodities
Earn decent money by receiving SMSes on your cell phone.  Free Signup!


Chat: Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint
Contact Me: EbayFacebookYoutubeTwitter

25 Health Benefits of Lemons


PDF Print E-mail
Lemon is one of those super foods with a myriad health and cosmetic benefits.  There are a few persons for whom it is an allergen, so make sure you are not allergic to this natural product, before you start enjoying the many benefits.
 
                         25 Health Benefits of Lemons

1. Lemon being a citrus fruit, fights against infection. It helps in production of WBC's and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading microorganism and prevents infection.

2
. Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

3. Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

4
. Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. They prevent faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a cell to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of nitrosamines in the gut.
 
5. Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin.

6.
A few drops of lemon juice in hot water are believed to clear the digestive system and purify liver as well.


7. The  skin  of lemon dried under the sun and then ground to make powder  can  be  applied  to  the  hair for a few minutes before bath which relieves head ache and cools the body.

8
. Applying lemon juice to acne dries the existing ones and prevents from getting more.

9. Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightner and skin bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions which is common with hair dyes and bleaches.

10.
Lemon juice is given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue.

11. Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold.

12.
Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infection and gonorrhea.


13. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its poison and pain.

14.
Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems.

15. Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with little glycerin.

16.
Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastro-intestinal tract infections.

17. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers cholesterol levels and brings down your weight.

18.
Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration and shock in case of diarrhea.

19. Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel.

20.
A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves asthma.

21. Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin.

22.
Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also used as a treatment for diphtheria.


23. Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair.

24.
Lemon applied over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you young.

25. Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.






SUBSCRIBE TO Free SMS Alerts on India Stock Markets
OR SEND SMS "ON WAY2TRADE  " TO 9870807070
DisasterAwareness | Health | Commodities
Earn decent money by receiving SMSes on your cell phone.  Free Signup!


Chat: Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint
Contact Me: EbayFacebookYoutubeTwitter

Sunday, May 10, 2009

COUNTDOWN TO GOOD HEALTH

Dr R K Modi tells Kiran Mehta about the 'magic numbers' that hold the key to your well-being

0.5 – 4.7 MICRO UNIT/ML
That's the scale where your thyroid level (TSH) needs to show up at. All adults above the age of 30 need to take a thyroid test, once a year. More so, if you are a woman suffering from hormonal problems. An underactive or an over active thyroid are both dangerous conditions that can eventually affect the heart. Treatment usually involves oral medication.
5
That's the number of servings of fruits or vegetables a healthy adult needs each day. Studies show that those who stick to this number have reduced risk of cancer and heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, regular bowel movements and also improved blood sugar levels. Fresh vegetables and fruits are a must in your diet. Your best bet are raw fruits. As for veggies stay away from deep-fried ones. Also since fruits contain natural sugars they satisfy the cravings of those with a sweet tooth.
25 KG/M2
This is the target Body Mass Index (BMI) recommended by the World Health Organisation. Those with a BMI of 25 also tend to feel healthier with higher energy levels. Since most of us in the cities fall prey to a sedentary lifestyle, weight control is not an easy problem to tackle. But with calorie control and exercise, you can definitely touch the 25 mark.
25 – 30 KILOGRAMS
That's the ideal hand grip strength for a healthy young adult. If your grip strength, which is a measure of muscle and bone strength, is lower than this, you are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis. To improve
grip strength, increase your calcium intake.
200 MG OR LESS
Your total cholesterol levels, inclusive of both good and bad cholesterol need to be below 200 mg. Your blood cholesterol level refers to the amount of fat in your blood. If your levels are too high then you are at a greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke. According to research, lowering your total cholesterol level by 10% may reduce the incidence of heart disease by 30 percent.
Your daily fat intake should be less than 30 per cent of your total caloric intake, with less than 10 per cent coming from saturated fats. The best way to monitor this is to check the labels of the foods you are eating. To lower your cholesterol levels, eat a diet that is low in fat. If you do eat fats, avoid saturated fats, which are found in products such as milk. Moderate exercise can also lower your cholesterol levels considerably.
10,000
Walk at least 10,000 steps a day. A brisk walk every day that adds up to this figure, takes about 30 minutes a day and will leave your refreshed, energised and yet rather relaxed. In fact the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation recommend that all healthy adults should get 30 minutes of exercise most days (but not less than 5 days per week). Studies have also shown that people who include exercise in their daily routine live longer and face a lower risk of diabetes.
(Dr R K Modi is a senior consultant in internal medicine attached to Wockhardt and the Dr L H Hiranandani hospital, Mumbai)


SUBSCRIBE TO Free SMS Alerts on India Stock Markets
OR SEND SMS "ON WAY2TRADE  " TO 9870807070
DisasterAwareness | Health | Commodities
Earn decent money by receiving SMSes on your cell phone.  Free Signup!

Chat: Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint
Contact Me: EbayFacebookYoutubeTwitter