Fact about Fat

FACT: Your Body Can't Live without Fat.

* The human brain is 60% fat.
* Fat maintains the integrity of the nervous system, your brain's "communication center" with the rest of your body.
* Fat is needed by all the cells in your body: Nerve cells, eye cells, brain cells and even heart cells need fat to survive.
* Your body needs fat in order to properly absorb and use crucial vitamins such as A, D, E, K and Beta-Carotene
* Fat boosts your immune system and acts as a shield to keep out harmful germs and microbes that can cause illness.

Essential Fatty Acids is for everyone
But Not Just Any Fat Will Do!

Before you throw your hands up excitedly and head for a double burger and a pint of ice cream, you need to know that your body needs a certain kind of fat - a kind that isn't contained in all of those tempting fast foods or decadent desserts. What your body really wants are Essential Fatty Acids
What Are Essential Fatty Acids and What Do They Do?

They're not called "essential" for nothing. Every cell in your body is made of these specialized fats, and these cells need a continuous supply of these fatty acids in order to function at its peak. Since your body doesn't produce these acids naturally, it depends on you to provide them.
How To Tell When You Aren't Getting Enough...

No doubt that you or someone you know is suffering from one, if not more, of these common ailments - all signs that you aren't getting enough Essential Fatty Acids from your diet. Symptoms include:

* Allergies
* Depression or Hyperactivity
* Learning Difficulties
* High Blood Pressure

If left untreated, a deficiency in Essential Fatty Acids could lead to:

* Diabetes
* Cancer
* Alzheimer's Disease
* Heart Disease
* Intestinal Disorders

So Where Do Essential Fatty Acids Come From?

Essential Fatty Acids Foods - Some of the best and healthiest sources of these critical nutrients include:

* Salmon, Herring and Mackerel
* Hemp Hearts and Hemp Oil
* Walnuts and Almonds
* Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
* Olive Oil and Flaxseed Oil*
* Whole Grain Foods
* Lean Meats and Eggs

Adding these products into a diet with other highly nutritional foods and exercise can ensure that you're giving your body the best possible combination of disease fighting, health-boosting nutrients it needs.

Benefit from *Flax Seed Oil . Not only does it improve carnitine activity in the body, but studies have shown that it can substantially lower the risk of death from coronary heart disease. Flax seed oil contains twice the amount of Omega-3 oils than that of fish oil products. NSP's Flax Seed Oil is 100% organic and unrefined; due to the cold pressing of the seeds.
Reap the benefits of *Super Oil capsules that combines oil from three different sources.


What If I'm Vegetarian or Allergic to Nuts?

We realize that some people simply can't add these types of foods to their diet. In these cases, or even if you're not on a restricted diet, we recommend getting your Essential Fatty Acids from hemp hearts or hemp seed oil, both of which are packed with the same compounds as the foods listed above, but are odorless and tasteless, so you can use them virtually anywhere! Add them to a salad, baked potato or in a hot, steaming bowl of oatmeal. You won't even realize they're in there, and you're doing your body a huge favor!

Do you need help? Just ask as a Chartered Herbalist, I specialize in helping people achieve their overall wellness goals. I can help put you on the road to achieving good health and a sense of well-being. I'm here to answer any questions you have and to help you choose the best products. Read the rest of this entry »

JUST FOR FATTY

There are loads of fat burning foods that you can take advantage of so you'll be slender and slimmer. The thought of gobbling up food to be sexy might be funny - but it is actually possible. You just have to watch what you eat. This is why diet plays an important role in any weight loss plan.

Many starve themselves to lose weight. What they don't realize is the fact that that's a very dangerous way of slimming down. Food is needed by the body. It is the body's fuel. The body needs food to go on. Without it, your body systems would fail.

It is never right to skip a meal, no matter how obese you maybe. Dieting doesn't necessitate not taking your dinner or your lunch. Dieting is as simple as eating right and speeding up your metabolism. This is the reason why exercising and dieting always go together. Now, if you just add fat burning foods to your diet, you will be thin faster.

A partial list of foods that can burn fats include bananas, soybeans, apples, berries, and a lot of low-fat dairy products. There are also spices, herbs, and seasonings that could help you cut down inches off your waist. Good examples would be cayenne pepper, cinnamon, ginger and garlic.

By adding them to your meals, your food would taste better and healthier, not to mention fat-burning as well. Essential fatty acids combined with citrus fruits are fat burning foods too. Make it a point to include foods rich in Omega-3 and Vitamin C in your diet.

However, you must not rely on the abilities of fat burning foods alone. You should also do something in order to be thin. Just following a diet is a long way to achieve your goal. It is advisable that you also do some exercises. The simple task of walking to and from the office is good enough. If you can jog early in the morning, then that's better. You can't expect to be thin if you lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Also, you have to try your best to avoid sweet and fatty foods. Stay clear of deep-fried and sugary food items. Forget about ice creams, cakes, French fries, potato chips, and chocolates for sometime. This way, you can maximize the effects of fat burning foods in. And you will see the results much sooner that you can expect. Read the rest of this entry »

BLISTER BLAST

why necessary ??? because its is mechanism defense your body. which epidemis separate from out lining. liquid body fall in and fill up empty gap, while wait the new linning .

Type of Blister

Blood Blister : Blister which can go out blood if you pich
Water Blister :Blister which full liquid like water and not contain blood.
Fever Blister : Blister grow close in mouth with itched , sick and hot before smashed.

Blister Caused
Blister caused is :
1. injury because rubbing or chemistry substance and makes allergy.
2. skin irritation causative out linning separate from under.
3. Because Viruses usually shapped sex disease

Prevent
the key is one : forestall rubbing in skin. Read the rest of this entry »

Natural Cosmetic

Different skin color? hmmmmmm its natural. every girls want have white face skin, smooth and interesting. they don't want if they skin face black,coarse,and pimples.
its so that they try much cosmetic product which sale in free market.

just you know, if not all cosmetic product safe for your skin face. Try natural material from fruits is good too.
1. Lemonade
Benefit for white skin,smooth skin, little pore-pore and lose fatty in skin oil. because this fruit contain vitamin A,C,B1,B2 and B3
2. Avocado
Benefit For anti aging because contain Amino acid and vitamin
3. Almond
Benefit for smooth skin face because contain mineral, oleat acid,vitamin A and B
4. Tomato
Benefit for smooth skin face and protect skin for sunrise because contain protein,fosfor,iron,sulphur, vitamin A,B1 and C
5. banana
Benefit for damp skin because contain serotonin,pectin,tannin,noradrenalin,dopamin,vitamin A, B complex and C.

Now you know material natural which suitable with your skin. Try and your skin is beautiful,smooth and white and important safe for your skin. Read the rest of this entry »

ROSELLA RED TEA

Rosella have scientific name Hibiscus Sabdariffa form Malvaccae familia.
This plants from india until malaysia. whole part this plant can make to food, drink and medicine.
sheath rosella with mild sour sweet taste and have red color can be juice, molasses , jams , jellies, sauce, wines, cough medicine, candy and snack sweet
from research, this sheath rosella behalf seasoned with as much as asam amino and vitamin c. asam amino be found in arginine,cystine,histidine,isoleucine,leucine,lysine,methionine,phenylalanine,threonine tryptopahn,tyrosine,valine, aspartic acid,glutamic,acid alanine, glycine,praline and serine,
Rosella special quality as antiseptic,aprodisiak,diuretic,sedative and tonic
Benefit Rosella
1. Can help reduce hypertensi
2. smothen circulation blood
3. help reduce colesterol
4. help reduce diabetus militus
5. Keeping from cancer
6. Make healthy hearth
7. increase power body
8. help eyes healthy
9. Replacement electrolyte
10. act as brake in heavy body
11. anti aging
12. best drink before eat snack greasy

Read the rest of this entry »

Mask Best For Face

Benefit your weekend with treatment face. made mask from material beside you. easy for made and low price.
this below type of mask you can do :
1. Honey mask
For the best result, clean face with warm water to open pore-pore. Dabbing honey to all face. For sensitive skin and have problem, mix honey with oatmeal. dabbing to face and let 15-30 minutes. wash with warm water and then cold water to close pore-pore
2. Exfoliating Mask.
This mask can help exfoliation and take away dead cell skin in face. mix 3 spoon olive oil with1 spoon salt kosher or sea salt. dabbing to dry skin in face. this mask can use to soft skin .
3. Mask white egg.
Separation white egg with red egg. dabbing white egg to all face until dry. clean with water. not only clean, face can speed up skin after mask with white egg.

Mask made from Fruits.

1. Carrot mask.
Carrot made sense high vitamin A , high vitamin c, potasium. and honey made sense fruktosa,glukosa, fatty acid, vitamin and mineral.
- 2-3 big carrot
- 41/2 spoon honey.
boiled carrot then fall to pieces until smooth. mix with honey . dabbing to all face and let until 10 minutes. clean with cold water.

2. Apple Mask

- 1 Big Apple
- 5 spoon honey.
mix apple grater with honey as mask. dabbing to all face and let until 10 minutes. wash face until clean with cold water.

3. Strawberry mask

strawberry made sense more vitamin c. fruit made sense more vitamin c and prevent to cancer.
- 8-9 strawberry
- 3 spoon honey.
Fall to pieces strawberry with fork then mix with honey. don't use blender to fall pieces strawberry and then filter. Dabbing to all face until 10 minutes. wash face until clean with cold water.

4. Banana mask

Banana is much vitamin c, vitamin B6 and potasium. banana made sense moisturaizer which can clammy skin.
- 2 big banana
- 1 spoon oatmeal
- Pure milk ( to soft skin )
Fall to pieces banana with fork. mix with oatmeal, add honey and pure milk if you want. dabbing to all face until 10 minutes. wash face with cold water.

5. peach mask

peach can exfoliating died skin cell and regeneration new cell. with AHA ( alpha hidroxy acid ) this inside can help lost ripply soft skin, sunspot,spot because aging,and spot because acne.
- 1 peach
- 1 spoon honey
- little oatmeal.
boiled peach until smooth. fall to pieces with fork and mix with honey and oatmeal. dabbing to all face and let until 10 minutes. wash until clean with cold water.

Other Recipe

1. Yogurt mask

- 1 spoon yogurt without taste
- 1 spoon warm honey.
* if very dry skin can add 2 spoon honey
* if oil skin can add 2 drop water lemon
* if sensitive skin can add little oatmeal.
Mix all ingredient until smooth and dabbing to all face . let until 15 minutes and then clean face with warm water.

2. juice mask

strawberry and lemon juice made sense astringent natural, which can cold face.
- 1 spoon juice lemon
- 2 white egg
- 3 spoon honey
- 1 glass juice strawberry
- if you want can add 4 essential oil.
blender all ingredient until smooth. dabbing to all face. let until 10 minutes. wash with water. Read the rest of this entry »

5 FOOD TO PREVENT A SMELL MOUTH

Smell mouth because 2 problem
1. healty mouth
2. food

Food to prevent a smell mouth is
- plant vegetatio
to prevent a smell mouth eat taragon, eucalyptus. this plant can be a drink. this plant useful to wash a mouth
- yogurt
usually eat a yogurt because yogurt can less a smell mouth
- vegetables and fruits
Apple, celery, carrot can be eat after breakfast, lunch or dinner
- Candy
Candy with pepermint can protect mouth while
- vitamin c high dossis
eat fruits like orange,melon and food contain vitamin c high dossis Read the rest of this entry »

Benefits Of Aloe Vera

Scientific name:Aloe barbadensis miller liquid. Aloe Vera can be used externally for the treatment of acne, pimples burns, insect bites and for moisturizing & hydrating the skin. It be taken internally for its many nutrients. Sabila contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, vitamin C, choline, niacin amide and 18 amino acids. You can mix the Aloe Vera extract with fruit juice and other drinks. Aloe Vera is also an anti-oxidant in which it prevents oxidation of certain fats and gene cells which prevents tumors and cancers. Since Sabila is an anti-oxidant, it has anti-aging properties. It also reduces free radicals which can damage the arteries. Aside from being a herbal medicine, Aloe Vera is good for the health and can be taken internally or applied externally.
Benefits: Treatment of acne, pimples & psoriasis• Analgesic properties for inflammation of skin
• Helps reduce high blood pressure
• Anti-aging properties
• Heals insect bites minor burns & sunburns
• Arthritis, diabetes
• Helps prevent cancer & tumors
• Eases Constipation
• Antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic & antibiotic properties

Using:
• For treatment of skin inflammation, acne, pimple, insect bites, minor burns etc., remove the skin of a leaf then rub Sabila (Aloe Vera) juice on your skin and leave for at least 30 minutes.
• For hypertension, arthritis diabetes, constipation etc., remove the skin and take internally. The jell liquefies a after a few minutes and can be mixed with other drinks.

Read the rest of this entry »

Spirulina

Spirulina is being developed as the "food of the future" because of its amazing ability to synthesize high-quality concentrated food. Spirulina is 65 to 71 percent complete protein, with all essential amino acids in perfect balance. Spirulina is a form of chlorophyll from the blue green algae family. This super food has the most remarkable concentration of functional nutrients ever known in food - animal or plant. It is high in phosphorus, potassium, sodium, niacin, beta carotene, iron, vitamin B-12 and the rare essential fatty acid GLA. The benefits are many including the food being rich in antioxidants, boosts energy and cellular health, cell regeneration and renewal, good for halting the signs of aging. It is also anti fungal and antibacterial. The best way to take spirulina is to have it with your favorite juice Recipes at Healthy Juice central. However it may just change the color of your drink to green. It is better to disguise its taste with a juice rather than consuming it with plain water

Read the rest of this entry »

A Cup of Coffee is Healthy for You

A cup of coffee and morning newspaper always goes hand in hand. Many of you can’t skip the habit, no matter what. Well, we are not asking you to get out of your routine, rather we appreciate the habit! Yes, there are many people around you who may be telling you that caffeine is risky for your health because they are not aware of its positive aspects. Here we are to provide you the actual reality of coffee. A cup of coffee is indeed healthier for you! The coffee which you drink can lift your mood and even cure morning headaches. It is also credited with reducing the risk of some of the most deadly diseases! Read on to know more.

After many brainstorming studies, scientists have come to the conclusion that coffee can actually reduce the risk for several diseases including Parkinson’s (a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer’s motor skills and speech.) Diabetes, risk of cavities and has greater health benefits can also be reduced by the consumption of coffee.

Coffee is really a healthy dependence. When your first aid box is empty and you are suffering from asthma, just sip a cup of coffee to manage your asthma levels.

Here is another proof: A new research by Harvard demonstrates that consuming one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits. Having six cups or more each day slashed men’s risk by 54% and women’s by 30% over those who refrain from coffee.

According to the research, drinking at least two cups of coffee daily can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 25%, drop the risk of liver cirrhosis by 80% and halves the risk of gallstones.

So what is the miraculous thing in your cup of coffee? The credit goes to the large amounts of antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid and tocopherols, and minerals such as magnesium present in the coffee beans.

However, too much of anything proves to be fatal. So, next time you make your cup of coffee, make sure that you don’t overdo it by consuming in excess. Read the rest of this entry »

Avocado

Avocado is rich in potassium, vitamins B and E as well as high in fibre, avocados may help protect against lung cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

Although officially classed as a fruit, avocados are generally treated as a salad vegetable. They are high in fat; however, most of this is the heart-friendly monounsaturated variety, or more specifically, oleic acid, an omega-9 fat also found in olive oil. Monounsaturated fat has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and diabetes. Those who have difficulty in digesting fats usually have no problem with avocados.

An excellent source of vitamin E, avocados are also high in beta-sitosterol, a natural substance which helps lower blood cholesterol levels and protect the prostate. Vitamin E also helps prevent the oxidation of LDL, or bad cholesterol, and is important for healthy skin. This vitamin has also been shown to help boost fertility in men by protecting the sperm cell membranes from damage by free radicals and increasing sperm motility. For this reason avocados have been traditionally used for erectile dysfunction. Other uses include: constipation, nervousness and insomnia.
Vitamin B6

Avocados also contain lutein, a carotenoid with natural antioxidant properties that help keep eyes healthy and also contribute to a healthy skin. One small avocado contains half the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B6 which is essential to the central nervous system function. Low levels of B6 have been linked to depression and chronic fatigue. Anyone taking the contraceptive pill or antibiotics would be wise to add avocado to their diet as both these drugs increase the body’s need for vitamin B6.
High Fibre

They are also a good source of fibre with around 11 to 17g per fruit. Rich in potassium with two to three times that of bananas, avocados also contain good amounts of folate, vitamin A in the form of beta carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin.
Reduced Lung Cancer Risk

Foods high in beta-cryptoxanthin protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals and provide a good source of vitamin A. This carotenoid may also reduce the risk of lung cancer according to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention. This 2004 study found beta-cryptoxanthin reduced lung cancer risk by more than 30 percent in those with diets providing the highest amounts.

Read the rest of this entry »

Chocolate

Chocolate has a long history as a favoured food of many cultures, including Aztec and Mayan. Today, it is considered a luxury food that should be eaten sparingly, since it can contribute to migraines, and obesity. However, new research is debunking these common fallacies. Studies are now indicating that chocolate or cocoa in moderation is actually good for us, and may help prevent heart disease, cancer and other degenerative illnesses, but more evidence is needed.

Vitamins, minerals and nutrients
The nutritional content of chocolate varies according to its recipe. Generally, chocolate contains:
* Protein - needed for cell maintenance and repair.
* Fat - mainly saturated fats, up to 50 per cent.
* Vitamin E which is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the integrity of cell membranes.
* Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium minerals that are essential for strong bones and teeth.
* Iron - needed to form haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying compound in blood.
* Caffeine - a nervous system stimulant.
* Copper assists iron metabolism, formation of melanin (in hair and skin), and in
the functioning of the central nervous system.

Acne and pimples
A recent study has shown that most people, around 70 per cent, believe that certain foods can cause or exacerbate acne. Chocolate was indicated as one of the main culprits. However, there is no evidence to back up this long held belief. According to scientific research to date, there are no compounds, ingredients or naturally occurring chemicals in chocolate that can either trigger acne or make it worse.

Obesity
If a person regularly eats more food than their body needs, they will store the excess energy as body fat. Chocolate is energy dense, which means it contains comparatively high levels of kilojoules for its weight, approximately 2,200kJ per 100gm. Regularly eating energy dense foods is perhaps the fastest way to gain excess weight, but it would be wrong to say that regularly eating chocolate will lead to obesity. It is overeating in general that is the culprit, not specific foods. A person with a healthy diet can safely eat chocolate in moderation without fear of weight gain.

A healthier type of saturated fat
On average, chocolate contains around 50 per cent fat. Blood cholesterol levels are usually boosted by foods containing saturated fats, but the main type of saturated fat in chocolate is stearic acid. This type seems to have no effect on blood cholesterol levels at all, which means those who are trying to limit their saturated fat intake for the sake of their blood cholesterol could safely consume chocolate on the odd occasion.

Heart disease and cancer
Antioxidants, such as catechins, are substances found in some foods like tea, fruits and vegetables and are thought to protect the body against degenerative illnesses like heart disease and cancer. The antioxidant content of chocolate has been found to be significantly higher than tea. Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is a good source of catechins and may help prevent the oxidation of blood cholesterol and decrease the tendency for blood clotting. However, more evidence is needed on how these findings translate to heart health. If you want to boost your intake of catechins, while keeping your fat intake low, try drinking cocoa instead of eating chocolate, since it generally has a much lower fat content. Read the rest of this entry »

Ginkgo Biloba

Historically Ginkgo biloba is known from China, where in the south and east it has been cultivated for centuries. It is unclear if wild-growing populations of Ginkgo in Zhejiang Province in eastern China
Ginkgo biloba, thought to be the oldest living tree species on Earth, is also the source for one of the most widely used medicinal botanicals in the world. It is widely prescribed in Europe as a treatment for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and for memory loss and cognitive decline. In the US, where it is available as a dietary supplement, ginkgo has been the subject of intensified research in the last few decades, which has highlighted its capacity to improve blood flow/circulation and the benefits of its particular blend of antioxidants (called “flavonoids” and “terpenoids”).
There are a number of impressive findings from research on gingko:
1. Several investigations have found that ginkgo is comparable in effectiveness to leading prescription medications for Alzheimer’s in delaying the symptoms of dementia. In people with Alzheimer’s it has been shown to improve thinking, learning, and memory, and may also relieve depression.
2. A clinical study suggested that ginkgo can reduce the side effects of menopause and the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Menopausal women seeking to avoid hormone replacement therapy due to the side effects (such as increased risk of breast cancer) may be able to use ginkgo as an alternative.
3. The flavonoids in ginkgo may lessen problems in the back part of the eye (the retina). In particular, research suggests that ginkgo may help preserve vision in people with age-related macular degeneration, a retinal condition that is the number one cause of blindness in the US.
4. Ginkgo has been used for erectile dysfunction, especially in people who experience sexual dysfunction as a side effect of antidepressants. In one study of 60 men with ED, there was a 50% success rate after six months of treatment with ginkgo.
5. Three research centers at the National Institutes of Health are collaborating on a large-scale, long-term study to find out if ginkgo can prevent or delay the kinds of changes in memory and thinking that can occur as people get older. A secondary aim of the study is to assess the botanical’s ability to reduce the rate of cardiovascular disease as people age. This research may provide further guidance about the potential of ginkgo to prevent the onset of cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease.
6. A two-year study of health outcomes for HIV positive people who use botanical or herbal remedies concluded that ginkgo was associated with beneficial results in several measures of health status.
Concentrated extracts, which are prepared from the green leaves of the tree, appear to be the most clinically effective form. Note that ginkgo is well tolerated and has few side effects, but should not be used with blood-thinning medications (like aspirin or Coumadin), since one of its main actions is also to thin the blood. Read the rest of this entry »

Omega3

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other marine life such as algae and krill, certain plants (including purslane), and nut oils. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon) at least 2 times a week. It is advised that pregnant women and mothers, nursing mothers, young children, and women who might become pregnant not eat several types of fish, including swordfish, shark, and king mackerel. These individuals should also limit consumption of other fish, including albacore tuna, salmon, and herring. They can take omega-3 fatty acids in quality dietary supplements that are certified mercury-free by a reputable third-party lab.

There are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body. Extensive research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems. Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include extreme tiredness (fatigue), poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation.

It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet, as these two substances work together to promote health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. An inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to the development of disease while a proper balance helps maintain and even improve health. A healthy diet should consist of roughly 2 - 4 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The typical American diet tends to contain 14 - 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, and many researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders .
In contrast, however, diet consists of a healthier balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and many studies have shown that people who follow this diet are less likely to develop heart disease. It also contains another fatty acid, omega-9 fatty acids, which have been reported to help lower risks associated with cancer and heart disease. The Mediterranean diet does not include much meat (which is high in omega-6 fatty acids) and emphasizes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, garlic, as well as moderate wine consumption.

Uses

Clinical studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful in treating a variety of health conditions. The evidence is strongest for heart disease and problems that contribute to heart disease, but the range of possible uses for omega-3 fatty acids include:

High cholesterol

Those who follow a Mediterranean-style diet tend to have higher high density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" )cholesterol levels. Similar to those who follow a Mediterranean diet, Inuit Eskimos, who consume high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, also tend to have increased HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides (fatty material that circulates in the blood). In addition, fish oil supplements containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been reported in several large clinical studies to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Finally, walnuts (which are rich in alpha linolenic acid or ALA) have been reported to lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in individuals with high cholesterol levels.

High blood pressure

supplementation with 3 or more grams of fish oil daily can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure in individuals with untreated hypertension.

Heart disease

One of the best ways to help prevent and treat heart disease is to eat a low-fat diet and to replace foods rich in saturated and trans-fat with those that are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids). that EPA and DHA found in fish oil help reduce risk factors for heart disease including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. There is also strong evidence that these substances can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the development of plaque and blood clots, each of which tends to clog arteries. Clinical studies of heart attack survivors have found that daily omega-3 fatty acid supplements dramatically reduce the risk of death, subsequent heart attacks, and stroke. Similarly, people who eat an ALA-rich diet are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack.
Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes tend to have high triglyceride and low HDL levels. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help lower triglycerides and apoproteins (markers of diabetes), and raise HDL, so people with diabetes may benefit from eating foods or taking supplements that contain DHA and EPA. ALA (from flaxseed, for example) may not have the same benefit as DHA and EPA because some people with diabetes lack the ability to efficiently convert ALA to a form of omega-3 fatty acids that the body can use readily. There have been slight increases reported in fasting blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes while taking fish oil supplements.

Weight loss

Many individuals who are overweight suffer from poor blood sugar control, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Clinical studies suggest that overweight people who follow a weight loss program that includes exercise tend to achieve better control over their blood sugar and cholesterol levels when fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, mackerel, and herring) is a staple in their low-fat diet.

Arthritis

Most clinical studies investigating the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for inflammatory joint conditions have focused almost entirely on rheumatoid arthritis. Several articles reviewing the research in this area conclude that omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoporosis

Clinical studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA help increase levels of calcium in the body, deposit calcium in the bones, and improve bone strength. In addition, studies also suggest that people who are deficient in certain essential fatty acids (particularly EPA and gamma-linolenic acid [GLA], an omega-6 fatty acid) are more likely to suffer from bone loss than those with normal levels of these fatty acids. In a study of women over 65 with osteoporosis, those given EPA and GLA supplements experienced significantly less bone loss over 3 years than those who were given a placebo. Many of these women also experienced an increase in bone density.

Depression

People who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids or do not maintain a healthy balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in their diet may be at an increased risk for depression. The omega-3 fatty acids are important components of nerve cell membranes. They help nerve cells communicate with each other, which is an essential step in maintaining good mental health. In particular, DHA is involved in a variety of nerve cell processes.


Bipolar disorder

In a clinical study of 30 people with bipolar disorder, those who were treated with EPA and DHA (in combination with their usual mood stabilizing medications) for 4 months experienced fewer mood swings and recurrence of either depression or mania than those who received placebo. Another 4-month long clinical study treating individuals with bipolar depression and rapid cycling bipolar disorder did not find evidence of efficacy for the use of in EPA in these patients.

Schizophrenia

Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that people with schizophrenia experience an improvement in symptoms when given omega-3 fatty acids. However, a recent well-designed study concluded that EPA supplements are no better than placebo in improving symptoms of this condition. The conflicting results suggest that more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the benefit of omega-3 fatty acids for schizophrenia. Similar to diabetes, individuals with schizophrenia may not be able to convert ALA to EPA or DHA efficiently.

Eating disorders

Clinical studies suggest that men and women with anorexia nervosa have lower than optimal levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (including ALA and GLA). To prevent the complications associated with essential fatty acid deficiencies, some experts recommend that treatment programs for anorexia nervosa include PUFA-rich foods such as fish and organ meats (which include omega-6 fatty acids).

Burns

Essential fatty acids have been used to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing in burn victims. Animal research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids help promote a healthy balance of proteins in the body -- protein balance is important for recovery after sustaining a burn. Further research is necessary to determine whether omega-3s benefit people in the same way.
Skin disorders

In one clinical study, 13 people with a particular sensitivity to the sun known as photo dermatitis showed significantly less sensitivity to UV rays after taking fish oil supplements. Still, research indicates that topical sunscreens are much better at protecting the skin from damaging effects of the sun than omega-3 fatty acids. In another study of 40 people with psoriasis, those who were treated with medications and EPA supplements did better than those treated with the medications alone. In addition, many clinicians believe that flaxseed (which contains omega-3 fatty acids) is helpful for treating acne.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

When added to medication, such as sulfasalazine (a standard medication for IBD), omega-3 fatty acids may reduce symptoms of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis -- the 2 types of IBD. More studies to investigate this preliminary finding are under way. In animals, it appears that ALA works better at decreasing bowel inflammation than EPA and DHA. Plus, fish oil supplements can cause side effects that are similar to symptoms of IBD (such as flatulence, belching, bloating, and diarrhea).

Asthma

Clinical research suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplements (in the form of perilla seed oil, which is rich in ALA) may decrease inflammation and improve lung function in adults with asthma. Omega-6 fatty acids have the opposite effect: they tend to increase inflammation and worsen respiratory function. In a small, well-designed clinical study of 29 children with asthma, those who took fish oil supplements rich in EPA and DHA for 10 months had improvement in their symptoms compared to children who took a placebo pill.

Macular Degeneration

A questionnaire administered to more than 3,000 people over the age of 49 found that those who consumed more fish in their diet were less likely to have macular degeneration (a serious age-related eye condition that can progress to blindness) than those who consumed less fish. Similarly, a clinical study comparing 350 people with macular degeneration to 500 without the eye disease found that those with a healthy dietary balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and higher intake of fish in their diets were less likely to have this particular eye disorder. Another larger clinical study confirms that EPA and DHA from fish, 4 or more times per week, may reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. Notably, however, this same study suggests that ALA may actually increase the risk of this eye condition.

Menstrual pain

In a clinical study of nearly 200 Danish women, those with the highest dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids had the mildest symptoms, such as hot flashes and increased sweating, during menstruation.

Colon cancer

Consuming significant amounts of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids appears to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. For example, Eskimos, who tend to follow a high-fat diet but eat significant amounts of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have a low rate of colorectal cancer. Animal studies and laboratory studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids prevent worsening of colon cancer while omega-6 fatty acids promote the growth of colon tumors. Daily consumption of EPA and DHA also appeared to slow or even reverse the progression of colon cancer in people with early stages of the disease.

Breast cancer

Although not all experts agree, women who regularly consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids over many years may be less likely to develop breast cancer. In addition, the risk of dying from breast cancer may be significantly less for those who eat large quantities of omega-3 from fish and brown kelp seaweed (common in Japan). This is particularly true among women who substitute fish for meat. The balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids appears to play an important role in the development and growth of breast cancer. Further research is still needed to understand the effect that omega-3 fatty acids may have on the prevention or treatment of breast cancer. For example, researchers speculate that omega-3 fatty acids in combination with other nutrients (namely, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, and coenzyme Q10) may prove to be of particular value for preventing and treating breast cancer.
Prostate cancer

Laboratory and animal studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids (specifically, DHA and EPA) may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. Similarly, population based clinical studies of groups of men suggest that a low-fat diet with the addition of omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil help prevent the development of prostate cancer. Like breast cancer, the balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids appears to be particularly important for reducing the risk of this condition. ALA, however, may not offer the same benefits as EPA and DHA. In fact, one recent clinical study evaluating 67 men with prostate cancer found that they had higher levels of ALA compared to men without prostate cancer. More research in this area is needed. Read the rest of this entry »

Cheese Fruit ( Mengkudu )

If ever there was a more maligned and misunderstood tree than the Cheese Fruit, I have yet to come across it. In Indonesia familiar with name "Mengkudu,pace ". Cheese Fruit is an attractive shade tree with large glossy leaves and is well suited to the Town environment. It is found in coastal Queensland, Northern Territory and extends through to Papua New Guinea, Vietnam and India. Perhaps its other common names give some hint as to why it is not more popular in horticulture: "Rotten Cheese Fruit" or "Vomit Fruit". There can be no doubt that the odour of the fruit is pretty unpleasant.
The fruit is actually a compound structure which is particularly evident when you see it flowering. Each individual segment of the fruit has its own small white flower. The fruit are a lumpy warty mass, green initially and then turning a translucent green-white when fully ripe.

It is at this stage that the fruit small particularly strong. The reason for the strong smell is to attract Fruit Bats to disperse the fruit. Along the windswept beach fronts in which it grows, a very strong scent is needed to attract the attention of the bats. One critic has described the smell as being reminiscent of a strong Roquefort cheese after soaking in a urinal

Not surprisingly, the smell generally discourages most people from sampling the perfectly edible fruit. Since the senses of smell and taste are closely linked in the mind, smelling the fruit first actually makes the fruit taste worse. The best thing to do is to just hold your nose and take a big bite! The taste is actually something like a strong blue-veined cheese mixed with hot mustard. continually amazed at the number of people who actually like the fruit and I have had many requests for seeds and plants.

The fruit is high in vitamin C, but quite average in most other nutrients and minerals. Judging by the number of medicinal uses, I am sure that the fruit actually contains pharmaceutical properties. One whole fruit, eaten raw, is taken for the common cold, influenza, diarrhoea, asthma, coughs and sore throats. Many times I have heard that this brings almost miraculous cure and have tried it out on a few willing scapegoats with nothing but 100% success!

In the Tosses Strait, juice from the fruit is mixed with coconut milk or water and given to patients as an effective cure for the painful disease Ciguatera. The fruit may also be taken as a contraceptive (don’t kiss me after you’ve eaten that horrid thing!) or applied externally to sores and wounds. Green fruit may be smashed up and eaten as a green vegetable. One Papuan woman explained to me that fruit are also used as shampoo and she assured me they make your hair quite soft and shiny. Keep one handy in the shower cubicle next time.

If you dislike the fruit, then young leaves are also edible, either raw or cooked. In India, leaves are also applied externally to wounds and ulcers. In Vietnam, fruit are taken to relieve painful urination by apparently clearing obstructions from the urinary tract and are also taken to promote menstrual flow. Some research has been carried out into the medicinal value of Cheese Fruit and there is now a commercial drug based on the roots and trunk of Morinda, which is used to treat high blood pressure.

Other obscure uses include the extraction of a yellow dye for dying dilly bags. It is one of the best natural dyes to be found in North Queensland. In the Northern Territory, it is regarded as a calendar plant. The timing of fruit ripening and dropping from the tree apparently coincides with the end of the cold dry season and the beginning of the new hot and dry season. This doesn’t work well in the Townsville area, since I have seen trees fruiting all year round.

Read the rest of this entry »

Green Tea

Green tea many health benefits to the human body. Green tea has long been known in Chinese, and they have been using green tea to overcome various health problems, such as headaches, depression, stomach pain and so forth.

Various types of research conducted by scientists within the modern State both Asia and West, have found evidence of the various health benefits associated with drinking the green regularly, which can cause the decrease of up to 60% risk of esophageal cancer affected. And the study also concluded that the drink green tea regularly in Chinese can prevent the growth of cancer cells.

In other studies show that green tea has a good ability to lower levels of total cholesterol and the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL).

Some benefit from the consumption of green tea regularly can reduce and treat various types of diseases such as cancer, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular problems, and infection and reduce the function of the immune system.

Green tea can be helpful to overcome various kinds of diseases because the green contain very high in Polyphenols. The most important of these is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is known as a strong antioxidant, and has been shown both to prevent the growth of cancer cells and kill cancer cells without injuring healthy body tissue. EGCG has been shown to be effective on the decrease in the level of bad (LDL) cholesterol, and help to prevent blood from forming. This may be why green tea has shown promise in preventing heart disease and stroke.

Scientists also learn from the French paradox about the benefits of the green tea is where many people find that in France, many rich food with fat, but have lower levels of heart disease than in the United States. France is the answer to the paradox that will be located at the top of the healthy benefits of red wine. Red wine contains resveratrol, a polyphenol thought to reduce the impact of the French dietary fat. And studies have shown that EGCG, a green tea raw material, is twice that of found in red wine.

Meanwhile, green tea, oolong tea and black tea are all made from the leaves of the plant camellia sinensis; green tea is different in the way of progress. Green tea leaves are steamed, which helps prevent the oxidation of important EGCG complex. Black tea and oolong tea, on the other hand, are made from fermented leaves, and this means that they contain EGCG is converted into other, less effective, the fight against the disease chemicals.

In addition to the various health benefits of traditional, and even some evidence that green tea can be helpful when trying to lose weight Read the rest of this entry »

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is actually a family of fat-soluble vitamins. Retinol is one of the most active, or usable, forms of vitamin A, and is found in animal foods such as liver and eggs. It can be converted to retinal and retinoic acid, other active forms of the vitamin A family. Some plant foods contain orange pigments called provitamin A carotenoids that the liver can convert to retinol. Beta-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid found in many foods. Lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin are also carotenoids commonly found in food, but your body cannot convert them to vitamin A.
What does Vitamin A do?
Vitamin A plays an important role in vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell division and differentiation. It maintains the surface linings of your eye and your respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts. When those linings break down, bacteria can enter your body and cause infection. The immune system helps prevent or fight off infections by making white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. Vitamin A may help lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights infections, function more effectively. Vitamin A also may help prevent bacteria and viruses from entering your body by maintaining the integrity of skin and mucous membranes.

Some carotenoids, in addition to serving as a source of vitamin A, have been shown to function as antioxidants in laboratory tests. However, this role has not been consistently demonstrated in humans. Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism that may contribute to the development of some chronic diseases.

What foods provide Vitamin A?
Whole eggs, whole milk, and liver are among the few foods that naturally contain vitamin A. Vitamin A is present in the fat portion of whole milk, so it is not found in fat-free milk. Most fat-free milk and dried nonfat milk solids sold in the US are fortified with vitamin A. There are many other fortified foods such as breakfast cereals that also provide vitamin A. Some of the best food sources of Vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids are listed at the end of this article. It is important to regularly eat foods that provide vitamin A or beta-carotene even though your body can store vitamin A in the liver. Stored vitamin A will help meet your needs when your intake from food is low. Read the rest of this entry »

vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. It is necessary to form collagen, an important protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants. Vitamin E and beta-carotene are two other well known antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals, which are by-products that result when our bodies transform food into energy. The build up of these by-products over time is largely responsible for the aging process and can contribute to the development of various health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and a host of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Antioxidants also help reduce the damage to the body caused by toxic chemicals and pollutants such as cigarette smoke.

Vitamin C deficiency can lead to dry and splitting hair; gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and bleeding gums; rough, dry, scaly skin; decreased wound-healing rate, easy bruising; nosebleeds; weakened enamel of the teeth; swollen and painful joints; anemia; decreased ability to ward off infection; and, possibly, weight gain because of slowed metabolic rate and energy expenditure. A severe form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy, which mainly affects older, malnourished adults.

The body does not manufacture vitamin C on its own, nor does it store it. It is therefore important to include plenty of vitamin C-containing foods in one's daily diet. Large amounts of vitamin C are used by the body during any kind of healing process, whether it's from an infection, disease, injury, or surgery. In these cases extra vitamin C may be needed.

Uses

Low levels of vitamin C have been associated with a variety of conditions including hypertension, gallbladder disease, stroke, some cancers, and atherosclerosis (the build up of plaque in blood vessels that can lead to heart attack and stroke; conditions that are caused by atherosclerotic build up are often collectively referred to as cardiovascular diseases). Eating adequate amounts of vitamin C in the diet (primarily through lots of fresh fruits and vegetables) may help reduce the risk of developing some of these conditions. There is little evidence, however, that vitamin C supplements can cure any of these diseases.

As an anti-oxidant, vitamin C plays an important role in protecting against the following:

Heart Disease
Results of scientific studies regarding the benefit of vitamin C for heart disease or stroke is somewhat confusing. While not all of the studies agree, some information suggests that vitamin C may help protect blood vessels from the damaging effects that lead to or result from the presence of atherosclerosis.

For example, those with low levels of vitamin C may be more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease, all potential outcomes of atherosclerosis. Peripheral artery disease is the term used to describe atherosclerosis of the blood vessels to the legs. This can lead to pain with walking, known as intermittent claudication.

In terms of damage that can cause atherosclerosis, some studies have shown that vitamin C helps prevent oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol – a process that contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries.

Under most circumstances, dietary vitamin C is adequate for protecting against the development of or consequences from cardiovascular disease. If you have low levels of this nutrient, however, and find it difficult to obtain through dietary sources, a knowledgeable healthcare provider may recommend vitamin C supplements.

High Cholesterol
Information from several studies, involving only small numbers of people, suggest that vitamin C (3 glasses of orange juice per day or up to 2000 mg per day as a supplement) may help decrease total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as increase HDL levels (the good kind of cholesterol). Studies evaluating larger groups of people would be helpful in determining how accurate these preliminary research results are and to whom this potential benefit applies.

High Blood Pressure
Free radicals, the damaging by-products of metabolism mentioned earlier, are associated with higher blood pressure in studies of animals and people. Population based studies (which involve observing large groups of people over time) suggest that people who eat foods rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, are less prone to high blood pressure than people without these nutritious foods in their diet. For this reason, many clinicians recommend foods rich in vitamin C, particularly if you are at risk for high blood pressure. In fact, the diet most frequently recommended for treatment and prevention of hypertension, known as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet advocates lots of fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with antioxidants.

Common Cold
Despite the popular belief that vitamin C can cure the common cold, the scientific evidence supporting this conviction is limited. There have been a few studies suggesting that taking large doses of vitamin C supplements at the onset of cold or flu symptoms, or just after exposure to one of these viruses, can shorten the duration of the cold or ward it off altogether. However, the majority of studies, when looked at collectively, lead researchers to conclude that vitamin C does not prevent or treat the common cold. Some experts suggest that vitamin C may only be useful in case of a cold if you have low levels of this nutrient to begin with. Another possibility is that the likelihood of success may be very individual – some improve, while others do not. If you are amongst the 67% of people who believe that vitamin C is helpful for your colds, there may be power in your conviction. In other words, your experience is probably more important than what the research is stating. Talk to your doctor about any pros and cons with regards to using vitamin C during cold and flu season.

Cancer
While the precise role of vitamin C in preventing cancer remains controversial, results of many population based studies (evaluating groups of people over time) imply that foods rich in vitamin C may be associated with lower rates of cancer, including skin cancer, cervical dysplasia (changes to the cervix which may be cancerous or precancerous, picked up by pap smear), and, possibly, breast cancer. At best, however, particularly for breast cancer, the specific connection of vitamin C and cancer prevention is weak. This is mainly because protection comes from eating foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which contain many beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, not only vitamin C.

Also, there is no evidence that taking large doses of vitamin C once diagnosed with cancer will help your treatment. In fact, there is concern that large doses of antioxidants from supplements could interfere with chemotherapy medications. Much more research in the area of antioxidants and cancer treatment is needed.

Osteoarthritis
Vitamin C is essential for normal cartilage. Plus, free radicals can be produced in the joints and have been implicated in many degenerative changes in the aging body, including destruction of cartilage and connective tissue that lead to arthritis. Antioxidants appear to offset the damage caused by free radicals. Although further evidence is needed to substantiate these claims, studies of groups of people observed over time suggest that vitamin C, as well as vitamin E, may help to reduce the symptoms of OA.

Obesity and Weight Loss
Studies suggest that obese individuals may have lower vitamin C levels than nonobese individuals. Researchers speculate that insufficient amounts of vitamin C may contribute to weight gain by decreasing metabolic rates and energy expenditures. Many sensible weight loss programs will be sure to include foods rich in vitamin C, such as plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Cataracts
Studies have shown that vitamin C may slow or even stop the progression of cataracts in the elderly. A recent study, for example, of women from the Nurses' Health Study (a very large, important study that has followed women over many years) showed that women under 60 years of age who had high dietary intake of vitamin C or who had used vitamin C supplements for 10 years or more had significantly reduced chances of developing cataracts.

Age-related Macular Degeneration
Vitamin C works together with other antioxidants like selenium, beta-carotene, and vitamin E to protect the eyes against developing macular degeneration. This is a painless, degenerative eye disease that affects more than 10 million Americans. It is the leading cause of legal blindness in persons over the age of 55 in the United States. While complete blindness does not occur in most people with the disorder, macular degeneration often interferes with reading, driving, or performing other daily activities.

While not all research agrees, antioxidants, including vitamin C, primarily from dietary sources may help prevent macular degeneration. Many qualified clinicians will recommend a combination of these nutrients for treating or preventing this serious and frustrating eye disorder.

Diabetes
Vitamin C may be helpful for people with diabetes in a number of ways. First, some studies suggest that people with diabetes have high levels of free radicals (the damaging metabolic by-products, mentioned earlier, associated with many chronic illnesses) and low levels of antioxidants, including vitamin C. This imbalance may contribute to the fact that those with diabetes are at greater risk for developing conditions such as high cholesterol and atherosclerosis.

Secondly, insulin (which is low in type 1 diabetics and does not function properly in type 2 diabetics) helps cells in the body take up the vitamin C that they need to function properly. At the same time, lots of circulating blood sugar (glucose), as is often the present in diabetics, prevents the cells from getting the vitamin C that they need, even if eating lots of fruits of vegetables. For this reason, taking extra vitamin C in the form of supplements may be helpful in those with diabetes. Read the rest of this entry »

LIPOSUCTION

If no amount of diet or exercise removes those stubborn saddlebags on your hips or that paunchy spot on your stomach, you may be able to get rid of that localized area of fat through surgery. Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, suction lipectomy or liposculpture, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that vacuums out fat from beneath the skin's surface to reduce fullness in areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, buttocks, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck.

Liposuction is the most popular form of cosmetic surgery among both men and women in the United States, with 301,882 procedures performed in 2007, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. First introduced in the United States in 1982, liposuction's popularity increased as refinements to the technique improved results and reduced recovery times. However, rates of the surgery have decreased slightly in the past seven years—down 15 percent from 2000 to 2007.

Although liposuction can produce permanent changes in body contour, it is not a substitute for a healthy low-fat diet and exercise. It will not tighten loose skin or eliminate the shallow surface fat irregularities called cellulite. It is a sculpting technique that can improve body proportions and help make clothing fit better.

Liposuction recontours the body by removing some of the body's finite number of fat cells. It's a myth that when you gain weight, you're adding new fat cells to your body. In fact, each person has a fixed number of fat cells. When you gain weight, those fat cells grow larger, but don't increase in number. When you lose weight, the fat cells shrink. Your genes determine how many and where fat cells are distributed, and some people tend to have more fat cells in some body areas than others. For example, some women have more fat cells in their thighs and hips, instead of a uniform fat distribution. Liposuction can permanently remove some fat cells from such areas. But, the fat cells that remain in the area treated still can grow larger if you gain weight. Many liposuction patients find, however, that newly added weight will not accumulate in the specific areas as it did before and instead distributes more evenly or in different areas. This is why weight gain is inadvisable after liposuction. Liposuction results are best when patients achieve a five- to 15-pound weight loss after the procedure.

There are several variations on the liposuction technique, but those most commonly used involve first infusing the area to be treated with a solution of saline, a local anesthesia and a drug that constricts blood vessels. Then, a hollow tube attached to a vacuum is inserted into the fat layer beneath the skin. The tube, called a cannula, is moved through the fat layer in a push-and-pull motion to break up the fat. Then, the dislodged fat is sucked out of the body either via a syringe attached to the cannula or a surgical vacuum. In the tumescent technique, the solution used is two to three times the amount of fat to be removed. In the super-wet technique, the amount of fluid infused is the same as the amount of fat slated for removal. In ultrasound-assisted liposuction, ultrasonic energy that liquefies the fat is applied through the cannula, which also suctions out the fat. Similarly, a new technique—laser-assisted liposuction—uses a laser beam to liquefy the fat. And another new method called power or power-assisted liposuction uses a motorized cannula that pushes and pulls itself while suctioning out the fat. The choice of technique depends on the patient and the surgeon's skill and preference. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, not only does the tumescent technique offer improved safety, it offers the fastest recovery time and fewest complications of all the liposuction methods.

Liposuction of small areas can be performed in an outpatient office surgical setting under the local anesthetic that is included in the infusion solution. It is often combined with sedation to keep the patient more relaxed during the procedure. If large amounts of fat are to be removed, the procedure is likely to be performed on an outpatient basis in a hospital, using a general or regional anesthesia, such as an epidural block commonly used in childbirth, which may be combined with intravenous sedation. General anesthesia is used when the patient must be put to sleep. In cases involving general anesthesia and large areas of fat removal, patients may be hospitalized overnight.

Most liposuction patients are able to return to work in a few days. Normal activities can usually be resumed within 10 days or less after liposuction, depending on the extent of the procedure. Patients must wear compression garments for one to six weeks after surgery to help the skin smoothly adhere to the underlying tissue and remaining fat and to help control swelling in the treated area. Compression garments appear to me most effective in the first seven days following surgery. Temporary bruising, numbness of the skin and swelling are common postoperative side effects.

As with any surgery, liposuction carries risks, including death. A controversial study published in the journal Plastic Reconstructive Surgery in January 2000 found a death rate of about 20 in every 100,000 patients who underwent liposuction from 1994 to 1998. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), a task force of plastic surgeons in 1998 determined that the factors that increase the risk of death from liposuction include:

*poor patient health
*excessive fat removal
*too much fluid and local anesthesia used during the procedure
*performing multiple procedures along with liposuction in a single surgical session, especially under general anesthesia

In contrast, a large study conducted in 1998 by the Arthur Andersen firm for the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery revealed a very favorable safety outcome profile for liposuction. In skilled surgical hands, life-threatening complications from anesthetics, blood clots and even perforation of the organs near the area being treated are extremely rare. Bleeding, excessive bruising and infection are possible but uncommon, occurring in less than one percent of patients. Seromas, or pockets of fluid that have collected under the skin, also can occur when large amounts of fat are removed, but can be treated in an office setting by draining with a needle and syringe.

More common complications that usually require additional liposuction surgery include irregularities in contour, such as lumps or divots where the surgeon has removed too little or too much fat, and asymmetry, where the contour differs on each side of the body. These kinds of complications can be the result of poor surgical technique, lack of experience in the procedure or performing a liposuction technique on a patient who is not appropriate for the procedure. That's why it's important to carefully select your surgeon and ask questions about the surgeon's experience with liposuction. Various studies in the medical literature have reported revision rates ranging from five to 20 percent, depending on the type of patient, the number of areas treated at one time and how much fat was removed. A small amount of fat is considered less than 1.5 liters, while a large amount is four to five liters. Removing more than five liters of fat in a single liposuction treatment is considered too risky by most surgeons unless performed in a hospital with an overnight stay.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) offers these guidelines of care for liposuction procedures.

*Liposuction should not be performed under general anesthesia.
*Liposuction should only be performed on healthy individuals.
*Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity and shouldn't be used to extract large amounts of fat.
*Liposuction should not be performed along with other procedures.

In addition to carefully choosing your surgeon, it's important that you have realistic expectations of your liposuction surgery. Liposuction can improve your body contour, but it will not make you fit or thin. The only way to get in shape is to eat a healthy diet and exercise. The best candidates for liposuction are healthy, normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have localized pockets of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. Although there are no absolute age limits for liposuction, older women who have lost skin elasticity may not achieve as good results from the procedure as younger women with elastic skin. Skin imperfections can occur after any liposuction. The skin surface may be irregular, asymmetric or baggy, and these problems tend to occur more often in women whose skin is no longer elastic enough to smooth out after the underlying fat is removed. Read the rest of this entry »

Ideal Weight

Ideal Weight does not refer to having a perfect body as every people have physical features which can be changed at any time. In medical terms, it is elaborated as how much the person weight depends on the gender, height and age. Different methods are used by the doctor to verify that the person is overweight or not.

The main methods for measuring weight are waist circumference, body mass index which is known as BMI and the waist to hip ratio.

The exact estimation of the ideal weight is determined by considering the composition of the body such as how much the person’s body weight contains fat and how much lean body mass. To achieve best health, the body weight should not contain fat more than 30 percent in women and 20 percent in men.
Different Methods of Measuring Ideal Weight

BMI or Body Mass Index

The best method of measuring the ideal weight is to calculate the body mass index. One should divide the weight in kilograms according to the height in square meters.

The average suitable range of measurement through BMI is 18.7-23.8 for women and 20.1-25.0 for men. The bodybuilders and athletes have extra muscles so their measurement goes above the normal range.

Waist Circumference

Waist circumference specifies about the fat collected around the mid riff of the body. According to the doctors, fat collected around the mid riff also known as central obesity is more hazardous as compared to fat collected around other parts of the body such as hips. People having high waist circumference suffers from various diseases like heart disease, being overweight and diabetes.

Waist to Hip Ratio

The people having high waist to hip ratio also suffers from various serious diseases like the people having high waist circumference. First of all, the person should measure the level of two bones in the front of the hips and then the waist circumference should be divided by the hip circumference. The women should have waist to hip ratio below 0.8 and men should have below .

Steps to Check Whether One is Overweight or Underweight

* Calculate the ideal weight
* The healthy weight range for each person is ideal weight +/- 10 percent

Estimation of Ideal Weight For Women

* A five feet woman should have 100 pounds.
* Five pounds per inch should be added above five feet or deduct five pounds per inch below five feet.
* To find the healthy weight range one should add and deduct 10%.

Ideal Weight For Men

* A five feet man should have 108 pounds.
* Six pounds per inch should be added above five feet or six pounds per inch should be deducted below five feet.
* To find the ideal weight one should add and deduct 10%. Read the rest of this entry »

Diet Tips For The Best Way To Lose Weight

The best way to lose weight is to formulate a diet that helps you lose weight successfully now, but also means you’re going to be able to keep it off forever.

That doesn’t mean changing your eating habits, or cutting out all your favorite foods - it’s more about being aware of what you eat, and what effects the food will have in relation to the weight loss and ideal weight goals you have in mind.

Before you start a diet, here’s a few pointers to check that you’re diet is not actually doomed to failure before you even begin:

The diet must not be too expensive

Once again, there is no point in producing an effective diet if no-one can afford it. Unfortunately, junk food is inexpensive because it’s just that - junk. Remember, your body is your most important possession. If you give it rubbish, it stops working.

The diet must he practical It can’t take up too much time. The people at most risk of succumbing to fast (and therefore fattening) food are those in full-time jobs.

Unfortunately, no diet can compete for speed with pre-packaged foods, but if you can take just a little time out of your busy schedule to prepare the meals, you will be rewarded with the body you want, not the one that pre-packaged food has given you. And as an added bonus you will be healthier, fitter and much more self-confident.

You must not be hungry

The dieter’s nightmare - literally. On the majority of diets, the agitated dieter lives in the cheerless world of counting calories, constant pangs of hunger and daily guilt complexes over some minor dietary indiscretion - not to mention the torture of constantly thinking about food. On this type of diet you will not be hungry: your appetite will be satisfied by good food, and you will be very satisfied with the results.

The diet must not allow blood sugar to become low

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is the most common cause of the behavior pattern I have termed the ‘diet syndrome’: tiredness, fatigue, irritability, mood swings and irrational actions. It’s not just because you’re weak and hungry from lack of food, it’s because your blood sugar is low.

In fact, it’s all perfectly rational: when your blood sugar is low, the brain does not function properly (because brain cells use sugar for energy) and therefore you experience all of the symptoms described.

This must not be allowed to happen, or the diet will inevitably fail. Eventually you feel so weak you need to have some sugar – usually sweets or a cake - and the downward spiral begins again.

And last but by no means least:

The diet must maintain the weight loss. As we all know, many ’starvation’ diets (because that’s what they are) are initially successful, but soon afterwards you regain all of the fat, usually with interest! So after suffering all that pain and discomfort, a few months later (or even less) you’re back to square one. And to cap it all, you are convinced it must be your fault for not sticking to the diet. In fact, as I’ll explain, it isn’t your fault; the weight would have come back anyway, because you haven’t lost fat, you’ve lost protein. Read the rest of this entry »

UNHEALTHY FOOD

If you are on a diet, it may not mean you have to give up certain "unhealthy" foods for "healthier" ones since not all "health" food is really healthy. Given the choice between the two which would you think would be better - yogurt or a waffle for breakfast? Salad or baby back ribs for dinner? The answers may surprise you.

Surprisingly, the waffle turned out to be lower in calories and fat than the yogurt. The catch? The type of waffle and yogurt compared. Comparing an Eggo low fat nutri-grain waffle (one waffle had 70 calories/1.25 grams of fat/14 grams of carbohydrates) made it better than the yogurt (one 14 ounce container of Yoplait Whips! Strawberry Mist yogurt had 140 calories/ 2.5 grams of fat/ 25 grams of carbs).

Just as you can't just go through the motions of exercising and see results, you can not just eat something that you think is healthier and expect it to be healthy.

"The majority of people think that if I have a salad and chicken it is healthy, but if it is fried chicken it is not really," FSU grad student Trimmel Gromes said.

There is good news for people that love unhealthy foods. Using balance and moderation (along with exercise) you can include those naughty foods in your diet also.

"We take the approach that there are no bad foods," Thagard health promotion director and registered dietician Amy Magnuson said. "You can include anything in a well balanced diet."

Paying attention to serving size is a key element in keeping healthy foods healthy. A glass of orange juice in the morning is a great way to get one of the recommended daily five servings of fruit, but a serving size is typically six to eight ounces, which may not be the amount that you pour in your glass naturally. Drinking more than the serving size easily increases your calorie and sugar intake, which is not the best way to start off the day.
As much of a hassle as it may be, reading the nutritional information on food can help you learn the recommended serving size and can aid you in learning what food really is good for you and what you should try and consume in moderation.

"I do pay attention to the nutritional information of food," FSU freshman Lauren Murphy said. "If there is a lot of fat or calories in something I probably wouldn't eat it."

Sometimes what it comes down to is that there are not really unhealthy foods, but more unhealthy portions of foods.

"Watching how much you eat is one way students can eat healthier," Murphy said. "I live in a dorm so I have the meal plan, and while I don't always know the nutritional facts of the foods there, I try and just watch my portion size."

Portion size is an important thing to remember when eating out. Often the portion size of a restaurant meal is actually two or three servings, so that doggy bag is not a bad idea if you are trying to watch what you eat.

If you are concerned about the nutritional information of food when eating out, ask your server if the restaurant has a guide you can reference; most do have one available in the restaurant and many also have the nutritional information online so you could peruse before you even get there.

Comparing two dinner entrees from Chili's, the chicken Caesar salad (1,010 calories/ 76 grams of fat/39 grams of carbs) turned out to be higher in calories and fat than the baby back ribs (970 calories/66 grams of fat/33 grams of carbs). The Caesar dressing on the salad is the main offender.

Again, moderation is the key. If you go out to eat every now and then, it is not as big of a concern if your daily routine consists of to go boxes and fast food wrappers. Read the rest of this entry »

HEALTHY FOODS

Eating healthy foods is one of the greatest ways you can live healthy and combat developing a disease. Some diseases are genetic and there's not much you can do about that. But others like Diabetes 2, Lung Cancer, and Heart Disease and might be prevented with the proper diet. Below is a list of healthy foods and some of the body parts they affects.
1. Basil
Basil is a great herb to add flavor to just about anything you are cooking, but also has many other benefits that may cause you to add it to your diet. It is known to reduce blood pressure and ease the symptoms of emphysema and bronchitis. Basil also makes a good natural insect repellent when rubbed on your skin.
2. Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber promotes regularity, helps control caloric intake and promotes weight loss. It may also reduce the risk of certain cancer sandcardiovascular diseases, and help people with diabetes control their blood sugar.
3. Fruits and Vegetables
Vegetables and fruits are our most nutrient-dense foods. They contain the greatest amounts of nutrients per calorie of any food. Many nutrients, including the ones that fight against cancer and heart disease are found in fruits and vegetables.
Vegetables have less sugars than fruits.
4. Spinach
Spinach is an excellent example of a nutrient-dense vegetable. Spinach provides at least 50 % of the RDI for vitamin A, and about 20% of the RDI for vitamin C. Spinach is a good source of iron, calcium, and folate.
5. Asparagus
Asparagus is high in folate content (20 to 50% of RDI per serving). Folate is a nutrient identified as being important for pregnant women.
6. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A (as carotene), providing over 300 percent of the RDI. And canned pumpkin appears to have much more vitamin A than fresh-cooked pumpkin. This may be due to the fact canned pumpkin has more water cooked out of it than boiled pumpkin, and the varieties used for canning have intense orange color, a sure sign of carotene. Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and adds a little iron and folate to the diet as well
7. Sweet Bing Cherries
Sweet Bing cherries are a good source of fiber. They provide about two grams per 1/2 cup serving.
8. Apricots
Apricots are a great source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium and iron. Apricots are very good sources of vitamin A (as carotene). They provide about 35% of the RDI per serving.Apricots are low in calories.apricots only contain 50 calories.
9. Strawberries
Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C. They provide between 35 and 136 percent of the RDI per 1/2 cup serving. Strawberries are also a good source of fiber and iron. They provide about two percent and 3.5 percent respectively per 1/2 cup serving.
10. Soy Nuts
Soy nuts are high in protein and isoflavones. Read the rest of this entry »

A SEAWEED WAY TO WEIGHT LOST

I heard something about a type of seaweed that helps with weight loss.
You may be referring to wakame, a type of brown seaweed or kelp used to flavor Asian soups and salads. Japanese chemists have found that a component of wakame, a brownish pigment called fucoxanthin, promotes weight loss, but so far, they've only studied its effects on obese rats, so we don't know yet if it will work in humans. If it does, the researchers, from Japan's Hokkaido University, said fucoxanthin could be developed into new types of medication to combat obesity.
ere's what we know so far about fucoxanthin and its weight loss effects: it is found principally in brown seaweed (there are much smaller amounts in red and green seaweed). In the rat study, fucoxanthin appeared to stimulate production of UCP1, a protein that increases the burning of fat. This protein is found in the visceral fat that surrounds internal organs in the abdomen – the type of fat linked to heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
For the rat study, described at the September, 2006, national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the researchers isolated fucoxanthin from wakame and added it to the animals' regular food. As a result, obese rats lost five to 10 percent of their body weight. The fucoxanthin also appeared to stimulate the liver to produce DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) at levels usually seen with fish oil supplements. DHA can reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol and improve triglyceride levels; it's also a major component of brain tissue.

Next on the agenda are studies to see if fucoxanthin works as well in humans as in rats. In the meantime, don't think you can lose weight by eating lots of seaweed. You would have to eat enormous amounts of wakame before you would get enough fucoxanthin to see even the slightest effect on weight, because the substance is bound tightly to proteins in the seaweed and is not easily absorbed in the form of whole seaweed.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Read the rest of this entry »