Showing posts with label Diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diet. Show all posts
Friday, 6 January 2012
0
Friday, 6 January 2012
Ramit Hooda
The heart is the wellspring of life, therefore, you need to take good care of it if you want to live a long and quality life. While all the organs in the body are essential for bodily function, there’s no doubt that the heart, along with the brain, is considered the most essential organ. There are many factors that contribute to the overall state of your heart, but perhaps it is your diet that plays the biggest role in keeping it healthy. Coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases are actually a result of a poor diet aside from a lack of physical activity.
You are what you eat, and if you eat mostly fatty foods and foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats, there’s a huge chance for you to develop chronic heart diseases the moment you reach your middle years. If you keep on neglecting your heart like this, you can end up dead even before your time, so make sure you choose carefully what types of food to eat that will help keep heart disease at bay.
Foods that are high in cholesterol are no-no if you want to maintain the health of your heart. Bad cholesterol or low density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol to cells and tissues and can stick to artery walls. When this happens, it builds up and become plaques, which later on constrict the heart and cause the walls to rupture. When a rupture occurs, so does a blood clot that stops blood from flowing into the heart and result to a heart attack.
Foods high in LDL usually come from animal sources. Sausage, bacon, and other foods made from pork or beef have high levels of LDL and should be consumed occasionally and in small amounts. By reducing your intake of LDL-rich foods, you can significantly cut your risk for any kind of heart ailments.
However, it is also important to understand that while there is such a thing as bad cholesterol, there is also good cholesterol know as HDL or high density lipoprotein. It actually helps get rid of cholesterol from artery walls, which is the main reason why we want to eat foods that raise our good cholesterol. It also helps the liver release cholesterol by binding to the scavenger receptor-BI.
In short, HDL or good cholesterol is simply imperative if you are to keep your heart in perfect condition at all times, and the higher its level in your body, the better. Walnuts, apples, garlic, salmon, blueberries, grapes, and alcohol from wine are some of the best food sources that help boost up the body’s HDL level.
Aside from cholesterol, you should also watch out for your fat intake. Like cholesterol, there are also two kinds of fat: the good fat, also known as non-saturated fat, and the bad fat, also known as saturated fat. Saturated fat are called bad fat simply because they raise the level of cholesterol in the body. We learned earlier that a high level of cholesterol can lead to several heart problems so you have to be aware of the foods that contain saturated fats.
You may not realize it but you are exposed to foods that are high in saturated fat on a daily basis. Just as bad cholesterol come from animal sources, so do bad fat. Fatty beef, pork, lamb, chicken skin, lard, butter, cream, cheese and other dairy products, and most processed foods are considered high in saturated fat and should be consumed in relatively small amounts.
You should, however, load up with fiber-rich foods. Fiber are known to be good regulators of blood pressure in the body and help lower bad cholesterol. People who include more fiber in their diet have been found to have a lower risk for heart attack and stroke. Good sources of fiber include most fruits and vegetables.
Aside from fiber, you should also consume more foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is considered as a good fat and can greatly reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. It doesn’t only prevent blood clots in artery walls but also help lower bad cholesterol.
Always keep in mind that what you eat will determine whether you will have a healthy heart or not, so make sure you stick to a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other heart-healthy foods.
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Eating Your Way to a Healthy Heart
You are what you eat, and if you eat mostly fatty foods and foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats, there’s a huge chance for you to develop chronic heart diseases the moment you reach your middle years. If you keep on neglecting your heart like this, you can end up dead even before your time, so make sure you choose carefully what types of food to eat that will help keep heart disease at bay.
Foods that are high in cholesterol are no-no if you want to maintain the health of your heart. Bad cholesterol or low density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol to cells and tissues and can stick to artery walls. When this happens, it builds up and become plaques, which later on constrict the heart and cause the walls to rupture. When a rupture occurs, so does a blood clot that stops blood from flowing into the heart and result to a heart attack.
Foods high in LDL usually come from animal sources. Sausage, bacon, and other foods made from pork or beef have high levels of LDL and should be consumed occasionally and in small amounts. By reducing your intake of LDL-rich foods, you can significantly cut your risk for any kind of heart ailments.
However, it is also important to understand that while there is such a thing as bad cholesterol, there is also good cholesterol know as HDL or high density lipoprotein. It actually helps get rid of cholesterol from artery walls, which is the main reason why we want to eat foods that raise our good cholesterol. It also helps the liver release cholesterol by binding to the scavenger receptor-BI.
In short, HDL or good cholesterol is simply imperative if you are to keep your heart in perfect condition at all times, and the higher its level in your body, the better. Walnuts, apples, garlic, salmon, blueberries, grapes, and alcohol from wine are some of the best food sources that help boost up the body’s HDL level.
Aside from cholesterol, you should also watch out for your fat intake. Like cholesterol, there are also two kinds of fat: the good fat, also known as non-saturated fat, and the bad fat, also known as saturated fat. Saturated fat are called bad fat simply because they raise the level of cholesterol in the body. We learned earlier that a high level of cholesterol can lead to several heart problems so you have to be aware of the foods that contain saturated fats.
You may not realize it but you are exposed to foods that are high in saturated fat on a daily basis. Just as bad cholesterol come from animal sources, so do bad fat. Fatty beef, pork, lamb, chicken skin, lard, butter, cream, cheese and other dairy products, and most processed foods are considered high in saturated fat and should be consumed in relatively small amounts.
You should, however, load up with fiber-rich foods. Fiber are known to be good regulators of blood pressure in the body and help lower bad cholesterol. People who include more fiber in their diet have been found to have a lower risk for heart attack and stroke. Good sources of fiber include most fruits and vegetables.
Aside from fiber, you should also consume more foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is considered as a good fat and can greatly reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. It doesn’t only prevent blood clots in artery walls but also help lower bad cholesterol.
Always keep in mind that what you eat will determine whether you will have a healthy heart or not, so make sure you stick to a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other heart-healthy foods.
Thursday, 5 January 2012
0
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Ramit Hooda
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Ignorance about calories putting millions at risk
London: Millions of people are unaware of the calories they take in their daily meal and thus risking themselves to be affected by diseases like cancer, diabetes or heart ailments due to their uninformed choices in everyday life, a study has suggested.
According to a survey commissioned for World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), in Britain, two-thirds of adults underestimated the level of calories in foods such as hummus and so-called "light" mayonnaise. Just 32 percent correctly said hummus was high in calories and only 29 percent said that low-fat mayo was also high in calories, a newspaper reported.
The fact is both hummus and `light` mayonnaise are actually high-calorie foods. It shows how there is a "troubling" lack of understanding about the calorie content of foods.
As per the YouGov poll, confusion about terms such as "light" or "reduced fat" was compounding the problem. This is a major concern since being an overweight is a key factor in causing a range of diseases from cancer and heart disease to diabetes.
A fifth -- 20 percent -- of the 2,128 adults questioned for the research thought bananas were high in calories even though the fruit contains just 95 calories per 100g on average.
"Many people make New Year`s resolutions to lose weight but it is important that they understand how to determine whether a food is high in calories. It is important for people to be able to make informed choices about food," says Maya Monteiro, senior education manager at WCRF.
According to a survey commissioned for World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), in Britain, two-thirds of adults underestimated the level of calories in foods such as hummus and so-called "light" mayonnaise. Just 32 percent correctly said hummus was high in calories and only 29 percent said that low-fat mayo was also high in calories, a newspaper reported.
The fact is both hummus and `light` mayonnaise are actually high-calorie foods. It shows how there is a "troubling" lack of understanding about the calorie content of foods.
As per the YouGov poll, confusion about terms such as "light" or "reduced fat" was compounding the problem. This is a major concern since being an overweight is a key factor in causing a range of diseases from cancer and heart disease to diabetes.
A fifth -- 20 percent -- of the 2,128 adults questioned for the research thought bananas were high in calories even though the fruit contains just 95 calories per 100g on average.
"Many people make New Year`s resolutions to lose weight but it is important that they understand how to determine whether a food is high in calories. It is important for people to be able to make informed choices about food," says Maya Monteiro, senior education manager at WCRF.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
0
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Ramit Hooda
Many people who desire to lose weight wonder why they seem to eat less by skipping meals and yet they do not seem to lose the weight they desire. There is a very basic explanation for this, but this truth is not always understood by the person who wants to lose weight. The principle of how metabolism works is an important factor that should be taken into consideration when a person goes on any diet to lose weight.
Simply put, metabolism is the rate by which a person’s body turns calories into energy. While a person typically has an inherent metabolic rate, there are many things that affect metabolism as well. For example, a person who skips breakfast thinking he will lose weight by consuming less calories actually results in a slowdown in metabolism, as the body tries to hold on to calories in the absence of new supplies. This poses a serious problem for those yearning for weight loss, as a slower metabolism makes it all the harder to lose weight, even if he works out several hours a day!
The good news is, it is actually possible to ignite your metabolism and burn calories faster by knowing the right food and drinks to consume. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shelf all your exercise plans, but at least it becomes a more efficient process with everything working together to improve the way your body burns calories and fats. What foods garner the best praises in terms of burning calories?
1. Citrus fruits – Vitamin C is known for its fat-burning qualities. This means that if you want to enhance your metabolism, you can add more citrus fruits into your daily diet. You can choose from the wide variety of citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit or lime. You can choose to eat them on their own or even add them to other foods, as they make many recipes taste better. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin C. It is therefore no surprise why there is such a thing as a grapefruit diet, as researchers have found that the unique chemical properties of grapefruit especially help reduce insulin levels, resulting in a boosted metabolism.
2. Green tea – Green tea extract is found to boost metabolism while also helping to enhance one’s mood. It is also hailed as a great anti-cancer beverage, as well as a great preventer of heart disease. Thankfully green tea also tastes good, making it easy to add to your daily diet.
3. Apples and pears – These fruits high in pectin are found to be effective at enhancing the results of a diet. Studies have shown that dieters who ate three small pears or apples per day lost more weight while being on a low-calorie diet compared to those who were also on the same calorie level of diet minus the fruit.
4. Broccoli – This vegetable is high in vitamin C and calcium, both of which are helpful for boosting metabolism, along with powerful pytochemicals known for boosting immunity. Known as a superfood for dieters, broccoli is known for fighting fat.
5. Low-fat yogurt – Research shows that dairy products help in boosting weight loss efforts. Studies showed that dieters with three to four servings of dairy per day lost more weight compared to those on a similar low-calorie diet without the dairy. If you intend to add dairy to your diet, low-fat yogurt will be your best bet, as it is high in calcium and also comes with high levels of protein. Besides, your digestive tract will also benefit from the probiotics in yogurt.
6. Lean turkey – A favourite among bodybuilders, this rich source of protein is known for helping to boost metabolism while building lean muscle tissue. This helps in burning more calories in the long run.
7. Soup – Taken as an appetizer or as a snack, soup helps you eat less and also burn fat faster. The reason why it helps to suppress appetite is that it is comprised of a combination of solids and liquids that effectively satisfy hunger.
These foods should help give your metabolism a nice boost on a daily basis, so you will learn to diet not just intensely but also wisely.
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Top Foods that Boost Metabolism
Simply put, metabolism is the rate by which a person’s body turns calories into energy. While a person typically has an inherent metabolic rate, there are many things that affect metabolism as well. For example, a person who skips breakfast thinking he will lose weight by consuming less calories actually results in a slowdown in metabolism, as the body tries to hold on to calories in the absence of new supplies. This poses a serious problem for those yearning for weight loss, as a slower metabolism makes it all the harder to lose weight, even if he works out several hours a day!
The good news is, it is actually possible to ignite your metabolism and burn calories faster by knowing the right food and drinks to consume. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shelf all your exercise plans, but at least it becomes a more efficient process with everything working together to improve the way your body burns calories and fats. What foods garner the best praises in terms of burning calories?
1. Citrus fruits – Vitamin C is known for its fat-burning qualities. This means that if you want to enhance your metabolism, you can add more citrus fruits into your daily diet. You can choose from the wide variety of citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit or lime. You can choose to eat them on their own or even add them to other foods, as they make many recipes taste better. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin C. It is therefore no surprise why there is such a thing as a grapefruit diet, as researchers have found that the unique chemical properties of grapefruit especially help reduce insulin levels, resulting in a boosted metabolism.
2. Green tea – Green tea extract is found to boost metabolism while also helping to enhance one’s mood. It is also hailed as a great anti-cancer beverage, as well as a great preventer of heart disease. Thankfully green tea also tastes good, making it easy to add to your daily diet.
3. Apples and pears – These fruits high in pectin are found to be effective at enhancing the results of a diet. Studies have shown that dieters who ate three small pears or apples per day lost more weight while being on a low-calorie diet compared to those who were also on the same calorie level of diet minus the fruit.
4. Broccoli – This vegetable is high in vitamin C and calcium, both of which are helpful for boosting metabolism, along with powerful pytochemicals known for boosting immunity. Known as a superfood for dieters, broccoli is known for fighting fat.
5. Low-fat yogurt – Research shows that dairy products help in boosting weight loss efforts. Studies showed that dieters with three to four servings of dairy per day lost more weight compared to those on a similar low-calorie diet without the dairy. If you intend to add dairy to your diet, low-fat yogurt will be your best bet, as it is high in calcium and also comes with high levels of protein. Besides, your digestive tract will also benefit from the probiotics in yogurt.
6. Lean turkey – A favourite among bodybuilders, this rich source of protein is known for helping to boost metabolism while building lean muscle tissue. This helps in burning more calories in the long run.
7. Soup – Taken as an appetizer or as a snack, soup helps you eat less and also burn fat faster. The reason why it helps to suppress appetite is that it is comprised of a combination of solids and liquids that effectively satisfy hunger.
These foods should help give your metabolism a nice boost on a daily basis, so you will learn to diet not just intensely but also wisely.
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
0
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Ramit Hooda
With the explosion of access to media beginning with television and magazines, many teenage girls have succumbed to eating disorders in their quest for the perfect body. Bulimia is only one of these eating disorders, and it is characterized by cycles of binging and purging.
Why does this cycle come about? Typically, binging refers to eating an unusually large amount of food, and it can happen when a person has been starving herself or sticking to a very strict diet over a few days, and then suddenly loses control and eats more than the allowed amount. Usually, this amount is subjective and can actually change depending on the person’s mood. This is what makes binging a very serious precursor to purging: after the person binges, she feels so guilty and so bad about herself that she wants to get the food that she has just consumed out of her system. Purging is the forced elimination of food or calories by any means; the most common is by vomiting or by using laxatives. Different people use one method or another, while some will even combine methods. This cycle of binging and purging is known for causing serious complications, some of which may be severe or even life threatening, with the severity determined largely by the method used for purging.
The normal bodily functions of a person are disrupted when she succumbs to binge eating and then purging. The most common consequences are related to your digestive system, while even cardiovascular and dental health may be compromised. Bulimia also affects your body’s potassium levels, leading to possible abuse of drugs.
1. Cardiovascular effects
Bulimia may seem limited to the digestive tract, but in reality it isn’t. It has long-term serious effects on a person’s cardiovascular system. This includes rapid heart rates, irregular heartbeats, electrolyte level imbalance, chest pains, breathing problems, and in a worst-case scenario, cardiac arrest. It may also cause low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and a lightheaded sensation.
2. Digestive problems
Among the most common digestive problems linked to bulimia are sores and swelling in the mouth and throat. A person suffering from bulimia may have ruptured linings in his stomach or esophagus. A dependence on laxatives may also develop into drug dependence, adversely affecting the person’s normal bowel functions. Bloating, peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, and stomach pain may also be caused by bulimia.
3. Dental effects
The purging does not only thin the linings of your esophagus and stomach, but it actually has far-reaching effects, all the way to the mouth. This is largely due to the acid coming up from your stomach, making its way up the throat and into your mouth. This acid can destroy tooth enamel, leading to a greater incidence of tooth cavities and decay. This results in teeth that are more sensitive to cold and hot foods, or may even become crumbly and fall out. If your teeth have been damaged by bulimia, it may require intensive work to get them back to the condition they used to be in prior to bulimic activity.
4. Other effects
The effects of bulimia are not limited to digestive, cardiovascular, and dental health. Other effects that bulimia causes a body includes mood swings, irregular menstruation, damage to the kidneys and liver, anemia, and possible hair loss. These are but the most common physical ailments linked to bulimia, and it is not an exaggeration to mention that emotional ailments are also widespread. Many bulimic women suffer from frequent bouts of depression, and some may even have suicidal tendencies.
This list, though not extensive, should give you an idea of the negative effects of bulimia down the road. At the moment, if you are a victim of the binging and purging cycle or know someone who is, it may seem impossible to get out of the cycle owing to the seemingly “good” results at keeping bodyweight in check. But the consequences far outweigh the benefits. As such it is crucial to get help as soon as possible so that treatment may begin. It may start with getting a positive self-image, and the process may be long and difficult, but it is always worth the effort to get one’s life back on track to good health and quality living.
read more
Long Term Effects of Bulimia
Why does this cycle come about? Typically, binging refers to eating an unusually large amount of food, and it can happen when a person has been starving herself or sticking to a very strict diet over a few days, and then suddenly loses control and eats more than the allowed amount. Usually, this amount is subjective and can actually change depending on the person’s mood. This is what makes binging a very serious precursor to purging: after the person binges, she feels so guilty and so bad about herself that she wants to get the food that she has just consumed out of her system. Purging is the forced elimination of food or calories by any means; the most common is by vomiting or by using laxatives. Different people use one method or another, while some will even combine methods. This cycle of binging and purging is known for causing serious complications, some of which may be severe or even life threatening, with the severity determined largely by the method used for purging.
The normal bodily functions of a person are disrupted when she succumbs to binge eating and then purging. The most common consequences are related to your digestive system, while even cardiovascular and dental health may be compromised. Bulimia also affects your body’s potassium levels, leading to possible abuse of drugs.
1. Cardiovascular effects
Bulimia may seem limited to the digestive tract, but in reality it isn’t. It has long-term serious effects on a person’s cardiovascular system. This includes rapid heart rates, irregular heartbeats, electrolyte level imbalance, chest pains, breathing problems, and in a worst-case scenario, cardiac arrest. It may also cause low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and a lightheaded sensation.
2. Digestive problems
Among the most common digestive problems linked to bulimia are sores and swelling in the mouth and throat. A person suffering from bulimia may have ruptured linings in his stomach or esophagus. A dependence on laxatives may also develop into drug dependence, adversely affecting the person’s normal bowel functions. Bloating, peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, and stomach pain may also be caused by bulimia.
3. Dental effects
The purging does not only thin the linings of your esophagus and stomach, but it actually has far-reaching effects, all the way to the mouth. This is largely due to the acid coming up from your stomach, making its way up the throat and into your mouth. This acid can destroy tooth enamel, leading to a greater incidence of tooth cavities and decay. This results in teeth that are more sensitive to cold and hot foods, or may even become crumbly and fall out. If your teeth have been damaged by bulimia, it may require intensive work to get them back to the condition they used to be in prior to bulimic activity.
4. Other effects
The effects of bulimia are not limited to digestive, cardiovascular, and dental health. Other effects that bulimia causes a body includes mood swings, irregular menstruation, damage to the kidneys and liver, anemia, and possible hair loss. These are but the most common physical ailments linked to bulimia, and it is not an exaggeration to mention that emotional ailments are also widespread. Many bulimic women suffer from frequent bouts of depression, and some may even have suicidal tendencies.
This list, though not extensive, should give you an idea of the negative effects of bulimia down the road. At the moment, if you are a victim of the binging and purging cycle or know someone who is, it may seem impossible to get out of the cycle owing to the seemingly “good” results at keeping bodyweight in check. But the consequences far outweigh the benefits. As such it is crucial to get help as soon as possible so that treatment may begin. It may start with getting a positive self-image, and the process may be long and difficult, but it is always worth the effort to get one’s life back on track to good health and quality living.
Monday, 2 January 2012
0
Monday, 2 January 2012
Ramit Hooda
Washington: A high-fat diet, followed for even a short time, injures the brain, a new study has found.
Researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine looked at the brains of rodents that were bred to become obese and found that when placed on a high-fat diet.
The animals developed injuries to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that controls the urge to eat and sends signals to stop eating when one is full.
The researchers found signs of similar damage in the same brain area in obese people.
“Within 24 hours of switching rodents to a high-fat diet, we found injury in the hypothalamus area,” Michael Schwartz, co-author of the study, said.
“We don’t know what causes the injury and we don’t know for certain that it’s a cause of obesity, but that part of the brain does control body weight,” he said.
Schwartz and his colleagues speculated that obesity might also be linked with inflammation in the hypothalamus, “which may prevent it from responding to hormones like insulin that regulate our body weight”, said co-author Joshua Thaler.
The researchers compared rats and mice that ate a high-fat diet with those that ate a regular diet over a four-week period. Within the first week, they found gliosis, an overgrowth of cells that is a sign that the brain has tried to heal itself from injury.
They also found that though the brain’s repair effort was effective, inflammation and gliosis persisted as long as the animals remained on a high-fat diet.
Moreover, the brain images of 34 healthy people, who ranged from lean to obese, revealed a link between body weight and gliosis similar to what was found in rodents.
“There seemed to be more gliosis in people who were obese than those who were lean,” Thaler said.
Since the hypothalamus is involved in our urge to eat, the findings imply that obesity, or the eating habits that lead to obesity, “caused damage to brain areas responsible for keeping our body weight stable.”
Stephen Hammes, chief endocrinologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, who was not involved with the work, cautioned that the study was mostly done in rodents.
“We don’t know if humans respond the same way as rodents, but this study is still intriguing,” Hammes said.
He also noted that the study does not show whether the “hypothalamus caused obesity, or if the obesity caused the changes in the hypothalamus.” The findings show only a correlation.
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High-fat diet ‘injures brain’
Researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine looked at the brains of rodents that were bred to become obese and found that when placed on a high-fat diet.
The animals developed injuries to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that controls the urge to eat and sends signals to stop eating when one is full.
The researchers found signs of similar damage in the same brain area in obese people.
“Within 24 hours of switching rodents to a high-fat diet, we found injury in the hypothalamus area,” Michael Schwartz, co-author of the study, said.
“We don’t know what causes the injury and we don’t know for certain that it’s a cause of obesity, but that part of the brain does control body weight,” he said.
Schwartz and his colleagues speculated that obesity might also be linked with inflammation in the hypothalamus, “which may prevent it from responding to hormones like insulin that regulate our body weight”, said co-author Joshua Thaler.
The researchers compared rats and mice that ate a high-fat diet with those that ate a regular diet over a four-week period. Within the first week, they found gliosis, an overgrowth of cells that is a sign that the brain has tried to heal itself from injury.
They also found that though the brain’s repair effort was effective, inflammation and gliosis persisted as long as the animals remained on a high-fat diet.
Moreover, the brain images of 34 healthy people, who ranged from lean to obese, revealed a link between body weight and gliosis similar to what was found in rodents.
“There seemed to be more gliosis in people who were obese than those who were lean,” Thaler said.
Since the hypothalamus is involved in our urge to eat, the findings imply that obesity, or the eating habits that lead to obesity, “caused damage to brain areas responsible for keeping our body weight stable.”
Stephen Hammes, chief endocrinologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, who was not involved with the work, cautioned that the study was mostly done in rodents.
“We don’t know if humans respond the same way as rodents, but this study is still intriguing,” Hammes said.
He also noted that the study does not show whether the “hypothalamus caused obesity, or if the obesity caused the changes in the hypothalamus.” The findings show only a correlation.
Saturday, 31 December 2011
0
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Ramit Hooda
Oral ingestion of apple polyphenols can suppress T cell activation and improve experimental colitis in mice, the report said.
T cells are a type of blood cells, which play a key role in cell-mediated immunity and helps the body fight against diseases or harmful substances.
This study is the first to show a role for T cells in polyphenol-mediated protection against an autoimmune disease and could lead to new therapies and treatments for people with disorders related to bowel inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and colitis-associated colorectal cancer.
"Many people with colitis use some form of dietary supplement to complement conventional therapies, but most of the information on the health effects of complementary medicine remains anecdotal," said David W. Pascual, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.
"Also, little is known about exactly how these therapies work, if they work at all."
"Our results show that a natural product found in apple peels can suppress colonic inflammation by antagonizing inflammatory T cells to enhance resistance against autoimmune disease."
To make this discovery, scientists used a chemically induced model of colitis with Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), researchers administered an oral placebo to one group of mice, and the other group of mice was given an oral dose of apple polyphenols every day during the course of the disease.
Results showed that mice treated orally with apple polyphenols were protected from colitis. Importantly, scientists also found that the treated mice had fewer activated T cells in their colons.
In mice lacking T cells, apple polyphenols were unable to protect against colitis or suppress proinflammatory cytokine expression, indicating apple polyphenols protect against colitis via the suppression of T cell activation and/or recruitment.
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Why an apple a day keeps the doctor away
T cells are a type of blood cells, which play a key role in cell-mediated immunity and helps the body fight against diseases or harmful substances.
This study is the first to show a role for T cells in polyphenol-mediated protection against an autoimmune disease and could lead to new therapies and treatments for people with disorders related to bowel inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and colitis-associated colorectal cancer.
"Many people with colitis use some form of dietary supplement to complement conventional therapies, but most of the information on the health effects of complementary medicine remains anecdotal," said David W. Pascual, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.
"Also, little is known about exactly how these therapies work, if they work at all."
"Our results show that a natural product found in apple peels can suppress colonic inflammation by antagonizing inflammatory T cells to enhance resistance against autoimmune disease."
To make this discovery, scientists used a chemically induced model of colitis with Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), researchers administered an oral placebo to one group of mice, and the other group of mice was given an oral dose of apple polyphenols every day during the course of the disease.
Results showed that mice treated orally with apple polyphenols were protected from colitis. Importantly, scientists also found that the treated mice had fewer activated T cells in their colons.
In mice lacking T cells, apple polyphenols were unable to protect against colitis or suppress proinflammatory cytokine expression, indicating apple polyphenols protect against colitis via the suppression of T cell activation and/or recruitment.
Friday, 30 December 2011
0
Friday, 30 December 2011
Ramit Hooda
What you need is a bagful of wisdom, some clever and well thought out strategies and you are good to go. Today, we have for you the top 10, most invaluable habits for successful weight loss. Read on...
Never eat straight from a multi-serve packet or container. We suggest you pour out the amount you intend to eat, and stop when it's over.
Try and fight against the subliminal message of 'no one can eat just one'. Also, keep snacks out of sight as out of sight is out of mind. Visual control is a highly recommended practice when it comes to weight loss. Stock up on healthy snacks instead, and ensure that any chips or other unhealthy snacks are stored in places that you don't see every few minutes.
Don't forget to eat your breakfast: Each morning, your body needs to rev up its metabolic rate and breakfast does exactly that. One of the biggest advantages of eating breakfast is that it helps stabilise your hormones and keeps potential overeating and bingeing at bay.
Mindful cooking: Any meal of the day can be made nutritious with mindful cooking. Finding ways to make a gradual shift in eating more of fruits and vegetables is an ideal way of sticking to your weight loss plan. One of the oldest and most basic rule of thumb when buying fruits and vegetables is to go for fresh produce. Avoid anything which has soft spots, bruises, blemishes or cuts.
Eat carbs for weight loss: Other than fiber, good carbs are also rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients. They have low glycemic index levels, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels and insulin production. They are low in energy-density levels i.e. they provide sustained energy maximizing health benefits. Food items which are rich in good carbs are vegetables, whole grain products, fruits, potatoes, brown rice, lentils and beans.
Make exercise a priority: Exercise has to be a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. It helps you in managing your weight and gives you a healthy lifestyle in the truest sense of the term. Most people tend to relegate exercise to the background of daily life. Set all your excuses aside by getting up just an hour earlier than usual each morning or pushing back the evening's social scene by an hour.
Focus on your target: Do you have a pair of jeans that you would like to fit into? A little colourful sundress you dream of wearing one day? Hang it up in front of your eyes! Yes, believe us when we say- motivation is half the battle won. Every time you're struck by that sinister craving for indulging in those fries, picture the dress, and feel the steely resolve come back.
Portion control your meals: Portion control is essentially about having an estimate of what portions of which foods you're eating. Each meal's portion size determines its calorie content. The more you eat, the more you add to your calorie count for the day. In order to lose or maintain a healthy level of weight, it is vital to control your meal portions.
Eat bananas: Bananas are part of a healthy diet, and should also be part of a fat loss diet, however no food by itself helps one to lose weight. To lose weight one has to create a caloric deficit i.e to burn more calories than what they consume in a day. For most cases a caloric deficit of 10-15% works best and ones that create a greater caloric deficit generally causes more muscle loss rather than fat loss. Banana is a nutritionally dense food rich in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals and energy. As with all foods, one should consume bananas within the required calorie intake. A 100 gms of banana contain about 90 calories.
Measure your fitness level: For starters, it's a great way to keep a tab on your progress levels and set short term practical fitness goals. So, if you're game to kick start a new fitness program, then size up your fitness level by taking simple fitness tests like checking your flexibility levels by doing a Sit-and-Reach test, checking your aerobic fitness level by brisk walking, and keeping a record of your body composition.
Overcome exercise insecurities: Everybody who has reaped the benefits of fitness has at some point in time, started with baby steps just like you. Buy proper clothing. Go for a t-shirt which is a size loose so that you don't feel awkward while exercising. Pick a place you're comfortable with. Find an exercise buddy. Play a sport with your better half. Sign up for a sport like squash, tennis, or basketball. Go for the right gym and trainer. Ask if your trainers are certified. Arm yourself with confidences that won't disappear in the face of weight loss trials.
read more
Top 10 habits for successful weight loss
Never eat straight from a multi-serve packet or container. We suggest you pour out the amount you intend to eat, and stop when it's over.
Try and fight against the subliminal message of 'no one can eat just one'. Also, keep snacks out of sight as out of sight is out of mind. Visual control is a highly recommended practice when it comes to weight loss. Stock up on healthy snacks instead, and ensure that any chips or other unhealthy snacks are stored in places that you don't see every few minutes.
Don't forget to eat your breakfast: Each morning, your body needs to rev up its metabolic rate and breakfast does exactly that. One of the biggest advantages of eating breakfast is that it helps stabilise your hormones and keeps potential overeating and bingeing at bay.
Mindful cooking: Any meal of the day can be made nutritious with mindful cooking. Finding ways to make a gradual shift in eating more of fruits and vegetables is an ideal way of sticking to your weight loss plan. One of the oldest and most basic rule of thumb when buying fruits and vegetables is to go for fresh produce. Avoid anything which has soft spots, bruises, blemishes or cuts.
Eat carbs for weight loss: Other than fiber, good carbs are also rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients. They have low glycemic index levels, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels and insulin production. They are low in energy-density levels i.e. they provide sustained energy maximizing health benefits. Food items which are rich in good carbs are vegetables, whole grain products, fruits, potatoes, brown rice, lentils and beans.
Make exercise a priority: Exercise has to be a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. It helps you in managing your weight and gives you a healthy lifestyle in the truest sense of the term. Most people tend to relegate exercise to the background of daily life. Set all your excuses aside by getting up just an hour earlier than usual each morning or pushing back the evening's social scene by an hour.
Focus on your target: Do you have a pair of jeans that you would like to fit into? A little colourful sundress you dream of wearing one day? Hang it up in front of your eyes! Yes, believe us when we say- motivation is half the battle won. Every time you're struck by that sinister craving for indulging in those fries, picture the dress, and feel the steely resolve come back.
Portion control your meals: Portion control is essentially about having an estimate of what portions of which foods you're eating. Each meal's portion size determines its calorie content. The more you eat, the more you add to your calorie count for the day. In order to lose or maintain a healthy level of weight, it is vital to control your meal portions.
Eat bananas: Bananas are part of a healthy diet, and should also be part of a fat loss diet, however no food by itself helps one to lose weight. To lose weight one has to create a caloric deficit i.e to burn more calories than what they consume in a day. For most cases a caloric deficit of 10-15% works best and ones that create a greater caloric deficit generally causes more muscle loss rather than fat loss. Banana is a nutritionally dense food rich in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals and energy. As with all foods, one should consume bananas within the required calorie intake. A 100 gms of banana contain about 90 calories.
Measure your fitness level: For starters, it's a great way to keep a tab on your progress levels and set short term practical fitness goals. So, if you're game to kick start a new fitness program, then size up your fitness level by taking simple fitness tests like checking your flexibility levels by doing a Sit-and-Reach test, checking your aerobic fitness level by brisk walking, and keeping a record of your body composition.
Overcome exercise insecurities: Everybody who has reaped the benefits of fitness has at some point in time, started with baby steps just like you. Buy proper clothing. Go for a t-shirt which is a size loose so that you don't feel awkward while exercising. Pick a place you're comfortable with. Find an exercise buddy. Play a sport with your better half. Sign up for a sport like squash, tennis, or basketball. Go for the right gym and trainer. Ask if your trainers are certified. Arm yourself with confidences that won't disappear in the face of weight loss trials.
0
Ramit Hooda
Carolyn Dean -- a physician, a neuropathic doctor and the medical director of the nonprofit Nutritional Magnesium Association ( NutritionalMagnesium.org ) -- has been following the rainbow for years. We asked her to explain the various properties of red, orange, green, white and blue foods so you can better balance your diet and attack specific health issues.
Reds
What to eat : Tomatoes, beets, red apples, cranberries, red grapes, pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon and red peppers.
Why : The same fruits and veggies responsible for staining your best dress shirts are also believed to fight prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and -- listen up, guys -- male infertility. According to Dean, crimson-colored crops contain varying amounts of lycopene and anthocyanin, two naturally occurring chemicals in plants that are as rich in antioxidants as they are in difficult-to-pronounce syllables. Antioxidants, of course, are powerful molecules that cruise around your body, bonding to and safely defusing other less stable molecules (called free radicals, man!), which, if left unchecked, could cause you some serious cellular damage.
Oranges and yellows
What to eat : Oranges, papayas, pumpkins, carrots, yellow squash, lemons, sweet corn and pineapples
Why : Sure, a tall glass of Tang can deliver your daily dose of vitamin C, which aids in the healing of wounds and the synthesis of collagen. But actual oranges and similarly shaded foods also provide you with the pigments alpha- and beta-carotene. "Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A," says Dean. "The body converts this compound into vitamin A, which in turn promotes healthy vision, strong bones and smooth skin." Got psoriasis? Eat more oranges.
Greens
What to eat : Spinach, green apples, honeydew, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and avocados.
Why : Milk may do the body good, but spinach may do the body even better. Greens are actually packed with higher and more absorbable concentrations of calcium than dairy products. They also contain the phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for vision. "And that's to speak nothing of the chlorophyll in greens, which is a great detoxifier," says Dean. "Kelp in particular is high in magnesium, an important nutrient in over 325 chemical activities in your body!" As a rule of thumb, the darker the green, the more chock-full of nutrients it is.
Whites
What to eat : Pears, bananas, cauliflower, potatoes, mushrooms, onions and garlic.
Why : When you feel the need to chill out, reach for an onion. The aromatic bulb, like many white-ish veggies, is rich in the compound allicin. "This powerful antioxidant is known to combat high blood pressure and high LDL levels," says Dean. Pale fruits and veggies are also packed with nutrients that are believed to stimulate your body's B and T cells, which in turn boost your overall immune system. "And let's not forget about bananas and potatoes, which are high in heart-healthy potassium," says Dean.
Blues and purples
What to eat: Blueberries, blackberries, plums, purple grapes, beets, purple cabbage and eggplant.
Why : Once upon a time, blueberries were largely ignored by nutritionists because of the fruit's low level of vitamin C. Now, the same group of experts is tripping over itself to recommend that you eat 1 to 2 cups of the fruit every day. Why? "They're high in anthocyanins, which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and improve heart health," says Dean. Blue fruits and veggies are also high in fiber and packed with antioxidants, and have been shown to reduce the risk of some male cancers. What can't they do? They can't make you fat, since they're really low in calories too. Yahtzee!
read more
5 colours to pile on your plate
Carolyn Dean -- a physician, a neuropathic doctor and the medical director of the nonprofit Nutritional Magnesium Association ( NutritionalMagnesium.org ) -- has been following the rainbow for years. We asked her to explain the various properties of red, orange, green, white and blue foods so you can better balance your diet and attack specific health issues.
Reds
What to eat : Tomatoes, beets, red apples, cranberries, red grapes, pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon and red peppers.
Why : The same fruits and veggies responsible for staining your best dress shirts are also believed to fight prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and -- listen up, guys -- male infertility. According to Dean, crimson-colored crops contain varying amounts of lycopene and anthocyanin, two naturally occurring chemicals in plants that are as rich in antioxidants as they are in difficult-to-pronounce syllables. Antioxidants, of course, are powerful molecules that cruise around your body, bonding to and safely defusing other less stable molecules (called free radicals, man!), which, if left unchecked, could cause you some serious cellular damage.
Oranges and yellows
What to eat : Oranges, papayas, pumpkins, carrots, yellow squash, lemons, sweet corn and pineapples
Why : Sure, a tall glass of Tang can deliver your daily dose of vitamin C, which aids in the healing of wounds and the synthesis of collagen. But actual oranges and similarly shaded foods also provide you with the pigments alpha- and beta-carotene. "Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A," says Dean. "The body converts this compound into vitamin A, which in turn promotes healthy vision, strong bones and smooth skin." Got psoriasis? Eat more oranges.
Greens
What to eat : Spinach, green apples, honeydew, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and avocados.
Why : Milk may do the body good, but spinach may do the body even better. Greens are actually packed with higher and more absorbable concentrations of calcium than dairy products. They also contain the phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for vision. "And that's to speak nothing of the chlorophyll in greens, which is a great detoxifier," says Dean. "Kelp in particular is high in magnesium, an important nutrient in over 325 chemical activities in your body!" As a rule of thumb, the darker the green, the more chock-full of nutrients it is.
Whites
What to eat : Pears, bananas, cauliflower, potatoes, mushrooms, onions and garlic.
Why : When you feel the need to chill out, reach for an onion. The aromatic bulb, like many white-ish veggies, is rich in the compound allicin. "This powerful antioxidant is known to combat high blood pressure and high LDL levels," says Dean. Pale fruits and veggies are also packed with nutrients that are believed to stimulate your body's B and T cells, which in turn boost your overall immune system. "And let's not forget about bananas and potatoes, which are high in heart-healthy potassium," says Dean.
Blues and purples
What to eat: Blueberries, blackberries, plums, purple grapes, beets, purple cabbage and eggplant.
Why : Once upon a time, blueberries were largely ignored by nutritionists because of the fruit's low level of vitamin C. Now, the same group of experts is tripping over itself to recommend that you eat 1 to 2 cups of the fruit every day. Why? "They're high in anthocyanins, which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and improve heart health," says Dean. Blue fruits and veggies are also high in fiber and packed with antioxidants, and have been shown to reduce the risk of some male cancers. What can't they do? They can't make you fat, since they're really low in calories too. Yahtzee!
Thursday, 29 December 2011
0
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Ramit Hooda
With all the energy you devote to shedding kilos, you might actually know very little about the why most diets fail - hunger pangs. It's never easy to resist that third serving of pizza even if you are bursting out of your seams. The guilt always strikes after the damage is done. Know the signs of hunger, the cues for stress eating, and what triggers your cravings to tame yourself when hunger strikes.
The culprit
You've been working since 10 in the morning and consistently thinking about the deadline. Too busy to eat, there is a chance you would suffer from starvation. "Hunger is your body's cue to eat. Due to habits such as erratic timings and long gaps between meals, hunger cues get out of sync, leading to severe hunger pangs," says clinical wellness expert Namita Jain.
A simple solution
Firstly, understand your body clock. Know the difference between actual hunger and stomach contractions. Also, at times you may be misguided by people around you. "You may feel that eating less is better but it isn't true," says John Gloster, fitness expert. "Starvation is never a great survival strategy. Eat less but eat more often," he adds.
Is it hunger or thirst?
Figure out whether you are hungry or thirsty? Sometimes your body can send off signals to the brain that you are hungry. This is because food has lots of fluid contained within it. However, you don't want to be confused with taking on-board unwanted calories when you simply haven't had enough to drink. The key is to ensure you keep your fluid intake up over the course of a day.
What to eat and when
If you're following a particular diet, you will always prefer to carry a lunch box to work. A wheat bread sandwich, idlis (four to five), unpolished rice ( a bowl) and curd, a roti roll filled with vegetables or two to three fruits are apt options for the day. For mid-night hunger pangs, foods like salad sandwich are a big no-no. You would certainly not wish to sleep with a heavy stomach that leaves you restless all night. Instead, eat a fruit and drink a glass full of water over it.
The bottomline
To make sure you don't experience hunger pangs when on a diet, use top quality meal replacement drinks like coconut water, green tea and butter milk and get your hands on whatever snacks are allowed in the diet programme like soy nuts or energy bars. Eat a healthy balanced meal that doesn't leave you feeling hungry, and this way you'll get to snack on some treats when you want to!
To avoid severe hunger pangs
- Skipping breakfast is a sin. Don't skip breakfast, or you'll be starving and cranky by mid-morning. A breakfast with complex carbs and low fat protein will help stave off snack attacks.
- Plan ahead. Make sure that you have low calorie snacks and drinks with you. Take note of what times of day you become hungry and plan your meals and snacks accordingly. If you always cave in around 4 pm, schedule a snack for 3.30 and drink a big glass of water, too.
- Your body requires a certain amount of fat. Choose healthy fats, like olive oil. Mediterranean people include a lot of olive oil in their cooking and they have famously low rates of obesity and heart disease.
- Do not take drastic steps. Cutting your calories too drastically will make your metabolism slow down and cause you to be plagued with hunger all of the time.
- Eat volumes of low-cal food. Broccoli, cauliflower and veggie salads will fill you up and help stave off hunger.
- Stay away from sugary snacks and simple carbohydrates like sticky buns, cake and donuts. If you eat them your blood sugar will soar, and then crash and you'll find yourself irritable, jittery and famished.
- Eat sufficient protein. Scientific studies show that protein leaves people feeling full longer than carbohydrates.
To keep those hunger pangs at bay, distract yourself and divert your mind from food by getting involved in a task or a hobby you enjoy doing the most.
read more
Don't eat anything when really hungry
The culprit
You've been working since 10 in the morning and consistently thinking about the deadline. Too busy to eat, there is a chance you would suffer from starvation. "Hunger is your body's cue to eat. Due to habits such as erratic timings and long gaps between meals, hunger cues get out of sync, leading to severe hunger pangs," says clinical wellness expert Namita Jain.
A simple solution
Firstly, understand your body clock. Know the difference between actual hunger and stomach contractions. Also, at times you may be misguided by people around you. "You may feel that eating less is better but it isn't true," says John Gloster, fitness expert. "Starvation is never a great survival strategy. Eat less but eat more often," he adds.
Is it hunger or thirst?
Figure out whether you are hungry or thirsty? Sometimes your body can send off signals to the brain that you are hungry. This is because food has lots of fluid contained within it. However, you don't want to be confused with taking on-board unwanted calories when you simply haven't had enough to drink. The key is to ensure you keep your fluid intake up over the course of a day.
What to eat and when
If you're following a particular diet, you will always prefer to carry a lunch box to work. A wheat bread sandwich, idlis (four to five), unpolished rice ( a bowl) and curd, a roti roll filled with vegetables or two to three fruits are apt options for the day. For mid-night hunger pangs, foods like salad sandwich are a big no-no. You would certainly not wish to sleep with a heavy stomach that leaves you restless all night. Instead, eat a fruit and drink a glass full of water over it.
The bottomline
To make sure you don't experience hunger pangs when on a diet, use top quality meal replacement drinks like coconut water, green tea and butter milk and get your hands on whatever snacks are allowed in the diet programme like soy nuts or energy bars. Eat a healthy balanced meal that doesn't leave you feeling hungry, and this way you'll get to snack on some treats when you want to!
To avoid severe hunger pangs
- Skipping breakfast is a sin. Don't skip breakfast, or you'll be starving and cranky by mid-morning. A breakfast with complex carbs and low fat protein will help stave off snack attacks.
- Plan ahead. Make sure that you have low calorie snacks and drinks with you. Take note of what times of day you become hungry and plan your meals and snacks accordingly. If you always cave in around 4 pm, schedule a snack for 3.30 and drink a big glass of water, too.
- Your body requires a certain amount of fat. Choose healthy fats, like olive oil. Mediterranean people include a lot of olive oil in their cooking and they have famously low rates of obesity and heart disease.
- Do not take drastic steps. Cutting your calories too drastically will make your metabolism slow down and cause you to be plagued with hunger all of the time.
- Eat volumes of low-cal food. Broccoli, cauliflower and veggie salads will fill you up and help stave off hunger.
- Stay away from sugary snacks and simple carbohydrates like sticky buns, cake and donuts. If you eat them your blood sugar will soar, and then crash and you'll find yourself irritable, jittery and famished.
- Eat sufficient protein. Scientific studies show that protein leaves people feeling full longer than carbohydrates.
To keep those hunger pangs at bay, distract yourself and divert your mind from food by getting involved in a task or a hobby you enjoy doing the most.
0
Ramit Hooda
And to make matters worse, many are loaded with added sugar.
The experts found Ribena squash promotes its vitamin C content without making clear that 90 per cent of the vitamin content is artificially added to the drink because it contains such a small amount of fruit juice.
Fruit Shoot Hydro doesn't contain any fruit at all, while Still Vimto and Ribena have only 5 per cent fruit and contain more added sugar than fruit.
A Vimto marketing campaign emphasises the drink's raspberry content, says the report, despite the fact that raspberry juice makes up just 0.1 per cent of its ingredients, equivalent to about ten drops in a 500ml bottle.
Less than one-eighth of Capri-Sun drink is fruit, and it has significant added sugar, says the report.
The report, called Soft Drinks, Hard Sell, comes after the soft drinks industry reported its highest growth rate in seven years in 2010, with UK consumption reaching 14.6billion litres annually.
"Our survey found some truly misleading marketing blatantly used to drive sales and increase children's soft drinks consumption, which contributes to tooth decay and the UK's record rates of childhood obesity," the Daily Mail quoted The Children's Food Campaign's Clare Panjwani, who wrote the report, as saying.
"We need better regulation to protect children from marketing for soft drinks and other junk food, and better food labelling so that parents and children can tell more easily what's in the products they are buying," Clare added.
The report calls for a ban on junk food and drink advertising on TV before the 9pm watershed, as well as traffic light labelling on packaging that would display 'red' for added sugars.
read more
Some fruit drinks have no fruit in them
The experts found Ribena squash promotes its vitamin C content without making clear that 90 per cent of the vitamin content is artificially added to the drink because it contains such a small amount of fruit juice.
Fruit Shoot Hydro doesn't contain any fruit at all, while Still Vimto and Ribena have only 5 per cent fruit and contain more added sugar than fruit.
A Vimto marketing campaign emphasises the drink's raspberry content, says the report, despite the fact that raspberry juice makes up just 0.1 per cent of its ingredients, equivalent to about ten drops in a 500ml bottle.
Less than one-eighth of Capri-Sun drink is fruit, and it has significant added sugar, says the report.
The report, called Soft Drinks, Hard Sell, comes after the soft drinks industry reported its highest growth rate in seven years in 2010, with UK consumption reaching 14.6billion litres annually.
"Our survey found some truly misleading marketing blatantly used to drive sales and increase children's soft drinks consumption, which contributes to tooth decay and the UK's record rates of childhood obesity," the Daily Mail quoted The Children's Food Campaign's Clare Panjwani, who wrote the report, as saying.
"We need better regulation to protect children from marketing for soft drinks and other junk food, and better food labelling so that parents and children can tell more easily what's in the products they are buying," Clare added.
The report calls for a ban on junk food and drink advertising on TV before the 9pm watershed, as well as traffic light labelling on packaging that would display 'red' for added sugars.
0
Ramit Hooda
The Dukan Diet plan originated in France, founded by Dr. Pierre Dukan, a French dietitian and physician. This brief article will give you the skinny on the Dukan diet plan so you can make a decision to investigate further or not. Healthy Times is not affiliated in any way with the Dukan diet plan and this article is not an endorsement of the Dukan diet plan.
The Dukan Diet Plan Overview
The Dukan Diet plan is one of the more popular diets in Europe and is catching on fast in the West. Fueled by the poplarity of the Dukan diet plan books and endorsement by notable figures in Europe, this diet doesn’t lack for popularity.
Phases of the Dukan Diet Plan
The Dukan diet plan is based on a list of over 100 allowed foods, as well as four specific phases: attack, cruise, consolidation, and stabilization. Each phase of the Dukan diet plan has a specific metabolic purpose. The phases are designed around foods you are allowed to eat. Fundamentally, the Dukan diet plan is considered a high protein diet, similar to the Atkins diet, but with notable differences. Here is a description of the Dukan diet plan phases.
The attack phase intends to allow dieters to quickly lose up to 6 in 2–7 days, effectively jump starting the metabolism. People are allowed to eat as much as they want of 72 high protein foods.
The cruise phase allows dieters to gradually achieve weight loss by eating the protein-rich foods along with 28 vegetables. Some of the foods in this phase must be discontinued if any weight gain occurs.
The consolidation phase helps prevent future weight gain. During this phase, fruit, bread, cheese and starchy foods are reintroduced into the diet.
In the stabilization phase, the dieters eat whatever they want without gaining weight by following a few rules: protein day once a week, eating oat bran every day and making a commitment to mild exercise. According to the Dukan diet plan, dieters follow this last phase for the rest their lives.
The Dukan Diet plan drawbacks
The primary drawbacks of the Dukan diet plan are the multitude of rules and strict self-monitoring required. The Dukan diet plan may be an excellent plan in a closely supervised environment, but probably requires too much of the average dieter. Of course, the average dieter fails miserably.
If you are up for a challenge and like a diet plan with heavy rules, the Dukan diet plan may be a good choice. Before embarking on the Dukan diet, do some more research.
read more
The Dukan Diet Plan
The Dukan Diet Plan Overview
The Dukan Diet plan is one of the more popular diets in Europe and is catching on fast in the West. Fueled by the poplarity of the Dukan diet plan books and endorsement by notable figures in Europe, this diet doesn’t lack for popularity.
Phases of the Dukan Diet Plan
The Dukan diet plan is based on a list of over 100 allowed foods, as well as four specific phases: attack, cruise, consolidation, and stabilization. Each phase of the Dukan diet plan has a specific metabolic purpose. The phases are designed around foods you are allowed to eat. Fundamentally, the Dukan diet plan is considered a high protein diet, similar to the Atkins diet, but with notable differences. Here is a description of the Dukan diet plan phases.
The attack phase intends to allow dieters to quickly lose up to 6 in 2–7 days, effectively jump starting the metabolism. People are allowed to eat as much as they want of 72 high protein foods.
The cruise phase allows dieters to gradually achieve weight loss by eating the protein-rich foods along with 28 vegetables. Some of the foods in this phase must be discontinued if any weight gain occurs.
The consolidation phase helps prevent future weight gain. During this phase, fruit, bread, cheese and starchy foods are reintroduced into the diet.
In the stabilization phase, the dieters eat whatever they want without gaining weight by following a few rules: protein day once a week, eating oat bran every day and making a commitment to mild exercise. According to the Dukan diet plan, dieters follow this last phase for the rest their lives.
The Dukan Diet plan drawbacks
The primary drawbacks of the Dukan diet plan are the multitude of rules and strict self-monitoring required. The Dukan diet plan may be an excellent plan in a closely supervised environment, but probably requires too much of the average dieter. Of course, the average dieter fails miserably.
If you are up for a challenge and like a diet plan with heavy rules, the Dukan diet plan may be a good choice. Before embarking on the Dukan diet, do some more research.
0
Ramit Hooda
The Mediterranean diet is high in vegetables, olive oil, fruit, nuts, fish and whole grains, and low in meat and alcohol.
The ten-year study by the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands followed 120,000 men and women who were aged 55 to 69 in 1986 until 1996.
Researchers said that those who follow the diet combined with exercise, not smoking and keeping to a healthy weight could live up to 15 years longer.
They also said that keeping to the four healthy lifestyle factors can "substantially reduce" the risk of an early death.
"Very few research studies worldwide have analysed the relationship between a combination of lifestyle factors and mortality in this way," the Daily Mail quoted Piet van den Brandt, professor of epidemiology at Maastricht University, who worked on the study, as saying.
"This study shows that a healthy lifestyle can lead to significant health benefits.
"Furthermore, the effects of a Mediterranean diet were more evident in women than in men.
Within this diet, nuts, vegetables and alcohol intake had the biggest impact on lower mortality rates," Brandt added.
read more
Mediterranean diet lets you live longer
The ten-year study by the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands followed 120,000 men and women who were aged 55 to 69 in 1986 until 1996.
Researchers said that those who follow the diet combined with exercise, not smoking and keeping to a healthy weight could live up to 15 years longer.
They also said that keeping to the four healthy lifestyle factors can "substantially reduce" the risk of an early death.
"Very few research studies worldwide have analysed the relationship between a combination of lifestyle factors and mortality in this way," the Daily Mail quoted Piet van den Brandt, professor of epidemiology at Maastricht University, who worked on the study, as saying.
"This study shows that a healthy lifestyle can lead to significant health benefits.
"Furthermore, the effects of a Mediterranean diet were more evident in women than in men.
Within this diet, nuts, vegetables and alcohol intake had the biggest impact on lower mortality rates," Brandt added.
0
Ramit Hooda
Almost everyone has had the mid-day snack attack! But the next time you're tempted to just reach into a colleague's bag of chips or then stop at the vending machine and grab a fizzy drink, stop yourself. There are waistline-friendly options that will cut the calories; it's just a question of getting to know them. Here are the smarter choices...
1. Mixed dryfruit:
Having dried fruits such as almonds, raisins, dates and prunes are a good idea as they make for easy-to-carry, healthy bites. Of course, don't go overboard too, as nuts are not really the lowest calorie option, but they have heart-friendly fats. Dried fruit are high in iron content and have other essential nutrients necessary for energy and a healthy metabolism.
Tip: Try this mix - 5 almonds, a tablespoon of raisins and cranberries or dried apricots.
2. Fruit
Cut up an apple or peel and have a banana at any time during your work day; it's an apt anytime snack. Oranges and red grapes are also good options. Most fruits have an 80 percent content of water that will keep you hydrated. It is also a free of bad cholesterol. Strawberries and cherries also have a high anti-oxidant value.
Tip: Sprinkle some rock salt on your fruit for taste.
3. Oatmeal
Unlike common perception, oatmeal is not just a breakfast food. As a great source of fiber, oatmeal can leave you feeling satiated for long. It can also reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. It contains a high content of vitamins and minerals. As oatmeal is bland, you can add some honey or raisins to it.
Tip: Add chopped walnuts to your bowl.
4. Crackers, granola bars
Whole wheat crackers make for a good cubicle snack. Top it with olives or light mayo. You can also have granola bars made of a mix of nuts, oats and honey. These are high in fiber, low in sugar and offer valuable protein.
Tip: Can spoon some home made salsa onto the crackers.
5. Hummus and veggies
This is a quick and delicious idea. All you need is some hummus and a cup of cut vegetables to dip into it. Try carrots, broccoli florets cucumber, celery and tomatoes. For the hummus all you will need is chickpeas and a dash of lemon juice. If you have to use an oil, try olive oil as it's healthier.
Tip: If you need a dip instead, opt for a low-fat sou
read more
5 must-keep snacks at your office desk
1. Mixed dryfruit:
Having dried fruits such as almonds, raisins, dates and prunes are a good idea as they make for easy-to-carry, healthy bites. Of course, don't go overboard too, as nuts are not really the lowest calorie option, but they have heart-friendly fats. Dried fruit are high in iron content and have other essential nutrients necessary for energy and a healthy metabolism.
Tip: Try this mix - 5 almonds, a tablespoon of raisins and cranberries or dried apricots.
2. Fruit
Cut up an apple or peel and have a banana at any time during your work day; it's an apt anytime snack. Oranges and red grapes are also good options. Most fruits have an 80 percent content of water that will keep you hydrated. It is also a free of bad cholesterol. Strawberries and cherries also have a high anti-oxidant value.
Tip: Sprinkle some rock salt on your fruit for taste.
3. Oatmeal
Unlike common perception, oatmeal is not just a breakfast food. As a great source of fiber, oatmeal can leave you feeling satiated for long. It can also reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. It contains a high content of vitamins and minerals. As oatmeal is bland, you can add some honey or raisins to it.
Tip: Add chopped walnuts to your bowl.
4. Crackers, granola bars
Whole wheat crackers make for a good cubicle snack. Top it with olives or light mayo. You can also have granola bars made of a mix of nuts, oats and honey. These are high in fiber, low in sugar and offer valuable protein.
Tip: Can spoon some home made salsa onto the crackers.
5. Hummus and veggies
This is a quick and delicious idea. All you need is some hummus and a cup of cut vegetables to dip into it. Try carrots, broccoli florets cucumber, celery and tomatoes. For the hummus all you will need is chickpeas and a dash of lemon juice. If you have to use an oil, try olive oil as it's healthier.
Tip: If you need a dip instead, opt for a low-fat sou
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
0
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Ramit Hooda
According to the Daily Mail, David Bender - an emeritus professor of nutritional biochemistry- said the diets were based on an "unlikely" premise.
He insisted there was no "magic shortcut" to weight loss - which can be achieved simply by eating less and exercising more.
"Detox" regimes may recommend consuming large amounts of fruit, vegetables and juices, and drinking large amounts of water, while avoiding caffeine, sugar and alcohol.
They claim to boost health in various ways including raising energy levels to allowing the body to focus on self-healing.
But Professor Bender of University College London has torpedoed such suggestions in an article entitled The Detox Delusion, published in the Society of Biology magazine, The Biologist.
In it, he says the term "detox" has gone from describing a chemical reaction involved in the production of urine to a "meaningless marketing term" and takes apart the claims made on behalf of detox diets.
He stated that they are at best unfounded, more likey demonstrably false, and at worst dangerous.
"I am not sure what 'self-healing' is and the idea of 'raised energy levels' is nonsense," the Telegraph quoted Professor Bender as writing.
"The whole philosophy of detox is based on the unlikely premise that accumulated toxins cause a sluggish metabolism, weight gain, general malaise and so on.
"Weight gain is due to an imbalance between food consumption and energy expenditure. There is no magic shortcut for weight loss - you have to eat less and exercise more. It's that simple," he added.
read more
Detox diets do boost health, cleanse body
He insisted there was no "magic shortcut" to weight loss - which can be achieved simply by eating less and exercising more.
"Detox" regimes may recommend consuming large amounts of fruit, vegetables and juices, and drinking large amounts of water, while avoiding caffeine, sugar and alcohol.
They claim to boost health in various ways including raising energy levels to allowing the body to focus on self-healing.
But Professor Bender of University College London has torpedoed such suggestions in an article entitled The Detox Delusion, published in the Society of Biology magazine, The Biologist.
In it, he says the term "detox" has gone from describing a chemical reaction involved in the production of urine to a "meaningless marketing term" and takes apart the claims made on behalf of detox diets.
He stated that they are at best unfounded, more likey demonstrably false, and at worst dangerous.
"I am not sure what 'self-healing' is and the idea of 'raised energy levels' is nonsense," the Telegraph quoted Professor Bender as writing.
"The whole philosophy of detox is based on the unlikely premise that accumulated toxins cause a sluggish metabolism, weight gain, general malaise and so on.
"Weight gain is due to an imbalance between food consumption and energy expenditure. There is no magic shortcut for weight loss - you have to eat less and exercise more. It's that simple," he added.
0
Ramit Hooda
Olive oil helps keep cholesterol levels in check and controls the blood sugar. It is one of the easiest to digest as it is monounsaturated. Drizzle some on top of a vegetable salad or dip a slice of whole-grain bread in some and eat as a snack.
Olive oil can also be added to spicy dishes and acidic food items. Try adding them when making sauces and dressings. Make a mix of olive oil with onions, herbs (oregano, thyme etc) and garlic for pasta sauces. Use olive oil to marinate your meat dishes as this allows better penetration ofthe flavour into the food. For sauteing or frying, it's best to use a combination of extra virgin and regular olive oil. Add flavour to olive oil by infusing the oil with sprigs of dried herbs. It's best stored in a dark cool spot and in a tightly covered container. Keeping olive oil in the refrigerator, can make it turn thick.
Table olives can eaten in the pickled form or stuffed with pimentos or even just plain. While they can be used in anything from baked dishes to martinis, they also make a healthy snack eaten on their own.
read more
Olive can do wonders to your diet!
Olive oil can also be added to spicy dishes and acidic food items. Try adding them when making sauces and dressings. Make a mix of olive oil with onions, herbs (oregano, thyme etc) and garlic for pasta sauces. Use olive oil to marinate your meat dishes as this allows better penetration ofthe flavour into the food. For sauteing or frying, it's best to use a combination of extra virgin and regular olive oil. Add flavour to olive oil by infusing the oil with sprigs of dried herbs. It's best stored in a dark cool spot and in a tightly covered container. Keeping olive oil in the refrigerator, can make it turn thick.
Table olives can eaten in the pickled form or stuffed with pimentos or even just plain. While they can be used in anything from baked dishes to martinis, they also make a healthy snack eaten on their own.
0
Ramit Hooda
There's something about the carrot. Eat it raw, and it gives you refreshing energy. You can also cook it. Full of Vitamin A, they are easily available. On a winter afternoon, it's blissful to curl up with a book and a piece of carrot cake.
And if you love your share of Indian sweets then nothing can beat a plate of gajar ki halwa. You would be surprised to know the number of dishes and desserts that you could make with this vegetable. Saute carrots, cauliflower, spinach in olive oil and enjoy your share of vegetables.
Carrots are considered a goldmine of natural vitamins and nutrients. Among other raw vegetable juices, carrot juice is a sure shot winner. Carrot juice is known for its excellent cleansing effects and, in addition, it was considered a good remedy for constipation and fatigue.
As we all know, no other vegetable contains as much beta-carotene as carrots. In our body, beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A, which assists in improving our eyesight and the functioning of our immune system, strengthening our bones and teeth, preventing possible problems with the functioning of the thyroid glad.
Carrot juice has very good anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous and anti-aging properties. Carotene is a known anti-oxidant, which can prevent degenerative processes in the cells and has great anti-aging effects. Also, drinking raw carrot juice can be helpful for lowering the symptoms of stresses and normalizing the function of your digestive system.
You can mix carrot juice with beetroot juice and spinach. Wake up in the morning to this tonic and it will be a joyful health ride for you.
read more
Carrots are delicious, steeped in health
And if you love your share of Indian sweets then nothing can beat a plate of gajar ki halwa. You would be surprised to know the number of dishes and desserts that you could make with this vegetable. Saute carrots, cauliflower, spinach in olive oil and enjoy your share of vegetables.
Carrots are considered a goldmine of natural vitamins and nutrients. Among other raw vegetable juices, carrot juice is a sure shot winner. Carrot juice is known for its excellent cleansing effects and, in addition, it was considered a good remedy for constipation and fatigue.
As we all know, no other vegetable contains as much beta-carotene as carrots. In our body, beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A, which assists in improving our eyesight and the functioning of our immune system, strengthening our bones and teeth, preventing possible problems with the functioning of the thyroid glad.
Carrot juice has very good anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous and anti-aging properties. Carotene is a known anti-oxidant, which can prevent degenerative processes in the cells and has great anti-aging effects. Also, drinking raw carrot juice can be helpful for lowering the symptoms of stresses and normalizing the function of your digestive system.
You can mix carrot juice with beetroot juice and spinach. Wake up in the morning to this tonic and it will be a joyful health ride for you.
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
0
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Ramit Hooda
According to Arnold Berstad and his colleagues from the Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital in Oslo, sugar appears to stimulate the vagus nerve, which controls digestion, speech, breathing and other functions.
"A sweet taste can allow the stomach to hold more, and we can eat a little more without experiencing discomfort," the New York Post quoted Berstad as saying.
The tickled nerve signals the stomach muscle to loosen up and allow a bit more food to fit in.
At the same time, the looser stomach muscle lets the food you've already eaten settle comfortably.
However, the effects last "long enough to influence the current meal but maybe not more."
Experts have said that sugary fare can relax the stomach so much that it doesn't feel full even when it really is. In fact, sugar's effect on the vagus nerve may be one reason it's easy to overdo it when it comes to dessert.
read more
Sugary snacks ease pain of overeating
"A sweet taste can allow the stomach to hold more, and we can eat a little more without experiencing discomfort," the New York Post quoted Berstad as saying.
The tickled nerve signals the stomach muscle to loosen up and allow a bit more food to fit in.
At the same time, the looser stomach muscle lets the food you've already eaten settle comfortably.
However, the effects last "long enough to influence the current meal but maybe not more."
Experts have said that sugary fare can relax the stomach so much that it doesn't feel full even when it really is. In fact, sugar's effect on the vagus nerve may be one reason it's easy to overdo it when it comes to dessert.
Monday, 26 December 2011
0
Monday, 26 December 2011
Ramit Hooda
The Mandometer, which is available for 1,500 pounds, monitors the amount of food leaving the plate and tells users who gobble to "please eat more slowly."
The Swedish device is to be used in an NHS initiative to help hundreds of obese families lose weight.
The device comes in two parts, a scale placed under the plate and a small computer screen showing a graphic of the food that gradually disappears as the user eats.
A red line on the screen shows the user's speed of eating, while a blue line shows a healthy rate.
If the user guzzles, the red line angles away from the blue one, warning them to ease off, and if the lines deviate too much, the computer voice tells them to slow down.
The screen also flashes up messages like "are you feeling full yet?", to remind users to think whether they have had enough.
Around 600 families with at least one obese parent and child, aged from just five, will be targeted in the project by Bristol University in conjunction with GPs and nurses.
A further dozen obese adults and children who carry a mutation of a gene linked to the brain's ability to recognise feeling full will take part in a smaller study at the Biomedical Research Unit of the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.
Professor Julian Hamilton-Shield, who is leading the initiative, said that obese children and adolescents using the Mandometer ate from 12 to 15 percent less per meal at the end of the 12-month trial.
Six months after they stopped using the device they still ate less and continued to lose weight.
"It will be a powerful tool to help families restrain their eating habits," the Daily Mail quoted Hamilton-Shield as saying.
read more
Now, a dish that ‘talks’ to fight obesity
The Swedish device is to be used in an NHS initiative to help hundreds of obese families lose weight.
The device comes in two parts, a scale placed under the plate and a small computer screen showing a graphic of the food that gradually disappears as the user eats.
A red line on the screen shows the user's speed of eating, while a blue line shows a healthy rate.
If the user guzzles, the red line angles away from the blue one, warning them to ease off, and if the lines deviate too much, the computer voice tells them to slow down.
The screen also flashes up messages like "are you feeling full yet?", to remind users to think whether they have had enough.
Around 600 families with at least one obese parent and child, aged from just five, will be targeted in the project by Bristol University in conjunction with GPs and nurses.
A further dozen obese adults and children who carry a mutation of a gene linked to the brain's ability to recognise feeling full will take part in a smaller study at the Biomedical Research Unit of the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.
Professor Julian Hamilton-Shield, who is leading the initiative, said that obese children and adolescents using the Mandometer ate from 12 to 15 percent less per meal at the end of the 12-month trial.
Six months after they stopped using the device they still ate less and continued to lose weight.
"It will be a powerful tool to help families restrain their eating habits," the Daily Mail quoted Hamilton-Shield as saying.
0
Ramit Hooda
Aslim waist can do wonders for your confidence and sex appeal but it is often the first to attract a bulge during holiday season. Fortunately, it's also one of the easiest parts of the body to tame and get under control. A few tweaks to your lifestyle and inches can be wiped off. Here's an all-round systematic approach to getting it done without a fuss.
Sleep yourself slimmer
Going to bed early tonight is all it takes to get a slimmer waist.
A recent study has revealed that women who get at least seven hours of quality shut-eye every night are slimmer around the middle than those who get less than five hours.
They discovered that not getting enough sleep disrupts a hormone in the body that regulates appetite. This is why when one's tired and cranky, they're more likely to eat more, especially things heavy on sugar. But the quick rush of sugar will wear off soon and blood sugar levels will slump soon after - leaving you more tired and hungry than you were before.
Ditch stress
Stress has been proven to cause a chunky waist. Several studies show that when we're worked up, the stress hormone cortisol floods the body. As a result, there is extra fat stored around the tummy and waist. Even those who run for an hour on the treadmill can be battling stress and still find stubborn fat clinging to their waist. Try yoga to manage your stress levels. If you find yourself getting worked up in a traffic jam or because the kids are screaming, try this trick: take five long deep breathes through the nose and release out of the mouth. And make sure you breathe in from your lower stomach, not your chest.
How to tell the difference? When you take very deep, stomach breaths, your tummy - not your rib cage - will puff out as you inhale.
Give up alcohol
According to experts, where we store fat on our body is a reflection of where we're going wrong with our diet and lifestyle. When fat is stored on either sides of their waist, just above the beltline, it's usually down to alcohol or sugar. Alcohol is one of the worst things for the waist. Not only does it cause you to store fat on your waist, it also irritates your intestines, which can cause unflattering bloating, known as the "booze bloat".
To top it all off, a hangover often causes us to reach for sugary carbs and sweet snacks.
You don't have to give up your favourite tipple altogether - just make sure you have at least four alcohol-free days a week, sip water in between each drink and, if you do end up having one too many, have eggs the morning after.
They mop up toxins in your liver and will keep you full for hours, meaning you'll be less likely to indulge for the rest of the day.
Up your oil intake
Here's a secret that models and actresses swear by to keep their waists taut and tiny: they eat fat. Not the bad type found in pies and bhature but the good type - the omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish (such as salmon and mackerel), olive oil, linseed oil and nuts (walnuts and almonds). A good intake of oil helps your body burn fat, according to studies, especially around your stomach and waist.
Give up sit-ups
Instead of sit-ups, try The Plank - an exercise that's even more effective, can be done anywhere, only takes 60 seconds and tones up your stomach and sides.
Lie face down on the floor with your elbows resting on the floor next to your chest.
Push your body up off the floor in a push-up position and support your body with your elbows, hands and the tips of your toes.
Keep your stomach muscles tight, your hips up, with your whole body in a straight line.
Hold for 60 seconds (on your first few attempts you might only manage 30 seconds).
If it's too tough, drop your knees to the floor but still hold your stomach in and keep your back straight.
Eat wholegrains
A recent study revealed that eating lots of wholegrain food helped shed fat from your waist. It's thought that a diet rich in wholegrain food helps your body burn fat more efficiently, plus they boost digestion which helps clear out toxins and encourages your body to shed excess pounds.
read more
Ways to whittle your waist
Sleep yourself slimmer
Going to bed early tonight is all it takes to get a slimmer waist.
A recent study has revealed that women who get at least seven hours of quality shut-eye every night are slimmer around the middle than those who get less than five hours.
They discovered that not getting enough sleep disrupts a hormone in the body that regulates appetite. This is why when one's tired and cranky, they're more likely to eat more, especially things heavy on sugar. But the quick rush of sugar will wear off soon and blood sugar levels will slump soon after - leaving you more tired and hungry than you were before.
Ditch stress
Stress has been proven to cause a chunky waist. Several studies show that when we're worked up, the stress hormone cortisol floods the body. As a result, there is extra fat stored around the tummy and waist. Even those who run for an hour on the treadmill can be battling stress and still find stubborn fat clinging to their waist. Try yoga to manage your stress levels. If you find yourself getting worked up in a traffic jam or because the kids are screaming, try this trick: take five long deep breathes through the nose and release out of the mouth. And make sure you breathe in from your lower stomach, not your chest.
How to tell the difference? When you take very deep, stomach breaths, your tummy - not your rib cage - will puff out as you inhale.
Give up alcohol
According to experts, where we store fat on our body is a reflection of where we're going wrong with our diet and lifestyle. When fat is stored on either sides of their waist, just above the beltline, it's usually down to alcohol or sugar. Alcohol is one of the worst things for the waist. Not only does it cause you to store fat on your waist, it also irritates your intestines, which can cause unflattering bloating, known as the "booze bloat".
To top it all off, a hangover often causes us to reach for sugary carbs and sweet snacks.
You don't have to give up your favourite tipple altogether - just make sure you have at least four alcohol-free days a week, sip water in between each drink and, if you do end up having one too many, have eggs the morning after.
They mop up toxins in your liver and will keep you full for hours, meaning you'll be less likely to indulge for the rest of the day.
Up your oil intake
Here's a secret that models and actresses swear by to keep their waists taut and tiny: they eat fat. Not the bad type found in pies and bhature but the good type - the omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish (such as salmon and mackerel), olive oil, linseed oil and nuts (walnuts and almonds). A good intake of oil helps your body burn fat, according to studies, especially around your stomach and waist.
Give up sit-ups
Instead of sit-ups, try The Plank - an exercise that's even more effective, can be done anywhere, only takes 60 seconds and tones up your stomach and sides.
Lie face down on the floor with your elbows resting on the floor next to your chest.
Push your body up off the floor in a push-up position and support your body with your elbows, hands and the tips of your toes.
Keep your stomach muscles tight, your hips up, with your whole body in a straight line.
Hold for 60 seconds (on your first few attempts you might only manage 30 seconds).
If it's too tough, drop your knees to the floor but still hold your stomach in and keep your back straight.
Eat wholegrains
A recent study revealed that eating lots of wholegrain food helped shed fat from your waist. It's thought that a diet rich in wholegrain food helps your body burn fat more efficiently, plus they boost digestion which helps clear out toxins and encourages your body to shed excess pounds.
0
Ramit Hooda
Spring onions were grown in Chinese gardens 5000 years ago! Do you know the onion bulb was worshipped as the symbol of the universe by ancient Egyptians? Nutritionally, green onions have a combination of the benefits of onions and greens. They are an excellent source of vitamin K and vitamin C, and a very good source of vitamin A too.
Spring onions can be added to dal and make it a much tastier dish. Similarly, you can add it to vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes and it will make an excellent dish. Mushrooms go very well with spring onions and interestingly spring onions can be added to soy nuggets while making a Chinese dish. Spring onions are used in salads as the flavor tends to be milder than other onions. It is used widely in oriental food both as an ingredient and as a garnish.
Spring onion is a nutritious plant, and therefore it provides a host of health benefits to us. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals which aids in curing the various ailments. It is seen to have helped in reducing the harmful impacts of various diseases.
Some of the health benefits of spring onions are as follows:
- Spring onion lowers the blood sugar level.
- It is a support against gastrointestinal problems.
- It is often used as a medicine for common cold.
- It is used as an appetizer as it helps digestion.
- It speeds up the level of blood circulation in the body.
read more
Health benefits of spring onions
Spring onions can be added to dal and make it a much tastier dish. Similarly, you can add it to vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes and it will make an excellent dish. Mushrooms go very well with spring onions and interestingly spring onions can be added to soy nuggets while making a Chinese dish. Spring onions are used in salads as the flavor tends to be milder than other onions. It is used widely in oriental food both as an ingredient and as a garnish.
Spring onion is a nutritious plant, and therefore it provides a host of health benefits to us. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals which aids in curing the various ailments. It is seen to have helped in reducing the harmful impacts of various diseases.
Some of the health benefits of spring onions are as follows:
- Spring onion lowers the blood sugar level.
- It is a support against gastrointestinal problems.
- It is often used as a medicine for common cold.
- It is used as an appetizer as it helps digestion.
- It speeds up the level of blood circulation in the body.
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