Why you should avoid GMOs

1. GMOs have increased the use of herbicides.

One of the main selling points of genetic engineering is the creation of more pest-resistant crops. This is a double-edged sword however as chemical- and pest-resistant weeds infest farmers’ fields. In an effort to control the “superweeds” that have sprung up, farmers use more and more herbicides to kill them, but the resistant weeds are still growing–the rate at which they are spreading increased by 25% in 2011, and 51% in 2012. These dangerous chemicals are used in higher and higher amounts as an answer to increased resistance, eventually making their way into your body via the food you eat.

2. The impact of GMOs is poorly understood, and they have the potential to cause disease.

There is no requirement that the safety of GMOs be guaranteed, or even researched. The research is left up to the manufacturer, and why would a company like Monsanto (one of the world’s leading producers of genetically engineered seed) acknowledge the danger of the products they sell?
There is significant evidence beginning to surface that GMO foods promote disease. A study published in 2012 showed that rats on a diet of GMO corn suffered increased tumor growth and early mortality when compared to a control group. Similar studies on GMO animal feed prompted the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) to publicly denounce GMOs in the food supply, warning that “it is biologically plausible for Genetically Modified Foods to cause adverse health effects in humans.” GMOs have been correlated with a long list of health problems, including thyroid cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and infertility.
Crops are genetically altered to make them weather- and pest-resistant. Corn has been engineered to produce a natural insecticide, called Bt-toxin, which kills insects by destroying the cell walls of their digestive tract. This potent chemical can’t be washed off–it’s part of the genetic makeup of GMO corn. Bt-toxin is not specific to insects and has been shown to poke holes in human cells, damaging the intestines and causing leaky gut.

3. GMOs cross-contaminate non-GMO crops.

Perhaps the biggest reason to avoid GMOs is that if we continue to grow them, it’s possible we won’t be left with any crops that haven’t been genetically engineered. Farmers can’t protect against cross-pollination by wind and insects, and the resulting seed will be a hybrid of their non-GMO crop with the GMO crop. Corn is one of the most commonly genetically engineered foods, with about 90% of it being GMO, and due to cross-pollination, that remaining 10% is not guaranteed to be GMO-free. Because we don’t understand the impact of consuming GMOs, it’s clear that we need to understand the gravity of this situation before we are left without

Nutrient Benefits of Soya

Nutrient Benefits

According to a recent research analysis, U.S. adults would increase their intake of folate, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, iron and fiber if they replaced their meat and dairy intake with soy. Since legumes like soybeans are often overshadowed by vegetables and fruits in terms of nutrient richness, we sometimes forget just how beneficial legumes like soybeans can be.

Along with the nutrients listed above, soybeans are also an important source of the minerals copper, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, and potassium; the B vitamin, riboflavin; and omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of alpha-linolenic acid). Replacing meat and dairy with soy would also lower total cholesterol intake by about 125 milligrams per day and saturated fat by about 2.4 grams per day.

These nutritional changes, in turn, would lower risk of several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. The idea of getting 10 grams of fiber and 25-30 grams of high-quality protein for 300 calories (1 cup of soybeans) is somewhat amazing. On a diet of 1,800 calories, 300 calories would only represent 16-17% of the total calories for one day. Yet, while only taking up one-sixth of the day's calories, a cup of soybeans provides us with 40% of the Daily Value for fiber and 50-60% of the Daily Value for protein!

How to Give up Coffee

For so many of us, coffee is that little break that perks up the day. I'm convinced that the ritual of doing it daily is one of the reasons it's so hard to give up. And why should we?

Daily pauses like a coffee or tea break are emotionally beneficial to our health.

However, the coffee itself has some negative side effects on our over all well being and performance. So if you're looking to give it up, the best way to do it is to replace it with something else (so you still get that little break in your day to do something nice for yourself).

How to lower cholesterol by eating right !!

 

How to lower cholesterol by eating right (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

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Fight cholesterol with food by making these simple changes to your diet and lifestyle
There is little doubt that choice of food is the best medicine not just for a sound and healthy heart but also for lowering blood cholesterol levels. This is best done by cutting back on saturated fats and limiting other cholesterol-rich foods. Says holistic health guru, "About 80 per cent of the body's cholesterol is manufactured in the liver and 20 per cent is derived from dietary sources. By itself the cholesterol found in food is safe but becomes a health concern when it gets oxidised as is seen in processed foods, cakes and cake mixes, cured and processed meats, dehydrated milk."
Food sources
The most common sources of dietary cholesterol are animal products like eggs, red meat, dairy products and shellfish like prawns. Many people often ask if eggs are hazardous to health. Says Mehta, "The truth is that if you are leading a healthy and active lifestyle and if you have normal cholesterol levels, having 3-4 eggs a week will not cause much harm. Saturated animal fats and transfats found in processed foods are the real enemies."
Healthy digestion and consumption of healthy fibre-rich foods help to maintain a constant level of cholesterol in the blood stream. But this level can change or rise with age, a diet high in saturated fats and a poor lifestyle.
"A diet high in polyunsaturated fats and fibre helps to lower levels of blood cholesterol while a diet high in meats, cream, full cream dairy products and white flour tends to increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood thereby increasing the risk of heart diseases," says Mehta.
Good and bad cholesterol
A common question that is often asked is how to increase the good cholesterol known as HDL (high-density lipoproteins) and how to decrease the bad cholesterol known as LDL (low-density lipoproteins). This can be done by increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables like greens, broccoli, capsicums and other high-fibre vegetables. It's also advised to increase one's consumption of oils that have beneficial effects on your health. Oils high in omega-3 fats found in soya beans, walnuts, fish oils, flax seed oil and olive oil are useful in raising the HDL levels. Restricting your intake of foods like saturated fats from red meats, cheese, cream, high fat milk, junk foods and processed foods will go a long way in reducing your LDL or the bad cholesterol.
Guidelines to help you in lowering bad cholesterol level
1. Include soluble fibre in your daily diet as it helps in reducing the serum cholesterol levels. This is found in beans, pulses, barley, oats, brown rice, fruits and bran. Beans and whole grains have more fibre and less sugar.
2. Fresh vegetable juices with carrots, bottle gourd (lauki), celery, aloe vera juice have been found to be beneficial in controlling cholesterol.
3. Red meats and dairy products contain high amounts of cholesterol and are considered prime offenders. Processed and refined foods, white bread, tea coffee, alcohol and tobacco are just as bad.
4. Mehta recommends a diet rich in fibre, fruits, whole grains and a regular exercise programme to lower your bad cholesterol levels or to maintain normal levels. A combination of 30-minute walks four days a week, yoga with deep breathing exercises and other aerobic activities like cycling or swimming is helpful.
5. Use healthy oils like vegetable oils, cold pressed virgin olive oil, oils from nuts, seeds, soy bean, flax seed and groundnut oil.
6. Be careful while eating out as restaurant foods are rich and oily and cause elevation of cholesterol levels if these foods are consumed very often. Suggests Mehta, "Avoid fried, cheesy and creamy foods. Opt for smaller portions of grilled, steamed or broiled foods." Sauces and salad dressings should be used sparingly as they are high in fat and sodium content

How to lower cholesterol by eating right - The Times of India

Lower your blood pressure in 6 easy steps !!!

 

Lower your blood pressure in 6 easy steps (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

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Hypertension is directly responsible for 57% of all stroke deaths and 24% of all coronary heart disease deaths in India.
This even though hypertension is a controllable disease and 2mmHg population-wide decrease in blood pressure can prevent 151,000 stroke and 153,000 coronary heart disease deaths in India.
*mm HG IS a unit of pressure equal to 0.001316 atmosphere)
Hypertension: Relation between Sodium and High Blood Pressure
"One of the effective ways to control hypertension is to restrict salt or to be more specific about sodium intake", points RD Disha Jhaveri, Dietician with Global Hospital, Mumbai. As per the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), JNC 7 report, a sodium restriction of not more than 2.4g can approximately reduce the systolic blood pressure by 2-8mm Hg.
When we generally talk about sodium, we think of salt. Because 6 gms of salt is about a teaspoon and that is 2.3g of sodium. Salt is present in other food ingredients like preservatives, black salt, Sodium Bicarbonate, baking powder, Monosodium glutamate (MSG) or ajinomoto and also various drugs like antacids, antibiotics.
*mm HG IS a unit of pressure equal to 0.001316 atmosphere
Hypertension: Relation between Sodium and High Blood Pressure
Where can you find sodium?
Drinking water
Milk, green leafy vegetables
Sea foods
Butter, margarine, cheese
Bakery products like breads, biscuits, pastries, bread sticks, pies, processed breakfast cereals.
All sauces like soya sauce, tomato ketchup and chutneys also
Snack items such as potato chips, salted popcorn, noodles, macroni, crackers, farsan, etc
Canned and instant soups, gravies, fruits and vegetables
Dried foods like: salted nuts, packed frozen vegetables, dried fruits.
Ready masala
Ready-to-make food packets
Hypertension: Relation between Sodium and High Blood Pressure
Ways to Limit Mr. Sodium's Presence in Our Diet
It will be a good idea to avoid use of salt while cooking and add specified measured amount for the day separately.
Avoid use of salt substitutes as they contain potassium and so are medically not advisable.
Use different flavours as a substitute to salt. Try mustard powder, bay leaves, curry powder, unsalted oregano, unsalted chilli flakes, parsley, basil, tulsi leaves, mint, lemon juice, onions, garlic,, green chillies, vinegar, tamarind and amchur powder (check sodium intake on the packet) to make your food palatable.
Hypertension: Relation between Sodium and High Blood Pressure
Ways to Limit Sodium in Our Diet
Avoid bakery food items like breads, pizzas, cakes, biscuits as they contain hidden sodium in the form of baking powder. Choose chapatis, unsalted khakhras, crispy bhakkris and homemade sweets.
Avoid salted foods like papads, pickles, chutneys, sauces, salted nuts, salted chips, popcorn and other canned products. Instead, you can have salt-free chutney, homemade sauces, unsalted popcorns and fresh fruits.
Avoid seasoning as it contains salts like ajinomoto, readymade masalas, etc. Try freshly made homemade masalas.
Hypertension: Relation between Sodium and High Blood Pressure
Ways to Limit in Our Diet
Avoid instant foods like noodles, macaroni, ready to make soup cubes, processed breakfast cereals. Instead make fresh soups and hot healthy breakfast.
Avoid processed cheese and salted butter and replace them with homemade cottage cheese (paneer) or homemade salt free butter.
Avoid organ meats and seafood's like crabs, prawns, lobsters and dried fish. Prefer fresh water meats and fishes.
Check the sodium content of the medicines that you are taking.
Hypertension: Relation between Sodium and High Blood Pressure
Ways to Limit Sodium in Our Diet
Check the food labels for total sodium in it. Do not get carried away with the DV or RDA values. Read carefully if the units of sodium are in mg or gm, it makes a huge difference in your sodium intake calculation.
Ideally one can afford to use 1/2 tsp salt per day as sodium is present in other food products too.
Know your numbers
1/4 tsp. salt = 590 mg sodium
1/2 tsp. salt = 1,180 mg sodium
3/4 tsp. salt = 1,770 mg sodium
1 tsp. salt = 2,360 mg sodium

Lower your blood pressure in 6 easy steps - The Times of India

The Amazing Healing Properties of Acai | EnergyFanatics.com

 

Flickr Commons: Image provided by Alexandre R. Costa

Acai is considered to be one of the most nutritious and high energy superfruits in the world. Besides its high levels of nutrients, acai is believed to have the highest levels of antioxidants of any known edible fruit. To be more accurate, it contains nearly 300 percent more antioxidants than blueberries.

Since acai has such amazing healing properties, it is very popular for longevity, energy, weight loss, and stamina. In addition, it is commonly used for boosting the immune system and increasing sex drive. The strong antioxidant properties of acai are one of the main reasons why it is being studied for its role in treating certain forms of cancer.

Acai is found in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. It looks similar to grapes with a royal purple color. Acai tastes similar to blueberries with a hint of chocolate. Acai has amazing healing properties but its potential is strongest when the berry is consumed within 24 hours of picking. Fortunately, new ways of freezing and drying the berry have allowed the rest of the world to enjoy acai’s amazing healing properties.

 

The Amazing Healing Properties of Acai | EnergyFanatics.com

Vitamin A Curbs Spread of Prostate Cancer : Health & Medicine : Science World Report

 

The study published in the journal Oncogenesis state that Vitamin A is the best remedy to treat and prevent the spread of prostate cancer. (Photo : Reuters)

A study published in the journal Oncogenesis states that vitamin A is the best remedy to treat and prevent the spread of prostate cancer.

Scientists at the University of York have found that retinoic acid that is made from vitamin A turns particular genes within prostate cancer stem cells back on, thereby lowering the chances of the cancer to invade the tissues surrounding it. This retinoic acid is supplied in our diet by green vegetables, liver and carrots. The researchers emphasize on the fact that vitamin A-related compounds can be used to improve the clinical treatments for prostate cancer.

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"We have found that specific 'twin' genes are turned off in malignant prostate cancer stem cells. When we turn them back on using retinoic acid, the cancer becomes less aggressive.  All-trans retinoic acid is already used treat another type of cancer called acute promyelomcytic leukaemia (APL) and has been hugely successful in improving survival rates," professor Norman Maitland, Director of the YCR Cancer Research Unit in the Department of Biology at York said in a press statement.
He continues to state that for prostate cancer, the researchers suggest that it is not needed that the retinoic acid kill the cancer stem cells, instead they just switch them to a more treatable form.

Till date, low vitamin A has been linked with prostate cancer but the mechanism behind this was unknown. More than 10,000 men die annually

Vitamin A Curbs Spread of Prostate Cancer : Health & Medicine : Science World Report

Western Style Diet Makes You Die Young: Study : Health & Medicine : Science World Report

 

Adhering to a western style diet lowers a person’s chances of achieving older ages in good health and with higher functionality. (Photo : Reuters)

Adhering to a western style diet lowers a person's chances of achieving older age in good health and with higher functionality, according to a news release.

The latest study, published in The American Journal of Medicine, states that a western style diet, which includes fried and sweet food, processed and red meat, high fat dairy products and refined grains leads to a greater risk of premature death.

"The impact of diet on specific age-related diseases has been studied extensively, but few investigations have adopted a more holistic approach to determine the association of diet with overall health at older ages," says lead investigator Tasnime Akbaraly, PhD, Inserm, Montpellier, France. "We examined whether diet, assessed in midlife, using dietary patterns and adherence to the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), is associated with aging phenotypes, identified after a mean 16-year follow-up."

For the study, researchers examined the findings from the British Whitehall II cohort study. The study states that AHEI increases the odds of reversing metabolic syndrome. This syndrome can trigger heart diseases, and in worst cases, even compromise a person's mortality.  Hence the researchers looked for dietary factors that lower the risk of premature death and also improve ideal aging.

They worked on data that included 3,775 men and 1,575 women having a mean age of 51 years. The study was conducted from 1985-2009. Screenings were conducted every five years and with this the researchers identified the mortality and chronic disease among participants.

Based on the data, it was seen that nearly 7.3 percent of the participants had non-cardiovascular death, 2.8 percent had cardiovascular death, 12.7 percent was nonfatal cardiovascular event, 73.2 percent was normal aging, and ideal aging was 4 percent.

Those with low adherence to AHEI had an increased risk of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular death. Consuming a western style diet lowered the chances of ideal aging.

Western Style Diet Makes You Die Young: Study : Health & Medicine : Science World Report

Indian bitter melon aka 'karela' may hold cure for cancer

 

An Indian origin scientist has received a 39,42-dollar grant from the Lottie Caroline Hardy Charitable Trust to continue her research on treating cancer with an extract from bitter melon, a vegetable common in India and known as 'karela' in Hindi.

Ratna Ray, Ph.D., professor of pathology at Saint Louis University, is studying the effect of the extract from the vegetable, which is often used in Indian and Chinese cooking, on head and neck cancer cells.

“The goal of our study is to see if a complementary alternative medicine treatment based upon bitter melon can stop the spread of head and neck cancer,” she said.

Ray studies using bitter melon extract to prevent or treat cancer by thwarting the spread of cancer cells. In a controlled lab setting, she previously found that bitter melon extract activated a pathway that triggered the death of breast cancer cells, stopping them from growing and spreading. The effectiveness of using bitter melon extract to treat breast cancer in people has not been tested.

Then, with funding from the National Institutes of Health, she expanded her research on bitter melon extract to include prostate cancer prevention.

With that research underway, Ray discussed her bitter melon research with Dr. Mark Varvares, a SLUCare head and neck cancer specialist and director of the Saint Louis University Cancer Center, who thought her findings could have implications for treating head and neck cancer and warranted more study.

“We have pretty good indications that bitter melon extract works in cancer cell lines to halt the growth. I think it might be effective to treat solid tumors, and our grant will help us to get pre-clinical data to show whether something that looks promising in fighting breast cancer could work in other cancers,” Ray said.

For her research, she will feed bitter melon extract to mice that have head and neck cancer to see if the substance sparks anti-tumor activity.

If bitter melon extract stops the growth of cancer cells in animals, the findings could lay the groundwork for studying the treatment in a phase I clinical trial of human patients who have head and neck cancer, Ray said.

Head and neck cancers, which account for 6 percent of all cancer cases, start in the mouth, nose, sinuses, voicebox and throat. They frequently are aggressive, and often spread from one part of the head or neck to another.

Indian bitter melon aka 'karela' may hold cure for cancer - Health - DNA

Eating protein-rich breakfast reduces unhealthy snacking in the evening

 

Eating a breakfast rich in protein significantly improves appetite control and reduces unhealthy snacking on high-fat or high-sugar foods in the evening, according to an expert.

This could help improve the diets of more than 25 million overweight or obese young adults in the US.

Heather Leidy, an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, is the first to examine the impact of breakfast consumption on daily appetite and evening snacking in young people who habitually skip breakfast.

In her study, 20 overweight or obese adolescent females ages 18-20 either skipped breakfast, consumed a high-protein breakfast consisting of eggs and lean beef, or ate a normal-protein breakfast of ready-to-eat cereal.

Every breakfast consisted of 350 calories and was matched for dietary fat, fiber, sugar and energy density.

The high-protein breakfast contained 35 grams of protein.

Participants completed questionnaires and provided blood samples throughout the day.

Prior to dinner, a brain scan using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed to track brain signals that control food motivation and reward-driven eating behaviour.

The consumption of the high-protein breakfast led to increased fullness or “satiety” along with reductions in brain activity that is responsible for controlling food cravings.

The high-protein breakfast also reduced evening snacking on high-fat and high-sugar foods compared to when breakfast was skipped or when a normal protein, ready-to-eat cereal breakfast was consumed, Leidy said.

“Eating a protein-rich breakfast impacts the drive to eat later in the day, when people are more likely to consume high-fat or high-sugar snacks,” Leidy said.

“These data suggest that eating a protein-rich breakfast is one potential strategy to prevent overeating and improve diet quality by replacing unhealthy snacks with high quality breakfast foods,” she added.

Eating protein-rich breakfast reduces unhealthy snacking in the evening - Health - DNA

Benefits of Soya Lecithin

 

Health benefits of soy lecithin include natural weight loss, natural removal of fatty deposits from our body, facilitation of digestion by stimulating bowel function, natural protection of liver, naturally reduced cholesterol levels, improved mental performance, natural prevention of neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. Soya lecithin is also beneficial for slimming and facilitating blood circulation in our body. Soya lecithin also prevents the formation of gallstones. These many benefits of soy lecithin have encouraged weight loss experts to use soy lecithin in slimming and weight loss diets because of its most important function of removal of fat stored inside our body. Moreover, it helps in weight loss in fast way because it helps in regulation of digestive system and speeding up the process of intestinal absorption of nutrients, essential vitamins, and minerals. Soy lecithin protects our liver, decreases bad cholesterol, facilitates blood circulation, and improves memory capacity and mental performance and therefore has become a popular dietary supplement. Soya lecithin has been recognized to have many benefits by natural and alternative medicine doctors because of its medical use and properties, especially its use in regulation of rate of blood cholesterol and reducing the risk of its accumulation on walls of arteries.

Benefits of soy lecithin

Soy lecithin is an all-natural complex of phospholipids that is made up from oil extracted from the soybeans. Soya lecithin’s historical origin is in the East but has now become really popular in European and American countries due to its many health benefits. Lecithin is not a vitamin but contains components that can be attributed to affect a kind of vitamin. These elements are essential fatty acids.

These essential fatty acids of lecithin facilitate the transport of cholesterol. Also phosphatidylcholine contained in soya lecithin decreases the intestinal absorption of fats and stimulates the body's ability to remove the fat at a rapid rate. Other important benefit of phosphatidylcholine is that it enhances liver health and function.

Soy lecithin has a selective action on the lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the blood, it reduces high levels of lipoproteins LDL while raising the level of HDL lipoproteins favoring the removal of excess cellular cholesterol.

Besides this basic function, there are many other noteworthy benefits of soy lecithin. It also helps in digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins namely vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and lipids. Soya lecithin enhances the health and beauty of skin maintaining its elasticity and keeping it hydrated.

Soy Lecithin also helps keep a smooth transmission of nerve impulses and therefore it becomes a valuable restorative for our nervous system and this is the reason how soya lecithin helps in improving memory and mental performance. Moreover, phosphatidylcholine contained in soy lecithin is important for the formation and maintenance of brain neurotransmitters between neurons, as it exerts a major action on each stage of memory development and mental activity and performance.

Lecithin phospholipids protect the liver cell membranes, therefore, preventing accumulation of fatty deposits in the liver. It also helps the liver in prevention of abuse-related disorders like alcohol, snuff, and drugs harmful for the liver.

Highly bioavailable minerals present in soy lecithin namely iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and some trace amounts of zinc, selenium, copper, and strontium are recommended for use in food for prevention of cerebral vascular accident and reduction of risk of thrombus formation.

It is interesting to note that vitamin E contained in soybean lecithin creates antioxidant properties, which protects our body from both free radical formation and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Soy lecithin is beneficial in tissue renewal and regeneration of cells.

Least but not last, soy based products like soy ice cream, soy sandwiches, soy milk, soy sauce, and other low fat soy foods are not harmful but have extraordinary benefits. Soy lecithin is an important element in the formation of a balanced diet rich in nutrition.

Why it is hard to lose the extra weight?

 

Why it is hard to lose the extra weight?

A study has found that a chemical called the Neuropeptide (NPY), known to stimulate appetite, plays an important role in controlling whether the body burns or conserves energy. Researchers at Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research have showed that when the body takes in less energy or is on a diet, high levels of NPY signal to the body that it’s in starvation mode. Then, human body stores as much energy as possible. In this way, this study explains why fad diets simply do not work. Besides, people often underestimate that weight loss needs a long period of time to obtain results. However, this discovers could lead to develop treatments which can control this neuronal connection and so help to lose extra weight.

Why it is hard to lose the extra weight? - West

SOYA ISOFLAVONES

 

SOYA ISOFLAVONES

Isoflavones are naturally occuring non-steroidal compounds of plant origin,found primarily in soyabeans, generally classified as Phytoestrogens,meaning that their chemical structure are similar to estrogen. The main isoflavones in soy are Genistein, Daidzein, Glycitein and Genistin. Isoflavones are beneficial for reducing the risk of hormone related problems because they have a structure similar to that of (real) estrogen produced by the body.

1), A Non Nutrient Cancer Fighting Anti- oxidant,Protect against Cancers:

Isoflavones are similar in structure to estrogen, compete with estrogen for attachment to the receptors, reducing the amount of estrogen. This in turn reduces the risk of hormone related cancers,namely breast, ovarian, cervical, uterine, colon and prostate cancers.

2) Reduces Menopausal Symptoms: Menopausal symptoms brings plenty of discomfort with it , i.e. ranging from hot flashes, very dry skin & rashes, headaches, muscle aches, weight gain, mood swings, vaginal dryness and hair loss. Isoflavones reduces hot flashes by 50 % including night sweats and help maintain normal sleep without carrying any significant side effects including gastrointestinal discomfort or weight gain.

3) Help Prevent Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a silent disease that progresses without any symptom i.e. until irreversible pain, loss of height and bone fracture occur. Women are more likely to develope osteoporosis because of their relatively weaker bones and the hormonal changes that accompany menopause. Isoflavones promotes bone health by increasing bone density.

4) Lowers the Risk Of Heart Diseases: It has been found that constituents of soy isoflavones are associated with significant decrease in serum cholesterol,LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides and increases the HDL.

5) Promotes immunity enhancement.

Acts as an anti-coagulant- inhibits the action of thrombin.

Have an anti- angiogenic effects.

Have pro-estrogenic and Anti-estrogenic action.

6) Advantages Over Other Therapy / Drugs

ERT- a preventive aid of bone loss in post-menopausal women increases the risk of breast and uterine cancers and vascular thrombosis.

Isoflavones have no side effects as bisphosphonates have in treatment of osteoporosis.

Almonds, tomatoes, fish, chicken, soya beans - some foods over 40s must eat! | Health News |

 

When we are younger, our body’s levels of recovery are higher. However, as we grow older we are more prone to various lifestyle diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, hypertension, and cholesterol issues. The only way to keep these ailments at bay is to modify our lifestyle, particularly our eating habits. According to an article in the Daily Mail, some food items which can help ward of these ailments include oats, tomatoes, almonds, fish, chicken, etc.  

Research suggests eating even 3g of oats a day is enough to reduce cholesterol levels by five to ten per cent. This is because oats contain beta-glucans, a fibre that helps lower LDL levels.

Tomatoes are also a wonder-food for over 40 years as they are an excellent source of antioxidant lycopene.  They offer a degree of protection against the formation and spread of cancer cells as well as protecting arteries from atherosclerosis. Drinking tomato juice also protects against prostate, lung and stomach cancers and heart disease.

Another study found that eating 60 g of almonds a day lowered blood-sugar levels, which means that almonds too offer protection against cardiovascular disease and diabetes. And of course we can’t forget omega 3 fatty acids which are commonly found in fish, almonds and other plants. It is said that they can make you smarter, prevent heart disease, boost your memory, cut down the damages caused due to smoking and help repair never cells and a lot more. 

Another food item which is good is soya beans which contain isoflavones that lower cholesterol, increase bone density and improve male fertility.

Cherries are useful in combating several conditions common in middle age, including gout and arthritis. They are a rich source of the antioxidant anthocyanin.

Full-fat milk can help combat the reduction in muscle mass associated with getting older, especially after the age of 50, experts say. A 2006 study found that drinking full-fat milk after exercise helped ensure that muscle mass was enhanced.

And lastly chicken, which is a great source of protein that can help combat common cold. Highlighting the benefits of chicken, a study in 2012 found that a moderate increase in protein resulted in maintenance of weight loss compared to low protein, high carbohydrate diets.

Almonds, tomatoes, fish, chicken, soya beans - some foods over 40s must eat! | Health News | Health Research | Diet & Weight Loss Tips| Health Products | Medicines & Drugs | Health.India.com

12 Indian foods that cut fat

 

12 Indian foods that cut fat (IndiaPicture)

You don't have to acquire a taste for olive oil, seaweed or soya to maintain a low-fat, healthy diet. Indian cuisine can be healthy too, if it's cooked with oil and ingredients that take care of your heart and health.
Ayurveda suggests you include all tastes — sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent — in at least one meal each day, to help balance unnatural cravings. Here are 12 foods that can help you lose weight and gain health:
Turmeric : Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is an object of research owing to its properties that suggest they may help to turn off certain genes that cause scarring and enlargement of the heart. Regular intake may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, increase blood circulation and prevent blood clotting, helping to prevent heart attack.
Cardamom : This is a thermogenic herb that increases metabolism and helps burn body fat. Cardamom is considered one of the best digestive aids and is believed to soothe the digestive system and help the body process other foods more efficiently.
Chillies : Foods containing chillies are said to be as foods that burn fat. Chillies contain capsaicin that helps in increasing the metabolism. Capsaicin is a thermogenic food, so it causes the body to burn calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chillies.
Curry leaves : Incorporating curry leaves into your daily diet can help you lose weight. These leaves flush out fat and toxins, reducing fat deposits that are stored in the body, as well as reducing bad cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, incorporate eight to 10 curry leaves into your diet daily. Chop them finely and mix them into a drink, or sprinkle them over a meal.
Garlic : An effective fat-burning food, garlic contains the sulphur compound allicin which has anti-bacterial effects and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats.
Mustard oil : This has low saturated fat compared to other cooking oils. It has fatty acid, oleic acid, erucic acid and linoleic acid. It contains antioxidants, essential vitamins and reduces cholesterol, which is good for the heart.
Cabbage : Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.
Moong dal : The bean sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E and many minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium. It is recommended as a food replacement in many slimming programmes, as it has a very low fat content. It is a rich source of protein and fibre, which helps lower blood cholesterol level. The high fibre content yields complex carbohydrates, which aid digestion, are effective in stabilising blood sugar and prevent its rapid rise after meal consumption.
Honey : It is a home remedy for obesity. It mobilises the extra fat deposits in the body allowing it to be utilised as energy for normal functions. One should start with about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning.
Buttermilk : It is the somewhat sour, residual fluid that is left after butter is churned. The probiotic food contains just 2.2 grams of fat and about 99 calories, as compared to whole milk that contains 8.9 grams fat and 157 calories. Regular intake provides the body with all essential nutrients and does not add fats and calories to the body. It is thus helpful in weight loss.
Millets : Fibre-rich foods such as millets - jowar, bajra, ragi, etc - absorb cholesterol and help increase the secretion of the bile that emulsifies fats.
Cinnamon and cloves: Used extensively in Indian cooking, the spices have been found to improve the function of insulin and to lower glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.

12 Indian foods that cut fat - The Times of India

Nail polishes cause diabetes in women - The Times of India

A new study has found an association between increased concentrations of phthalates in the body and an increased risk of diabetes in women.
Phthalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals that are commonly found in personal care products such as moisturizers, nail polishes, soaps, hair sprays and perfumes. They are also used in adhesives, electronics, toys and a variety of other products.
Researchers, lead by Tamarra James-Todd, PhD, a researcher in the Division of Women's Health at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), analysed urinary concentrations of phthalates in 2,350 women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that women with higher levels of phthalates in their urine were more likely to have diabetes. Specifically:
Women who had the highest levels of the chemicals mono-benzyl phthalate and mono-isobutyl phthalate had almost twice the risk of diabetes compared to women with the lowest levels of those chemicals. Women with higher than median levels of the chemical mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate had approximately a 60 per cent increased risk of diabetes.
Women with moderately high levels of the chemicals mono-n-butyl phthalate and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate had approximately a 70 percent increased risk of diabetes.
The study population consisted of a representative sample of American women and was controlled for socio-demographic, dietary and behavioural factors. However, the women self-reported their diabetes and researchers caution against reading too much into the study due to the possibility of reverse causation.
"This is an important first step in exploring the connection between phthalates and diabetes," said Dr. James-Todd.
"We know that in addition to being present in personal care products, phthalates also exist in certain types of medical devices and medication that is used to treat diabetes and this could also explain the higher level of phthalates in diabetic women. So overall, more research is needed," she noted.

Nail polishes cause diabetes in women - The Times of India

Know your olive oil - Times Of India

 

Olive oil is actually the juice of the olive, and it is the only oil in the market that is extracted from a fresh fruit. Of course, we've all read about the benefits of olive oil, and what it can do to our skin and hair, and of course, we all believe that all Spanish beauties bathe in this oil. But do we really know how to use this oil for everyday cooking, more importantly, which grade of oil to use?

Perhaps not, which is why even though many in the world have switched to olive oil, we're still unsure about its usage. Time to get educated, then... To begin with, here's bursting the most famous olive oil myth in India: We should use Extra Virgin (EV) olive oil because it is

Extra virgin olive oil:
It is the highest grade olive oil with perfect aroma and flavour. EV oil is got from the first cold pressing of the olive fruit within 24 hours of harvesting. It is heavy, and its viscosity is higher than other grades of olive oil and therefore, it is mainly use is for preparing cold dishes: dressing salads, pasta, rice and vegetables, meat and fish.

Olive oil:
This variety is a combination of refined olive oil and EV olive oil. Refined olive oil is obtained by refining oil that does not possess optimum characteristics. After refining, the oil is blended with EV oilive ol. Olive oil is an intermediate grade oil the best. Well, not really. At least, not for preparing Indian dishes. EV olive oil may be best in flavour, but its flavour is so strong that it can change the taste of the dish! Also, deep-frying in EV olive oil is not advisable as it is heavy and viscous as compared to other grades of olive oil. Therefore, EV olive oil is suitable for only flavouring, dressings and condiments or for integrating foods - like making cold sauces, crushing ingredients and preparing Carpaccio or marinated dishes.

So then, what is the best option? Olive pomace oil. It is the cooking grade oil, and is used all over Italy, Spain and the Mediterranean for every type of cooking. Pomace oil is not costly, is light and has neutral with medium aroma and flavour, suitable for pan and deep frying, stir-fries, sautes and stews. It is also suitable for all types of body massage.

Olive pomace oil:
This is the main cooking grade oil variety. It is a light oil with neutral taste and flavour and is the most suitable oil for Indian cuisine as it does not change the flavour or taste of any preparation. This oil is obtained by treating the olive residue paste (after the fruit has been pressed) with solvents to extract oil, refining and then blending this product with EV oil in order to enhance the product and its health benefits, taste and flavour. And, this oil is ideal for cooking all types and varieties of Indian dishes. It neither changes the taste nor presents any difficulties while cooking. Indian cuisine, whether fried, roasted, 'bhunoed' or cooked by any other method, tastes as good with Olive Pomace oil as it does when prepared in sunflower, safflower, corn or any other oil. Also, when frying at between 130 and 190 o C, olive oil forms a crisp, golden crust making the fried food much more appetizing but without affecting its nutritional value, as the oil hardly penetrates the food, leaving it light and digestible. Each portion of this oil used for deep frying may be reused 3-4 times as long as it is filtered carefully after each use through a gauze, muslin or a suitable paper filter.

Know your olive oil - Times Of India

Useful for everyone !!!

A chat with Dr.Devi Shetty, Narayana Hrudayalaya (Heart Specialist) Bangalore was arranged by WIPRO for its employees. The transcript of the chat is given below. Useful for everyone.

Qn: What are the thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart?
Ans:
1. Diet - Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil
2. Exercise - Half an hour's walk, at least five days a week;
avoid lifts and avoid sitting for a longtime
3. Quit smoking
4. Control weight
5. Control BP - Blood pressure and Sugar

Qn: Is eating non-veg food (fish) good for the heart?
Ans: No

Qn: It's still a grave shock to hear that some apparently healthy person
gets a cardiac arrest. How do we understand it in perspective?
Ans: This is called silent attack; that is why we recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo routine health checkups.

Qn: Are heart diseases hereditary?
Ans: Yes

Qn: What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?
Ans: Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.

Qn: Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?
Ans: Walking is better than jogging, since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints

Qn: You have done so much for the poor and needy. What has inspired you to do so?
Ans: Mother Theresa, who was my patient.

Qn: Can people with low blood pressure suffer heart diseases?
Ans: Extremely rare.

Qn: Does cholesterol accumulates right from an early age (I'm currently only 22) or do you have to worry about it only after you are above 30 years of age?
Ans: Cholesterol accumulates from childhood.

Qn: How do irregular eating habits affect the heart ?
Ans: You tend to eat junk food when the habits are irregular and your body's enzyme release for digestion gets confused.

Qn: How can I control cholesterol content without using medicines?
Ans: Control diet, walk and eat walnut .

Qn: Which is the best and worst food for the heart?
Ans: Fruits and vegetables are the best and oil is the worst .

Qn: Which oil is better - groundnut, sunflower, olive?
Ans: All oils are bad.

Qn: What is the routine checkup one should go through? Is there any specific test?
Ans: Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test after an echo.

Qn: What are the first aid steps to be taken on a heart attack?
Ans: Help the person into a sleeping position, place an aspirin tablet under the tongue with a sorbitrate tablet if available, and rush him to a coronary care unit, since the maximum casualty takes place within the first hour.

Qn: How do you differentiate between pain caused by a heart attack and that caused due to gastric trouble?
Ans: Extremely difficult without ECG.

Qn: What is the main cause of a steep increase in heart problems amongst youngsters? I see people of about 30-40 yrs of age having heart attacks and serious heart problems.
Ans: Increased awareness has increased incidents. Also, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, junk food, lack of exercise in a country where people are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart attacks than Europeans and Americans.

Qn: Is it possible for a person to have BP outside the normal range of 120/80 and yet be perfectly healthy?
Ans: Yes.

Qn: Marriages within close relatives can lead to heart problems for the child. Is it true?
Ans : Yes, co-sanguinity leads to congenital abnormalities and you may NOT have a software engineer as a child

Qn: Many of us have an irregular daily routine and many a times we have to stay late nights in office. Does this affect our heart? What precautions would you recommend?
Ans : When you are young, nature protects you against all these irregularities. However, as you grow older, respect the biological clock.

Qn: Will taking anti-hypertensive drugs cause some other complications (short/long term)?
Ans : Yes, most drugs have some side effects. However, modern anti-hypertensive drugs are extremely safe.

Qn: Will consuming more coffee/tea lead to heart attacks?
Ans : No.

Qn: Are asthma patients more prone to heart disease?
Ans : No.

Qn: How would you define junk food?
Ans : Fried food like Kentucky , McDonalds , Samosas, and even Masala Dosas.

Qn: You mentioned that Indians are three times more vulnerable. What is the reason for this, as Europeans and Americans also eat a lot of junk food?
Ans: Every race is vulnerable to some disease and unfortunately, Indians are vulnerable for the most expensive disease.

Qn: Does consuming bananas help reduce hypertension?
Ans: No.

Qn: Can a person help himself during a heart attack (Because we see a lot of forwarded e-mails on this)?
Ans: Yes. Lie down comfortably and put an aspirin tablet of any description under the tongue and ask someone to take you to the nearest coronary care unit without any delay and do not wait for the ambulance since most of the time, the ambulance does not turn up.

Qn: Do, in any way, low white blood cells and low hemoglobin count lead to heart problems?
Ans: No. But it is ideal to have normal hemoglobin level to increase your exercise capacity.

Qn: Sometimes, due to the hectic schedule we are not able to exercise. So, does walking while doing daily chores at home or climbing the stairs in the house, work as a substitute for exercise?
Ans : Certainly. Avoid sitting continuously for more than half an hour and even the act of getting out of the chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot.

Qn: Is there a relation between heart problems and blood sugar?
Ans: Yes. A strong relationship since diabetics are more vulnerable to heart attacks than non-diabetics.

Qn: What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation?
Ans : Diet, exercise, drugs on time , Control cholesterol, BP, weight.

Qn: Are people working on night shifts more vulnerable to heart disease when compared to day shift workers?
Ans : No.

Qn: What are the modern anti-hypertensive drugs?
Ans: There are hundreds of drugs and your doctor will chose the right combination for your problem, but my suggestion is to avoid the drugs and go for natural ways of controlling blood pressure by walk, diet to reduce weight and changing attitudes towards lifestyles.

Qn: Does dispirin or similar headache pills increase the risk of heart attacks?
Ans : No.

Qn: Why is the rate of heart attacks more in men than in women?
Ans: Nat ure protects women till the age of 45. (Present Global census show that the Percentage of heart disease in women has increased than in men )

Qn: How can one keep the heart in a good condition?
Ans: Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise everyday, do not smoke and, go for health checkups if you are past the age of 30 ( once in six months recommended) ....

Please, don’t hoard knowledge.It takes sharing of knowledge to discover and understand the world in which we live. Please send it to all your friends and relatives....... They might --- benefit as well……!

...Monday is world cancer day...

A small request and it's just one line. Dear God, I pray for a cure for cancer. Amen All you are asked to do is keep this circulating, even if it's only to one more person. In memory of anyone you know who has been struck by cancer or is still living with it. A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle.. Please Keep This Candle Going...

Help Birds !!!!