dimanche 20 février 2011

Asparagus - A Miracle Vegetable

Asparagus is a green vegetable that looks like a spear. This vegetable tastes good and that it can be a good delicacy. It belongs to the lily family which looks like leafless. One of the top 10 most nutritious vegetables, it has a lot of benefits on the health too. We all know that all produce are really good for the health and help in prevention of a lot of disease that makes life so difficult. Asparagus is seen as one of the best vegetables that can cure a very dreadful disease called cancer.
Many testimonials claim that they are miraculously cured after having asparagus therapy. This is an amazing news most especially to those who are suffering from cancer. However, there are still who oppose the claim that asparagus is a cure to cancer. As far as the opposition is concerned, the fact that the entire nutritious factor this vegetable brings to the body nothing is debatable with that. But it may not be really a cure, it only health benefits that a person can get.
One of the health benefits that asparagus gives to the body it keeps the heart healthy. Asparagus is rich in folate which is a good for the heart. It can give at least 66 % of folate to the body in one serving. The body needs 400 mg of folate daily which prevents heart attack.
Asparagus is also a natural diuretic. It is rich in potassium and is low in sodium. The vegetable is has plenty of active amino acid called asparagines. The combination of these three has good effect as a diuretic agent. Water retention in the body as you may know can cause a lot of problem. As we can see if there is a swelling in our extremities it is also painful. Fluid retention may cause complications like pulmonary edema and heart congestions. The asparagus can help in expelling out all the water that is trapped inside the body.
Furthermore, it promotes a healthy digestive system. A carbohydrate called insulin can be found in asparagus. Our body can’t digest the insulin but the good bacteria that are present inside the body which is good for the health can digest this. Lastly, asparagus is good for pregnant women because it is high in folate. It is good for the brain development of the baby inside the pregnant women.
As mentioned earlier there are many claims that they were cured of cancer because of asparagus. Asparagus is a high source of phytochemicals which is a very potent anti-oxidant that fights cancer. It also contains glutathione used for the treatment of cancer and fights free radicals in the body that may cause malignancies. There is also another phytochemical present in the asparagus. They call it Ferulic acid. This phytochemical inhibits any cancer activities. It can stop the formation of blood vessels that results to tumor and it halts the nutrients and oxygen supply to tumor. It also has quercetin and rutin which has cell destroying properties to cancer cells. Lastly, it also contains steroidal saponins which stop the growth of liver cancer. These relevant facts about the asparagus are essential for us to see the importance of asparagus in restoring good health for our body.


Ludovic Beraud

Are You a Diabetes Candidate?

By the latest reckoning, Americans suffering from diabetes have exceeded the 20 million mark and worst than that figures is the troubling reality that almost 60 million more Americans are at risks to develop the disease as they are now currently nursing pre-diabetic symptoms. That means, most of these people may already be afflicted with type two diabetes without their immediate knowledge, thus heightening the possibility that the fully-developed diabetes may be wreaking havoc in the country in a few years to come.

Yet, this can be prevented if a particular person is fully aware of the possibility that he or she may be brandishing glaring risk factors of developing the disease big time. Health experts are in agreement that both type one and type two diabetes share identical risk factors for those carrying the disease but they also noted that some of these indicators are more apparent from the other type. That means that the symptoms manifested on a patient may differ from the signals being shown by another, highlighting the importance of a definite risk factor gauging.

Doctors can always affirm that family history is a huge consideration in serious ailments, which is true with cases such as heart complications, cancer, hypertension and diabetes. The likelihood of inheriting the condition from a family relation is always there, according to health researchers. While full explanation is still vague on the actual role of genetics in developing a full-blown case of diabetes (both types), research results are pointing to the increasing assumption that the condition actually runs in the family. So, if either of a parent or a sister and even a grandma is battling the disease, it is most likely that your body may be carrying diabetes. Even if you will not develop the affliction in your lifetime, the risk of passing it on to your offspring is always strong.

Age also plays a crucial role in developing diabetes. In America alone, up to one in every 13 individuals are suffering from the disease and according to the American Diabetes Association, the more a person ages he or she becomes more vulnerable to the disease. This is more alarming in the case of type two diabetes, which seems to ravage those in the 45-plus age bracket. However, while a big number of people belonging in the mentioned age group are definitely dealing with diabetes, recent indications have revealed that kids, teenagers and even young adults are increasingly becoming susceptible to diabetes. Doctors are espousing the belief that such developments could be attributed to the prevailing lifestyles that these people are practicing.

Which leads us to the next risk factor group: those who are overweight. Obesity indeed attracts hosts of diseases and diabetes is almost a natural attachment to the condition. Too much body fat or adipose in the body breeds undue resistance to insulin and in turn shoots up a person’s sugar level. This is largely caused by the fat-induced body inflammation, which creates a sort of an internal armor against insulin, according to research findings. Yet statistics have also established that many who are overweight never acquired or more so developed the disease, rendering the supposed connection between diabetes and obesity generally debatable.

With that, health experts are zeroing on two things: improper diet and lack of physical activities. Numerous studies have revealed that malnutrition could lead to type two diabetes especially for those wanting in fiber and protein reservoir on their body. Likewise, too much intake of calories, cholesterol and fat accelerates the onset of obesity and heightens the chances of pushing our body to resist insulin.

Also, a sedentary lifestyle is a definite culprit in developing diabetes, according to doctors. Conversely, regular exercise inevitably conditions our body tissue to interact well with insulin, underscoring the importance of appropriate physical regiments in warding off the risk of diabetes. For maximum efficacy though, those serious in battling the disease through exercise need to seek professional advice and guidance.

On the other hand, researchers are baffled by the emerging findings that certain ethnic groups are more vulnerable to any types of diabetes as studies have established that African Americans, Native Americans, Asians and Latinos are more likely to develop the disease. However, experts are quick to remind that this factor remains inconclusive and medical practitioners are still assuming that everyone can be afflicted.

Lastly, pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes would leave a woman later dealing with type two diabetes, according to experts, which should prompt extra care from mothers who are currently pregnant. More alarming are researchers’ contention that delivering babies surpassing the nine pounds mark rapidly increases the possibility of diabetes for women.

The indicators discussed above are not meant to scare off diabetic candidates but rather to prod for active prevention of developing a full-blown case of diabetes. Knowing the ins and outs of the disease is definitely a good start and guarding oneself from it by determining it absence or presence in the body is a step further. Having the condition is not the end of the world as diabetes itself would not kill but its complications. Left unattended, sufferings may be considerable but correct intervention and lifestyle management would mostly reduce the dangers being carried by diabetes.


Ludovic Beraud


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Asparagus: A Delicious Addition to your Weight Loss Menu !

Who doesn’t recognize this famous diet food? It is definitely ubiquitous like celery sticks and carrots. Asparagus has long been a part of each dieter’s weight loss menu that sometimes people forget that this vegetable also has plenty of good stuff in it. Its benefits have been overshadowed by its bad reputation of being regarded as a boring diet food when fads ordered only one kind of food to be eaten so as to lose weight. Thankfully, modern dietitians have made moods to correct that idea but asparagus still remains boring to others. However, this member of the lily family has long been acknowledged as a good source of fiber. Plus, it is diet friendly because of its low calorie which is only 25 calories per 100 grams.

It is important for anyone who is undergoing a weight loss regimen to have a healthy digestive function so that the nutrients can be well absorbed and the toxins will be removed from the body. Both of which Asparagus can be of good help. It contains a type of carbohydrate called Inulin that helps in making your digestive system healthy. It also has plant steroids that lowers cholesterol and improves the function of your hormones. As you may know, hormones that are not functioning well may lead to weight gain or weight loss depending on what thyroid problem is existing. It also contains folate which keeps the red blood cells healthy. This is important for any dieter for they may sometimes don’t get all the nutrients needed because of the restrictions of the diet they are following.

Asparagus also has Vitamins A, C and K. These are Vitamins that help the body function properly and keep cells healthy. Add glutathione to this list and you already got a cancer fighting food. Vitamin C actually helps maintain the well-being of the collagen in the cells. It also has Potassium which is very helpful for neurological functions. Moreover, it helps prevent calcium loss. This is another vital thing for people under weight loss plan because some women’s bones tend to get brittle when having a diet. Chlorophyll which is a plant nutrient is also good for men. Chlorophyll helps increase our hemoglobin. Asparagus is actually rich of this nutrient. If you prepare it as a juice you’ll drink more chlorophyll to become healthier.

Weight loss as oppose to what others believe doesn’t mean depriving yourself of tasty food in exchange for nutrition. This is counterproductive. There are different ways of preparing Asparagus. You may steam, wrap in bacon (turkey bacon will be less in fat), stir fry, use in soups and even grill them. You can also serve it with Hollandaise sauce but the recipe has plenty of fat so a low fat substitute is highly recommended. You can use either the White Asparagus or the Green Asparagus as long as its shoots are still young. It is because older shoots are woodier and less tasty. This has become a delicacy in some food circles. But for the person who aims to lose weight, the Asparagus offers a delicious and nutritious addition to their weight loss menu.

Ludovic Beraud

Amazing Diet Ideas for Cold Winter Season

It 's winter once again. You and your family may want to be huddled in one corner to feel warm and be secure from the extreme coldness outside. Office work may be a bit boring as most activities may be confined within the cubicle. The inactivity associated in winter may change your body processes and may lead to an overweight body. Normally, our body craves for more calories during winter to counteract the cold atmosphere. This is the time when you have to monitor your food as you may be tempted to eat harmful foods for your body.
Pasta, dairy products, chocolates and sweets are convenient especially when Christmas Day and Thanksgiving comes and kids may demand for these foods for fun activities and parties. Just take enough amount for everybody. Also, store them in a container that's not so visible to anyone. Go for recipes that are low-fat and high in fiber, too. Finger foods and oily foods that are deep-fried are also common during winter. Well, you should be aware of how much you and your family is eating with these foods. Hot chocolates and coffee may also be a family favorite. But, never make these drinks a habit instead introduce other alternatives like green or black tea and skim milk as a creamer for your coffee.
I suggest you look for alternative recipes that include more vegetables. You may want to experiment creating sandwiches with chicken and tuna, seafoods and tofu. Scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, avocado or any fruit in the morning could also make a splendid breakfast. Egg salad with vegetables, Greek tofu salad, Londoner's egg sandwich, spicy Thai shrimp salad and a salad composed of tofu, lettuce and sandwich are good lunch ideas for winter, too. Your family might also like to eat sessame-crusted chicken breast, roast pumpkin and snow peas for lunch. This just needs a little creativity and variety on the dips and salad dressing. You may also add bits of meat to please a meat lover in the family. Instead of using too much mayonnaise and cream in your salad prepare a special vinaigrette made of lemon, mint and other spices.
Hydrate your properly to burn fats more easily. Drinking eight or more glasses a day will make absorption of nutrients from food easier and metabolism of fats and calories more efficient. If you want to ski or snowball, do not forget to eat light snacks and drink water before you start the activity. Replenishing lost calories after the activity is also a must. Fruit juices are good alternatives, choose fruits that can easily be found in the community because they are more likely to be fresh.
Stay fit and healthy during winter. The right food groups will help you maintain your ideal weight and boost your immune system to keep you away from colds, cough, flu or hypothermia. Always wear thick clothing that provides insulation for your whole body. You may consult a diet calculator or refer once in a while to the list of calories for each food in nutrition charts. Take vitamin supplements everyday too. Don't forget to stay hydrated all the time.

Going Vegetarian, Are you Ready for it?

Are you interested of becoming a vegetarian? You may have heard of vegetarianism as a trend that your friends in the office are talking about. Some of them have started doing the vegetarian diet plan and the effects have surfaced already. She loses weight and she had a certain glow in her that was not there before. You may also want to experience that. You're convinced that you can only solve obesity and some of your health problems if you become a vegetarian.
Doing the veggie diet requires knowledge on the pros and cons of being a vegetarian. The health benefits are indeed numerous including the lessened risk of cancer. This has been supported by the World Cancer Research Fund which further claims eating cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower and spices like garlic and onions are good for it will boost your immune system. Of course, fiber in vegetables has been revered by dieters and health buffs in helping them achieve their ideal weights. Aside from that, vegetarians relatively have better physique as vegetables help in muscle toning and skin improvement.
However, amidst these benefits have you asked your self if you can really follow the discipline of a total vegetarian diet plan? Yes, doing the vegetarian diet plan requires a high level of discipline on your part. Acknowledge it if you have the strong urge to eat meat. Ask yourself too if you're ready to give up these pleasures and switch to vegetables. Some people fail in their vegetarian diet plan because they haven't considered all their weaknesses in the first place. Here are a few things you must consider before becoming a full pledged vegetarian:
Examine your lifestyle.
Does it involve strenuous activities that you need more calories than the ordinary person should take? Then, maybe vegetables aren't enough to provide your needed calories. Men, working in red hat areas absolutely need meat in their meals to provide protein for their bodies. Meat also provides the body better insulation and heat during winter.
Meat products are also rich sources of Vitamin D, Calcium, Vitamin B12 and Phosporous. Beans, soya and other cruciferous vegetables may be good substitutes, however, these nutrients may be lacking among vegetables. Getting Vitamin B12 may be a bit difficult if you strictly follow a vegetarian diet as this nutrient is scarcely found among plants. If you are previously diagnosed with osteoporosis, a vegetarian diet plan may be detrimental for your health as you need natural sources of Calcium and Vitamin B.
Think again.
Is your body capable of a vegetarian diet plan? Do you have the right attitude in complying to the rules of veganism? This diet plan shouldn't be a trend for it requires a commitment towards change in your life and health. If you think you're not ready, you can always combine both vegetables and meat in your diet in a very conscious way. You may also practice reducing the amount of meat in your diet everyday. There are also meat substitutes like tofu that are already proven to satisfy your tastebuds.

Ludovic Beraud

Are You Abnormally Losing Weight ?

The pressure coming from people around us for us to lose weight may be deafening and may often affect your self-esteem. This shouldn't be like this. Weight loss should instead make you feel better about yourself as you live a healthy life. It's true that some people get sick because of choosing inappropriate diet plan. One can't solely put the blame on dieticians and diet pill manufacturers as they have a different point of view from the consumer. If you want to diet and lose weight, you should know the limitations of your weight loss plan. A wrong plan may affect you and make you lose too much weight which could be life threatening. Dehydration, calcium depletion and loss of important sugars and nutrients are also one of the few effects of too much weight loss.
Sudden weight loss could also be a manifestation of some diseases like diabetes and cancer. When you are often hungry and thirsty, you eat a lot of carbohydrates but you still lose weight, you may be experiencing prediabetes symptoms. This is more common among kids and young adults. Rapid weight loss may also be a symptom of cancer. However, you still need a lot of tests to prove this. Some obese patients are also diagnosed of an underactive thyroid gland that’s why they suddenly gain weight.
However, when weight loss is intentional that's an entirely different story. We have heard few people saying that they have lost 30 pounds. Some of these stories may prove true. However, a few weeks after achieving the ideal weight, it is expected that weight loss will stop instead, you will focus in building good and healthy muscles. It could be because nutrients and not just fats are flushed out of your body. There are also symptoms that weight loss is not normal like tiredness, weakening of muscles and headaches. You may also feel that your skin is losing its natural moisture.
If you lost a couple of pounds in the subsequent weeks, you should see your doctor immediately. If not, you can begin your home treatment by feeding your body with electrolytes from organic fruit juices or synthesized medicines. Do this quickly or else you will end up paying expensive hospital bills
Situations like this can be prevented. First, you must have a concrete reason of seriously losing weight. In order to be a hundred percent sure, you need to compute your Body Mass Index or (BMI). Your BMI will tell you if your weight is just appropriate for your height and your age. You should know that weight gain is directly affected with age. However, this should not go in an offhand manner. If you are heavier than your BMI, it's now time to search for a natural weight loss program suitable for you. Research through the net for some possible choices or you may ask your doctor.
You may also stick to the general weight loss principles of dieting and exercise. Try the common diet formula of more fiber from fruits and vegetables and less sugar, fats and carbohydrates in your diet. You also have to stay active and follow few exercise routines. Some of them are just so easy just like walking, jogging, swimming or playing golf with friends. I must say, you would enjoy doing them.


Ludovic Beraud

Are You At Risk of Hypertension?

It's hard to tell if you have hypertension because there aren't any symptoms to deal with in its earlier stage until it reaches complication. That's when the real problem comes in. But if you feel some severe headache and occasional nosebleed along with it chances are you might be hypertensive.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition that may lead to complications and severe health problems. Normally, it is a symptom of many illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and heart failure. In USA alone, almost half of its population has severe hypertension according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.
Hypertension comes in three major types namely essential, secondary and systolic hypertension. Essential hypertension occurs without any known cause. On the other hand, when hypertension is triggered by other conditions such as a disease, it is called secondary hypertension. While, systolic hypertension is the type when the systolic blood pressure number is high. This type of hypertension is common in elderlies.
But, despite having a general lack of symptoms one can easily detect perhaps an uncontrolled hypertension since some of the major organs namely the kidney and the heart can actually feel some discomfort whenever such condition attacks. If you feel an excessive and ongoing pressure in your blood, it's an indication that your blood is actually fighting its way through the walls of your arteries as it is pumped from your heart to your body.
Aneurysm or an abnormal "ballooning" of arteries is also one of the effects of hypertension which can lead to vision changes and blindness due to bursting of one's arteries. But take to heart, hypertension isn't so severe as compared to other symptoms. Most of the time hypertension is just a minor wake-up call. It is just a signal that we have to slow down either in our lifestyle or in the food we eat.
But to make sure, all you have to do is to keep an eye on your blood pressure. It usually rises as the age progresses. But if you're the kind that keeps a detailed track of your blood pressure, you need not worry much. Sometimes, hypertension only comes out after undergoing some severe medical attention or after suffering an accident. Obesity is also a concern as it is hereditary. But if you are aiming for a healthy lifestyle and having that positive attitude, you're sure that your blood will flow at the right spots.

Most of the time, if you can find the right means to take control and manage your body rhythms and your emotional responses, the blood pressure stays at a fairly normal level. Looking at a beautiful scenery or a radiant baby’s face, reading a good book you like, taking a leisurely walk in the afternoon are just some of the natural hypertension cures. To sum it all up, take it easy!

Ludovic Beraud