Tag: Carbohydrate

Categories
Healthy Tips

Make Your Diet Your Priority

[amazon_link asins=’B01AGVHB1I,B00MGW5UVY,B01IB24CBG,B01IQP6PPO,0815512406,B001HYD6AY,B00L0IRF18,B06WWP1ZK8,B01NCARRO4′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f7a8770e-7793-11e7-8093-d5df73b8aeb1′]

Everyday, without our knowledge, a faint little feeling in the stomach prompts us to involuntarily look at the clock. Then the revelation hits us – it is evening and we have not had the time to eat our lunch.

In today’s times, where a sedentary lifestyle is the rule, it’s observed that the health of people is deteriorating day by day. They have started taking themselves and their body for granted. They don’t even remember when they last had a proper meal. Eating healthy just requires a little planning. Here are some shortcus to achieve a healthy body:

Breakfast is a ‘must’ :-
Start your morning with some breakfast, be it a piece of fruit or a whole wheat bread. Put oatmeal into a thermos of hot water, and you could even let it sit overnight. In the morning, you shall have hot cooked oatmeal ready to eat. Similarly, a hard boiled egg can be eaten. This will prevent your body from going into starvation mode. Eating breakfast everyday will also help increase your metabolic rate.

Five meals a day :-
Have at least five meals a day in which three can be the main meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner, while other two meals can consist of foods which are handy and nutritious at the same time. Eating frequently prevents hunger pangs, provides consistent energy, and maintains metabolism efficiency. Grab healthy foods such as fruits that are high in fibre like apple, watermelon, muskmelon, orange, sweet lime, papaya and peaches.

Plan your dinner :-
Some people’s work demands frequenting restaurants for dinner. Always watch out for hidden fats. Creamy soups, white breads, flaky pastries and mayonnaise-based salad dressings add unnecessary fats to the food. Try consuming broths instead of creamy soups. Instead of mayonnaise dressing, use variety of condiments and flavouring agents such as lemon, vinegar, herbs, onion and garlic to improve the palatability of your salad. Remember, a gram of fat contains more than twice as many calories as a gram of protein or carbohydrate. Ask for grilled, baked, boiled or broiled food rather than fried foods.

Good quality food :
Always remember that the quality of food you eat determines your efficiency at work. Avoid refined foods like white rice and those used to make white bread and sugary breakfast cereals as most of their vitamins and minerals are stripped away. They turn into blood sugar (glucose) so fast just like sugar; they can cause a spike in our insulin level. Alternate refined flour with wholegrain flour. Substitute white sugar with honey and jaggery. Remember, all this will help us to remain healthy .

Source: The Times Of India

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Categories
Health & Fitness

Coffee, a Must After Workout

[amazon_link asins=’B071WQFBGV,B077CKLV5K,B01NCUHA91,B01EBDYTZ8,B0728C98H8,B075V8GMFG,B01N7ID641,B01LY64JDL,1573223786′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’20cccc92-1192-11e8-a24b-bdc62cf0b927′]

Drinking coffee after a workout can help refuel muscles and recover quickly from rigorous exercising.

[amazon_link asins=’B01INB4P7Q,B016T5MLI8,B071NJC1NX,B01IOLY7YQ’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’189af278-48f3-11e7-aad2-cfbabf08719c’]

Glycogen, the muscle’s primary fuel source during exercise, is replenished more rapidly when athletes ingest both carbohydrate and caffeine after rigorous exercise, thus improving their performance.

The researchers found that athletes who ingested caffeine with carbohydrate had 66pct more glycogen in their muscles four hours after finishing intense, glycogen-depleting exercise, compared to when they consumed carbohydrate alone.

“If you have 66% more fuel for the next day’s training or competition, there is absolutely no question you will go farther or faster,” said Dr. Hawley, the study’s senior author.

Despite coffee, caffeine is also present in common foods and beverages, including, tea, chocolate and cola drinks.

The study involved seven well-trained endurance cyclists, wherein they were asked to ride a cycle ergometer until exhaustion, and then consume a low-carbohydrate dinner before going home.

The study was conducted in four sessions. This exercise reduced the athletes’ muscle glycogen stores prior to the experimental trial.

The athletes did not eat again until the next day for the second session, when they again cycled until exhaustion. The participants were given a drink that contained carbohydrate alone or carbohydrate plus caffeine and rested in the laboratory for four hours. Both the processes were repeated 7-10 days later.

The researchers found that one hour after exercise, muscle glycogen levels had been refilled to the same extent whether or not the athlete had the drink containing carbohydrate and caffeine or carbohydrate only.

However, four hours after exercise, the drink containing caffeine resulted in 66 pct higher glycogen levels compared to the carbohydrate-only drink and caffeinated drink resulted in higher levels of blood glucose and plasma insulin.

Several signalling proteins believed to play a role in glucose transport into the muscle also elevated to a greater extent after the athletes ingested the carbohydrate-plus-caffeine drink, compared to the carbohydrate-only drink.

But the researchers warned that athletes who want to incorporate caffeine into their workouts should experiment during training sessions well in advance of an important competition to find out what works for them.

Source: The Times Of India

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Categories
Health Alert

Foods That Chronic Pain Sufferers Should Avoid

[amazon_textlink asin=’1501155881′ text=’Chronic pain’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f5d15351-0252-11e8-a8f4-75e1b5145d38′][amazon_link asins=’0553379887′ template=’ProductLink’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0aca488c-0253-11e8-a7c7-3ba9e82e2a49′][amazon_link asins=’B00HF4T0IW’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’14d64df5-0253-11e8-aa2d-679bf272afd3′][amazon_link asins=’125005267X’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’214e97cb-0253-11e8-ae00-712cc09c1d3c’][amazon_link asins=’0834132257′ template=’ProductLink’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3131852f-0253-11e8-a7d1-371d1b722fca’][amazon_link asins=’1628727950′ template=’ProductLink’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’39d39a29-0253-11e8-9757-5fdade4ccc98′]

is a pervasive issue and fibromyalgia is a very common form. It is a chronic condition whose symptoms include muscle and tissue pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances.
………………...CLICK & SEE
Recent data suggests that central sensitization, in which neurons in your spinal cord become sensitized by inflammation or cell damage, may be involved in the way fibromyalgia sufferers process pain.

Certain chemicals in the foods you eat may trigger the release of neurotransmitters that heighten this sensitivity.

Although there have been only a handful of studies on diet and fibromyalgia, the following eating rules can’t hurt, and may help, when dealing with chronic pain.

Limit Sugar as Much as Possible. Increased insulin levels will typically dramatically worsen pain. So you will want to limit all sugars and this would typically include fresh fruit juices. Whole fresh fruit is the preferred method for consuming fruit products.

If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, you will also want to limit grains as much as possible as they are metabolized very similarly to sugars. This would also include organic unprocessed grains. Wheat and gluten grains are the top ones to avoid.

Eat fresh foods. Eating a diet of fresh foods, devoid of preservatives and additives, may ease symptoms triggered by coexisting conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

It’s also a good idea to buy organic food when possible, as it’s best to avoid pesticides and chemicals. However, fresh is best. So if you have to choose between local, fresh, non-organic and organic but wilting – go with fresh, and clean properly.

Avoid caffeine. Fibromyalgia is believed to be linked to an imbalance of brain chemicals that control mood, and it is often linked with inadequate sleep and fatigue. The temptation is to artificially and temporarily eliminate feelings of fatigue with stimulants like caffeine, but this approach does more harm than good in the long run. Though caffeine provides an initial boost of energy, it is no substitute for sleep, and is likely to keep you awake.

Try avoiding nightshade vegetables. Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant may trigger arthritis and pain conditions in some people.

Be Careful with Your Fats. Animal based omega-3 fats like DHA and EPA have been touted as a heart-healthy food, and they may help with pain, as well. They can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function. At the same time, you want to eliminate all trans fat and fried foods, as these will promote inflammation.

Use yeast sparingly. Consuming yeast may also contribute to the growth of yeast fungus, which can contribute to pain.

Avoid pasteurized dairy. Many fibromyalgia sufferers have trouble digesting milk and dairy products. However, many find that raw dairy products, especially from grass fed organic sources, are well tolerated.

Cut down on carbs. About 90 percent of fibromyalgia patients have low adrenal functioning, which affects metabolism of carbohydrates and may lead to hypoglycemia.

Avoid aspartame. The artificial sweetener found in some diet sodas and many sugar-free sweets is part of a chemical group called excitotoxins, which activate neurons that can increase your sensitivity to pain.

Avoid additives. Food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) often cause trouble for pain patients. MSG is an excitatory neurotransmitter that may stimulate pain receptors; glutamate levels in spinal fluid have been shown to correlate with pain levels in fibromyalgia patients.

Stay away from junk food. Limit or eliminate fast food, candy, and vending-machine products. In addition to contributing to weight gain and the development of unhealthy eating habits, these diet-wreckers may also irritate your muscles, disrupt your sleep, and compromise your immune system.

Resources:
Health.com 2008
Health.com 2007
National Fibromyalgia Association

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Related articles
Categories
News on Health & Science

Less Carbs Slow Prostate Tumour Growth

[amazon_link asins=’1592337619,B06XR527WG,B000GOUZKU,1451660847,B01KCS88N0,B0759WL67L,B018HA3CW2,B074N7XZQV,B00NTC0E4S’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’64e42032-912c-11e7-80d2-2736d9583032′]

Cutting down on carbohydrates may slow prostate tumour growth, according to a study conducted on animals.

“Researchers believe that insulin and insulin-like growth factor contribute to the proliferation of

prostate cancer,” said Stephen Freedland, urologist at the Duke Prostate Centre and lead investigator on this study.

“Previous work here and elsewhere has shown that a diet light in carbohydrates could slow tumour growth. But the animals in those studies also lost weight and because we know that weight loss can restrict the amount of energy feeding tumours. We weren’t able to tell just how big an impact the pure carbohydrate restriction was having until now,” Freedland added.

Animals in the study were fed one of three diets: a very high fat/no carbohydrate diet, a low-fat/high carbohydrate diet and a high fat/moderate-carbohydrate diet, which is most similar to the diet most Americans eat, Freedland said.

They were then injected with prostate tumours at the same time.

“The mice that were fed a no-carbohydrate diet experienced a 40-50 percent prolonged survival over the other mice,” Freedland said.

Mice on the no-carbohydrate diet consumed more calories in order to keep body weights consistent with mice on the other study arms. “We found that carbohydrate restriction without energy restriction – or weight loss – does indeed result in tumour growth delay,” he said.

Patients are likely to be recruited by Duke and California (Los Angeles) Universities, for further clinical trials within a few weeks, said a Duke release.

Sources: The Times Of India

Related articles by Zemanta
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Featured

Anti-Aging Herbs and Spices

 

[amazon_link asins=’B00YU2RDTA,B00425U5JA,B0112M60KI,B012UBTLBK,B01J0DHV22,151934483X,B00N11RNIM,B00PKZIJS0,B019PI3JUU’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’27692d28-06de-11e7-967a-835e56cc92d1′]

The typical American diet that is high in simple carbohydrates—white flour, white salt, and processed food–is aging us. We are getting all the bulk without the nutrients, plus adding to our propensity for developing real food cravings. So whether you are a vegetarian or an omnivore, you can start to reverse aging by simply choosing to eat the right foods to keep you full of vim, vigor, and vitality, especially over the holidays.

The easiest way to make sure you are getting more nutrients into every meal.

Every time you flavor your meals with herbs or spices you are literally “upgrading” your food without adding a single calorie. You are taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary by adding color, flavor, vitamins, and often medicinal properties.

Here’s why:

* Spices and herbs maximize nutrient density. Herbs and spices contain antioxidants, minerals and multivitamins. At the cocktail party, choose the Thai chicken satay stick over the tried and true fried chicken strip.

* Spices and herbs create a more thermogenic diet. Because spices are nutrient dense, they are thermogenic, which means they naturally increase your metabolism.

* Some spices and herbs increase your overall feeling of fullness and satiety, so you’ll eat less. One study conducted at Maanstricht University in the Netherlands showed that when one consumes an appetizer with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes before each meal, it decreased their calorie intake by 10-16 percent.

* Spices and herbs have real medicinal properties. Study after study shows the benefits of distinct herbs and spices. For example, one 2003 trial of 60 people with type 2 diabetes reported that consuming as little as two teaspoons of cinnamon daily for six weeks reduced blood-glucose levels significantly. It also improved blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, perhaps because insulin plays a key role in regulating fats in your body.

Choose flavor over blandness every time, and try to incorporate these specific herbs and spices into your diet if you have the following health concerns:

*rosemary and basil for their anti-inflammatory power
*cumin and sage for their dementia-fighting power
*cayenne and cinnamon for their obesity-fighting power
*coriander and cinnamon for their sugar regulating powers
*lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron for their calming effects on your mood
*turmeric for its cancer fighting power
*oregano for its fungus-beating power
*garlic, mustard seed and chicory for their heart-pumping power
*basil and thyme for their skin-saving power
*turmeric, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, and ginger for their immune-boosting power
*coriander, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper for their depression-busting power

[amazon_link asins=’B00XC9QQEK,B01CUSKOPK,B01MY0DVYI,B00QXVNZAC,B00KG933FO,B00LMLPTYS,B00KPZXO6M,B004IE9EZG’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b6abd495-06de-11e7-aa19-2b2793258cbe’]

[amazon_link asins=’B01NBP6Y1N,B00QMVK4MK,B000V87EPK,B01FRLWDAG,B01N9D0XKP,B01N4A8S6A,B01N67GPZI,B06XN16YRL’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f4337a47-06de-11e7-aa81-81d70b8c1eaf’]

[amazon_link asins=’B01GOPEOF6,B001PQMJD4,B01N3SA3BO,B007V6237Y,B00VAQXQ5Y,B01BNWTMNY,B01N10G2NA,B01B1VILRK,B01HT465VW’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’2b7438e7-06df-11e7-ad94-8b56cace1a0a’]

[amazon_link asins=’B000WS1KI6,B004H66U84,B000N4YJQY,B008E0XYCE,B000JMFCRU,B00ZAVETNS,B00BAO77HE,B00B4IG60A,B01BH8S92E’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6551e915-06df-11e7-97ad-c5aaf13f8dea’]

[amazon_link asins=’B0086O04AI,B000S60EFW,B00ZDO39XI,B000MGSJBY,B01DSCGIAM,B000N0286G,B00DNEUIS4,B005DJIPXW,B00BEQOU4Q’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bb24bc87-06df-11e7-8ab6-f585156347d6′]

[amazon_link asins=’B00269YPBS,4639725418,B005HV25NC,B003X3YGVK,B0001M11RS,B004HGCC9A,B00CQ7QZKE,B0004MZERI,B00FOLL6IK’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ebbf0f1a-06df-11e7-868a-277bb24369d9′]

[amazon_link asins=’B001VNGMMK,B00XNK0BS0,B0012BS9F4,B00KZ0JP6A,B004FW5GR6,B0000EXH4C,B00CJ8JRA0,B00CJ27NJS,B006VCJZ9S’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’30d70c55-06e0-11e7-b8c6-d99e81743c02′]

[amazon_link asins=’B0175VUH18,B01GUOFDG0,B01MZGUYIL,B00WT4D57K,B01LWA6WO8,B0191KUOMI,B01H3R6C3G,B01ETL0Y6U,B01N6UBFSV’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6b3c151b-06e0-11e7-be96-47437cdb21b9′]

[amazon_link asins=’B000WS3APW,B000B6J55Y,B001VNGLEY,B001PQRERU,B0013OXFBI,B003AYEHSE,B00846NTQO,B00PM8TKSI,B0014UECOK’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’af771fc6-06e0-11e7-b923-aff6d9a52d2d’]

[amazon_link asins=’B004OKTBVQ,B00ERE3KZM,B00EFIPV0C,B00VQ4IRTU,B007P4X380,B01JI2KMNA,B00EFI072E,B00X6KWC16,B00CWAMY1O’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0e193324-06e1-11e7-aba3-0d1052d3ded9′]

 

 

 

Sources: The Huffington Post December 20, 2008

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
css.php