Skipping breakfast increases Heart disease risk

Skipping breakfast increases the risk of potentially deadly heart disease, says a new research. It shows that regularly skipping breakfast leads to obesity, larger fat stores around the stomach and higher cholesterol levels – all major risk factors for heart disease, reports the Daily Mail.

It also triggers higher insulin levels in the blood, a warning sign that diabetes could soon set in. The study showed the greatest risks are among adults who regularly went without breakfast when they were children and carried on the habit when they grew up.

The results show that, by the time they are in their late twenties, those who rarely have breakfast as children or adults are already on the way to developing heart disease. Scientists think one reason is they are more likely to snack on sugary foods and less likely to exercise while having a lower intake of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

It can also leave people less likely to eat at typical mealtimes, said researchers at the University of Tasmania, who tracked 2,184 volunteers over 20 years. Leading dietician Catherine Collins said missing breakfast was a ''marker'' for an unhealthy or chaotic lifestyle. The result has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Health Benefits of Pears

• The anti-oxidant nutrients in pears are critical in building up your immune system.
• Pear is good for diabetics because its sweetness is supplied in large part by levulose, fruit sugar that is more easily tolerated by diabetics.
• ears high vitamin C and copper content act as good anti-oxidants that protect cells from damages by free radicals.
• Pear is good in relieving fever because of its cooling effect. Best way to bring a fever down quickly is by drinking a big glass of pear juice.
• Pear can help prevent Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)
• It can help against Acidosis (deficiency in alkalinity of the blood)
• It helps prevent allergies and other skin problems.
• It can help prevent colitis (inflammation of the colon).
• Pear is high in vitamin B-complex and potassium, which is beneficial for the heart and for blood pressure
• Pears are excellent source of pectin (an important aid in digestion and cleansing the body of toxins and other waste) so they help prevent and treat constipation.
• Pears are excellent source of water-soluble fiber.Drinking pear juice regularly helps regulate bowel movements.
• Boil two Chinese pear juice with some raw honey and drink warm. This is extremely healing for the throat and the vocal cord.

Healthy eating habits

• Vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds and nuts all should be part of a balanced diet.
• See that you include quality protein from vegetable sources, especially if you are vegetarian.
• Raw foods should be part of your daily diet as they are completely nutritious in the uncooked state.
• Foodstuffs that are high in sulphur, like garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus will help to keep the skin smooth and youthful.
• Yellow and orange vegetables (especially carrots) are high in beta carotene, an anti oxidant.
• If you are suffering from excessive dry skin, consume plenty of carrots, cantaloupes and apricots as these are rich in vitamins A and C which contribute to a glowing skin.
• Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is found in foods like milk cheese, natural yogurt, green leafy veggies, yeast and wheat germ. Vitamin B5 is essential for the synthesis of fats and oils used by the skin.
• Eight glasses of water is a must to keep your skin hydrated and fresh-looking.
• See that you get your quota of eight hours of sleep as the skin cells undergo repair activity during your period of rest.
• Exercise regularly. It will boost circulation and encourage free flow of blood.

Watermelon effectively lowers Blood Pressure

Watermelon, which is rich in nutrients, has been found to lower pre-hypertension, a precursor to cardio diseases.

Assistant professor Arturo Figueroa and Professor Bahram H. Arjmandi of the Florida State University carried out the study on the health benefits of watermelon.

They found that extracts of watermelon, given daily for six weeks, lowered blood pressure in a group of pre-hypertensive men and women aged between 51 and 57 years, reports the American Journal of Hypertension.

`Watermelon is the richest edible natural source of L-citrulline, which is closely related to L-arginine, the amino acid required for the formation of nitric oxide essential to regulate blood pressure,` Figueroa said.

Consuming L-arginine as a dietary supplement isn`t an option as it can cause nausea, gastrointestinal tract discomfort, and diarrhoea, Figueroa said.

Consuming watermelon caused no such problems, study participants reported. Watermelon is also rich in vitamin A, B6, and C, apart from fibre, potassium and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Health Tip: Cut down the intake of Sodium

Many foods and recipes comprise lots of salt (sodium), which can raise your blood pressure. The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute suggest how to cut down on sodium in your diet:

• Buy vegetables that are fresh, canned or frozen without any added salt.
• Stick to fresh meat, fish and poultry instead of processed or canned products.
• Season foods with salt-free seasonings, spices and herbs. Avoid instant pastas, rice and other foods with prepackaged seasonings.
• If you do eat canned foods, rinse the contents to wash off some of the sodium.
• Avoid prepared foods such as frozen pizzas or entrees.
• Buy lower-sodium varieties of your favorite foods.

Red onion helps prevent Heart Disease

Scientists have stated that the humble red onion could help prevent heart disease.

They have discovered that the vegetable - commonly used in Mediterranean and Indian cuisine - helps remove bad cholesterol from the body, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.

At the same time red onions retain the body's good cholesterol, which help protect against heart disease.

Scientists in Hong Kong fed crushed-up red onions to hamsters, which had all been put on a high-cholesterol diet.

They found that after eight weeks levels of bad cholesterol, or low density lipoprotein (LDL), had dropped by an average of 20 per cent.

"This results support the claim that the regular consumption of onion reduces the risk of coronary heart disease," the Daily Mail quoted Zhen Yu Chen, who was in charge of the research carried out at the Chinese University of Hong Kong as saying.

Walnuts aid to fight stress, lower BP

A new study says that Walnuts can help you to fight stress and reduce blood pressure.

"We wanted to find out if omega 3-fatty acids from plant sources would blunt cardiovascular responses to stress," said Professor Sheila West from the Penn State University in the US.

The researchers found that including walnuts and walnut oil in the diet lowered both resting blood pressure and blood pressure responses to stress in the laboratory.

"This is important because we can't avoid all of the stresses in our daily lives. This study shows that a dietary change could help our bodies’ better respond to stress," she said. Results also showed that adding flax oil to the walnut diet significantly improved the test of vascular health. It means Walnut could also reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.

Walnuts are a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and unsaturated fatty acids, particularly alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid.

"These results are in agreement with several recent studies showing that walnuts can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure," noted West.

Caffeine Helps to Reduce Brain Cancer Risk

A study has found that, a daily cup of tea or coffee can defend you from brain cancer. People who drink one cup of either hot drink can cut the risk of the disease by a third.

Scientists believe that caffeine may restrict blood flow to the brain and stop the growth of tumors’. The antioxidant properties present in the tea or coffee are supposed to cut the risk of the disease.

Around 4,200 people are diagnosed with a brain tumor each year and about half of them are cases of gliomas- a type of cancer that can be very difficult to treat. Symptoms range from headaches and seizures to blurred vision, drowsiness and even changes in personality, memory or mental ability.

As a part of the story, researchers studied 500,000 men and women over eight years.

The team compared cancer rates among frequent coffee and tea drinkers to volunteers who consumed little or no caffeinated hot drinks.

"A daily cup of either drink reduced the risk by an average of 34 percent"

"These findings are of interest as glioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor and the results from this study were obtained from a very large study population," said Euan Paul, executive director of the British coffee association.

"Other studies recently published have also demonstrated that moderate coffee consumption does not increase the risk of cancer in the breast, kidney, bladder, skin or colon," he added.

Health Benefits of Eating Oats

Oats are considered a “superfood” because of the vast array of essential nutrients that are not only needed by the body but also boost overall health. Oats are a cereal grain that provides complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, fiber, and minerals such as phosphorous, selenium, iron and calcium.

Health and Nutrition Benefits of Eating Oats:

• Oats comprises of one of the best sources of Inositol, which is very important for maintaining blood cholesterol level.
  
• They contain very high levels of calcium, potassium and magnesium, coupled with Vitamin B-complex. All these vitamins and minerals are very essential for the nervous system.
• Cooked oats can help relieve fat from the body, while unrefined oatmeal can reduce stress.
• Because of the high fiber content present in oats, they are said to be helpful in preventing bowel cancer.
• Since oats have lots of fiber, having them regularly can help cure constipation.
• If consumed on a frequent basis, they can help lower the chances of having heart disease.
• Apart from being a good source of protein, oats also provide vitamin E, zinc, copper and iron to the body.
• They have also been proven to act as an effective anti-depressant.
  
• Oats, with more soluble fiber than any other grain, can slow down the digestion process and provide an extended sensation of fullness. This makes them good for people who want to lose weight.
• If you eat regularly, the rise in blood sugar level gets spread over a longer period of time. This helps prevent many of the complications associated with diabetes.
• Oats contain phytochemicals (plant chemicals), which are believed to protect the body from chronic diseases, such as cancer.

Tips to make Healthy Lunch Choices

Many types of regular lunch fare are packed with calories and fat. But there are healthier alternatives that can make a more nutritious lunch.

• Turkey and other low-fat deli meats.
• Whole grain bread (instead of white) spread with mustard or light mayo.
• Vegetables and dip, air-popped popcorn, and trail mix or baked potato chips, in place of fried potato chips.
• Fresh fruit in natural juices, instead of syrup.
• Yogurt or a homemade fruit-filled muffin, in place of packaged cakes or cookies.
• Low-fat milk or water, in place of sodas or sugary fruit drinks.

Health Tip: Drink Orange Juice to Help Undo a Heavy Meal

When you overdo it and down a day's calories in one sitting, your body's inflammatory processes go into overdrive. Drinking orange juice might help you to undo a heavy meal.

In a recent study, people who had eaten a super-sized fast-food breakfast experienced a much milder inflammatory response in their bodies when they drank orange juice with the meal.

High-Calorie Catastrophe:
Whatever you do, don't pair that overindulgence with a soda. When researchers compared the effects that three different beverages had on the way bodies’ process big, inflammation-triggering foods, fatty, sugar water was the worst of the bunch. It seemed to intensify the inflammatory response. Plain water faired somewhere in between orange juice and sugar water. But it has the added benefit of being calorie-free.

The Flavonoid Fix:
The two important flavonoids, naringenin and hesperidin are found in oranges. These powerful antioxidants help tamp down body processes that can damage blood vessels and lay the groundwork for big health problems, like atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Orange juice also helps to:

• Cushion your creaky knees.
• Protect against pounds.

Health Tip: Three Fruits for Great Summer Skin

This summer slather on that SPF every chance you get. But for extra sun protection points, eat plenty of these fruits as well: cherries, nectarines, and watermelon.

These juicy treats not only cool your mouth in warm weather but may safeguard your skin from warm weather, too. Compounds in these fruits may boost your skin's natural resilience against wrinkles and sun damage. Check out the unique protective benefits of this trio of fruits.

• Cherries: By eating a daily handful, you may enjoy fresher, less puffy skin. It's due to the inflammation-fighting anthocyanins and melatonin in cherries. Melatonin may boost UV protection as well as cell growth. Tart cherries tend to be richest in melatonin.

• Nectarines: These smooth-skinned sisters of the peach provide a mini-spa's rich of nutrients that may help correct sun damage from the inside out. They offer skin goodies like lycopene, niacin, copper, lutein and vitamins A, C, and E. The A, C, and E trio also work to control inflammation and free radical damage in both the watery and the fatty layers of skin.
• Watermelon: Nibbling on watermelon wedges has the power to refresh your face as much as your palate, due to the high water and lycopene content. Lycopene helps to protect and preserve connections between skin cells so skin is tighter, smoother, and better able to retain moisture

Health Tip: Feel better at once with these foods

A cup of oatmeal, a handful of walnuts, a few sips of tea may help turn you into Susie Sunshine.

To feel better through food, you need to look for nutrients known for boosting the production of feel-good brain chemicals and fighting off the effects of stress in the body. And walnuts, oatmeal, and tea fit the bill, according to Roberta Lee, MD, author of The SuperStress Solution.

Good-Mood Comfort Food

Oatmeal: This grain is rich in tryptophan, a building block for the feel-good chemical serotonin. And you won't feel hungry and grouchy an hour later.

Tea: A spot of tea may give you just the mood and performance boost you desire. Additionally, research links tea drinking to lower rates of depression. And studies show that the very act of preparing tea may soothe nerves.

Walnuts: These nuts are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is a type of fat that your nerve cells and brain chemicals love. They need it to function. Research shows that omega-3s may also help ward off depression.

Health Tip: Diabetics must eat on schedule

If you have got diabetes, keeping up with a regular eating schedule will help you maintain better glucose control.

The American Diabetes Association suggests how to maintain a consistent food schedule:

• Schedule meal plans at your normal eating times.
• Make a restaurant reservation to avoid waiting in a long line for a table.
• Before you order, find out if the meal you want takes extra time to prepare.
• If you do have to eat later than usual, eat a fruit or starch serving in advance at your normal meal time.
• If you're eating dinner very late, eat your bedtime snack at the usual dinner time.

Health Benefits of Dates

Health benefits of dates are uncountable, as this fruit is rich in natural fibers. These natural products also consists of oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium which are beneficial for health. Dates are even rich in several vitamins and minerals. It helps in fighting constipation, intestinal disorders, weight gain, heart problems, sexual weakness, diarrhea and abdominal cancer.

• Dates get digested very quickly, that’s why they can be used for quick energy and repairing wastes.
• The nicotinic properties of dates make them an excellent cure for intestinal disturbances.
• Dates are also excellent remedy for alcoholic intoxication.
• Dates are a great remedy for weak hearts. Dates soaked overnight in water and crushed in the same water in the morning should be taken twice a week in this condition to strengthen your heart.
• The date is a laxative food. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of constipation as the roughage provided by it stimulates sluggish bowels. Dates should be immersed in water at night and taken after making them into fine syrup the next morning to secure laxative effect.

Healthy eating tips

If you maintain certain healthy eating tips then you are definitely going to benefit in the long run as you will remain active and fit for a long time. Good health is the greatest gifts which you can give to yourself hence start eating healthy and enjoy its benefits.

• Shun fast foods and junk foods.
• Exercise along with healthy eating as it can ensure a healthy mind and body.
• Include lean poultry in your diet or if you are a vegetarian you should have nuts and legumes to balance your bodily needs and requirements.
• 4 eggs a week will be good for you.
• Daily consumption of two fruits will be beneficial for your health.

Get the Essential Nutrients

Nutrients are essential for our body to function properly and stay healthy.Given below is the list of essential nutrients and examples of where to find them:

• Calcium, which is acquired from dairy products and leafy, dark-colored green vegetables.
• Potassium, acquired from bananas, raisins, spinach, nuts and fish.
• Fiber, found in legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
• Magnesium, from peas, black beans, spinach and almonds.
• Vitamin A, found in milk, eggs, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and carrots.
• Vitamin C, found in fruits such as strawberries, oranges and kiwi; and veggies such as broccoli and green peppers.
• Vitamin E, found in seeds and nuts, whole grains, avocados and spinach.

Eat Lots of Fiber

Eating a high-fiber diet can help to control constipation and maintain a healthy body weight.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests these foods that are high in fiber:

• Uncooked carrots, lettuce, broccoli, sweet potatoes and cooked asparagus.
• Tomato and other vegetable juices.
• Beans, lentils and other legumes.
• Nuts and seeds.
• Bananas, apples, pears, berries and dried fruits.
• Whole grain foods, including whole-wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, popcorn and oatmeal.

Dry skin care tips

Dry skin can be very sensitive as it is low on sebum levels. Particularly so when the weather is cold and the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin. As a result, in winter, the skin takes on a parched look and feel, as it is not able to absorb and retain moisture. After a wash, the skin feels uncomfortably tight and seems to pull in all directions. Given below are few tips to overcome dry skin problems.

• When cleansing dry skin, avoid using very hot or very cold water.
• Don’t use a cloth or jute scrub on the face. The rough texture will harm the skin. Mist your face by spraying your face with mineral water. Never rub the facial skin. Simply pat it dry.
• Cleansing with soap removes more than just dirt. All the natural oils that protect the skin also get removed leaving the skin dull and listless. Use a moisturizer immediately to counteract this.
• Using baby oil after a bath is also known to have beneficial effects.
• Massage with a nourishing cream at night paying attention to the eye area.
• During cold winter, avoid going out in the wind without applying a strong moisturizer. The wind can cause extensive damage to your fragile facial skin
• Aloevera gel has a beneficial effect on dry chapped fingers. Apply generously at bedtime and wear gloves.
• Avoid going out in the harsh sun without a sunscreen protection as it will cause burning, dryness, wrinkles and rashes.

Tips to reduce your sugar consumption

Sugar added to foods makes them taste sweeter, but a healthy diet can sour from too much usage of it.

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests few tips on how you can limit added sugar:

• Cut back on candy, baked goodies, desserts and other sweet treats.
• Hold on to fresh and healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean forms of protein.
• Drink water instead of sweetened drinks.
• Avoid foods that are processed.
• Go for lower-sugar recipes when baking.

Health tip for managing Dietary Fat

Some fats are an vital part of a balanced diet, but there are "good" fats and "bad" fats.

The American Academy of Family Physicians proposes few ways to manage your consumption of fat:

• Shun fast foods that contain unhealthy trans fats.
• Don't eat too much red meat. Instead, opt for leaner sources of protein such as fish, poultry and vegetables.
• Avoid too many potato chips in favor of soy or peanuts without salt.
• Top a salad with nuts, avocado or garbanzo beans.
• Opt for margarine that's liquid or in a soft tub container, in place of butter. Choose margarine that is low in saturated fat and doesn't contain trans fat.

Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts

Cashew is a bean shaped nut that grows on a tropical evergreen tree. Cashew nuts are loaded with “good” fats and are a rich source of phytochemicals and antioxidants. These chemicals protect us from cancer and heart disease. Here are some important health benefits of cashew nuts.

• Cashew is a good body builder
• It has no cholesterol.
• It helps maintain healthy gums and teeth.
• It is an energizing food.
• It contains healthy monounsaturated fat that promotes good cardiovascular health, because monounsaturated fats reduce high triglyceride levels which are associated with increased risk for heart disease.
• Cashew is rich in antioxidants that help in the elimination of free radicals that may cause some cancer.
• Magnesium works with calcium to support healthy muscles and bones in the body. It also helps promote normal sleep patterns in menopausal women.
• Cashew nuts have a high energy density and high amount of dietary fiber, both have been attributed to a beneficial effect on weight management, but only when eaten in moderation
• Cashew's high copper content is vital in energy production, greater flexibility in blood vessels, bones and joints.
• Cashew nut consumption helps the body utilize iron, develop bone, eliminate free radicals and connective tissue, and produce the skin and hair pigment melanin.

Health & Nutritional benefits of eating Mangoes

One of the most delicious and most fattening fruits, mango is truly called the ‘King of Fruits’. Mangoes are one of the best sources of betacarotene, quercetin and astragalin. These are powerful antioxidants that neutralise free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and lead to heart disease, cancer, premature aging and degenerative diseases.

• Mangoes, being high in carbohydrates and calories, are good for those who are trying to gain weight.
• The phenolic compound present in mangoes has been found to have powerful antioxidant and anticancer properties.
• Being rich in iron, mango is said to be very good for pregnant women as well as for people suffering from anemia.
• Mango is supposed to be effective in relieving clogged pores of the skin.
• The vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin E and selenium present in mangoes provide protection against heart disease.
• Mangoes have been found to be quite useful in treating acidity and poor digestion.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of mango might help to alleviate asthma symptoms.
• Mango has been found to be beneficial for people suffering from the following ailments - Bacterial Infections, Constipation, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Eye Disorders, Hair Loss, Heat Stroke, Leucorrhea, Liver Disorders, Menstrual Disorders, Morning Sickness, Piles, Prickly Heat, Scurvy, Sinusitis, Spleen Enlargement, Vaginitis.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger has been a natural cure for many ailments for centuries. Now, science is catching up and researchers around the world are finding that ginger does wonders in the treatment of everything from cancer to migraines. Given below are few health benefits of this powerful herb:

1. Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger may be great weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder stimulates cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.

2. Colon Cancer Prevention
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

3. Morning Sickness
A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.

4. Motion Sickness Remedy
Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.

5. Reduces Pain and Inflammation
A study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a powerful natural painkiller.

6. Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.

7. Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment
Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger helpful in the case of stomach flu’s or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects, ginger has upon the digestive tract.

8. Migraine Relief
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

9. Menstrual Cramp Relief
The pain-relieving and anti-cramping compounds in ginger effectively help relieve painful menstruation cramps

10. Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy
A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).