Healthy » Nutrition

Foods men should eat in moderation

Health Guru — Mon, 23 May 2011 03:41:29 +0000

Years of experience and research indicate that since men and women are different, there are different foods that are beneficial to each of them. In order to maintain good health and wellbeing, there are some food products that men and women should avoid.

Looking at food broadly, there are some categories of food products which should be an absolute no-no for men who want to have a better and healthier life ahead. The following are the categories of food products which have to be listed as ‘better to avoid’ food items:

Fats: Trans-fat and saturated-fat products: A balanced diet should include approved amounts of all food classes including fat. Avoiding fat does not mean that it should be banned from the diet. But, over eating trans-fat and saturated-fat food products is harmful, especially for men. More fat increases weight in the abdominal area. Moreover, men are more likely to put on weight compared to women around the abdomen due to excess fat. To add to the concern, fats serve as a trigger for the most feared chronic illnesses like high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.

The most common food item with saturated fat is meat. Sausage, pork, chicken meat and turkey should be eaten in minimal quantities. It would be better if men could avoid meat. Excess vegetable oil in fried items like chips and other foods like pastries and cakes are also sources of trans-fat. Men need to avoid these food items to prevent formation of bad cholesterol.

Food containing sodium: Salt is a main ingredient in the food we eat. Though it is often just a ‘pinch of salt’ in each meal, in totality it adds up. Most of the men are prone to high blood pressure due to excess intake of sodium in their diet. Along with high blood pressure, risk of liver dysfunction also is high. Though there may be control of salt in home prepared items, increase in consumption of canned food and preserved food, especially by men, has increased the levels of sodium among them. Thus, canned foods, frozen food, cheese, popcorn, fries and spices especially mustard which contains great amount of sodium should be avoided as much as possible. Men should also stay away from foods like burgers that not only contain saturated fat but also high amount of preservatives.

Soy: All Soy products are high in proteins and have become very common. Women need Soy protein in order to get their hormonal balance right especially in the middle ages. But, men do not require Soy for protein. Soy products do cause hormonal imbalance in men. It can lead to lowering the sperm count and also reduction in the testosterone levels in men. Thus, tofu based food and Soy milk should not be on the food list for men.

ePharmacy Specials

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy

Poonam Advani — Fri, 20 May 2011 00:30:59 +0000

Eating food that you crave is not harmful. But, binging on it is unhealthy and unacceptable. Most of the food that you crave is not ideal for a healthy diet but when you consume small quantities, you allow yourself to enjoy the guilty pleasures of life and not harm your body in the process.

You crave certain kinds of foods because your mind tells you so. Thus, if you learn to keep a control on your thoughts and desires, there is a good chance for you to let those cravings die a natural death.

To help people live a healthier life, many dieticians, nutritionists and cooks have introduced foods that can be healthy substitutes for delicious yet dangerous foods.

Milk and milk products are an indispensable component of human diet. Many people crave ice-cream, chocolate and other fatty dairy products. These can be replaced with fruit sorbets, low cal chocolates etc which taste similar but do not add the calories to your daily cal count. Cheese is another dairy product which people indulge in. Buying a healthier alternative is always a good option.

Some folks may believe that their daily meat intake cannot be swapped with anything. Regular meat eaters should try and reduce their meat intake or replace their share of white meat with red meat, which is healthier for the body. It helps purify the blood and also keeps the protein levels high. Adding seafood delicacies to the diet plan is also another healthier alternative. Fish like sushi or even salmon are better options since they have more protein content as compared to red or white meat.

Pastas, pizzas and burgers are common foods when it comes to getting a quick meal. To minimize the after-effects of eating pastas, one should be careful in adding cheese (maximum calories come from the cheese). Also, adding extra vegetables to the pasta makes it healthier and enjoyable. Same goes with pizzas. Avoiding mayonnaise in the burger will not only make it healthier but also allow you to eat what you desire.

For the people with a sweet tooth, products like cakes, donuts, sweet croissants are unavoidable. But with little changes and replacements, you can cut down the unhealthy ingredients. If eating slice cakes or chocolate pastries is a regular affair, substitute chocolate with gingerbread cakes or a simple sponge cake. Eat regular donuts instead of the ones with gooey chocolate; it will reduce a lot of unhealthy calories. Or, replace donuts with English bagels which are not made out of refined flour but out of whole wheat. Chocolate Cookies can make way for graham crackers or oatmeal cookies.

Chocolates cannot be substituted. We all know that. But, we can take certain precautions to avoid adding those calories. One can eat dark chocolates rather than sticking to milk chocolates or regular ones. Dark chocolates contain high levels of magnesium, a chemical that the body craves in chocolate. The best substitutes for chocolates are peanuts and dry fruits.

Though one cannot make perfect reductions in ingredients or substitutes for each and every food, one can try and make such food options healthier. Once in a while indulgence is needed, but for everyday satisfaction, one needs to look at replacements and yet enjoy the tempting foods.

Special offers from ePharmacy

The Benefits of Potassium

Health Guru — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 05:26:19 +0000

The body’s cells and organs need the right amount of potassium to function normally. Apart for it being a mineral, it is also considered an electrolyte together with magnesium, calcium and sodium chloride which are vital in maintaining the electrical conductivity in the body. In line to this, potassium and its adjunct electrolytes play a key role in the contraction and relaxation of the heart, skeletal and smooth muscles. It functions to enable the normal beating of the heart and digestive and muscular functions.

Excessive sodium in the body also requires an increased amount of potassium to achieve a balance. On the contrary, a potassium deficiency is brought about by conditions of excessive vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, malabsorption, malnutrition and medications like loop diuretics. Muscle weakness, confusion, fatigue, chronic diarrhea, diuretic use, irritability, heart problems and regular intense exercise are conditions that indicate a need for more potassium.

Normal levels of potassium in the body promote growth and maintenance of bodily functions. It is needed for preserving water balance, muscle growth, nervous system function and growth and acid-base balance for a normal body pH. It can even be beneficial in lowering the risks for high blood pressure. Aside from its essential role in muscle contraction and nerve transmission, potassium is also involved in carbohydrates storage which is used by the muscles as its fuel. When there is increased urinary calcium excretion due to increased sodium in the body, potassium counteracts this condition and prevents the bones from rapidly deteriorating. It can also have certain effects on stroke, anxiety and stress levels, blood pressure regulation, metabolism and kidney disorders aside from its general health benefits.

Aside from potassium rich food like dairy products, legumes, meats, bananas, salmon, vegetables, etc; sodium and magnesium levels in the blood help keep the proper potassium balance in the body. Neglecting the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia (excessive potassium) or hypokalemia (potassium deficit) will lead to life threatening effects. Therefore, it is very crucial to get the right amount of potassium daily to keep your body in good condition.

Where does Fairtrade Coffee come from?

Health Guru — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 04:44:07 +0000

Fair trade is a global movement to promote better working conditions and justifiable incentives and income to the workers and producers of certain products. Coffee is a basic product to almost every family and individual. With the high demand for coffee supply, farmers are pressured to produce more. Unfortunately, the prices of coffee have plummeted while large coffee companies have not adjusted the consumer prices and pocketed the big revenues they get from it. This injustice have forced coffee farmers into poverty; starving their families and incapacitated to maintain their farm lands. With this disheartening condition, a call for a transformation in the coffee industry is made. That is how Fairtrade coffee originated. It aims fair trade between farmers and huge coffee companies and the monitoring and guaranteeing of worker’s rights if he is working in a plantation.

The finest coffee is grown in the hottest regions of the globe. Fair trade certified ones are produced from 23 countries. In Asia, fair trade coffee is exported from African nations of Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. Other Asian countries who have also participated in this move are Thailand, Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea. Countries in the west includes, Nicaragua, Colombia, Guatamela, Costa Rica, Uganda, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Bolivia, Honduras, Ecuador, El Salvador, Brazil and Paraguay.

The fair trade movement in the coffee industry has also reached the developing countries. Businesses which are mission driven and grounded on Fair Trade principles are known as Alternative Trading Organizations (ATO). Coffee Farmers transact business directly to the ATOs for better compensation, alleviating their poor economic status. It is in this way, through global cooperation, that social justice and economic wealth is brought to the developing countries.
Fair Trade coffee also comes from small farmers. They are given more freedom and better living standards due to the protection they get from the Fair Trade concept. Small time coffee growers have better chances of increasing their profile globally since they are given the chance to market their product more effectively.

Support to fair trade coffee production has been widely increasing all over the world. Consumers can even directly purchase their coffee from coffee growers. With this mission, everyone in the market is in a win-win situation: producers, companies and consumers alike.

Healthy Skin Through A Healthy Diet

Health Guru — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:47:45 +0000

We often hear the cliché “You are what you eat” and this is certainly true for your skin. And as our skin is the first line of defense against foreign materials it is important that we put as much attention and care to it beyond that for aesthetic purposes.

There are many skin care products out in the market and it’s quite confusing which brands and products are most effective for keeping our skin radiant, healthy and young looking. Unfortunately, some products come with risks as they may contain chemicals that can long term adverse effects.

So what can we rely on to achieve a healthy skin?

A healthy diet is the first and most important key to a healthy skin so here are some of the foods you need to consume for a fabulous, young-looking, healthy skin:

VITAMIN A RICH FOODS: Experts say that our skin cells’ health is greatly reliant on dietary Vitamin A. Low-fat dairy products are the best sources of Vitamin A. Carrots contain beta carotene which is a precursor to Vitamin A. Individuals with diabetes or thyroid disease need to consume low-fat dairy products since they have difficulties converting beta carotene into Vitamin A.

ORGANIC FOODS: Limiting your intake of non-organic and synthetically made foods enhances your skin condition. Eat natural fruits and vegetables for a better quality of nutrient supply that will keep your skin healthy.

DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS: At least 6 cups of water or tea a day is enough to hydrate your skin and flush out the toxins in your body. But the amount of fluids you take also depends on your activity and fluid output. Avoid carbonated drinks and skip sugar to avoid excess calories in your diet.

EAT STRINGS AND PEELS FROM FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: Plant-based foods have been found to contain silica which can help maintain the skin’s elasticity and complexion. Eat the whole fruit or vegetable like apple, cucumber and celery as most of the silica is found in the strings and peels of vegetables and fruits.

VITAMIN C RICH FOODS: As an antioxidant, Vitamin C is important for collagen formation which in turn has a role in reducing wrinkles by keeping your skin firm for a younger look. Add foods like citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, broccoli and grapefruit to your diet.

In general, following the guidelines set by using the food pyramid is the simplest way to get the right amount of vitamins and minerals that will make your skin healthy and glowing.

Cinnamon

JBric — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 03:26:48 +0000

It’s probably more known for its added flavour in coffee, cigarette and chewing gum, but cinnamon is also pretty good for your health.

The ingredient is a small tree that grows in many places across the globe, especially in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Egypt.

Historically, it is one of the oldest known spices, and to the naked eye, looks pretty much like pieces of bark from a tree.

To use it, cinnamon must then be dried and rolled into sticks, also called quills, and it can also be ground into a powder.

Most people would be familiar with its aroma and distinct flavour that has made it a massively used ingredient in not just cooking, but also in room scents.

Health wise, cinnamon has been used for decades by society, usually for assistance in common colds, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, and painful menstrual periods.

It’s also believed to improve energy, vitality, and circulation and be particularly useful for people who tend to feel hot in their upper body but have cold feet. People who have fluctuating body temperatures.

The ingredient has also been known to assist in treating diabetes, indigestion, and other health problems such as the flu.

While there is plenty of goodness in the food, there are also some risks attached to using it.

People taking diabetes medication or any medication that affects blood glucose or insulin levels should stay away from cinnamon as it can effect blood glucose levels.

Pregnant women should avoid excessive amounts of cinnamon and shouldn’t take it as a supplement.

But apart from that, the ingredients great for most human bodies, as well as a great flavour to add to many things.

Eggs

JBric — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 03:35:34 +0000

While it may not be a fruit or vegetable, eggs are also a great nutritional food that is essential in all healthy diets.

When we talk about eggs, we are generally referring to chicken eggs, which supply a large amount of complete, high-quality proteins, with all essential amino acids for humans.

Eggs also provide significant amounts of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, choline, iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium.

Another great thing about eggs is that they are a great affordable source of protein. On average one large chicken egg contains approximately eight grams of protein.

Apart from the nutrition, eggs are also great and improving your general well being.

Eating eggs daily will see your attention and concentration spans improve, and in the development of young kids, they can be important in improving their education and academic progress.

When it comes to your overall appearance, the high level of protein in eggs will mean your waist will feel the benefits, and it is common to lose weight as a result of lower calories.

Specifically, Choline, a substance found in egg yolks, will stimulates brain development and function and your eyes will also stay healthy as egg yolks are believed to protect them against harmful UV rays.

The more you eat eggs, the more energy you will have, as the high protein will ensure a longer lasting and slow breakdown of energy levels inside your body.

And of course, your body will benefit form a reduction on cholesterol levels and the prevention of blood clots.

As well as all these health benefits, eggs are also good as they are a cheap, affordable, and tasty food alternative that can be eaten every day.

What can’t eggs do!!!???

Eggs

JBric — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 03:33:32 +0000

While they may not be a fruit or vegetable, eggs are also a great nutritional food that is essential in all healthy diets.