Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Probiotic Supplements: 5 FAQs

Once a term known only within the health industry, probiotic supplements, is now commonly read, seen, heard, and discussed across various mediums. Probiotics is generally used to refer to 'friendly' bacteria that are found in our intestinal tracts and help maintain a healthy body.

I eat yogurt, why do I need more probiotics?

Yogurt and other cultured foods, such as kefir, tempeh and sauerkraut are excellent sources of the healthy bacteria, lactobacillus. However, these are not the only foods we eat, and in our fast paced daily lives, it's easy to rely on processed and fast foods. A daily yogurt doesn't provide enough of the probiotics needed when combatting the ill effects of low fiber, high sodium, and high sugar found in many processed foods. These foods disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria needed to maintain a healthy digestive tract, and as some suggest, a healthy immune system. By adding a simple supplement to your daily yogurt regimen, you increase the benefit friendly bacteria bring to your body.

How do probiotics work?

As mentioned above, we all have billions of bacteria living in our digestive tract. Some of these bacteria are friendly, like the ones found in probiotics, and others are not considered beneficial to our health. The ideal ratio of good to bad intestinal bacteria is 85:15. The more friendly bacteria in our bodies, the less room there are for bad bacteria, which can decrease the risk of becoming sick with colds and other common illnesses. Because good bacteria aid in the digestive process, they may also help reduce the occurrences of gas/bloat, slow digestion, acid reflux and general stomach upset. Because they aid in efficient and effective digestion, probiotics are key to absorbing nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

How can probiotics help my immune system?

This may surprise you, but the best defense your body has is your digestive tract! Current research shows that the majority of our immune cells live in our intestines. The more friendly bacteria you have working your first line of defense, the less opportunity there is for bad bacteria to compromise your immune system. Of course, probiotics alone won't keep you healthy. Your diet should minimize at least and ideally be free of fast food, processed food, and foods high in sodium and sugar. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat animal protein, and fiber is complimented by the addition of good for you bacteria found in supplements and cultured or fermented foods.

What is the best way to take probiotics?

Before starting any new diet or change to your current lifestyle, it is always recommended that you talk to your doctor. Once you have the OK from your medical provider that probiotics will not interfere with current medications or conditions, find the supplement that works best for you. It is generally recommended to take them first thing in the morning with water, on an empty stomach, and then at night about two hours after your last meal. When you begin taking your supplements, start slow and allow your body to adjust and then increase your intake.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Glutamine Benefits

Glutamine advantages cover important essential functions for a human's well-being. To keep the adequate levels of cellular energy, decrease muscle degeneration in severely sick patients and to supply adequate muscle gain in training athletes and bodybuilders.

Top 10 Glutamine health benefits.

Glutamine is truly one of the major selling muscle building supplements contributing to protein synthesis and muscle gains in training sports enthusiasts.

Glutamine supplemental therapy can be extremely effective in helping reduce damaging effects due to autoimmune diseases that cause unusual immune system response that attacks its own tissues and cells.

Certain cases of male impotence could very well be alleviated by of Glutamine amino acid health supplements use.

Glutamine depression symptoms therapy is a state of the art method to address a variety of forms of depression and mood swings without using drug treatments. According to several different studies Glutamine health benefits contribute to enriched nervous system functions, increases more positive outlook and removes toxic ammonia wastes from the brain tissues.

Glutamine irritable colon disorder therapy is one of the more effective natural approaches in addressing diarrhea and poor digestion that may be associated with this syndrome. Glutamine works by fixing gastrointestinal lining and promoting healthy and balanced nutrient absorption.

Glutamine diabetes therapy successfully aids in glucose utilization keeping blood sugar levels under control. In addition, Glutamine health benefits help reduce the possibility of insulin resistance in people consuming diets excessively rich in fats.

Glutamine health benefits mainly include arthritis treatments by repairing damaged cartilage tissues due to age-related joint degeneration. It can also help by providing increased energy and immunity essential to overcome the disease and carry out everyday functions.

Schizophrenia patients can draw tremendous Glutamine health benefits. This amino acid not only helps improve brain activity, eliminate ammonia by-products from the brain, it can also help improve IQ, stabilize brain impulses and facilitate tissue healing.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Take Weight Loss Supplements to Rejuvenate Yourself

Health care providers available on the Internet offer a variety of products for health, beauty and weight loss. Goji Berry is filled with powerful compounds that may help prevent cancer and other illnesses, including heart disease. They boost the immune system and lower cholesterol. Goji Berry capsules are powerful antioxidants that protect your delicate organs and help proper functioning of the liver and kidney. These capsules help in weight management programs as part of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Iron, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin and can be consumed everyday only after getting a proper prescription from your GP.

Weight loss supplements have become quite a rage these days and are highly in demand. Like astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant too. Its consumption helps in cutting down excessive fat in obese people. Our body is not completely immune to the use of tobacco and alcohol. As a result, a lot of toxic materials get created in our system. Our skin is subjected to a lot of wear and tear due to factors like sunlight, pollution and radiation. This takes a toll on the texture of our skin and eventually leads to dryness of skin and wrinkles and fatigue sets in. To combat all these problems, capsules containing alpha lipoic acid should be taken at least once a day after food.

Magnesium citrate capsules are another type of weight loss supplement that contain a rich content of magnesium that is required for the metabolism in our body. It is a necessary form of mineral that can be easily absorbed by our system. It is such an important ingredient that all the major organs in our body would stop functioning without it. Consumption of magnesium citrate helps in neurotransmission, maintaining electrolyte balance, contractions of the heart muscles, cell division, growth of bones and protein synthesis. Fish, meat and vegetables contain magnesium in small quantities. Magnesium citrate capsules compensate by maintaining its level that is required by our body.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

What Are the Benefits of Spirulina: A Brief Explanation

What is Spirulina? Arthrospira platensis, or commonly referred to as Spirulina is a one-celled cyanobacterium that contains concentrated levels of amino acids and other vitamins and nutrients. Living in alkaline fresh water bodies, the blue green algae has been found to have existed billions of years ago and is recognized in the scientific community as one of the first species to have existed. Spirulina, because of its helix shaped strand, got its name from the Latin word for little spiral. However, even though physically minuscule, the same cannot be said to the huge amounts of nutrients and vitamins that it can provide for the human body. In fact, today, people are using Spirulina as dietary supplements for their everyday consumption. Currently, because of the abundant health benefits it gives, people are now beginning to fully understand what exactly Spirulina is. But before going to the discussion on these said benefits let us first go through the blue green's historical beginnings.

Earliest records of the use of Spirulina can be traced to the Kanembu people in Chad in Africa. Scientists have discovered that as early as the 6th century, they have been using Spirulina as part of their daily regular diet. They would make hardened sundried cakes made of Spirulina, crumble them into tiny pieces and then mix it with fish, meats and vegetables. They would then either keep it for their household consumption or sell it to the nearby market. The ponds around Lake Chad were found to have been the primary source for their cakes which they call dihé. The idea of what Spirulina is was also similar with the Aztecs and some Mesoamericans. Research also shows that until the 16th century, before the Spanish conquest of these civilizations, the aforementioned societies also made Spirulina a part of their daily nutrition. It was found that similar to the Kanembu people, they also made cakes made out of Spirulina. If one would ask them the question "what is Spirulina?" they would quickly answer, "techuitlatl." This was their local name for the blue green algae. However, due to their conquest as well as the rapid development and urbanization, these cakes were no longer part of their nutritional lifestyle. Still, Lake Texcoco, the lake in which they harvested the Spirulina, remains in existence.

Having known the historical background of Spirulina, let us now discuss the health benefits of Spirulina in order for us to fully answer the main question of this article, which is: " What is Spirulina?" According to scientific studies made, Spirulina, when consumed, serves to boost the human body's immune system, helps prevent cancer, controls blood pressure and reduces cholesterol, among others. It has been also been found to aid in treating arsenic poisoning due to contaminated water. This study was made in Bangladesh where safe drinking water is seen as a luxury. In addition, Spirulina is viewed by scientists as a possible treatment to autoimmune diseases such as, but not limited to AIDS, HIV and Lupus. Even so, to know the most well-known use of Spirulina, several health buffs are now taking Spirulina tablets and capsules as a reliable source of protein since it is composed of 60% protein containing all the essential amino acids. Based on these nutritional attributes, no doubt Spirulina deserves its being called a superfood.

Benefits of Supreme Greens Powder

Supreme Greens powder is a natural way to avoid many diseases. Supreme Greens MSM is recommended by several Naturopaths too.

When it is about finding a healthy solution which can help you avoid a number of diseases, Supreme Greens Powder and Supreme Greens MSM (MethylSulfonylMethane) are very dominant options. These are natural components found in plants, animals and hold many uses.

Naturopaths often use Supreme Greens MSM as a method to treat osteoporosis, arthritis, tendonitis, chronic pain, muscle cramps, stretch marks, wrinkles, oral hygiene issues and a wide range of other ailments. What is significant to be noted about this element is that there are limitless things it can do. When our bodies get lower in the natural blend of MSM, we might end up getting a series of critical problems and illnesses. That is why it is important to add a good supplement to our everyday vitamin routine in order to live happy and long lives.

Ailments Supreme MSM is Helpful In:

We should know how Greens Powder ends up helping our body based on a few common things that you encounter. Remember, while Supreme Greens MSM is a strong element, it does not take away from you requiring to get regular checkups in order to make sure that no surprise ailments enter your life.

Candida:

An area we can look at is that Greens MSM can be a good method for the treatment of the problem referred as Candida. While someone is suffering from Candida, their body gets a boost of fungus in their body. If left untreated, this condition can cause the patient experiencing added health issues. As a good way to help eliminate some of these issues, Supreme Powder can be used to alter the PH level in the body to a level that is not likely for the problem of fungus. Therefore, the affected individual can start regaining their normal health and many of the effects may also begin to dispel over time.

Arthritis:

Another common disease that Greens MSM is taken for is Arthritis. This has been observed that this compound has the capability of reducing or even removing the pain that one is experiencing and in often lead them to a healthier life. This is particularly common when patients also have osteoarthritis, which is an advanced stage of the arthritis.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Benefits of Eating Raw Foods

The benefits of eating raw foods are quite astounding. While I'm the first to admit I'm not a Nutritionist, I feel comfortable sharing my advice and personal experience with clients. Those who are serious raw foods enthusiasts are actually referred to as those who practice Raw Foodism. No, that's not a made up phrase! It refers to the practice of eating unprocessed, uncooked and/or organic foods as a main source of nutrition. For the purposes of this article, I'm going to keep it simple and just help you understand how the benefits of eating raw foods may enhance your overall health and fitness goals.

The Basics.

We have all heard from our Doctors or Personal Trainers that a healthy diet needs to consist of ample portions of fruits and vegetables. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," so to speak. This also includes fresh nuts and seeds as well. But why is exactly that we are encouraged to eat these fresh foods?

1. We are living organisms and fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are live foods! When you think about it, a cooked seed won't grow, but a raw seed will. Those raw and living nutrients are what we should strive to fuel our bodies with. Cooking foods reduces much if not all of it's inherent nutritional value.

2. Raw foods have natural enzymes that make it easier for your body to digest or process. They also have a more consistent balance of water, fiber, and nutrients that are easily accessible to your bodies digestive system.

3. There are no preservatives in raw foods. Understand what the word preservatives actually means. It is a chemical alteration that is added to foods to preserve their longevity. These are not nutrients found in nature, and they are ingredients that are foreign to the body.

The Benefits of Eating Raw Foods.

1. Increased energy. This sounds like a pretty bold statement, but it is true. I know personally that when my diet is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts I feel better and I have more energy. I'll leave it up to the scientists to debate whether this is because my body is more easily digesting this food, or that the high fibrous content is stabilizing my blood sugar, thus avoiding the peaks and valleys of feeling tired vs feeling alert throughout the day.

2. Vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are readily available to your body. Our caveman ancestors didn't walk into a local vitamin shop to pick up a bottle of vitamins or an energy drink. They didn't have a personal trainer to help keep them active. They ate what they killed! They were hunters and gatherers. They relied on their natural diet to produce these valuable nutrients, and their active lifestyle to keep them fit.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Cheap Healthy Meals: Chick Peas Recipes

In my quest for cheap healthy meals I have developed a couple of chick peas recipes that not only satisfy the budget, but are both tasty and very nutritious. As they are prepared with a homemade chicken broth they provide a whole range of nutrients while being quite inexpensive.

Chickpeas aka garbanzo beans, in and of themselves, are rather bland. When combined with onions, spices and other tasty morsels they can be made into thoroughly savory dishes. The effort to spiff them up is very worthwhile as they are one of the least expensive sources of important nutrients.

Being one of the most nutritious of all the legumes they are high in calcium, potassium, phosphorus and loaded with iron and vitamin C. They contain B complex vitamins as well as being rich in fatty acids.

One cautionary note if you are going to make chickpeas a staple of your diet as they are in the Middle East and Mediterranean countries. Chickpeas are high in omega-6 fatty acids as compared to omega-3. Hence, they should be balanced out with good sources of omega-3 like adding flaxseed to breads and pancakes or taking cod liver oil.

I can purchase 5lbs of organically grown dried chickpeas for $19.10. That is approximately 13 cups of dried beans. After soaking to rehydrate the beans those 13 cups swell up to about 39 cups. There are not many other sources of a cup chock full of nutrients for under 50 cents!

If you plan to incorporate chickpeas into your diet it is important to neutralize the phytic acids they contain, which are anti-nutrients. They can combine with minerals and make them indigestible potentially causing deficiencies.

This does not really pose a problem if you start with organic, dried beans. They should be placed in hot, not quite scalding water and soaked at room temperature for 24 hours to rehydrate anyway. So adding a couple of Tbsp per cup of a source of acidity such as whey, vinegar, lemon juice or kefir is not a problem and will neutralize the phytic acid.

The chickpeas then need to be placed in water salted at a tsp per cup and brought to a boil, skimmed and then simmered for about 6 hours or until soft. This can be reduced to about 20 minutes in a pressure cooker if you use one.

Once I have prepared the basic recipe I generally make either a chickpea soup or a main course with chickpeas and ground beef.

The performers for the cream of chickpea soup follow:

2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbs butter

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, diced

2 Tbs fresh chopped marjoram

1 tsp cinnamon

1 pinch of cayenne pepper

1 tsp paprika

2 cups of garden fresh tomatoes or can of whole organic tomatoes, chopped

6 cups of basic chickpeas (begin with 2 cups of dried chickpeas)

1 quart chicken broth

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

A bunch of kale, Swiss chard or spinach (whatever I have on hand) torn or cut into small pieces

I start out with a pot large enough for the soup and saute the onions and garlic in the butter and olive oil over low heat for about 15 minutes. I add everything else except the kale or whatever I am using for a vegetable and simmer for about 40 minutes.

If I am adding kale I will give it about 10 minutes, less for chard and even less for spinach. I adjust it so the total time simmering is roughly 50 minutes.

Now is where my stick blender come in handy. I initially bought it to make Castile soap, but it sure is great for creaming soup. You just have to be a little cautious with the scalding hot soup. I just pulse it with short bursts to begin with to get a feel for how it goes.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Multivitamins for Men

Multivitamins have been for the longest time associated with women and children. The truth however is that there are also multivitamins designed especially for men. The bodies of men also face different kinds of challenges and they will need the multivitamins to stay healthy for longer and properly perform their duties.

The multivitamins for men came packed with different kinds of ingredients which are selected with care to cater for the needs of men. One of the ingredients that is common in the vitamins is lycopene. It is an ingredient known to help in support the health of the prostate. This is a part in the men's body that seems to be giving them problems more frequently. Some have even died of prostate cancer thus making it important to take care of the prostate health and with the right multivitamins, it is quite simple.

Other nutrients are also offered by the multivitamins and so are essential minerals most of which also support the nutritional support. Men basically have the chances of reaping just as many benefits from the multivitamins as women and you will find those taking the vitamins stronger and healthier than those who do not take the vitamins. The multivitamins also play the role of preventing and treating low levels of essential vitamins in the body and can therefore also be used for different kinds of conditions.

The multivitamins for men come in small sized tablets making it easy for them to swallow. They will normally be coated to make them smooth and pleasant and therefore the fear of swallowing big tablets and capsules have been eliminated. They are packaged in small bottles most of which contain supplies for a whole month. With the easy to swallow tablets and the proper packaging, the intake of the multivitamins has definitely been made easier for all.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Health Benefits of Papaya And It's Role In Fighting Cancer and the Immune System

Papaya (PawPaw) is a sweet and succulent fruit found in tropical climates around the world. Its health benefits are many; it is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, lycopene, beta-carotene and other vital nutrients. Many cultures successfully use the leaf, seeds, skin and pulp of this miraculous fruit for various diseases, infections and skin conditions. Today, researchers and scientists throughout the medical community are stepping up the investigation into the health benefits of papaya leaf (pawpaw twig) and the role it plays in fighting cancer, wound care, its anti-inflammatory benefits and how it helps to strengthen the immune system. Groundbreaking studies are showing that the enzymes and other compounds found in the leaves, skin, pulp and seeds of the have a variety of medicinal uses.

The Parts of Papaya That Are Effective

One of the reasons that papaya or paw paw is so unique is that all parts of this fruit, including the leaves, flesh, skin and seeds have nutritional and health benefits. In the tropical areas of the world where papaya is readily available, the consumption and use of papaya for enjoyment and medicinal cures are part of everyday life.

Papaya Leaf Tea: Papaya Leaf Tea reduces inflammation, activates immune system response, and inhibits tumor cell growth through the strengthening of the immune system and increasing the natural anti-tumor effects that occur in immune response.[1] The tea is ideal for individuals that enjoy drinking herbal teas and many find that it has a similar taste to green tea; but it is packed with more nutritional and health benefits.

Papaya Leaf Extract: Papaya leaves are successfully used for Dengue Fever, digestive upset and for treatments of serious illnesses including cancer. Scientific research indicates that papaya leaf extract regulates T-cells and increase the immune system response to cancer.[2] Papaya leaves are not readily available in stores in the United States; a concentrated extract of the leaf is available in both capsules and liquid formulas from the company Herbal Papaya.

Papaya Seeds: Papaya seeds are proven effective for eliminating human intestinal parasites without significant side effects.[3] Papaya seed extract capsules have antihelminthic and anti-amoebic properties that kill parasites and intestinal worms throughout the digestive system.

Fermented Papaya: A current clinical trial at Ohio State University is evaluating the benefits of using fermented papaya in diabetic wound healing. Known for its antioxidant properties and protection from oxidative damage; the study centers on determining the angiogenic response of wound sites.[4]

Papaya Flesh: The nutritional benefits gained from the regular consumption of papaya are extraordinary. This nutrient rich fruit aids in digestion, helps to strengthen immune systems, and lessens inflammation in joints and throughout the body. Papain, which is concentrated in papaya, breaks down proteins and aids in digestion. Organic papaya fruit and leaf juice is ideal for individuals that do not have regular access to fresh organic papayas in their area.

Papaya Skin: The skin of the papaya has been used for generations to assist in burns and wound healing by placing it directly on infections and other skin maladies. Additionally, when making smoothies with the papaya flesh, the fruit does not need to be skinned.

Understanding The Immune System

The immune system is a network of organs and cells in the human body that defends against toxins, foreign invaders, and infections. When an invader is detected, the immune system launches a fighting response by producing antibodies. The immune system is made of white blood cells including T-cells and B-cells. T-cells are responsible for coordinating the immune response to destroy infected cells. B-cells on the other hand make the antibodies that bind to invaders to allow the other cells to destroy the invaders. When the T-cells do not send signals to the B-cells, the B-cell is not able to make the antibodies necessary for an attack.

Autoimmune Diseases

When the immune system is not working properly, it can become unable to detect the difference between healthy and unhealthy cells and attack normal healthy cells in error. This results in a variety of autoimmune diseases where the body actually turns against itself causing damage to healthy cells and tissues. It is estimated that nearly 24 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases including Celiac Disease, Type 1 Diabetes, Graves Disease, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and many others. [5] Prescription medications for autoimmune diseases often focus on suppressing the immune system's response thereby limiting the natural ability of the immune system to fight off critical invaders including those that fight cancer.

How T-Cells Are Related To Cancer Treatment & Immunotherapy

T-cells cells help our bodies fight infection and attack and destroy invading infectious agents. They are produced in bone marrow and are further developed and matured in the thymus gland. After they become mature, they are found in blood and the lymphatic system. Essentially, T-cells directly influence the natural immune response in suppressing tumors and cancerous cells. A healthy immune system produces T-cells regularly to help fight diseases, infections and cancer causing toxins. The immune system is central to protecting against AIDS, cancer and other diseases of the autoimmune system. Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the natural immune response to wage a war against cancer and other diseases. Today, this is a growing area of cancer treatment that focuses on boosting the immune system so that it can effectively combat foreign invaders including those responsible for cancer. Researchers and scientists at Stanford University's Cancer Immunology & Immunotherapy Research Program are working on new strategies to exploit the human body's natural immune response to destroy tumors. These include therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, and cell-based therapies to increase the patient's immune response to attack cancer in their body.

Papaya Increases Regulatory T-Cells

Activated platelets help the immune system's response in inflammatory diseases. Platelets are an integral part of the body's natural inflammatory process and are currently being researched to determine their role in fighting inflammation and improveming T-cell responses. Recent studies in mice show the role of platelets can enhance the antigen presentation, improve T-cell responses and play a critical function in normal immunity.[6] Carica papaya leaf (paw paw twig) extracts can be used to enhance the production of selected blood parameters aiding in tumor cell regulation, according to the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology at the University of Calabar in Nigeria.[7] In addition, researchers have found evidence to support that Carica papaya (paw paw leaf) extracts increase T-cells and help to mediate the body's inflammatory response and potentially alleviate inflammation throughout the body.

Inflammation

Inflammation can occur anywhere in the human body. It is a process caused when the immune system triggers a response to an outside invader or foreign substances. In autoimmune diseases, the system triggers the response when there are no substances to fight off. Symptoms of inflammation include swollen joints, pain, stiffness, and general flu symptoms. Inflammation also can affect internal organs. Ethanolic extract of Carica papaya leaves have been shown to reduce anti-inflammatory activities in the body.[8] By reducing inflammation and increasing T-cell activity, the body is more apt to fight foreign invaders that cause disease.

The Relationship Between Papaya And Cancer

Cancer causing toxins, tumors and other outside invaders are fought off by the immune system. A healthy immune system that has active and healthy T-cells is more able to fight off foreign substances that can lead to cancer and other serious health problems. Additionally, inflammation in the body can cause the immune system to function inadequately thereby increasing the risk for cancer. Carica papaya helps to reduce inflammation, increase healthy T-cell activity thereby encouraging a healthy and active response to cancerous cells in the body. The link between the consumption of papaya leaf extract, papaya leaf tea, and papaya and cancer in general will continue to be researched.

Papaya And Pregnancy

Grown in tropical areas throughout the world, papaya is a luscious and healthful fruit. As mentioned above, the seeds, leaves, flesh and skin all have medicinal qualities. Ripe papaya has not been found to be dangerous to pregnant women or their baby, however, unripe or green papaya early in a pregnancy can cause a miscarriage. In some parts of the world, unripe papaya is used to induce labor. Papain in high amounts from green papayas is believed to jumpstart and strengthens labor contractions, thereby hurrying along the process of labor. There currently is no scientific evidence to support this theory, however, thousands of women across the world standby this practice. It is important to note that medical practitioners recommend that pregnant women during the first two terms of pregnancy avoid unripe or green papaya as the same naturally occurring chemical reactions that can encourage labor can cause a spontaneous miscarriage.

Papaya Products & Better Health

Scientific research indicates that there is a positive relationship between papaya and cancer. Paw paw cell regulation is being researched throughout the world as a potential cure for autoimmune and other serious disorders. Papaya helps to increase the immune system so that the body is able to fight foreign invaders. Unfortunately, most people in North America do not have access to fresh papaya. Pure papaya products available include papaya leaf extract, papaya leaf tea and papaya seed extract in capsule form for individuals that do not have access to the fruit. Papaya leaves are not available in stores; therefore, to receive the health benefits of mentioned above, the extract from the leaves is the only way to receive its benefits. In the United States, you can purchase papaya leaf and juice products manufactured by Herbal Papaya online. Their organic seed extract is also available.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

How To Keep Your Body Healthy By Maintaining A Good Balanced Diet

HEALTH & DIET:

A balanced diet is one of he keys to good health and a long life. Food is needed for two main purposes; to provide the raw materials for growth and repair of the body, and to supply energy to keep the body working. Raw materials for growth come from foods such as meat, fish, and certain vegetables, while energy is supplied by cereals and sweet foods. Although the correct combination of protein and energy-giving food is essential, small qualities of vitamins and minerals are also vital. The traditional foods of people in different parts of the world vary considerably, but any diet which includes adequate supplies of all these nutrients will be healthy. In general, raw or lightly cooked foods are richest in essential vitamins and minerals, many of which are destroyed by long periods of heating.

As well as containing vitamins, fresh fruit and vegetables also contain a lot of fiber, a substance which is not digested but which helps to keep the body's digestive system working efficiently. Estimates have been made for the amounts of various kinds of nutrients the people need to maintain healthy growth and development.

It has been shown that many people in the United States consume a half to a third more energy-giving food than they need. The reason is that may western diets contain too much of the wrong foods. People tend to eat too much processed food, and too many sugary and fatty foods, such as Cakes and Hamburgers. The excess food makes people put on weight, which puts a strain on the heart and blood circulation.

There are three important ingredients in the food you eat; Protein, Carbohydrates, and Fats. Protein is found in meat, fish, peas, and beans and is needed for building up he body. Tiny quantities of fats are needed by every cell in he body, and may fats are rich in the vitamins A, D, and E. Both fats and carbohydrates, starchy and sugary foods, are a good source of energy. Some carbohydrate foods such as grains, are also high in protein. No one food contains all the essential ingredients for health. What the body needs is plenty of variety. It does not matter if there are some foods a person never eats, because others will contain the same nutrients. Vegetarians do nor eat meat but are perfectly healthy because they can obtain plenty of protein from other sources.