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Thursday, May 14, 2009

super foods

Take a look at our list of top 10 super foods – and find out why you just can't afford to go without them. The good news is that some of your favourites probably made the list:

1. Tuna


Tuna, and other fatty, dark-skinned fish, came out tops.
Fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Research suggests that the omega-3s can also play a role in preventing conditions like hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, depression, dry eye syndrome, and possibly cancer. These are all diseases that affect a staggering number of people across the globe.
Make a plan to eat fatty fish at least two to three times a week. Just make sure you lay off on the batter and added fat.

2. Eggs


A single egg is packed with goodness. And while eggs do contain cholesterol, the effect is not as detrimental as scientists once believed.
For as little as 75 calories, an egg provides 12% of the daily recommended value for protein, as well as a wide variety of other nutrients such as vitamin A, B6, B12, D, folate, iron, phosphorous and zinc.
On top of this, the humble egg is now also categorised as a "functional food", i.e. a food that provides health benefits beyond its basic nutritional benefits.
The key is the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, found in egg yolks. These substances collect in parts of the eye and have been shown to play a role in promoting vision and preventing some common causes of blindness.
A word of warning though: make sure your cholesterol levels are normal before you start including more eggs in your diet. You may be suffering from high cholesterol without knowing it.
However, if your cholesterol levels have been tested and are normal, two or three eggs per week could boost your health. Just remember to opt for poached, boiled or scrambled eggs instead of fried ones.
(Keep an eye out for pasteurised eggs. These eggs, which are now available at Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores in Gauteng and the Western Cape, are safe to use if you're pregnant or immune compromised.)

3. Beans


Baked beans, black beans, lima beans, kidney beans. Eating plenty of beans can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke and help prevent cancer, researchers say.
This is mostly due to the fact that beans are a rich source of antioxidants. A variety of veggies, fruits, legumes and nuts recently battled it out for the top spot on a new list of the 20 most antioxidant-rich foods. The small red bean came out tops, and red kidney beans and pinto beans weren't far behind.
A serving (one-third cup of cooked beans) contains about 80 calories (336kJ), little fat, no cholesterol, and plenty of complex carbohydrates. These legumes also provide a good source of B vitamins, potassium and fibre.
Legumes make a great side dish and can also be used as a substitute for meat as it's inexpensive. While legumes don't contain complete proteins such as meat, you could supplement your diet by eating grain or dairy products along with legumes. This is particularly useful in the diet of the vegetarian.

4. Cocoa


Here's a bit of good news for chocoholics: the delicious treat could lower your risk for heart disease and hypertension.
It looks like cocoa exerts its positive effect mainly in three ways: firstly, by keeping the endothelium (the layer of cells that lines the heart and blood vessels) healthy, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks; secondly, by lowering blood pressure, which is also related to heart disease; and thirdly, by modulating platelet function in a similar way as aspirin does.
However, the key ingredients in cocoa, what scientists call flavanols, are only present in dark chocolate.
Although more research needs to be done, it's probably safe to say that a small helping (10 g) of good-quality chocolate every day could do no harm – if the chocolate is of the darker variety, and if it forms part of an energy-controlled diet.

5. Brazil nuts


Due to Brazil nuts' high selenium content, these nuts can be seen as a "complete" protein source.
This means that, unlike the proteins in most plant products, Brazil nuts' proteins contain all the necessary amino acids to foster optimal growth in humans in the same way as proteins from animal products do. But even animal products, like chicken and beef, don't contain as much selenium as Brazil nuts do.
Selenium is also a powerful antioxidant, which protects against harmful free radicals that may cause heart disease and cancer. Selenium is also important for healthy immunity. And Brazil nuts are also a very good source of zinc (essential to digestion and metabolism).
Eight medium Brazil nuts count as one serving (30 g). Since these nuts are high in fat, they shouldn't be included in the diet more than three times per week. These nuts should also replace other fats in the diet and shouldn't just be added.
Note, however, that, because of its high saturated fat content, Brazil nuts could be a dangerous addition to your diet if you are at risk of heart disease. Rather opt for nuts with less fat, like almonds, if this is the case.

6. Garlic


Garlic is not only a great way to add a little kick to a pasta dish; it also offers tremendous health benefits because of its high antioxidant content.
Research has shown that garlic could help prevent heart disease, hypertension and cancer, and can possibly improve lung function. Garlic is also a great way to boost one's immunity – especially in wintertime.
Include a clove or two of garlic in your diet every day. Just make sure that the garlic isn't overcooked. And steer clear of garlic if you're on anti-coagulant medication.

7. Yoghurt


Yoghurt not only contains bone-building calcium, but is also a great source of probiotics.
Probiotics are microbial foods or supplements that can be used to change or improve the intestinal bacterial balance to boost the health of the host. Probioics thwart the overgrowth of harmful bacteria by competing for attachment sites and nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract.
Include a tub of fat-free or low-fat yoghurt in your diet every day – just make sure the label states "live AB cultures".

8. Citrus


You probably know that citrus fruits are a fantastic source of vitamin C, but did you know that oranges, naartjies, lemons and grapefruit are all also rich in antioxidants?
Citrus contains zeaxathin (like eggs) that maintains healthy vision. These fruits are rich in flavanones that play a role in preventing cancer. Citrus fruits also contain caffeic acid that may reduce the risk of heart disease and eye disease.
A variety of delicious citrus fruits are available in South Africa. Depending on the season, try to include citrus fruits in your diet as often as possible.

9. Bananas


Research has shown that high-potassium foods, of which the banana is a prime example, may lower the risk of stroke.
Potassium also plays a vital role in the functioning of the muscles, heart and nerves. It ensures that the body’s fluid levels remain balanced and that the body is neither too alkaline nor too acidic. It also prevents calcium from being lost in the urine.
Eating bananas before bedtime can also make for a good night's sleep, as bananas help to increase serotonin levels. To top these benefits, bananas help to maintain bowel health and are good energy-boosting snacks.

10. Cranberries


Cranberries are packed with proanthocyanidins that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and improve urinary tract health. New research shows that cranberry juice may also work against gastrointestinal viruses.
Drink 300 ml cranberry juice every day to reap the benefits.

Interesting facts about BODY

1 )      HEART beats 1,03,689 times.


2 )       LUNGS respire 23,045 times.

3 )       BLOOD flows 16,80,000 miles.


4 )      NAILS grow 0.00007 inches


5 )      HAIR grows 0.01715 inches


6 )      Take 2.9 pounds WATER (including all liquids)


7 )      Take of 3.25 pounds FOOD.


8 )      Breathe 438 cubic feet AIR.

 

9)      Lose 85.60, BODY TEMPERATURE.


10 )     Produce 1.43 pints SWEAT.


11 )     Speak 4,800 WORDS.


12 )     During SLEEP move 25.4 times


FROM REPLY 5 , YOU WUD FIND PARTS OF BODIES WITH THEIR AMAZING FACTS

Want to lose weight? Eat what you crave most

Want to lose weight? Eat what you crave most


The best way to lose weight is to eat a little of the foods you crave, that’s the suggestion of an Australian doctor.
Dr George Blair-West, in the country for Diabetes New Zealand''''s annual conference, believes that he understands why diets don''''t work - and that the solution to effective weight control is about getting around the psychological attachment to food.
He says traditional diets that make people stay away from foods they love are ineffective and research shows that ultimately people rebel against this deprivation and end up over- eating.
"Traditional deprivation diets have a five-year success rate of around 5-20 percent. We''''re better at treating most cancers than we are at treating obesity using this traditional approach,” Sunday Star Times quoted him, as saying.
Blair-West''''s 2008 book, Weight Loss for Food Lovers, says the trick is to regularly eat controlled quantities of the foods people desire.
"If I was working with someone, I would work out what they have an attachment to and then prescribe them that two to four times a week," says Blair-West.
"When you allow people to have the food they crave, their cravings disappear,” he added.
The method works, he says, because it recognises the emotional importance of food.
Blair-West says another factor that causes over- eating is many people not savouring food.

Med Info Angina

What Is it?
Angina is a temporary pain or tightness that may start in the chest and will sometimes spread to other parts of your upper body. It may start suddenly and may last only a few minutes. Angina will usually occur when there are extra demands placed on the heart, such as during exercise, exposure to extreme hot or cold conditions, windy weather, or during periods of emotional stress. Some people may develop angina at rest or after eating large meals when blood flow must increase to aid in the digestion of foods.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of angina may vary from person to person. The symptoms may even vary with each episode. They can include a tightness, pressure, aching, or burning behind the breastbone. This sensation may spread or radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or between the shoulder blades.
Other symptoms may include nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, or weakness.
What Causes It?
Angina is caused by a shortage of oxygen and other nutrients reaching the heart muscle. The pain of angina is produced when the heart muscle is starved for oxygen, a condition called ischemia.
Angina occurs most often when the coronary arteries of your heart become narrowed or clogged with deposits of fatty plaque-like substances. This disease is called atherosclerosis.
What Should You Do if You Experience Angina?
If you think you are having angina, you should follow these steps:
   1. STOP what you are doing. SIT DOWN AND REST.
   2. If the symptoms are not gone in 2 to 3 minutes, place a nitroglycerin tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve. You may feel a slight sense of stinging or burning under your tongue,this means the nitroglycerin is working to help relieve your angina.
   3. Wait 3 to 5 minutes. If your angina is still present, take a second nitroglycerin tablet.
   4. Again, wait 3 to 5 minutes. If the symptoms remain, take a third nitroglycerin tablet.
   5. If your angina has not subsided after the third nitroglycerin tablet or after 15 minutes since you first began experiencing discomfort, call an ambulance or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room.
DO NOT IGNORE THESE WARNING SYMPTOMS!!!!
Helpful Hints about Nitroglycerin tablets.
The burning sensation described earlier is not always an indication that the tablet is fresh. The best way to know if your tablets are fresh is to replace them approximately every 6 months.
Another helpful hint is to "check mark" the bottle every time you open it. Once you get to six "check marks" replace the bottle.
All formations of nitroglycerin should be kept at room temperature. The sublingual (under your tongue) tablets are especially susceptible to moisture. They should NOT be kept in bathrooms or kitchens because of higher degrees of moisture there.
If carrying nitroglycerin sublingual tablets with you, you may want to check with your pharmacist for devices to aid you in carrying your nitroglycerin bottle (e.g. a metal cylinder on a chain around your neck).
When Should You Contact Your Family Physician?
Call your physician WITHIN 24 HOURS for any of the following:
    *
      This is the first time you have ever experienced angina.
    *
      You experience angina while resting.
    *
      Your angina is occurring more frequently, has changed location, or is more severe than in the past.
    *
      The nitroglycerin tablets do not work as quickly as they have in the past.
    *
      Your angina has awakened you during the night.
    *
      If your angina has reoccurred following a cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, or open heart surgery procedure(s).
What Can You Do to Avoid Angina?
Many people can control their angina by following their medication regimen prescribed by their physician and by making life-style changes that lower the heart's workload and reduce stress. Other things you can do may include:
    * Stop smoking (smoking makes the heart work harder)
    * Lose excess weight
    * Start an exercise program
    * Lower your blood cholesterol levels
    * Avoid eating heavy meals and rest after eating
    * AVOID outside activities on EXTREMELY HOT OR COLD DAYS
    * Reduce your stress.


This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers.  The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician.  It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Facts about condoms

Facts about condoms
Correct condom use should include the following steps:
Use a new condom for each act of intercourse.
Put on the condom as soon as erection occurs and before any sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral).
Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis, leaving space at the tip of the condom, yet ensuring that no air is trapped in the condom’s tip.
Adequate lubrication is important, but use only water-based lubricants, such as glycerine or lubricating jellies (which can be purchased at any pharmacy). Oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, cold cream, hand lotion, or baby oil, can weaken the condom.
Withdraw from the partner immediately after ejaculation, holding the condom firmly to keep it from slipping off.
Myths About Condoms
There continues to be misinformation and misunderstanding about condom effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following updated information to address some common myths about condoms. This information is based on findings from recent epidemiologic, laboratory, and clinical studies.
Myth #1: Condoms don’t work
Some persons have expressed concern about studies that report failure rates among couples using condoms for pregnancy prevention. Analysis of these studies indicates that the large range of efficacy rates is related to incorrect or i inconsistent use. The fact is: latex condoms are highly effective for pregnancy prevention, but only when they are used properly. Research indicates that only 30 to 60 percent of men who claim to use condoms for contraception actually use them for every act of intercourse. Further, even people who use condoms every time may not use them correctly. Incorrect use contributes to the possibility that the condom could leak from the base or break.
Myth #2: HIV can pass through condoms
A commonly held misperception is that latex condoms contain “holes” that allow passage of HIV. Although this may be true for natural membrane condoms, laboratory studies show that intact latex condoms provide a continuous barrier to microorganisms, including HIV, as well as sperm.
Myth #3: Condoms frequently break
Another area of concern expressed by some is about the quality of latex condoms. Condoms are classified as medical devices and are regulated by the FDA. Every latex condom manufactured in the United States is tested for defects before it is packaged. During the manufacturing process, condoms are double-dipped in latex and undergo stringent quality control procedures. Several studies clearly show that condom breakage rates in this country are less than 2 percent. Most of the breakage is due to incorrect usage rather than poor condom quality. Using oil-based lubricants can weaken latex, causing the condom to break. In addition, condoms can be weakened by exposure to heat or sunlight or by age, or they can be torn by teeth or fingernails.
Source:the body.com

Carcade Tea

Carcade Tea

Carcade Tea


Carcade tea is made from the flowers of a tropical plant.
This showy shrub belongs to the mallow family and it is called Hibiscus sabdariffa.
This plant is very close to the Shoe Black Plant, or the Rose of China.
It produces large 4 inch diameter flowers that have deep red petals with a purple centre.
Carcade flowers are known for their strong smell, and the shrub has reddish hued leaves,
branches and flower cup

Why You Need to Drink Carcade Tea RegularlyFlower cups are used for brewing this deep red tea with a refreshing,
slightly bitter taste. You can easily quench your thistle with this healing drink.
Drinking carcade tea regularly helps avoiding the risk of vitamin deficiencies and related adverse effects.
Vitamins and microelements contained in the tea vitalize our energy, improve tonicity and strengthen the immune system.
It is a great drink for winter time when we lack vitamins and often suffer from cold or other virus infections.
Why Carcade Tea Has Sour TasteFlower petals become juicy, fleshy and deep red in color as they wither.
Carcade flowers are used not only for tea but also for jellies, sauces, compotes and even marinades.
Carcade tea is a source of various organic acids such as apple, tartaric and lemon acids.
That’s what gives this drink its nice slightly sour taste.
Health Benefits of Carcade TeaAnthocyans – the matter that accounts for carcade red color –
help strengthen the wall of blood vessels and regulate its penetration.
Many diseases are caused by fatty deposits in blood vessels that result in thick walls and poor blood flow.
The major remedy against cholesterol deposits is gamma-linolenic acid because it can dissolve fat cells.
Carcade tea is a rich natural source of gamma-linolenic acid,
so it helps prevent blood vessel problems as well as effectively reduce high cholesterol level.
Carcade tea has stress-releasing and relaxing effects due to vitamins and essential amino acids contained in the drink.
It helps restore male sexual potency and fight female frigidity.
Carcade promotes brain metabolism.
Carcade tea is a great remedy for chronic fatigue.
Drinking the Best Carcade TeaCarcade tea may greatly differ in taste and useful properties.
Choose only whole petals of the carcade flower because they would have all useful properties.
Generally, tea powder and tea bags are of poor quality. You can drink carcade tea cold or hot.
For both drinks, brewing procedure is very important. It is recommended to brew carcade tea for 5-10 minutes.
The tea should have vinous color and slightly bitter taste. If carcade is brewed for too long, it may become a little too bitter and sour.
But harsh taste is not the major problem. The thing is that long exposure to hot water destroys many useful substances in this tea.
For example, hot temperatures essentially reduce the vitamin C content. By the way, carcade is twice as rich in vitamin C than oranges.
It is better to brew carcade with warm water to save all vitamins and microelements.
Of course, brewing will take more time, about an hour. Dietitians also state that cold carcade tea is healthier.

the DOS & DONT of yoga

the DOS & DONTS of yoga
Many people dismiss yoga as a foo-foo form of physical fitness, thinking that its postures don’t really constitute exercise. That myth is usually shattered after the individual takes a single yoga class and leaves with sore muscles from areas that hadn’t been well exercised in the past.
However, there are certain key elements to practicing yoga.  These “tips and tricks” are intended to facilitate the greatest health benefits and also to avoid the negative impact of improper postures and bad health practices.
Because yoga links physical exercises with mental concentration, one way to tell if you are practicing it incorrectly is to note whether you feel anger, crankiness, agitation or a feeling of “heaviness” in the body, mind and spirit.
If you begin to experience these symptoms, you would do well to consult an experienced instructor immediately to correct the matter as quickly as possible.
Here are some of the most common “do’s and don’ts” of yoga practice:
Always warm up your muscles before performing yoga exercises, or asanas. To warm up, walk slowly and calmly around a room, or perform gentle stretches with your arms.
The goal is to increase blood circulation to the muscles; but this should not be done through sudden, intense movement.
Remember to breathe through every asana. Concentrating on breathing is the core of every asana, and is even more important than learning how to move your body. Whatever you do, don’t hold your breath. Your muscles need oxygen.
Make “gently, gently” one of your mantras of your yoga practice. Begin your yoga postures slowly. Exhale as you stretch your muscles. Treat your body and your mind with care and respect.
Wait at least two hours after eating before performing yoga exercises. Better yet, do not eat until after your yoga session if possible.
Sip some water before and after class. Water helps your muscles and will cool you down after your exercise is complete.
Try to maintain each posture for at least 15 seconds. Eventually you will be able to hold your asana for as long as 30 seconds or more.
Be kind to your body. Don’t strain or bounce through a yoga posture as you could hurt your muscles. Again, think “gently, gently” and move your body accordingly.
If performing an asana causes pain, cease immediately. Don’t strain or push asanas to the point of pain.  If you feel pain, ease out of the posture and tell your instructor immediately.
When practicing pranayama, which are breathing exercises, don’t hold your breath any longer than you feel comfortable doing. Also don’t practice pranayama hurriedly, or if you have a cold, the flu or another form of respiratory infection. If you do you could put undue stress upon your body, which is the opposite of yoga’s intended purpose.
Practice asanas before engaging in pranayama. Pranayama can temporarily deprive muscles of the oxygen they need to function well. Practicing asanas after pranayama could lead to injury.
Finally, always tell your instructor if you have any health complications or physical impediments before starting a class.  They can advise you on alternative postures that are better for your condition.  Remember, the goal of yoga is to bring about health and healing, not to injure your body further.

Energy Boosting Foods

10 Energy-Boosting Foods

1. Vegetables
2. Whole-grain Cereals
3. 100-percent fruit juice
4. Dried fruit
5. Fresh fruit
"If you're really hungry and you want some quick energy, there's no better choice than eating some fruit. Rather than drinking a sugary drink, eat a piece of fruit. You're going to get your carbohydrates and you're also going to get your fiber and vitamins and minerals."
Sustained Energy Boosters:
"A balance of nutrients is really what's going to give you sustained energy because your body digests protein, fats and carbohydrates differently. In other words, you can eat them all at the same time but they are all going to be processed differently. Carbohydrates start being digested in your mouth, protein starts in your stomach and fat doesn't start until it reaches your intestines. That's why foods that are combinations of nutrients give you sustained energy." Some good combinations choices include:
6. Nuts
7. Whole-grain pasta
8. Turkey or peanut butter on whole-grain bread
"Who said you can only have a sandwich at lunch? If you eat a sandwich in the morning for breakfast made up of protein, carbohydrate and a little fat, you might make it to lunch without being hungry. But if you eat only carbohydrates in the morning without anything else (like if you eat just a sweet roll, which is mostly just sugar and white flour), chance are you'll be hungry in a few hours."
Drink Up and Perk Up
9. Water:
"The No. 1 thing I always think about is water. When people don't drink enough water and they aren't hydrated all, their functions are out of choke. They might misinterpret hunger for being really thirsty. Energy is dependent on all the metabolic functions running properly and the No. 1 ingredient for that is water."
10. Coffee:
"Caffeine is natural. Skip the mocha chino with lots of cream and sugar. There is nothing bad about it, it perks you up, gets you going and keeps you more mentally alert. The secret is not drinking too much."