Home Remedy

Thursday, August 21, 2008

carrots

Natural Weight-Loss Food: Carrots

If you don't have a bag of carrots sitting in your refrigerator, you should -- they're anything but ordinary when it comes to nutrition. Carrots contain an uncommon amount of beta-carotene. And they can masquerade as a fat substitute by serving as a thickener in soups, sauces, casseroles, and quick breads.

Because of its terrific replacement qualities, you don't have to add any cream, or fat for that matter, to cream of carrot soup. In fact, the numerous health benefits call for amending that well-known saying to: A carrot a day keeps the doctor away.

Is it possible that consistent moderate weight loss could reliably result from a diet as simple as eating more carrots? Yes!

Health Benefits

One of carrots' fat-fighting features is their respectable fiber content, half of which is the soluble fiber calcium pectate. Soluble fiber may help lower blood-cholesterol levels by binding with and eliminating bile acids, triggering cholesterol to be drawn out of the bloodstream to make more bile acids.

Carrots have few rivals when it comes to beta-carotene. A mere half-cup serving of cooked carrots packs a walloping four times the RDA of vitamin A in the form of protective beta-carotene. One raw carrot supposedly contains as much, though it's not clear if all of it's usable by your body.

Beta-carotene may ward off cancers of the stomach, cervix, uterus, and the oral cavity, and it helps prevent heart disease due to its antioxidant abilities. The National Cancer Institute is studying the whole family of umbelliferous foods, of which carrots are a member, for protective effects. Recent research results from Harvard University suggest that people who eat more than five carrots a week are much less likely to suffer a stroke than those who eat only one carrot a month.

Nutrional Values

Carrots, Fresh, Cooked
Serving Size: 1/2 cup chopped
Calories: 27
Fat: <1 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Carbohydrate: 6 g
Protein: 1 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 45 mg
Vitamin A: 13,418 IU
Vitamin B6: <1 mg
Manganese: <1 mg
Potassium: 183 mg
Carotenoids: 10,138 mcg

Ways to Monitor Cholesterol

Ways to Monitor Cholesterol

Cholesterol is the main form of fat carried in the blood stream. The parts of these fats are derived from food and a part is itself produced by the body. Normal levels of cholesterol in the blood are advisable but excess of it is harmful for the body. A high level of cholesterol is the major risk factor for various heart problems.

The desirable cholesterol level in the blood is below 200 and levels above 240 shows high risk for heart diseases.

Various Ways to Lower Cholesterol

Reduce intake of fat to just 20 gms per day. Try to use minimal amounts of sugar and avoid ice-creams and other heavy fat desserts like pastries, cookies and other bakery products.
Avoid organ meats like liver, brain and also egg-yolks as they have high amounts of cholesterol. Egg white is beneficial as high in protein.
Avoid saturated fats like cheese, cream and butter.
Use olive oil and canola oil in cooking as they are helpful in lowering blood cholesterol. Safflower oil and corn oil can also be used.
Fish contains good amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that helps in maintaining cholesterol levels and also improves vision. Fish can be taken in grilled or baked style without using much of oil. If vegetarian walnuts and flaxseed oil serves the same purpose.
Intake of good amount of fiber in the diet helps in excreting the excess of cholesterol from the body by enhancing the bowel movement. Foods like whole grain cereals, oats, legumes, apples, pears, plums, carrots, barley should be included in the diet.
Soy protein foods such as tofu, soy milk are good sources of protein and lowers cholesterol.
2-3 cloves of raw garlic when taken in the early morning help in lowering blood cholesterol.
A good amount of exercising will help in reducing weight and finally the cholesterol levels.
Smoking and drinking should also be avoided.

Nutritive Value of Cereals

Nutritive Value of Cereals

The word cereal is derived from Ceres, the name of the Roman goddess of harvest and agriculture. All the cereal crops are grasses mainly cultivated for their edible part i.e. grains or seeds. Cereals are the major part of Indian diet so also known as staple foods.

The major cereal crops are rice, wheat, maize or corn, jowar, ragi and bajra. The eighty percent of the dry matter in grains is carbohydrate, mainly the starch therefore, they are considered as the main energy providing crops. The four major groups of foods are prepared from the cereal grains like:

• Baked products – breads, cakes and pastries
• Milled grain products – white rice, wheat flour, semolina and breakfast cereals
• Beverages – hard drinks like beer and whisky
• Whole grain products – brown rice, popcorn.

Cereals provide 350 kcal of energy per 100 grams to the body. Cereals contain six to twelve per cent of protein so it's also a significant source of protein and provides more than fifty per cent of the daily protein requirement. The whole grain form of cereal is more nutritious than milled one as it contains greater levels of B-complex vitamins, dietary fiber and essential fatty acids. Cereals like millets also supplies minerals like iron and calcium. They generally lack vitamin A and vitamin C except yellow maize that contains traces of beta carotene.

Due to its low fat content it has become the choice of many health conscious people. The milled cereals with less nutritional value may lead to obesity if eaten in excess. Various cereal bran's add bulk to the diet as it contains high levels of dietary fiber and helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases by lowering the levels of cholesterol. Fiber also helps to prevent constipation and may reduce the risk of developing various bowel disorders including bowel colon.

Nutritive value of cereals per 100 grams

Cereals	Protein (gm)	Fat (gm)	CHO (gm)	Minerals (gm)	Calcium (mg)	Fiber (gm)	Energy (K Cal)
Wheat whole	11.8	1.5	71.2	1.5	41	1.2	346
Wheat flour	12.1	1.7	69.4	2.7	48	1.9	341
Rice bran	13.5	16.2	48.4	6.6	67	4.3	393
Rice (raw)	6.8	0.5	78.2	0.6	10	0.2	345
Rice (parboiled)	8.5	0.6	77.4	0.9	10	0.2	349
Maida	11	0.9	73.9	0.6	23	0.3	348
Bajra	11.6	5	67.5	2.3	42	1.2	361
Jowar	10.4	1.9	72.6	1.6	25	1.6	349
Ragi	7.3	1.3	72	2.7	344	3.6	328

Therefore, cereals should be added in the diet for its significant nutritive value. The calorie conscious people can switch over to various breakfast cereals (sweetened or unsweetened) available in the market nowadays.

No More Ifs and Butts

No More Ifs and Butts

So you've been told umpteen times that 'cigarette smoking is injurious to health'. After all, tobacco affects the lungs, causes various types of cancer, brings on heart ailments, triggers tuberculosis, and causes osteoporosis to set in.

But if you are a woman, then it is time you paid heed to the statutory warning on your cigarette pack. The reason being that more women die of lung cancer than breast cancer. And having said that, the risk of dying of lung cancer is 20 times higher among women who smoke than among women who don't, say some reports.

"Smokers have higher LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (good) levels. In developing heart disease, smoking seems to have a more powerful effect in women than men." Smoking is also closely associated with low birth-weight babies.

Ready to stub out your last cigarette? Easier said than done, cry many smokers. Sadly, women smokers are worse off here as well as they often have a tougher time quitting than do men. Scientists are beginning to understand why. According to a study in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, published in the US, men draw more physical satisfaction from nicotine, whereas most women smoke for psychological succor, which is why it becomes tougher for them to get off the addiction.

But the rewards of quitting are life-long. "When you quit your blood pressure decreases, chances of a heart attack go down, and blood circulation begins to improve within two to 12 weeks. In fact, in as little as six months to a year, your heart health can return to normal," explains Dr Gupta.

While it is never too late to quit, the earlier you do the better - or so suggests a study published by Health Services Research (2004). It shows that former smokers can expect to live as long and as healthy as non-smokers, if they manage to stay off smoking for at least 15 years before they turn 50.

So here are some tips to pack away the habit for good:

Time it right

For women, the menstrual cycle plays a role in withdrawal symptoms. According to a report in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (2000), women who quit smoking during the second half of their menstrual cycle tend to experience more anxiety, depression and irritability than those who quit during the first half.

Eat right and drink well

"Eat sunflower seeds or walk it off on the treadmill to take your mind off cigarettes. You might actually lose a few pounds, too, in the process. Don't diet while you are quitting. The double dose of deprivation is a one-way ticket to failure. Instead, focus on eating three healthy meals a day and snacking healthy. Drink lots of water. It will help flush the nicotine and other chemicals out of your body and help reduce cravings,"

Exercise regularly

Half the women received three supervised exercise sessions and the other half received three health education lectures each week. At the end of 12 weeks, the group that had exercised had a significantly higher percentage of successful quitters than the other group. The score was: 19 per cent versus 10 per cent. Women in the exercising group had gained an average of 6.6 pounds only, 80 per cent less than their counterparts who had put on an average of 11.9 pounds.

Enjoy the benefits of yoga

"The 'asanas' (yogic postures) enhance lung capacity, oxygenate the cells, and increase circulation, thereby energizing the entire body. Smoking does the opposite. Plus, the discipline one gets from practicing yoga and meditation helps smokers find the strength to kick the nicotine habit,"

List and paste

Keep reminding yourself of your reasons for quitting. Make a list of the benefits you will derive from kicking the habit. Stick it onto your bedroom dresser, in your wallet, or on the refrigerator, wherever you can walk to it whenever your resolve weakens.

Finally, don't get discouraged while following these guidelines.

Remember: Quitting does require persistence.

Brain - Blood clot

You could save a life.

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters.... S.T.R .

My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a party, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (they offered to call ambulance)

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.)

She had suffered a stroke at the party. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.. It only takes a minute to read this....

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Remember the "3" steps, STR .. Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.

The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions :

S * Ask the individual to SMILE .

T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg "It is sunny out today").

R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE : Another 'sign' of a stroke is

1. Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue.

2. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

TALK ABOUT DIET

Diet Questions Answered

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
And remember:&nb sp;
'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO! What a Ride'

AND......

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the fi nal wo rd on nutrition and health.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION

Eat and d rink w hat you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Clean Air-Conditioners keep diseases at bay

Bronchial allergies, asthma, ear infections, recurrent cold and dry cough are rampant in UAE and are increasing at an alarming rate mainly due to dirty air-conditioning systems, say experts.

"Since the ACs are operational 24 hours a day during summer, it is vital that the filters are properly cleaned up so as to prevent infectious diseases such as cold, coughs and allergies," suggested Salman Mohammed, a general practitioner based in Sharjah.

He said, "Use of ACs is compulsory in homes, but for people suffering from allergies particular care needs to be taken. People with asthma, allergy or ENT problems are most at risk."

"Due to the intense heat in the summer months, it is natural that the ACs are working full time in homes. But it is vital that we keep them extremely clean so that we do not end up falling ill," he added.

According to experts, proper AC maintenance means keeping the indoor air free of biological contaminants which can cause health problems.

"Unclean air-conditioners are a prevalent cause of common diseases such as flu, cough, allergy and fever as AC ducts encourage growth of moulds," said Dubai-based ENT specialist Dr M. Shukla.

He said that children need to have extra protection against moulds since during summer they spend much of their time indoors.

Commenting on the central air-conditioning system, Dr Shukla said that oversized or improperly designed system can create enough moisture that leads to mould growth. "People living in centrally air-conditioned accommodations can have a stuffy nose, eye irritation, wheezing or skin irritation," he adds.

"Mildew is found in ducts of cooling systems. Other than that, dust mites and their waste are the most common agents in indoor air which cause allergies," he explained.

In order to take measures and avoid allergy, you might need to lower humidity in your home, suggests Dr Khan.

Scientific studies have proved that in-house pollution is much more dangerous to health than what we face outdoors.

It is because, fungal and dust particles are in higher concentration indoors," says general practitioner Dr R Gupta. Lack of cross ventilation along with wall-to-wall carpeting in most houses worsens the problem, he adds.

Malikka, a housewife, said that her two-year-old daughter was constantly falling sick. "I was unable to understand the cause of her illness since I made sure that she ate well and all cleanliness was maintained," she explained.

"Eventually, doctors discovered that she was probably suffering from some allergy. Finally, we zeroed in on the AC and had it cleaned out," says Malikka.

"Now we make it a point to have it cleaned regularly."

While precautionary measures like avoiding carpets, furry materials and opening the windows and doors for at least an hour daily can be taken, regular cleaning of the air conditioners is needed to prevent the problem, said Dr Gupta.

Another resident, 34-year-old Fazila Mahmoud, remarked that doctors could not pinpoint the reason when on several occasions her eyes turned red and she sneezed a lot.

"My condition worsens when I am exposed to cold and then hot places and vice versa, or it can be sparked off by some perfumes," she says, adding that she suspects the unclean air conditioning systems to be one of the causes..