Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Lower Your Blood Pressure with Vegetable Proteins
As if you need one more reason to jam that grocery cart full of fresh produce, another study produces results that just reinforce what mama always told us: veggies are good for you. Not only are those vegetables cold and crispy and perfect for a summer day, indulging in what is known as “vegetable proteins” can help to stave off heart disease and lower your blood pressure.
Researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago along with a team from the U.K. reviewed data from 4,680 patients living in the U.K., U.S., China, and Japan between the ages of 40 and 59. By finding and isolating an amino acid found in vegetable proteins, they found that a diet rich in this amino acid translates to lowered blood pressure.
This amino acid, called glutamic acid, is found in foods like whole grain rice, pasta, tofu and beans. As of now, the researchers could not indicate whether or not supplements made of glutamic acid would perform in the same way as eating foods that provide this amino acid to the body.
The study, which was published in the recent edition of a journal called Circulation, concluded that a small decrease in blood pressure can be aided by consuming 5 percent more glutamic acid in your diet. This diet recommendation is approved by the American Heart Association, as well as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
While a 5 percent drop may seem small in other facets of life, according to your blood pressure, the overall percentage can reap a large benefit. According to the American Heart Association—who helped publish the findings—an average drop of 1 to 3 units may seem insignificant but if every American lowered their blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) by this amount, over 26,000 lives could be saved from death caused by heart disease or stroke.
One of the traits of glutamic acid is that it enhances the flavor of whole grains, pastas, and vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. The recommended “5-a-day” rule is supposed to protect against heart disease and the researchers think glutamic acid is the reason.
Northwestern University Professor, Jeremiah Stamler, a preventative medicine specialist hopes his study will stress the importance of a regular, healthy diet. Dr. Ian Brown, an epidemiologist and co-author of the study from Imperial College in London, says that while the link may be there, the next step is to finding out how the link between glutamic acid affects blood pressure and overall health in order to proceed positively, “Our new research suggests glutamic acid may partly explain the link between vegetable protein and lower blood pressure. The next steps will be to reproduce this finding in other studies, and investigate how glutamic acid might exert an effect on blood pressure.”
As with most emerging research, follow up studies are necessary to prove the efficacy of the findings and new dietary rules could follow suit. Keep in mind that the “5-a-day” rule with vegetables is a recommendation and although vegetable proteins are important and helpful for slightly lowering at-risk blood pressures, an excess of whole grains and pastas in pursuit of this goal could be unhealthy and all diets should be nutritionally balanced.
Researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago along with a team from the U.K. reviewed data from 4,680 patients living in the U.K., U.S., China, and Japan between the ages of 40 and 59. By finding and isolating an amino acid found in vegetable proteins, they found that a diet rich in this amino acid translates to lowered blood pressure.
This amino acid, called glutamic acid, is found in foods like whole grain rice, pasta, tofu and beans. As of now, the researchers could not indicate whether or not supplements made of glutamic acid would perform in the same way as eating foods that provide this amino acid to the body.
The study, which was published in the recent edition of a journal called Circulation, concluded that a small decrease in blood pressure can be aided by consuming 5 percent more glutamic acid in your diet. This diet recommendation is approved by the American Heart Association, as well as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
While a 5 percent drop may seem small in other facets of life, according to your blood pressure, the overall percentage can reap a large benefit. According to the American Heart Association—who helped publish the findings—an average drop of 1 to 3 units may seem insignificant but if every American lowered their blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) by this amount, over 26,000 lives could be saved from death caused by heart disease or stroke.
One of the traits of glutamic acid is that it enhances the flavor of whole grains, pastas, and vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. The recommended “5-a-day” rule is supposed to protect against heart disease and the researchers think glutamic acid is the reason.
Northwestern University Professor, Jeremiah Stamler, a preventative medicine specialist hopes his study will stress the importance of a regular, healthy diet. Dr. Ian Brown, an epidemiologist and co-author of the study from Imperial College in London, says that while the link may be there, the next step is to finding out how the link between glutamic acid affects blood pressure and overall health in order to proceed positively, “Our new research suggests glutamic acid may partly explain the link between vegetable protein and lower blood pressure. The next steps will be to reproduce this finding in other studies, and investigate how glutamic acid might exert an effect on blood pressure.”
As with most emerging research, follow up studies are necessary to prove the efficacy of the findings and new dietary rules could follow suit. Keep in mind that the “5-a-day” rule with vegetables is a recommendation and although vegetable proteins are important and helpful for slightly lowering at-risk blood pressures, an excess of whole grains and pastas in pursuit of this goal could be unhealthy and all diets should be nutritionally balanced.
Learning to Surf the Internet Gives Brain a Boost
In recent years, new technologies have allowed scientists to gain a greater understanding of how the human brain ages and why, to pinpoint the parts of the brain that function or fail as a person ages, to predict when an older person is in the early stages of cognitive decline, and to find effective ways to prevent this decline. Previous studies have shown that mental exercise, especially learning new things or pursuing intellectually stimulating activities can increase the efficiency of cognitive processing and preserve mental functions. And scientists say learning to surf the Internet may be the latest way to exercise the mind and keep it strong.
A new study shows older adults who learn to search for information online experience a surge of activity in key decision-making and reasoning centers of the brain. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles compared brain activity in different regions of the brain in 24 healthy adults aged 55 to 78. Prior to the study, half the participants used the Internet daily, while the other half had very little experience.
An initial brain scan of those with little Internet experience showed brain activity in the regions controlling language, reading, memory and visual abilities. After the first scan, participants went home where they conducted Internet searches for one hour a day for a total of seven days over a two-week period. These searches involved using the web to answer questions about various topics by visiting different websites and obtaining information.
A second brain scan conducted on participants with minimal online experience after the home Internet searches demonstrated activity of the same regions of the brain as the first scan, but there was also activity in the middle frontal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus, areas of the brain known to be important in working memory and decision making—activity patterns very similar to those seen in the group of experienced Internet users.
The results suggest Internet training and searching online could potentially enhance brain function and cognition in older adults. “We found that for older people with minimal experience, performing Internet searches for even a relatively short period of time can change brain activity patterns and enhance function,” Dr. Gary Small, a professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, said in a news release. Previous research by the UCLA team found that searching online resulted in a more than twofold increase in brain activation in older adults with prior experience, compared with those with little Internet experience.
Most experts now embrace the “use-it-or-lose-it” approach to brain functioning. “We found a number of years ago that people who engaged in cognitive activities had better functioning and perspective than those who did not,” said Dr. Richard Lipton, a professor of neurology and epidemiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and director of the Einstein Aging Study. “Our study is often referenced as the crossword-puzzle study —that doing puzzles, writing for pleasure, playing chess and engaging in a broader array of cognitive activities seem to protect against age-related decline in cognitive function and also dementia.”
The UCLA...University of California Los Angeles...team says additional studies are needed to help identify aspects of online searching that generate the greatest levels of brain activation, as well as the impact of the Internet on younger individuals.
The findings were presented October 19 at the meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Chicago, Illinois.
A new study shows older adults who learn to search for information online experience a surge of activity in key decision-making and reasoning centers of the brain. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles compared brain activity in different regions of the brain in 24 healthy adults aged 55 to 78. Prior to the study, half the participants used the Internet daily, while the other half had very little experience.
An initial brain scan of those with little Internet experience showed brain activity in the regions controlling language, reading, memory and visual abilities. After the first scan, participants went home where they conducted Internet searches for one hour a day for a total of seven days over a two-week period. These searches involved using the web to answer questions about various topics by visiting different websites and obtaining information.
A second brain scan conducted on participants with minimal online experience after the home Internet searches demonstrated activity of the same regions of the brain as the first scan, but there was also activity in the middle frontal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus, areas of the brain known to be important in working memory and decision making—activity patterns very similar to those seen in the group of experienced Internet users.
The results suggest Internet training and searching online could potentially enhance brain function and cognition in older adults. “We found that for older people with minimal experience, performing Internet searches for even a relatively short period of time can change brain activity patterns and enhance function,” Dr. Gary Small, a professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, said in a news release. Previous research by the UCLA team found that searching online resulted in a more than twofold increase in brain activation in older adults with prior experience, compared with those with little Internet experience.
Most experts now embrace the “use-it-or-lose-it” approach to brain functioning. “We found a number of years ago that people who engaged in cognitive activities had better functioning and perspective than those who did not,” said Dr. Richard Lipton, a professor of neurology and epidemiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and director of the Einstein Aging Study. “Our study is often referenced as the crossword-puzzle study —that doing puzzles, writing for pleasure, playing chess and engaging in a broader array of cognitive activities seem to protect against age-related decline in cognitive function and also dementia.”
The UCLA...University of California Los Angeles...team says additional studies are needed to help identify aspects of online searching that generate the greatest levels of brain activation, as well as the impact of the Internet on younger individuals.
The findings were presented October 19 at the meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Chicago, Illinois.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The top five nutrients for healthy skin
"Your skin is the fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions, from psoriasis to acne to aging, are the manifestations of your body's internal needs, including its nutritional needs," says Dr. Georgiana Donadio, founder of the National Institute of Whole Health.
Recent research has shown that the skin reacts particularly well to certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish the skin, making it appear youthful and healthy. The following nutrients are among the very best to consume for healthy, young-looking skin:
Silica:
Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the body's connective tissues - muscles, tendons, hair, ligaments, nails, cartilage, and bone - and is vital for healthy skin. Silica deficiency can result in reduced skin elasticity and can hamper the body's ability to heal wounds. Food sources of silica include leeks, green beans, garbanzo beans, strawberries, cucumber, mango, celery, asparagus and rhubarb. In its natural form, silica is found in the horsetail herb. Silica is also available as a concentrated liquid supplement from Eidon Ionic Minerals....
Zinc:
The mineral zinc is an important component of healthy skin, especially for acne sufferers. In fact, acne itself may be a symptom of zinc deficiency. Zinc acts by controlling the production of oil in the skin, and may also help control some of the hormones that create acne. Zinc is also required for proper immune system function, as well as for the maintenance of vision, taste, and smell. Zinc consumption is also strongly linked to a reduction of prostate cancer.
Foods rich in zinc include fresh oysters, pumpkin seeds, ginger, pecans, Brazil nuts, oats, and eggs. Zinc can be purchased in supplement form, in both liquid concentrates and tablets.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Dry, inflamed skin or skin that suffers from the frequent appearance of whiteheads or blackheads can benefit from supplementing with essential fatty acids (EFAs), especially omega-3s. EFAs are responsible for skin repair, moisture content, and overall flexibility, but because the body cannot produce its own EFAs, they must be obtained through the diet.
The typical American diet is overabundant in omega-6 fatty acids found in baked goods and grains, and lacking in omega-3s, found in cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel, as well as flaxseeds and safflower oil. Simply balancing the intake of omega-3s with omega-6s can result in smoother, younger-looking skin. EFAs are also available in supplement form - such as fish oil capsules or evening primrose oil - and are effective at treating a wide range of disorders, from depression and cancer to arthritis and heart disease. Good sources of omega-3 oils include chia seeds, flax seeds and, for non-vegetarians, wild-harvested fish oils. A reputable supplier of fish oils is Nordic Naturals .....
Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant mineral responsible for tissue elasticity. It also acts to prevent cell damage by free radicals and is will known to be correlated with a reduction of breast cancer risk. It may play an important role in preventing skin cancer, as it can protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light.
Dietary sources of selenium include wheat germ, seafood such as tuna and salmon, garlic, Brazil nuts, eggs, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread. Brazil nuts are perhaps the best source, and eating just 3-4 Brazil nuts per day provides adequate selenium intake for most people. A good source of raw brazil nuts is www.RawFood.com
Vitamins C, E and A: Vitamin C is highly effective at reducing free radical damage, such as that caused by overexposure to the sun or pollution. Free radicals consume collagen and elastin - the fibers that support skin structure - and can cause wrinkles and other signs of premature aging. Vitamin C is especially effective at protecting the skin from overexposure to the sun when combined with vitamin E. Foods high in vitamin C include acerola (a cherry-like fruit), red and green bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley, collard greens, turnips, and broccoli.
Wherever possible, consumers are advised to get their vitamin C from a whole food source, and not to confuse synthetic vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with the real thing from plants (which is full spectrum vitamin C that goes way beyond ascorbic acid). A good source of whole food vitamins is Botani (http://www.alohabay.com/botani/inde...)
In terms of topical applications of vitamin C for your skin, there's nothing on the market that even comes close to a product called Camu C Serum manufactured by the Amazon Herb Company which is made from Camu Camu berries -- the highest natural source of full-spectrum vitamin C.
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin. When combined with vitamin A, vitamin E is especially effective at preventing certain skin cancers. Vitamin E also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and, when applied topically, soothes dry or rough skin. Food sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, safflower and sunflower oils, almonds, spinach, peaches, prunes, tomatoes, cabbage, asparagus, and avocados.
Avoid synthetic vitamin E supplements, as they have been shown to actually harm health. Only consume natural vitamin E from a reputable source such as the Life Extension Foundation (www.LEF.org)
Vitamin A promotes proper repair and maintenance of the skin, and deficiencies can result in a dry, flaky complexion. Topical vitamin A treatments are often used to treat acne and other skin ailments. Foods high in vitamin A include liver, chili peppers, dandelion, carrots, apricots, collard greens, kale, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cantaloupe.
It's best to consume vitamin A from natural food sources rather than supplementing it, as vitamin A can be harmful if taken in excessive amounts in supplement form (vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin). You may also wish to consider taking beta carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A and has none of the overdose concerns of vitamin A.
source::::::(www.NordicNaturals.com) ........................... (www.eidon.com)
Quotes
Little was enough
A famous poet ELIOT said:
“When u get little
You want more,
When u get more,
You desire even more,
but when u lose it, u realize
LITTLE was enough”
Not using your smile
“If you are not using your smile,
Then you are a person
with million dollars in the bank
having no cheque book”
(Shakespeare)
Never too late 2 change
V make thm cry who care 4 us,
V cry 4 those who never care 4 us
n we care 4 those who ll never cry 4 us.
Ths is d truth of life, its strange bt true.
once v realize it, its never too late 2 change
Give everything 2 enjoy life
Man to God:
“Please Give Me ‘Everything’
So That I Can Enjoy ‘Life’…”
God Smiled And Replied:
“I Have Given You
‘Life’To Enjoy ‘Everything’…
The best time
The
Best
Time
To
Do
Something
Significant
Is
Between
Yesterday
And
Tomorrow
Our thoughts will be
“Our Thoughts Will be
Devoted To The
Knowledge Of
HUMANITY
Our Affections
To Her Love ,
Our Actions
To Her Service …”
~ Auguste Comte ~
No one sets the limit for u
Ur sky is as much as u’d want to reach,
ur life is as lonely as u’d like to make;
Ur joy is as much as u decide to feel,
ur nite is as long as you decide to wake.
No one sets the limit for u,
no one can etch the span of the sky,
all u need to do is rise,
spread ur wings & decide to fly.
Never expect things to happen
Never expect things to happen..
struggle and make them happen.
never expect yourself to be given a good value
create a value of your own.
A famous poet ELIOT said:
“When u get little
You want more,
When u get more,
You desire even more,
but when u lose it, u realize
LITTLE was enough”
Not using your smile
“If you are not using your smile,
Then you are a person
with million dollars in the bank
having no cheque book”
(Shakespeare)
Never too late 2 change
V make thm cry who care 4 us,
V cry 4 those who never care 4 us
n we care 4 those who ll never cry 4 us.
Ths is d truth of life, its strange bt true.
once v realize it, its never too late 2 change
Give everything 2 enjoy life
Man to God:
“Please Give Me ‘Everything’
So That I Can Enjoy ‘Life’…”
God Smiled And Replied:
“I Have Given You
‘Life’To Enjoy ‘Everything’…
The best time
The
Best
Time
To
Do
Something
Significant
Is
Between
Yesterday
And
Tomorrow
Our thoughts will be
“Our Thoughts Will be
Devoted To The
Knowledge Of
HUMANITY
Our Affections
To Her Love ,
Our Actions
To Her Service …”
~ Auguste Comte ~
No one sets the limit for u
Ur sky is as much as u’d want to reach,
ur life is as lonely as u’d like to make;
Ur joy is as much as u decide to feel,
ur nite is as long as you decide to wake.
No one sets the limit for u,
no one can etch the span of the sky,
all u need to do is rise,
spread ur wings & decide to fly.
Never expect things to happen
Never expect things to happen..
struggle and make them happen.
never expect yourself to be given a good value
create a value of your own.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Dehydration nd its effects
What is dehydration?
The majority of the body is made up of water, with up to 75% of the body's weight due to H2O. Most of the water is found within the cells of the body (intracellular space). The rest is found in what is referred to as the extracellular space, which consists of the blood vessels (intravascular space) and the spaces between cells (interstitial space).
Total body water = intracellular space + intravascular space + interstitial space
Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The body is very dynamic and always changing. This is especially true with water in the body. We lose water routinely when:
we breathe and humidified air leaves the body;
we sweat to cool the body; and
we urinate or have a bowel movement to rid the body of waste products.
In a normal day, a person has to drink a significant amount of water to replace this routine loss.
If intravascular (within the blood vessels) water is lost, the body can compensate somewhat by shifting water from cells into the blood vessels, but this is a very short-term solution. Signs and symptoms of dehydration will occur quickly if the water is not replenished.
The body is able to monitor the amount of fluid it needs to function. The thirst mechanism signals the body to drink water when the body is dry. As well, hormones like anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) work with the kidney to limit the amount of water lost in the urine when the body needs to conserve water.
What causes dehydration?
Dehydration occurs because there is too much water lost, not enough water taken in, or most often a combination of the two.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the most common reason a person loses excess water. A significant amount of water can be lost with each bowel movement. Worldwide, more than four million children die each year because of dehydration from diarrhea.
Vomiting: Vomiting can also be a cause of fluid loss and it is difficult for a person to replace water by drinking it if they are unable to tolerate liquids.
Sweat: The body can lose significant amounts of water when it tries to cool itself by sweating. Whether the body is hot because of the environment (for example, working in a warm environment), intense exercising in a hot environment, or because a fever is present due to an infection; the body uses a significant amount of water in the form of sweat to cool itself. Depending upon weather conditions, a brisk walk will generate up to 16 ounces of sweat (a pound of water).
Diabetes: In people with diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels cause sugar to spill into the urine and water then follows, which can cause significant dehydration. For this reason, frequent urination and excessive thirst are among the symptoms of diabetes.
Burns: Burn victims become dehydrated because water seeps into the damaged skin. Other inflammatory diseases of the skin are also associated with fluid loss.
Inability to drink fluids: The inability to drink adequately is the other potential cause of dehydration. Whether it is the lack of availability of water or the lack of strength to drink adequate amounts, this, coupled with routine or extraordinary water losses can compound the degree of dehydration.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
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