How To Reduce High Blood Pressure With Help of Diet?

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 According to National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. High blood pressure can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and other health problems.

Sound scary is it not? A healthy diet and an active lifestyle help you to maintain a normal blood pressure. Recently researchers have found that isoflavones can help to lower the blood pressure.

Isoflavones is found in soy milk, tofu, green tea and peanuts. If you consume them on a daily basis it will be good for your blood pressure. You can very well combine these foods along with DASH diet. A DASH diet is one which is high in fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy and whole grains.

How does the isoflavones work? The isoflavones increase the production of enzymes that create nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps to widen the blood vessels which reduce the blood pressure. Now let us see some foods which greatly reduce blood pressure.

1.    Celery- contains pthalides which relaxes artery walls and reduce blood pressure.

2.    Cold water fish- contains omega 3 fatty acids which is a natural blood thinner.

3.    Broccoli- contains fiber, potassium, calcium and magnesium and vitamin C. All these help to reduce blood pressure.

4.    Whole grains- especially oats which contains fiber and magnesium considered to be heart friendly and oats also reduce plaque buildup that occurs in blood vessels.

5.    Black beans- posses’ fiber and magnesium and also folate. The specialty of folate is that it reduces systolic blood pressure.

6.    Berries- Blue berries, rasp berries and straw berries help to lower blood pressure as they are packed with fiber, vitamin C and potassium.

How to Have a Healthy and a Beautiful Skin?

 Skin is the largest organ in the body and it is the most visible one. A healthy and glowing skin will definitely bring a bouquet of compliments your way. But you have to do some ground work in order to boast about a beautiful skin. A healthy diet is a must for problem free skin.
 
Low fat diary products contain lots of vitamin A. According to nutritionists the health of skin depends on the dietary vitamin A. You can also include a whole range of berries in your diet examples include black berries, blue berries, straw berries and plums. They contain antioxidants which protect the skin from the attack of free radicals.
 
Now these free radicals can be said as the enemies of skin health. They damage the membrane of skin cells and leads to premature aging. On the other hand antioxidants protect the skin from premature aging.
 
Salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seeds contain essential fatty acids which are essential for the proper maintenance of healthy skin. Selenium which increases the health of skin is found in whole wheat, bread, cereals, tuna and Brazil nuts.
 
Green tea is highly beneficial for the skin it has anti inflammatory properties and helps prevent and reduce skin cancer. Last but not the least water is essential for the skin. A skin which is properly hydrated has a youthful glow.  

Healthy lifestyle coupled with healthy food practices will definitely turn heads and bring compliments your way seeking the secret of your beautiful skin.

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Health Benefits of Tea

A hot cup of tea on a cold winter evening after a hard day’s work livens up your senses, gives you that extra energy and charges your batteries. There is more to the cup of tea than you think. Make yourself a nice hot cup of tea and enjoy as you read this article.

Tea boasts of a host of health benefits. There is white tea, green tea and herbal tea to make your day. Tea may reduce heart attack and stroke. It helps the artery to remain clog free and thereby reduces heart attacks.

Not only this tea protects your bones, increases immunity, increases metabolism, keeps your body hydrated and tea contains tannins and fluoride that prevents plaque formation in the teeth.

Now let’s look at the significance of green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols which has the antioxidant properties and help prevent cancer. Green tea antioxidants called catechins fights free radicals that damage DNA. The free radicals also contribute cancer, blood clots and atherosclerosis.

Green tea is processed minimally and so it retains its unique goodness to be specific the catechins particularly the epigallocatechin 3-gallate. Drinking green tea prevents the resurgence of breast cancer, reduces the risk of developing stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer.

Now you are beginning to get what I mean to say isn’t it? Green tea fights obesity and lowers LDL or the bad cholesterol which is great news for the heart. According to a recent study at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia green tea is effective in treating genetic disorder and types of tumors.

A recent study has found out that green tea could modulate the effect of smoking on lung cancer. Thus far we have discussed so much about green tea. White tea also has the great health benefits.

White tea keeps you healthy and makes you look younger. It helps to reduce cancer risk, rheumatoid arthritis and reduces wrinkles. A study conducted at Pace University found out that white tea extract has the prophylactic application in reducing the growth of bacteria that cause staphylococcus infection.

An article in the recent issue of Agricultural Research Magazine states that chamomile tea has the antimicrobial and significant platelet-clumping activity. Peppermint tea has anti microbial, antiviral, strong antioxidant and anti tumor actions and some anti allergenic potential. Hope you have enjoyed your cup of tea. 
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How To Slim Down Naturally?

The most important benefit of loosing weight naturally is that it has no side effects. Artificial weight loss may cause reduced immunity and may result in conditions such as osteoporosis and weaker muscles. The three tactics approved by health professionals for natural weight loss include dietary restriction, exercise and recommended lifestyle changes.

Talking about dietary restriction it is better if you follow a calorie restriction plan. Avoid late night snacks, drink plenty of water, and have a well balanced diet. Including macro nutrients in the following ratio 40% proteins, 40% carbohydrates and 20% fats will also help you to reduce weight naturally.

Another interesting fact is that you can eat apples thrice daily instead of eating any unhealthy snacks. Add honey to your diet instead of sugar and artificial sweeteners it will ensure to bring down your body weight naturally.

A healthy diet plan coupled with proper routine exercise will help to reduce weight. An increased level of physical activity is always good for the body. Making life style changes also helps to see yourself in a new light- a slimmer, fitter and happier you.

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Best Brain Foods That Make You Smarter

If you are smarter you can achieve a lot of success in life. And the good news is that you can definitely become smarter by including certain foods in your diet. These help your brain to work better making you a smarter person.

The five food stuffs are discussed in detail. Have a look.

Wholegrain foods - Whole grains are cereals which have the bran, germ and endosperm intact. These foods reduce the risk of heart disease and improve blood circulation to the brain. Whole wheat consists of fiber, vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids which is essential for the brain. Whole grains reduce body fat, heart diseases and stroke.

Oily fish- They contain fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K. Oily fish are also very good sources of iodine, selenium, calcium, zinc, phosphorous and magnesium. Oily fish contains omega 3 fatty acids which help against depression, reduce the likelihood of heart disease and improves arthritis. But there are concerns regarding the consumption of oily fish. It is advisable to have 1 portion of oily fish a week which rounds up to 140g.

Blue berries- Blue berries are rich in antioxidants and have the potential benefits for the nervous system and brain health. Blue berries can improve memory. It is better to eat raw blueberries because they tend to have a host of nutritional benefits.

Tomatoes- Tomatoes are rich in glutamic acid which is very good for the brain. It helps the brain to control the body effectively which translates into the fact that the body will be prevented from the attack of bacteria and viruses. According to Science Daily tomato genes can be used as a future treatment in gene therapy against brain tumor.

Nuts and chocolates- Nuts enable you to think better by clearing the brain fog clouding the brain. Walnuts are the top nut for brain health because they contain omega 3 fatty acids. In animal studies it was found that resveratrol found in peanuts increases the blood circulation to the brain which reduces stroke. Include a handful of nuts to your diet for optimal brain health.

Chocolates- Cocoa bean which is minimally processed is good for the brain. It improves cognitive abilities and enhances one’s mood. Cocoa beans contain antioxidants, flavonoids and catechins which do wonders for the brain. It would be wise to include dark chocolate in your diet.

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Health Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

According to Wikipedia omega 3 is an essential fatty acid which cannot be produced by the body but is essential for the normal metabolism. Omega 3 fatty acids have a host of health benefits. It reduces abnormal heart rhythms and lowers triglycerides. These triglycerides are harmful substances that cause heart disease.
 
Omega 3 found in fish is very safe to eat. It lowers high blood pressure, strokes and the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Omega 3 fatty acids fight depression, increases brain performance and reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity.
 
It is an excellent food for children. These essential fatty acids reduce the risk of colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. According to Science Daily, omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risk of age related eye diseases and improve mood and behavior. Omega 3 is found highly in the roe of hake, lump sucker and salmon.
 
Omega 3 is found in salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and tuna. But some of them may be contaminated with toxins. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children should always take extra precaution while eating these fish. It would be wise to follow the advice of your family physician.
 
According to WH foods Salmon, walnuts and flax seeds are excellent sources of these fats. Cauliflower, cabbage, Soya beans, tofu, collard greens and Brussels sprouts have very good amount of omega 3 fatty acids in them. 

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How To Cope Up With Anorexia Nervosa?

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Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It leads to excessive weight loss, irrational fear of gaining weight and obsession with one’s figure. Anorexia starts in adolescence and is more prevalent among females than males. That said about 10% of males suffer from anorexia.

It can also be attributed to the much famed size zero culture. Anorexia is a combination of both physical and psychological problem. It may be caused due to genetics, mixed feelings of low self confidence and perfectionism, cultural and social pressures and stressful life events.

As parents if you feel something is disturbing your child or if you find changes in her behavior, better talk about it and seek help. Anorexia if treated early can be managed to a great extent. If untreated it may lead to osteoporosis (thinning of bones), kidney damage, heart problems and sometimes even resulting in death.

As an individual if you are having strange feelings regarding your food habits and body image, confide in someone whom you trust. With the support of family find a specialist and address your health problems.

Work with your therapist on a long term recovery plan and stick to it. The recovery plan may include therapy, nutritional counseling and medical monitoring. You can also find help in online support groups for anorexia.

These are the self-help tips which you can do for yourself. Love yourself for whom you are. Surround yourself with positive, happy and healthy people the way they approach life could benefit you a lot. Make a list of your positive qualities. Emphasize the features which you feel good about yourself.  Stop negative self talk.

Wear comfortable clothes; do not watch your weight, do not read fashion magazines. Be good to yourself and always stay active. Follow a healthy diet plan and identify the triggers which make you feel badly and work on it to overcome it.

Open your eyes and see the world of the people who are suffering due to poverty, war, social and cultural taboos. You will have of plenty of reasons to be thankful about. You will definitely come out of your nutshell and will do your best to help these people in need.

 

Want To Taste a Burger Made of Vegetarian Meat?

Have you ever heard of vegetarian meat? If not, then make yourself comfortable and read this blog. Researchers in the EU-project ‘Like Meat’ have produced a vegetarian meat that is juicy, chewy and long similar to that of real meat.

The vegetarian meat can be made out of wheat, peas, lupin beans, and soya beans. Are you interested in knowing about its preparation? Then read on. Researchers made a solution of water and plant proteins, brought it to a boil and cooled it slowly. This slow cooling helped the plant proteins to form chains which lend the meat a fibrous structure.

The vegetarian meat is expected to be available in the market within one year. Now coming back to the world of real meats, its production is complicated, costly and not Eco-friendly.

To make tasty burgers the cows and pigs must be fed 5 to 8 pounds of grains to make one pound of meat. Ah! That hurts. See, this is a health blog and I am here to scare you a lot.

Eating red meat can increase the risk of heart disease. They are high in saturated fats which in turn raises blood cholesterol. High levels of LDL increase the risk of heart disease.

Red meats also increase the risk of cancer. The saturated fat, carcinogens formed while cooking can increase the cancer risk. But red meat is nutritious always follow a healthy portion size while eating red meat. And for now all of us have to wait for some more time to enjoy the tasty vegetarian meat.

How To Maintain Proper Eye Health?

Suddenly it hit me that eyes are very precious and should be taken care of properly. The first step you have to do is to eat a proper healthy diet. Include lots of green leafy vegetables, fish, eggs, nuts, beans and non-meat protein sources, orange and other citrus fruits.

Omega 3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and vitamins C and E which are found in healthy foods prevent macular degeneration and cataract.

It would be in your best interest if you quit smoking because it leads to cataract, optic nerve damage and macular degeneration. When you step out wear sunglasses it protects your eyes from ultraviolet rays.

If you are a person who sits glued to the computer for long hours then check whether you have the computer vision syndrome.

Your eye speaks volumes about the inner functioning of your body. I will just say the symptoms and the underlying problems.

·      

•  Eye twitching –may be caused by stress

• ·       Pink eye – may be due to bacterial or viral infections

• ·       Bloody eye – high blood pressure

• ·       Bulging eyes – thyroid

• ·       Droopy eyelids – due to aging or rarely brain tumor.

• ·       Pupil abnormalities – may indicate stroke, tumor, syphilis and multiple sclerosis

• ·       Rings on cornea – copper accumulation in brain and liver

• ·       Yellow eyes –diseases of liver

• ·       For little children always check out for large or cloudy eyes and crossed eyes.

Hope I have scared you enough. Now for some measures to take care of your eyes, drink green tea and ensure good lighting when you read. Use anti-glare screen on TV, computer and notebook screens.

Try simple eye exercises like blinking and closing eyes for a few minutes to relax. Look at nature, wash your eyes with cold water and do brisk exercise, it has the positive influence for your eyes.  
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