http://www.healthzine.org/feed/ Healthzine.org - Nutrition http://www.healthzine.org/ Every day new articles and updated info on all your health, beauty and fitness concerns. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:38:06 +0200 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:38:06 +0200 Indulge And Be Surprised At The Results Of Healthy Weight Loss http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/reach-and-maintain-your-ideal-weight http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/reach-and-maintain-your-ideal-weight Obesity is a major problem worldwide, and although most Americans find their waistlines to increasingly expand year after year, there are a few who still manage to stay fit and trim throughout their lives. And to my opinion these are the people who capture the limelight of attention wherever they go, because they never look the way they age. Amazing right? How they do it was the core question of the recently Consumer Reports Investigation who seeks to investigate if these few are genetically gifted, or whether they simply have with them a bottle of the fountain of youth. And amazingly it was found that their secret is in vegetables. This is how you reach and maintain your <a href=’http://www.flabandfataway.com/’ target=’_blank’>ideal weight</a>. As we all know, being obese poses a lot of dangers with regards to our health, and as a solution we need to lose fat right? But how do we do trim down, that we do not give danger to ourselves. The answer is simple; I call it “Healthy Weight Loss!” It’s basically a vegetarian weight loss that’s easy to do and safe, because unlike other weight loss diet, that can lead to heart attacks and other scary illnesses this healthy weight loss only aims to trim you down to a level you call your ideal body. Simply because this diet plan aims to trim you down in a healthy way. The logic in here is that fruits and vegetables are low in calories, but high in volume and most importantly fruits and vegetables are high in terms of the nutrients that’s needed by the body. The best part of this healthy weight loss plan is that when you consume fruits and vegetables; these foods will provide you the feeling of satisfaction which goes hand in hand with the feeling of fullness. Because when your stomach is filled with high volume foods which is not high in calories, then there would be lesser room to fill for foods high in calories. As you do this healthy weight loss, you slowly turn off your cravings for other foods and in a way you can also put a stop in your food addiction cycle. It’s really simple actually; nature has built into us the desire to eat because we need to provide our body with nutrition so that it will function well and needless to say maintain itself. So if you choose to eat foods that do not contain the right nutrients that’s needed, then the body will continue to send the signal to eat some more, so as to fill the nutrients that your body needs. On the other hand fruits and vegetables are nutrition’s powerhouse, they contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fibers, proteins and antioxidants that the body needs to avoid from getting sick. So when they are eaten the body becomes satisfied and signal to eat more is stopped. This becomes healthy weight loss. So to achieve healthy weight loss, your intake of fruits and veggies should be increased, because these food groups make up the largest single block of food in the diet, and of course with other foods as an addition, taken in smaller amounts. When you do this, you will begin to see a bigger difference in yourself and energy level. So go on indulge and be surprised. Because with healthy weight loss you will surely love to see the new you, best of all you become healthy inside as well as outside. It’s the best gift you can give yourself. Stay healthy! About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:52:14 +0200 Grab The Admirable Characteristics Of Spirulina Part2 http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/The-Admirable-Characteristics http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/The-Admirable-Characteristics Yesterday I talked about the admirable characteristics of Spirulina and the father who gave a great testimony about the said powerful herb. Today let me discuss the origin of this so called nature’s perfect food, as well as its other benefits. First let me surprise you all by saying that Spirulina’s attestation dates back to at least three billion years ago. Amazing isn’t it? You see guys Spirulina as I have said yesterday is a blue-green algae that has been present here on earth since time immemorial, it is estimated to have been around for the past 3.6 billion years, why? Because these blue-green algae were the earth’s producer of oxygen found in the atmosphere. To add some more information about this wonderful gift from nature; this herb contains almost every nutrient that life needs to evolve through life’s diversity here on earth. Have you ever wondered why Spirulina is colored blue-green? Well, because of my fascination to this alga, I made some research and found out that the pigment that gives it color is called phycocyanin. This pigment covering is surprisingly related to human pigment called bilirubin, which is very important because it promotes healthy liver functions. I know of a place whose past people uses this power herb; we now call the place Mexico, it is documented that the use of Spirulina dates back to the days of the Aztecs which is over many centuries ago. In the recent past, millions of people use this powerful herb as a health food; they include this herb into their diet. It is no wonder that the UN and the WHO recommends Spirulina as a daily part of our diet; Even NASA chose Spirulina as an aid to enrich the diets of astronauts in their outer space missions. Why? Simply because this power herb is loaded with vitamins and minerals, plus essential amino acids and antioxidants that they need in order to survive. I must say that I am a fan of this wonder herb, because I am a user myself. And to me this little tablet is a life saver because it is a sustainable food that offers more nutrition per acre than any other nutritional tablets endorsed in the market. And because of the herbs popularity plus its proven fact’s, Big name companies like the popular DXN International Private Limited, or Fuqing King Dharmsa Spirulina Co.,Ltd has made a health product that it’s main ingredient is solely Spirulina. Here are more of the admirable characteristics of Spirulina; it will provide the user 20 times more of “complete” proteins per acre which is far more than what soy beans can offer, it can also provide 200 time more than what beef and other meat products can give, plus it contains (8) eight essential amino acids, thus making it an excellent and perfect choice for people who does not want to consume animal proteins. Moreover it is essentially rich in enzymes, phosphorus, chlorophyll, calcium, potassium and magnesium that’s really needed by people wanting to be healthy. To add more of this herb amazing attributes; this power pill has a vast range of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E and the antioxidant minerals of selenium copper, iron and zinc. More amazing is that, its antioxidant capabilities have been proven to reduce the effects of free radicals. And that’s not all; it has also been proven to reduce the levels of kidney toxicity which is the result of consuming pharmaceutical drugs. As a health coach I have never seen such health food that is near perfection other than spirulina, it is indeed a miracle of nature. I can finally say that there is an herb that has a nutritional profile that can clearly replace many expensive supplements, with a research profile that is solely dedicated to the “giving” of wellness and good health to its users. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:41:01 +0200 Grab The Admirable Characteristics Of Spirulina Part1 http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/admirable-characteristics-of-Spirulina http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/admirable-characteristics-of-Spirulina In one of the seminars that I’ve attended, none can beat the seminar regarding about Spirulina. Of course all of them are informative and beneficial, but I can never forget this particular seminar; the reason behind this is that, a father cried while sharing his testimony on how Spirulina saved the life of his only son. To narrate his story; He said that when his son was six months old, his son got sick of a very strange sickness, the red blood cells of his son is decreasing, and many doctors have been consulted as well, it even came to a point that the RBC count of his son nearly went below a hundred which is very fatal; He was so worried that he prayed for a miracle, which came in a form of a diarrhea which boosted up his sons rbc as the body’s usual action, and a tablet, a Spirulina Tablet. And Lo and behold after a week of this miracle herb his son’s condition got better, and the RBC count went to a surprising 130.1 which is a lot better compared to a 102.1 count. In short this miracle of nature has a very high iron content, if you ask me this power herb can be an answer to people with low RBC count like Anemia. So allow me to share a little information about this wonder herb in which I call as a Life Saver. This powerful herb is a blue green-algae and is being developed as a food for the future simply because of its ability to synthesize very high-quality foods. One of the notable characteristics of the spirulina tablet is that it is 65 to 71 percent complete protein. More amazing facts are it has all essential amino acids which is in perfect balance. Another best thing about this powerful tablet is, it is one of the few plant sources with vitamin B12, usually found only in animal tissues. It is no surprise that this herb is now popularly converted to food supplements because it is nearly a complete nutrition tablet. This wonder herb works best also if you are on a healthy diet. You see healthy eating works well if the person itself does healthy eating, but if paired with this tablet then the results are surprising, why? Because you are converting the foods you eat into healthy foods, this is because of the tablets many nutritional attributes; just imagine, a teaspoon of this wonder herb will give you more than twice the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12. One very admirable characteristics of Spirulina is that it is also a brain food. One very good example of this is my personal experience with this wonder herb, You see, when I was attending this seminar, we were given a sample tablet of spirulina in which I immediately took after hearing some of the information’s and testimonials given. The reason for this was, at that very moment I was so stressed and feeling dizzy; surprisingly after I took the tablet it made my body feel so good that after a few minutes of taking the tablet I was re-energized. In addition Spirulina also provides high concentrations of many other nutrients, like amino acids, enzymes and chelated minerals. Spirulina also contains rhamnose sugars; these are complex and natural plant sugars. Here are some added key features of Spirulina. One 3 gram serving of this wonder herb is equivalent to twice the servings of fresh vegetables. This is one good source of anti-oxidants, vitamins which includes Vitamin A, K, Thiamine B1, Riboflavin B2, and Niacin B3. The Mineral content of Spirulina also includes Iron and Calcium. Lastly, this wonder herb has no overdose, which simply means it’s perfectly safe. I for one believes in the power of this herb, As a matter of fact I use it everyday, try it and be amazed as well. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 4 Mar 2009 09:13:36 +0100 Pregnancy And Nutrition Are Two Worlds Going Hand In Hand http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/pregnancy-and-nutrition-plan http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/pregnancy-and-nutrition-plan Pregnancy entails more responsibility for the woman concerned. It is primarily because it is a scenario of mother and child together, as one. As a woman lives, so does her baby inside her. So she must then take care of herself and her baby. Taking care of herself means taking care of her baby in the same manner. A woman who chooses to take this responsibility must be mindful of her health. Fundamental to health is food and nutrient intake. So what goes for pregnancy and nutrition? Pregnancy and nutrition are two worlds going hand in hand. Pregnancy and nutrition- one has to go with the other. Just as it is with regular nutrition, pregnancy and nutrition differ from one woman to another. Different people have different physical and physiological make-up. So it is with pregnant women. So nutrition for one pregnant woman often varies from another. Pregnancy and nutrition has to do with a woman’s nutrient intake before, during and after gestation. Just how important is nutrition during pregnancy? Nutrient nourishment during the gestation process well determines the future well-being of the conceived child. With sufficient nutrient nourishment during the gestation process, there is reduced childhood mortality rate. Studies have shown that women who had nutrient deficiency during the first 8-week period of being pregnant have increased risks of suffering from disorders. And these irregularities concern not only them but their children as well. As for mothers who has had adequate nutrition intake, their offsprings were shown to have little or no limitations within the womb. That is, they were able to develop with minimal or no irregularities. Pregnancy and nutrition should be a woman’s foremost concern if she want’s to have a healthy baby mentally, emotionally and physically. A woman should take time planning her meals and she should ensure that the foods she eats contain nutrients which boost her health as a woman. She must be particular that her diet sustains her baby’s nutrient needs as well. If you happen to be pregnant, it is best that you get hold of proper guidelines for healthy eating. You can talk to your doctor about your concerns about your nutrition. The right food choices and healthy eating habits are within the pregnancy and nutrition plan. Weight management is also an issue. Overweight or obesity is unhealthy for non-pregnant women. The same goes for pregnant women. If you happen to be overweight and pregnant, ask your doctors for measures to help you lose weight. Skipping meals or starving is not recommended during pregnancy. These are not recommended measures for losing weight. But on the other hand, you ought to be mindful of the foods you eat. Fruits and vegetables remain to be fundamentals. Also healthy beverages such as water and all natural fruit juice. Junk foods is a major health havoc, especially during pregnancy. Garbage you eat is garbage which your baby ingests. Not to mention that junk food causes you to gain weight. Weight gain can cause problems during pregnancy. As an expecting mother, it’s best to keep in mind that your health plays a crucial role in your baby’s health, and its future. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:16:28 +0100 Holiday Foods Not To Be Merry About http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/holiday-foods http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/holiday-foods Who wouldn’t love the holidays. What season can be as festive and merry indeed. Family, friends and colleagues getting together, savoring the splendor of the time of the year. And of course tis’ season to be jolly will not be so without foods- holiday foods. In the midst of the plenteous fare you can’t help but indulge. Amid the bounty of holiday foods, who could ever think of practicing moderation. But if you happen to be a mindful dieter, you ought not forget your standing. Keep perching on your mind the sweetly stabbing words “A moment on the lips, but forever on the hips”. These are lexis to live by during the holiday season. You may have been an adhering health enthusiast all throughout the year. “A healthy diet and regular exercise”, cliché as they are may have been a lifestyle for you. So you think, it’s the holidays. Time for me to have a break and simply celebrate. But perhaps you should consider that much of healthful trudge you have taken throughout can be undone by a few weeks’ immoderation towards the end of the year. So then and here, best that you bear in mind that the holidays can be jolly without you getting baggy when the next year starts. Perhaps you should consider staying away from certain holiday foods, or else have them minimally. For instance the sweet potato casserole. Sweet potatoes generally are healthful and nutritious food. Taken as they are without hefty blends, it is a dish containing beta carotene and a host of vitamins. But apparently, the healthfully nourishing sweet potato casserole becomes somewhat desecrated when turned into holiday food. This otherwise healthy vegetable dish becomes smothered with mallows, brown sugar, butter and empty calorie trimmings. Even regular potatoes themselves are converted into noxious provisions during the holidays. To the health and diet, that is. They are dappled with cream and butter until they become a peril to your fitness plan. For those planning on preparing potatoes for the season’s celebration, a healthier substitute for cream and butter would be chicken broth. Chicken stock can also serve as flavor enhancer for other dishes. Then there is the scrumptious combination of sugar, heavy cream and alcohol which is eggnog. Flavorsome this festive libation may be but it packs nearly 400 calories. Imagine the ample time you’d need to work with the treadmill to burn off such excess. If eggnog simply cannot be let alone, then perhaps you should rein on your other indulgences. Anything fried with cheese is another list on the menu preferably passed up. Savor the thought of a salty combination of cheese along with certain fried carbohydrates, but better not let it anywhere near your palate. These delectable comfort foods may bring fond memories, but don’t spoil the future with it. You ought to bring lightweight baggage with you in the coming year—mind and body- wise. The holidays are for celebrating, but it doesn’t necessarily mean unhealthy indulgence. Other than holiday foods, the festivity of the season can be lavished with the merriest of company and the cheeriest of laughter. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 2 Dec 2008 16:11:35 +0100 Oooomph Your Way To A Livelier Day With Energy Foods http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/energy-foods http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/energy-foods You do it casually everyday- regularly - to the point that it may have become mechanical. And lucky you indeed if you have the privilege to do it regularly. Especially if it is done with the most appropriate and appealing “effects”. Yes, it is something as simple as eating. So you eat everyday, and you eat food. But more than just eating, you have to be mindful of the foods that you eat. You have to make the right food choices, not merely on what is agreeable to your palate, but those which will benefit your health. In making the right food choices, you primarily have to consider your goal. For most (healthy) people, the fundamental purpose of eating is to fuel the body. For the body to function as a system. But again, more than allowing your body to at least move, your food choices should boost you as a whole. To give you strength, vigor and energy. This is the vital factor- energy. And energy is that which will not only sustain your body but will literally make you live. Energy is crucial for you to move about physically. Your mind needs it, too, for you to be able to think clearly and concentrate. Even to control your moods and emotions. In making the appropriate selection of foods, opt for those which will provide you and boost your energy- choose energy foods. There are those who boost their energy with energy drinks or supplements. But those are supplements and are often designed to augment. To be energetic and to get the needed “push”, devise a diet rich in energy foods, considering the diet is your main source of bodily fuel. And what are some of the most common energy foods? Carb rich foods are some- they can improve your liveliness. You may have noticed they can quite be “heavy”. They should be considering they substantially fill your system up. And so they can easily make you energetic. Try half of a whole wheat English muffin with fruit spread. It can perk up your serotonin levels. And dark chocolate. You might have noticed how it stimulates you when you eat it. It’s because dark chocolate is rich in caffeine and theobromine. These substances can greatly improve your focus and alertness. Fluid filled foods as well are ideal to keep you going. By all means, drink more fluids, too, especially tea. Tea contains caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine. It aids in reducing mental fatigue and improving alertness. Memory will be enhanced as well as your reaction mechanism. Consider fresh produce and foods to give you that refreshing sense of vitality. What to avoid on the other hand? Dry packaged snacks such as pretzels, chips and crackers. If you haven’t been energetic or ever felt like it, perhaps modifications in your diet are needed. Energy can do so much in giving you a more spirited and fulfilling life. With the most suitable diet comprised of energy foods, you will feel more alive physically, mentally and emotionally. You as a person can only then function optimally and live life at its best. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:18:36 +0200 Water And Weight Loss Go Hand In Hand http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/water http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/water I had a weight issue for some time in the past. I developed a condition which caused me to gain weight, and I had make means to be fitter to improve my health. Considering I was in quite a quandary, I knew trimming down was going to be a bit of a struggle for me. But at any cost, I also knew I had to do it- engage in a weight loss program. So I thought, where and how do I start? I thought about cutting out on my calorie intake, or dieting, so to speak. And then I wondered, of all the weight loss diets out there, which one should I keep to? With the barrage of diets in the market, which one will really work for me? I decided on the low carb diet. But with the hectic lifestyle I had been living, I wasn’t able to keep up with the rules. I had no time to prepare the foods recommended in the diet and to be particular about it in general. Having been a bit frustrated, I came upon the thought that I should take it easy. Rather than being so obsessed in going on a certain diet scheme and exerting too much energy being so detailed about it, why not eat normally. By this, it means that I eat when I had to eat- at the right time. I ate the foods that I should eat during meals. But what I was especially wary about is junk food. I limited my consumption of it. And then I took ample amounts of water- a vital element in weight loss. A few weeks or so of going on this “diet”, I began to feel improvements. I didn’t feel so heavy like I used to. There was that certain light and detoxified feeling, and it felt just right. Within that span of time, I also lost several pounds- without so much “effort”. You might be wondering then if water really is effective for weight loss. Do water and weight loss go hand in hand? The answer is yes- water can hasten your means of shedding off pounds and inches. For instance, you might have heard about calorie shifting. Calorie shifting when combined with water produces better and faster results. And generally, calorie shifting is combined with water. But even if you don’t shift calories, drinking water sufficiently can help you trim down, although gradually. Drinking 8 glasses of water daily is recommended not only for losing weight, but for being at the peak of health in general. This health measure is best done rather than drinking sodas, juices and energy drinks. These beverages are processed and unhealthy. Being so, they contain substances which will not beneficial to your health and your weight loss program. Other than water, recommended is tea. Tea can aid you in slimming down and it is best sweetened with honey instead of sugar. From time to time, tea can provide variation. After all, water doesn’t taste like anything. But as much as it is bland, water flushes out toxins from your body. It cleans out your intestines of clogged undigested food. Drinking water adequately helps in getting rid of belly fat, and it’s naturally. In a period of 3 weeks, you can lose 5 pounds by drinking it in the recommended amount. What more if you incorporate water with a proper weight loss program. Being fit and healthy sometimes do not at all entail complications or added expenses. At times it can be had by simply living right. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:26:39 +0200 Stress Nutrition For Health And Well- Being http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/stress-nutrition http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/stress-nutrition There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good stress can sometimes motivate you and make you more productive. But as for bad stress, it can affect the quality of your life, or make it poorer. And then there is more- being too stressed can put your health at risk. This is not only in the physical sense, but mentally and emotionally, too, and this is even worse. There is a lot of truth when people say stress can kill. So at any cost, you have to find time to relax and relieve stress, or otherwise find ways to cope with it. Stress relief tips and measures abound. You can ask about them from your health care provider, research in health magazines and other publications, or else just surf online. So many people are in fact in dire need of those. There is a multitude out there, worrying and scurrying as countless of stressors in different forms can strike. So what are the best ways to cope with a stressful life? Meditation and yoga are two. They are practices which are essentially spiritual in nature and they have holistic benefits. And then there is exercise- a good way to boost the immune system and uplift the mood. Regular exercise also conditions and fortifies the body. And so it is better able to cope with various stressful conditions. More importantly, there’s stress nutrition, otherwise known as the proper diet. Food is that which sustains your body. It fuels your system and gives you energy. What if you feed your body with the wrong nutrition? Or else, what if your body is fed insufficiently? Your body will be affected, primarily with how it functions. With lack of or inappropriate nutrients, your body will become weak. But even more so, your mind and emotions will be negatively affected. You could become irritable, for instance, or even depressed. As for your mental faculties, you will have problems with learning and concentration. You might not be able to think clearly which will have consequences on your daily tasks and obligations. So by all means, provide yourself with the proper nutrition- against stress and illnesses, and for any other threats against your system. A healthy diet can serve to be the best stress nutrition. A balanced meal three times a day can give you health benefits in so many ways. In stress nutrition, certain foods are best avoided. For instance, high in sugar and sodium foods. These can actually cause stress levels to rise. As for women, a major nutrient need is calcium. Women should take time to eat calcium-rich foods, or otherwise take calcium supplements. A person should be mindful of their nutritional choices. If you make poor nutritional choices, your stress levels can increase. Many other health problems can beset you as well. A good stress nutrition program includes a healthy breakfast, lots of fruit and vegetable intake, drinking copious amounts of water, green tea and fruit juices. Fish and nuts are also important in a good stress nutrition plan. With the proper nutrition, you will have enough energy to be on the go. You will not easily get tired, and you can cope with daily challenges. You can meet tight deadlines And stressors in your life will not be so..stressful. Don’t get caught up in the vicious cycle of being too busy to have proper nutrition and then get easily stressed. And then being too stressed to take care of yourself. Provide your body with the fuel and nutrition it needs and only then will it serve you well. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 8 Jul 2008 05:38:51 +0200 The “Queen Of Fruits”— Mangosteen http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/mangosteen http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/mangosteen You’ve probably heard of the fruit, or rather “superfruit” mangosteen. If you haven’t yet, you could find these fun facts about it interesting. Like I said, mangosteen is called as a “superfruit” in many places around the world. And why is this so, you may wonder. Well, just read on. The mangosteen is actually the national fruit of Thailand which makes it a tropical fruit coming from Asia. Chinese medical accounts have acknowledged it dating as far back as the Ming Dynasty. That’s somewhere between 1368 A.D to 1644 A.D. As far as looks go, it’s about the same size as a tangerine. For over hundreds of years, there have been accounts the fruit has been used by tens of thousands of people, and often for medicinal use. Many people all over the world have claimed that it is the best tasting fruit in the world. And more so, world renowned doctors recommend it as a preventive maintenance for the body. The true scientific name of mangosteen is Garcinia Mangostana, and it weighs about 80 to 140 grams. When you open it, you will see that it contains only 2 to 3 seeds. And the mangosteen tree- it can grow to heights up to 75 feet. But before the three can bear the fantastic tasting fruit, it has to be cultivated for up to 10 years. There are two seasons each year when the mangosteen tree bears its fruits. The fruit is in fact so fantastic that it has been labeled “The Food of the Gods” or “The Queen of Fruits”. Even Queen Victoria was said to like it so much being her favorite. The fruit contains 43 of the more than 200 xanthones which can be found in nature. And definitely, it’s rich in antioxidants. The French physician and explorer Laurenties Garcin gave mangosteen its name. Not only is it good for the health being rich in antioxidants, but it’s also used for tanning and dying. The rind or paracarp is used for these purposes. You might think that the mangosteen fruit is a mango, judging from its name, but actually it is not. Superfruit as it is called, you can derive many benefits from mangosteen. Often, these are health benefits other than its good taste. Most people look to packaged and processed products for their needs, even health needs. They often neglect the fact that their bodies are natural, and nature has provided them their needs. When you take time to look around, you could see that the basics and essentials are not even costly. More often, they are the natural things around us, and they can conveniently be had. Fruits and vegetables are perhaps two of the most underrated necessities which people overlook. They have been the basics since then, and they ought to be until now. Natural is the best way to go when it comes to achieving total health. There would be no need for a lot of frills when one keeps to the basics, and the tried and tested. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:39:04 +0200 Making Healthy Foods As Interesting As Can Be http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/healthy-foods1 http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/healthy-foods1 What comes into your mind when you hear the words “healthy foods”? Probably thoughts like bland, boring and uninteresting, right? But such a concept needs to be corrected, or rather your perception shifted on another direction. Think healthy foods and then envision a way to a healthier and better you. It’s none other than the road to better living, and health and fitness. Our society is actually in the midst of a health craze. Everywhere you look there seems to be campaigns for healthy eating and regular exercise. Where there are all sorts of health and fitness regimen. Well this craze is certainly for good. A collective will and consciousness for wellness and well-being. And there are bonus points of course, and that’s looking great. Being fit and trim which would boost one’s self confidence. Healthy foods are an integral part towards the goal of achieving total health. Taking time to nourish yourself with healthy foods means that you are giving your body the right nutrition. And so your body functions efficiently, and you have more energy and vitality. Living becomes full of zest and vigor. All these sound so appealing, and it seems like you’re aiming for a worthy goal, right? But would you really have the enthusiasm to eat healthy foods? Other than cultivating the right attitude, you also have to practice creativity. One of the first things you have to do is cut down on packaged foods. Sure they are convenient, but they are loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients. And such elements can be harmful in the long run. But healthy foods can be convenient, too, if you take the time. And it’s just a minimal amount of time, really. They’re quite easy to prepare- maybe in less than half an hour. What’s more, it doesn’t have to cost you more. Try grilling lean hamburger patties until they are well-cooked. Then place these patties on whole grain and all natural hamburger buns. You now have all-natural, healthy burgers and you can serve them with large tossed salad and steamed green beans on the side. You can follow this easy meal with a nutritious, all natural dessert as well- fresh fruit. This tasty, interesting and heftily nutritious meal can be at your table in less than 30 minutes. It does not take long at all to prepare grilled or baked fish, lean meats or chicken. While the meat is cooking, you can start tossing a salad of fresh greens and vegetables. You could also round out your meals by using fresh or frozen vegetables as an alternative. For variety, try preparing foods which you haven’t eaten before. Check with the produce section of your local grocer and look for exotic fruits and vegetables. There might be recipes at the produce section about how to prepare these exotic fruits and veggies as well. You could also experiment on the many and different fresh herbs to add a different taste to your meals. With all these, you not only get ample proper nutrition but you get to have variety and appeal on your table. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 20 May 2008 10:37:46 +0200 Calcium Carbonate And Your Calcium Supplements http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/calcium-carbonate http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/calcium-carbonate Calcium supplements are among the most essential supplements needed for overall health. When it comes to these supplements, one of their important components is calcium carbonate. This substance, being an alkaline-based salt, is able to control acidity in the stomach. It has to be absorbed in an acidic environment as well, thus, doctors recommend that it is taken after meals. Coral calcium has been found to be the best source of calcium carbonate. Sources of this are fossilized coral reefs above sea level. Salt from these sources are pure and refined. Other than containing adequate amounts of calcium, it has other elements as well. This substance can contribute to good health, especially as it can address the nutrient’s deficiency. Obesity, depression, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are also some of the other conditions that it can alleviate. Coral calcium is regarded as an effective source of calcium carbonate. And in return, this makes for an essential component in making quality supplements. Those found in the island of Okinawa, Japan has been found to be especially beneficial. In terms of improving health and in preventing many degenerative illnesses, coral calcium from this island have been found to be significantly effective. Take the case of Japanese people who take water containing this substance. They are found to have reduced risks for developing coronary heart disease as well as many forms of cancer. What is the recommended dosage when taking the supplement form? For the average man, 1200 mg should be consumed daily. As for menopausal women, they are at greater risk for developing osteoporosis. As such, they need 1500mg of the nutrient daily. This nutrient may not be obtained to the fullest from food alone. That’s why supplementation is needed to augment the nutrient nourishment. Experts have advocated the necessity for taking supplements. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is in fact an inclusion to the food nutrition pyramid. Calcium supplements are helpful for those allergic to milk and other dairy products. Everybody needs calcium to attain better health. If it cannot be obtained from food, then supplements can come to the rescue. These supplements are in fact widely available. They can be had from drug stores and online stores. For any calcium carbonate source, recommended dosage is 2 to 3 tablets a day taken after every meal. These tablets are easily absorbed by the bloodstream and would aid in better digestion. Those with a deficiency are recommended to increase their intake both from the diet and from supplements. The liquid form is also available in the market. They would be useful for the elderly and children under 10 years old. They may contain other nutrients such as Vitamin D and K2. The same can be said with minerals such as potassium, sodium and magnesium. Other than boosting overall health, these minerals also aid in better calcium absorption. It takes being mindful of health measures in order to be at the peak of health. Keeping to a regular exercise, a healthy diet and good quality supplements remain to be the basics. Good health need not be costly. It just entails the resolve and discipline to live a healthy lifestyle. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:59:53 +0200 Adding Appeal To Healthy Foods http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/healthy-foods http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/healthy-foods What attracts you to someone or something? Oftentimes, it is the appearance, right? True, you fall in love with a girl because of her heart. But surely, you must have noticed how she looked first. And in the process of being with this girl, you judge her. Then you get to know her and see if she is good for you. That can be how it is with food as well. Surely not all foods are attractive nor nutritious nor look pleasing to the eyes. But note what it is that makes you want to eat some food. It’s because they look tempting, right? That just by looking at it, you can almost savor how good it tastes. But now comes the judging. That food looks good and tastes good. But in the end, it goes down to “Is it nutritious”? Or will it be good for my health? But what if it’s high in fat, sugar and calories? It certainly will have bad effects on your health, or your weight loss program. This is often the case with tasty, attractive foods. They are often high in calories and fat yet lacking in essential nutrients. But what about their counterpart- healthy foods? They often come in the form of fruits and vegetables, cereals, nuts and whole grain foods. Often they are farm produce- freshly harvested to be more nutritious. They are those which don’t have sugar, or cream toppings and colorful garnishing. Yes, healthy foods may not look attractive. In fact, they may not even be tasty. Surely you’ve known and tasted vegetables which taste bland, pungent or bitter. But take a closer look and judge them. Aren’t they the ones with the most nutrients to give you? That’s the irony of it, and something worth considering. So what should you do to make healthy foods more appealing? That’s not a bad idea as healthy foods should be your basic and prime nourishment. They can deliver a host of health benefits for your mind and your body. Their nutrients are what your body primarily needs. Well, it’s time to get creative and add pizzazz to how your serve healthy foods. By all means, make them attractive. You can use colorful fruits like tomatoes or oranges to make your plate more interesting. They could add a twist to your healthy food serving. Make them look fresh in your eyes. Garnish them with onions or hot pepper if you may. And lemons as well, they can zest up your plate a little. Or maybe spread some cabbage or lettuce which you can also munch. It takes a bit of artistry and appreciation of healthy foods to make them more exciting. That way, eating them will not be so humdrum and monotonous. What’s more, you get your healthy dose of nutrients, too. And if you’re on a weight loss scheme, well, dieting would become more fun. Make the table more lively with nutritious food and creativity. That way, healthy eating becomes more enjoyable and the company of healthy foods more pleasurable. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:47:17 +0200 A Well And Balanced Life With Omega 3 Fatty Acids http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/omega-3-fatty-acids http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/omega-3-fatty-acids One of the essential supplementation needed by the body is that of omega 3 fatty acids. There are many health benefits of this nutrient, and indeed it is crucial. For one thing, omega 3 fatty acid fish oil can promote better heart health. It keeps bad cholesterol at bay whereas good cholesterol is boosted. The nutrient is also known to aid in having better skin. Skin diseases such as eczema can be addressed by omega 3 fatty acid fish oil. Arthritis can be dealt with as well by this essential nutrient. Omega 3 fatty acids boost the body’s stamina, and at the same time, it aids in the prevention of illnesses. That’s what good nutrition primarily does- fortify the body’s immune system. Fish is known as the “brain food”, so fish oil and its omega 3 fatty acids content can do the same. Mental alertness and stamina are enhanced with supplementation of the said nutrient. The nutrition community acknowledges three crucial sorts of omega 3 fatty acids. They should be provided to the body through supplementation. Omega 3 fatty acids are not produced by the body on its own, as much as vitamin C isn’t. Such is why they are to be taken in through supplements. These three crucial omega 3 fatty acids are DHA, EPA and the ALA polyunsaturated fatty acids. Supplementation of such nutrients is essential for a well and balanced life. How can one avail of this nutrient to the optimum? Primarily, one has to take time in purchasing quality supplements. There are low grade supplement products of this nutrient, in the same case as the rest. One factor which contributes to low quality omega 3 fatty acid supplements is the manner in which the raw material is collected. The same thing with how it is processed. When purchasing such supplements, one should then be wary. They have to gain thorough knowledge and information on the distributor. The same can be said with the manufacturing practices that they utilize. That way, one can be ensured that they are getting a good quality product, and the best nutrient content. The supplement industry has become one of the most lucrative. Many people have acknowledged the need for supplementation. Such is why manufacturers and distributors have been sprouting here and there. But one must take note that not all of them may have the buyer’s best interest at heart. Supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids can prove to be beneficial in so many ways. The health benefits of the nutrient can aid in total wellness and a better quality of life. But of course, supplementation would not suffice on its own. It has to be coupled with a healthy lifestyle- with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Unhealthy habits should be done away with, such as drinking and smoking. Health and well-being do so much in gaining longevity. One would live longer, and with a quality life at that. Such a goal is worth attaining which is why health measures in all its sense- for the mind, body and spirit- should be a topmost priority. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:37:58 +0100 Pomegranate Nutrition And Prostate Health http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/pomegranate-nutrition http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/pomegranate-nutrition Nutrition is what makes one healthy and full of energy. Without it, one would be living in lethargy and ill health. Many well know that the primary source of nutrition is food. But not any food, though. One has to be mindful of what they eat and make sure that they get the proper nutrition. Among the best sources of essential nutrients are fruits and vegetables. Speaking of fruit nutrition, one may think of pomegranate nutrition. There have been studies, although on a limited scale, of the benefits of pomegranate nutrition on prostate health. That is, pomegranate is said to stall the progression of prostate cancer. This conclusion on the efficacy of pomegranate nutrition was derived from a test on 50 prostate cancer sufferers. This study had been cited by a UCLA report and it stated that daily pomegranate nutrition from its juice may stop the recurrence of prostate cancer. For these patients, the prostate specific antigen or PSA doubles after surgery or radiation therapy. This exposed them to the risk of dying from the cancer. These patients took 1 glass of pomegranate juice daily. After doing so for some time, the average time for the antigen to double was extended from 15 months to 54 months. This may have indicated that the juice can stabilize PSA levels for a longer period while the patients receive treatment for prostate cancer. There was even no reported unfavorable toleration or side effects from its consumption so far. Small scale studies have cited the prowess of pomegranate nutrition in combating prostate cancer. However, it must be noted that the studies are yet preliminary and limited. Pomegranate comes from the punica granatum tree, and others have regarded it as a wonder drug. For centuries, societies have used it for medicine. The fruit is abundant in anti-inflammatory properties and anti-oxidants. Due to this, it may be effective in reducing cell damage instigated by free radicals as well as in destroying cancerous cells. The fruit contains phytoestrogens which are estrogen-like substances. These are effective in fighting cancer. But which is more effective- the juice or the extract- had not yet been established by studies. One has to be cautious in taking the juice, though. It contains much calories and fructose which makes it unhealthy for overweight people. But as for pomegranate extract in supplement form, it is the contrary - it has less calories and zero fructose. Pomegranate nutrition is better off taken with other supplements. It can be a useful measure in promoting prostate health. A good supplement for prostate health is found in the Healthzine shop. It is Prostacet, and many have proven its efficacy. Prostacet is made up of natural and herbal components which makes it a potent nutrient augmentation. What’s more, there are less likely to be side effects. Prostacet is safe, natural and effective and it is one of the best products in the market. Taken with the doctor’s approval, one can be on the way to better health and a good quality of life with Prostacet. Nutrient augmentation is deemed as a necessity these days, and it is only crucial that one gets hold of reliable supplements. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 5 Mar 2008 04:20:31 +0100 Mind The Nutrition Facts When You Eat http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/nutrition-facts3 http://www.healthzine.org/Nutrition/nutrition-facts3 Most everybody loves to eat in restaurants. Foods in such places are often served better, and one can choose from a wide variety of choices. Not to mention that it is of course convenient to eat there. And when one has the right choice of restaurant, the ambiance can be perfect, setting the mood for dining with taste. Apparently, one can savor food there much better. This seems like an ideal scenario, doesn’t it. After all, eating is good. What more in a cozy and comfortable place. But when it comes to food, there is always one thing to consider – nutrition. What we put in our bodies is our nourishment. We ingest it and it is absorbed by our body. It becomes incorporated into our system. And what can it do? It can sustain us or destroy us – make or break us. Thus we have to take into account the major factor of nutrition facts when we are eating. Would you ever take time asking for nutrition facts when you are eating in a restaurant? Most people do not. And if they do, personnel in the said place – waiters and waitresses – will probably not be able to provide such information. And if they do, well, it would take time. One good thing to do when it comes to nutrition facts in restaurants is to do your research. Where? From a convenient and most often credible source – the internet. One can surf for the website of the establishment and look for the nutrition facts pertaining to the food being served there. And when the site does provide the information, it is often laid out on a list, just like a nutrition label. However, when one is unable to find this, the following tips on food choices would be helpful. For one thing, it’s preferable to order something grilled or baked rather than fried. So rather than ordering chicken nuggets, one could instead opt for grilled chicken sandwich and then cut it up. Or rather than having French fries, a better option would be baked potato. One should also make better choices for drinks. Many restaurants now offer healthy drinks, but it’s best to ask about them. When it comes to ordering beverages, it’s best to have non-caffeinated and sugar free ones. The contrary are often sources of excess, unwanted calories. And fresh fruits, they would be a better preference. Many eating establishments now serve fresh fruits rather than fries. This might as well be taken advantage of. These are some tips to gain better nutrition when eating out. There is a large percentage of overweight and obese people out there. Their condition may have been acquired through genetics, but many of them have bad eating habits and bad food choices, too. And such people, they are at high risk for developing threatening illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease to name a few. And these diseases have complications such as heart attack and stroke among others. It’s all about being mindful and taking precautions. Just some research, and asking for information and making the right choices, and one could be spared from a whole lot of trouble. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy.