food-health-lifestyle

2010-09-10T04:48:00.000-07:00

Moderate drinking add Cheers to your life

Its great news for people who were under the taboo that alcohol is only bad for health and the habit is only detrimental to health. It’s not so anymore, if studies by University of Texas are any indication. The general perception that 2 drinks a day would do well and anything more than that would harm our health, was beaten by the 20-year old study.

According to the study, three tipples a day may do more good and would even increase the lifespan of people. It has also been reported that those who don’t raise a toast with their wine glasses at all throughout their lives were likely to die early, compared to those who drank the magic dose of three drinks a day. The risk of non-alcoholics was 51% more, when compared to moderate boozers. Hold on! There is a caveat. Though the news may sound music to the ears, overindulgence anything above the three tipples may give you an earlier call. If you cross over the line of health which stands at three glasses, you enter into the zone of heavy boozers with studies quoting that the risk of dying early increases by 45%. So readers strike a healthy balance so you may live long to read my blogs and add life to years.

2008-12-10T03:20:00.000-08:00

Know about Down’s Syndrome

Down’s syndrome is a form of hearing defect that may have its effect on speech as well. According to Dr. Patrick Sheehan, ENT Surgeon who runs a clinic for children with Down’s syndrome in the UK, while intervention was important at an early age, it was also necessary to maintain lifelong monitoring of the patient, as the hearing faculty was likely to deteriorate over a period of time. Interventions include removing ear wax, affixing hearing aids, bone-anchored hearing aids and small surgery. It must be borne mind, as even relatively low levels of hearing loss would affect speech and communication, attention to treat hearing defects must be taken on priority.

Intel to enter into remote medication.

Intel, the computer chip maker has proposed to enter the ever-growing medical market with high end technology that allows Doctors to provide remote treatments sans their physical presence. And this is being made possible for chronic ailments. Intel health guides will employ gadgets and use the web in offering personalized solutions for chronic health conditions in the home. Intel aims to work with care providers such as Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association and would focus on people with heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
General Electric’s $17 billion healthcare unit recently estimated its information technology business- computers that help doctors track everything from X-ray images to drugs patients have been prescribed could grow to a $5bn business, up from the about 10% or revenue it now represents, The overall healthcare technology market is worth an estimated $50bn or more.

Try not to toy with the idea of buying soft plastic toys

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has warned buyers to refrain from purchase of soft plastic toys and heavy children’s jewellery. While soft plastic toys may contain phthalates that are linked to many health problems – especially choking hazards. A PIRG representative reiterated the fact as she released PIRG’s 23rd toy safety survey. Heavy metal jewellery contains more of lead, which is the reason to keep them at bay.

According to the research group the toll was 18 US children due to toys last year, while 80,000 under 5 landed in emergency care. Companies like Mattel, RC2 et al had to pull back millions of toys due to enactment of stricter U.S. product safety rules, which were signed into law on August 14 by the outgoing President George W. Bush.

Food Parks in India

Food Processing Minister Subodh Kant Sahai at the Economic Editors’ Conference said that ‘Vision 2015’ has been drawn with an appropriate strategy and implementable plan. The government has planned to set up 10 mega food parks this year out of 30 parks planned for the X1 plan. Food processing industry is one of the top 10 sectors in India attracting FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) with equity inflows touching Rs.798 crore in last 4-5 years.

2008-11-23T01:30:00.000-08:00

Ban on fast food ads

It’s good news that Sweden, Finland and Norway have put the brakes on fast food advertisements on Television, which would help cut down unhealthy food consumption. The United States also contemplates to impose such a ban to control childhood obesity. But The National Bureau of Economic Research in the United States has raised their doubts about the practicality of the ban.

Researchers in United States have also endorsed the ban stating it may cut the overweight of children by 18%. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has projected the figure that 13.9% of children are overweight in the age group 2-6, 18.8% are overweight in the age group 6-11 and more than 17% of children are overweight in the group of 12-19 years.

The ban if successful is expected to reduce children becoming overweight by 18% in the age group of 3-11 and reduce overweight of adolescent children in the age group 12-18 by 14%. There is again the relationship between children watching commercials in the idiot box, which has taken the front seat in the subject of obesity. In this regard, another study suggests that children viewed 20,000 ads in late 1970s, 30000 ads in late 1980s and more than 40,000 ads in the late 90s. This explains the need for a blanket ban on fast food commercials, which of course, may be a subject that junk food manufacturers may not relish.

Marital bliss and health

A study on 16,000 American adults conducted in 2004 based on the factors money, sex and happiness has an interesting find. The study states married couples have heightened libidos and have better sex than single, divorced and widowed of separated persons. The main reason attributed is the commitment to the partner in marital bliss that gives mutual pleasure to the wedded couples. The book ‘A Guide to Christian Marriage’ has also endorsed that better sex is the result of love and commitment. Why delay the nuptial knot? Are you getting your juices flowing for a big bang?

2008-08-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

Salt Lake Study

Do you find any link between walkways and obesity? If not, then you may be wrong. Conclusion of a study on residents of Salt Lake County in United States reveals nearly 70% of males and 61% of females are obese. The provision of walkways were found to make a huge difference in that people who stayed in areas established before 1950 were found to be fit than people who inhabited areas designed after 1950. And the finding was something interesting.

Residents that lived in the first case had enough space for walking with exclusive walkways around them, whereas the other section did not have walkways, the fact that prevented them from walking. A research team led by Dr. Ken Smith of Utah University concluded the fact. The fact that automobile developments needed a huge space as years passed by seems to be a highly contributing factor for elimination of walkways around residential areas.

Regular walking seemed to allow consistent and healthy weight maintenance in people who walked. A six foot, 200 pound man weighed 10 pounds less if he lived in an older neighborhood. A five foot five woman weighed six pounds less with a weight of 149 pounds. Mere settling in such older areas could have a health benefit, as it would motivate people to walk for their benefit. Even otherwise, beware of the fact that another study alarms on a rate of 86% obesity among US citizens around 2030.

2008-08-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

Weight Dairies

Do your weight management in a professional way, even if you are going to carry a little more weight along with you. Are you perplexed? The negligible weight is nothing but a small diary that researchers are suggesting in which you would record the food items that you are eating and drinking.

A study involving 1,685 middle-aged men and women with average age of 55 years revealed that those who cared to keep a record of their food habits lost about twice as much weight as those who did not.

Victor Stevans of Kaiser Permanente’s Center for Health Research in Portland who lead the study attributes the success to the fact that the participants are able to see the origin of the extra calories and then develop specific strategies to deal with the problem. The study was conducted on people from US cities Portland, Oregon; Baltimore, Maryland; Curham, North Carolina; and Baton Rouge Louisiana. Those keeping food diaries six or seven days a week lost about 18 pounds (8 kg) compared t0 9 pounds (4kg) who didn’t keep a diary.

2008-08-07T05:18:00.000-07:00

Blame it on calories

New Yorkers could have controlled calories in their food intake with the government’s move to enforce strict implementation of display of calorific values in the menus at restaurants. This would largely avert the growth of diabetes and obesity problems in the city. The display would have to be carried out in the menu cards by food chains that have a minimum of 15 outlets across the country to start with. Renowned food chains such as Duncan Donuts and Mc Donalds have fallen under the scanner. The move is expected to protect 30,000 diabetes and 130,000 obesity patients in New York.

2008-07-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

Diet and lifestyle

One billion people globally suffer from high blood pressure, which is categorized to be greater than 140/90 or more. If you wish to be kind to your heart, cut down your salt intake, practice a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to the best possible extent and follow a steady exercise pattern. Animal proteins have high amino acids and ‘aniline’, a chemical responsible for high levels of high blood pressure. People eating more meat have the problem due to this reason. Dr. Jeremy Nicholson and his team at Imperial College of London published these findings studied on urine samples.

2008-07-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

Research on tiny tots

Researchers at Children’s research center in Washington have an interesting revelation based on the urine samples of small children. Urine samples of 163 children belonging to different ages were collected and analyzed. Results revealed that the powder and shampoos applied on children affected them with cold and wheezing problems. Cute little children under three years were found to play with toys having PVC composition (Poly Vinyl Chloride), which revealed an alarming result. Scientists opine tha the PVC may create problems with their reproductive system in their later days.
Parents! Please hurry up to take care of these aspects of your child.

2008-07-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

Children and eating – The memory formula

Children need to be aware of their eating habits in order to keep problems like obesity and anorexia at bay. Interestingly children’s memory and their diet pattern bear a significant relation towards their memory. Studies reveal that an ideal combination of 50% fruits, 25% boiled vegetables and 15% dry fruits in their regular diet would trigger the memory cells and keep them fresh. For God’s sake, please ask them not to pop up any brain memory pills as research brings out that it may keep the children’s brain at a state of perennial alertness. The result is untold anxiety or the most despised ‘insomnia’ of sleeplessness. Live in tune with nature.
Do ask your children to have vegetables, fruits and eatables containing wheat – before school examinations.
Do tell your children not to eat Ghee, chocolate, fried pie, non-vegetarian food before school examinations as the food develops inertia and the child may tend to sleep.

2008-07-20T04:51:00.000-07:00

Cow’s goodness
According to research by the Government of Uttarkhand in India, Cow’s urine can be used in preparing about 25 medicines. For the uninitiated, cow’s urine is used since the Vedic age for all auspicious occasions in India. Ancient wisdom has that all the products of cow namely; Ghee, dung, urine etc. are useful products. Cow’s urine stands foremost as an antibacterial agent.

It has been found that medicines equivalent to Siplax, Amoxycillin can be extracted from cow’s urine. The best part is you do not have any chemicals or drugs and the product is natural. It has been reported that nearly 5 tons of cow’s urine are required per day for research and medicine extraction. Cow owners in India are having a field day, as many pharmaceutical companies are ready to shell out Rs.5/- per liter for Cow’s urine.

2008-02-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

Mudras as said earlier are different combinations of our fingers, which helps in curing many diseases and improved wellness. The basic underlying principle is that the five fingers represent the five elements of nature. The thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger represent Fire, Air, Space, Earth and Water respectively. For any yoga related sitting posture, a lotus position or padmasan is recommended for better results. Yoga also relates to an erect positioning of spine and spinal wellness. Since the spine is considered to be the seat of the six Chakras or the important divine centres of our body, it's important that an erect posture for the spine is always recommended while sitting even in normal circumstances and to avoid any spinal injuries and damages.

1) Chin Mudra: Just touch the thumb with index finger. No pressure is necessary. A gentle touch is sufficient. This helps in increasing brain power, mental concentration and cures problems of Insomnia, tension and lack of concentration.

2) Vayu Mudra: Vayu means ‘Air’ in Sanskrit. Index finger pertains to the element air and therefore press the first mount of the index finger (after the finger is bent) on the base of thumb at the mount of Venus (the first mount). This is said to cure Rheumatism, Arthritis, Gout, Parkinson’s disease and blood circulation deficiencies.

3) Shunya Mudra: Shunya means void and as it indicates emptiness, this implies space. The number Zero is called ‘Shunya’ in Hindi. Middle finger indicates space and is to be kept bent and pressed with the thumb at the mount of Venus (the first mount). If done for about 45 minutes, it hopes to cure deficiencies of ear and Vertigo.

2008-02-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

Smart Sniffers

Considerable breakthrough was achieved by ‘Pine Street Foundation’ of California, which related the sniffing of dogs to bring Cancer to the fore. Significantly, the foundation was successful in finding the fact based on the theory that cancer cells of patients exhibit certain basic characteristics, while healthy people do not exhibit them. Three Labradors and two Portuguese water dogs were reportedly engaged in prolonged sessions of training with an exposure to samples of exhaled air of healthy people and Cancer patients. Remarkably, dogs were able to sniff the air of Cancer patients.

Dear Dolphins

If you can befriend Dolphins, you are one up. You have a short in the arm and pleasant splash in the water. According to Biophilic research, a discipline which deals with relationship of humans’ health with nature, swimming with Dolphins can improve relaxation and reduce mild or moderate depression. Studies reveal that 9 out of 10 patients who swam with these beautiful and friendly aqua creatures reported lasting improvement.

Tail Piece: Elephants are believed to possess instincts to sense earthquakes in advance. In some parts they have been reported to move in herds in advance to safer places.

Go Quizzing: What are Pachyderms?

2008-01-28T04:41:00.000-08:00

Wine and dine

Izaak Walton English Writer and author of The Compleat Angler said “Look to your health; and if you have it, praise god, and value it next to a good conscience; for health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of; a blessing that money cannot buy.”

Wellness is an excellent feeling that results in maintaining our health with low cholesterol diets and recipes that not only target the taste buds, but also keeps a watchful eye on their impact on our health. Apart from conventional allopathic medicine, a knowledge and awareness on alternative therapies such as Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Naturopathy etc. are imperative for good health.

A story goes thus. A psychiatrist was explaining the ill effects of alcohol to an audience filled with alcoholics and to demonstrate the effects he put a small worm in the alcohol beaker when it died. Asked about the moral of the story, a wise man in the crowd replied that boozing is good since it can kill the worms in the stomach. But it’s for die-hard alcoholics. Limited doses of wine may do some good. Especially the combination ‘Wine & Dine’…Want to take a cue from drinking! To have Wine and then to dine appears to be the best combination – virtually! If studies by Danish scientists are any indication go by. The results of the studies carrried out a couple of years ago, reported that wine takers inclined to buy healthy eatables such as more fruits, vegetables, Olives, low fat cheese than beer drinkers who were prompted to buy the opposite- high calorie foods. The study had been conducted by the National Institute of Public Health, Copenhagen and the results are there to see. But nothing can deter the high spirits of Oktoberfest where gallons of beer are gulped in a moment. Right!

Keep Guessing: Where is Oktoberfest held?

2008-01-13T04:54:00.000-08:00

Atkins Diet, Zone Diet and South Beach Diet

The different diets that have entered the lexicons of dieters and health conscious people are the Atkins Diet, the Zone Diet and the South Beach Diet. The common feature among any diet pattern is the different phases that the diet regime undergoes. For instance, followers of Atkins Diet would have four phases; and people who advocate South Beach Diet would have three phases to follow. However, the Zone Diet has an exception, where you do not find any specific number of phases.

Another common feature among diets is an underlying specific principle that governs the regime. The buzzword for Atkins Diet is ‘low carb dieting’ and it is no coincidence that Dr. Atkins is called the ‘Father of Modern Low Carb Diets’. Consisting of four phases such as the induction, ongoing weight loss (OWL), pre-maintenance and maintenance phase, the duration rests on the weight and response of a person who undergoes the diet. Addition of carbohydrates takes place with progression of phases, but with a caveat. You have to refrain from refined grain and sugars for a sustained result.

The Zone diet popularized by Biochemist Barry Sears centers on the theory that a 30:40 proportion of Proteins: Carbohydrates triggers natural anti-inflammatory chemicals of the type of eicosanoids. These are heart and health friendly and that's why probably Barry Sears termed this positive effect as ‘The Zone’. The Zone Diet shot to fame, when Mexican Manuel Uribe lost about 180 kg in a year. Sounds incredible! Nevertheless, it has to be believed since it’s true.

The South Beach Diet designed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiac Physician, focused on his patients symptomatic of insulin resistance syndrome, which doesn’t keep the heart fit. The diet consisting of three phases with the first phase lasting a fortnight, but excludes most of the carbohydrates and sources of saturated fats including trans fats. Gradual increase of carbohydrates with a low glycemic index is added to the regime as the phases advance further.

Check out websites for more on these plans and do yourself a whole lot of good to adopt a low-carb diet with a low glycemic index and a balanced diet regime.

2007-12-31T20:30:00.000-08:00

Sonoma Waves

The first Sonoma wave will last for 10 days comprising yummy breakfasts, lunches and dinners made out of healthy whole foods. The second wave which forms the major part of the diet will continue to be with you until the targeted weight is achieved. This second wave is about variety and you can couple it with doses of wine – preferably one glass a day for women and 2 glasses a day for women. Wave 2 can be viewed as the dieting phase of the plan and may run for several months as one gradually loses weight.

Once you reach the targeted weight, you’ll be more than happy that the eatables would include Olive oil, tomatoes, fresh garlic, even limited servings of red meat and vegetables, fish and chicken. Sonoma dieters can eat bread and pasta provided its whole wheat. But wine comes with a rider. It’s allowed only in wave 2, since the wave 1 focuses on calorie reduction.

Wave 3 sets in with specifications on plate sizes apportioned with respect to nutritional values such as carbohydrates, proteins and vegetables in the ascending order. This is a general description as an eye-opener on Sonoma diet. Websites are available dime a dozen on this specific diet pattern and online enrolments are also available to achieve targeted weights. Check out for few good sites and sign up for customized Sonoma diet pattern for a trim waistline.

Herbs and diet

As far as nutrition is concerned, herbs are playing a predominant role as an alternative to conventional medicine. Herbs provide us with safe chances of recovery even from chronic diseases and in this regard, if herbs are used as part of diet in our day to day lives, many a disease can be prevented from snowballing into the system. Herbal life or life lived with herbs for external and internal applications can be rejuvenating to the system. Several hundreds of herbs are available for the benefit of mankind. The Indian herbal life is synonymous to herbal living as this is the birth place of Ayurveda and Siddha practices, where herbs are quintessential for preparation of medicines. Pertinently, India has been the abode of sages and Siddhas or seers who had formulated various preparations and listed remedies even for chronic diseases. The efficacy of these medicines, especially Ayurveda is deeply penetrating even US health markets and lot of patients and tourists are making a beeline to India for Ayurvedic retreats.

Gymnoma Sylvestrae, Androgrophis Paniculata and Withania Somnifera are only few natural products that are highly beneficial to our health and which are used in the preparation of medicines. There are whole lot of natural herbs, vegetables and fruits that await human consumption. Where there is a will, there are many ways.

2007-12-14T06:50:00.000-08:00

Sonoma Diet

Sonoma diet is a unique diet system, which has been the darling of the people in the Mediterranean region. The Sonoma diet pattern developed by renowned top dietician Dr.Connie Gutterson has success rates accelerating in leaps and bounds. One may wonder the name Sonoma and for the origin it owes its name to the lush green Sonoma valley in California rightfully symbolizing the greenery required in the diet.

If you feel that the heart which fits into the fist shouldn’t slip out of your hands, embrace the Sonoma diet, for its heart healthy and a traditional diet which testifies its success with live examples – especially from the Mediterranean region Crete, Greece, Italy or any other country on the Mediterranean coast.

They have been found to have a very low risk of heart disease and interestingly the Sonoma diet even allows wine in limited doses. In general, the mantra is to get your waistline trimmed by eating proper food in the right proportion and not to fall into mislead notions like fasting to the core.

Any systematic and established dieting procedure coupled with physical activity bids good-bye to obesity and ill health. The Sonoma diet pattern allows even limited servings of red meat, but gives importance to whole grains, cereals, nuts and fish as part of diet regimen. Unlike conventional dietary procedures, this doesn’t advocate any fasting practices to shed off those extra pounds of flesh.

In fact, the Sonoma diet allows you to go in for a variety of things such as lean meat and other varieties of tastes that satisfy the yearning of the taste buds.

2007-12-09T01:45:00.000-08:00

The bone structure of Asians is smaller and therefore the ideal body mass index or BMI calculated as the ratio between the weight measured in kilograms and height in square meters is set at 23 for Indians. The ideal constant for Caucasians is set at 25. If you belong to the fair sex, then you have to see that your hip to waist ratio doesn’t cross 0.85. For men the safety factor is set below 1.0. If the joints are not to nag somebody, hearts are to pump efficiently and for a trouble free insulin secretion among other wellness aspects, better watch out for these obesity indices. The obesity monster is striking big. To quote statistics, it is estimated that about a quarter of a million people have undergone surgeries for obesity in the year 2006. Simple lifestyle changes and change in diet patterns- which contain low calories, will make a lot of difference to our health. Take care.

2007-12-01T04:16:00.000-08:00

World Aids Day – Dec 1.

Today is World Aids Day. The World Aids Campaign’s theme for this year is “Stop Aids: Keep the Promise – Leadership”. The advent of a deadly disease that came to light in 1981 because of HIV (Human Immuno Virus) is observed every year showing the symbol of a red ribbon. Started in 1988, Dec 1 continues to remind humankind about the importance of an AIDS free society. It also reminds healthy people the importance of their co-existence with patients battling the syndrome and to offer them a life free from stigma associated with their lives.

According to UNAIDS figures, 33.2 million are living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. Unfortunately, youths before 25 years contract HIV and succumb to the disease before 35 years – the age, when one sees the pinnacle of life in terms of career achievements and other accomplishments. More startling revelation is that 95% of the cases are from developing nations. Beware of AIDS and be aware of AIDS. Be free from needles that induce artificial trance and don’t share them. Not only budding youth, but also entire human race should realize that they should not lose the woods for the trees.

2007-11-30T08:56:00.000-08:00

World 'Anti-Obesity Day'

November 26 was Anti-Obesity day. It’s not a sin to be obese, but it’s no fun either. Thin roads in many places all over the world became fat filled with people that created awareness against Obesity. According to WHO statistics, 60% of US citizens and 35% of Indians are obese- the news, which is not worth enjoying. About 310 million or 31 crore people world over are excessively fat, according to figures. Public conducted rallies with placards, banners and funny dresses to spark the fire of fighting obesity. Many carried slogans against fast foods, Pizzas etc. asking public to refrain from such high calorie foods that lead to unhealthy body.

Interestingly, there seems to be a significant relationship between TV watching and Obesity, if results according to practical studies are any indications to go by. Children watching the idiot box for more than 3 hrs have the risk of 4 times suffering form Obesity than their peers who don’t watch Television for long durations. So, parents are to ensure that their children are fit as a fiddle by giving them the right food, making them play lot of games and importantly make them understand that intelligent kids stay away from the idiot box. And tell them not pester you for preserved foods and junk diets. Of course, do take care of yourselves- not to be obese. After all we have to practice before we preach.

2007-10-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

Vegetables and fruits are natural sources of health, which is an indisputable fact. Regular servings of green vegetables and fruits can do whole lot of good for our body. As was seen in the earlier postings in the case of groundnuts, ‘Tea’ is also a natural source of ‘Flavanoids’, which shields heart problems. Beans also contain flavanoids, which can prevent heart problems up to 13%.

‘Seeing red’ is a phrase in English, which means to suddenly get angry. But you only need to get happy when you see red coloured vegetables. They contain ‘Lycopene’, a carotenoid, which acts as an antioxidant and helps in several ways including preventing cancer. Several websites on Lycopene substantiate its goodness in inhibiting Prostate Cancer. Antioxidants are substances that helping fighting ‘free radicals’, the agents of bad health. Tomatoes, guava, watermelons, rosehip and grapefruits are classic examples of vegetable and fruits containing Lycopene. Get enough tomatoes and red colored fruits and vegetables in your diet to keep yourself healthy.

2007-10-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

An advice to be ‘by hearted’

Going nuts isn’t good and of course going bananas too. But eating groundnuts bestows a whole lot of good health. According to a study by American heart association, including groundnuts in your regular diet reduces the risk of heart disease by 21%. The accompanying good news is good cholesterol also increases with the consumption of groundnuts.

Another study in Israel concludes that people having wine regularly may consume at least half a cup of pomegranate juice daily. This is due to the presence of 5 times the antioxidants in pomegranate, though small doses of wine is advised for a healthy heart. Adherence to this dosage of juice results in reduction of bad cholesterol and there may be chances of a reduction of 44% of heart problems. Regular doses of 6 ounces of pomegranate juice and 50 grams of groundnuts may reduce heart problems to a larger extent. There is nothing to loose much as this is neither expensive not it requires excessive effort to follow this regime. Why not try it? ‘By heart’ this advice for a healthy heart free of any cardiovascular problems.

Did you know September 30 was celebrated as 'World Heart day' and the world heart slogan was 'Team up with hearts'.

2007-05-01T04:18:00.000-07:00

Here’s Sweet news… Eyebrows still frown when children demand chocolates lest their teeth get stained and worms infect their bowels. Last but not the least, the sugar content discourages diabetics to lead a sweet life. But if scientific studies are any indications to go by, derivatives of cocoa products into chocolates had a significant impact on lowering blood pressure. According to a study in Netherlands, when surveyed on 470 healthy Dutch men aged above 65 years their blood pressure was significantly normal and the inference was that it was probably due to their consumption of 10 Gms of chocolate a day. A finding as far as Australia is concerned is 2, 50,000 people suffer from Diabetes, out of whom 80,000 are insulin dependent. Blindness, kidney damage, nerve dysfunction and blocked blood vessels are the side effects of Diabetes. Low Glycemic Index foods such as whole grains, bran and cereal fibre may reduce the risk of heart disease in diabetics. But as far as mortality rates are concerned it seems diseases that have played havoc are Malaria, Dysentery, Tuberculosis and respiratory disorders in general. It’s because of these diseases; nearly 75 million have departed this planet which in turn is in the grip of environmental degeneration like Greenhouse gases, global warming and what not. Even before problems can take to cudgels in the form of problems such as Diabetes, Blood Pressure etc. we can prevent it with regular exercises such as walking. Like to have a look at the latest statistics nation wise, so that we can be wary of the facts about the figures regarding exercising. Germans seem to be highly health conscious with 52% of people over 50s taking into regular exercise followed by Spain which is 47%. The third place goes to France at 43% and the last to UK at 28%.

Value Addition for health: What is a Mudra? A Mudra is a form of particular positioning of fingers of our hands. If formed in different combinations coupled with Asanas or seating postures and breathing exercises are carried out, beneficial effects accrue on our health. These are time tested combinations which we would be seeing gradually.

2007-04-29T03:29:00.000-07:00

Smart Sniffers

Animals have been perceived to superior as far as understanding nature and geographical changes are concerned. It is common knowledge that rats are employed as guinea pigs for research that leads to conclusions about behavior of medicines in human bodies. When it comes to dog, they not only are faithful to their masters, but also help in detecting certain types of Cancers in humans. Does it sound strange? Not really. The faculty of sniffing in dogs has been found to give them the unique ability to detect Cancers. Doctors and Scientists around the globe are engaged in extensive research on Cancer detection and research on associated drugs. Considerable breakthrough has been achieved by ‘Pine Street Foundation’ of California, which related the sniffing of dogs to bring Cancer to the fore. Significantly, the foundation has been successful in finding the fact based on the theory that cancer cells of patients exhibit certain basic characteristics, while healthy people do not exhibit them. Three Labradors and two Portuguese water dogs were reportedly engaged in prolonged sessions of training with an exposure to samples of exhaled air of healthy people and Cancer patients. Remarkably, dogs were able to sniff the air of Cancer patients.

Dear Dolphins

Go Quizzing: What are Pachyderms?

2007-04-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Scientifically this is agreeable to a larger extent since even as a thumb rule we avoid certain foods pertaining to the corresponding seasons. This means foods which suit one season may not suit another season. A similar principle is applied in Chinese medicine, which propagates the theory that to maintain the balance of ‘Qi’ or the Life Force that flows through the body, the forces of ‘Yin’ (cold) and ‘Yang’ (hot) are to be balanced. The interpretation would be that Yang would dominate in hot season than Yin. The imbalance of ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’ corresponds to the theory in Ayurvedic medicine which advocates the theory of the balance between Vata (gas), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (Phlegm).This also makes an interesting inference that it’s more of cosmic energy that sustains us than the element of food that we swallow. If it’s the Om or Omkara that is revered in Hinduism, its equivalent ‘Qi’ is respected by the chinese. After all, the names may vary but the divine cosmic energy is one and the same.

2007-04-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

Generally for a healthy body, recipes low in cholesterol value is recommended for a low LDL level in the body. As far efficient maintenance of oure health Systems, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines have a mention on the different seasons that affect the health of human beings. Even some animals go on a long hibernation in some seasons to maintain their wellness. While generally the seasons are spread as summer, autumn, spring and winter, Ayurveda specifies that the seasons are divided into six seasons namely Vasant Ruthu, Sharad Ruthu, Grishma Ruthu, Hemantha Ruthu, Varsha Ruthu and Shishira Ruthu. A detailed study named ‘Ruthu Charya’ or ‘seasonal maintenance’ occupies a place of considerable importance in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic texts testify that human body behaves in a particular way in particular season and accordingly the diets specified also vary.

2007-04-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

‘Health is Wealth’, ‘A sound mind in a sound body’ and ‘Prevention is better than cure' are well known maxims that are being used to describe the state of well being of our health. The changing lifestyle in the rat race to making money has given way to lot of diseases- the names of which are too strange to hear in medical parlance and – in a lighter vein- little tough to pronounce. An introspection to this effect would reveal that the predicaments in present day living is taking a toll on health to the extent that problems like ‘Juvenile Diabetes’ have cropped up, which were unheard of during yesteryears of our ancestors. The reasons attributed to diseases of new origin are mainly due to the lack of awareness that health must take precedence over wealth. A light body as good as a Boeing and a wellness unparalleled are attributes of good health. After all, one can enjoy all the pleasures of life only when one’s state of health is sound. Otherwise, what is the point of having tons of money when a person’s health is indisposed to enjoying the fruits of earning? In this context, this website would discuss the different methods as to how one can enhance the state of a person’s health and the different methods and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, low cholesterol recipes containing vegetables and natural ingredients, meditations and alternative methods of healing that would put a person’s health in good shape. Let’s continue to discuss the integral aspects of health that may bring happiness, prosperity and well being – which would give the necessary impetus to earn riches and to enjoy the comforts of life.

2006-10-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Sugar and salt, if consumed in excess can damage the functioning of the vital organs of the body. If this simple fact is seriously taken into account and amends are made to our diet, by adding more of vegetables, fruits and adhering to a herbalife, our health condition will improve for the better. We have to be wary of this important fact while planning our diet. Its better we get to know about the two diet indices namely Low Glycemic Index (LG) and High Glycemic Index (HG) with respect to carbohydrates. While proteins act as the building blocks of the body, carbohydrates provide the necessary energy.

A diet comprising LG index foods are beneficial, compared to foods that contain HG index. Glycemic response is the speed at which the sugar consumed by a person is converted into Glucose and this implies that foods with a high Glycemic index are converted into glucose at a faster rate causing the body to raise sugar to dangerous levels. Sonoma diet comprises eatables with a Low Glycemic Index, which is one important reason for its efficiency in diet planning. Whole grains are examples of LG carbohydrates. Glycemic Index with a value 55 is considered to be low; 56 to 69 is medium and anything above 70 is considered high. This information may help diabetics to exercise caution and may also give some hints on the subject. Information on nutrition and health derived due to herbs/vegetables not only adds years to life, but adds life to years. But how many of us lend our ears to develop healthy eating habits? Mostly we fall prey to the taste buds.

2006-10-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

The entry to body is the mouth. The tongue guards the entry. The owner which is the soul had instructed the guard to allow only things that does good to him. Defying the owner’s orders, the tongue allows things that are tasty to his buds and puts the owner in a state of sluggishness. This is what happens, when we eat things as we like, ignoring the health aspect and satisfying only the taste buds- finally putting the life force into stake. Even Adam ate Apple, which is a testifying example that fruit diet was predominant in the dietary pattern since ancient days. Though meat eating is very common, enough caution needs to be exercised as far as the consumption of fat content in animal fat is concerned. Fruits such as Dates, Grapes, and Pomegranates were considered to have their origin from heaven and were even offered to gods as a mark of respect. The more the consumption of carbohydrates and fats, the more the secretion of ‘neuro-peptides, which further trigger the desire to consume more of these items. This conveys the fact that, when the consumption of these items is gradually reduced, the secretion of neuro-peptides reduces thereby reducing the chain reaction.

2006-06-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

Which is the room you like most?

Mushrooms neither belong to the herbal kingdom nor the animal kingdom, belongs to the group ‘fungi’ and interestingly they are devoid of the green matter present in plants. The umbrella shaped organic mushrooms grow on decaying organic materials. Beware some of the mushrooms are edible and some are poisonous. The Agaricus bisporus or the button mushroom is a cultivated type that is edible and grown in India. Agaricus bitorquis; Pleurotus spp is also an edible mushroom which is otherwise known as Oyster mushroom. Black ear mushroom:Shitake;Milky mushrooms and Paddy Straw mushrooms are other types of mushrooms. If people who are fat want to give a tough challenge to the fat, consuming mushrooms may be one of the answers.

If there is a cultivable type, there is a wild type too. The Morchellaa spp mostly found in the hills of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal regions in India are exported to European countries. Because of its low fat content, mushrooms are said to aid in shedding off unnecessary flab as also maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. The Kerala Agricultural College in India has reportedly proved that besides enhancing strength it also regulates hypertension. As far as nutrition is concerned, they are rich in proteins, low in fats, high in fibre, Vitamin B12 and folic acid. Along with diets such as Sonoma, mushrooms may be benificial in addition to list of high protein foods. May be, you may now say that the room, which you like most is 'mushroom'.

Note: Get to know in detail and buy mushrooms. The details are a general guideline.

2006-05-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

Yours fatfully

Fats are necessary to a certain extent and not something to be loathed. People with fat in alarming quantities should bear in mind that the term obesity is a cause of concern for them.If there is something that the body itself cannot produce on its own it’s the Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, which fall in the category of essential fatty acids (EFA). Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids are better for health than mono unsaturated ones and interestingly the Omega 3 and Omega 6 are required for the production of Prostoglandins, which helps regulate blood clotting, body temperature, blood pressure, reproduction and immune function. Figuratively, western diets have an Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio of 1:10, but for purposes of nutrition the recommended ratio is 1:3 according to nutritionists, which means there is an over intake of Omega 6 variety. Though Omega 3 and Omega 6 contribute to the brain neurons, getting Omega 6 in excess is considered to prevent the body from the effective metabolism of Omega 3 fatty acids. A US study links a high intake of Omega 6 to the growth of Prostate cancer in men. Another UK survey conducted on pregnant women of 14,500 families who consumed less of Omega 3 and more of Omega 6 were found to have an increased risk of depression.

2006-04-29T04:06:00.000-07:00

The first Sonoma wave will last for 10 days comprising yummy breakfasts, lunches and dinners made out of healthy whole foods. The second wave which forms the major part of the diet will continue to be with you until the targeted weight is achieved. This second wave is about variety and you can couple it with doses of wine – preferably one glass a day for women and 2 glasses a day for women. Wave 2 can be viewed as the dieting phase of the plan and may run for several months as one gradually loses weight.

Once you reach the targeted weight, you’ll be more than happy that the eatables would include Olive oil, tomatoes, fresh garlic, even limited servings of red meat and vegetables, fish and chicken. Sonoma dieters can eat bread and pasta provided its whole wheat. But wine comes with a rider. It’s allowed only in wave 2, since the wave 1 focuses on calorie reduction.

Wave 3 sets in with specifications on plate sizes apportioned with respect to nutritional values such as carbohydrates, proteins and vegetables in the ascending order. This is a general description as an eye-opener on Sonoma diet. Websites are available dime a dozen on this specific diet pattern and online enrolments are also available to achieve targeted weights. Check out for few good sites and sign up for customized Sonoma diet pattern for a trim waistline.

Lassen’s health food refers to Lassen’s natural foods and Vitamins, a family store at Thousand Oakes California, which offers wide range of natural products.

As far as herbalife health nutrition is concerned, herbs are playing a predominant role as an alternative to conventional medicine. Herbs provide us with safe chances of recovery even from chronic diseases and in this regard, if herbs are used as part of diet in our day to day lives, many a disease can be prevented from snowballing into the system. Herbal life or life lived with herbs fro external and internal applications can be rejuvenating to the system. Several hundreds of herbs are available for the benefit of mankind. The Indian herbal life is synonymous to herbal living as this is the birth place of Ayurveda and Siddha practices, where herbs are quintessential for preparation of medicines. Pertinently, India has been the abode of sages and Siddhas or seers who had formulated various preparations and listed remedies even for chronic diseases. The efficacy of these medicines, especially Ayurveda is deeply penetrating even US markets and lot of patients and tourists are making a beeline to India for Ayurvedic retreats.

Gymnoma Sylvestrae, Androgrophis Paniculata and Withania Somnifera are only some of the few herbs that are highly beneficial to our health and which are used in the preparation of medicines.

2006-04-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

Sonoma Diet

Sonoma diet is a unique diet system, which has been the darling of the people in the Mediterranean region. The Sonoma diet pattern developed by renowned top dietician Dr.Connie Gutterson has success rates accelerating in leaps and bounds. One may wonder the name Sonoma and for the origin - it owes its name to the lush green Sonoma valley in California rightfully symbolizing the greenery required in the diet, at a time when most of the people go in for processed and fast foods. If you feel that the heart which fits into the fist shouldn’t slip out of your hands, embrace the Sonoma diet, for its heart healthy and a traditional diet which testifies its success with live examples – especially from the Mediterranean region Crete, Greece, Italy or any other country on the Mediterranean coast. They have been found to have a very low risk of heart disease and interestingly the Sonoma diet even allows wine in limited doses. In general, the mantra is to get your waistline trimmed by eating proper food in the right proportion and not to fall into mislead notions like fasting to the core. People with excess fat are blissfully unaware of the other side of food constituents such as high protein foods subject to daily limited consumption. Any systematic and established dieting procedure coupled with physical activity bids adieu to obesity and ill-health. The Sonoma diet pattern allows even limited servings of red meat, but gives importance to whole grains cereals, nuts and fish as part of diet regimen. Unlike conventional dietary procedures, this doesn’t advocate any fasting practices to shed off those extra pounds of flesh. The main aim is to stop eating for taste and belly stuffing as also to develop an awareness to herbal life and associated health nutrition. In fact, the Sonoma diet allows you to go in for a variety of things such as lean meat and other varieties of tastes that satisfy the yearning of the taste buds. Satisfying the latter alone would just result in eating and stuffing the belly. If it was the French women's diet that was popular last year, it is the Sonoma's turn now. Tsunami waves are dangerous, not the Sonoma waves. On the contrary, Sonoma waves give the best of health. What are these Sonoma waves?

2006-04-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

When in a country like India where human resources is considered as an investment, the nutrition statistics seem to be far from satisfactory. A recent study concludes that about 50 % to 58% of men, women and children suffer from malnutrition due to insufficient consumption of micronutrients such as Iron, Folic acid, Vitamin A and Riboflavin. This may be due to the proclivity to consuming more of cereals and sugar, rather than consuming more of fruits& vegetables and carbohydrates. Lack of awareness to healthy style of diets Viz:Sonoma Diet and knowledge about food pyramid, Lassen's Health food of Natural fruits and Vitamins can go a long way in preserving the health. Another study may be an eye-opener for youngsters who go in for fast foods in an unwanted spree. This only creates more fat people. Eating to fill the belly and stuffing them with junk foods will only add fat. For people with flab already, though herbal life weight loss products are available aplenty in the market, please watch out for the efficacy of the products. Magical cure is miles away from truth. This study conducted on 18 Delhi schools found that 16 out of every 100 students were overweight. A group of three of more factors such as Insulin resistance resulting in high sugar levels, raised levels of triglycerides or bad cholesterol and low levels of HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) – the good cholesterol, abdominal obesity contributing to a BMI (Body Mass Index) >23 and high blood pressure - is termed as Syndrome X. 33% of those surveyed were eating fast-foods atleast thrice a week with a sedentary lifestyle, which is a double whammy. Also 70% of students reported that they didn’t participate in any physical activity.

Another study in US also confirmed that consumption of soda by young students was the prime reason for obesity and therefore it was also suggested that parents encourage their children to have their food in home, so that their nutrition and dietary factors are taken care of by the parents. Parents can elaborate about diet patterns such as Sonoma diet and Lassen's health food to keep the youngsters abreast with the changing trends in diet. An awareness about the list of high protein products, urge to be fat free are essential and above all herbal values are not to be treated obsolete. After all, parents not only serve food, but they mix love and care as a potential combination with food. The high salt content used in preservation of junk food such as chips is also believed to play havoc in the health of children. Young buddies, got the message right. I hope parents also take a cue out of these stats.

Food for thought: Which cholesterol is bad for health?

What is BMI? How is it calculated?

2006-03-23T18:52:00.000-08:00

In ancient India, Rishis or sages of yore had maintained sound health and exuded a vibrancy and aura around their persona. One of the main reasons for their health and longevity is attributed to their food habits, which was principally a vegetarian style and reflected herbalife that they followed. The herbalife and herbal health nutrition was automatically a part of their diet regimen as they consumed fresh vegetables, tubers and fruits, which were naturally available in the jungle habitats. It would be interesting to observe that they had followed the sonoma pattern of diet excluding the composition of meat and wine and their diet pattern more or less followed a food pyramid, which is being discussed in the present days. Though issues like meat spin was not known and scientific dietary procedures such as Lassen's health food were exlusively not tailor made several thousands of centuries ago, the foresight of the seers regarding dietary procedures was simply exemplary.

Scriptures proclaim that they had lived several hundreds of years with a vegetarian diet. Though their spiritual exercises might have contributed to their well-being partially, it’s of significance to note that the diet was purely vegetarian and which was uncooked. This goes to explain that not only the vegetarian diet kept them in good health, but also it enabled them to keep their passions under control. Though the conventional practice is to use cooked vegetables for our longing taste buds, it’s definitely advisable to eat fresh vegetables daily. This practice promotes fine health and introduces lot of ‘fibers’ to the body. Thus herbal life helps us in maintaining the required intake of natural inputs to the body providing health nutrition. Later on we would be seeing the beneficial effects of fibers in detail, which would certainly make a person to ponder to turning towards vegetarianism. Theory has it that, the acidity of the food increases when eatables are fried. Therefore it becomes essential to weigh the pros and cons of eating habit and make amends accordingly. Coming back to the nutritional part of it, let’s understand that vegetables are rich in fibers, which possess lot of beneficial effects for the functioning of our body. The nutritional values that is being offered by Lassen's health food of Lassen group of stores and other herbalife masters in the present era were derived by the sages down the ages. Of course, the scientific role in explaining to the people, are being effectively done by Lassen's group and other such professional businesses engaged in the food industry.

Basically, there are two types of fibers, which can be classified as ‘soluble fibers’ and ‘insoluble fibres’.While ‘pectin’ is a soluble fibre, Cellulose, Hemi cellulose and Lignin are insoluble fibers. Both these fibers have a role to play in the functioning of our body. These fibers reduce the assimilation of cholesterol from the food we take. Fibres also regulate blood sugar level and hence keep diabetes under control. Insoluble fibers fill thee stomach giving us filed feeling and therefore we don’t feel hungry for a minimum of 4Hrs.This results in the reduced intake of food thereby balancing the body weight. They also prevent constipation in the body and prevent internal ulcers, cancer of the large intestine and piles. The Sonoma diet and food pyramid exactly consists of significant fibre content levels in their formations.

Statistics reveal that vegetarians have the least chances of hosting cancer of large intestine. Though meat and herb or vegetables can go together for a spin of the taste buds, its advisable to limit red meat for improved health conditions. Stuffing the stomach with vegetables, fruits and herbalife health diets more compared to meat diets is one sure way to stay healthy. This doesn't preclude meat diet absolutely from one's diet. One of the Sonoma diet conditions is the restricted consumption of meat. The risk of getting lung cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer is very low for vegetarians. A look at some beneficial vegetables and grains are enumerated below:-

Radish:-
This is rich in vitamin A. Its juice has a detrimental effect on the stomach worms. The presence of Zinc in Radish, gives sheen to the skin and therefore skin infections can be kept at bay. When a mixture of Radish and White onion is crumbled and mixed with buttermilk and taken, it would be a cure for piles. It is also said that Radish promotes good sleep. Why not try a glass of fresh Radish juice then?
Coriander leaves:-
This is not only used to add aroma to the food. It is famous for its rich nutrition in that, Vitamins A, B1, B2, C1, Calcium and Iron are found in these pleasant smelling leaves. It’s a good remedy for ‘Night Blindness’.

Stem and Flower of Banana tree:-
The regular consumption of stem juice of Banana tree drives away Kidney stones and the addition of cooked flower of the same tree gives immense benefits to the body. Curry made out of the stem is also regular recipe of the Indian households.

Onion:-
In 100gms of Onion, 1.3gms protein, 10 gms carbohydrate and 0.4 gms fat is available. O other constituents like Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus and Sulphur are also available. Onion is rich in fiber and controls diabetes and blood pressure. If mixed with curd and taken, it will reduce fats in the body.

Cauliflower:-
This has cancer preventing properties and contains in build composition, which goes into the body to secrete ’Phase II’ compound that is produced in the body , having natural cancer fighting properties.

Bitter Gourd:-
The soup of this gourd is to be taken in empty stomach, which would strengthen the joints and also a panacea for sugar patients.

Fenugreek Seeds:-
It promotes cooling effect to the body and contains about 45% fiber content. Fenugreek powder is a good medicine for sugar patients. This has properties that reduce the harmful LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)

Soya beans:-
A Japanese study reveals that consumption of Soya beans the chance of breast cancer in women by 60 %. It is high in protein value and can substitute protein of Non-vegetarian food to a greater extent.
The aforesaid benefits are only a few and lot more can be said about in support of vegetarianism. It’s up to the takers to decide when they are going to switch over to the regimen and derive the benefits accordingly. A herbal life in the daily routine curbs many a problem.

A healthy question?

Have you decided to enter the food pyramid?

Do you understand the importance of Sonoma diet?

2006-03-10T07:14:00.000-08:00

The passion for Indian food in Britain is an established fact as there are thousands of Indian restaurants serving the taste buds of Britons for good. If Hyderabadi Biryani could attract 28,000 meals a day in the recently concluded Congress session in Hyderabad, the impact of this particular Indian cuisine can be imagined. Each day eleven quintals of Mutton Biryani and 10 quintals of Chicken Biryani were estimated to be prepared for the session. The Interesting information is that each Indian goat or sheep gives 10 kgs of meat and conservative estimates reveal that 350 sheep or goat had to be slaughtered to please the tongues of politicos in three days. Better hold your breath to know the rough expenditure, which was to the tune of 8.4 million rupees gobbled in the form of mutton and chicken. When globally, herbal health nutrition is being debated, consumption of flesh in such huge quantities keeps one surprised. Fat is not fun and people would be happy if they would burn the calories by earnestly toiling for some social cause. If this is the slant towards meat diet at Hyderabad in India, over the seas, fresh fruits and vegetables seem to come to the fore. Though list of high protein foods may be available as a general diet specific diets such as Sonoma diet and a unique geometrical structure, the food pyramid is gaining popularity among other diet patterns such as Atkin's Diet. A study by nutritionists in US establishes that immigrants provide a clue to healthy living in that the latter were consuming 2.5 more servings of fruits and vegetables a day – according to Harvard School of Public Health Study. This has probably invigorated the Dominicans to place a demand to provide fruits and vegetables of their native land. Food stores such as Lassen's health food provide many a natural health recipes for people who desire to make amends to their non-vegetarian consumption. Hope their desire becomes ‘fruitful’.

2006-02-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

‘B’ Group: People in this blood group can consume milk and milk related products. Fruits and vegetables suit this group. They should refrain from Sesame, wheat and Groundnuts, as these items will increase the weight. Tomato will create stomach related problems.

‘AB’ group: Persons of AB blood group can consume milk and milk related products. But they may reduce the intake of any type of meat since digestion problem may arise. It is found by research that they have to refrain from wheat products too. Groundnuts and grams can be consumed in limited quantities.

‘O’ group: Studies reveal that people in ‘O’ group can consume meat, as acidity is naturally present in this group. They can consume fish, meat and eggs, which are free from chemical mixture. It is advisable to control intake of wheat, since ‘Gluten’ present in wheat can increase the weight. Cabbage, Cauliflower and seafoods are to be avoided in this case.

The people of their respective blood groups can do introspection and the pattern of food can be changed accordingly to see whether the studies match the theory. If it benefits, the diet can be changed to maintain good health and live to prove the adage, ‘A sound mind in a sound body’.

All said and done, it’s up to the takers to decide whether to satisfy their taste buds and give into gluttony or to limit their calories for a hale and healthy life.

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2006-01-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

When dieting, a person adopts certain procedures to reduce the flab in the body and improve the waistline. It doesn’t mean starving to the core. It requires an understanding of the calories needed by the body and planning accordingly. A Physiological calorie is the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of one kg of water by one degree centigrade. One gram of fat yields nine calories while the same quantity of alcohol yields seven. An Apple provides about 20 calories and a Mango about 122 Calories. For instance, a woman in the process of dieting may aim to achieve 1500 calories, which may prove detrimental if the caloric intake goes further down resulting in the loss of health. On the other hand, high total caloric intake may also cause ill health. Interestingly, people who are obese don’t necessarily consume more, than people who are of normal weight. This can be due to their lack of necessary fat reducing agents. There are about eight such agents like Vitamin B6 and Pancreatic acid that burn the fats in the body. It is said that if foods with these constituents are added to our body, the unwanted body fats can be removed.

While these are the basics of good diet, there is another remote area of diet, which has a close relevance to the diet we take. This is the domain of blood group and researchers have evolved these studies of which the details are as follows:

‘A’ Group: Vegetarian food is best suited for people who are in this blood group. Vegetables such as beans are very good for their health. Research reveals that persons belonging to ‘A’ group may be prone to cardiac related problems and diabetes. Milk and its products don’t suit their bodies since digestion will be a problem. Certain chemicals in potato, Tomato and cabbage may create stomach related problems.

Read between the lines: What is the definition of a Calorie?

How many Calories does an Apple provide?

What is Sonoma Diet?

What is a Food Pyramid?

2006-01-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

It is also important to note that hot water should be drunk after eating Ice creams and sweets to avoid accumulation of fats due to consumption of these foods. Drinking hot water not only melts the fat, but also neutralises the effect of chilly ice cream and prevents soar throat and common cold problems.

While discussing water we cannot rule out the therapy of water called ‘water therapy’. Even generally, for the sake of our health, a minimum of 1.5 litres of water should be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach. This has an excellent effect in that the toxins piled up in the body are washed away and the body gets hydrated which is important for general health.

Nowadays, consumption of Alcohol is on the increase, be it for a happy occasion or a sad event. Though Alcohol need not be eliminated from our lives, it is of interest to note that it is devoid any nutritional value and can be turned into fat, adding flab to the body. If the consumption goes unchecked, the level of triglycerides increases.

It has been a practice in most households in India to observe ‘Fasting’ once a week or at least once in a fortnight. This is advantageous to the body, in that, the load on the ‘stomach workshop’, which works all the day grinding and digesting the food, is reduced. This is akin to a ‘Preventive maintenance’ of a machine.

Read between the lines: Is increase in level of triglycerides good for health?

2006-01-17T06:05:00.000-08:00

Fibre-rich foods tend to be low in fat and less in calories. High fibre foods minimise the risk of constipation, colon and rectal cancer, hiatus hernia, heart disease and obesity. A study reveals that colon cancer is the second largest cancer in the United States after Lung cancer. The estimation says that out of 1,50,000 people affected, nearly 57,000 died in the year 2003. This underscores the importance of a diet rich in fibres to get rid of the aforesaid diseases. It may be incredible to believe that Al Beckles of Britain achieved the distinction of becoming Mr. Universe with a Lacto-vegetarian diet. But it is true and the misconception that a diet with flesh and meat alone can make a person strong was proved wrong.

As far as consumption of a balanced diet, the least consumption should be Oils, Butter, Ghee and Sugar. Foods that should be consumed in limited quantity are Dals, dried seeds, Milk, Curd, Cheese, Fish, Eggs and chicken. The varieties that should be consumed more would be vegetables, fruits, Wheat and bread. The taste buds are to be tamed for a better health inasmuch as prevention is always better than cure and will it not be wise to refrain from diets that make us more vulnerable to different forms of cancer and serious problems? Fats are an essential part of the regular diet albeit; the wrong choice may cause a bad spell for the health. Refrigerating the fat diets until the fat rises to the top of the container and slicing it off can do elimination of fat. Saturated fat raises blood cholesterol, while polyunsaturated fat lowers blood cholesterol. Foods that enhance HDL (High Density Lipoprotiens) which are beneficial to the health are to be consumed and those with LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins) – the bad cholesterol function are to be kept away. Using monounsaturated oils like Olive oil, Canola and Groundnut oil and polyunsaturated oils like Sunflower oil, oils of corn, soyabean, Mustard, Gingely would be a better substitute for other oils. Nowadays it has become mandatory for the manufacturers of edible oils to declare the composition and grading of the oils they manufacture. One can find the wordings PUFA (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids) etc. so that the consumer may know what sort of nutrition he is resorting to.

Read between the lines: Which is bad cholesterol?

What PUFA stands for?

2006-01-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

Scientific Discoveries

Health experts feel that breakfast should be rich, since more energy is required to be spent during the whole day. Lunch must be less than breakfast and dinner should be minimal compared to breakfast and lunch.

Scientists opine that two to three teaspoons of oil are sufficient for our daily needs. They also recommend that, instead of using the same type of oil, it's better to use different ones, like sesame, sunflower, groundnut, olive or soya for a balanced nutrition.

Junk food and eating while watching television should be discouraged for good health. This is because while watching television a person consumes more due to his involvement in the TV Program. People involved in dieting should have weight loss as their prime goal.

Moreover, regular intake of beef, mutton, ghee, butter, cream, cocounut and biscuits provides more saturated fatty acids, which are harmful to health. Crabs and prawns contain more cholesterol too. It is pertinent to mention that as per medical recommendations care should be taken to see that intake of animal products does not exceed 240 gms per day to limit cholesterol levels. Consumption of fat at different times causes less increase of cholesterol than a large amount of fat teken at one time. It has been studied that a blood cholesterol level over 240mg/dl (Mgs/decilitre of blood) approximately doubles the risk of coronary heart disease.

2006-01-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the site, which will discuss the impact of diet and other food related information. This will include food news such as Sonoma Diet and structures like food pyramids that would interest you in every possible way - and I trust you will relish the information in terms of the food being taken at present, the modifications you may like to do in the future and an absorption of any relevant information on food and various cuisines cutting across geographical borders.

I am the author of the the article titled Indian's View of Diet - How food habits can make or break a person which was published in 'The Positive Health' magazine published from Portsmouth U.K. It was published in its issue 101 - July 04. I thought it would be nice to start with a published article of mine, which was received well by the esteemed readers of the magazine. I would be gradually posting the contents of the article and as soon as it ends, I would finish it with a --------. Please Hold On! It's just the beginning. After the end of the article, this would further continue with loads of food news. Wish you a Happy reading on food.

Indian's View of Diet- How Food Habits Can Make or Break A Person

There is an Indian saying, which says,

‘A fellow eating once a day is a Yogi’
‘A fellow eating twice a day is a Bogi’
‘A fellow eating thrice a day is a Rogi’

Well, the terms Yogi, Bogi and Rogi may cause confusion, which is explained as follows:
A yogi is a person who leads a calm life with balanced composure in pleasures and adversities. A Bogi is a person who enjoys his life in pursuit of sensual pleasures. A Rogi is a patient who deceives and abuses his body by eating three times a day. Lord Shri Krishna in the divine text Bhagawat Gita says,

Katv-amla-lavanaty-ushna
Tikshna-ruksha-vidhahinah
Ahara rajasyeshta
Dukha-shokamaya-pradah

This means foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry and burning are dear to those in the mode of passion. Such foods cause distress, misery and disease.

This can explain as to how the food habits can make or break a person. This doesn’t certainly mean that one shouldn’t consume food three times a day. At least, the diet can be planned and regularized so that a balanced diet is followed to keep one’s health as fit as a fiddle. Traditional medicine advocates that a light dinner bestows good health since one’s digestive power is strong at the beginning of the day and minimal in the night. The Indian religious system holds ‘Pancha Bhutas’ or the five elements of nature namely Fire, Water, Earth, Gas and Space in high esteem. In fact, these five elements are revered as Gods in the name of Agni, Varuna, Prithvi, Vayu and Akash respectively. All the existence in this world is viewed as the combination of these five elements and food is not an exception to that. In essence, the food what we supply to the body should comprise these elements to have a balanced nutrition. Significantly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine suggests that a disturbance between the Vata (gas), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (Phlegm) is the root cause for the problems arising in the body. Therefore, it’s important that the consumption of food should have spices, juices, minerals, air and space respectively. The space literally means the availability of empty space in the stomach, which implies that food should be consumed in limited quantity and space should be left to balance the aspect of the five elements of the nature.