Benefits of Papaya
MensXP.comMensXP.com – Thu, Nov 8, 2012 7:07 PM PHT
Whilst it may not be a popular fruit or rank amongst your favourites, the papaya is nature’s gift to a healthier mind and body. Beyond its buttery sweetness, the effects of its regular consumption are amazing. Here’s what is there to know:
1. Digestion
Stomach disorders are quite a common problem but not with a regular intake of papayas. The fruit is rich in proteolytic enzymes, the active one being papain. Also prescribed for patients of cystic fibrosis, the papain takes care of digestion and keeps the tummy light.
2. Aging
Papaya helps maintain vitality of the body if taken daily. This reduces the various signs of aging, and also leaves you feeling more fit.
3. Virility
Papaya happens to be rich in the enzyme called arginine that stimulates blood flow in the male reproductive organ. So, do not miss out on this fruit which will keep you active in the game.
4. Antioxidants
The fruit is a wonder as it has an abundance of antioxidants. The presence of beta-carotenes and essential vitamins like C and E are known to act crucially in inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells.
5. Inflammation
These could possibly be the most traumatic problems of the human body but with papaya as part of your diet, inflammation is not to be worried about. The very active protein-digestive enzymes chymopapain and papain help reduce inflammation in cases of burns, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, while speeding up the recovery process.
6. Cleanser
What better way to treat your skin than to go natural! So, just take a pint of papaya juice, mix it with any other herbal combination and treat your skin to some miraculous cleansing within minutes.
7. Heart
Papaya is definitely a boon when it comes to the heart. The antioxidants fight the cholesterol present in the blood and prevent it from building into plaques that clog the arteries. Apart from that, the rich fibre content of the fruit breaks down toxic substances like the homocysteine into easily absorbable amino acids, reducing chances of heart stroke.
Well, who could have known that this humble looking fruit could contain so much goodness? Now that you know, let your mornings include a healthy helping of the fruit. Enjoy your breakfast!
http://ph.she.yahoo.com/benefits-papaya-110737329.html
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Happiness Food
Foods for a happy you: An mDhil Story. Did you know that the foods we eat can influence our mood? This is because certain foods stimulate production of mood elevating hormones like serotonin, endorphin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters. The next time you're down in the dumps, try these foods to lift you up!
Try some chocolate!
The next time you’re feeling low, treat yourself to some chocolate. This sweet stuff boosts endorphin levels, the brain’s natural happy hormones. So eat ‘em and feel happy!
You can count on proteins!
Protein is made up of amino acids. One specific amino acid, called tyrosine is known to stimulate production of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These chemicals help boost alertness and energy levels. So choose from a host of protein rich foods such as fish, poultry and meat. Legumes, cheese, milk and curd too are super good if you want to feel better.
Get some carbs!
Carbohydrates stimulate the production of the feel-good hormone, serotonin. Research has shown that those on a diet tend to get depressed, a week or two down the line. About the time their serotonin levels dip, owing decreased carbohydrate intake. The next time you’re feeling low, turn to some healthy carbs: whole-wheat bread, rice, cereal, rotis, parathas and fruits like banana, pear, apple. You’ll feel an instant lift.
Caffeine
Despite the bad reputation it has earned, a little caffeine can be an effective antidepressant to treat mild depression. Additionally, it remains effective without having to increase its dosage daily. There is evidence to support that a cup or two of coffee/tea a day is safe to drink. Remember, too much caffeine can make you nervous, irritable and oversensitive, bring on headaches, and also lead to an addiction.
Anything that tastes good!
Eating anything that tastes good boosts endorphin production, the happiness chemical that triggers that same kind of reaction as opiate drugs. So eat what you like for a legal high!
Add some eggs!
One nutrient that many of us could be lacking is a B-complex vitamin called choline. Choline is concentrated in high cholesterol foods like egg yolk and liver. A lack of this nutrient can cause impairment of memory and concentration, leading to irritability. So eat that yellow in the egg (that you so like) without any guilt to reduce irritability and feel refreshed.
More folic acid
A deficiency in folic acid has been linked to depression. This deficiency leads to a decrease in serotonin levels. If you’re feeling low, squeeze out a glass of orange juice or indulge in some palak paneer, because spinach and oranges have folic acid in plenty.
You may need selenium
Research attributes bad moods to a lack of selenium, a trace mineral. People suffering from a lack of selenium have been shown to be more anxious, irritable, hostile and depressed in comparison to those who have healthy selenium levels. Taking in adequate amounts of this mineral can correct the deficiency, stabilize your mood and even better it further. You can get your dose of selenium every day from tuna, whole-grain cereals, swordfish and sunflower seeds.
http://ph.she.yahoo.com/photos/happiness-food-slideshow/chocolate-photo-1328778640.html
Try some chocolate!
The next time you’re feeling low, treat yourself to some chocolate. This sweet stuff boosts endorphin levels, the brain’s natural happy hormones. So eat ‘em and feel happy!
You can count on proteins!
Protein is made up of amino acids. One specific amino acid, called tyrosine is known to stimulate production of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These chemicals help boost alertness and energy levels. So choose from a host of protein rich foods such as fish, poultry and meat. Legumes, cheese, milk and curd too are super good if you want to feel better.
Get some carbs!
Carbohydrates stimulate the production of the feel-good hormone, serotonin. Research has shown that those on a diet tend to get depressed, a week or two down the line. About the time their serotonin levels dip, owing decreased carbohydrate intake. The next time you’re feeling low, turn to some healthy carbs: whole-wheat bread, rice, cereal, rotis, parathas and fruits like banana, pear, apple. You’ll feel an instant lift.
Caffeine
Despite the bad reputation it has earned, a little caffeine can be an effective antidepressant to treat mild depression. Additionally, it remains effective without having to increase its dosage daily. There is evidence to support that a cup or two of coffee/tea a day is safe to drink. Remember, too much caffeine can make you nervous, irritable and oversensitive, bring on headaches, and also lead to an addiction.
Anything that tastes good!
Eating anything that tastes good boosts endorphin production, the happiness chemical that triggers that same kind of reaction as opiate drugs. So eat what you like for a legal high!
Add some eggs!
One nutrient that many of us could be lacking is a B-complex vitamin called choline. Choline is concentrated in high cholesterol foods like egg yolk and liver. A lack of this nutrient can cause impairment of memory and concentration, leading to irritability. So eat that yellow in the egg (that you so like) without any guilt to reduce irritability and feel refreshed.
More folic acid
A deficiency in folic acid has been linked to depression. This deficiency leads to a decrease in serotonin levels. If you’re feeling low, squeeze out a glass of orange juice or indulge in some palak paneer, because spinach and oranges have folic acid in plenty.
You may need selenium
Research attributes bad moods to a lack of selenium, a trace mineral. People suffering from a lack of selenium have been shown to be more anxious, irritable, hostile and depressed in comparison to those who have healthy selenium levels. Taking in adequate amounts of this mineral can correct the deficiency, stabilize your mood and even better it further. You can get your dose of selenium every day from tuna, whole-grain cereals, swordfish and sunflower seeds.
http://ph.she.yahoo.com/photos/happiness-food-slideshow/chocolate-photo-1328778640.html
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
How to avoid sickness?
6 secrets of kids who rarely get sick
By Michelle Crouch for Parents Magazine.
Do you know that neighborhood kid who never seems to come down with anything? Do his parents know something you don't? Probably not, experts say, but put these six habits of healthy kids to use to avoid illness this year.
Keep hands clean.
Regular hand-washing dramatically reduces the passing of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness, so get your kids in the (or using a hand sanitizer) when they leave preschool or day care, after every playdate, and before they eat. Teach kids to sing "Happy Birthday" to themselves twice before rinsing -- scrubbing for 15-20 seconds is key.
(always wash your hands. touching your dog. holding some money or change. shaking hands with other people though don't do it in public like some politicians..hehehe)
Be active every day.
Studies indicate that regular, moderate exercise can reduce the number of cold and flu episodes that occur over the course of a year by 25-50 percent, possibly by boosting the circulation of infection-fighting cells. "Exercise is better than any advertised cure or miracle," says Harley A. Rotbart, M.D., Parents advisor and author of Germ Proof Your Kids: the Complete Guide to Protecting (Without Overprotecting) Your Family from Infections (ASM Press, 2007).
Get plenty of ZZZs.
Make sure kids stick to an early bedtime. Sleep deprivation nearly doubles the risk of getting a cold or flu, Dr. Rotbart says. Most babies need approximately 14 hours of sleep a day; preschoolers need 11-13 hours of Z's.
Avoid touching your face.
Cold and flu viruses enter the body through the nose, eyes, and mouth, so help your child keep her hands away from those areas. Yes, it can be very difficult to accomplish -- hand-washing at strategic moments is all the more important. Teach your child never to share a straw, cup, or toothbrush.
(i've been practicing this ever since.. you can catch viruses from public places and things.)
Consume a balanced and healthy diet.
Meals with plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables will help boost your child's immune system. Look for foods rich in vitamin C (broccoli, strawberries, and oranges) and vitamin D (tuna, fortified milk, and cereals). Eating yogurt with active cultures (probiotics) can also help build defenses.
Get the flu vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it's the single best way to prevent the flu. What are you waiting for?
(its a must to get the flu vaccine)
http://shine.yahoo.com/photos/6-secrets-kids-rarely-sick-slideshow/-photo-2354738-173400477.html
By Michelle Crouch for Parents Magazine.
Do you know that neighborhood kid who never seems to come down with anything? Do his parents know something you don't? Probably not, experts say, but put these six habits of healthy kids to use to avoid illness this year.
Keep hands clean.
Regular hand-washing dramatically reduces the passing of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness, so get your kids in the (or using a hand sanitizer) when they leave preschool or day care, after every playdate, and before they eat. Teach kids to sing "Happy Birthday" to themselves twice before rinsing -- scrubbing for 15-20 seconds is key.
(always wash your hands. touching your dog. holding some money or change. shaking hands with other people though don't do it in public like some politicians..hehehe)
Be active every day.
Studies indicate that regular, moderate exercise can reduce the number of cold and flu episodes that occur over the course of a year by 25-50 percent, possibly by boosting the circulation of infection-fighting cells. "Exercise is better than any advertised cure or miracle," says Harley A. Rotbart, M.D., Parents advisor and author of Germ Proof Your Kids: the Complete Guide to Protecting (Without Overprotecting) Your Family from Infections (ASM Press, 2007).
Get plenty of ZZZs.
Make sure kids stick to an early bedtime. Sleep deprivation nearly doubles the risk of getting a cold or flu, Dr. Rotbart says. Most babies need approximately 14 hours of sleep a day; preschoolers need 11-13 hours of Z's.
Avoid touching your face.
Cold and flu viruses enter the body through the nose, eyes, and mouth, so help your child keep her hands away from those areas. Yes, it can be very difficult to accomplish -- hand-washing at strategic moments is all the more important. Teach your child never to share a straw, cup, or toothbrush.
(i've been practicing this ever since.. you can catch viruses from public places and things.)
Consume a balanced and healthy diet.
Meals with plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables will help boost your child's immune system. Look for foods rich in vitamin C (broccoli, strawberries, and oranges) and vitamin D (tuna, fortified milk, and cereals). Eating yogurt with active cultures (probiotics) can also help build defenses.
Get the flu vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it's the single best way to prevent the flu. What are you waiting for?
(its a must to get the flu vaccine)
http://shine.yahoo.com/photos/6-secrets-kids-rarely-sick-slideshow/-photo-2354738-173400477.html
8 Hard-On-Your Heart Foods to Avoid
Quick, name a food that doesn't belong in a heart-healthy diet. An egg-a-day? Nope. That morning cup of coffee? Wrong again.
Surprised? These foods may be the subject of much talk about heart health, but there are other foods associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart disease - and they don't get nearly as much attention. Give your heart a break by nixing these 8 unexpectedly bad foods from your diet.
White Bread
Women who eat a lot of foods rich in refined carbohydrate like white bread, pizza and rice are twice as likely to develop heart disease as women who eat few of those foods, according to a recent study from Italy. The increased risk seems to be associated with carbs that are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream rather than carbohydrates on the whole, say the researchers.
Heart-Smart Swap
Instead, choose unrefined (and therefore more slowly digested) whole-grain alternatives. Brown or wild rice, 100 percent whole-wheat bread and whole-wheat pizza crust are all good options.
Canned Soup
While soup can be a great way to curb your appetite for few calories, choosing certain canned soups can be hazardous to your heart. An individual container of chicken noodle soup contains more than 1,700 mg of sodium, which is 200 mg beyond the recommended daily intake for people over 50, or those who have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease. (If you don't fit into those categories, your daily limit is 2,300 mg). The reason? Too much sodium can accumulate in your blood, which increases your blood volume as well as the amount of work your heart has to do to keep up pressure in your arteries.
Heart-Smart Swap
Homemade soup is ideal, since you control how much salt you add to the recipe. If you're pressed for time and can't take on a DIY cooking project, shop for low-sodium canned or boxed soups instead.
Fizzy Drinks
It may come as a surprise that both regular and diet sodas can be harmful to your heart. Regular pop is packed with added sugar - about 8 teaspoons per serving. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 for men to prevent obesity, which can lead to heart disease. And diet soda's a heart no-no too: A recent study found that people who drank a low-cal soda daily had a 61% increased risk of cardiovascular event compared with those who drank none.
Heart-Smart Swap
If you like fizzy beverages, try seltzer with a squeeze of lime or orange. Or, sip unsweetened green or black iced tea - you'll get a boost of antioxidants and quench your thirst.
Microwave Popcorn
Homemade popcorn is one of my favorite foods. Not only is it a nutritious whole grain, it's also delicious and fun to eat. There is, however, an exception. Much of the microwave popcorn on the market is loaded with trans fats, the sneaky fats that raise your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol and lower your "good" (HDL) cholesterol. One popular brand of microwave popcorn packs as much as 5 grams per serving - the American Heart Association recommends limiting your trans fat intake to no more than 2 grams per day. Movie theater popcorn is notoriously heart-unhealthy as well.
Heart-Smart Swap
Make it yourself! Popcorn is easy to make with healthful fats, or no fat at all - pop it on the stovetop, in an air popper or even on the microwave. For DIY microwave popcorn: place 1/4 c of kernels into a glass bowl, place the lid on tight and heat until the kernels stop popping (usually about two minutes).
Full-Fat Dairy
Dairy foods like yogurt, milk and cheese can all be healthful additions to your diet - if you choose the right ones. The grams of saturated fat - the type that can raise your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol - can add up fast when you choose full-fat dairy. For instance, regular (full-fat) Greek yogurt has 7 grams of saturated fat per serving, while a cup of whole milk has 4.6 grams.
Heart-Smart Swap
Go for nonfat or low-fat dairy choices. You'll get the same bone-building calcium and strengthening protein with little or none of the heart-unhealthy saturated fat. And in most cases you won't even notice the difference.
Applesauce
It may seem like a healthy on-the-go snack, but some store bought applesauces subtract one of the most nutritious parts of the fruit - the fiber-full skin - and add sweeteners and even artificial coloring. Too much sugar and not enough fiber can be a recipe for raising your cholesterol levels (and increasing your risk of diabetes).
Heart-Smart Swap
There are nutritious versions of applesauce out there - you just need to know what to shop for. Double-check the label to make sure it reads "natural" or "unsweetened", and scan the ingredient list - apples and water should be at the top. For an even healthier version, try making a batch yourself. It's quick, easy and gives you control - you can leave the skins on the apples to add fiber, and decide for yourself if it needs any sugar at all (our bet is that it doesn't!).
Pretzels
Pretzels usually seem like a healthier alternative to potato or tortilla chips. But that doesn't necessarily mean that they're a heart-smart snack. The two main ingredients of pretzels (white flour and salt) are devoid of nutrients and can put you at risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
Heart-Smart Swap
If it's a crunch you're craving, try sliced apples, baby carrots or a handful of almonds for a filling and healthy snack.
Pie
That flaky, golden-brown pie crust may taste like perfection, but the ingredients used to achieve that taste (butter or margarine, shortening, cream, whole milk) can be high in both artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol. And shortening that traditional dough recipes call for is high in dangerous trans fat.
Heart-Smart Swap
If you're set on a fruit-filled dessert, try a fruit crumble instead. Crumbles keep all of the fruit but ditch the crust in favor of crunchy topping made of uncooked rolled oats, butter and brown sugar. Just go light on the butter and sugar and you've got yourself a sweet, heart-smart treat!
http://ph.she.yahoo.com/photos/8-hard-heart-foods-avoid-slideshow/-photo-2354344-152200009.html
Surprised? These foods may be the subject of much talk about heart health, but there are other foods associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart disease - and they don't get nearly as much attention. Give your heart a break by nixing these 8 unexpectedly bad foods from your diet.
White Bread
Women who eat a lot of foods rich in refined carbohydrate like white bread, pizza and rice are twice as likely to develop heart disease as women who eat few of those foods, according to a recent study from Italy. The increased risk seems to be associated with carbs that are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream rather than carbohydrates on the whole, say the researchers.
Heart-Smart Swap
Instead, choose unrefined (and therefore more slowly digested) whole-grain alternatives. Brown or wild rice, 100 percent whole-wheat bread and whole-wheat pizza crust are all good options.
Canned Soup
While soup can be a great way to curb your appetite for few calories, choosing certain canned soups can be hazardous to your heart. An individual container of chicken noodle soup contains more than 1,700 mg of sodium, which is 200 mg beyond the recommended daily intake for people over 50, or those who have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease. (If you don't fit into those categories, your daily limit is 2,300 mg). The reason? Too much sodium can accumulate in your blood, which increases your blood volume as well as the amount of work your heart has to do to keep up pressure in your arteries.
Heart-Smart Swap
Homemade soup is ideal, since you control how much salt you add to the recipe. If you're pressed for time and can't take on a DIY cooking project, shop for low-sodium canned or boxed soups instead.
Fizzy Drinks
It may come as a surprise that both regular and diet sodas can be harmful to your heart. Regular pop is packed with added sugar - about 8 teaspoons per serving. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 for men to prevent obesity, which can lead to heart disease. And diet soda's a heart no-no too: A recent study found that people who drank a low-cal soda daily had a 61% increased risk of cardiovascular event compared with those who drank none.
Heart-Smart Swap
If you like fizzy beverages, try seltzer with a squeeze of lime or orange. Or, sip unsweetened green or black iced tea - you'll get a boost of antioxidants and quench your thirst.
Microwave Popcorn
Homemade popcorn is one of my favorite foods. Not only is it a nutritious whole grain, it's also delicious and fun to eat. There is, however, an exception. Much of the microwave popcorn on the market is loaded with trans fats, the sneaky fats that raise your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol and lower your "good" (HDL) cholesterol. One popular brand of microwave popcorn packs as much as 5 grams per serving - the American Heart Association recommends limiting your trans fat intake to no more than 2 grams per day. Movie theater popcorn is notoriously heart-unhealthy as well.
Heart-Smart Swap
Make it yourself! Popcorn is easy to make with healthful fats, or no fat at all - pop it on the stovetop, in an air popper or even on the microwave. For DIY microwave popcorn: place 1/4 c of kernels into a glass bowl, place the lid on tight and heat until the kernels stop popping (usually about two minutes).
Full-Fat Dairy
Dairy foods like yogurt, milk and cheese can all be healthful additions to your diet - if you choose the right ones. The grams of saturated fat - the type that can raise your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol - can add up fast when you choose full-fat dairy. For instance, regular (full-fat) Greek yogurt has 7 grams of saturated fat per serving, while a cup of whole milk has 4.6 grams.
Heart-Smart Swap
Go for nonfat or low-fat dairy choices. You'll get the same bone-building calcium and strengthening protein with little or none of the heart-unhealthy saturated fat. And in most cases you won't even notice the difference.
Applesauce
It may seem like a healthy on-the-go snack, but some store bought applesauces subtract one of the most nutritious parts of the fruit - the fiber-full skin - and add sweeteners and even artificial coloring. Too much sugar and not enough fiber can be a recipe for raising your cholesterol levels (and increasing your risk of diabetes).
Heart-Smart Swap
There are nutritious versions of applesauce out there - you just need to know what to shop for. Double-check the label to make sure it reads "natural" or "unsweetened", and scan the ingredient list - apples and water should be at the top. For an even healthier version, try making a batch yourself. It's quick, easy and gives you control - you can leave the skins on the apples to add fiber, and decide for yourself if it needs any sugar at all (our bet is that it doesn't!).
Pretzels
Pretzels usually seem like a healthier alternative to potato or tortilla chips. But that doesn't necessarily mean that they're a heart-smart snack. The two main ingredients of pretzels (white flour and salt) are devoid of nutrients and can put you at risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
Heart-Smart Swap
If it's a crunch you're craving, try sliced apples, baby carrots or a handful of almonds for a filling and healthy snack.
Pie
That flaky, golden-brown pie crust may taste like perfection, but the ingredients used to achieve that taste (butter or margarine, shortening, cream, whole milk) can be high in both artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol. And shortening that traditional dough recipes call for is high in dangerous trans fat.
Heart-Smart Swap
If you're set on a fruit-filled dessert, try a fruit crumble instead. Crumbles keep all of the fruit but ditch the crust in favor of crunchy topping made of uncooked rolled oats, butter and brown sugar. Just go light on the butter and sugar and you've got yourself a sweet, heart-smart treat!
http://ph.she.yahoo.com/photos/8-hard-heart-foods-avoid-slideshow/-photo-2354344-152200009.html
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Caffeine risk: Good or Bad
though i have read a long term study before about the risk of caffeine..here is another good article about too much intake of caffeine.. not sure if the Italians were the number one coffee drinkers and then next were the Americans.. read on..
=====================================================================
Coffee culture carries caffeine risk
Bae Ji-sook
The Korea Herald
Publication Date : 23-03-2012
Koreans are definitely caffeinated: They love coffee, cola and chocolate as well as foods that contain a large amount of the stimulant.
Though it has been less than two decades since global coffee shop franchises were introduced to the country, industry insiders said about 37 million cups of coffee are sold every day, which means that 24 million economically active people drink more than one cup of coffee a day.
“I love coffee. I started with easy ‘coffee mix,’ powdered coffee extract with powdered cream and sugar. But now I am addicted to brewed coffee, which smells and tastes better. I drink about 4-5 cups a day,” said Kim Seo-yeon, a 32-year-old office worker. “Right after I wake up in the morning, after I have my lunch, during an afternoon break and while I watch TV at night, I always sip coffee.”
In addition to the frequent consumption of cola and chocolate, caffeinated energy drinks are gaining popularity among teenagers, who struggle to stay up at night to study.
However, experts warn that excessive caffeine intake could be harmful, especially since they are disguised with flavors, making easy to consume too much.
Caffeine is known for its short-term relief of fatigue or drowsiness since it stimulates the brain and nervous system. It is also known to speed up the dissolution of fat, which may lead to weight loss.
Usually, caffeine leaves the body through the urine system hours after it has been consumed, so there is not much to worry about in regards to intake. But if excessively consumed, it could lead to a fast heart rate, anxiety, depression, difficulty in sleeping, nausea, restlessness, tremors, frequent urinating or vomiting. It even has some reported withdrawal symptoms of drowsiness, headaches, irritability, nausea and vomiting.
“About 400 milligrams of caffeine is tolerable for adults, 300mg for pregnant women, or 2.5 milligrams per kilogram of weight,” said Dr. Seo Jeong-wan of Ewha Womans University Medical Centre. “It is equivalent to three-four cups of brewed coffee. But it could easily be filled by drinking 250 millilitres of cola, one canned coffee and 1 gram of chocolate, too. Therefore, people should watch what they are eating.”
Seo said teenagers should be extra alert about caffeine intake since they are in a critical stage of bone formation.
“If you drink caffeinated drinks instead of dairy, the facilitation of urination will take away the essential calcium and curb the growth of bone. If you are an adult, osteoporosis could be forecasted, too,” he added.
He advised teenagers to not rely on caffeine to overcome drowsiness.
“It could lead to insomnia if you take it for too long. Open the window, do stretching and eat food that are abundant in vitamin C such as citrons and other fresh fruits,” he said.
http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=28922&sec=9
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Signs of Caffeine Addiction
U.S.News & World Report LP
Yahoo Lifestyle Entertainment – Wed 18 Apr, 2012 10:27 AM IST
Miss your morning cup of coffee and get a pounding headache? Feel grumpy if you haven't had a cup of Joe in hours? Caffeine addiction is easy to develop and hard to kick. Though caffeine is prevalent and legal, it's the most commonly used drug in the world. In addition to coffee, it can lurk in soda, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, gum, vitamins, snacks like "caffeinated peanuts," and even some over-the-counter medicines. Last year, "caffeine withdrawal syndrome" was recommended for inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which is used by mental health professionals to diagnose and research disorders. That's because caffeine can alter mood and behavior and caffeine withdrawal can interfere with sleep, work, and the ability to function at peak capacity. (The proposed revision has not yet been approved.)
"People are hesitant to think of [caffeine] as a drug of addiction because it doesn't have a lot of the health and adverse social consequences associated with our classic drugs of addiction," says Roland Griffiths, a professor in the departments of psychiatry and neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. "Yet the basic mechanisms by which it hooks people are very much like our classic drugs of addiction."
Most people experience mild to modest withdrawal, Griffiths says, which is relieved by drinking coffee in the morning after abstaining from it overnight. Many people say, "'I really don't get going until I have coffee, [and] then I feel great.' What they're not recognizing is that if they didn't consume coffee [at all], they would wake up feeling great," Griffiths says.
Griffiths' research suggests that it only takes 100 milligrams of caffeine a day--the amount found in a moderate-strength 8-ounce serving of coffee--to trigger at least mild withdrawal symptoms. And coffee isn't the only culprit--any type of caffeine can cause withdrawal. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms typically appear 12 to 24 hours after abstaining from coffee, and peak within 24 to 48 hours. They include: headache; lethargy and drowsiness; depressed mood; anxiety; nausea; vomiting; muscle pain and stiffness; and inability to concentrate. For those who are more caffeine-sensitive, symptoms could begin within three hours and last for up to a week. Those with the heaviest habit usually experience the most severe side effects.
More severe than caffeine addiction and withdrawal? Caffeine intoxication. It's a recognized clinical syndrome that causes nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, stomach problems, tremors, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, and pacing. It can even lead to death. Caffeine intoxication cases typically stem from caffeine pills and overdosing on energy drinks, though the DSM defines caffeine intoxication as recent consumption of more than 250 mg. of caffeine (about two to three cups) coupled with five or more symptoms that occur during or shortly after caffeine use.
Luckily, kicking the habit is doable. Most experts suggest cutting back gradually, drinking one fewer can of soda or a smaller coffee each day. That helps your body adjust to lower levels of caffeine, lessening potential withdrawal effects. Opting for decaf coffee or green tea is also smart, as is keeping a written tally of caffeine consumption each day.
http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/signs-of-caffeine-addiction.html
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Study finds coffee lovers may live longer
AFP Relax
If you love your morning coffee, a new study finds that your daily habit could protect your health. In a study by researchers from the National Cancer Institute in the US, older adults who drank coffee -- caffeinated or decaffeinated -- had a lower risk of death overall than others who did not drink coffee.
The java drinkers -- especially those who drank three or more cups a day -- were less likely to die from a number of illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and infections -- although researchers found no link with cancer. Results of the study were published on Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Head researcher Neal Freedman and his colleagues examined the association between coffee drinking and risk of death in 400,000 American men and women ages 50 to 71 who participated in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study.
"The mechanism by which coffee protects against risk of death -- if indeed the finding reflects a causal relationship -- is not clear, because coffee contains more than 1,000 compounds that might potentially affect health," said Freedman. "The most studied compound is caffeine, although our findings were similar in those who reported the majority of their coffee intake to be caffeinated or decaffeinated."
Still, while more research needs to be done to fully understand the protective components of coffee, Freedman adds that "these results do provide some reassurance that coffee drinking does not adversely affect health."
Coffee has also been shown to improve brain function in mice studies, with researchers probing the possibility of using coffee as a treatment for people with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers in Portugal also recently found that the consumption of caffeine could protect against memory loss associated with advanced diabetes.
Still health experts don't recommend overdoing your coffee intake. The US-based Mayo Clinic suggests no more than two to four cups a day, since more than that can cause insomnia, upset stomach, and anxiety.
http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/study-finds-coffee-lovers-may-live-longer-112209926.html
AFP Relax
If you love your morning coffee, a new study finds that your daily habit could protect your health. In a study by researchers from the National Cancer Institute in the US, older adults who drank coffee -- caffeinated or decaffeinated -- had a lower risk of death overall than others who did not drink coffee.
The java drinkers -- especially those who drank three or more cups a day -- were less likely to die from a number of illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and infections -- although researchers found no link with cancer. Results of the study were published on Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Head researcher Neal Freedman and his colleagues examined the association between coffee drinking and risk of death in 400,000 American men and women ages 50 to 71 who participated in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study.
"The mechanism by which coffee protects against risk of death -- if indeed the finding reflects a causal relationship -- is not clear, because coffee contains more than 1,000 compounds that might potentially affect health," said Freedman. "The most studied compound is caffeine, although our findings were similar in those who reported the majority of their coffee intake to be caffeinated or decaffeinated."
Still, while more research needs to be done to fully understand the protective components of coffee, Freedman adds that "these results do provide some reassurance that coffee drinking does not adversely affect health."
Coffee has also been shown to improve brain function in mice studies, with researchers probing the possibility of using coffee as a treatment for people with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers in Portugal also recently found that the consumption of caffeine could protect against memory loss associated with advanced diabetes.
Still health experts don't recommend overdoing your coffee intake. The US-based Mayo Clinic suggests no more than two to four cups a day, since more than that can cause insomnia, upset stomach, and anxiety.
http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/study-finds-coffee-lovers-may-live-longer-112209926.html
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Look And Feel Younger
Look And Feel Younger
6 wise moves to fight the aging process
Many of us are looking for ways to stay young and although you can't stop the clock, you can fight the signs of aging and the aging process with a few wise moves. Aside from good skincare habits, maintaining an active lifestyle, and reducing calorie intake, the following tips will help you to look and feel younger for longer.
1. Use your brain
Although the brain isn't a muscle, the old 'use it or lose it' adage still applies. Brain scans show that when people use their brains in unaccustomed ways, more blood flows into different areas of the brain, and new neural pathways form.
In a study in the journal Nature in 2004, young people were taught how to juggle. After three months, MRI scans showed enlargement of the grey matter in their brains—the part responsible for higher mental functions. When the participants in the study stopped juggling, their brains shrank again, suggesting that we need to keep our brains engaged to maintain mental agility and function. So, whether it's a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, or a university degree, trying giving your brain a challenge every day and you'll be more likely to keep your marbles!
Also, another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that more frequent participation in mentally stimulating activities can lead to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.
2. Be sociable
According to US government research, social isolation is a predictor of declining mental function in older age. Experts believe this may be down to not using a wide variety of communication skills.
Research shows that people who are part of a group—whether it's a church or a book club—are healthier than solitary people when they are older, and that the wider the range of relationships (family, friends, work and so on) a person has, the less cognitive decline they will experience with aging. So, as well as tackling the crossword puzzle on your lonesome, make time in your life for shared activities—and ensure you spend time with as wide a range of people as possible.
3. Increase your intake of antioxidants
As we age, levels of harmful free radical levels rise, while the body's production of antioxidants —the compounds which can 'mop up' free radicals—declines.
According to studies at the Human Nutrition Research Centre on Aging at Tufts University in Boston, antioxidant-rich foods may slow aging processes in the body and brain. Researchers found that foods such as blueberries and spinach could increase the antioxidant power of human blood by 10 to 25 per cent—so try eating more of these.
The antioxidant vitamins A, C and E play a major role in protecting the body against free radicals, so aim not only to get your five-a-day, but also ensure that you take in a wide variety of fruit and veggies, especially those of strong color. Vitamin A in particular helps to keep the skin strong and healthy, which we get in our diet from foods rich in beta-carotene. Carrots are the obvious choice—but sweet potato, pumpkin and melon are also good sources.
4. Have more sex
It's official: getting active between the sheets can help keep you youthful. Sex enhances emotional intimacy, relaxes us, decreases stress, and makes us feel great.
A study conducted by Psychology Today magazine found that the more active and satisfying a person's sex life is, the fitter and healthier they tend to be. For example, athletes who were still competing in sport in their sixties had sex lives comparable to those 20 years younger. And it wasn't just big talk—the researchers interviewed their spouses for verification!
Also, in his book Real Age, Michael Roizen reported that women who are unsatisfied with the quality or quantity of their sexual relationships have a life expectancy half a year less than is average for their age, while women who are satisfied with both the quality and quantity have a life expectancy one and a half years longer than average. For men, having fewer than five orgasms a year shortens life expectancy by two and a half years, while a man having more than 300 orgasms a year will add three years to his life expectancy.
5. Believe in yourself
As well as being physically, mentally and socially active, people who reach old age have a high level of what's called 'self efficacy'. Self efficacy is a blend of self belief and confidence, and studies show that it is a major distinguishing trait in centenarians.
Researchers reported that the older centenarians become, the more they make decisions on the basis of what they believe as opposed to what others expect. They place responsibility for their health with themselves and not their doctors. People with high self efficacy tend to see problems as challenges to be met, setbacks as a reason to double their efforts, and failure as a learning experience for next time.
6. Protect your skin
There are two factors affecting the way we age: intrinsic factors—caused by the genes we inherit—and extrinsic (external or environmental) factors, such as exposure to the sun's rays and cigarette smoking. This is the area that you can take action in.
If you smoke, stop—and if you don't wear a sun protection factor on your skin, start! Without protection from the sun's rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can add up to cause noticeable changes and damage to the skin, such as freckles, age spots, spider veins and fine wrinkles. Cigarette smoking causes biochemical changes in our bodies that accelerate aging. A person who smokes 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years is statistically more likely to develop deeply wrinkled, leathery skin than a non-smoker.
6 wise moves to fight the aging process
Many of us are looking for ways to stay young and although you can't stop the clock, you can fight the signs of aging and the aging process with a few wise moves. Aside from good skincare habits, maintaining an active lifestyle, and reducing calorie intake, the following tips will help you to look and feel younger for longer.
1. Use your brain
Although the brain isn't a muscle, the old 'use it or lose it' adage still applies. Brain scans show that when people use their brains in unaccustomed ways, more blood flows into different areas of the brain, and new neural pathways form.
In a study in the journal Nature in 2004, young people were taught how to juggle. After three months, MRI scans showed enlargement of the grey matter in their brains—the part responsible for higher mental functions. When the participants in the study stopped juggling, their brains shrank again, suggesting that we need to keep our brains engaged to maintain mental agility and function. So, whether it's a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, or a university degree, trying giving your brain a challenge every day and you'll be more likely to keep your marbles!
Also, another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that more frequent participation in mentally stimulating activities can lead to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.
2. Be sociable
According to US government research, social isolation is a predictor of declining mental function in older age. Experts believe this may be down to not using a wide variety of communication skills.
Research shows that people who are part of a group—whether it's a church or a book club—are healthier than solitary people when they are older, and that the wider the range of relationships (family, friends, work and so on) a person has, the less cognitive decline they will experience with aging. So, as well as tackling the crossword puzzle on your lonesome, make time in your life for shared activities—and ensure you spend time with as wide a range of people as possible.
3. Increase your intake of antioxidants
As we age, levels of harmful free radical levels rise, while the body's production of antioxidants —the compounds which can 'mop up' free radicals—declines.
According to studies at the Human Nutrition Research Centre on Aging at Tufts University in Boston, antioxidant-rich foods may slow aging processes in the body and brain. Researchers found that foods such as blueberries and spinach could increase the antioxidant power of human blood by 10 to 25 per cent—so try eating more of these.
The antioxidant vitamins A, C and E play a major role in protecting the body against free radicals, so aim not only to get your five-a-day, but also ensure that you take in a wide variety of fruit and veggies, especially those of strong color. Vitamin A in particular helps to keep the skin strong and healthy, which we get in our diet from foods rich in beta-carotene. Carrots are the obvious choice—but sweet potato, pumpkin and melon are also good sources.
4. Have more sex
It's official: getting active between the sheets can help keep you youthful. Sex enhances emotional intimacy, relaxes us, decreases stress, and makes us feel great.
A study conducted by Psychology Today magazine found that the more active and satisfying a person's sex life is, the fitter and healthier they tend to be. For example, athletes who were still competing in sport in their sixties had sex lives comparable to those 20 years younger. And it wasn't just big talk—the researchers interviewed their spouses for verification!
Also, in his book Real Age, Michael Roizen reported that women who are unsatisfied with the quality or quantity of their sexual relationships have a life expectancy half a year less than is average for their age, while women who are satisfied with both the quality and quantity have a life expectancy one and a half years longer than average. For men, having fewer than five orgasms a year shortens life expectancy by two and a half years, while a man having more than 300 orgasms a year will add three years to his life expectancy.
5. Believe in yourself
As well as being physically, mentally and socially active, people who reach old age have a high level of what's called 'self efficacy'. Self efficacy is a blend of self belief and confidence, and studies show that it is a major distinguishing trait in centenarians.
Researchers reported that the older centenarians become, the more they make decisions on the basis of what they believe as opposed to what others expect. They place responsibility for their health with themselves and not their doctors. People with high self efficacy tend to see problems as challenges to be met, setbacks as a reason to double their efforts, and failure as a learning experience for next time.
6. Protect your skin
There are two factors affecting the way we age: intrinsic factors—caused by the genes we inherit—and extrinsic (external or environmental) factors, such as exposure to the sun's rays and cigarette smoking. This is the area that you can take action in.
If you smoke, stop—and if you don't wear a sun protection factor on your skin, start! Without protection from the sun's rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can add up to cause noticeable changes and damage to the skin, such as freckles, age spots, spider veins and fine wrinkles. Cigarette smoking causes biochemical changes in our bodies that accelerate aging. A person who smokes 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years is statistically more likely to develop deeply wrinkled, leathery skin than a non-smoker.
http://ph.she.yahoo.com/blogs/fabulous-mom/look-feel-younger-064542801.html
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