Eat Your Heart Out: The 10 Best Heart-Healthy Foods

 

Your heart is like the motor of your body. And like any motor, it has to be cared for, with the right ingredients going in to keep things at peak performance. And with heart disease remaining the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, adding a few heart-healthy substitutions to your daily diet is an easy way to start changing your lifestyle for the better.

 

10. Coffee

That’s right, coffeeholics, rejoice! Your favorite morning pick-me-up aids in natural fat burning and can even boost metabolism by 3-11%. In doing so, it becomes easier for your heart to do its job pumping on and on. Further research suggests moderate coffee consumption (1-3 cups/day) reduces the risk of a stroke, particularly in women.

 

9. Apples

The saying is right: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” on top of keeping your heart smiling. The fiber in apples blasts plaque buildup in your arteries and keeps further cholesterol from solidifying in its walls. Chomp away at the fruit as a lunch companion or an afternoon snack.

 

8. Sweet Potatoes

Topping the beta-carotene charts, sweet potatoes take vitamins A, C, and E and help reduce the risk of heart disease while delaying the bodily effects of aging. Low calorie, try baked sweet potato fries as a side, or pop in the microwave for a mindless meal.

 

7. Tomatoes

Rich in potassium and a great source of the antioxidant lycopene (a carotenoid believed to help keep blood vessels open and strong), tomatoes in any form will help fight your chances of a heart attack. On top of being low in sugar and high in folic acid, roasted tomatoes in garlic and olive oil is a spectacular side dish to pair with your next entree.

 

6. Oatmeal

There’s hardly a healthier way to start your day than with a bowl of hot oatmeal. A fantastic source of fiber, oatmeal lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease. Avoid instant oatmeal, however, which tends to hide a lot of refined sugar, instead opting for steel cut or whole oat groats (a fancy name for oatmeal’s kernels).

 

5. Soy

Soy comes in a ton of varieties, from classic tofu to soy milk you can stir into that morning cup of Joe. It delivers an almost incomparable protein boost (half a cup can provide nearly 20% of your daily dose) while remaining low in sodium and cholesterol, common elements in many animal product alternatives.

 

4. Garlic

Not only does garlic make for killer flavoring, its cholesterol-reducing antioxidants lower blood pressure and increases overall blood flow. Keep it fresh, though. Processed garlic provides the same heart help, but not nearly to the same degree as full cloves nabbed in the produce section.

 

3. Red wine

The perks of an evening glass go beyond relaxation. Red wine contains the compound polyphenol resveratrol, an antioxidant that help clears bad toxins from blood and makes your heart’s job easier. The key here, though, rests in sticking with only one glass.

 

2. Seeds & Nuts

Nearly any kind of nut is your heart’s best buddy. From almonds and pistachios to a pinch of peanuts, most pack your heart’s necessary fiber and magnesium punch. Some, like walnuts, also carry the essential body fat, omega-3. As long as you avoid the kind with added salt, you’ve got a go-to, heart-healthy snack.

Likewise, sprinkling flax or chia seeds onto the foods you already eat delivers the same benefits of fiber and omega-3 acids. They’re a simple topping for salads, yogurt parfaits, fruit spreads, or even blended into a smoothie.

 

1. Salmon

Nothing compares to the levels of healthy, fatty acids you get from fish oils. Their omega-3 content goes hand-in-hand with lowering blood pressure and regulating good and bad cholesterol. Experts advise incorporating salmon (or other omega-3 rich fish like tuna and mackerels) into your diet at least 2-3 times a week. They work great as sandwiches for lunch or as the centerfold of a dinner pasta spread.

A specialist from ICE, Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence, says eating a healthy diet low in cholesterol, salt, and saturated fat can help you avoid heart disease. Combined with moderate exercise and lower stress levels, a heart-friendly diet will go a long way in keeping you at your best. And, with most of these delicious foods, your taste buds will thank you, too!

 

Categories: Blood, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart, heart disease, Heart-Healthy, nbsp, Red Wine, sweet potatoes

Get Her in The Mood With These 10 Sexy Foods

 

 

Having sex is the top thing that men usually think about, but how do you turn those thoughts into reality when you’re both working, taking care of the kids and trying to have some sort of social life? Sex is beneficial to your wellbeing in many ways – improving your health, mental wellness and your relationship – so how do you keep the flames of passion burning? If you want to get the magic back under the sheets with your partner, raid your kitchen! Not only are the following foods – outlined by sexual health expert Shruti Goenka – delicious; they will also get you and your lady ready for some sweet, sweet loving.

 

1. Vanilla: According to Goenka, ‘The smell of vanilla itself does a lot of things to the body, doesn’t it? That apart, it is any woman’s favourite fragrance. Its aroma has therapeutic, relaxing effects that help you soothe down the tired body and get into the naughty mood. Order a large tub of vanilla ice cream or gift her a vanilla fragrance, and be ready for surprises.’

 

2. Oysters: ‘The high levels of zinc in oysters work on the hormones for both men and women, which increase the lovemaking desire dramatically,’ Goenka explains. ‘Take her out for a fancy dinner and order some oysters. Gulp them down and be ready for a wild night!’

 

3. Chocolate: ‘A delicious way to be great in bed is to have a chunk of dark chocolate,’ Goenka suggests. ‘It has chemicals that not only work on the stress and relax the mind, but also improves the feelings of pleasure and excitement. Pick your favourite chocolate while you get back from work.’

 

4. Pomegranate: Goenka notes, ‘This fruit is full of antioxidants and improves the blood circulation to the sexual organs, making them more sensitive to touch. Have a bowl of pomegranate for dessert tonight.’

 

5. Red Wine: ‘Often called the ladies’ drink, this one will work wonders for your girl,’ says Goenka. ‘The chemicals in red wine help in working on the oestrogen (female hormone) levels, increasing the pleasure in women. But this one works for men too; you can enjoy the heated benefits as well! Find a reason to celebrate tonight, and go home with a bottle of red wine.’

 

6. Bananas: Goenka advises, ‘Bananas are a must for the production of sex hormones. Having this fruit everyday provides the body with minerals that can encourage pleasure and excitement. How about enjoying some bananas after dinner, while watching a movie maybe?’

 

7. Almonds: Goenka details, ‘This is probably the oldest known aphrodisiac (mentioned even in the Bible). Have a handful of almonds everyday and see how its works towards a mind-blowing performance! The fragrance of almonds is also known to boost the desire for intimacy. Apart from munching on some almonds, how about an almond oil massage session?’

 

8. Caffeine: ‘Any foods or drinks that have caffeine in them, like tea or coffee, can improve the blood circulation in the body including to the genital organs,’ Goenka comments. ‘But don’t overdo this, as it can have side effects like restlessness. Relax with some black coffee with your sweetheart before bedtime.’

 

9. Chillies: Goenka argues, ‘The spicier your food, the more excited you feel! Chillies release endorphins when you start feeling the heat, thus working great for your physical desires. Have a spicy, hot chilli chutney or pickle with your dinner and get ready for a wild night!’

 

10. Strawberries: ‘Sensuality has always been directly associated with strawberries,’ Goenka points out. ‘There have been numerous movie scenes where strawberries have been a part of the passionate love making. The vitamin C in the fruit along with antioxidants works on the hormones and gives the pleasure that you crave for. Top all your desserts with this yummy fruit to surprise your wife with not just your cullinary skills, but more as well!’

Categories: almonds, blood circulation, body, goenka, nbsp, night nbsp, Oysters, ready, Red Wine, vanilla, wild night

Study Finds Flavonoids Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Consuming a diet rich in flavonoids might reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. This is according to a new study, published in the peer-reviewed medical journal the Journal of Nutrition, which found that women who consumed more flavonoids –found in tea, berries and, yes, red wine and chocolate – appeared to have less biological signs they were heading for type 2 diabetes. These women had lower insulin resistance and lower insulin levels than those consuming lower levels of flavonoids – but does this mean you can consume as much chocolate and red wine as you want? Probably not.

 

The study researchers, who came from the University of East Anglia and King’s College London, commented that information from laboratory experiments suggests that several flavonoid subclasses are involved in glucose metabolism – a key part of diabetes. However, according to the NHS website, ‘This study does not give the green light to drink red wine above the recommended levels or to consume chocolate often – any potential benefits of diabetes prevention are likely to be overshadowed by the already known risks of excessive sugar, fat and alcohol consumption, including liver disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer… A proven method of reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight, and contrary to media reports, a diet rich in wine and chocolate is not going to help you with that.’

 

The researchers used food questionnaires filled in by a group of 1,997 women aged 18 to 76 who were taking part in the Twins UK registry. From these results, they calculated the women’s intake of flavonoids and a range of flavonoid sub-classes from food and drink, and compared them to a number of markers of type 2 diabetes that were measured during a clinical assessment between 1996 and 2000. These markers included fasting blood glucose, insulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor and adiponectin. Tea was the main source of total flavonoid (81%), flavan-3-ol (91%), flavonol (63%), and polymer (83%) intake. Grapes, pears, wine and berries contributed >10% of anthocyanin intake, and oranges, wine and peppers to >10% of flavone intake.

 

The researchers found that those who had a high intake of anthocyanins were significantly more likely to have lower insulin resistance and lower fasting insulin levels. Therefore, the investigators came to the conclusion that ‘the findings of the current study provide an insight into the potential mechanisms by which anthocyanins may act to reduce type 2 diabetes risk and are consistent with previous studies investigating intake of specific flavonoid subclasses and type 2 diabetes risk.’ They added, ‘It is plausible that increasing intakes of anthocyanin-rich foods, such as grapes, berries, and wine, would lead to greater improvements in insulin resistance because in vitro [in the laboratory] studies have shown previously that this is dose-dependent relation.’

 

However, the NHS website warns, ‘The bottom line is that this study only highlights a possible link and cannot prove cause and effect. A clinical trial is needed before these results can be believed. We would have no problem promoting a diet rich in fresh fruits such as berries and oranges. However, care should be taken with tea; excessive amounts of caffeine may trigger symptoms of irritability and insomnia in some people. As with chocolate and wine, it could be the case that any potential benefit is outweighed by the risk, such as liver disease and obesity.’ Again, however, this is not an excuse to overdo it on more than the recommended levels of chocolate and red wine – or at least, not until a larger study comes to the same conclusions.

Categories: Diabetes risk, diet rich, flavonoid subclasses, flavonoids, insulin levels, insulin resistance, nhs website, recommended levels, Red Wine, reduce type, Research, Type 2 Diabetes

How to Use Red Wine to Keep You Looking Young

Those who enjoy an occasional glass of wine don’t need to feel guilty anymore – it turns out that it could be great for your wellness and wellbeing, especially in terms of anti-aging. Recent research has shown that those who drink red wine from time to time have less chance of suffering from heart disease than those who do not drink. On top of that, scientists have found that there is a strong link between red wine and anti-aging. It turns out that drinking red wine in moderation may be a powerful way to improve your lifespan and your cardiovascular health. It is, however, vital that you choose the correct type of red wine.

 

Only wine that has been produced using the traditional production methods actually has a high enough concentration of the active ingredients that keep you looking young. This ingredient is found in wines that have been produced in Sardinia, Italy and in the South West of France. Wines from these regions were tested, and it was found that they had higher levels of polyphenols (in fact they were up to 10 times higher in these wines than in wines from the New World).

 

When researchers looked further into why this might be, they discovered that the traditional wine-production methods used in these regions ensured that the vital ingredients and beneficial compounds could be effectively extracted from the grapes. This is why the traditional lines are better for your health than the wines that use newer production methods.

 

Other types of wine were tested, too, but it was found conclusively that red wine had the most potent polyphenols. In some red wines, around one gram per litre of wine was actually detected!

 

At the same time, the researchers found that resveratrol, found in alcohol, is not the miracle ingredient it has previously been thought to be, especially when contrasted with polyphenols.

Categories: aging, anti aging, methods, nbsp, production, production methods, Red, Red Wine, Wine, wines

When Alcohol Works: Health Benefits of Moderate Drinking

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but can the same be said for a glass of wine or a beer? Perhaps a legend exists in your family that relatives have told you about your great-grandfather having a glass of beer with dinner every night and living to be 98 years old. Is there any truth in that? Can consuming alcohol in moderation really be beneficial to your health? Read on to find out.

 

Drinking in Moderation

According to research, drinking in moderation can be defined as consuming one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Moderate drinking does not mean abstaining all week then getting drunk on the weekends. Drinking in excess not only puts your health at risk, but potentially your life as well. 

When you overdo it with alcohol, you increase your chances of driving under the influence (DUI). As Jack Diamond, a DUI lawyer in Massachusetts addresses on his website, being arrested for a DUI can lead to a multitude of problems in your life, including your health, legal and financial situations. It goes without saying that if you are not of legal drinking age, you should not consume any alcohol until you are.

 

Good for Your Heart

Studies have shown that a moderate amount of alcohol actually raises the levels of “good cholesterol,” or HDLs in your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDLs are beneficial in preventing several types of heart disease that result from cardiovascular disease. So, a drink a day may reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack or even a stroke.

 

Live Longer

Apparently, there is some truth to why your great-grandpa lived so long when he had a glass of beer every night with dinner. Consuming alcohol with meals may reduce your risk of dying by up to 18 percent. Just take a look at people who follow the Mediterranean diet for proof of this one. Wine is a staple at Greek, Italian and Spanish lunch and dinner tables, and these cultures tend to suffer from lower instances of diseases and health issues in general, thus, living longer than the rest of us.

 

Prevent Symptoms of the Common Cold

Who knew that a cold could be prevented with a glass of red wine? Researchers discovered that non-smoking individuals who consumed eight to 14 glasses of red wine each week were 60 percent less likely to develop a cold! Sixty percent! That is rather significant when so many Americans miss work each year because of the annoying symptoms of an incurable cold. It seems that the antioxidant properties of red wine are an excellent dose of preventative medicine (and wine tastes better than medicine, too).

 

If you are worried that your usual glass of wine or beer with dinner, or your afternoon martini might cause health issues later in life, worry no more. Instead, enjoy the fact that you are able to reap the benefits of drinking alcohol in moderation. As long as you maintain that moderate intake, you could very well become the next legend in your family.

Writer Melanie Fleury has watched family members get DUI’s, but she also has seen many friends and family members who know not to drive after enjoying a glass of wine with dinner. Jack Diamond, of Jack Diamond Law, knows that a DUI can seem like the end of the world, but assures clients that it is not. 

 

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/klauspost/92783024/

Categories: Alcohol, Benefits, consuming alcohol, Drinking, family members, health, health issues, jack diamond, moderate, moderate drinking, Red Wine, Wine

How Red Wine Assists in Hearing and Brain Function

 

Researchers have recently discovered that a compound called resveratrol , which is found in red wine and also in red grapes, can help protect against hearing loss and age-related cognitive issues. The research was published by the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. This research shows that rats who were given resveratrol  were far less likely to experience any prolonged effects of noise-related hearing loss if they had taken the compound before long-term exposure to the noise. In other words, taking resveratrol seems to shield the ears from negative effects that usually occur from exposure to prolonged loud noises. This article discusses what these findings mean, their implications, and how you can protect your hearing.

 

The Research

Research indicates that the compound itself may actually reduce the risk of hearing loss. The way it does this is by reducing the bio inflammatory response to loud noises, which medical researchers believe is the reason hearing loss occurs. Bio Inflammation happens when injury occurs. When you’re exposed to loud noises, the body perceives it as an injury to your ear. Just as you will experience swelling of your skin if you get cut, your ear will do same thing if damaged by loud noise, and that inflammation can cause further damage to your hearing. Since this compound seems to reduce the inflammatory response, it can protect you from loss of hearing.

 

Implications

The compound has been proven to at least have some helpful effects. Consuming more of the compound might be helpful to overall hearing health, as well. Since studies show the compound also wards off cognitive disease, it is helpful for more than one part of your body. For those who don’t want to drink or don’t like grapes, you can actually purchase the compound in supplement form, as well. The study has several implications, two of which are the prolonged hearing of individuals who take it, and the introduction of a way to possibly prevent a significant amount of hearing damage.

 

Using Common Sense

Having the compound available is not an excuse to take the supplement and then listen to extremely loud music through your headphones. Always use precautions when you’re around loud noises. Wear ear protection if your job exposes you to loud noises, particularly if you are exposed to these sounds for a prolonged period of time. There are online sources like HealthyHearing.com that can help you find a doctor if you need to see one. Early intervention of hearing-related problems has shown to be very helpful in long-term success of treatment, so at the first sign of hearing problems, see a doctor.

 

Resveratrol is certainly a benefit for those who are seeking a way to prevent hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises. Taking the supplement, or drinking one glass of wine per evening, is good for those who want to protect  their hearing, especially those who work around loud noises or listen to music.  Having the compound available is not an excuse to be irresponsible – always protect your hearing whenever possible. Clearly, this compound will have a positive impact on many people when used as a preventative measure to protect hearing ability and overall health.

 

Kenneth Bassett is a health researcher. He frequently blogs about innovative treatments and preventatives.

Categories: brain function, compound, Hearing, hearing loss, hearing nbsp, inflammatory response, Long term, loud, loud noises, Red Wine

How to Lower Your Cholesterol without Compromising on Taste

You might want to take care of your wellbeing and cut cholesterol from your diet, but how do you do it and still enjoy your food? Does a low-cholesterol diet doesn’t have to be all oat bran and tofu? Of course not! There are plenty of simple substitutions you can make in your diet that bolster your wellness and still keep you in a state of foodie bliss.

1. Instead of sprinkling croutons, go for walnuts: In carbohydrates, such as croutons, you’ll find a lot of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol. Walnuts, on the other hand, are high in polyunsaturated fat, which works to lower your LDL levels while giving your HDL levels (aka your levels of “good” cholesterol” a hearty boost. So the next time you have a salad, why not go a little bit nutty?

2. Replace cocktail hour with wine time: While research does suggest that a small amount of alcohol can cause your HDL cholesterol levels to rise slightly – which is a good thing – you won’t reap any benefits if you’re knocking back the mojitos and margaritas. Cocktails and mixed drinks with fruit juice contain carbohydrates which, as we’ve previously mentioned, is not great for your cholesterol levels. However, switching to red wine can give you all the benefits you could want for your wellbeing. Aside from having just 10% of the carbohydrate content of a margarita, red wine is packed with antioxidants known as flavonoids, which are believed to lower your LDL and boost your HDL. Still, alcohol can, in large quantities do real damage to your health – as I’m sure you’re aware – so stick to the American Heart Association’s guidelines of two glasses a day for men or one glass for women.

3. Swap cheese and crackers for edamame and nuts: Cheese and crackers are a popular pre- or post-dinner snack, but they are sky-high in saturated fat, which is one of the prime culprits behind high cholesterol. For all the foodie goodness of cheese and crackers but none of the guilt, try almonds and edamame. Almonds have been shown to lower LDL, while edamame – the boiled baby soybeans that are a common appetite whetter in Japanese restaurants – is extremely low in the saturated fat department. Although evidence is conflicting, some wellness experts assert that the soy protein found in edamame actively lowers your LDL. If you’re thinking Japanese soybeans sound a little complicated for an appetiser, all you need to do is buy them frozen, dump them into boiling water, and drain after 5 minutes.

4. Drizzle salads with balsamic vinegar: Any diet wellness or weight loss article you read will probably tell you to avoid salad dressing, or at least have it on the side. However, you don’t need to live a life of leafy dryness. Try drizzling your salads with balsamic vinegar, lemon juice or a nice shallot and grapefruit dressing.

5. Banish butter and bring out the margarine: There’s more than a third of your recommended daily value of saturated fat in just one tablespoon of butter (which, if you’re interested, is seven grams). Moreover, a single tablespoon of butter contains 10% of your daily value for dietary cholesterol. True, butter isn’t as harmful for your health as wellness experts once thought. However, it remains one of the main sources of high cholesterol and atherosclerosis, so switch your butter with a vegetable-oil-based spread. Anything containing olive oil will help you to replace a bad fat with a good fat. With that in mind, use olive oil (or white wine vinegar) when cooking instead of butter.

Categories: balsamic vinegar, butter, cholesterol, cholesterol levels, hdl cholesterol, high cholesterol, ldl cholesterol, levels, olive oil, Red Wine, Substitutions, wellness experts

Planning to Opt For a Mediterranean Diet?

Are you planning to opt for a Mediterranean diet? If you are looking for a heart healthy diet plan then this might be the right one for you. The components of Mediterranean diet include the basics of healthy eating incorporated with flavourful olive oil and red wine mixed with other components. These components characterize the traditional cooking style of countries on the border of Mediterranean Sea.

 

The diet plan includes fish, vegetables, fruits and whole grains and excludes unhealthy fats. While this way is a tried and tested way of a healthy diet. Any small little variation here and there can cause risk of heart diseases.

 

What are the benefits of the Mediterranean diet?

Many studies have stated that following a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of heart problems. An analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy people suggested that following the diet was linked to a reduced risk of death from heart problems as well as cancer. It also stated that the diet is associated to a reduced risk of Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Mediterranean diet is a plan that your entire family can follow in order to reduce the risk of heart disorders.

 

What are the key components of the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes on the following:

 

Consuming plant-based foods such as vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes and fruits

Opting for healthy fats such as olive oil over butter

Usage of salt and flavour foods to be replaced by natural herbs and spices

Consumption of red meat should be limited to few times a month

Eating poultry and fish twice a week

Consumption of red wine but moderately (option)

The diet also suggests enjoying the food with your family and includes regular exercising.

 

Some quick steps to get you started with Mediterranean diet plan

A diet plan that is healthy and tasty and many people who switch to Mediterranean diet have said that they would like to stick to it forever and that they will never eat any other way.

 

A variety of fruits and plant foods should become a part of your diet. Include whole grains in your major meals. The food should be minimally processed. Include veggies and fruits for snack time as well as in big meals. Opt for whole grain bread, pastas and rice products. Baby carrots, bananas and apples can be your mid-time snack. Fruit salad is another healthy diet dish to go for.

Have nuts and seeds as they are a good source of fibre, healthy fats and proteins. Keep some nuts handy like cashews, pistachios, walnuts and almonds. Go for natural peanut butter instead of hydrogenated fat. Tahini also known as sesame seeds can be a perfect spread on bread or can be used as a dip.

Avoid butter completely. Opt for olive oil or canola instead of margarine or butter. Drizzle it over the vegetables lightly. Add a touch of olive oil after cooking pasta, add onions and garlic as this will add good flavour. Spread olive oil on bread or use as a dip instead of consuming butter.

Use herbs and spices to make your food tasty.

Eat fish every twice a week. Salmon, trout, fresh or water-packed tuna, herring and mackerel are healthy to eat. Broil, grill or bake fish for easy clean up and good taste.

Don’t eat meat often. Few times a month is okay but pay attention to the quantity while consumption.

Avoid higher fat dairy products. Opt for low fat dairy such as whole or 2 percent milk, ice cream and cheese.

Categories: benefit, diet, diet include, healthy diet, Healthy Fats, Heart Problems, Mediterranean, Mediterranean diet, olive oil, Red Wine, reduced risk

Three Anti-Ageing Foods that You’ll Actually Want to Eat

You want to stay looking young and gorgeous for as long as possible, but all that anti-ageing wellness seems like a lot of bother, doesn’t it? People inject their faces with botox, slather themselves with expensive creams and even undergo surgery in their quest for youth – surely there’s a better way than that? Some people turn to dietary wellness to delay ageing, but that still means you have to bother with oily fish and broccoli that you don’t really like. Fortunately, there are some anti-ageing foods that you actually want to eat.

 

Dark chocolate – Let’s start with the good stuff, shall we? Although you may feel guilty for munching away, dark chocolate is actually hugely beneficial to your wellbeing. As it is made of cacao, dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than almost any other food, being a rich source of polyphenols like catechin, epicatechin and procyanidins. These antioxidants work to open your blood vessels and protect your nerves from injury and inflammation.

 

Red wine – If sitting around with the girls and sharing a bar of Bourneville isn’t enough to help you look younger, get out your wine glasses. Red wine contains a compound called resveratrol which activates the genes in your body that slow cellular ageing. A wealth of evidence has shown that the resveratrol in red wine stimulates your body’s production of SIRT1. This is a serum which blocks diseases by speeding up your cell’s energy production centres, known as the mitrochondria. Made with the dark skin and seeds of grapes, red wine is also heart healthy because it contains high levels of polyphenols.

 

Yoghurt – While it may not be quite as exciting as red wine or dark chocolate, yoghurt is still a yummy food that delays the signs of ageing. Yoghurt’s rich levels of calcium help to guard your wellbeing against osteoporosis – a disease in which your bones become brittle and are more likely to fracture. Plus, yoghurt contains the good bacteria that help to maintain the health of your gut and reduce your chances of age-related intestinal illness. That’s only if you eat yoghurt; if you apply it to your skin, yoghurt fights acne, works as a moisturiser, prevents premature ageing, relieves your sunburn and reduces discolouration. This is because yoghurt contains lactic acid, which dissolves dead skin and tightens pores.

Categories: Dark Chocolate, Red Wine, yoghurt

5 Awesome Cancer Fighting Foods

Being healthy is one of the most rewarding things one can have in life; it warrants for one to live a good lifestyle by sleeping eight hours a day, exercising frequently, and of course, eating healthy foods. Doing so could naturally help prevent a person from being sick. There are even foods that are able to prevent or fight one from having cancer, helping in lessening the Adcetris cost, a type of medicine used by cancer patients. Although the use of medicine and eating healthy foods for cancer have different effects, it is truly amazing how cancer fighting foods are able to prevent the growth of cancer cells, making a person much healthier. Listed below is five of the most amazing cancer fighting foods.

1. Tomato

Tomatoes are not only great for tomato-based pastas – the juicy red fruit is also great for fending off cancer cells that may affect the lungs, prostate, stomach and the uterus. Cooked tomatoes are better than raw ones, as the heating process help increasing the amount of lycopene that the body could absorb. Not only can it slow down the growth of cancer cells, but it could also kill prostate cancer cells. Each type of tomatoes has different levels of lycopene too, so a cancer patient’s consumption should also differ according to the type and the needs. Not only are tomatoes good against cancer, but the fruit could also prevent heart diseases.

 

2. Carrots

Excessive consumption of beta-carotene-rich foods may cause cancer, but those found in carrots haven’t been proven to also cause it, except when eaten excessively. In fact, beta-carotene found in raw carrots have been proven to help in reducing cancer cells that affect the mouth, stomach, bladder, breast, prostate, lung and intestine. Other than beta-carotene, another component of carrots that make it effective against cancers is falcarinol. Falcarinol helps in slowing the growth of isolated cancer cells when exposed to the natural pesticide.

 

3. Garlic

Garlic’s phytochemicals have been proven to stop the production of carcinogens formed in the stomach, — and in some cases, intestines — nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are produced when a person consumes nitrates, one of the most common food preservatives found in preserved meats. Garlic helps in eradicating breast, colon, stomach and esophageal cancers when chopped and sprinkled in tomato sauce as it cooks. Eating it raw would also help.

 

4. Red Wine

Although white wine could be an effective agent too, red wines contain higher levels of phytochemicals that are rich in phytochemicals. This is because the skin of the grapes used in red wines are maintained and used whereas, white wines contain peeled grapes. The skin itself contains the phytochemicals that reduce cancer risks and promote better health for drinkers. Over drinking though, may be harmful and cause other health risks. It is advised for males to drink two glasses of red wine, while females have to drink one glass a day. There are researches which point at alcohols to be carcinogenic, so you may want to go for non-alcoholic red wines.

 

5. Green Tea

One of green tea’s greatest benefits is that it makes a person look younger. Aside from that, green tea is also known to be great at reducing cancer risks. Green tea, together with black tea, contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidants that avoid the cancer cells from dividing. Polyphenols are found in other substances such as red wine and olive oil, and all of these could prevent and protect a person from many types of cancer. Green tea leaves are found to reduce stomach, colon, lung, rectum, pancreas and liver cancer risks. Research also proved that women with cancer-female/">breast cancer would benefit from drinking green tea.

Categories: Awesome Cancer Foods, Carrots, green tea, Red Wine, Tomoto