Food and Nutrition : Turmeric

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.


The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.
Here are some of the many reasons to add turmeric to your diet:


It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
Is a natural liver detoxifier.
May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions. 

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes.

                              

Powerful Health Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus is a springtime vegetable that is versatile and uniquely delicious. Buying it this time of year is best as it is fresh and particularly nutritious, since it is in season. Studies show that asparagus balances insulin levels, which means that it powerfully prevents diabetes. Ensuring that our insulin levels are stable is one of the most important things we can do for our health. It allows us to live long and feel good. Its unique mineral profile makes it an effective natural diuretic. Natural diuretics promote the formation of urine in the kidneys, aiding in detoxification and cleansing.

Asparagus is also a powerful aphrodisiac and one of the best foods to increase libido. Just check out its shape.

Asparagus is also one of the only vegetables to contain inulin, which feeds friendly bacteria that live in the large intestine. This makes it a great food for preventing yeast overgrowth, and it generally keeps the digestive system and belly well.

Asparagus contains loads of folate. Among other health benefits, folate is essential for pre conception and the early stages of pregnancy. Asparagus' high level of this mineral means that is can reduce the risk of birth defects and helps the nervous system develop beautifully.

Here are some other benefits that make asparagus one of the best super foods on the planet.

* Great for your heart

* Asparagus fights depression and puts you in a good mood

* Gets rid of warts by eating one of the best super foods on the planet!

* Asparagus lowers cholesterol

* Stimulates milk production in nursing mothers

* It is a potent antioxidant

* Is antifungal and antiviral

* Your kidneys will love asparagus... it helps cleanse the body and prevent kidney stones

* Asparagus prevents bladder and urinary tract infections

* Helps with treating HIV

* Helps prevent multiple sclerosis

* Asparagus contains anti cancer properties and is especially powerful in preventing lung cancer

* Is energizing and fights chronic fatigue syndrome

* Asparagus will lower blood pressure naturally

* Asparagus is top of the list of alkaline foods

* Asparagus stimulates hair production and is one of the best super foods for balding.

So as it is spring time, it is the perfect time of year to get out and find some locally grown, preferably organic asparagus. It is delectable finely chopped in salads, barbecued with mustard, or lightly steamed.

                                         

Fish Oil Liqid or Tablets

Fish oil is made from the tissue of oily fish, including salmon, mackerel, tuna and herring. It is available in either liquid or tablet form. The liquid is more expensive, so the tablets may be more convenient if you are minding a budget. There are benefits to taking both forms. Consult your doctor before using fish oil supplements.

What is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is a supplement that consists of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentenoic acid, which is known as EPA, and docosahexenoic acid, which is known as DHA. Fish oil is claimed to prevent heart disease, reduce autoimmune disorders and improve brain function and memory. EHA and DHA in the form of fish oil supplements slow the buildup of plaque in the arteries and lowers blood pressure.

Absorption

Most of the benefits of fish oil come from the omega-3 fatty acids. Your body cannot produce its own omega-3, therefore it needs to come from dietary sources. The full benefits of fish oil take effect once the supplement is absorbed. The liquid fish oil is absorbed faster than the tablet form, because the body has to breakdown the tablet before your body can absorb it.

Taste

Fish oil available in liquid form can have an unpleasant, fishy taste. For this reason, many manufacturers now make fish oil liquid in different flavors such as strawberry, orange or lemon. For some, this may mask the strong taste; however, some will still have a problem with the taste. You can mix the liquid into smoothies to help disguise the taste. The tablet form is tasteless; however, you may experience a fishy taste in your mouth after digestion.

Better Health : Fish Oil

People tend to be aware of the health cover themselves from fat and oily food, when, in fact, not all oil and fat is bad, there is a consumption good and good for health

Essential fatty acid divided from the two types of omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAS. Although there are only very slight differences to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each, research has shown that too many  of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood and tumor growth. The good news, however, that is correct for the EFAs omega-3. Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils while the EFAs omega-3 found in fish oils among other foods.

Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils. This includes but is not limited to corn oil and soybean oil, both containing a high amount of linoleic acid. Omega-3 EFAs on the other hand can also be found in marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oil. Must be significant to note that fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids that have been observed to provide many benefits to the human body. eg In the early 1970s, studies in Greenland Eskimos have revealed that one of the main reasons why they rarely suffer heart disease is due to high fat diet (mainly consisting of fish).

Fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attack, depression and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplements food have also proven useful in treating the disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Other fish oil benefits has been proven to be useful as  heart making healthy, effective in reducing blood pressure and improve glucose tolerance, fight asthma, and reduce blood vessel inflammation

Excessive eating food is not good for health, but does not eat at all types of eating particular, is also not good for health, so for the consumption of fish oil, eat in  accordance with the condition of the body, if necessary, ask experts about the amount of nutrient that are appropriate for consumption fish oil that are tailored to the age and health condition of your body, so you can get the most health benefits for your body with the consumption of fish oil.

Foods for Weight Loss

If you want to lose weight or simply feel better by eating healthier, consider the source of what you eat. Do most of your foods come out of a box, bag, or jar or do they still resemble something that grew? The best diets are ones rich in whole foods and which contain few processed foods.

A whole food is just what it sounds like – a food that you eat whole, just the way nature intended. When foods are processed they are often stripped of nutrients and filled with additives, and so you want to eat things that are as close to their natural state as possible. Fruits and vegetables are perfect examples. You can eat them fresh from the garden, skin and all. Whole grains are healthy because the most nutritious part of the grain is still intact.

Eating a diet rich with fruits, vegetables and whole grains will support the loss of extra pounds while fueling your body during those long rides. The vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in these foods are not only the best for building muscle, but have been shown to protect the body against a variety of chronic diseases including cancer and heart disease.

When choosing packaged foods, look for short ingredient lists. The more “stuff” in your food, the more processed it is. Watch out for words like "enriched" and ingredients that sound like they were created by a mad scientist. It's a safe bet no one went out early this morning and picked an azodicarbonamide from the garden, which is an ingredient (a "dough conditioner") found in a Big Mac.

Start today by adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal. Keep fresh fruit around and out on the table where it is easy to snack on. We have a bowl of grapes that sit in the center of our kitchen table, and I walk by and pop a few in my mouth each time I pass, just like I used to do with potato chips. These few tricks make it easy to hit the recommended 5 fruits and vegetables a day and in no time at all, you'll be well on your way to losing weight, feeling better, and having more energy.

Healthy Drinks

People following alternative diets often try to increase their intake of water and other beverages. Here are some suggestions:


Water
Some people find it easier to drink if it's room room temperature or slightly warm. If you drink tap water, you may want to purchase a home water filter. Squeeze lemon, lime or orange wedges into water for flavor.


Herbal Teas
Caffeine-free herbal teas are other good options. Peppermint, chamomile and caraway teas in particular are thought to improve digestion and reduce bloating.


Vegetable Juice
Vegetable juice is a great way to boost your antioxidant intake. Avoid canned juices and vegetable cocktails that contain salt. Celery, wheatgrass, cucumber, fennel, parsley and other non-starchy vegetables are excellent choices. If you enjoy the taste of vegetable juice, you may wish to purchase your own juicer.


Smoothies
A smoothie made of a combination or fresh or frozen berries, a scoop of protein powder, greens powder, soy or rice milk and flax oil is a great way to start the day. If you are used to coffee or something sweet in the morning, you may find that a power smoothie gives you more sustained energy.


Fruit Juices
In general, it's better to eat fruit than drink it. Try diluting fruit juice with water - one part unsweetened fruit juice to one to three parts water. You can use sparkling water to dilute as long as it is low in sodium.

Brazil Nuts and Cancer

A trace element found in brazil nuts, liver and kidneys, may help protect some women against breast cancer, research suggested

Brazil nuts: could help guard
against breast cancer

yesterday.

Selenium appears to interact with an enzyme in the body which guards against the disease, scientists said.

Supplements could be given if women whose enzyme was underfunctioning could be identified, according to experts at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Selenium is already thought to protect against other cancers, notably prostate.

There is also evidence, though controversial, that it cuts heart disease risks.

A recent study by Edinburgh University also found falling levels of selenium in UK diets could be increasing people's risk of developing lung, colon and corectal cancers as well as skin cancer.

Levels of selenium in soil have been falling steadily over the years.

The researchers found that skin cells became more resistant to ultraviolet rays when they were treated with selenium compounds.

The study found that selenium could also be used to slow down the skin's ageing process, which is largely the result of exposure to sunlight.