Archive for June, 2009

Benefits Of Taking Vitamin B2

For young kids and everybody else, health is wealth. Usually if not hearing the line, eat your vegetable you’ll hear the phrase, don’t forget to take your vitamins before going to school or for work. Vitamins are helpful in all our internal systems processes, together with minerals that we get from the food that we eat, most importantly, the green leafy vegetable.

It keeps our body strong and healthy. As we grow older, our need for these vitamins grows more. That is why we buy multivitamin supplements. Here we will discuss one of the Vitamin B complex, the vitamin B2.

B2 also known as Riboflavin, similar with the rest of the B complex is a water soluble stored in our body responsible for processing amino acids and fats, it helps convert carbohydrates into adenosine triphosphate, which is also known as the fuel the body needs and it activates vitamin B6 and folic acid. Like B1, it also acts as an antioxidant. This means that B2 is required in our body daily.

Although they say B2 and all other B complex can easily be absorbed, usually the body only gets very few of it. One major cause is the process of how it is cooked. Heat easily reduces the amount of vitamins in all foods. This is why vitamin supplements are recommended.

Riboflavin eases watery eye fatigue and is really helpful in treatment and prevention of cataracts. B2 is also needed in the digestive tract keeping the mucus membrane healthy and helps absorb iron and B6 much easier. Not only that, riboflavin is also used for the health of the hair, nails and skin.

When you are experiencing cracks and sores at the corners of your mouth, eye disorders, swelling of the mouth and tongue and skin lesions, this means that you are suffering from a vitamin B2 deficiency. Other symptoms also include dizziness, hair loss, dermatitis, insomnia, poor digestion, retarded growth, light sensitivity, burning feet and slow mental responses.

B2 or Riboflavin had been used in referral to individual health concerns like anemia, canker sores, cataracts, migraine or headaches, Parkinson’s disease, sickle cell anemia and preeclamsia to pregnant women.

For health purposes here are examples of foods where you can get B2. It is present in dairy products, organ meats, eggs, cheese, whole grains and of course leafy vegetables. It can also be found in fishes, legumes, and yogurt. The average amount that an individual should take in of the B2 is 1.2 mg per day for females, and 1.6 mg per day for males.

However, multivitamin supplements contain 20-25 mg. This is more than the body needs but nothing to worry about because too much intake of vitamin B2 is not as harmful as other overdoses of other vitamins. The only side effect is a normal yellow discoloration of the urine and nothing more. This is not dangerous.

But, for better results, it is highly recommended that you take in vitamin B2 with the other vitamin B complex especially vitamins B1, B3 and B6 because it is what works hand in hand with. Better take a prescribed B complex supplement available in most drug stores.

As precautionary measures, it is important that you learn more about each vitamin’s benefit, why it is needed, its sources, how it helps us and many more. Nutritional magazines, cook books, healthy brochures and other reading materials are available everywhere especially in clinics providing us recipes and information about all the healthy products and menus there is that we can study and learn in preparing our food for the family.

If you think you are having vitamin deficiency, it is wise that you consult a dietitian, nutritionist, or even your family doctor in order to have the right prescription.

Inside the net there are a lot more informational sites regarding vitamin uses and recommended multivitamin supplements. Some sites offer a toll free charges where you can communicate to a dietitian for advises and many more.

For more knowledge, try finding posts about seminars and lectures about healthy diets. This way you can make sure that you serve the healthiest food not only for yourself but also to the people or your family you are serving it. Through this, you not only make yourself happy, other people too. Health is a treasure everyone should always be aware of. When one is healthy, it is never hard feeling great everyday.

Ben Adams
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/benefits-of-taking-vitamin-b2-51394.html

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The Good and Bad Fats of Weight Loss

Fats have been a major contribution to obesity in this country. People to this day still cannot seem to grasp the fact that our bodies need fat, and other essentials that fad diets try to scare us out of consuming. There are good fats and bad fats, and just like everything else, moderation is the key to success.

Remember when everyone started consuming fat free products in the 1980’s? If they worked, why didn’t most people lose any weight on them? Because just like many other gimmicks, it was a fraud. Sure the products had less or no fat, but they increased the amount of carbohydrates which turn into sugar and calories and, well, you see where this is going.

Instead of looking for an easy way out, you might find better success at losing weight if you just sit down and understand the truth about fat. Cheaters never prosper in life, and that certainly goes for weight loss. There are no shortcuts when it comes to the human body. If you want to control your weight, start by learning the facts.

Different types of fats and oils are called “monounsaturated,” and “polyunsaturated” based on the predominant type of fatty acid, which is the building block of the particular fat or oil. Almost all the fat in your diet, and in your body, is made up of triglycerides, which are made up of 3 fatty acids linked together by a sugar called “glycerol.”

Saturated fats and trans-fats both tend to raise cholesterol levels, and higher levels of cholesterol are a major risk factor for heart disease. Processed foods often contain a whopping 50% fat calories, which is not good for you. A good target to shoot for would be choosing foods with about 20% of total calories from fat.

Polyunsaturated fats are both good and bad. Omega-6 fats are more inflammatory, and some call these “bad fats.” Omega-3 fats from fish oil and from plants are called “good fats” because they are anti-inflammatory and counter-act the effects of omega-6 fats inside cells. Just remember 3 is good, 6 is bad.

Our modern diets use a lot of processed oils, and the oil manufacturers have stripped out much of the omega-3 fatty acids to extend shelf life in the store. This results in a ratio of 10-2 in favor of bad fats when you don’t watch what you eat, and contributes to inflammation, the root of heart disease, asthma, and many forms of cancer.

Fast food restaurants have been a round for a while, so why is it that just in the past decade we have seen a rise in obesity? It’s because there are more fast food restaurants than ever before, and when people choose not to have that fatty McDonalds burger, they choose a fatty taco around the corner for variety instead of eating something healthy.

The cholesterol-raising effects of saturated fats from meats and cheeses has been known for decades, but some diets claim to lower cholesterol if you lessen your carbs and increase your proteins. This is just another fad people followed in their mighty quest to find a shortcut to weight loss. Never trust a diet that tells you a fatty slice of bacon is healthier than a fresh apple.

The fastest, safest and easiest way to lose weight while making sure your body is getting everything it needs is with soy protein meal replacement heart healthy shakes. This is the way I lost 70 pounds in 4 months and have kept it off for over 15 years. Imagine getting all of the good fat, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins your body needs…all in a 200 calorie shake. You would probably need a meal of 2,000 calories to get all of that nutrition, and you can’t lose weight that way.

Get to know your good fats (omega 3) and your bad fats (omega 6), and start incorporating what you know into the selections you choose to eat. Losing weight and keeping it off is more about a lifestyle change rather than starving yourself on a diet and worrying about every little calorie. Details won’t help you lose weight, action will.

William Winch
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/the-good-and-bad-fats-of-weight-loss-510550.html

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Vitamin D Deficiency Can Land our Aged Elders Into Depression!

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An Ultimate Guide for Easy Weight Loss

An ultimate guide for easy weight loss

Today, the weight loss industry has come up with a variety of products and programs that bear the promise of losing weight easily. These weight loss products include pills, food supplements, dietary supplementswhich can be organic or naturaland weight loss programs. Since the products lead to various physiological effects, more and more cases of side effects and death have been reported upon the use of these medicines or weight loss aids. These cases of side effects and death made experts in the world of nutrition to encourage obese people who would want to lose weight in an easy, safe, and effective way.

LOSING WEIGHT THE EASY WAY

Although dieting is one of the most popular means of losing weight, more and more nutritionists say that this method is not the easiest and safest way to lose weight. Too much dieting is discouraged because it alters the balance of a person’s body. To avoid further illness due to reckless dieting, try some of these ways to easily lose weight in a healthy way.

1.Know your calorie issues and learn how to deal with it. The first way to lose weight easily and safely is to find out how many calories your body really needs. One simple step to do this is by calculating your body’s BMR or basal metabolic rate and your body weight.
2.Go for naturals like fruits and vegetables. Four to five servings of fruits and vegetables daily can make you feel full because it fills up your stomach fast. Aside from being low in calories, fruits and vegetables are packed with beneficial fibers, vitamins, and antioxidants that can help balance your body’s metabolism.
3.Keep an eye on food servings. Watching out for the portion or serving size of the food you eat will help you develop a healthy eating routine.
4.Eat properly. If you want to lose weight easily, don’t skip meals. Skipping meals will only make you crave for larger food servings. To avoid being hungry, try to eat small sizes frequently to balance your body’s calorie intake. Instead of eating three big meals, opt for four to seven small meals daily.
5.Go for water therapy. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily and veer away from sugary drinks such as juices, shakes, and creams. Aside from keeping you away from sugar and added calories, drinking water will also hydrate your body and make you feel more full.
6.Opt for freshly-packed or prepared foods. When buying groceries and food stocks, make sure you buy fresh foods and avoid processed foods usually brought in convenient stores because these are high in sodium and fat content.
7.Indulge and give in. If you are craving for a specific food or dish, indulge. Being not overly-restrictive with food or favorite treats can be awarding experience. By giving into these cravings you can totally avoid eating foods that are high in calories and fats.
8.Take time off to read and understand various food claims in their labels. Since all products are into marketing and advertising campaigns, being meticulous about the calorie and fat contents of a product will help you avoid eating foods that can add up to your weight.
9.Record your eating habits and patterns by keeping a food journal. Updating and monitoring your food and eating patterns will help you track down the reasons behind your weight gain. Asking for professional help from a registered dietitian will make the monitoring more valid.
10.Engage yourself in daily activities such as exercise. Walking is the easiest form of exercise and is recommended by most authorities to help you lose weight while keeping your body fit and healthy. Other exercises and workouts that last 30 to 60 minutes will also help you burn unwanted fats and calories.

Nathalie Fiset
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/an-ultimate-guide-for-easy-weight-loss-61229.html

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Control your Diabetes By Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Many of the vitamins like Vitamin B complex, Thiamine or Vitamin B1 and Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6 are great controller of diabetes. Other vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin E also works great in controlling diabetes. Have a look on the benefits how they can help you controlling your diabetes.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C is considered highly beneficial in treating diabetes. Because of stress, urinary losses and destruction by artificial sweeteners, the vitamin C requirement is usually high in diabetics. Large amounts of this vitamin sometimes bring very good results. Dr. George V Mann in Perspective in Biology and Medicine recommended extra vitamin C for diabetics. Natural insulin output increases in diabetics with supplementary doses of vitamin C.

The intake of vitamin C in the form of dried Indian gooseberry (amla), the richest known source of vitamin C, or tablets of 500 mg or from natural sources of vitamin C besides amla, are citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, sprouted Bengal gram and green grams.

Vitamin E - This vitamin reduces considerably the devastating vascular damage accompanying diabetes. Dr. Willard Shute in The Complete Book of Vitamins recommends 800-1600 IU of vitamin E a day to prevent arterial degeneration in diabetes.

A Swedish study also supports vitamin E therapy for treating diabetes. Vitamin E helps diabetics decrease their insulin requirements. It would be advisable for a diabetes patient to take a daily dose of 200 IU of this vitamin for a fortnight at a time. Rich Sources of Vitamin E. Valuable natural foods sources of this vitamin are wheat or cereal germ, whole grain products, fruits and green leafy vegetables, milk and all whole raw or sprouted seeds.

Other rich sources of vitamin E are cold pressed crude vegetable oils, especially sunflower seeds, safflower, and Soya beans oils, raw and sprouted seeds and grains, alfalfa, lettuce, almond, human milk etc.

Vitamin A - Diabetics are unable to convert beta-carotine to vitamin A. A supplement of this vitamin, therefore, becomes necessary. A dose of 15000 IU on alternate days is considered adequate by some authorities.

Find complete diabetes information, diabetes supply, diabetes treatment, diabetes diet, diabetes causes, diabetes types. More Diabetes Mellitus Information and Treatment Supply. Also see Natural Ayurvedic Herbal Cure for Diabetes.

Dr John Anne
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/control-your-diabetes-by-vitamin-c-and-vitamin-e-61210.html

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