Archive for May 21st, 2010

The Key To Good Health May Be A Diet Full Of Color!

Friday, May 21st, 2010

In school, your teacher taught you the pyramid of foods to eat for a healthy diet. A few years ago, it was changed completely as more and more research and studies showed that eating less meat and dairy and more fruits and veggies are healthier for us. In fact, studies show that an increase of fruits and vegetable consumption – especially vegetables – can prevent an estimated 10 to 20 percent of breast cancer cases.

Now it’s not enough to just eat 4-8 servings of fruits and veggies a day but Dr. Daniel Nadeau, author of The Color Code: A Revolutionary Eating Plan for Optimum Health, recommends that we eat a variety of foods from four basic color groups: Red, Blue-Purple, Orange-Yellow, And Green. Each of these foods contain phytochemicals (pigments which give plants their bright colors) that help guard against chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.
Carotenoid substances are found in deep green and orange vegetables and fruits, like broccoli, carrots and cantaloupe, kale, spinach and other cooked greens), alpha-carotene (in carrots and pumpkin) and beta-cryptoxanthin (in oranges, peaches and papayas).

Ellagic acid destroys carcinogenic substances and makes cancerous cells self-destruct. From the red group, strawberries, cranberries, cherries, red grapes, beets and red peppers are powerful sources of antioxidants. They also contain a large amount of Vitamin C and ellagic acid. Ellagic acid destroys carcinogenic substances and makes cancerous cells self-destruct. Cranberries fight ulcers and cherries reduce inflammation.

Carrots are one of the top cancer fighting foods. Foods in the orange-yellow group such as oranges, grapefruits and other fruits with citrus peel reduce skin cancer risk.
Spinach protects the eyes from cataracts. Green vegetables like avocados help to lower cholesterol.

Blue foods reduce stress and help eliminate free radicals. Blueberries may improve memory and grape juice stops plaque formation in the blood vessels, keeps arteries elastic and inhibits clot formation. More great information can be found by going to the New Century Spine Centers website in San Diego. Learn about alternative therapies such as spinal decompression therapy and chiropractic care.

Learn more about a nutrition plan. Stop by New Century in San Diego where you can find out all about chiropractic care and what it can do for you.

Chocolate Lovers And Obesity

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Chocolates have turn out to be one of the most well-liked confectioneries ever created and sold. Chocolate lovers, young and old, rich and poor, have found themselves being hooked with a confessing indulgence for it. In spite of of the popularity chocolates have achieved, you will find still questions and arguments which are being raised about its influence on the human health.

Black and White Chocolates

Chocolates have two faces under its name. One is white and the other is black, but of course, these variants represent benefits one can get from the other. Black chocolate, otherwise known as dark chocolate comprises sugar, cocoa mass and butter. On the other hand, white chocolate or milk chocolate has flavorings, vegetable fats and some milk solids. But whether white or black, dark or milk chocolate, chocolates still fascinate and give pleasure to anyone who eats it.

Debating Nutritional Value of Chocolates

For over the years, chocolates have created its method to being the favorite “confectionery” of all time. But in spite of the alluring images chocolates have created, debate and arguments happen to be raised and produced on wherever chocolates should be placed. This really is simply because as we know, chocolates still stay in the ‘junk’ category. Both proponents of each side have their positions as to what chocolate can do. But for ordinary chocolate enthusiasts, chocolates will still be chocolates.

But digging deep into it, lovers or non-lovers of chocolate should and must get a glimpse of these problems. Whichever side has a heavier and more relevant proof, should be taken into a better consideration. Each bite leaves a soothing feeling that’s difficult to define, but renders a strong desire to experience.

Chocolates as Aphrodisiac

Aside from the sensation and delight it gives, chocolate also makes itself an aphrodisiac agent. As an energy booster, studies show that, it provides an adequate reserve of energy, especially when they’ve greater glucose content in them. Food industries have made chocolate an integral part of the global marketplace, and therefore, chocolates still stay top sellers in the market these days since 600 AD, even from the time of the Mayans.

Chocolates and Weight Problems

Although the chocolate world has obtained valuable commendation, they also share a “veto” image just like any other product. They are the days when obesity has turn out to be a main word of mouth to every citizen close to the globe. Being overweight has not just become an normal irregularity of body mass, but additionally is considered as one of the critical causes of chronic diseases. Medical practitioners have spent time carrying out research to figure out the root cause of this issue. From the very long list of factors that could trigger obesity, chocolates are discovered included in the list.

Obesity-Chocolate Link

An independent study in the UK predicted that occurrences of being overweight may rise to more than 50% through the year 2020. Statistics, lawmakers & the medical world have proposed that confectioners should not be sold anymore in the pharmacies as being practiced in many corners of the world. Aside from becoming linked to obesity, chocolates are also suspected to be one causative factor triggering diabetes. This proposition is nevertheless under consideration due to the vast studies that are still in progress to prove the same.

Positive Reports on Chocolates

On the other hand, good reports on chocolates are continue to becoming circulated and created. Studies also show that dark chocolates consumed moderately, can bestow cardiovascular benefits due to the presence of “flavanol” which plays a main role in the circulatory system. This increases the content of high density lipoprotein (HDL), a lot more popularly known as the good cholesterol; therefore preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular related illnesses.

The choice is ours and we are the ones who should decide if chocolates can someday be cheaper than therapy which never requires an appointment. Though a list of contradicting propositions follows, chocolates will still remain the most intimate confectionary close to a man’s heart. And with the abounding chocolates in the market, making us crave for every bite, chocolates will forever be a delight for chocolate lovers like me! Now the battle is choosing between chocolates and obesity!

Lastly, you got to check out the site for True Chocoholic that will show you how to appreciate and understand about chocolate. Finally, I got a chance to learn more and taste more, to understand why chocolate is such a wonderful experience.