vitamins, alternative medicine, antioxidants
Vitamin Stuff Blog

A Health, Nutrition, and Alternative Medicine Blog

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Study

Written by Tena Moore


The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is a Federal agency that funds projects, conducts research, trains researchers, and shares findings and information with the public about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Under this agency CAM is defined as health care that is not regarded as a component of conventional medicine. This can include products such as herbs and teas, practices such as meditation and yoga, and systems such as Acupuncture and Reiki energy healing. The four major categories of CAM study are: Manipulative (Body-Based) Practices, Biologically Based Practices, Mind Body Medicine, and Energy Medicine.

To find out how much CAM is growing in the United States NCCAM conducted a study as part of the annual National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), involving over 23,000 adults and over 9,000 children. The study found that CAM is on the rise; 38.3 percent of adults polled have used some form of CAM, up from 36 percent in 2002. This was the first time the study involved children under the age of 17. They found that 12 percent had used some form of CAM.

Many in the medical profession are starting to incorporate CAM into their practices, due to the high amount of people who are experimenting with these forms of healing. If you are using a form of CAM, inform your doctor so they can be aware of your overall health.




Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier
What is policosinol?
Fish Oil is a healthy source of good fat
The New Superfood for Reducing Heart Disease – Tart Cherries
Most people do not get enough chromium in their diet



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Why (and how) To Get Your Omega-3s

Written by Tena Moore



You’ve probably heard quite a bit about omega-3s and how great they are for your health, but do you know why omega-3s are getting so much attention from the medical community? The main reason that you need your omega-3s is because they act as a natural anti-inflammatory. Many diseases and unhealthy conditions are caused by - or are agitated and made worse by - inflammation in the body. Eating or taking supplements of omega-3s can help reduce this inflammation and decrease the chance of many diseases and conditions, from diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancers, to hardening of the arteries, chest pain and even depression.

If you are not a vegetarian, the best way to get omega-3s is by eating coldwater fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, cod, and herring. If you are vegetarian or do not like fish you can still get your omega-3s by adding flaxseed to your diet. Flaxseed has a nutty flavor and can be eaten ground or as an oil. Ground flaxseed is great on hot cereals, in soups, and even sprinkled on salads. Flaxseed oil can be also be added to hot cereals, and can replace butter on your toast. You can also simply take a spoonful of flaxseed oil a day, or buy supplements at your local health food store.




Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier
Acupuncture Attempts to Balance the Flow of the Chi
Homeopathy and Acupuncture
Pain relieving alternatives to modern medicine
Simple ways for cutting calories



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Alternative Medicine Gaining Clout

Written by Tena Moore


It’s taken quite a long time, but conventional medical doctors are starting to take notice of, and even incorporate, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into their treatments. They pretty much have to – their patients are using it with or without them. A recent study found that nearly 40 percent of adults and 12 percent of children polled were using some form of CAM. Whether patients are taking certain herbs for their ailments, going to an acupuncturist or chiropractor for pain, or meditating for stress and anxiety, they are involving these mind-body-spirit therapies into their lives.

This is a definite case of the public changing the way a system works. So many people are incorporating CAM into their lives; doctors need to educate themselves so they can help their patients stay healthy. Many are reporting that these therapies are helping their clients, not as the only method, but used in addition to conventional medicine. This integrative style of medicine (for instance, a doctor prescribing prescription asthma inhalants, as well as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and the herb mullein) is becoming mainstream. In addition, more studies are being done to determine the safety of these alternative healing therapies, and more influential medical schools are teaching an integrative approach.





Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier
Depression, Social Interaction, Endorphins, and Exercise
Nutritious olive oil
Endorphins - the Body's Natural Opiate and Pain Killer
Ginger: A Natural Healer?
Chiropractic Medicine - History, Treatment, and Benefits



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Thursday, March 19, 2009

Skin Aging and Sun Exposure

Written by Tena Moore


Skin naturally shows signs of aging due to the passing of time, though the rate at which it ages is largely dependent upon heredity and lifestyle. You probably already know that you need to wear daily sunscreen to block sun exposure and wear sunglasses to keep yourself from developing wrinkles around the eyes. While these two things can be very helpful in reducing the amount of skin aging you see, there are other lifestyle factors involved in the way your skin ages. Quitting smoking can dramatically improve your skin, as can cutting back on alcohol since it is dehydrating, and staying hydrated by drinking enough water. In addition, eating whole foods and foods high in antioxidants can help improve skin aging.

While these recommendations are helpful, heredity still plays a part. As we age fatty tissue reduces and our dermis becomes and weak and less elastic, causing fine lines and wrinkles. Melanocytes start dying at a quicker rate as we age as well, causing our skin to be less protective to sun exposure. We also naturally lose the tiny blood vessels present on the surface of the skin and certain cells that are needed to help ward off certain cancers and infections.

While heredity and the natural aging process will play a part in the aging process, it is still important to protect yourself from the sun, make healthy lifestyle choices, and take care of your skin in every way you can.


Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is an omega-6 essential fatty acid said to burn fat, build muscle
DMAE boosts brain function by causing the body to produce more acetylcholine

Choline may be helpful in strengthening the liver and also in assisting the treatment of cholesterol buildup





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Must You Take Statins For Cholesterol?

Written by Tena Moore


Many people struggle with high cholesterol, and many doctors turn immediately to statins to lower cholesterol for their patients. Statins work surprisingly well, but there are also lifestyle changes and alternatives to immediately going on statins. If you are not obese, have a healthy amount of good cholesterol, and do not want to go on statins to lower your cholesterol, you have options.

If you smoke, stop immediately. If you drink, cut back on alcohol consumption. If you are sedentary, add exercise to your routine; even a short daily walk can improve health and help to lower cholesterol. These suggestions may seem common sense, but many don’t realize their impact on overall health. Also, decrease or eliminate high fat foods such as fast-food, highly processed foods, and fatty meats such as beef and pork. In addition, add heart healthy foods such as flaxseed, oatmeal, salmon, fruits and vegetables to your diet. High cholesterol is a lifestyle issue and changing what you put into your body makes all the difference.

Certain supplements and over-the-counter drugs can also help keep you healthy, such as niacin and supplements containing plant sterols. If your high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) is okay, you may be able to bypass taking statins, but only your doctor can make that decision. As always, talk to doctor and discuss what is best for you and your unique situation.




Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier

Pycnogenol is being studied as a treatment for many free-radical-related disorders
As a phytoestrogen, daidzein mimics the effects of estrogen in the body
cryptoxanthin and cancer



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Complementary and Alternative Medicine On The Rise

Written by Tena Moore


A recent survey on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has shown some results that aren’t too surprising: CAM use is rising among American adults and children. Almost 40 percent of American adults over the age of 18 have used some type of complementary or alternative therapy or medicine, while nearly 12 percent of children aged 17 and under have used CAM. That is nearly four in every ten adults, and one out of every nine children.

CAM therapies have not been studied extensively in the United States like pharmaceutical medicines, but that is not stopping the public from using them, and using them on their children. Perhaps the survey results will prompt the medical community to head the call of more research for CAM therapies, along with a more integrative medical approach.

Complimentary medicine is used as a compliment to conventional medicine, such as acupuncture treatments or chiropractic work being used to treat pain in addition to pain medicines, or a nicotine-free herbal tincture being used in addition to the stop-smoking drug Chantix.

Alternative therapies are used to replace conventional medicine altogether, such as someone using St. John’s Wort tincture, 5-HTP supplements, yoga and meditation to control their depression and low moods, instead of using prescription medicine.

Back pain was the leading reason that Americans reported using complementary and alternative medicine techniques, followed by neck and joint pain as well as arthritis, according to the survey by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.




Other Posts

Glutamine promotes a healthy digestive tract
Carnosine helps protect the body from glycation
The body doesn’t produce lycopene
Glutathione deficiency can be devastating on the nervous system,



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Monday, March 16, 2009

What Do Vegan Kids Eat?

Written by Tena Moore

Statistics show that nearly one in every 200 kids is vegetarian. Although that number is decreasing with time, it is still quite high. As vegetarians, kids should be able to get more than enough protein through dairy and eggs, but what if they are vegan? Vegan children do not eat any animal products whatsoever; that means no dairy and no eggs, two of the highest forms of protein other than meat.

A report published by the Associated Press gave suggested substitutions for vegan kids trying to get the protein and other needed vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B-12, iron, zinc and linolenic acid. The report suggested kids drink fortified soy milk, and eat various nuts. It also suggested soybeans, flax seed, and nutritional yeast. These substitutions might sound foreign to some, but they are very high in recommended nutrients and animal-product-free.

Nutritional yeast has a cheese-like flavor and can be sprinkled on nearly anything, from pasta to salads. Flaxseed has a nutty-like flavor and can be ground and sprinkled on hot cereals and soups. Flaxseed oil is a very nutritious oil high in omega-3’s and can be used in place of butter.

While many are still afraid that vegan children cannot possibly get the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals, there are many substitutions on the market; it just takes a little bit of education.




Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier
Omega 3s raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol
School Teacher Conducts His Own Omega-3 Study
Are Omega Three Fatty Acids Beneficial in the Treatment of Bipolar Disease?
Essential Fatty Acids



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Keeping the Heart Healthy - exercise and nutrition

Written by Tena Moore


Regardless of the plethora of nutritional information available today, cardiovascular diseases still top the charts when it comes to deaths in the United States. The nutritional requirements for health haven’t changed that much over the years: fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, fish and lean meats, as well as exercise, are still the way to a healthy heart. If you are striving to keep your heart healthy there are a few things to keep in mind when you sit down to nourish yourself.

1)Your body needs soluble fiber not only to help lower cholesterol, but also for proper digestion. You can find this fiber in whole grains, nuts, and some vegetables and fruit. If you’re not getting enough fiber in your diet, think about adding ground flaxseed to your diet, or adding a daily drink of psyllium husks.

2) Plant stanols are healthy for the heart because they lower bad cholesterol. You can find them in vegetables and vegetable oils, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

3)Eat your Omega-3’s and eat them in abundance. They lower blood pressure, prevent clogged arteries, and lower your cholesterol. They are found in fatty fish, omega-3 enriched eggs, soy and flax.

Eating for a healthy heart is not about calories, it’s about nutrients. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes and fish are packed with heart healthy vitamins and minerals that will keep you healthy for years to come.




Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier
The omega-6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), is believed to be the active ingredient of evening primrose oil
CLA has been called “the fat that makes you thin”
Nanotechnology and Turmeric for Cancer?
Can People can Live Longer in Spite of Being Overweight?



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Fats Are Good For You, but its the type of fat

Written by Tena Moore


Fat-free foods are popular among Westerners. Funny enough, their waistlines keep growing and lifestyle diseases are among the largest causes of death. Researchers have been trying to find out why and the culprit seems to be fat, but it’s probably not what you think. They are finding that it’s not the amount of fat eaten that causes weight gain and an unhealthy disposition, but the kind of fat that is eaten.

One study found that the current Western diet is made up of the same amount of fat as the old hunter gatherer’s diet – 35% - 40% fat. The difference was the type of fat. Other studies have found that certain populations eat high fat diets, but because of the types of fats they eat, they have fewer cases of cancer, obesity, and heart disease.

Researchers are finding that eating a healthy fat diet of fresh fish such as tuna, mackerel and salmon, and healthy oils such as olive oil, coconut oil and flax seed oil, is actually good for you. They also suggest eliminating all trans fats, also known as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats, which are known to raise cholesterol levels and contribute to many diseases.




Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier
Burdock: A Weed For Health
Green Tea May Protect the Brain From Problems Stemming From Sleep Apnea
Does sugar cause wrinkles?
Substituting Grape Juice and Grape Seed Extract for Wine



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Saturday, March 14, 2009

The Smell of Garlic is the Key to Its Health Benefits

Written by Tena Moore


The reason garlic is so beneficial to your health may be its distinctive odor. For a long time scientists have puzzled over how garlic helps to promote good health, since it doesn’t contain any of the usual antioxidants credited with fighting disease.

The answer, they think, is allicin, a compound that makes garlic smell, well, garlicky, and also produces an acid that fights free-radical activity in the body.

Derek Pratt, a chemistry professor at Queen’s University in Kinston, Ontario, lead a study that examined exactly how allicin fights free radicals in cells.

In their experiments Pratt and his team discovered that when allicin decomposes it makes sulfenic acid, which quickly and effectively attacks free radicals and thus stops cellular damage. He said that the reaction of sulfenic acid to the radicals was “as fast as it can get,” and that “No one has ever seen compounds, natural or synthetic, react this quickly as antioxidants.”

The findings were published in January in the journal Angewandte Chemie. Pratt noted that although garlic has long been touted for its health benefits by herbalists and many people take garlic supplements, this study is the first to provide an explanation of how garlic actually works, even more effectively than flavanoid-rich green tea and grapes, to prevent free-radical damage in the body.



Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier
Antioxidants
Eating antioxidants through an Antioxidant rich Diet
Antioxidants in Coffee
Low Antioxidants and Blue Light Damage Retina



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When Can a Food Be Labeled “Organic”?

Written by Sandra Emmi


Many people today try to do their best to shield themselves from the harmful effects of pesticides, and for most this means paying more for foods labeled “organic.” However, few shoppers realize that the USDA’s National Organics Program, which regulates organic food labeling, actually allows for four different organic labels, each meaning something just a little bit different.

In other words, a food that contains some non-organic ingredients can still be labeled organic, depending upon the specific language used.

If your intent is to buy absolutely, 100% organic food products when you shop, it helps to educate yourself on the language used in organic labeling so that you know what you’re really getting.

Products labeled “100 percent organic” are single-ingredient foods, like fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, etc. These products are allowed to carry the USDA Organic Seal. Multiple-ingredient, packaged foods may also carry the USDA Seal, but they are allowed to contain up to 95% inorganic ingredients (by weight).

Products made up of 70 percent organic ingredients can carry the label “made with organic ingredients,” but can’t carry the USDA seal. And finally, the least organic products of them all (anything less than 70 percent organic) may tout the label “contains organic ingredients,” but again no USDA seal.

Actually, if it’s really important to you to eat organic, your best bet is to look for foods labeled with the USDA Organic Seal. These foods are the most natural alternatives available.




Other Posts

Organic food really is healthier
What is allicin?
Benefits of juicing
Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps the body process and eliminate fat
Many of the important herbs and medicinal plants contain substantial amounts of germanium



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How Many Young Americans Are Vegetarian?

Written by Tena Moore


Vegetarianism is on the rise. Whether people are choosing to forgo eating animals for health reasons or for animal cruelty or environmental reasons, they are certainly choosing to do so in high numbers, including America’s youth.

A recent study tried to capture the amount of children that are vegetarians. The study was done by the government and was their first attempt at a ‘vegetarian youth’ estimate. They determined that nearly 400,000 kids were vegetarians, which would be about 1 in every 200 kids. This number was determined by speaking with 9,000 American parents and other adults guardians that were speaking for those under 18 years of age.

While this is the first study by the government, it is not the first study ever done. Other studies show that the number of vegetarian youths may be as high as six times more in older teens. The reason is that they have more control over their eating habits than younger children.

Although many parents that grew up in a meat and potatoes, hamburger and fries culture do not want their children to forgo meat, some are joining their children in the pursuit of vegetarianism. Children are now way more informed than they’ve ever been, due to the Internet, and can easily find information on animal cruelty, health choices, environmental responsibility, and other reasons to forgo meat. Many are educating their parents, being smart about their choices by taking B vitamins, and making sure to consume essential vitamins and minerals.

The estimate on young vegetarians was done by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was a study done on alternative medicine. When they asked about the reasons for vegetarianism, most parents cited that their children were choosing to eat vegetarian due to animal welfare more than health; compassion for animals and a refusal to eat a living, breathing being was the most important.

While it is impossible to know how many young people are vegetarian, due to the number growing so rapidly, at least the first steps have been made by the government to assess this change in eating habits.



Other Posts

Vitamin B-12 for vegetarians
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - its not hype
Spirulina is a better source of protein than either beef or soybeans
Niacin, or vitamin B3, combines with other B vitamins to release energy in the cells
The Mediterranean Diet: A Heart Healthy Choice



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Friday, March 13, 2009

Too much vitamin E may increase chances of lung cancer

Written by Tena Moore


Vitamin E is a great antioxidant. You can find its great benefits lurking in nuts like almonds and hazelnuts, vegetable oils such as sunflower and wheat germ oil, broccoli, spinach and other green leafy veggies, as well as fortified cereals. Can you get too much vitamin E? It’s unlikely if you are getting it from food sources, but a new study suggests that taking too much vitamin E, via supplements, may be linked to lung cancer.

The study was lead by Dr Christopher Slatore of the University of Washington in Seattle and included people 77,000 aged 50 through 76. In each instance, they were taking 400 milligrams of Vitamin E supplements per day over a long period of time. During the study over 520 people developed lung cancer.

The study concluded that too much vitamin E can increase chances in lung cancer by 28%. For every additional 100 milligrams of vitamin E over 400, the risk is thought to increase by 7%.

The study did include smokers and non-smokers, but the researchers believe smoking only increases your chances, as do age and family history. The study suggests that when vitamin E is taken in large quantities it is no longer an antioxidant, but can cause oxidation and damage cells.

Eating a well balanced diet is thought to be the best choice for getting a healthy amount of vitamin E.



Other Posts

Whole Foods stay as close to the natural food source as possible
True Sex Foods and Aphrodesiacs
What are Lentils?
Eat Grapefruit for Healthy Gums
Fish Oil is a healthy source of good fat



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Eating Breakfast Can Help You Lose Weight

Written by Tena Moore


A lot of teenagers, especially females, seem to think that skipping breakfast is a great way to cut calories for the day and in turn,
lose weight. New research suggests that this couldn’t be further from the truth. After studying more than 2,000 teens over a five year period, they found that those who skipped breakfast actually weighed more than those who ate first thing in the morning.

While those who ate breakfast did consumed more calories over the course of the day, the teens that ate breakfast were more active and burned more calories as well. Those that ate breakfast every morning were five pounds lighter than those who did not.

It seems that fueling up the mornings can set the tone for an energetic, active day, while not eating can make one more tired and sluggish. The study didn’t find any difference in those that ate healthy whole grains and those who ate just about anything, as long as they ate something in the mornings upon waking.

There is a plethora of studies that suggest that it is healthier to eat breakfast in the mornings for everyone, whether young or old.



Other Posts

Are GMO Purple Tomatoes Actually Healthy?
Red Wine is once again proven to be healthy
Restricting Carbs Changes Liver Processes
Can People can Live Longer in Spite of Being Overweight?
Fast-food can cause liver damage



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Looking for a Safe, Drug-Free Alternative for Pain Management? Try Acupuncture

Written by Sandra Emmi


Acupuncture has been around for more than 2,000 years in China, but it didn’t gain popularity in the United States until the 1970s. Since then more and more people are turning to acupuncture to help alleviate their pain, and though it doesn’t work for everyone, it’s worth a try for those who wish to avoid taking prescription pain medication.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine claims that acupuncture has been used successfully to treat pain associated with a host of conditions, including arthritis, back and neck pain, migraines, menstrual cramps, carpel tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia. Acupuncture has even been used to treat depression and addiction, so it can benefit your mental state as well.

And, despite the fact that it is performed with needles, acupuncture does not hurt. The needles used are extremely thin, nothing like those used to administer shots, and may cause tingling or mild pressure, but no pain. Most people actually find it relaxing.

However, acupuncture may not be an option for everyone, as it is not always covered by private insurance, and Medicare will not pay for this procedure. Most people need 12 treatments to see results, and each treatment can cost between $50 and $125.

If you are interested in trying acupuncture, be sure to choose a practitioner that is certified and licensed. Websites that list qualified acupuncturists include those of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (www.nccaom.org) and the American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (www.acufinder.com). If you prefer to have a licensed physician perform the procedure, a list of MDs who offer acupuncture is available at the website of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncturists (www.medicalacupuncture.org).



Other Posts

Proline is an amino acid needed for the production of collagen and cartilage
Inositol as an aid in the redistribution of body fat
Choline keeps the liver healthy by helping to move fats from the liver to cells in the body
Biotin works with other B vitamins to make healthy cells and convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy
Copper plays a key role in the development and maintenance of healthy skin and hair



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Saturday, March 7, 2009

Keeping Healthy During The Winter On A Budget

Written by Tena Moore


The farmer’s markets are closed, greens, squash and potatoes are the freshest things to eat, and the economy is a big bust. During the winter months it’s almost impossible to eat a variety of healthy, fresh foods, and especially hard to get these foods on a limited budget. What is a household grocery buyer to do when thinking about budget and nutrition?

While it may be a little more challenging to eat a healthy diet during the winter months, it is not impossible. There are certain things you can buy – even canned – that can help your family get the essential nutrients it needs.

For vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K, as well as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, high fiber, and anti-inflammatory properties, stock up on some canned pumpkin. You can make pumpkin pie, pumpkin soups (African peanut soup is delicious!), pumpkin dips, and pumpkin breads. Many recipes for canned pumpkin can be found online.

For antioxidants and flavonoids, stock up on some green, black, oolong or white tea for those cold winter nights. Tea is inexpensive and is a great beverage for giving you a little energy, suppressing your appetite, and delivering needed essentials.

For folate, vitamins A and C, phytonutrients, potassium, and fiber, stock up on beets. You can use them as a side dish or make a delicious beet soup. Canned beets are very inexpensive.

Spinach might cost a little more than canned pumpkin and beets, but is high in folic acid, zinc, riboflavin, thiamin, dietary fiber, beta-carotene, antioxidants and a variety of different vitamins. Spinach is also a very low calorie food, so eat in abundance and get your essential vitamins! Put spinach in omelettes, make as a side dish, add to soups and create gorgeous salads.

If you can find it, grab some kiwi. One little kiwi delivers the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, not to mention vitamins K and E. Eat plain and enjoy at least some fruit during winter. Also, if mango is an option, enjoy it for its vitamins A, C and B6, as well as dietary fiber. While you may think kiwi and mango are expensive, you can get them for about $1 per fruit. If fresh fruit isn’t an option, try frozen fruit. Frozen berries can be an easy option, and still very nutritious.

Beans (canned or dried) are an excellent, inexpensive source of protein and fiber. Eat beans in soups, as a side dish, or simply make a big pot of good old-fashion pinto beans to accompany your meals. Other sources of inexpensive protein are canned tuna and salmon.

Other inexpensive, nutritious foods include yogurt, sweet potatoes, oranges, collard greens and carrots.

It is worth it to get creative and research on how you can feed yourself and your family a delicious, nutritious diet during the winter.




Other Posts

South Beach Diet: What it Is, What it Isn't
Scientists Find Eating a High-Carb Breakfast Promotes Long-term Weight Loss
Low Antioxidants and Blue Light Damage Retina
The Truth About Fats: Healthy Fats and Harmful Fats
Vitamin C may offer protection against stomach cancer









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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Study Finds Hibiscus Tea Lowers Blood Pressure

Written by Sandra Emmi


A recent study by Diane McKay, a nutrition scientist, showed that participants who drank three cups of hibiscus tea a day significantly lowered their blood pressure.

Participants in the study who drank the tea had blood pressure readings that were reduced by an average of 7.2%, compared to a reduction of only 1.3% in those who drank a placebo.

The results, which McKay revealed at the American Heart Association’s annual conference, indicate that those who are candidates for conditions associated with high blood pressure, such as heart disease, kidney disease or stroke, could benefit from drinking hibiscus tea. (High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and is the cause of 60% of all strokes.)

It is thought that antioxidants in the tea, which is made from the hibiscus sabdariffa flower, help to lower blood pressure by destroying harmful free radicals in the body. Many other studies have shown that antioxidants can help
protect against heart disease and cancer.

However, a spokesman for the Blood Pressure Association urged caution, noting that it was a small study, and that further research would be necessary before a firm link between drinking hibiscus tea and sustaining low blood pressure could be established.


Other Posts

Green tea comes from the same perennial evergreen shrub as black tea
Tea Tree Essential Oil: A Natural Antiseptic

Tea tree is native to Australia
The photochemical terpenes in tea tree oil kill many types of bacteria
Green Tea May Protect the Brain From Problems Stemming From Sleep Apnea



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The Vitamin Stuff Health Nutrition Dictionary








Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Individuals wishing to use supplements or alternative medicine therapies should consult with their doctor beforehand.

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