Archive for September, 2008

The Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

Friday, September 12th, 2008

Green tea was first discovered in China centuries ago and recognized for its disease fighting and immune strengthening properties due to the high amount of antioxidants it holds. Recent studies have shown that by consuming green tea each day you can drastically reduce the risk of several health issues.

One of the benefits of drinking green tea is that it reduces the risk of various cancers such as stomach, skin, breast, or prostate cancer because of antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols. Polyphenols helps to neutralize free radicals that cause damage to cells and tissues which lead to cancer.

Green tea provides heart protection and prevents heart disease because it relaxes blood vessels and inhibits the formation of blood clots. It also improves cholesterol levels by decreasing LDL, which is bad cholesterol and increasing HDL which is the good cholesterol.

In various studies, phytoestrogens have been found in green tea leaves. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that can improve bone mass in individuals who are at risk of developing osteoporosis, especially women going through menopause. Drinking green tea can increase bone density and build strong bones.

Another common reason why people drink green tea is because of the weight loss benefits it holds. Studies show drinking green tea regularly can boost metabolism, reduce overall body fat, and help control appetite. It’s also a great way to stay energized throughout the day because of the natural caffeine it contains. Green tea contains about 14-37mg of caffeine per serving which is still much less than coffee and other caffeinated beverages. It provides a natural boost of energy for the body without hard crash like effects from high amounts of caffeine. Those that suffer from diabetes can benefit as well because it contains hypoglycemic agents that boost blood sugar metabolism more effectively and stabilize glucose levels in the body.

There are over 450 organic compounds found in green tea containing minerals, proteins, amino acids, and vitamins. By drinking 3 or more cups a day you can improve your health, prevent various diseases and slow the aging process significantly.

Eat Fat to Lose Weight

Friday, September 5th, 2008

Research has found that by consuming particular fats you can decrease body fat and increase weight-loss more efficiently. It may seem a bit odd that you would eat fat to lose fat but studies show that a group of fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can do just that.

One of the richest sources of MCTs comes from coconut oil. Coconut oil has been getting a lot of attention over the last few years for its ability to help overweight people shed excess body fat by substituting it daily in replacement of other fats.

The benefits of this oil are truly amazing even compared to healthy fats such as olive oil or flaxseed oil. Coconut oil can inhibit and treat obesity more effectively because it contains fewer calories than other fats. It is also a source of fuel and energy for the body because it gets used immediately rather than circulating in the blood stream and getting stored in fat cells. This also means that you will actually experience a natural surge in energy that lasts much longer than a dose of caffeine would. Coconut oil increases metabolism so you burn a lot more calories by consuming it over any other fat. It is also more filling and keeps you satiated longer which means you consume fewer calories. Unlike typical bad fats that raise cholesterol, it can reduce bad cholesterol and raise the good.

Coconut oil is commonly found in drinks and healthy snack items because it gives athletes energy while helping them stay lean. It also helps those that are overweight and obese lose weight more rapidly. As an oil you can add it to salads and vegetables, as a spread you can replace butter or margarine, or for a more convenient way, you can take it in soft gel capsule form. Because weight-loss results are so astounding, it is encouraged to use it as frequently as you like as it will help achieve better results and better health.

Should You Eat Based on Your Blood Type?

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

Your blood type may determine your predisposition to various health issues such as cancer, heart disease, allergies, or diabetes. There are 4 major blood types; O, A, B, and AB. Most people have type O blood while A and B are fairly common and AB is considered atypical. Eating particular foods based on blood type may relieve certain digestive problems such as bloating, indigestion, gas, heartburn, and upset stomach. Ultimately proper digestion is important in providing the body with nutrients to sustain good health. There is enough evidence now that shows us if we eat specific foods according to blood type and refrain from those that are not recommended, we may be able to eliminate a variety of health problems and lose weight more effectively.

Type O blood is the most common blood group and the oldest blood group known to mankind. The basic diet of people with type O blood requires protein, vegetables, and fruit. However, people with this blood type do not digest carbohydrates well especially from white flour or wheat products because of the gluten intolerance. Dairy is also another food group that can be difficult to digest for this blood group. People who have type O blood generally produce higher amounts of hydrochloric acid and should refrain from things that have a high acidity levels such as coffee and alcohol as they can greatly increase the chances of a peptic ulcer. Healthy foods that assist in weight-loss for this group of people are various sources of lean red meat, fish, and leafy green vegetables. The best forms of exercise to engage in for this blood type are walking, jogging, aerobics, and light weight training.

Type A blood evolved after type O blood was first discovered. Individuals with this blood group are classic vegetarians because they do not digest most animal proteins and dairy well. They do much better eating foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and tofu. Type A blood groups tend to lack sufficient hydrochloric acid which makes digesting protein and dairy very difficult. It is very important that people with type A blood supplement vitamin B-12 as most sources of B-12 come from protein. It is also more common to face anemia issues if you are type A blood from the lack of B-12 in the diet. Foods that assist in weight-loss are vegetables, pineapple, flaxseed and olive oils, and spirulina which is a green algae that promotes thyroid function. The best exercises to engage are calming things such as yoga, pilates, or golfing.

Type B blood group has a tolerance for most foods with the exception of peanuts, legumes, and corn as these increase weight and can cause allergies. It is common for people with type B blood to have problems digesting gluten just as type O blood types do. Foods that encourage weight-loss for these individuals are lean red meats, various sources of fish, green leafy vegetables, and oils like flaxseed and olive oil. Most forms of exercise are ok for this blood group as well.

The last blood type is the rarest and the most recent, AB. For the most part these individuals produce a limited amount of hydrochloric acid and must limit their consumption of animal protein. AB blood types can eat various green vegetables, pineapple, and small amounts of protein. Foods that encourage weight-loss include seafood, green vegetables, sea kelp, spirulina, and pineapple. Most exercise is generally accepted for this blood group but anything overly intense or grueling is not recommended as this increases stress in the body.

Can You Lose Weight Without Exercising?

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008

There are some people who believe that diet and exercise is the only way to lose weight. However, there are people who do not engage in regular exercise and they are able to slim down on diet alone. It’s important to understand that regular exercise has many health benefits aside from weight-loss alone.  But if you are unable to make it part of your daily routine, you can still achieve weight-loss through proper diet.

The quality of food you consume is very important when trying to shed excess weight. It’s nearly impossible to lose weight on a high fat, high carb, and high calorie diet. In fact, eating this way will increase your waistline very rapidly. Eating healthy must always be a way of life and not a fad. Choosing whole foods and lean sources of protein will help you eat balanced and reduce the amount of preservatives and additives you consume.  Preservatives and additives pollute the liver making it much harder to process toxins. Ultimately this leads to weight gain as your liver becomes clogged and can’t break fat down effectively.

Dietary changes will aid in weight-loss but taking in excess fat and calories regardless of healthy food choices will not. In order to lose weight effectively you must restrict calorie consumption. A calorie is a calorie regardless of its source. If you are consuming a high calorie healthy diet you will still gain weight no matter what. Eating healthy will definitely have other health advantages versus eating poorly. In general subtracting 600-800 calories from the total amount your body requires each day will help you lose weight without exercise. Simply put, when you eat too many calories you gain weight, when you don’t eat enough you lose weight.

Avoid eating after 7:30 in the evening and consume all or most of your carbs during the day as they are burned off more effectively. Because your body begins to unwind at the end of the day so does your metabolism that’s why it’s crucial to restrict eating late in the evening.

Exercise is great for cardiovascular and bone health so completely eliminating it wouldn’t be wise. However, if you are unable to make time for it, it is possible to trim down and get healthy regardless. Just moving around during the day and doing things such as breathing, sleeping, digesting food, walking up stairs, or doing household chores are all forms of physical activity and will help burn calories.













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