Research has shown that aloe vera provides healing properties and boosting overall health.
Benefits of Aloe Vera:
1. Reduces and stops inflammation internally and externally.
2. Oxygenates blood, energises cells, hydrates skin and repairs skin tissue.
3. Heals digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome and constipation.
4. Expels waste in the intestinal tract and helps balance the acid in our body.
5. Boosts cardiovascular performance and physical endurance.
Sunday 14 July 2013
Friday 12 July 2013
Strawberries - Good For Your Health
Strawberries are known as rich source of Vitamin C long ago.
The activated protein is called Nrf2 and it is found to increase antioxidant qualities.
These findings were revealed at the recent conference for Society for Free Radical Research in London.
Another study also showed that mature adults who consumed at least two servings of strawberries a week were slower to experience memory decline, which is a key symptom of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have recently found that the strawberries are also crucial in activating a protein in our bodies that help reduce blood lipids and cholesterol. Blood lipids and cholesterol are two things that are known to lead to heart problems. The activated protein is called Nrf2 and it is found to increase antioxidant qualities.
These findings were revealed at the recent conference for Society for Free Radical Research in London.
Another study also showed that mature adults who consumed at least two servings of strawberries a week were slower to experience memory decline, which is a key symptom of Alzheimer's disease.
Wednesday 10 July 2013
Phytochemicals in Foods
Phytochemicals are thousands of naturally occurring chemicals found in our daily fruits, vegetables and grains.
Do all plants contain phytochemicals ?
Yes, but in varying amounts.
What are Phytochemicals ?
Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that are naturally found in common fruits, vegetables and grains that we consume.
Some of these chemical compounds give these foods their attractive flavours and smell. For example, the pungent taste and smell of garlic, shallots and onion.
Some phytochemicals such as anthocyanidins give foods their distinctive colour. For examples, cherries red and blueberries blue.
Some phytochemicals protect plants and fruits by repelling insects.
There are around four thousand known phytochemicals. Some are beneficial to humans by acting as antioxidants that dispose cell-damaging free radicals. But some are known to be toxic, such as those found in poisonous mushrooms.
What are some popular sources of antioxidants ?
Fruits and vegetables such as guavas, lady's fingers and plums are known to be rich sources of antioxidants. Tubers like yam and beetroot, which are starchy and high in carbohydrates, are also rich in antioxidants.
Should we focus on any single food to get most out of phytochemicals ?
No. Scientists agree that no single food group is going to work miracles for our health as these substances work in synergy and in conjunction with other food compounds such as fibres, vitamins and minerals to be beneficial to our bodies.
Do all plants contain phytochemicals ?
Yes, but in varying amounts.
What are Phytochemicals ?
Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that are naturally found in common fruits, vegetables and grains that we consume.
Some of these chemical compounds give these foods their attractive flavours and smell. For example, the pungent taste and smell of garlic, shallots and onion.
Some phytochemicals such as anthocyanidins give foods their distinctive colour. For examples, cherries red and blueberries blue.
Some phytochemicals protect plants and fruits by repelling insects.
There are around four thousand known phytochemicals. Some are beneficial to humans by acting as antioxidants that dispose cell-damaging free radicals. But some are known to be toxic, such as those found in poisonous mushrooms.
What are some popular sources of antioxidants ?
Fruits and vegetables such as guavas, lady's fingers and plums are known to be rich sources of antioxidants. Tubers like yam and beetroot, which are starchy and high in carbohydrates, are also rich in antioxidants.
Should we focus on any single food to get most out of phytochemicals ?
No. Scientists agree that no single food group is going to work miracles for our health as these substances work in synergy and in conjunction with other food compounds such as fibres, vitamins and minerals to be beneficial to our bodies.
Sunday 7 July 2013
Are Energy Drinks Good for You?
Energy drinks are popular with students coping with examinations, working adults preparing with presentations, national servicemen before IPPT and even clubbers wanting to last all night on the dance floor.
What are in these energy drinks?
Some of these drinks claim to provide more than just energy. Some even claim to boost libido for those people wishing "to go the distance". All these drinks, whether they are sugary or peppery, are said to contain "energy boosting" chemicals such as tyrosine, caffeine, Vitamin B, taurine, phenylalanine, and herbs like ginseng and guarana.
Are the ingredients harmful?
Since the main ingredient of most energy drinks is caffeine, it is wise to drink in moderation. A typical energy drink contains 10 to 12 grams of sugar per 100 ml (a can is usually 250 ml), but most of the "buzz" you obtain is from caffeine. The caffeine content is usually two to three cups of strong coffee. The concentrated dose of caffeine in an energy drink may cause stomach upsets, insomnia or make you easily agitated.
What else should you be concerned with?
The high sugar content means energy drinks should be consumed with moderation. Taking too much sugar has been linked to problems such as tooth decay, diabetes and spiked insulin levels. Depending on your body's reaction, there may be other side effects such as irritability, restlessness, nervousness and high blood pressure.
What are good alternatives to energy drinks?
Good alternatives are flesh fruits juices from orange, starfruit, apple, figs and dates, flavoured yogurt or any smoothie made with real fruits.
At the very least, a cup of water makes a better energy supplement than a sugary energy drink.
What are in these energy drinks?
Some of these drinks claim to provide more than just energy. Some even claim to boost libido for those people wishing "to go the distance". All these drinks, whether they are sugary or peppery, are said to contain "energy boosting" chemicals such as tyrosine, caffeine, Vitamin B, taurine, phenylalanine, and herbs like ginseng and guarana.
Are the ingredients harmful?
Since the main ingredient of most energy drinks is caffeine, it is wise to drink in moderation. A typical energy drink contains 10 to 12 grams of sugar per 100 ml (a can is usually 250 ml), but most of the "buzz" you obtain is from caffeine. The caffeine content is usually two to three cups of strong coffee. The concentrated dose of caffeine in an energy drink may cause stomach upsets, insomnia or make you easily agitated.
What else should you be concerned with?
The high sugar content means energy drinks should be consumed with moderation. Taking too much sugar has been linked to problems such as tooth decay, diabetes and spiked insulin levels. Depending on your body's reaction, there may be other side effects such as irritability, restlessness, nervousness and high blood pressure.
What are good alternatives to energy drinks?
Good alternatives are flesh fruits juices from orange, starfruit, apple, figs and dates, flavoured yogurt or any smoothie made with real fruits.
At the very least, a cup of water makes a better energy supplement than a sugary energy drink.
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