Healthy Kimchi Recipe

Here is a Korean side dish for you spicy dish lovers. It is a healthy addition to complement a healthy meal.

Ingredients:

- 2 whole Napa Cabbage
- 1 Cup of Salt
-10 Cups of Water
- 7 Tbsp of Anchovy Sauce or Fish Sauce (substitute 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce if you don't like fish)
- 1 1/4 Cup of Crushed Red Pepper Powder (from Korean Store)
- 8 Pieces of Green Onion
- 1/2 of a Radish
- 1 Whole Garlic
- 1 Piece of Ginger
- 1/2 of an Onion
- 1/2 of an Apple
- 1/2 of an Apple Pear
- 4 Tbsp of Sugar

- Slice Napa Cabbage into bite size pieces and put into a large bowl.
- Mix water and salt together and pour over cabbage.
- Let the cabbage sit for 2 hours.
- In a blender, combine the garlic, onion, apple, apple pear, and ginger together. Puree.
- Julienne the Radish and thinly slice the Green Onions.
- After 2 hours rinse the cabbage in cold water about 3 times.
- Combine all the ingredients together in a large bowl. (Rubber gloves recommended)
- Store the kimchi in room temperature over night and then keep in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Charles

Are Wisdom Teeth Important?

Are Wisdom Teeth Important? Why They May Need To Be Removed

Wisdom teeth are the last molars that erupt through the gums in the back of the jaw. This usually happens around the age of 20, when one acquires some degree of wisdom, and that's why they are named as such. Many times wisdom teeth are removed because the jaw is so crowded they cannot come in straight, or they get impacted.

Impacted wisdom teeth get trapped in the jaw and cannot emerge through the skin. In some cases, there are no symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth so there is no need for treatment. Other people have uneventful eruptions and are able to keep their wisdom teeth for life.

As long as the wisdom teeth are healthy, positioned so they can be cleaned properly, and are aligned so no biting problems develop, then removal is not necessary.

However, because of the high percentage of wisdom teeth that need to be removed, some dentists recommend routinely removing wisdom teeth while a child is young and better able to tolerate the surgery.

As the child matures and the teeth become more firmly rooted into the jaw and removal carries a higher risk of complications.

Signs that there are problems with wisdom teeth include jaw swelling, jaw pain, bad breath, gum tenderness, swollen gums, red gums, bad taste when biting down, persistent headache, and persistent jaw ache. Emerging wisdom teeth can even push other teeth out of alignment and change the position of the teeth as well as cause increased sensitivity.

A dentist can determine the condition of wisdom teeth by performing an oral examination and looking at x-rays. He may decide to remove the teeth to treat symptoms and relieve pain or the dentist may want to remove the teeth to prevent future problems.

Complications that could arise from wisdom teeth that are not removed include tooth decay that results from inability to reach all surfaces when brushing, progressive crowding of the other teeth, and gum disease.

Food and germs often get trapped in the area around wisdom teeth and this leads to mild gum disease (gingivitis) or more serious gum disease (periodontitis). In addition to that, cysts may develop inside the jawbone that damage the teeth, bone, and nerves and requires major surgery to correct.

The dentist may choose to take a watchful waiting approach to impacted wisdom teeth if the symptoms are not severe. When pain or complications are present, extraction is usually performed.

This is typically done by an oral surgeon in his dental office but more complicated impactions may require a hospital operating room and the use of general anesthesia. During the surgery, the teeth and roots are removed. In some cases, portions of the jawbone may need to be removed also.

Recovery from surgery is usually uneventful and takes just a few days. Pain medication may be indicated for the first twenty four hours and soft foods should be eaten for several days. Dry socket is a possible complication. This happens when a clot becomes dislodged and the bone is exposed. This is a painful condition and requires follow up care by a dentist.

The wisdom teeth are not essential and removing them does not affect the ability to chew or cause misalignment of the other teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a fairly common dental procedure that has a low risk of complications.


Charles

What Causes Athletes Feet?

The Cause And Treatment of Tinea Pedis.

Athlete's foot is a skin infection caused by a fungus. It usually grows in the moist spaces between the toes but can grow in other areas as well. Another name for athletes' feet is tinea pedis; this fungus is closely related to those that cause jock itch and ringworm.

Athlete's foot can be mild or severe and the symptoms vary from person to person. The symptoms include itching, burning, stinging, formation of blisters, cracking of the skin, peeling, dry skin, and thickened or discolored toenails. The symptoms that afflict the skin can appear in between the toes, on the soles of the feet and on the sides of the foot.

Athlete's foot is spread from person to person and from objects to people. It thrives in warm moist conditions. This fungal infection may be prevented by keeping the feet dry and allowing air circulation to the feet as much as possible by going without socks and wearing open toed sandals.

Socks should be changed regularly, at least twice a day for people with sweaty feet. It is also recommended to alternate shoes so they have plenty of time to dry out in between uses.

When in public places, wear flip-flops or other waterproof sandals so feet don't come in contact with surfaces in pools and showers. Don't borrow shoes from anyone else and use fungal powder on a regular basis. Some herbs might be beneficial in treating athletes' feet as well.

Garlic is a known antifungal antiseptic. The feet can be soaked in a basin of water with added crushed garlic cloves in order to relieve itching and burning. In addition, garlic infused oil can be made by soaking crushed garlic in olive oil for a few days and then applying the oil to the feet.

Ginger is another well known antifungal herb. Prepare a solution by adding chopped ginger to a cup of boiling water. When the solution has cooled, apply it to the feet twice daily.

Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic that can be used to treat athlete's foot. Dilute tea tree oil with olive oil and apply to the feet three times daily. Tea tree oil is for external use only and should not be ingested.

Echinacea is well respected as an immune system enhancer and antifungal agent. This herb can be ingested in pill form or by tincture. Follow dosage directions on the label.

Turmeric is coming into wide use as an antifungal agent. This can be taken in supplement form or by applying the tincture directly to the affected area on the feet. Herbal powders are also recommended for treating athlete's feet.

These powders have antifungal properties and also work to combat moisture and make the skin a less desirable growing medium for fungus.

Keep those peeps clean!

Charles

What Is A Migraine Headache?

A migraine is a severe, crippling headache that lasts for hours or days at a time. These headaches are a chronic medical condition for which there is no known cure but effective treatment can keep the symptoms at bay.

There are two types of migraines, those with an aura (common migraines) and those without an aura (classic migraines).

People that suffer from migraines with an aura will commonly see visual disturbances about a half an hour before the headache begins. These could take the form of shooting stars, blind sots, or zigzag lines. Other may have certain smells or cravings when an attack is impending.

When the migraine headache strikes, it often starts on one side of the head and may spread to the other side. The patient feels intense throbbing pain that is most severe around the temples. Other symptoms can accompany the headache like nausea, fatigue, irritability, numbness, weakness, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and noises.

Although the exact cause of migraines still is not known, it is thought that the pain is caused by a restriction of blood vessels in the brain caused by dilation that floods the brain with blood and causes headache pain. Certain foods seem to trigger this reaction. These foods are alcoholic drinks, MSG, meat with nitrates like lunch meat, fermented foods, aged cheese, nuts, and chocolate.

Diagnosis of migraines headache relies on history of symptoms and diagnostic tests given to rule out other medical conditions. A CT scan can rule out tumors and infections. An MRI might be done to look for strokes, aneurysms, tumors, and problems with the blood vessels in the brain. A spinal tap might be done if the doctor suspects the headaches are caused by meningitis or other infection.

There are prescription medications on the market to help treat migraine headaches. Because headaches occur at random times, drugs are most commonly prescribed to treat an attack that is underway. However, patients that have attacks twice a month or more may take medication to help prevent attacks from happening.

In addition, lifestyle changes can help treat migraine headaches. The patient must identify his triggers and avoid them in order to ward off headaches. In addition, he should get plenty of sleep, avoid smoking, get regular exercise, and practice stress reduction.

Some herbs have been used to treat migraines as well. Studies have been done with butterbur and they have found this herb may reduce the duration and frequency of attacks. However, there is some concern about taking this herb on a long term basis due to its affect on the liver.

Feverfew is a traditional herbal treatment for headaches in general and some advocate its use for migraines as well. Results from clinical studies have been mixed but one study showed people taking feverfew had a reduction in frequency and severity of symptoms. This herb must be taken with caution as it may cause increased risk of bleeding particularly when combined with other blood thinners.

Other herbs have been recommended for treating migraines although there are no clinical studies to substantiate these claims. Some of these include devil's claw, ginger, and willow bark. Medical advice should be sought before taking herbs for migraines especially if prescription medications are taken along with them.

Charles

Lower Your Blood Pressure and Heighten Your Life Expectancy

High blood pressure, or hypertension to give its proper name, is a condition that affects millions of people. Some people may not even be aware that they have it, and this in itself is one of the most dangerous aspects, because if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can and will cause problems in later life.

It can cause your health to be seriously debilitated, but most importantly, high blood pressure will cause damage to your vital organs, the heart in particular, leading to strokes, angina, and heart attack.

There is a direct correlation between how hard the heart has to work to pump blood around your body, and to the elasticity of your veins and arteries. As we grow older, our veins and arteries loose much of their elasticity, and harden, making it more difficult for the heart to work to pump blood through them, and thus creating hypertension.

This is one of the main reasons that the incidence of high blood pressure increases with age. Another contributory factor is high levels of cholesterol which causes our veins to "fur up" once again making the heart work harder.

It may seem somewhat strange when one considers that one in five of us suffer from high blood pressure, but that in 90% of cases, the actual cause is unknown. In the remaining 10% of cases, the cause can be any one of number of factors that include being overweight, smoking, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, lack of regular exercise, eating too much salt, and having kidney disease.

It is also known that high blood pressure can be passed on through family genes, and that lifestyle, and stress in particular can contribute to experiencing hypertension.

However the good news is that hypertension, once diagnosed, can be controlled. It can be managed through a variety of remedies including a carefully controlled diet, lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and medications, either prescription drugs or natural herbal remedies.

From a personal point of view, if you have high blood pressure there are a number of things that you can do to alleviate the condition. Eating a healthy well balanced diet is very important, taking particular care to minimize your salt intake and eat plenty of green leafy vegetables.

Cut down on alcohol, or better still cut it out all together, and try to avoid too much stress both in your work environment and in the home too. Taking regular exercise is another proven way of relieving high blood pressure.

In terms of medications, there are a number of prescriptive medications, but unfortunately many of these have undesirable side effects. Natural herbal remedies are to be preferred, because they are indeed Mother Nature's gifts, and therefore will not cause any unpleasant side effects.

These include Arjuna, which promotes good, strong heart health, Guggul, which is proven to lower levels of cholesterol, and Garlic, which tests have indicated may help to lower cholesterol, can prevent blood clots from forming, (a major cause of stroke and heart attack), as well as being highly regarded for promoting heart health in general.

High blood pressure is very much a disease of the 21st century. By following the simple guidelines outlined above, you can manage hypertension and increase your life expectancy into the bargain.

Charles

Sleep Apnea – A Potentially Dangerous Sleep Disorder

Sleep apnea is a fairly common and potentially serous medical condition. People with this sleep disorder stop breathing on and off during the night while sleeping.

There are two types of sleep apnea. The most common is obstructive sleep apnea and the less common is central sleep apnea.

Central sleep apnea is caused by problems in the brain that disrupt signals to the respiratory muscles so no effort is made to breathe for a short time. Central sleep apnea accounts for less than five percent of all cases of sleep apnea.

It is most commonly caused by brain damage, cerebrovascular disease, heart disease, or drug overdose. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when respiratory effort is made but air cannot flow into the lungs because of an obstruction of some sort.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by obesity, nasal obstruction, drug overdose or anything that causes over relaxation or obstruction of the muscles of the throat.

Many people with sleep apnea display the symptom of being overly sleepy during the day because of lack of a restful night's sleep. They may also have insomnia at night and frequent headaches, especially in the morning. They may awaken abruptly, gasping for breath or wake up short of breath. They may also snore loudly and awaken with a dry mouth and sore throat.

Sleeping partners may actually observe periods when no respiratory movements are made or they may witness the sleeper struggling to draw air past the obstruction in the nose or throat.

A doctor may be able to diagnose sleep apnea based upon the history of symptoms. A definitive diagnosis can be made by means of a sleep study test or polysomnography. This test is performed at night while the patient sleeps. It is done in a sleep lab or in the patient's home in some cases.

The patient is connected to devices that measure the oxygen in the blood, heart rate, respiratory rate, chest movement, and airflow. It may also be necessary to determine the cause of the sleep apnea in order to properly treat it.

A neurological workup may be needed for cases of central sleep apnea.

Examination by an ear, nose, and throat specialist might be indicated for a patient with obstructive sleep apnea.

The primary treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). This is a medical device worn on the nose while sleeping that blows air into the airway in order to create a positive pressure that keeps the airways open and air flowing into the lungs.

Oral devices may be effective in some cases. These are put in the mouth and they pull the lower jaw forward in an effort to keep the airway open.

For some people, surgery might be the best option. This might be sinus surgery or laser surgery on the uvula. These surgeries remove blockages and trim away excess tissue that might be blocking the airway.

Lifestyle changes may also help combat sleep apnea. Losing weight is the first step since there is a strong link between obesity and this sleep disorder.

Avoiding drugs or alcohol before sleeping is also recommended. Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated and sleeping on one's side can also help keep the airways open while sleeping.

It is important that sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated properly otherwise serious complications can arise. Daytime sleepiness can make patients more susceptible to having accidents. The drop of oxygen levels caused by apnea puts a strain on the cardiovascular system and can lead to high blood pressure and even heart attack or stroke.

Charles

What are kidney stones?

A common complication among people when it comes to their kidney, uterer, and bladder are kidney stones. This is due to many people having an unhealthy diet with a laid back living lifestyle, with minimal physical movements and lack of exercise.

Experts say that anyone may encounter kidney stones at one point of his or her life. But, with early diagnosis, healthy lifestyle, diet to prevent the condition, and regular exercise, one can recover from it.

However, recovering might be easy but if people do not follow the preventative steps to avoiding kidney stones, chances are, they will have it again within the next 10 or 15 years of their life.

Many people tend to neglect kidney stones because they think that they can easily recover from it with all the medications and medical procedures available today.

One thing that they don’t realize is that if they continue to have their kidney stones unchecked or undiagnosed, they are more prone to develop related diseases which will make their health conditions more complicated.

To avoid further complications when it comes to kidney stones, it is best that you arm yourself with all the knowledge that you can get, especially if you think that you are prone to the condition.

The first thing that you need to know about kidney stones is what it really is. Kidney stones are made up of minerals and other excess substances in body. It is the product when these substances and minerals are formed in the person's urine.

The process of developing kidney stones involve the crystallization of minerals and other related substances that form "lumps" which can be hard as a real stone. It most cases, kidney stones can be very tiny when they initially form but can grow, as they remain undiagnosed.

From a stone that can be compared to the size of grain, kidney stones can grow in size up to a quarter inch or even larger. Ouch!

Experts say that people who have kidney stones don't have to worry so much about its size but should more focus on where its is located. The location of the kidney stone is very important because it can cause the kidney and other related organs not to function very well.

Doctors agree that kidney stones that sit in the kidney itself are not much of a problem. But if it's located it the uterer, the tube that connects to the bladder, is a very big problem.

This is because the stone, regardless of its size, can block the path where the urine should pass. When this happens, it will cause the person a great deal of pain because it will stretch the kidney. The pressure caused by this stretching can build up and can even result to other related symptoms such as blood in the urine or hematuria, nausea, vomiting, and slight fever or chills especially if there's already an infection.

The next thing that you should pay attention to is the possible causes of the condition. Experts say that there are a number of factors that may cause the development of kidney stones. These factors may include the Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), kidney failure, diseases that may have been inherited that involves the kidney, foods that contain high levels of calcium, sodium, oxalates, and others, as well as lack of regular movement or exercise.

Charles

Importance of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is essential for the blood to clot to repair injuries. Whenever a person has a bleeding wound, it is vitamin K that is present in the blood that stops the bleeding and enables most minor cuts to heal quickly.

There are three different forms of vitamin K. The first variant of vitamin K is vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone. This is the form of vitamin K that is found in types of plant foods.

Vitamin K found in plant foods. The second form of vitamin K is vitamin K2, or menaquinone. This type of vitamin K is formed by friendly bacteria in the intestines.

Thirdly, there is vitamin K3 which is also known as menadione and is actually an artificial form of vitamin K. All three of these types of vitamin K end up in the liver where it is used to create the blood clotting substances.

The best natural sources of vitamin K are green leafy vegetables, such as spinach. However, because the friendly bacteria in the intestine makes one of the forms of vitamin K it is extremely rare for a person to have a deficiency of vitamin K and so vitamin K supplements are not needed by the majority of people.

Apart from the main function of helping blood to clot, vitamin K, specifically vitamin K1, has an important part to play in the bone building process. This vitamin K is required to retain the calcium in the bones and redistribute it to where it is needed.

Although a vitamin K deficiency is relatively rare there are certain groups of people who may suffer from it. Newborn babies may not have enough of vitamin K as they have insufficient bacteria in their intestines to produce it. The majority of newborn babies in developed countries are therefore given a vitamin K injection to tide them over until the natural process takes over.

That is the only time that a vitamin K supplement will be taken by most people throughout their lives. However, an extended course of antibiotics may lead to a vitamin K deficiency due to the fact that the antibiotics kill the intestinal bacteria as well as the ones that they are being taken to cure.

Again, a vitamin K supplement may be given if the course of antibiotics has to continue for a long period of time.

Charles

Herbal Skin Care

Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines.

The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things – our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialisation of skin care.

Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home.

However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.

So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?

Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.

A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.

Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.

Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)

Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies. Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psorasis.

Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive.

So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the extent of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic product. You should accept the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.

Charles

Losing Weight the Healthy Way

Almost 108 million Americans were overweight or obese in 1999. Until now, obesity continues to be a serious problem and is predicted to reach epidemic levels by the year 2020.

One way to prevent this scenario is to make people aware of the risks of being overweight or obese.

Here are some diseases that you are putting yourself in risk of if you are carrying a lot of extra pounds:

1. heart disease
2. stroke
3. diabetes
4. cancer
5. arthritis
6. hypertension

Losing weight helps to prevent and control these diseases.

The quick weight loss methods which have spread like fire these days do not provide lasting results. More often than not, dieting methods which involve dietary drinks, foods and supplement or pills do not work. If they do, the results are just temporary.

It is better to rely on a healthy weight loss option which will provide lifetime results. You have to set realistic goals and not expect to lose a lot of pounds in a short span of time.

Here are some tips on how you can lose those unwanted pounds the healthy way:

1. Do not starve your self.

The key to a healthier way of losing weight is: Do not diet.

You may seem happy and feel that you are losing those unwanted flabs on your belly and thighs by skipping meals. But remember that this would not last long. Your body cannot tolerate having insufficient food to fuel the energy that you use up everyday.

If you get used to skipping one or two meals a day, your stored calories will be used up instead of the energy that should have been provided by your meals. So if you just eat one huge sandwich in one day, it will end up straight to your problem area (i.e. highs, buttocks, hips).

2. Start your day right.

Mothers always say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Have a healthy meal in the morning to jump-start your metabolism.

Your food intake after you wake up will be used to burn fat all day long.

3. Eat small, healthy meals frequently.

Five small-serving snacks per day is better than three hearty meals. Eating more frequently, and in small servings, can prevent over-eating. This will also increase your metabolism and make calories burn faster.

4. Decide on how much weight you want to lose.

Keep your goals realistic. In the long run, it is virtually impossible for you to lose 40 pounds in 2 weeks. Have a mindset that you want to eat healthy to stay healthy for the rest of your life.

Once you have decided on a weight loss plan or program, stick to it and make sure that you follow your own set of dieting rules.

5. Drink lots of water.

Your body needs sufficient water to burn fat and keep your cells hydrated and healthy.

6. Avoid too much sugar.

Plan your meals around lots of fruits and vegetables, some bread, rice or pasta for that carbo fix that you need, plus lean meat and protein rich-foods. Sweets, sodas and pastries should be once-in-a-while indulgences only.

7. Watch your fat intake.

Fat is not the culprit to being overweight. You need this to keep your weight at the proper level. There is such a thing as healthy fats. Olive, peanuts and canola oil have them. Tuna, salmon and mackerel have omega-3 fats which is good for the heart.

8. Exercise.

Leave your car if you are only going a few blocks from home, take the stairs instead of the elevator, jog, cycle or skate. Use these activites and other home chores if you are too lazy to go to the gym and take exercise classes.

Make sure that you do this regularly and you will not even notice that you are already shedding pounds with these mundane activities. It does not matter how much weight you plan or need to lose. What is important is that you set realistic goals for yourself.

Go slow. If you have already lost 5 or 6 pounds, give yourself a break then try to lose the next 5 pounds. Eat healthy, drink lots of water, have enough sleep and exercise. This will give you a higher chance of losing weight and improving your health, which would result to a new, healthier you.

Charles

Free Weight Loss Programs

The race to fitness is on and a lot of people are getting into the band wagon. Some people do it to achieve a sexy body, some people just do it because they are embarrassed with the body they have now, while others do it simply to remain fit and heatlthy.

As such, many fitness programs are out in the internet, in gyms, spas and fitness centers all over. Some are too expensive to afford that one may even lose weight just by trying to work out the money needed to pursue these fitness programs.

One may not have to go to the gym or the spa or any fitness center and spend much just to slim down to obtain that longed for sexy body. There are many books available in the bookstore which offer weight loss programs which are convenient and for free, of course the books are not though.

These weight loss programs, or diet plans are gaining immense popularity with so much publicity, testimonials and reviews that one may be confused which exactly to follow. So before choosing which weight loss plan to follow, try reading these summaries about the most popular diet programs out today.

Atkins' New Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins. This weight loss program encourages high protein diet and a trim down on the carbs. One can feast on vegetables and meat but should fast on bread and pasta. One is also not restricted against fat intake so it is okay to pour in the salad dressing and freely spread on the butter. However, after the diet, one may find himself lacking on fiber and calcium yet high in fat. Intake of grains and fruits are also limited.

Carbohydrate Addict's Diet by Drs. Heller. This diet plan advocates low carbohyrate eating. Approves on eating meats, vegetables and fruits, dairy and grain products. however, warns against taking in too much carb. "Reward" meal can be too high on fats and saturated fats.

Choose to Lose by Dr. Goor. Restrains fat intake. One is given a "fat" budget and he is given the liberty on how to spend it. It does not pressure the individual to watch his carbohydrate intake. Eating meat and poultry as well as low-fat dairy and seafoods is okay. A go signal is also given on eating vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread and pasta.

This weight loss plan is fairly healthy, good amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as saturated fats. Watch triglyceride levels though; if high, trim down the carbohydrates and tuck in more of the unsaturated fats.

The DASH Diet. Advocates moderate amounts of fat and protein intake and high on carbs. Primarily designed to lower blood pressure, the diet plan follows the pyramid food guide and encourages high intake of whole wheat grains as well as fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy. Some dieters think it advocates too much eating to procure significant weight loss.

Eat More, Weigh Less by Dr. Ornish. Primarily vegetarian fare and strictly low-fat. Gives the go signal on the "glow" foods but warns to watch it on non-fat dairy and egg whites. This diet is poor in calcium and retricts consumption of healthy foods like seafoods and lean poultry.

Eat Right for Your Type. Interesting because it is based on the person's blood type. recommends plenty of mest for people with the blood type O. Diet plans for some blood types are nutritionally imbalanced and too low in calories. And for the record, there is even no proof that blood type affects dietary needs.

The Pritkin Principle. Focused on trimming the calorie density in eating by suggesting watery foods that make one feel full. Eating vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, pasta, soups, salads and low-fat dairy is okay. Although limits protein sources to lean meat, pseafood and poultry.

Although it is healthy by providing low amounts of saturated fats and rich amounts of vegetables and fruits, it is also low on calcium and limits lean protein sources.

Volumetrics. For low-density calorie eating. Recommends the same foodstuff as Pritkin but restricts fatty or dry foods like popcorn, pretzels and crackers. This plan is reasonably healthy given the high amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as being low in calorie density and saturated fats.

The Zone. Moderately low on the carbs yet moderately high on the proteins. Encourages low-fat protein foods like fish and chicken plus veggies, fruits and grains. It is also healthy but lacking in grains and calcium.

Weight Watchers. High carbohydrates, moderate on fats and proteins. A very healthy diet plan and very flexible too. it allows the dieter to plan his own meal rather than give him a set to follow.

Which one to choose?

Charles

10 Skin Care Tips

Healthy skin is really one of the most important ingredients for beauty-enhancement. This article on skin care tips is an effort to bring the 10 best skin care tips to you. The list of skin care tips has been restricted to 10 because anything more that that would not only be difficult to remember, but also shadow the more important skin care tips.

So let’s see what these top ten skin care tips are:

1. Knowing your skin type is one of the most important skin care tip. This is important because not every skin care product suits everyone. In fact, all the skin care products specify the type of skin they cater too.

2. ‘Drink a lot of water’. This will not keep your skin moist but will help in overall upkeep of your health (and in turn your skin). It might seem a bit awkward to some, however, this is an important skin care tip.

3. Cleanse your skin regularly (1-2 times everyday). A very effective skin care tip that helps in getting rid of the dirt and other harsh elements from your skin. Cleansing is especially important when you have been out of your house (and hence exposed to pollutants, dust etc). This skin care tip also advocates the use of Luke warm water for cleansing (hot and cold water, both, cause damage to your skin)

4. Be gentle, after all it’s your skin. Don’t scrub/exfoliate too hard or too often. Similarly, don’t apply too much or too many skin care products. A must-to-follow skin care tip.

5. Keep your skin moist at all times. This is one of the most important skin care tip. Don’t let your skin get dry. Dryness causes the outer layer of your skin to break, leading to a rough and unattractive appearance. Use moisturisers/ emollients. Moisturisers work best when applied while the skin is still damp.

6. Avoid the use of soap on your face. Soap should only be used from below the neck. A small but important skin care tip.

7. Use sunscreen to protect yourself from sun’s harmful UV radiations. You can use day-time moisturisers that have sunscreen built into them. Use them even when it’s cloudy. UV radiations are known to cause skin cancer, so follow this skin care tip without fail.

8. A bit of exercise and good sleep are essential too, not just for skin care but for your health as a whole. Lack of sleep can lead to formation of wrinkles below your eyes and lack of exercise can cause your skin to slack. Moreover, exercise and sleep also help in beating stress. So besides being a skin care tip, this is also a health care tip.

9. Treat skin dilemmas with care. This skin care tip is about not ignoring any skin dilemmas. Consult your dermatologist before you go on to use a skin care product (lest you do end up harming your skin even more).

10. Beat the stress. The harmful effects of stress are known to everyone, however, sometimes stating the obvious is essential too (and hence this skin care tip found its place here). Yes, stress harms skin too. So, take a break or indulge in a warm bubble bath or just get good sleep.

Charles

Vitamins For Healthy Hair

There a number of different specific hair vitamins and minerals that can play a major role in helping a person have a healthy head of hair. If a person does not have sufficient hair vitamins then the deficiencies can lead to thinning hair or even total baldness in the most severe cases.

The fact is that the state of a person’s hair reflects the overall condition of their body. Extra hair vitamins are likely to be needed if a person is generally unwell or is undernourished as their hair will show damage too and may even stop growing.

Some of the most important hair vitamins that a person needs to have healthy hair include B6, biotin, inositol and folic acid. The best way to ensure that a person receives enough of these essential hair vitamins are for them to be taken as vitamin supplements.

It is not just hair vitamins that are necessary for healthy hair though as there are a number of minerals that are essential, including magnesium, sulphur, silica and zinc.

The most essential hair vitamin is vitamin a but the best form of this is to include in the diet is beta-carotene. This is because the hair vitamin A can be toxic if consumed in large quantities but beta-carotene has no such problems and is converted by the body into vitamin A that can be used to promote healthy hair.

Of course, vitamin A is not just a hair vitamin, it is also needed for a number of other functions including normal growth of bones, skin, nails and the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres.

Protein is another essential hair vitamin. This is because hair itself is essentially protein. The amount of this hair vitamin that a person consumes in their diet can affect the hair directly. If a lot of protein is included in a person’s diet then this hair vitamin will lead to improved hair growth and a far fuller head of hair.

However, a person who has a diet that is lacking in this hair vitamin will suffer from thinning hair and slow hair growth. Of course, it is not just hair vitamins and minerals that are needed to ensure that a person has healthy, strong hair.

There are a number of researchers who have found that there are direct links between the overall health of a person and the condition of their hair. If a person is under a lot of stress or suffers from a lack of sleep then their hair is also likely to suffer and it is likely that their diet will not provide enough hair vitamins to counter these effects.

Hair vitamin and mineral supplements can be the solution to weak and damaged hair.

Here's to looking good!

Charles

Info On Vitamin E

Vitamin E is extremely important for a variety of functions in the body. A healthy heart needs plenty of the vitamin E as it has been shown to actually prevent heart disease. Vitamin E can also help contain any existing heart disease and stop it from getting worse.

Vitamin E is also vital in protecting the cell membranes from the harmful free radicals that are present in the body. Without vitamin E, amongst others, the cell membranes would be damaged and this could lead to serious health problems, including cancer.

The reason that the vitamin E is so effective against free radicals is that it is fat soluble so it can be absorbed into the cell membranes. Vitamin E is therefore essential for the immune system.

The recommended daily amount of the E vitamin that a person requires depends on their body weight. This is connected to the fact that the more fat a diet contains then the more of the E vitamin that is needed.

However, the only foods that really contain any reasonable amount of vitamin E are vegetable oils, seeds, wheat germ, and nuts. It is for this reason that most people should take some form of vitamin E supplement.

A deficiency of the E vitamin does not affect a person immediately. In fact, it can take months for the effects of insufficient vitamin E to be detected. After years of vitamin E deficiency there may be some detectable damage to the nerves of the spinal cord or retina of the eyes, but this is very rare.

Most people obtain enough vitamin E from a normal diet but it is essential that the food that a person eats contains a little fat to help with the absorption of the E vitamin.

There are a few medical conditions that may lead to a deficiency of vitamin E and may require the person to take vitamin E supplements. Cystic fibrosis causes a person to be unable to digest fats well which leads to less of vitamin E being absorbed.

Crohn’s disease causes to lower absorption rates of vitamin E and a supplement may be necessary. Some forms of liver disease can also lead to problems absorbing vitamin E, especially through the intestine.

Of course, as fat is required to help absorb sufficient amounts of vitamin E, anyone on an extremely low-fat diet will need to discuss their options for increasing the amount of vitamin E that their body needs.

To Your Health!

Charles

Acne Skin Care

Acne is defined as a diseased condition of the skin that involves the hair and oil glands. It is characterised by pimples, black/white heads, reddishness and cysts.

Face acne can spoil your appearance to a great extent and body acne can really ruin your day by making you very uncomfortable. Considering acne as a minor problem, some people tend to totally discard the topic of ‘Acne skin care’.

However, the importance of Acne skin care cannot be undermined in any way.

Acne skin care should really start much before the acne actually appears. Acne skin care is more about being proactive than reactive. Acne skin care is about being aware of preventive measures.

Acne skin care is - following daily skin care routines with complete discipline. So let’s have a look at how acne skin care can be applied to our daily routine.

Acne skin care starts with the most basic thing - cleanliness. So morning showers are the most basic way of keeping the skin clean. In fact, a lot of people take night showers too (that not only helps in keeping your skin clean but also provides relaxation to your body and enables a good sleep).

If you are living in a hot and/or humid place, a night shower becomes a must. In fact, a shower is recommended after any activity that causes high levels of sweat to develop. It’s a very effective acne skin care technique.

However, acne skin care is not about just showers. Acne skin care is also about wearing clean clothes and sleeping on clean pillows. Moreover, too tight clothes can cause sweat to accumulate quickly; so soft and comfortable cotton clothes are recommended, especially if you already have acne. In the same sense, acne skin care also advocates regular cleaning of your make-up brush and any equipment that you use on your body.

Besides that, you should also use a mild, water-soluble, oil-free and soap-free cleanser for keeping your face, neck and arms clean. Cleansing is the most important part of any acne skin care routine. Cleaners are the easiest and the most effective way of removing dirt, grease, pollutants and excess oil from your skin; thus reducing the probability of acne occurrence.

Acne skin care also recommends removing your make up using a make up remover, and this should happen before you go to bed (not in the morning).

If you already have acne, do not try to touch them or squeeze them; it can lead to permanent scars. Acne skin care advocates gentle cleansing and cleaning of the affected area using an over- the-counter medication and a clean, soft cotton pad. There are various acne skin care creams and lotions available over-the-counter (a lot of these acne skin care products are actually cleansers).

However, if these acne skin care measures don’t give you the desired results, contact a dermatologist for acne skin care advice and treatment.

Charles

Food Drug Administration and Prescription Drug Manufacturer Partnership

The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) was passed into law by Congress in 1992 and allows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to collect feeds from Prescription drug Manufacturers to fund the new drug approval process.

The PDUFA declares that the FDA is allowed to collect a fee, called an application fee, from these Prescription Drug Manufacturers whenever a new drug is introduced through a new Drug Application (NDA). The fee was up to $250,000 per new NDA.

Note: Kinda looks like the FDA is now working for the Prescription Drug Companies. In fact, a comment from the Public Citizen’s Health Research Group stated “The review of new drugs is too important to leave to ‘user fees’ and likened the drug industry’s financial support of the FDA review process “similar to criminals paying user fees to the police department.”

Originally a short term experiment slated for 5 years, it was “improved” by The Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997 (FDAMA). This act extended user fees for NDA’s for another 5 years and introduced three amendments: Off Label Use of Drugs; Drug Labeling for Children: and, Fast Track or Accelerated Approval of new drugs.

Off Label Use pertains to using drugs for other than it was approved for. The FDA did away with thus prohibition on the Drug Companies promoting other than approved uses for their drugs, opening the door for Drug Salesman to promote new drugs with no proof of safety or effectiveness for the off label use.

The Drug Labeling for Children amendment. Previously drugs approved for adults were presumed to be safe in children albeit with different doses. This is not always the case. Now drug companies were required to do additional clinical trials to provide information for prescribing to children.

The Accelerated Approval and Parallel Tracking amendment opened up the door for new drug approval based on one “well controlled” Phase 3 clinical trail when the previous standard was two. There is no denying this amendment made drugs available that have saved countless lives, however with much less of a process to ensure safety.

The PDUFA III continued user fees and integrated a Medical Device User Fee as well. PDUFA IV was signed into law in September 2007 represents a significant addition to FDA authority. Among the many components of the law, the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) and the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act (MDUFMA) have been reauthorized and expanded.

The FDA claims these programs will ensure that FDA staff will have the additional resources needed to conduct the complex and comprehensive reviews necessary to new drugs and devices. However, the FDA and Drug Manufacturers continued to share the same bed.

Allowing the industry to “negotiate” with the FDA on recommendations and “pay” the FDA user fees for new drugs undercuts the agency’s original true role as an independent, drug safety regulator. If the FDA and the prescription drug manufacturers are going to regain the respect and trust of the American public, the FDA must be seen as an objective regulatory entity with a clear and inviolable mission to serve the public, and its reliance on the fees and goodwill of the industry they are supposed to oversee must end.

The bottom line is that the prescription drug consumer needs to live by the old adage “let the buyer beware”. Do your own research and be careful for the drug interactions if you are taking multiple prescriptions, especially from multiple Doctors and Pharmacies.

In a perfect world, you would be able to mitigate much of the problems you are addressing by living a healthy lifestyle, eating low glycemic foods and taking the best nutritional supplements.

Stay Informed!

Charles

Choosing A Herbal Detox Diet

Toxins can include perfume, alcohol, cigarette smoke, pesticides, mercury, food additives, oral contraceptives, and cleaning supplies. Toxins are transformed chemically to less harmful compounds that can be excreted via stools or urine.

Is there anyone who should not try a detox diet?

Consult your primary care provider to find out if a detox diet is appropriate for you. A detox diet should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with anemia, eating disorders, heart problems, lowered immunity, low blood pressure, ulcers, diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, ulcerative colitis, unless recommended and supervised by your primary care provider.

There are endless detox plans you can follow, so chose carefully. Some will advocate complete fasting or juice-only days, but beware of the health implications and never start such an extreme plan without consulting your doctor or a qualified nutritionist.

Detox Benefits

1. Improves symptoms of heartburn, constipation and gas and treats digestive disorders.

2. Boosts the immune system.

Allergies or sensitivies?

By and large, conventional health care only deals with masking the symptoms of allergies and food sensitivities, rather than attempting to resolve them. The first step that many alternative practitioners recommend is a change of diet that cuts out wheat and dairy foods, two common allergens.

To do so is also the first step in "detoxing." Higher levels of detoxing, as well as additional immune support through nutritional supplementation, have been known to help many allergy sufferers. Allergies are, however, almost by definition, a very individualized condition.

What happens after the detox?

Many of the foods that were eliminated during this diet can be allergenic. A natural health practitioner can help to systematically reintroduce food groups (wheat, dairy, gluten, corn) and note reactions to identify the food groups that may be aggravating health conditions such as sinus congestion, fatigue, skin conditions, arthritis and bloating and constipation. Flare-ups can occur, so supervision is recommended.

Charles

Is A Vegetarian Diet Safe For Infants?

If, for dietary or ethical reasons, you have decided that you want to put your infant on a vegetarian diet, you should be very careful in choosing formulas and solid food for your child.

If you plan to breastfeed the infant and you are also a vegetarian, you may need to supplement breastmilk with additional sources of nutrition, depending on your dietary restrictions. If you are a vegan, or an ovo-vegetarian, you should add sources of vitamin B-12 to your child’s diet.

Other than the B-12 supplements, your infant should be able to receive all micro and macronutrients through breastfeeding, even if you are on a strictly vegan diet.

If you plan to use formula rather than breastmilk, you should stick to commercial formulas, which contain the proper amounts and ratios of nutrients. If you opt for a homemade formula or soymilk over a commercial product, your child could experience developmental problems from a lack of proper nutrition.

If you want to keep your infant on a vegan diet, you can select a soy commercial formula, as long as it is nutritionally-adequate.

After about a year, you can begin to supplement formula or breastmilk with other sources of nutrition, such as homemade formulas, soymilk, yogurt, and cow’s milk (if you are not a vegan).

Nutritionists suggest that you keep your infant on a full-fat, high protein diet after age one, which includes vegetarian-friendly foods, such as mashed and pureed avocados, soy milk, nutrient-fortified tofu, and yogurt.

When you are ready to switch your infant to solid vegetarian foods, you can introduce solid tofu, pieces of vegetarian burgers, eggs, and cheese.

If you supplement what a nonvegetarian diet lacks, maintain a full-fat diet, and increase your infant’s sources of protein, you should have no problem maintaining a healthful vegetarian diet during your child’s crucial developmental stages.


Charles

Diet and Your Health

In recent years, we have heard more and more about how our diet affect our health, especially in relation to the production of cancers. Research has shown that our diet contains an enormous variety of natural mutagens and carcinogens.

It is also apparent that we are ingesting vastly greater qualities of these substances than was previously suspected. Perhaps this natural chemical product should be a primary concern rather than the mutagenicity of industrial chemicals, food additives and pollutants in our environment.

For example, in 1989 the United States had a big publicity generated scare concerning the plant growth regulator Alar, which is used to delay ripening of apples so that they do not drop prematurely. Alar was said to be carcinogenic, but when put in perspective with chemicals in our daily diets, it does not to be so bad.

For instance, the hydrazines in a helping of mushrooms are 60 times more carcinogenic than the Alar consumed in a glass of apple juice or 20 times greater than a daily peanut butter sandwich, which frequently contains aflatoxin B. Our diets contain literally millions of natural chemicals; in fact it is not practical to test them all for carcinogenicity.

Animal tests and the Ames test have been used to evaluate cooked foods for their potential for inducing cancers and it has been found that browned sugars or breads contains a variety of mutagens.

In addition, caffeine and its close relative theobromine found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and some soft drinks may increase the risk of tumors by inhibiting DNA repair enzymes.

Plants synthesize many carcinogenic or teratogenic chemicals as delense mechanism to ward off the animals that want to consume them. Examples of plants plant carcinogens include psoralen and its derivatives, which are widespread in plants and have been used as sunscreen in France; solanine and chaconine are teratogens and are found in greened potatoes.

Other food that contains natural cicargens includes banana, basil, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, horseradish, mustard turnips, and black pepper. In addition, red wines are believed to be responsible for the high incidence of stomach cancers among the French people, although red wine also seems to decrease the incidence of coronary heart disease. It seems that nothing can be consumed that does not contain mutagen!

Another big problem with American diet is the consumption of excess quantities of fats. The average American consumes 40% of her/ his calories in the form of fat. Comparisons of cancer death rates in different national populations have provided important clues to the nutrational causes of cancer.

Very different types of cancers appear in the United States than appear in Japan. In United States, colon, breast, and prostate cancer are most prevalent, whereas stomach cancers are in excess in Japan.

When the amount of dietary fat intake is plotted against the number of death by breast cancer, the results are striking; the more fat in the diet, the more higher the rate of breast cancer.

How might fat intake cause cancer? It may be caused by rancid fat because it represents a sizable percentage of the fat are very prone to oxidation, which produces a variety of carcinogenic compounds. Another likely explanation is that may carcinogens are soluble in fats and accumulate in the fat of the animals we eat.


Charles

Arthrits Relief with Simple Dietary Changes

The best course of action to take sometimes isn't clear until you've listed and considered all of your alternatives. The following paragraphs should help clue you in to what changes the experts think are significant when trying to control the pain of Arthritis..

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent health problems facing today's aging population. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which usually strikes weight-bearing joints such as the ankles, knees and hips.

Pain is caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage, the soft "padding" material that cushions the joints. About 85% of adults who reach the age of 85 will have osteoarthritis, unless they take a proactive approach to prevent it.

Exercise is very important. But what about diet?

For a long time, doctors doubted there could be any link between diet and osteoarthritis. They saw the disease as a natural result of wear and tear on the joints, something inevitable as we age. But new research is making them reconsider that idea.

It now appears that nutrition plays a vital role in helping to prevent or ease the effects of osteoarthritis. One key element is vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and may protect the joints from the damaging effects of free radicals (unstable molecules that can cause joint inflammation).

Recent research is showing that vitamin C can help prevent bone loss and cartilage inadequacies associated with aging. Specifically, when your joint has cartilage that needs to be repaired, vitamin C is needed for such repairs. It helps to keep your cartilage "young".

The information about Arthritis presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about Arthritis or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

According to Dr. Timothy McAlindon of the Boston University School of Medicine, "Vitamin C may also help generate collagen, which enhances the body's ability to repair damage to the cartilage."

When scientists at the Boston University School of Medicine studied the eating habits of people with osteoarthritis of the knee, they found that those getting the most vitamin C, more than 200 milligrams a day, were three times less likely to have the disease get worse than those who got the least vitamin C (less than 120 milligrams a day).

Dr. McAlindon recommends that people get a least 120 milligrams of vitamin C every day. "That's the amount in a couple of oranges," he says. Dr. Michael F. Roizen and Dr. Mehmet C. Oz, co-authors of "You: The Owner's Manual", recommend even more. "Shoot for 1200 milligrams of vitamin C a day- spread between your diet and supplements throughout the day."

Be careful not to overdo it. Some data suggest that more than 2,500 milligrams a day can have the opposite effect and actually increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

Dr. Eve Campanelli, a holistic family practitioner in Beverly Hills, CA, recommends black cherry juice. She advises her patients to drink two glasses, twice a day, of four ounces of the juice diluted with four ounces of water.

Other fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C include oranges, cantaloupe, broccoli, strawberries, peppers and cranberry juice. A healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, has been recommended by nutritionists for years. Now there's another reason to pay attention- it can help your joints to stay young!

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of Arthritis. Share your new understanding about Arthritis with others. They'll thank you for it.

Charles

The Right Vegetables For The Dieter

With the right vegetables, however, you can eat as many as you want how many times you want it and not gain a pound. Exercise caution, however, by picking the right kinds of vegetables, as not all can keep you slim. This is because there are vegetables that are high in calories while there are also those who are low in calories. What are these low calorie vegetables?

The following are the types of vegetables that are considered to have low calories and are great to eat if you're in a diet or want to lose weight. These include carrots, cucumbers, radishes, fresh green beans, celery, cauliflower, cabbage, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and lettuce.

Clearly, you don’t have to go all green when you’re in a vegetable diet. If you look at the choices, you can gather for yourself that these not only contain the least calories, they are packed with essential nutrients as well.

To be more specific, if you are on a low carbohydrates diet you might have been hearing that munching on vegetables is the way to go. However, just as there are vegetables that contain low and high calories, there are also vegetables that are low and high in carbohydrates.

Do not generalize that just because they are vegetables they are immediately low in carbohydrates. Vegetables that are low in carbohydrates include but are not limited to sprouts, leafy greens, hearty greens, herbs, sea vegetables, broccoli, mushrooms, avocado, peppers, summer squash, scallions, asparagus, bamboo shoots, leeks, eggplants, artichoke hearts, okra and more. Of course, low calorie vegetables are also low in carbohydrates so you can take your pick.

To be cautious, here's a list of vegetables that are starchy and are high in carbohydrates. These include beets, corn, parsnips, peas, all types of potatoes, and winter squashes. If you want to experiment on other types of vegetables, as there are many available in the produce section, you can check out their calorie and carbohydrate count on the internet to guide you on your diet.

Other types of vegetables that should be included in your diet list are those full of fiber. Don't be confused by this statement. Though vegetables in general are good sources of fiber, there are certain types of vegetables that contain more fiber than others. Examples of these fiber-rich vegetables include brussel sprouts, carrots, cooked beans and peas, and spinach.

Cruciferous vegetables are also good sources of fiber such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. These vegetables are good sources of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps keep you feeling full and therefore makes it easier for you to resist eating too much food.

Though vegetables are generally not harmful if you are on a diet, observing the right serving sizes will help accelerate the results you want to see. The National Cancer Institute has recommended certain serving sizes for different types of vegetables. The recommended serving size if you are eating raw non-leafy vegetables or cooked vegetables is half a cup.

If you are eating raw leafy vegetables, the recommended serving size is one cup. If cooked beans or peas are what you’re having for a meal, the recommended serving size you should take is half a cup. These serving size recommendations are considered not only healthy but aids in dieting as well. Since all the vegetables enumerated earlier don’t all contain the same amount of carbohydrates, it is still helpful to do a carbohydrate count on those you want included in your diet.

A good point to remember when you are calculating carbohydrates is to exclude the fiber count because this is generally not included.

While you are on a vegetable diet, keeping a few tips in mind to be careful is essential. You might have lost weight but you got sick in the process so what’s good in that? When you pick out vegetables, try to go to the organic produce section. If you can’t get hold of organically grown products then exercise caution by washing your vegetables thoroughly. Vegetables that are not organically grown contain pesticides which are harmful to your health.

When you are picking out vegetables, choose the freshest among the lot. You can tell when it’s fresh if it’s brightly colored and are blemish-free or has the least amount of blemishes.

In-season vegetables are guaranteed to be fresh so buying vegetables growing in their season is a good idea. You shouldn’t plan on storing vegetables for too long. Buy only the vegetables you plan to be eating in a few days. Other than that you should discard vegetables that have been stored too long.

When you eat vegetables, try to leave as much edible skin on them as possible. The skin on vegetables contains their own nutrients which can benefit your health. Eating vegetables raw is also a good idea as cooking them can take away some of the nutrients and add fat from the oil you used.

As you can see, vegetables don’t seem daunting in the very least. These are great, quick and cheap alternatives to fatty foods that bring on the ounces on your weighing scale.

As they are low in fat, cholesterol, sodium and calories naturally, it is no wonder that vegetables have been advocated to dieters for such a long time. If recipe is your problem, there are great recipe books or online recipes that show you great ways to make your vegetables tasty without adding unnecessary fat and taking away their nutrients.

Charles