Archive for December, 2009
Superfoods – AOL Health
December 31st, 2009 | 
Author: Want a list of the 25 super foods? These foods lower cholesterol, help you lose weight, give you energy and can even strenghthen hair and nails.
Click on the link below and go through the gallery of 25 super foods ranging from pumpkin seeds to different kinds of fish and even fats!
Learn how getting enough Omegas can improve brain health, how vitamin E can boost your immune system and how carotenoids can fight cataracts as well as macular degeneration. Then learn about the amazing foods that are packed with these nutrients and how to add them into your diet.
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Whole grains: Hearty options for a healthy diet – MayoClinic.com
More and more research is showing that whole grains play an important role in a healthy weight. Thankfully many companies are making products that contain whole grains. Items that were typically thought of as using white or refined flour like breads, cakes, crackers and even cookies are now made using whole grain.
Most likely you're getting whole grains and you didnt even realize it. Popcorn is a whole grain as well as oatmeal and wild and brown rice.
For more information on whole grains, including how they are refined and turned into white flour click on the link below. It also contains calorie information and health benefits.
Home | Pistachio Health
Pistachios, also known as "the skinny nut", are a great nut to have on hand for snacking. They are called the skinny nut because they are one of the lowest calorie snacking nuts you can buy. One serving has about 160 calories.
Pistachios are loaded with vitamns, nutrients and antioxidants. They also have a high amount of protein. Research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of pistachios a day can help lower your cholesterol and may help lower your risk of heart disease.
Pistachios also have more potassium than any other nut and they have the highest levels of polyphenol antioxidants of any snack nut.
For more information on the health benefits of pistachios and how to serve them click on the link below.
Cherry Health and Cherry Nutrition
Cherries are on the short list of "super foods". The small, red berries are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Cherries have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants among fruits.
They also contain 19 times more beta carotene than blueberries or strawberries, and are packed with vitamin C, iron, fiber, potassium, magnesium and folate.
Cherries can be eaten right out of the bowl, in desserts, seved with main dishes, and you can put them in smoothies and cereal. You can also drink cherry juice or cherry juice concentrate. Researches recommend 1- 2 servings a day for optimal health.
For more information on cherries and their many health benefits click on the link below.
.:: Blueberries Health ::.
Blueberries not only taste good, they're good for you. They contain high amounts of vitamins C and E and are have one the highest levels of antioxidants among fruits.
The average blueberry picking season is from May to September but thanks to freezing you can enjoy them year round. They are good by themselves, in salads, cereals and even severed in main dishes. And of course you can serve them in desserts.
Research shows that eating blueberries can slow the aging process and increase mental capacity.
For more information on the amazing health benefits of blueberries, click on the link below.
Get Preventive Screenings
We all know that we should have our blood checked every year to find out how high or low our cholesterol and blood glucose levels are. And most of us are aware that we need to get a tetnis shot every ten years. But what about those tests and screenings that start happening after a certain age? Do you know what age you should get a mammogram or start getting your prostate checked? Did you know there are screenings out there for depression, cervical cancer and Colorectal Cancer?
Click on the link below for a comprehensive look at all the screenings and tests available and when you should start getting them.
Pregnancy week by week – MayoClinic.com
Pregnancy can be both an exciting time and a scary time for mothers. There is so much to consider – eating the right foods in the right amount, exercising but not over doing it, avoiding caffeine and alcohol and also be on the look out for chemicals that can cause problems like household cleaners.
But the most exciting thing is knowing that something amazing is happening inside you. Check out the link below to follow your pregnancy week by week and be reminded of why you're denying yourself that latte or diet coke.
About Pregnancy Weight Gain : American Pregnancy Association
Doctors say you should only gain 25-37 pounds when you're pregnant and even less if you're overweight. For those that are already carrying those extra pounds doctors say you should only gain 15-25 pounds during pregnancy. Eating a well balanced diet and avoiding fatty and sugary foods is the best way to stay within that weight goal. But genetics can also play a role in the amount of weight you gain.
Staying active while you're pregnant is also important. Talk with your doctor about exercising and what's safe at the different stages of pregnancy.
For more information on weight gain during pregnancy and how to stay within your goal check out the site below. It also has great information on exactly how all that weight adds up and where it all goes.
WebMD Heartburn Health Center – Find GERD, acid reflux and heartburn information
One in ten Americans suffer from heart burn or acid reflux at least once a week. Many things can cause acid reflux: certain foods (especially spicey or minty ones), medications, obesity, and even stress.
Thankfully there are many things you can try to ease your pain. If you think your medications are the source of your problems talk to your doctor about possibly changing medications or ask what kinds of treatment options are available to you. Some kinds of antacids can react with certain medications.
If your acid reflux isn't medication induced there are a number of antacids on the market you can try. Pay attention to the details on the back of the package. Some start working right away and others take several days to work.
For more information on acid reflux and heartburn check out the link below.
WHFoods: Tomatoes
Tomatoes, technically a fruit, come in a many different colors including red, orange, green, purple and brown. You can eat them fresh off the vine, add them to salads or cook in meals. Cooking tomoatoes tones down their acidity and bitterness and brings out their rich, sweet flavor.
Tomoatoes are packed with vitamins and nutrients. They are high in vitamins A, C, and K and contain high amounts of fiber, chromium and potassium.
Tomatoes also contain lycopene which study after study has shown to help reduce your risk of cancer. To find out more about these super foods click on the link below. You'll find more information on their health benefits, their history and how to enjoy them.