Nutrition basics

Do you feel like you can't keep up with the latest nutrition news because it's always changing? While it's true that what is known about nutrition and diet is evolving, there are some nutrition basics you can keep in mind. By knowing these nutrition basics, you'll be better equipped to sort through the latest research and advice.
Mastering the nutrition basics comes down to understanding the food groups and becoming more aware of calories and the roles that specific nutrients play in a healthy diet. Want to go beyond the nutrition basics? Talk to your doctor or a dietitian for personalized dietary advice that takes into account your health status, lifestyle, and food likes and dislikes.

Do you want to adopt a healthy diet but aren't sure where to start? As you consider the parade of healthy diets in magazines and cookbooks, make sure to look for one that:

·         Includes a variety of foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats

·         Provides guidelines for how much food to choose from each group

·         Includes foods you can find in your local grocery store

·         Fits your tastes, lifestyle and budget

Also consider your health risks. Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? If so, be sure to follow a diet that's low in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. For personalized advice, talk with your doctor or a dietitian.

Good food is one of life's great pleasures. And for most, meals are at the heart of family life and celebrations. Would you like to make satisfying and healthy meals that help protect your family from heart disease and other health problems?

Of course you would. So move away from calorie-laden, fatty and salty convenience items. Experiment with quick and healthy cooking techniques, such as baking, grilling and sauteing. Learn important food safety tips, recipe makeovers and more. And then enjoy knowing that your new healthy cooking skills are helping to reduce your family's risk of health problems.

If you're like most, you're looking for ways to make meals healthier yet still enticing. Get your juices flowing to plan healthy menus by browsing healthy recipes online and in cookbooks.

To prepare your healthy menus, you'll need to have healthy ingredients on hand. Your shopping strategies should focus on fresh and unprocessed foods. That means spending more time in the produce section, where you can stock up on fruits and vegetables. Keep an eye out too for whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Another key shopping strategy — don't linger in the snack food and candy aisles. Also be sure to check out the farmers market during the growing season to see what local produce is available.

Nutritional supplements are meant to complement a healthy diet, not replace it. If you're generally healthy and eat a wide variety of foods, you probably don't need nutritional supplements. In certain cases, however, fortified foods and dietary supplements may be useful in providing one or more nutrients. For example, adults age 50 or older may not get enough vitamin B-12 in their diets and may need fortified foods or a nutritional supplement.

You may also want to consider a nutritional supplement if you don't eat enough healthy foods or don't eat a healthy variety of foods. Talk with your doctor or a dietitian about whether nutritional supplements might be appropriate for you. Be sure to ask about possible side effects of nutritional supplements you're considering — and if they have interactions with medications you take.

 

Health benefits of drinking coconut water

The Nutritional Value of Coconut Water

Coconut water is the purest liquid second only to water itself. It is naturally low in carbs, 99% fat free and low in sugar. The sugar content in coconut water is natural and not refined or processed which can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, a 100 g serving of coconut water provides 19 calories, 0.2 g of fat, 1.1 g of fiber, 0.72 g of protein and 0 mg of cholesterol.

Compared to health and sports drinks, coconut water contains less sodium and considerably more potassium. It also contains smaller amounts of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C. An ounce (around 30 ml) of coconut water contains around 61 mg of potassium, 5.45 mg of sodium and 1.3 g of sugar. Trace elements such as zinc, iodine, sulfur, manganese and selenium are also found in coconut water.

The Health Benefits of Coconut Water

1.     Keeps the Body Hydrated: One of the primary health benefits of coconut water is its ability to hydrate the body. Coconut water contains all five of the same electrolytes that the body has including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. These electrolytes, along with the natural water content of the drink, play an important role in keeping your body hydrated, especially during and after sporting events when sweating can throw off your water levels and electrolyte balance.

2.     Aids in the Weight Loss Process: coconut water is known for its low calorie content. By replacing higher calorie beverages with coconut water, you can save thousands of calories a year, which can help you during the weight loss process to a significant extent. For those who are on a low-fat diet, coconut water can easily be included into your diet plan as it is virtually fat free. This means you can enjoy coconut water before or after workouts without having to worry about the unhealthy saturated fat intake that is a concern with the consumption of milk-based beverages.

3.     Boosts the Immune System: It contains lauric acid, which is also found in mother's milk. This lauric acid is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal. Coconut water thus helps to strengthen the body's immune system against a variety of viruses and other diseases. Many people who live in the Philippines and the Caribbean have lower risks of getting affected with cold because they drink coconut water regularly.

4.     Finds Its Use in Blood Transfusion: Coconut water is almost identical to blood plasma and this makes it easy to be used for blood transfusion. In cases of emergency coconut water can be used as an intravenous hydration fluid instead of the standard IV fluid. During World War II many wounded soldiers were saved in the Pacific because of emergency transfusion using coconut water as plasma.

5.     Improves Circulation: Coconut water helps to carry nutrients and oxygen to the blood cells and has been shown to raise the metabolism. It also aids in the cleaning of the digestive tract. Poor circulation is improved by drinking coconut water regularly.

6.     Reduces Vomiting Tendencies: Coconut water is great at reducing vomiting. People who have typhoid, malaria, fevers or other ailments, show vomiting tendencies. Drinking coconut water settles the stomach. As such, coconut water is also a good thing to drink during a hangover.

7.     Aids in Digestion: Coconut water is composed of many naturally occurring bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase and RNA polymerases. Altogether, these enzymes aid in digestion and metabolism. Regular consumption of coconut water assists in digestion. Slow sipping of coconut water after main meal helps in curing this digestive discomfort. The lauric acid in coconuts is also used to heal digestive tract disorders such as Leaky Gut Syndrome.

8.     Acts as a Beneficial Drink for Cholera Affected Patients: Coconut water contains natural albumen, thus it is a perfect natural SOS drink for cholera affected patients.

9.     Treats Heartburn Problem: Coconut water is an efficient natural remedy for controlling the intensity of acid reflux. It is a good natural antidote for heartburn problem.

10.  Treats Urinary Infections: Coconut water helps in keeping check over urinary infections. It is very effective in treating kidney and urethral stones. Drinking coconut water regularly helps to break up kidney stones making them easier to push out. Drinking coconut water is a natural treatment of intestinal worms in infants. Coconut water consumption aids in the natural destruction of intestinal worms and it is safe for children to administer this herbal remedy on them.

11.  Acts as a Source of B Vitamins: Coconut water is a source of essential B vitamins that are needed from dietary sources for use. B vitamins provide energy to the body, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms, help with muscle functions and increase the immune response.

12.  Maintains the Electrolyte Balance of the Body: Coconut water is a good source of potassium. One serving of coconut water from one coconut contains around 220 mg of potassium. This electrolyte is needed by the body every day. Potassium works with sodium and calcium to conduct electrical impulses. This electrolyte ensures proper contractions of the heart. It also supports normal digestive and muscle function.

13.  Maintains the Functioning of Certain Enzymes: Magnesium is another electrolyte found in coconut water. This mineral is essential for the proper rhythmic contraction of muscles, the transportation and production of energy, the manufacture of protein and the functioning of certain enzymes.

14.  Treats Heatstroke: Coconut water has long been used for the treatment for heatstroke and dehydration. In tropical environments, coconut water is often used to treat dehydration. Its chemical structure makes it effective in treating these symptoms.

15.  Has Anti-Cancer Properties: Research studies suggest that cytokinins (e.g., kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water showed significant anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects.

16.  Promotes Skin Health: Coconut water acts as a light moisturizer which also decreases excessive oil on the skin. This proves to be beneficial for smoothing out combination skin as well. Add this water to a bath or mix it with liquid shower gel. It can also be added to lotion as well as hair conditioner or shampoo for oily hair. This natural water is best for acne and blackheads also. This is a natural toning and cleansing mask for oily skin.

Nothing can stand in competition with nature or its offerings. Companies may spend a million bucks for research and development to find products or solutions that will resemble nature, but ultimately they will end up incorporating natural elements only!

Dancercise your way to stay fit

Proud of her newly acquired chiselled midriff, insurance professional Anubhi Jain is all gung-ho about her new passion: dancercise. Having got bored of her monotonous workout routine, Jain had almost decided to abandon exercising, until she was introduced to this interesting new concept of staying fit.

Dancercise is a perfect recipe for those who love dance as well as exercise. Choreographer-dancer Nirali Someshwar says, "Exercise and dance, if looked at individually, tend to get monotonous after a point. That's why this form has become popular. It is also good value for money as you learn two things at one time."

So, what does dancercise include? Someshwar explains, "Basically it is a fusion of choreographed dance steps and exercises. The theory is based on individual exercise for every muscle. For example, isolated belly dance includes 20 minutes of abs and hip exercise, followed by 45 minutes of belly-dancing. The session keeps on evolving from start till the end, with each next step leading to the next one."

Bhangra aerobics incorporates bhangra and hip-hop. Dancer Hrishikesh Pawar says, "We make these packages depending on what part of the body needs to be strengthened. For example, if contemporary dance is being fused with exercise, the areas of concentration are the legs since the dance form involves classical ballet. I usually start my classes with pilates and yoga as they increase flexibility."

Aero-dance workshops that include cardio and floor exercises mixed with western jazz, hip-hop or Bollywood is the current favourite of marketing professional Shraddha Patil. She quips, "It's a lot of fun as it does not feel like exercise at all. And since we dance on the latest Bollywood and Hollywood hits, I feel like a performer."

But are dance styles altered for the purpose? Dancer Purvi Mundada answers, "At times, we simplify the steps. We have to keep in mind that the people opting for these packages do not want to get involved in the intricacies of the dance styles. The idea is not to deprive people of the pleasure of dance and also give them a good workout."

Zumba is another fitness routine that combines aerobics with the Latin-American salsa and meringue. Dance trainer Soonruta Kothadiya says, "This form is also popular in many gyms. As it includes the entire body movements, it helps in losing weight faster. "

Not just dance styles, martial arts too are being merged with exercise. Dance trainer Sanjay Sawant who teaches aero-fitness, a mixed form of martial art stretches and jumps with Bollywood, jazz and funk, says, "It's a complete freestyle fusion devoid of any disciplined moves." So, break free of your regular dance and exercise routines. If you seek change, join the new brigade of dancercisers!

Start early to encourage healthy eating

Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D. - Rejuvenate

Working with mothers-to-be and new moms, I field many questions about what foods are best to eat and which are best avoided.

My common response is, "Eat what you like." If you like spicy foods and can tolerate them while pregnant, eat them. Recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, but you usually add 4? Go for it.

Lots of nursing mothers wonder about broccoli, cauliflower and those other gassy veggies. Again, if you tolerate them and your baby tolerates them, keep eating them. If you think a food is making your baby fussy and gassy, don't eliminate it right away. To be sure it was that food, try it again, in a smaller amount.

My advice isn't just for moms. It's also good advice for their kids. In utero and while receiving mother's milk, a baby is also experiencing all those wonderful, unique flavors. Studies have shown that babies who are exposed to a variety of flavors are more likely to except these flavors later in life. To put it quite simply, if you want to have children who like a variety of foods, expose them early on. And keep exposing them to nutritious foods as toddlers and adolescents.

We all want to raise a healthier generation of kids — and if we lessen childhood obesity then we lessen the risk of chronic disease. Exposing kids to the flavors of vegetables, fruits and spices early is the first step to getting them to accept and eat more of these foods. This is a big win for parents and kids alike.

Beauty tips for natural beauty

Source: Times of India - Rejuvenate

The popular saying beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder may hold true to an extent, but restricting beauty to a phrase is not fair, especially when we can make use of various natural beauty tips to enhance our looks and overall appearance. Today, the beauty stores are flooded with a vast range of chemical beauty products. Though the “look” and “feel” of these big brands may often tempt us, we should never forget the benefits of using homemade beauty and skincare recipes, organic beauty products and natural beauty products.

Free Beauty Tips

1. Sleeping on your back will prevent many wrinkles and breakouts on your face, and even wrinkles in your cleavage area.

2. Wearing clothes that are tight make you look heavier. Even a slim girl can bulge over too-tight jeans.

3. Put on a coat of clear nail polish before a colored polish to keep your nails from discoloring.

4. Being angry really does take away from your beauty now and will result in more wrinkles later.

5. Wearing less make-up makes you look younger.

6. Vitamins and minerals are needed for health and beauty, but more is not always better. Too much Vitamin A or Selenium can cause hair loss. There is nothing beautiful about losing your hair.

7. If you are unhappy with a hair conditioner, it will still make a great “shaving cream” for your legs in the shower.

8. When shaving, don’t stretch the skin or you could cause ingrown hairs by shaving hair off slightly under the skin.

9. Drink plenty of water and get eight hours of sleep every day.

10. Tighten bra straps as they stretch out, or buy a new bra when they can’t tighten any further, to keep the bosom looking young and perky.

11. Instead of shaving over and over, with the hairs coming in darker and thicker each time, try waxing. Waxing to remove hair will result in softer hairs each time and result in permanent hair loss after a few sessions. Aussie Nad’s is an all-natural product which is easy to use.

12. Sleeping on two or three pillows at a time, or on an Acid Reflux Sleep Wedge will help get rid of dark circles under your eyes.

13. Exercise while dieting is a must or your skin will be too large (and saggy) for your smaller body. It is much, much tougher to tighten skin after your body shrinks than as you go.

14. After washing your face, rinse in cold water (fair-skinned people should use cool instead of cold) to close the pores and tighten the facial muscles.

15. If you are out of quick-dry spray for nails, dip your fingers into a bowl of ice-cold water. (Don’t to touch the sides of the bowl.) Your nails will dry very quickly.

16. Good posture can make you look much slimmer.

17. Wearing a low heel will give you better posture than wearing flat shoes.

18. Renew thick nail polish by adding a few drops of fingernail polish remover to the bottle.

19. Make a nail polish bottle not get stuck closed, put a thin coat of Vaseline inside the lid.

20. Clean hair brushes occasionally with dish soap and borax. In a dishpan of very warm water, add 1/2 cup of borax and a few drops of liquid dish soap. Swish the brushes to stir, rinse, and let air dry. Scrub any stubborn spots with a used toothbrush.

Author: Dr.Mike Boucher

How to make sure your kid eats healthy

Source: Times of India - Rejuvenate

After a shocking report yesterday on how more and more urban Indians are becoming obese, here’s some good news. School children are starting to get conscious about eating healthy. With principals, teachers and parents increasingly becoming worried about the rise in obesity among children, they are not only looking into what’s being served in the canteen and brought in tiffins, but also bringing on board dieticians and nutritionists. Here are some tips to make sure that your child eats right.

Healthy proteins: Growing children need protein. Dairy products (milk, curd, paneer etc), dals and pulses should be a part of their daily diet. For non-vegetarians, chicken and fish is advised, but not red meat. At snack time, give them a sandwich made of brown bread with cottage cheese, tofu or chicken.

Essential nutrients: Fresh fruits and vegetables are very important as they provide essential vitamins and minerals. A good way to ensure your child eats vegetables is by making yummy, vegetable soups for him. They are low in fat, yet nutritious. You could make sure he eats enough fruit by cutting up fruits and adding them to his morning cereal.

Go nuts: Children should regularly consume small amounts of dates and nuts, like almonds and walnuts. Though high in calories, they build immunity. Tip: Throw in a couple of almonds or a few dates into a fruit smoothie.

Start early: Children should be told the ill effects of consuming junk food. There should be restrictions on food sold in school canteens. You could make suggestions about what kind of food should be served during the next PTA meet. And if your child’s school agrees, you could also suggest that they get a nutritionist or dietician on board.

All work and no play: Schools and parents should emphasise sports and a healthy diet. Encourage your child to play a sport of their choice everyday. It could be anything from basketball to swimming, cycling or cricket. This ensures that they get their daily dose of cardio.

Ordinary vegetables with extraordinary benefits

We absolutely love veggies here and we do have our reasons. And once you read this list of veggies and why you must have them, we are sure you'll agree. 

Here are 10 anytime vegetables that are easy to cook, delicious, add colour to any meal and most importantly - provide you with the best of nutrition required in our daily lives. Here they are: 10 vegetables with extraordinary benefits.

Broccoli - A member of the cabbage family, broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C - providing 245% of your recommended daily allowance per 1 cup serving! - as well as vitamin K and vitamin A. A multi-talented little vegetable, broccoli is thought to have excellent anti-cancer properties. Broccoli can be eaten raw or cooked, but recent studies suggest that if you do plan on cooking it, steaming is the best way to preserve all of the vegetables various enzymes and nutrients.

Brussel sprouts - Another member of the cabbage family, Brussels sprouts are also much touted for their cancer-fighting properties. However, Brussels sprouts in particular are often touted for their fiber, containing 4 grams of equal parts soluble and insoluble fiber. In addition, these teeny tiny cabbages are also thought to provide significant cardiovascular benefits and help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis, a degenerative form of arthritis that often occurs with aging.

Cabbage - The head of the cabbage family, cabbage provides all of the health benefits of broccoli and Brussels sprouts. When juiced and had over 10 days, cabbage can dramatically speed up the healing process for peptic ulcers! When cooking cabbage it's important to note that slicing, cutting or chewing activates myrosinase enzymes, which aid the release of anti-carcinogenic glucosinolates. Although these enzymes are denatured when you cook cabbage, you can preserve them by slicing or chopping the cabbage and then letting it sit for 10-15 minutes before lightly cooking, steaming or sauteing for 5 minutes.

Cauliflower - Guess what? This one's another member of the cabbage family, with just one real distinction - it lacks the chlorophyll necessary to give it the vibrant green hue of its relatives. But if there's one advantage cauliflower does have, it's that it is so very adaptable. And, new research shows that if you sprinkle your cauliflower with the spice turmeric, you can reduce the severity of prostate cancer, both in terms of tumor growth and metastasis.

Spinach - Spinach is a great source of vitamin K and vitamin A, as well as folate, magnesium and iron. In terms of specific health benefits, the various compounds in spinach are thought to help reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including tumors of the stomach, prostate, and skin, and also act as an anti-inflammatory to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with asthma, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Add spinach to soups or casseroles to provide bulk or simply cook on its own, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and black pepper.

Asparagus - In addition to being easy to prepare - steamed, grilled, oven roasted... the choice is yours! - asparagus packs a whopping 114% of recommended daily allowance (RDA) per 1 cup serving of vitamin K, which is important for bone health, and nearly 66% RDA of folate, which helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

Aragula - A fixture of many-a-bistro salad, arugula is an excellent source of folate and vitamin C as well as a good source of calcium. Although arugula is typically mildly flavored, larger leaf varieties can have a more peppery, almost hot taste than the smaller, softer leaf variety, so choose your arugula accordingly! Arugula is typically best served in a salad with olives, hard-boiled eggs, onions and salty cheeses and is most flavorful when paired with lemon juice or vinaigrettes with a strong acid content, such as aged red wine.

Cucumber - A member of the squash family, cucumber's high water content makes it a refreshing (and hydrating) addition to summer menus. Although mainly comprised of water, cucumber is also a good source of vitamin C and silica, which is important for connective tissue health and also does wonders for the skin (both when ingested or applied topically to reduce swelling or redness). In addition, the skin of the cucumber is a great source of fiber, potassium and magnesium.

Mushrooms - With a low sodium and fat content and high levels of fiber and riboflavin, niacin, potassium and riboflavin, mushrooms are an excellent way to add bulk to a meal without dramatically changing the nutrition content of foods. When shopping for mushrooms, they should be dry and firm and, if open, should have gills that are intact and appear fresh. Mushrooms can be served raw, added to salads or sauteed, grilled or broiled for inclusion in any number of dishes.

Zucchini - Zucchinis are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese and a good source of dietary fiber, magnesium, vitamin A, potassium, copper, folate, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and several B vitamins. When shopping for zucchini, look for those that resemble a cucumber in size and shape and have a smooth, thin skin that is either green or yellow in color. To enjoy, cut in half, drizzle with oil, salt and pepper and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. If you prefer your zucchini raw, consider chopping juliennes and serve as part of a vegetable platter or add grated to salads, sandwiches and other summer salads.