Carbohydrates are not that bad

October 8, 2007

CarbohydratesThe common notion about carbohydrates is that eating the so-called “bad” carbs makes you fat, but a US researcher has refuted the idea, insisting that “anti-carbohydrate hysteria” is nonsense. According to University of Virginia professor Glenn Gaesser, eating sandwiches with white bread, or an occasional doughnut, isn’t going to kill you, or necessarily even lead to obesity.

He analysed dozens of studies about the eating habits and health of hundreds of thousands of men and women, and failed to find that those who ate lots of carbohydrate were heavier. Gaesser found that diets high in carbohydrates are almost universally associated with slimmer bodies. More importantly, he discovered that consuming lots of high-glycemic foods is not associated with higher body weights.

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Benefits of Barley

October 8, 2007

BarleyFibre:

Unlike wheat, barley is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. At a time when consumers are being encouraged to increase fibre and grain intake, barley foods or barley components added to other foods are a useful way to meet nutritional goals. One of the theories for the hypocholesterolemic effect is that the soluble fibre becomes viscous in the intestinal tract, thus interfering with the absorption of dietary cholesterol and fat.

Tocotrienols:

Barley has high concentrations of tocotrienols, compounds which act as antioxidants, and are capable of reducing serum LDL-cholesterol (one of the risk factors in cardiovascular disease). Tocotrienols act by repressing the activity of the first rate-limiting enzyme (HMG-CoA Reductase) in the liver, thus reducing cholesterol synthesis.

Beta-glucan:

Beta-glucans are carbohydrates distributed throughout the grain, with slightly higher concentrations in the outer layers of the kernel. “Waxy” barley varieties are higher in beta-glucans than other barleys. High beta-glucan levels in the waxy barley was believed to be one of the reasons for the improved blood glucose and lipid levels among diabetics in the clinical trial

Lowering Blood pressure helps stroke victims

October 8, 2007

Australian researchers have found that lowering blood pressure (BP) protects stroke victims with chronic kidney disease (CKD) from further strokes or heart attacks. According to lead author, Dr Vlado Perkovic of The George Institute for International Health, Sydney, most of the CKD population die from cardiovascular complications. Therefore, he explains, the new research can have significant implications for millions of people across the world.

“People with Chronic Kidney Disease are at a significantly greater risk of cardiovascular events than those without the disease. We found that approximately twice as many cardiovascular events were prevented when a perindopril based blood pressure lowering regimen was used in these people, compared to people with normal kidney function,” Dr Perkovic said.

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Benefits of Papaya

October 4, 2007

papayaIt is rich in Anti-oxidants, the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon afflictions.

In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. Vitamin C and vitamin A, which is made in the body from the beta-carotene in papaya, are both needed for the proper function of a healthy immune system.

Papaya may therefore be a healthy fruit choice for preventing such illnesses as recurrent ear infections, colds and flu.

Tone your highs with simple moves

October 4, 2007

These moves won’t just shape your legs — they’ll strengthen them so you can walk, run, jump and dance with more power.

Squat

START:

Hold a weight in each hand above each shoulder, palms facing in. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointing forward. Soften your knees and lift your ribcage away from your pelvis to lengthen your spine. Tighten your core muscles to maintain your posture.

Technique Tip:

Shift your body weight to your heels, rather than toes.

FINISH:

Lower into a squat by leaning your straight back slightly forward in a diagonal line as you push your hips out in back away from your bending knees. Stop when your knees are bent about 90 degrees or greater, and keep your calves vertical, not slanted. Work up to lowering your hips to knee level while maintaining good form. Read more

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