Crash Diets can Hurt your Bones
September 6, 2008
Researchers from University of Missouri and University of Kansas have revealed that weight loss may have an adverse impact on bones during weight maintenance.
They suggest that during weight loss through calorie-restricted diets, bones are being remodelled i.e. old bones are broken down and new ones formed, at a rapid rate. At the same time, bone density decreases, causing increased fragility.
The study also suggested that people planning on losing a significant amount of weight should consider incorporating high impact weight-bearing physical activity into their exercise routine and consuming adequate calcium to improve bone health.
Benefits of Potasium
September 5, 2008
Potassium has been shown to reduce hypertension. It supports one of the crucial processes in our body, which is that of maintainin the sodium-potassium balance.
More potassium would likely benefit our bones and kidneys too.
Protein- and cereal-grainrich western diet produces more acid than our bodies were designed to handle. Excess acid in the blood causes calcium and other minerals to leach out from bones to buffer it, causing bone loss and encouraging the formation of calcium-containing kidney stones.
Potassium-rich foods are alkaline, so eating more of them might help counterbalance this tendency, thus helping to preserve bones and prevent kidney stones. The best potassium sources are fruits and vegetables, lowfat dairy products, whole grains, fish and lean meats.
Spices serve as antioxidants
September 2, 2008
Spices. Wars have been fought over them, great explorers have sailed in pursuit of them and gifting history was made by three wise men bearing them. Turns out that the ancients were on to something. Research is now showing that five spices we’ve long savoured just for their flavour are also nutritional power houses. Toss these over achievers into your salad or sauce and get a whopping dose of diseasepreventing antioxidants along with a flavourful punch.
• Cinnamon: This natural germ-fighter also helps lower blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels — onequarter teaspoon a day is a healthy goal. Sprinkle a little of the powder on freshly ground coffee beans when making your morning java, or try these irresistible cinnamon baked apples for a low-cal dessert.
• Thyme: It makes it into recipes for marinades, grilled poultry, and fish by virtue of its minty, lemony flavour; it makes it onto the RealAge list of healthy herbs by virtue of its anti-cancer potency. It’s also long been used as an antiseptic — yep, that could be thyme oil in your mouthwash. If you’ve got a fresh bunch, mince some into your vinaigrette. Yum.
• Cumin: Concealed in your humble chili powder is one of the world’s most popular spices (it’s a key ingredient in Indian curries, too) and another anti-cancer soldier. Go exotic and add cumin to rice, grain salads, and marinades or try this hearthealthy ultimate beef chili made with chunks of fattrimmed meat.
• Oregano: Thank our GIs for bringing oregano home from Italy after WWII. A food-world superpower, leaves of the herb boast 42 times more antioxidants than apples. Wow! Use oregano to add a delicate flavour to salad dressings, garlic bread, and omelets, as well as your favourite pastas.
• Turmeric: Called the “Queen of the Kitchen” by Indian cooks, turmeric (and its active ingredient, curcumin) has earned its crown. Studies show promise in fighting cystic fibrosis, colon cancer, arthritis, and even Alzheimers — is there anything this golden gal can’t do? For an earthy flavour and yellow colouring, add a pinch of turmeric to rice, stew, or lentils.
Benefits of Honey
September 1, 2008
“Hi, honey!” That happy greeting may also apply to the yellow-capped squeezie bear in your pantry, because the contents are good for so much more than sweetening tea. Honey is a natural antiseptic, moisturiser, and — thanks to all its antioxidants — an age-fighter, too.
The high concentration of sugars gives honey germ-killing power, which is why it’s been used for thousands of years to encourage wound healing. Honey’s thick, sticky consistency also makes it a natural, protective salve, sealing out infection and creating a moist, healing environment within. Use it in a pinch if you develop blisters on a camping trip.
Honey is a terrific moisturiser for the face and body, too. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws ‘free water’ from interior tissues to the surface layers of the skin. That subtle fluid shift creates a plumping effect that temporarily improves the appearance of wrinkles — handy before a morning presentation or a big night out.
To see for yourself, try this moisturising honey mask, which also soothes dry, sensitive, or irritated skin:
Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 teaspoons of whole milk. Warm slightly in the microwave. Smooth the mixture onto your face and lie down for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm — not hot — water.
As for the age-fighting effects, all types of honey contain antioxidants that appear to block skin-celldamaging free radicals, though dark honeys — particularly the honeydew and buckwheat varieties —have more of them than paler clover honeys. While there’s still a debate on how effective antioxidants are when applied to the skin, have swirling dark honey with your yogurt every morning. It’s a simple way to nourish your skin from the inside.
An Approach to Detoxification-Lemonade Diet
August 29, 2008
The lemonade diet is a detoxification program written by the late Stanley Burroughs. The diet - called the "The Master Cleanser" was written in the 1940s and continues to be popular to this day. The current version was published in 1976 and is simply a 50 page booklet outlining the diet.
The Master Cleanser:
This dietary regime is strictly a cleansing diet. Weight loss will occur, but it is not to be equated with fat loss. Much of the weight that is lost will be from fluid and water retention. Indeed, the book states that at least 1/2 the weight will come back on after completing the diet. Many people incorrectly use this for fast weight loss. This is not what the diet is intended for.
Detox diets such as the lemonade diet are not for the faint-hearted. They are difficult to follow - typically because we are so addicted to food. People experience varying degrees of success as their body begins to flush itself of toxins - but the first few days are hardest. Some only use the lemonade diet for 4-5 days, while others take it out to 2 weeks.
People report an enormous number of health benefits - relief of arthritic symptoms, infections, pain, gout, and many more.
A typical herbal detox will do the following:
* Dissolves and eliminates toxins that have formed in any part of the body
* Cleanse kidneys and digestive system
* Purifies the glands and cells
* Eliminate waste and hardened material in joints and muscles
* Relieves pressure and irritation in nerves, arteries and blood vessels
Lemonade Diet Sample
* 60 oz spring water per day (spread over 6 10 oz glasses)
* 12 tablespoons Organic Grade B Maple Syrup (or 2 tbsp. per glass)
* 12 tablespoons freshly squeezed organic lemon juice (or 2 tbsp. per glass)
* a little over half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or 1/10 tsp. per glass) or to taste
The only other foods consumed is a laxative tea ("Smooth Move") twice a day, and a saline (sea salt) wash. The laxative may be required due to the lack of fiber in the diet that may lead to constipation.
Breaking the Fast
This must be done gently, by easing your way back into solid food. Vegetable soup is a good starter, and fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be started until the second day out of the juice fast.
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