Healthy Foods For Vegetarians

Unlike meat, vegetables do not contain cholesterol or any saturated fat but just nutrients and vitamins. That is why models and celebrities in entertainment and sports choose to minimize or even refrain from meat and preferred vegetables since their careers require them to stay fit and healthy. Based on their interviews, here is their common list of ingredients found in healthy foods for vegetarians.

1. Antioxidants

Strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and blueberries are known to be rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help to reduce a person's risk of being infected with heart diseases as well as reducing stress and high blood pressure.

Other foods containing antioxidants are tomatoes, red bell pepper, prunes and green tea. The same goes for fruits containing high amount of water like apples, honeydew, pears and watermelons.

2. Fibre And Protein

Dry nuts like almonds, pistachios and walnuts are another healthy foods that will keep your heart and body healthy as they contain good amount of fibre and protein which helps to prevent heart-related ailments.

Compared to salted peanuts, they are free from cholesterol and monosaturated fats. They can be served as wholesome cereal meals together with fresh milk, flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

3. Calcium And Magnesium

Green veggies like broccoli and spinach serve as excellent sources of calcium and magnesium that protects you against heart attacks.

4. Vitamin B And Folate

White chickpeas and red kidney beans are believed to be healthy sources of vitamin B and folate since they help to build up your immune system and keep your energy levels high for a longer period of time.

5. Vitamin E

A good proportion of coconut, mustard and olive oils can beneficial to you in terms of Vitamin E.

They are also said to keep any sicknesses in check as well as preventing stroke and heart attack.

6. Vitamin C

For those who are addicted to desserts like ice cream and cakes, you might want to consider fruits as your alternative.

As we are told by our parent and teachers since young, fruits are the primary sources of vitamin C. They can be eaten as whole or slices like apples, grapes, honeydew, pears and pineapples. Or they can be served and mixed as iced fruit juices or even hot tea as both drinks and desserts.

Superfood - Healthy Foods Abounding in Medicinal Value

Research suggests that some types of foods such as walnuts, oatmeal, oat bran and fatty fish as well as foods fortified with stanols or sterols can control the cholesterol levels in the blood. Many studies reveal that a diet consisting of these superfoods are just as effective as cholesterol lowering medicines in the reduction of "bad" cholesterol.

An effective way of improving health:

The product makes good news for millions of adults diagnosed with high cholesterol. Therefore, making good choices on a diet is an easy and effective way of improving health. Furthermore, this proves less strenuous to the budget. A visit to the local grocery store will no doubt be cheaper compared to a visit to the pharmacy. It is a good idea particularly for persons who are unwilling to endure the side effects associated with cholesterol drugs.

It is important to appreciate the fact that these foods, including walnuts and oatmeal may not achieve their purpose if you continue eating foods high in fat content. To benefit, you need to be committed to a diet that is strictly low in fat content. In addition, you need to keep your weight in check and do more exercise.

Managing cholesterol levels:

If your cholesterol levels fall within 5.5 and 6.5, your chances of getting a heart disease increase by a small margin. Nevertheless, you do not have to panic. By taking moderate changes to the diet by majoring on low cholesterol foods can improve your health drastically. However, if you have a heart condition then you may need to be concerned. The same applies; your parent was diagnosed with heart disease before they turned 55 years.

Anyone diagnosed with cholesterol levels that are higher than 6.5 needs to take major changes in their diet. In case an individual's cholesterol levels remain above 6.5 in spite of changing their diet to include cholesterol lowering foods your health care provider need to be informed. In many cases, you will be required to take medication.

A change to a diet rich in these kinds of foods can prove helpful. Nevertheless, subscribing to a healthy diet does not entail limiting your consumption patterns to a few special meals or foods. There is need to endorse moderation by eating a variety of healthy foods.

    The levels of cholesterol can be managed in the following ways
    Choose low-fat milks
    Reduce the intake of cheese and substitute with low-fat varieties
    Lose weight if you are overweight
    Use monounsaturated/ polyunsaturated oils or margarine instead of butter
    Eat fish, beans and skin less chicken
    Minimize the consumption of pies, chips, commercial cakes and pasties
    Bake cakes using polyunsaturated fat
    Cook chips using monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oil
    Changes in lifestyle

A high cholesterol level in the blood is a risk factor leading to coronary artery disease. Therefore, good exercise can also prove useful in the lowering of cholesterol. However, when you are diagnosed with a heart condition, adhering to an exercise program can be difficult. Before starting any form of exercise regimen it is advisable to consult with the doctor.

Foods To Eat For Staying Healthy

There is a widespread perception that excluding unhealthy foods from your diet is the way to healthy life but mostly people forget that healthy diet is not all about cutting what you should not eat but also its about including some foods which are beneficial for your health. There is a long list of foods which are excellent for improving our health and well-being and protect us from many diseases. In this article let us discuss about some of the foods which we must eat regularly to stay healthy.

Nuts

They are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats which are highly beneficial for our body. They help in reducing bad cholesterol and prevent heart diseases. Nuts are also an excellent source of protein and naturally contain antioxidants. It is advised to eat Nuts in moderate quantity as they are high in calories.

Beetroot

Recent studies have confirmed that drinking beetroot juice during exercise regime helps in improving stamina as well as it is helpful in lowering cholesterol levels and control blood pressure. It is the most recent food to be hailed as a Super food.

Onions

Studies have revealed that onion and garlic are an excellent remedy to lower cholesterol levels in the body as well as they have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

Green Leafy Vegetables

It has been always suggested and recommended by our elders to eat a lot of green leafy vegetables and there is reason behind it. These vegetables are a rich source of many nutrients like calcium, iron, vitamin c, potassium and so on. Spinach is also rich in estrogen hence serves as a good nutritious food for women. If you want to improve your heart, eye and overall health include lot of green vegetables in your diet.

Oats

We are well aware that grains are excellent for maintaining our health but to derive maximum benefit from them it is advised to eat them in their natural state that is why oats have become so popular. They are rich in minerals like iron, zinc and calcium and vitamins. It is one of the most commonly eaten breast fast item these days. It helps in controlling blood pressure, reduce chances of diabetes, lowers cholesterol levels and are easy to digest.

These were some of the foods which should be in your regular eating menu. We are what we eat hence to remain healthy and disease free in today's changing environment it is very important to keep a close watch on our daily dietary intake.

Children's Health - Giving Your Kids Healthy Food

Childhood obesity is a worldwide problem and no child is safe if they don't have healthy eating habits. There are many causes of obesity in children. Some of these are fast foods which are high in calories and fat. They also contain dangerous trans (fake fats) that wreak havoc on a young child's body. Another cause is processed foods. These false foods are loaded with sugar and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives which add up to extra calories. Because of the added processed sugars, a child can consume a tremendous amount of sugar and not even feel that full.

Many of these artificial colors, flavors and preservatives may also cause cancer. A lack of exercise has a direct link to obesity. Being a couch potato is not just bad for adults. A lack of exercise causes a lack of blood flow and circulation. This leads to sedentary kids who have lack of tone in muscles and obesity. The last way a child can become obese is just old fashion over eating which is easy to do when the food is fake as in processed foods.

So what's the answer? Well it's really simple. Have your child eat only natural foods. If it is a natural food such as an apple, banana or orange its OK to eat. The natural foods contain all the nutrients your child's body needs with the added fiber to help with digestion. The problem again is with processed or fast foods. These foods can be eaten in large quantities without feeling full. Food scientists develop these foods with one goal in mind, profits. They use the cheapest ingredients to keep the food products together and to last a long time (shelf life).

Their employers praise them for their accomplishments and cost cutting methods. But, they nor the scientists have no consideration nor do they even know what the consequences will be when children eat the laboratory food they invented. This comes down to one thing money. The easiest way to get your children to exercise is to play sports. When a kid is playing sports they are having fun, toning muscles and increasing circulation and burning calories. When kids are playing sports they don't even think about the good they are doing for their body they are just having fun naturally. There are many sports to choose from but the best advice is to let your child choose for themselves. That was they will be more interested and motivated to stick with it.

Jay Holt is a graduate from the University of Florida's nutrition college. Jay is a health and fitness advocate and has combined his literary aspirations with his love of nutrition.

His ability to see the world through a child's eyes is unequaled. His new book "Tommy the Tommy the Tomato Teaches Nutrition" is highly recommended by parents and educators everywhere (and kid-approved).

The Purpose of Eating Healthy Foods

Health is definitely in the hands of each individual. It is the kind of lifestyle that one leads that determines the health of a person and the rest of it is fate. To maintain a perfect and healthy body one should inculcate good eating habits from young. It is best to choose healthy foods to eat rather than junk food that destroys the body's immune system.

Healthy foods can maintain a perfect immune system in the body thus avoiding common flu and colds and any other viral infections that may affect the body. If the body's immune system functions perfectly well it would fight illnesses as they occur keeping you healthy always.

Everyone wants to live a long life and enjoy it to the best and not stay put to the bed or the wheel chair. To obtain this longevity and mobility in life good health is very important. Good health can be maintained by eating healthy foods like vegetables, dairy products and proteins in a well balanced diet. Minerals and vitamins are an essential part for the growth and well being of the body. Foods rich in fiber keep the bowels feeling light by avoiding constipation and thus avoiding harmful bacteria from entering the intestines.

Energy is provided by eating healthy foods. Most people are of the opinion that sugar gives energy, but this is a wrong notion as energy got from sugar is short lived and may land you with severe levels of blood sugar if taken in excess. Foods rich in protein like eggs in any form, pasta, protein shakes, cheese, macaroni or spaghetti can be the choice for dinner or even lunch. These foods are very tasty and they also boost the energy of the body.

Weight loss is a major concern today with the rise of obesity in kids and adults alike. To stay healthy and away from obesity weight loss programs are essential, but if you are lucky enough to be far away from obesity then you should be careful not to enter that stage of life. Healthy foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products that are low in fat, nutritional grain and cereals should be the top priority in your balanced diet plans. Junk foods should be totally wiped off the menu chart.

If healthy foods are eaten with these purposes in mind then there is absolutely nothing that can stop you feeling healthy and light. Everyone is born in this world to live and be happy, so let's take the challenge and eat healthy foods to be healthy and live.

Healthy Foods for a Healthy Heart

Do you really want to enjoy an active lifestyle with healthy heart? If so, then it is the high time for you to have a check on the diet intake. Consuming the foods with high nutritional value, besides regular exercise is must to have a healthy heart.

The research conducted by several health institutions indicates that there are millions of people across the globe, who are undergoing with the serious impacts of heart diseases. Sometime the effect of the disease becomes so severe that they have to take the surgeries for it.

But such adverse situation can be easily avoided or overcome if one prepares to eat a healthy heart diet with the proper recommendations from the medical practitioner. Here is the list of food items that you must include in your daily diet to have a healthy heart and living.

Salmon: One of the best foods for the healthy heart is Salmon. It is an easy to cook dish and has great taste. People love eating salmon in pasta dishes, salads, dips and cakes.

Blueberries: Another important heart food is blueberries. Being rich in anthocyanins, vitamin C and fibre, blueberries prove a great antioxidant that can be included in daily diet in the form of frozen, fresh and dried ones.

Oatmeal: Oats tend to become an excellent diet for the morning hours. Being enriched with fibre content oats are primarily used in bread, cookies, muffins, cakes, meat and poultry dishes. It is the best food to avoid the risk of heart diseases.

Soy Protein: The most easily available food item that proves to be a healthy heart meal is the soy protein. Enriched with vitamins, minerals and fibre, the soya protein is consumed by every individual at least twice or thrice in the week. The major bi-product of the soy protein is tofu, which is eaten by way of salads, soups or snacks.

Nuts: Nuts are yet other important food for healthy heart that helps in controlling the blood sugar and fights triglycerides in the body. The moderate consumption of nuts like almonds, walnuts in the diet on weekly basis is must for everyone.

Vegetables and Fruits: Vegetables and fruits are the major source to enjoy the healthy heart. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kale, mushrooms, asparagus, sweet potato, tomatoes and carrots tend to have great source of iron and fibre that ensures the regular flow of blood to the veins and arteries to lead a healthy living.

Few of the important fruits which help in keeping healthy heart are papaya, oranges, cherries, apples and a lot more. Besides this the moderate consumption of dark chocolate, red wine and tea too helps in fighting heart disease at the earliest.

Healthy Foods for Breastfeeding Moms

It is important that breastfeeding mothers eat a healthy diet. A breastfeeding mother requires more calories than women who are not nursing. The nutritional needs of women who are breastfeeding can be met by eating a balanced diet and getting as much rest as possible. A woman's body will make producing breast milk a priority to the detriment of her overall health, so it is critical that she gets all the nutrients she needs.

Breastfeeding women need to take in about 2,500 calories every day. Women who continue to breastfeed their babies beyond three months need to increase their caloric intake to 2,800 daily. Eat more protein while nursing by eating more vegetables and lean meats. Fish should be limited while pregnant and nursing due to concerns about mercury and other pollutants in fish and fish products. The general rule for nursing mothers is that they should consume at least 1 gram of protein for every pound of body weight. Therefore, a breastfeeding woman who weighs 140 pounds should add 140 grams of protein to her diet daily. Women who are breastfeeding their babies need to make sure that they are getting the essential fatty acids that baby needs for healthy brain growth. Nuts, seeds and greens are excellent sources of natural fatty acids.

Instead of eating 2 or 3 large meals daily, breastfeeding mothers should spread their food out over the course of the entire day. Nursing mothers should eat five meals per day that include healthy food choices like vegetables and fruits. A nursing mother should eat breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack and then a nutritious dinner. Most people do not get enough vitamin B9, or folic acid, in their diets. This is especially true of breastfeeding women. Vitamin B9 is an essential part of a healthy diet. Folic acid is available in foods like cabbage, corn, spinach and asparagus. Wheat and orange juice are also loaded with folic acid and many other vital nutrients like vitamin C.

Take vitamins and mineral supplements if a doctor thinks you need a supplement. A nursing mother can usually get all the vitamins and minerals she needs from food, but occasionally a supplement may be required. Follow your doctor's instructions when taking any supplements. Nutrients and other substances that the mother takes into her body can be passed through the breast milk to the baby.

Breastfeeding mothers need to drink at least 3 quarts of water every day. Water consumed by a nursing mother is critical to production of breast milk. It is easy to become dehydrated when nursing, so increase total water consumption while nursing. Don't drink more than 3 quarts of water per day, because breast milk may become diluted.

4 Healthy Foods to Eat to Lose Weight While You Sleep

Want a weight loss secret that is an easy way to lose belly fat while you sleep? If you make your body more efficient, it will store less fat. And you don't have to get on a calorie counting diet to make that happen. Instead, you'll just need to get a better understanding of your body's hunger cycles and sleep rhythms. Once you tap into those you'll begin burning more fat and your energy levels will start ramping up!

Research has shown our inner clocks associated with eating and sleeping cycles can be thrown out of sync with eating the wrong foods. What results is constant cues of hunger that make cravings almost impossible to resist! When you understand the natural eating and sleeping schedules of your body, you can actually lose weight and have way more energy as a result. The secret is in melatonin! You can get it naturally from foods or supplements and it will help you get a much higher quality sleep at night. Here are 4 healthy foods to eat to lose weight that will help you sleep better, and get rid of belly fat:

1. Fish

Omega-3 is really important for the production melatonin. And when you're deficient in omega-3, your melatonin levels can get really out of whack. Studies show that when we don't get enough omega-3 insomnia sets in. Not only that, omega-3 also is rich in protein. And, protein gives you the 'full' feeling. And, our body burns extra calories when its digesting protein, so you're actually burning more calories just by eating. Most fish have lots of Omega-3! You can get it naturally from sardines, salmon, and halibut. But you might also consider taking a fish oil supplement.

2. NUTS

There are tons of reasons you should be eating nuts. But here's a big one: they are a great source of magnesium. Magnesium is also integral to melatonin production. Lots of magnesium is what tells animals to hibernate. For us, when we don't get enough it can result in seasonal affective disorder. Magnesium is very important!

For example: the USDA did a study back in 2010 that found that giving magnesium supplements to folks who had a hard time sleeping were able to rest peacefully all night. Get your magnesium from nuts, lentils, soy and black beans as well.

3. MILK

Calcium is still considered important for weight loss. The amount is debatable by nutritionists. But milk really does do a body good when it comes to shedding pounds. Just like magnesium, calcium helps you sleep. They work together for absorption. If you tend to wake up with cramps or muscle soreness it may be a deficiency in calcium you're looking for. It helps to relax your muscles fibers and nerves. So drink your milk! Some other sources are sardines, fortified orange juice, dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale, and tofu.

4. CHERRIES

Cherries are one of the best fruits that help you lose weight. Just before bed,eat a few cherries. Make sure they're the tart kind though. They are the plant with the highest source of melatonin. Bananas and corn have some as well. But, not the high amount that tart cherries do. If you don't like cherries, drink the juice. Mix it with juices you do enjoy! A recent study showed that folks who drank 8 ounces of cherry juice (the tart variety) twice a day for 2 weeks actually slept more soundly.

Types of Healty Pasta - The Healthiest Type of Pasta Noodles

Pasta has become a family tradition for many generations now. Whether it's a simple weekend family dinner to special occasions among family and friends, its presence can never be ignored. Lots of pasta recipes have been invented, introduced and tested, making them versatile enough to use. Though basically made from flour and water, healthy pasta is the main concern here. It's the kind of flour that is used that makes the big difference. There are healthy pasta that can be incorporated in our diet if we want to go healthy and maintain a healthy lifestyle without giving up on it. They contain lots of fiber and are delectable too.

Types of healthy pasta:

Whole wheat pasta - made from whole wheat flour, high in fiber with different texture and flavor than the conventional white pasta. Contains more fiber and proteins than semolina (white pasta). The bleaching process on white pasta takes away most of the nutrients and vitamins and since whole wheat pasta doesn't undergo this process, nutrients and vitamins are retained. A real healthy option that is readily available in the supermarkets. They come in different shapes and sizes. The most common of which is the whole wheat spaghetti. Products from Japan like the Udon noodles and Ramen noodles, are all made from wheat. They are heavier so they can make one easily full for longer time.

Buckwheat Pasta - this comes from a fruit called achene and looks like a sunflower seed. The white, starchy endosperm is what is turned into buckwheat flour. The green or tan coating of the seed makes it dark in color. They are very good for soups, as in Soba noodles and very popular in Japan and Korea and northern part of Italy. They are great for creamy pasta, very tasty, high in fiber and rich in protein. People with coeliac disease can be safe with buckwheat pasta because it is gluten-free.

Spelt Pasta - a distant relative o wheat it contains carbohydrates, fiber, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals and has nutty flavor. Unlike buckwheat pasta, it contains gluten so it is not recommended for people with coeliac disease. It is readily available in health food stores and specialty shops but can be home-made too with the use of spelt flour. A very healthy alternative to white pasta.

Brown Rice Pasta - may have an unusual texture but tastes so much like rice. This is free of cholesterol, gluten and wheat. It is rich in fiber, high in protein, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidant. It also can go very well with some vegetables like beans and tomatoes and it is very filling and tastes real good.

There are still several grains that can be turned into a healthy pasta just like quinoa, couscous, and other vegetables like moringa, spinach, squash, carrot, soy beans and zucchini that can be mixed with them to have the healthiest pasta product, the vegetable noodles. It's just a matter of experimenting and being creative so one can satisfy his health requirements to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the rest of his life.

Effects of Junk Food on Health

The phrase "junk food" itself speaks of endangerment to health. Junk foods are deemed to be trash foods as they are high in fat and sugar components regardless of how they are labeled by manufacturers. The apparent effect of junk food on health administers when there is excess in intake. Teenagers comprise the higher bulk of junk food fanatics and they seem to be unhealthy with such a lifestyle of munching in chips, fries, crackers and other snack foods in front of the television. Majority of junk food choices do not deliver beneficial nutritional values, but you could actually integrate a few junk foods in your diet with an assurance that it is of moderate amount.

Regardless of age, the effect of junk food on health settles as bad as it could be especially when you eat too much of some. You will end up easily getting exhausted by being a junk food fanatic. Because it doesn't balance the appropriate levels of energy you ought to consume, you have tendencies of craving for more food when you eat junk foods. Also, you can be less focused with anything you undertake at work and home because what you are acquiring from junk foods are mere fats, not healthy ingredients. Also, you will experience lack of important oxygen that eventually result to poor brain functioning.

In the long run, your heart cannot function as it should because of too much cholesterol absorbed in the body as an effect of junk food on health. If there's too much plaque in the arteries, your heart has to assert more effort in pumping blood which may cause you to be in fatigue. The excess amount of cholesterol in your body can destroy the liver as well, leaving you overweight at the same time. Most of obese kids have acquired their overweight dilemma because of too much junk food intake. Most of those who are junk food eaters are likely to get diabetic at any point in their life because of high presence of sugar in the body. High blood pressure due to great amount of sodium from junk foods can also occur.

As they always say it, whatever is avoided comes so tasty. Ice cream, chocolate, junk foods, fries, burgers, potato chips and shakes are all tempting. You can perhaps be disciplined in indulging in these types of food because they are initially unhealthy to have. Too much of anything sweet or salty is health threatening. Not only will you have a bad effect of junk food on health, you will also largely embrace mood swings, decreased enthusiasm to handle workouts, weight gain and constipation problems if you eat junk foods unstoppably. In lieu of them, you can pick fruits and high-fiber food for good snacks and meals.