As most of us have heard before, maintaining a properly balanced diet of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and essential fats is vital for good health. With the right mix of foods, we can help insure our bodies receive most of the vital nutrients needed for optimum health.

Due to various circumstances, it may be useful to supplement your diet with some key natural herbs and vitamins to help boost your immune system…and create the vitality and longevity you desire

Unfortunately, many of the foods available in today’s world are preprocessed…and even many of the fresh grown fruits and vegetables are lacking in essential micronutrients necessary for good health. Mass production methods for growing fruits, vegetables, and even livestock have created nutrient deficiencies…and even deadly toxins in many of the foods we now consume. Therefore, it becomes even more important than ever that we supplement our diets with natural herbs and vitamins to help rid the body of toxins and boost its natural supply of micronutrients.

While growing and raising much of our own food would be one of the best methods for ensuring we eat the healthiest foods possible, it’s just not practical for most of us in today’s society. Fortunately, there are organically grown foods available (which I recommend you consume as much as possible)…but many of these foods can be expensive, and there’s no guarantee that these foods will still have all the vital nutrients our bodies need.

Along with concerns about how our foods are produced, it is also important to note that even normal metabolic and immune system functions within our bodies can produce deadly free radicals that over time can wreck havoc on our body’s cells…creating life-threatening disease, and conditions that can severely impact our health and longevity.

Fortunately, there are natural antioxidant substances available that can boost our immune systems and neutralize many of the cell destroying free radicals…thereby helping to slow the aging process

One of the best micronutrients available for improving glucose control and eliminating free radicals is the valuable substance called  Alpha Lipoic Acid. This important vitamin-like nutrient is available naturally in many foods such as spinach, broccoli, and beef…and even small amounts are produced in the body itself.

One of the main functions of Alpha Lipoic Acid is to help the body burn glucose…which helps improve insulin sensitivity and lower free radicals within the body. As with most supplements, the natural version is much more potent than the synthetic version…so supplementing with natural Alpha Lipoic Acid should always be your first choice.

Next in the antioxidant arsenal is Vitamin E. This powerful vitamin is the body’s main fat-soluble antioxidant… and it is an excellent source for destroying free radicals in the body’s fatty structures.

Due to it’s excellent antioxidant properties, Vitamin E has been linked to the prevention of many devastating diseases such as Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cancer. For best results, this powerful supplement should always be taken in its natural form with some variation of "d-alpha-tocopherol" in the label.

Along with the other two powerful micronutrients just discussed, Vitamin C is another very important nutrient for the elimination of free radicals and glucose control. In addition to it’s powerful antioxidant functions, Vitamin C is also vital for boosting the body’s immune system functions for battling against unwanted bacteria, viruses, and infections.

Through the informed use of these vital nutrients (and others not discussed here), you can build a strong immune system…and achieve the health, vitality, and longevity you desire and deserve

Natural remedies and supplements have been developed and used for thousands of years…and even today’s modern practitioner of alternative medicine use time-honored knowledge to develop natural alternative remedies that can help you body fight against…and in some cases, actually cure life-stealing diseases and vitality draining symptoms.

Along with the very powerful nutrients just talked about, there are an enormous amount of very potent natural herbs, minerals, vitamins, and mixtures created to help the body fight and strengthen against the deadly toxins and conditions that can adversely effect your health and vitality. Due to the importance of this topic, I encourage you to explore this vital subject further.

James Noyes
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/vital-nutrients-for-optimum-health-and-longevity-734176.html

What are the green tea extract benefits to human health? Is the research complete? Are there proven results? Here’s a look at the answers to those questions.

What first began as a satisfying beverage, healthier than drinking coffee or sodas all day long, has now become a common component of diet aids, multi-nutritional supplements and even chewing gum. This is due largely to published reports containing the results of scientific studies.

It seems to increase fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity during exercise, which is why it is being promoted as a fat burner. It has cancer-preventative activity, may reduce the risk of heart disease, and appears to be beneficial in type II diabetes, the metabolic syndrome, Crohn’s disease, arthritis and a number of other health problems.

It has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Because chronic inflammation and oxidation are two of the big causes of cellular aging, green tea extract benefits every cell of the human body and may extend your life-span.

Some would say that all sounds too good to be true, but we know what the causes of aging are. We also know that specific nutrients and extracts counter those processes. Whether or not we can live longer healthier lives depends on a variety of different things. Lifestyle, of course, plays a role, as does one’s diet. But, most health experts, nutritionists and naturopaths agree that multi-nutritional supplements can help.

They must be properly formulated and include different nutrients that are known to work together. A tablet with an enteric coating is the best method of delivery, because of the detrimental affect that stomach acid has on many nutrients. In foods, the fiber and other components protect the essential nutrients, somewhat. But, nutritional supplements, without an enteric coating have no protection. In other words, you cannot expect to see the green tea extract benefits, unless it makes it to your upper intestine, where it can be fully absorbed.

The best supplements are not found in discount stores and they are a bit more expensive than the multi-vitamins that you are probably taking every day, but they are well worth the expense. There is no doubt in my mind about that. I have experienced the benefit, myself, and so has the rest of my family. We get the green tea extract benefits and much more.

Generally speaking, we feel better. We rarely have colds or other viral infections. We have more energy. We sleep better. Our skin and hair looks healthier. And, I know that we are doing everything that we can to protect our long-term health.

The supplements that we take include antioxidants to fight free radical damage, anti-glycation agents, because glycation is just as dangerous as free radical damage, and anti-inflammatories to reduce the effect that foods and toxins have on our bodies. They also contain methylation agents, because methylation is needed to form various compounds necessary for continued good health. If you want the best value for your money, find a supplement that provides all of these things, as well as the green tea extract benefits. If you have a couple of minutes to spare, please take a look at my website now.

Gordon Hall
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/what-are-the-green-tea-extract-benefits-to-our-health-723884.html

Low carb Atkins diet remains to be possibly one of the most accepted low carbohydrate diets in the world today. Low carb Atkins diet popularity has helped spring a lot of related diets who work on the equal workings of low carbohydrate, high protein diet. These days people who want to lose weight have many low carb diets to pick from.

Tests have proven that protein high diet has scores of helpful effects as well as produce significant drop in weight without the need to limit calorie intake. Numerous people who make use of the high protein diet invented by Dr. Atkins have been reporting this. There are studies that show that high-protein, low-carbohydrate intake enhances triclycerides, lowers blood sugar for diabetics and people with beginning diabetes and increases helpful cholesterol (HDL). Low carb nutrition has been medically proven to enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce blood pressure and bring down blood insulin levels. If we measure it up to low fat diets, low carb diet users also lose less muscle size.

While it is not proven by science, there are lots of diverse positive consequences reported by dieters using low-carb, high-protein diet by Dr.Atkins. Some of these include extra energy, lower need for sweets, better focus, improved temper and decrease of depression form of signs.

On the other hand there are also some advantages specific to the high-protein, low-carb Atkins diet. If you have been a low fat dieter earlier you will enjoy eating all previously prohibited foods that once you had to go without. Butter, steak and cream are a normal element of low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. Many people enjoy eating foods once off limits to them. People on low carb diet are encouraged to have their full of meat, oils, fats and cheeses.

Diet invented by Dr. Atkins is also uncomplicated to use if measured up to some other high protein diets that you have access to these days. Naturally there are some of basic food calculations that you will have to learn, but once you do that, you are going to be free to munch a meal of any kind from the acceptable food listing.

Dr. Atkins additionally underlined the need of finding your own private carb level. Various individuals have diverse amount of carb acceptance. While some people put on weight with merely 90 grams of carbs per day, other people can eat as many as 120 grams of carbohydrates daily. Throughout your continuing dieting stage and pre-maintenance stage of the diet invented by Dr. Atkins, you will learn your personal carbohydrate number that is going to help you establish your carbohydrate goal from now on.

The status of high-protein, low-carbohydrate Atkins diet can in reality make your weight loss much harder then it should be. Since there is loads of advice offered on the high protein, low carb Dr. Atkins diet, which makes it very easy to get resources and help, but can also divert you from your goal. There are many, many Atkins books written and additionally there are endless amounts of internet websites that give you information, tips and group support. On the other hand practically everyone you know has heard of diet devised by Dr. Atkins and most likely has a outlook on it. You must know that there are a lot of misunderstandings present concerning the characteristics of the Atkins diet, and you will, for sure, have to stand up for your new found eating methods once in a while.

Besides that there are also a few of the additional problems to using the low carbohydrate Dr. Atkins diet. You must calculate carbohydrates in every piece of food you eat to be confident that you are keeping within your own carbohydrate limit. Additionally, there is the issue of Induction, the most fervently argued about aspect of the diet devised by Dr. Atkins. Induction is very often difficult to endure if you have tried a diet that concentrates on carbs and sugar. Furthermore, loads of people trying to lose weight try Induction and incorrectly think that this is the way that the complete diet will be. They end up quiting without even starting the actual Atkins diet.

Every so often although if it does not occur very often, some people are going to live through a carbohydrate crash usually on the 3rd and up to 5th day of the diet invented by Dr. Atkins. That kind of reaction is a consequence of their body experiencing the ketosis phase or running on fat as an alternative to carbs. The effects are only temporary nevertheless many individuals have resigned from low carb diets totally because of this minor accident.

Taken as a whole, with the few negligible problems considered, low carbohydrate, high protein Atkins diet remains to be one of the most popular high-protein, low-carb diets because of one reason. It works. Numerous people trying to lose weight have had success with the low carb diet invented by Dr. Atkins and the low-carbohydrate, high-protein fashion of nutrition.

Manfred Stohl
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/decrease-your-blood-pressure-with-dr-atkins-diet-plan-122673.html

New research out of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health shows that coffee may lower a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes!

Coffee drinkers can now drink their coffee without worries. Of course, decaffeinated is still a better choice, as the research showed that postmenopausal women who daily consumed more than six cups of coffee had a 33 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than women who did not drink coffee.

“Having a healthy diet, controlling your weight, and exercising are essential to preventing the onset of diabetes, but drinking coffee has the potential to further reduce risk of diabetes,” said Mark Pereira, Ph.D., lead author and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. “It may be necessary to rethink the idea that drinking coffee does more harm than good.”

Why does coffee help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes? Well, it appears from the research that coffee contains minerals and antioxidants that aid in carbohydrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity and possibly delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The report was described as “not surprising” by Rob van Dam, a research scientist at the Harvard School of Public Health. He was part of a research team in the Netherlands who first reported the protective effect of coffee in 2002. Several other studies, including one done at the Harvard School of Public Health, have backed up those original findings.

“We found exactly the same protective effect of decaffeinated coffee,” van Dam said. “People think that if coffee causes it, it must be the caffeine, but coffee is a very complex mixture,” he added.

One component of coffee that has caught van Dam’s attention is chlorogenic acid, which seems to be able to slow the absorption of sugar by cells. Studies in rats found that the molecule lowered blood-sugar levels, he said.

There’s another reason to hope that chlorogenic acid is beneficial: According to van Dam, it’s abundant in both red wine and chocolate. “People think that nutritionists are always recommending things they don’t like, but that’s not true,” he said.

Did you know there are over 20 million Americans who have diabetes, with 6.2 million of these cases being undiagnosed?

It should also be noted that the research found that higher coffee intake was associated with lower body mass index and rates of hypertension.

Pereira and van Dam agreed that it’s much too early to single out any one component of coffee as beneficial.

Of course, you still need to control your weight and do your daily exercises, but isn’t nice to know that you can actually have your coffee without guilt.

So, when you go to pour your next cup of coffee, remember, it may actually good for you!

Valerie Slaugther
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/breaking-news-for-coffee-drinkers-56684.html

Losing fat is not as easy as losing weight. Losing weight with the wrong diet program can make things worse and cause your body to lose muscle while accumulating fat. This can cause a mushy look, which makes you look fatter while weighing less. A fat cleanse may be the solution.

You can help your body flush fat during a weight loss program. Fat cells store waste. If you want those fat cells to shrink you have to help it get rid of this stored waste. Here are five fat cleansing secrets that can help.

Secret 1 – Drink warm lemon water throughout the day. Lemon juice is a natural cleanser for our bodies. Since fat cells get bigger as toxins are stored in them, a good fat cleanse will help flush these toxins from the fat cells into your lymphatic system for removal. This is your opportunity to be sure that your body removes them instead of storing them again.

Secret 2 – Avoid bread and bread products for at least a week. Even whole grains can cause bloating and many wheat flour products contain high amounts of pesticides and other toxins. In addition, labeling can be confusing and cause you to believe a food is whole grain while still being a “junk food.”

Add to this the fact that wheat products are a high glycemic-index food which triggers a strong insulin response. This strong response can lead to problems including food cravings, surges and falls in blood sugar, and diabetes. This can cause fat storage.

Avoiding bread and bread products for even just a few days will increase your sensitivity to these effects. This will help you to instinctively want to avoid these foods. Remember, the first few days are the hardest so hang in there.

Secret 3 – Your thyroid regulates cell activity. Decreased activity means a sluggish metabolism and weight gain along with fat storage. But why are so many people afflicted with low thyroid activity these days?

There are many environmental toxins around us in modern, industrial society. Our drinking water contains chlorine. If you drink bottled water, you get the toxins from the plastic. Any foods that you eat that are processed, including breads, cereals, and most boxed and canned foods, are processed with tap water. This adds up over the years. Unfortunately, chlorine is a toxin that can get stored in the thyroid.

Another environmental toxin is perchlorate. The CDC has completed a study proving that levels common to American people have negative effects on the thyroid.

Unfortunately, this toxin has been infiltrating our water that we drink and that feeds our vegetables and fruits for many years. Some cities are just now starting to clear this accidental chemical out of the systems.

Help your body clear these waste products so your thyroid can work the way it is supposed to, by keeping cells active, metabolism strong and to clear waste instead of storing it. Eating a healthy, clean diet of mainly organic fruits, vegetables and proteins will be a good start.

Dark green superfoods are an excellent supplement to use during a fat cleanse and can help clear these toxins. They are known to absorb toxins and bind with them to aid removal from your body. This will take the burden off your thyroid while ensuring that stored toxins leave your body.

The common green superfoods that work like this are spirulina, chlorella, cilantro, kelp, barley grass and wheat grass. You can find these supplements in powder or pill form at your local health food store. Look for the organic versions.

Secret 4 – Help your body cleanse by clearing waste that may be stored in the intestinal tract. Calcium plaque can build up in arteries even though blood flows 24 hours a day. A plaque buildup of protein has been found in patients with alzheimers.

Plaque can also build up in other areas of the body, including your intestines. This can add pounds and cause your metabolism to be sluggish. Fiber can help your body clear any buildup and prevent intestinal plaque from forming.

Good fiber supplements to use include psyllium husk, crushed flax seeds and apple pectin. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to help the fiber and any waste to leave.

Secret 5 – Walk for exercise. Walking is one of the best exercises to help your body clear fat and waste. It stimulates movement of the lymphatic system, raises your metabolism, aids digestion, and stretches and tones your muscles all at the same time. And it doesn’t cost very much.

Start with a daily walk for twenty to thirty minutes per day. Consistency is the key to seeing benefits. Wear comfortable shoes and stretch a little before and after your walk – you may find that you have used muscles which have been inactive for a while.

Help your body lose weight and fat. Most body cleansing programs can be turned into a fat cleanse when tweaked the right way. These tips can get you started.

Cindy Papp
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/5-fantastic-fat-cleanse-secrets-686488.html

You have probably heard some of the news reports about resveratrol.  So, you might be wondering what exactly it is.  You may have heard of grape seed extract, red grapes, ginkgo biloba, green tea and other plants that are good for your health, as well.  But, you might be wondering “why?”. What’s so good about them?  Here are the basics.

Resveratrol- What is it?

Without getting too technical, resveratrol is a chemical produced by plants when they are being attacked by bacteria, fungus, UV radiation, insects or other pathogens.  All of the plants mentioned above, as well as others contain these chemicals. As a group they are referred to as “phytochemicals”.  In the human body, they act as antioxidants, protecting our cells in the same way that they would protect the plant.

Red Grapes Source

Resveratrol is found in the skins of red grapes and sometimes in the seeds, which has been shown to protect against cancer, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce blood sugar in patients with diabetes.  It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, among other things. 

Grape Seed Extract and Red Wine Sources

The resveratrol-concentration becomes higher in red wines that are allowed to ferment with the skin intact.  Grape seed extract may contain some resveratrol, but its primary components are called proanthocyanidins, a different type of antioxidant, that helps to protect the cells from free radical damage. 

Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenes, which are unique phytochemicals that promote circulation and improve brain function.  Green tea contains polyphenols, specifically catechins, which are phytochemicals that have been shown to protect against heart disease and various types of cancer. 

Fruits and Veggie Sources

Fruits, vegetables and botanicals of different colors contain different unique vitamins and antioxidants, which is why you see recommendations suggesting that you “eat a rainbow” every day.  Although most of us try to eat right, it is practically impossible to get all of these different nutrients, without supplementation.

Supplements – A Good Source – Choose Carefully

You could buy a number of different supplements, including resveratrol, grape seed extract, ginkgo biloba, green tea and your basic vitamins, such as A, C and E.  But, you would spend a lot of money and you probably would not get the greatest benefit.  To get the best value for your money, I choose to take a multi-nutritional supplement that contains the basic vitamins and minerals, along with amino acids, phytochemicals, herbal extracts, dietary enzymes and specialty supplements like SAM-e.

Enteric Coating

Manufacturers that provide these supplements should use an enteric coating, to prevent them from being broken down by stomach acid.  The coating protects them until they enter the lower intestine where they can pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream.  SAM-e and resveratrol are particularly sensitive to stomach acid.  Buying supplements that do not have an enteric coating is a waste of money, because they never get into the bloodstream. 

Some of them are too expensive and important to waste.  For example, SAM-e is needed for methylation, a cellular activity that allows your body to produce chemicals in the brain and throughout the body.  SAM-e levels naturally decrease with age.  So, the older you are, the more important that supplement is. 

Hopefully, you’ve learned a little here in this article, but there’s always more to learn about resveratrol and other nutrients that protect our body’s cells from the detrimental affects of time. I expand on this in other articles. -Margaret Bell

Larry L. Taylor
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/what-is-resveratrol-723847.html

Low carb diet devised by Dr. Atkins continues to be probably one of the most accepted low carbohydrate diets in the world today. Low carb, high protein diet attractiveness has helped spark several look-a-like diets who employ the identical principles of high-protein, low-carbohydrate eating diet. These days overweight people have several low carbohydrate diets to select from.

Tests have made known the fact that high protein, low carb diet has lots of beneficial influences as well as create major loss of weight with no necessity to restrict your calorie intake. Many folks who use the Atkins diet have for a long time been reporting this effect. Many medical studies have reported that high protein eating improves triclycerides, lowers blood glucose for diabetics and people with beginning diabetes and boosts helpful cholesterol (HDL). Low carbohydrate regime has been medically proven to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood pressure and lower blood insulin levels. When we contrast it against low-fat diets, low-carbohydrate, high-protein dieters also lose a smaller amount of muscle size.

While it is not scientifically proven, there are lots of different positive consequences reported by dieters using high protein, low carb diet invented by Dr. Atkins. Several of these effects are additional energy, lower craving for sugar, better attentiveness, better mood and reduction of depression type of symptoms.

But there are also a few benefits that are specific to the high-protein, low-carbohydrate Atkins diet. If you have tried a low fat diets previously you will like eating all previously forbidden foods that once you could not even think off. Butter, cream and steak are a ordinary element of low carb, high protein diet devised by Dr. Atkins. There is a undeniable satisfaction that goes along with consumption of food that was once forbidden to you. People on low carb, high protein Atkins diet are encouraged to consume as much as they want of meat, oils, cheeses or fats.

Diet invented by Dr. Atkins is also undemanding to apply if judged against several other high protein, low carbohydrate diets on the market. Naturally there are a few of simple carbohydrate food calculations that you will need to learn, but following that, you are going to be free to have a meal of any kind from the suitable food listing.

Dr. Atkins also underlined the significance of discovering your own individual carb level. Different people have unique amount of carbohydrate acceptance. While some people put on weight with as little as only 90 carbohydrate grams a day, other people can eat up to 120 grams of carbs daily. All through your continuing dieting phase and pre-maintenance period of the low carbohydrate diet, you are going to discover your individual carbohydrate count that will help determine your carbohydrate objective from now on.

The popularity of low carb Dr. Atkins diet can actually make it harder on anyone trying to lose weight. Because there is plenty of tips offered about the high protein Dr. Atkins diet, all of that makes it simple to find resources and help, but can also divert you from your goal. Since the day Atkins diet was introduced there have been numerous Atkins books written and also there are scores of sites on the internet that provide you with tips, information and group support. However nearly everyone you know has heard of diet devised by Dr. Atkins and almost has a outlook about it. You need to be aware that there are many misconceptions out there regarding the nature of the Atkins diet, and you will, no doubt, have to stand up for your newly discovered eating system from time to time.

There are also some of the other downsides to using the low-carbohydrate, high-protein Dr. Atkins diet. You do have to count carbs in your every meal to be confident that you are staying within your own carb range. Furthermore, there is the question of Induction, the most fervently contested phase of the diet devised by Dr. Atkins. Induction can often be hard to get through if you have tried a diet that concentrates on sugar and carbohydrates. Also, a lot of individuals try Induction and incorrectly think that this is the way that the whole diet is going to be. They end up quiting without even starting the real diet by Dr.Atkins.

Now and then although if it does not occur very often, individuals are going to live through a carb crash frequently during the 3rd and up to 5th day of the diet devised by Dr. Atkins. That kind of reaction is a result of their body experiencing the ketosis stage or burning fat for fuel as a replacement for carbohydrates. The effects are short-lived nevertheless lots of people trying to lose weight have quitted on low carbohydrate diets exclusively because of this small happenstance.

Generally, with the several lesser downsides considered, protein high Dr. Atkins diet remains to be one of the most used high protein, low carb diets because of one reason. It works. Many individuals have lost weight with the high protein Dr. Atkins diet and the low carbohydrate, high protein manner of eating.

Dado Baric
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/high-protein-diet-plan-simply-good-for-weight-loss-or-more-122805.html

Looking for a way to lift your mood and treat headaches? To lower your risk of Parkinson’s, diabetes, and colon cancer? One that could even lower your risk of cavities?

It’s not too good to be true: coffee consumption appears to lower the risk for several diseases. And, what’s even more exciting, the more you drink, the greater the health benefits.

I have what might be referred to as a healthy dependence on coffee, particularly in the morning. As a result, I am already aware that coffee is effective for stopping a morning headache and boosting my mood.

And, as the parent of a teen asthmatic, I’ve also seen first hand that coffee is helpful in managing asthma and even controlling attacks when medication is unavailable.

The interesting thing is, new research by Harvard demonstrates that consuming one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits. What’s more, having six cups or more each day slashed men’s risk by 54% and women’s by 30% over those who abstain from coffee.

Granted, that is more than most people normally consume. But it does hold out promise that greater research might what is responsible for such positive effects.

The really interesting thing here is that more and more studies are revealing that coffee, particularly in higher amounts, can have very positive effects on overall health. And while there may be some negatives to excessive drinking of coffee, overall, research shows that coffee is far more beneficial than it is harmful.

For example: recent research indicates that regular coffee drinkers are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s. What’s more, several of those research programs were able to demonstrate that the more a person drinks, the lower their risk.

Another great example is that at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones, versus those who do not drink coffee.

So, what’s causing these health benefits?

In all likelihood, it’s the caffeine and the many naturally occurring antioxidants found in coffee beans. Interestingly, the overall potency of many of these anti-oxidants is increased during the roasting process.

Coffee is a significant source of caffeine, and the evidence is very strong that regular coffee consumption reduces risk of Parkinson’s disease. The cause of that is directly related to caffeine. As a result, Parkinson’s drugs are currently being developed which contain a derivative of caffeine.

Caffeine is also what helps in treating asthma and headaches. For example, a single dose of many popular pain relievers contains up to 120 milligrams of caffeine, the equivalent to two cups of coffee.

Coffee also has large amounts of antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid and tocopherols, and minerals such as magnesium. These compounds have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. This increased sensitivity improves one’s response to insulin.

The result is that a cup of decaf is also more effective than a cup of tea in reducing diabetes (though only half as much as those drinking caffeinated coffee).

Finally, research in Europe has shown that the compound trigonelline, which is responsible for coffee’s aroma and bitter taste, demonstrates both antibacterial and anti-adhesive properties. Such properties have a direct effect on dental health, helping to prevent dental cavities from forming.

Of course, coffee isn’t perfect. In some people, that magic “jolt” of caffeine can result in nervousness, hand trembling, and rapid heartbeat. Further, pregnant women, heart patients, and those at risk for osteoporosis may still be advised to limit or avoid coffee.

Nevertheless, the result is that, for people of reasonably normal health, coffee is a reasonably healthy choice and can have health benefits into the future.

Michael Lee-Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/drink-coffee-for-a-healthier-you-76291.html

We’ve all been told (or told someone else) that finishing all your veggies or eating fresh fruit every day is a good way to keep your body healthy and fit. But there are some other surprising foods (drinks too) that we can add to our diet that bring impressive health benefits, and (in moderation, of course) might just help us reach our weight loss goals.

Here are the five, good for your surprises:

1. Tea – 3 cups per day of any type that comes from the leaves of the plant Carnellia sinensis, which includes black, green, white and oolong varieties. There is strong evidence that tea might just reduce your risk of heart disease, and offer other less researched benefits such as protection from cancer and cutting your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Tea appears to have a type of flavonoid from that same family of antioxidants found in fruits, veggies and red wine. To get the most out of your cup of tea, make it strong and steep it a good long time-but if you’re watching your weight, keep an eye on the milk and sugar you add to your cup.

2. Dark Chocolate – a little goes a long way, but just like tea, this delicious treat is believed to have an ample supply of the same flavonoids in red wine, fruits and veggies. Small amounts of dark chocolate have been shown to improve blood vessel flow, and may stabilize blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, thus reducing the risk of diabetes. Choose dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa so you get more of these healthy antioxidants, and fewer calories from the milk and sugars used to make milk or white chocolate.

3. Fatty Fish – two servings per week of fish such as salmon, trout, herring, tuna, sardines or mackerel. These fish are rich in omega – 3 fatty acids, shown to reduce cholesterol, which helps to keep clots from forming and causing heat attacks. The research is so compelling that the American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish on a regular basis. Be sure you choose grilled or broiled recipes as frying removes many of the beneficial substances in the fish and replaces them with calories and saturated fats.

4. Coffee – despite its bad rap, used in moderation, your first cup of morning coffee may have health benefits you haven’t heard about – including stimulating the brain and nervous system as well as lowering your risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, mood disorders and headaches. Coffee has a compound from the antioxidant family and is a good source of magnesium, both are believed to help improve sugar metabolism, help with insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. And while black coffee is a tasty zero calorie drink, adding cream, sugar, or other toppings adds calories that you might not want.

5. Avocados – even though these fruits are full of fat, most of it is the heart healthy monounsaturated kind that is believed to lower cholesterol. Avocados have carotenoids, vitamin E and potassium, plus fiber to fill you up. Be aware though, that just because the fats are “good” ones, they still add calories if you aren’t careful about portions. Slice them onto salads, add them to a soup or spread them on bread to keep the potion sizes under control while still getting all the taste and health benefits too.

Adding one or more of these surprisingly healthy options is a great way to improve a diet that could use some help, or boost the healthfulness of one that’s already on the right track. Along with regular exercise, eating a balanced and nutritious diet is still one of the best ways to maintain your weight and your health.

Valerie Slaugther
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/good-for-you-surprises-you-can-add-to-your-diet-today-61635.html

Sugar is the primary culprit in the development of hypoglycemia and diabetes. While sugar does provide a temporary boost of energy, eating it too frequently puts tremendous stress on the organs and glands that regulate blood-sugar levels. If you don’t have hypoglycemia or diabetes or if you rarely indulge in sugar, your pancreas can handle occasional sugary treats. But if you frequently eat sugar, your pancreas can become hypersensitive to sugar and overreact, flooding your body with insulin, which causes blood-sugar levels to plummet. This triggers your adrenal glands into action, and they notify your liver to release the glucose that it has stored as emergency fuel, which once again floods your bloodstream with sugar. If this happens too many times, your pancreas can finally give up and stop producing insulin or your cells may become resistant to insulin, and hypoglycemia can slip into diabetes.

Most American women eat about 80 pounds of sugar per year, as well as large amounts of refined carbohydrates such as white flour, which is easily converted into glucose in the body. Even if you don’t add sugar to foods, you can still take in tremendous amounts if your diet contains a lot of prepared foods. Obviously, desserts and sweets are loaded with sugar, but other foods such as salad dressings, pasta sauces, and dry cereals also typically contain large amounts of sugar. Sugar is hidden in foods in many forms and is often used in more than one form in processed foods. To help restore healthy blood-sugar levels, avoid all forms of sugar, including sucrose, glucose, maltose, corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, barley malt, and molasses. Learn to enjoy the unprocessed sweetness of fresh fruits (in moderation) and sweet vegetables such as yams, carrots, and winter squash. Although giving up concentrated sweeteners may be difficult initially, you will find that your cravings for sugar will diminish within a few weeks.

Other foods that interfere with healthy blood-sugar levels include refined carbohydrates such as breads and pastas made from white flour and white rice, all of which are rapidly broken down into simple sugars in the body. Stimulants such as caffeine offer a temporary burst of energy, but stress the adrenal glands and further impair their ability to normalize blood-sugar levels. Alcohol also interferes with blood-sugar stability because it hinders the body’s ability to use glucose and stimulates the release of insulin, which causes blood sugar take a nosedive.

To help maintain steady blood-sugar levels, eat a diet high in fiber, especially soluble fiber, which slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and prevents rapid increases in blood sugar levels. Soluble fiber keeps the pancreas from secreting too much insulin by enhancing cell sensitivity to insulin and improves the use of glucose by the liver, which prevents blood-sugar levels from remaining too high. Strive for at least 35 grams and preferably 50 grams of fiber each day. Legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruits are good sources of fiber, and especially good sources of soluble fiber include legumes, oat bran, most vegetables, apples, and pears. Eat carbohydrates in as close to their natural state as possible, because the fiber content helps to slow the absorption of natural sugars that carbohydrates contain-for example, eat an apple instead of drinking apple juice. Psyllium-seed husks, guar gum, and pectin are excellent sources of supplemental soluble fiber. To help balance blood-sugar levels, take one to three teaspoons of a fiber supplement stirred into a glass of water twice daily before meals.

Protein is essential for the proper functioning of the adrenal glands, pancreas, and liver and prevents cravings for high-carbohydrate foods. Because protein does not stimulate the release of insulin as do carbohydrates, it helps to stabilize blood-sugar levels. For maximum blood-sugar stability, eat three to four ounces of protein at lunch and at dinner. Moderate amounts of healthful fats are also essential for helping to maintain healthy blood-sugar levels and for providing a feeling of satiety, which helps to reduce cravings for carbohydrates. Raw nuts and seeds, avocados, olive oil, and flaxseed oil are all good sources of health-enhancing fats.

Eating frequent small meals is a helpful strategy for stabilizing blood-sugar levels. Avoid skipping meals, or going for more than two to three hours without eating. Get into the habit of eating meals at regular times, because your body functions best on a regular schedule. Plan for three meals a day, plus midmorning, midafternoon, and evening snacks. Include a small amount of protein or fat in your snack to help keep blood sugar stable-for example, have an apple with a few almonds, crackers with tofu spread, or carrot sticks with a few walnuts.

Supplements that are especially helpful for balancing blood sugar include chromium, a trace mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of insulin. Take 200 to 600 micrograms of chromium picolinate daily. To help strengthen the adrenal glands, take 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily in divided doses and a high potency multivitamin and mineral that provides 50 to 100 milligrams of the B-complex vitamins.

Krishan Bakhru
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/how-to-control-bloodsugar-levels-naturally-76980.html