Longevity & Why I now eat One Meal a Day

Is Your Diet Feeding Your Migraine?

For those who suffer migraine attacks because of their diet, paying attention to what is eaten and drank is paramount and even if diet is not the main cause, following a healthy diet will show a vast improvement in their symptoms by eliminating the foods that can trigger such attacks. Not only will a healthy diet help to prevent migraine attacks but significantly overall health will improve.

There are many triggers that cause a migraine attack, however for some sufferers diet can be a major culprit. Studies have shown that migraine sufferers can be divided into three main categories when the issue of diet plays a role in migraine attacks.

Category 1. When diet is the primary cause of migraine attacks.

Category 2. The sufferers in this category are normally able to eat and drink what they like without any fear of food being a trigger for their migraine.

Category 3. Diet will only be a factor in triggering a migraine attack for the sufferers in this particular category if outside problems such as stress and other emotional issues become prevalent.

There are two types of reaction to the food and drink that is consumed by migraine sufferers. Firstly there is the more common reaction and that is the reaction to the chemicals, whether they are additives, preservatives or natural substances such as tyramine, which is found in a number of foods like citrus fruits or aged foods (mature cheeses and some processed meats). Secondly there is quite often a general intolerance to certain foods.

It is worth remembering that a food reaction may not occur for at least a 2 hours and could even be in some cases 12 hours after the food is consumed. For this very reason alone many sufferers are totally unaware that something they ate or drank many hours before may be the cause of their migraine.

To discover what foods and drink cause a reaction and trigger a migraine attack, it is very important to keep a record by either using a diary or keeping notes. This will enable you to identify and eliminate those particular trigger foods from your diet.

Once you have identified the food triggers, the next step to take is to plan a migraine diet and avoid those foods which have caused the problems. A simple tip when buying food from your local store or supermarket, is to make a point of reading the labels to see what is contained in the food. Take it from me you'll be surprised!

 Source: 

The Secret To Good Digestion

Avoid Trans-Fats and Lose Pounds Fast

What are trans-fats and why is it important we avoid them if we want to lose pounds fast? In order to make trans-fats, normally healthy vegetable oils, such as corn oil or soybean oil are chemically changed into what is known as partially hydrogenated oils. These man-made oils are then used widely in the food industry as substitutes for saturated fats. There are some naturally occurring trans-fats found in meat and dairy produce but these are at such low levels compared to the levels of the man-made variety as to be insignificant.
These trans-fats, or artificial unsaturated fats are found in baked goods, fried foods, margarines and pastries and all manner of other food items. Their primary use is to extend shelf life; after all it makes a product more economic if it can sit on the shelf for a few weeks rather than a few days. They are also a cheap alternative to natural saturated fats. This does not mean we should all switch back to a diet full of natural saturated fats because the intake of all fats should be kept to a minimum. However there is evidence that artificially produced fats do more harm than naturally occurring saturated fats because our bodies are not designed to cope with them.

The reason these fats are bad for our bodies is that they increase the risks of developing coronary heart disease, they raise the bad LDL type of cholesterol in our blood while simultaneously lowering the HDL or good type of cholesterol.
The health risk from trans-fats was very low when we were only exposed to the natural varieties. Now that we have so many processed and pre-packaged foods this risk has risen substantially and is a significant health risk factor of which we should all be aware.
There have been links found between trans-fats and Cancer, Alzheimer's, infertility, diabetes, liver dysfunction and obesity. Regarding obesity, the harmful effects are quite conspicuous. If you eat a diet containing these harmful fats you are more likely to gain weight even if you eat the same number of calories as in a diet containing no trans-fats. This surely is a very concerning thought and should cause everyone to sit up and take note of what they are putting into their bodies.
It's good to hear that some countries are choosing to do something about this problem. Denmark and Switzerland have imposed bans on trans-fats with several others following. Congress in the USA has, since 2006, required products containing trans-fats to provide appropriate labelling and there are some further restrictions in some states.

If this is such an important issue how can we make sure we stop eating trans-fats? According to the American Heart Foundation, if we reduce our intake of trans-fats to between 5 and 8 teaspoons per day then it's unlikely we'll come to much harm. This is good news if you're trying to lose pounds fast because if you are following a healthy diet then getting down to these levels should be very easy, so long as you keep an eye on food labelling.

Source:

The Beauty Of The Pomegranate

The pomegranate has been a much loved part of the diet of many cultures for thousands of years, and scientists have recently begun to take a look at its possible health benefits, over and above those derived from the vitamins and minerals it contains. Some studies have suggested that the juice of the pomegranate contains nearly three times the antioxidants found in such foods as green tea and red wine. In addition, the pomegranate contains substantial quantities of such important minerals as potassium, such important vitamins as vitamin C and niacin, and significant amounts of fiber as well.
Traditional uses of the pomegranate
The pomegranate has long been used in traditional folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including sort throat, inflammation and rheumatism. These folk uses of the pomegranate are common throughout the Middle East, Iran and India, where the fruit is common.

The pomegranate has a touch rind which is either dark red or brownish in color, and it is similar in size to an apple or an orange. The edible part of the pomegranate is the juicy red pulp.
The history of the pomegranate
The name pomegranate is derived from the Latin term for "fruit of many seeds", due to the many seeds the interior of the fruit hold. From ancient times onwards, the pomegranate has been associated with fertility, and this fruit often makes appearances in the folklore of ancient Egypt and in Greek mythology as well.
Eating a pomegranate can be a labor intensive experience, as the edible seeds must be eaten one at a time to avoid the bitter membrane that encases them. There are a number of varieties of pomegranate available throughout the world, and one of the best ways to distinguish between these types is by the color of the seeds, which range from light red and dark pink through a deep scarlet color.
What to look for
When buying pomegranates, it is best to choose those with the best color, and those which feel heavy. Pomegranates that are dry looking and wrinkled, or which have a cracked rink, should be avoided. Pomegranates will keep at room temperature for two or three days, and in the refrigerator for up to three months.
In most parts of the United States, the pomegranate is typically available from September through November. Availability of fresh pomegranates varies by region of the country, however.
A typical pomegranate contains only about 100 calories, making an excellent food for dieters. Most nutrition experts recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and pomegranates are an excellent addition to anyone's daily diet.

In addition to fresh pomegranates, pomegranate juice is another popular way to enjoy this popular fruit. Pomegranate juice can be used to make a wide variety of products, including jellies, sauces, marinades and vinaigrettes. In addition, the seeds of the pomegranate are often sprinkled over salads and desserts, or used to garnish meats, poultry and fish.
With all these things going for it, it is no wonder that the pomegranate enjoys such long lasting popularity. While it is not in season for very long, adding a fresh pomegranate or two to your late fall diet can be very rewarding.

Source:

The Best Diet: Eating Clean

10 Amazing Benefits Of CASHEW NUTS

Five Foods You Shouldn't Eat

Tips for Starting a Healthy Lifestyle!