Is Maple Syrup Healthy?

Pork - A Different Perspective

Pork is one of the most patronized food products worldwide. You can find different pork cuisines in every culture which are commonly presentable in various cuts. It can be enjoyed grilled, fried, stewing and many other cooking methods. But because pork mainly lacks in fiber, it became a primary suspect in various known diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

If you are a health advocate, you probably preferred promoting vegetables and fruits instead of meat products especially pork meats. Although people sees pork as a food that gives higher health risks, there are still a number of positive health benefits that pork products are known for. Let me site some information about pork's important health benefits.

To change your perspectives about pork, let me give you some of the nutrients that pork offers which less people are aware of. First thing you should know is that pork contains less salt and a perfect source of protein. As you know, protein is a very important component to produce body energy and for building muscles and strength.

This food also contains important minerals and vitamins that our body needs. It includes the following.

1. Fats
Pork fats depends on the meat cuts. A 100 grams lean meat contains six grams of fats. If the meats are cut well, you can enjoy more unsaturated fat that saturated fat which are more beneficial to health.

2. Iron
Iron is abundant in various meat products especially in pork. A 100 grams of pork can give you 15% of your daily iron needs.

3. Vitamin B12
100 grams of pork meat can give you 70% of your daily needs of vitamin B12 which promotes better nerve health.

4. Zinc
Pork is also a good source of zinc than any other foods. A regular dose of pork can give you adequate body requirements of zinc.

The only thing that makes pork bad is the lack of fiber. This is the reason why pork should be taken in moderation to prevent serious diseases. It is wise to apply a balanced diet in your daily meals.

So the next time you dine-in to your favorite restaurants, it is okay to choose a pork dish from the menu because not all things are bad when it comes to pork. Just make sure that you consume meat moderately and never indulge too much in its fats because that can give you more health problems. So in summary, avoid fats and it is considered safe to eat pork!

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Top 7 High Protein Foods

Why is protein important?

Protein makes up every cell in your body; your nails, bones, skin and hair are practically all protein. But protein does even more than that, helping to create enzymes, hormones and other physiological chemicals needed for the proper functioning of your body. So you can probably see why it's important that you get the right amount of protein to function.

Another aspect of protein is that it cannot be stored in your body, like carbohydrates and fat, so once it runs low there are no reserves for your body to take from. Experts state you need at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Below are some excellent sources of protein.

1. Salted cod

The protein content of fresh cod is considerable (around 20g) but the salted cod is a real protein concentrate with a contribution of 75g per 100g. A small portion of salted cod is sufficient to meet your daily needs for protein.

2. Fresh tuna

Fresh tuna is another animal protein source that provides 21,5g of protein per 100g. Similar to those of other fish such as salmon, halibut or sea bass, these endless sources of protein can bring diversity to your dishes.

Chicken breast / turkey: both lean poultry hover around the same amount of protein content. They both have about 22g per 100g. The difference lies in the fat intake, which is lower in the case of turkey meat.

3. Beef

Lean beef protein is around 21g per 100g. If you're not sure whether to go for red meat or white, choose a combination of the two:

4. Beef liver

Beef again, but this time in the form of liver. This is a another great source of protein: 19,4g / 100g. A good option to add not only for proteins, but also for adding folic acid, iron and zinc to your diet.

5. Seafoods such as prawns

Seafood is always a good source of animal protein, and specifically the prawns coming in at 24g of protein with only 0.8 grams of fat and a tiny 100kcal per 100g of food. A perfect choice for dieters.

6. Soybeans

Protein is not just or the meat eaters. Soybeans are legume that have more protein and less carbohydrate. Among the vegetable protein content is 3 0g per 100g of product.

You can also choose products like Tofu or Quinoa as a vegetable protein source. And there are nuts such as almonds and pistachios which have 20 g of protein along with a healthy dose of omega 3.

7. Gelatine

Gelatine is the star regarding food protein percentage. 100g of gelatin containing no less than about 84g protein. There are plenty of commercial varieties of gelatin, so it's important to look at the packets nutritional information to choose the right option for you.

Always remember your caloric intake when choosing your protein and remember balance is key.

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Top Things About Magnesium Goodness for the Body

We all know that vitamins and minerals are essential for our body to stay healthy. Besides calcium, zinc, and potassium, magnesium is extremely critical in nutrition and is essential for over 300 biochemical reactions in the human body. In this post, we will talk about the significance of magnesium, along with the natural sources and other things that matter.

The significance of Magnesium:

Magnesium is vital for transmission of different nerve impulses and helps in regulating the temperature of the body. It also helps in maintaining the natural energy in the body and is vital for bones and teeth. Health experts have time and again emphasized on the significance of having magnesium, zinc, potassium and calcium in the diet. Besides being vital for the different functions of the body, magnesium also helps in absorption of calcium too. Women should focus on the intake of this mineral, as it helps in keeping osteoporosis away and can offer relief with menopause symptoms. It is known to aid with common premenstrual symptoms. Magnesium also helps in protein synthesis in the body and can help in absorption of other minerals. It works wonders on the muscles and can also reduce the impact of common health issues such as hypertension, sleep disorders and headaches related to migraines. People do not ensure enough intake of magnesium has a greater risk of type-2 diabetes.

The Best Sources of Magnesium:

You don't need to rely on supplements, as long as you have enough of magnesium-rich foods each day. The mineral is found abundantly in some of the typical leafy greens, including kale and Swiss chard. It is also found in most of the nuts and seeds, including sesame seeds, pine nuts, cashews, and almonds. If you love to fish, you can increase your intake of mackerel, which is rich in the mineral, besides other options include tuna. Vegetarians can go for soybeans, white beans, and French beans, along with foods like avocados. Some people also claim that switching to vitamin enhanced water can also offer excellent benefits. Alkaline water or natural spring water has added minerals including magnesium and calcium, which provides a natural energy boost to the body and may help in improving the bodily functions.

What Else to Know?

First things first, don't run behind supplements right away, unless suggested by your doctor. Magnesium supplements may be advised in some cases, but only after your physician has run a few tests and checked other aspects. Healthy adults can get their share of the mineral from natural foods easily. Just make sure that you eat foods, mainly fishes, veggies and fruits that are high in mineral content. It is also important to be informed. Don't follow fad diets and focus on eating healthy and fresh foods. Natural foods have the right balance of all the necessary minerals, and your body will get its share of magnesium. It is also wise to replace your packaged snacks with healthier options like nuts and seeds.

If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.

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Royal Jelly To Boost Your Health

Royal jelly is a nutritional food secreted by worker bees in a beehive. The substance is usually fed to all colony larvae. However, when there is a need for a new queen bee, a group of the larvae are fed large quantities of the jelly. This exclusive feeding of royal jelly is what turns the normal bees into queen bees with a longer life expectancy compared to the worker bees. The queen bees are also much larger and end up laying thousands of eggs daily. In essence, this jelly variety can also be as beneficial to humans and luckily it is now available in supplement form. You can now easily boost your health using royal jelly supplements.

The Benefits of Royal Jelly

Controls cholesterol - Research conducted on volunteers prove that eating this jelly variety greatly decreases low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol without harming the levels of good cholesterol in anyway. The supplement can be a better natural option of keeping cholesterol levels down.

Prevents osteoporosis and bone loss - Studies have also shown that it prevents osteoporosis through the enhancement of intestinal calcium absorption. The enhanced absorption of calcium then makes it possible for the same to be deposited to the bone structure also preventing bone loss.

Protects from cancer - This jelly has a way of fighting cancer through the inhibition of blood supply to tumors. It works by suppressing the effects of blood vessel formations hence easily fighting cancers especially breast cancer. A daily dose of the royal jelly supplement can protect you from cancer.

Acts as an anti-inflammatory - Considering that chronic inflammation can be the cause of heart disease as well as other degenerative diseases including arthritis and Alzheimer's, royal jelly stands to be very helpful. Tests on pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1, TNF-alpha and IL-6 ended up suppressing inflammatory compounds. Those with a history of Alzheimer's disease and heart disease will find the royal jelly very helpful in keeping these diseases under control.

Promotes healing - The jelly has minerals and vitamins including zinc, acetyl-choline, Vitamins B3, B2, B1, B6 and B5. They are all good for the skin and the acids contained in the jelly enhance the production of collagen thus leading to a glowing healthy skin. It shortens healing through skin renewal by nucleic acid, flavonoids, hormones and enzymes that it contains. The use of fresh royal jelly powder or supplements daily will optimize skin health.

Improves blood pressure and blood sugar - This is another one of the benefits. It decreases blood vessel constriction and this leads to lower systolic blood pressure and also reduces the insulin triglyceride levels. It can therefore be used as a functional food in the prevention of insulin resistance and blood pressure.

Protects the liver - The liver is exposed to lots of toxins from different things, including water taps and different kinds of drugs. This is one of the most important organs considering that everything that is ingested must pass through it for filtration. There is therefore a need to keep the liver healthy and clean. Royal jelly offers protective effects by flushing out the toxins.
The royal jelly supplement has many more health benefits and can therefore be a great addition to any good daily diet.

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Zinc Is Essential for Good Health

Most of us are familiar with the use of zinc as an aid to combating common colds and sore throats; however, many of us are unaware of just how vital zinc is in maintaining overall good health. Zinc is an essential trace element found in every cell in our bodies. While studies have indicated that about 12% of Americans are deficient in zinc, our ability to absorb zinc declines with age and it is estimated that this percentage increases to 45% in older Americans

Zinc performs a variety of important functions, including strengthening the immune system, protecting cell membranes against free radicals, preventing cell structural damage and repairing damaged DNA. Zinc also is instrumental in healing wounds, supports the stabilization of blood glucose, supports neurological function, maintains the senses of taste and smell, and stimulates activity in approximately 100 different enzymes.

In addition, Zinc supports normal growth during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence and helps to protect against macular degeneration, a cause of blindness in adults over the age of 60. Zinc can even help boost libido. Zinc may also be effective in treating such conditions as acne, eczema, anorexia nervosa, and those suffering from trauma after surgery.

Zinc deficiency can lead to numerous health conditions, including prostate disorders which may in turn lead to prostate cancer. Because zinc affects the immune system, a deficiency can present itself in frequent colds, flus, and other infections. In children, a zinc deficiency can manifest itself in growth retardation.

In addition to aging and poor dietary habits, digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's Disease can be contributing factors in the depletion of zinc from our bodies. Deficiency in zinc can also be caused by certain medications. Among the offenders are diuretics and medications used in controlling blood pressure. Acid-suppressing medications also play an important role. Alcoholics have a higher risk of being zinc deficient. Others at risk include women taking birth control pills and on hormone replacement therapy.

Zinc deficiency symptoms can present themselves as:

* Rashes
* Chronic diarrhea
* Night blindness
* Depression
* Loss of appetite
* Decline in libido
* Hair loss
* Eye and skin lesions

Foods rich in zinc include:

* Beef
* Crab
* Turkey
* Oysters
* Liver
* Dairy
* Nuts, such as cashews, almonds, peanuts
* Crimini mushrooms
* Spinach
* Pumpkin seeds

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for zinc is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women. However, those that are zinc deficient, not eating a diet rich in zinc, or have a prostate disorder should take 15 mg of zinc daily. Because of the lower absorption of zinc from plants, vegetarians may need about 50% more zinc. Since zinc can interfere with copper absorption, any zinc supplement should contain 1 to 2 mg of copper.


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WHOLEMEAL PASTA

People who are on diets typically avoid pasta, but really it is the sauce that cause various problems. If you want you can eat pasta, but made from wholemeal flour – there is also pasta without wheat ingredients. These noodles have more nutrients than white flour pasta.

Nutritional components: vitamin B5 and B6, folic acid, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, fiber.

Due to the fiber content, body slows down the absorption of sugars, in addition it is more satiating than light pasta-because you eat less of it.

Quick recipe for a healthy pasta with herbs:

Pasta with herb pesto

– Wholemeal pasta

– 1 Tablespoon of olive oil

– 1 peace garlic, chopped

– 2 Handfuls of chopped leaves of basil and parsley

– Pepper, salt, a touch of lemon

– You can add balsamic vinegar

– Marjoram, thyme

Remember that pasta should be cooked al dente. This is very important. Add ingredients to a bowl and mix thoroughly (preferably mix, to get the sauce).

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Food That Helps With Sleeping

Sleeping is necessary for everyone in the world. It is the basis of health. It seems to be an easy activity. But in fact, many people have sleeping troubles. Some people have difficulties in going to sleep. And some people do not have high quality sleeping. Experts tell us that sleeping troubles are closely related with our diet. They suggest that people should eat more food that helps with sleeping.
As we all know, many kinds of food, such as milk, can help with sleeping. But we do not know that some food would bring sleeping troubles to people. First of all, food like sweet potatoes, corns and peas may produce flatulence during the digestion process. As a result, if people eat such food before sleeping, they would feel too full to sleep. Secondly, similar to coffee and tea, spicy food and salty food would excite the nerves and make people difficult to sleep. Besides, these kinds of food would make stomachs uncomfortable and consume the substances which are helpful to sleeping. Thirdly, fatty food influences the sleeping quality, too. Such food burdens the digestion system and stimulates the nerve system so that the human body works all the time. What is worse, it delays the sleeping time.

To improve the sleeping quality and prevent from insomnia, people are suggested to eat some food that can help with sleeping instead of eating the above food. The following food can be a good choice.
The first kind of food is kiwifruit. Kiwifruit is famous for its rich nutriment. It is a good source of calcium, magnesium and vitamin C. These three kinds of nutriment, especially calcium, are helpful to combine and transfer the neurotransmitters, which can clam the emotion and restrain the sympathetic nerves. Moreover, eating kiwifruit, together with milk and honey, not only is useful to sleeping, but also helps ingest vitamin E in order to make skin more elastic.
The second choice is milk. Milk is familiar to all people. Scientific research has found that there exist two chemicals which make people sleepy. One chemical is tryptophan, which promotes the brain to produce certain neurotransmitter called hydroxide. It is this neurotransmitter that makes people easy to sleep. The other chemical is a peptide that is similar to opium. It would combine with the central nerves to calm and relax the human body.

Besides, food with zinc and copper is beneficial. If the human body lack these micro elements, the brain cells would metabolize fast and the incretion is too excited to sleep. Therefore, people are advised to eat more fish, shrimps, eels and oysters to improve the health of the nerve system.
In one world, to have a good sleep, people should have a balanced diet and eat less food that is harmful to sleeping.

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Super Foods for Diabetics