Blueberries can ward off memory problems

Drinking two and a half cups of blueberry juice per day acts as a memory booster and improves age-related memory problems in seniors, a new study finds.
According to the study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, daily dose of wild blueberry improves memory in the elderly at risk of dementia.
The high phytochemical content of blueberries has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the study found.
Anthocyanins, commonly found in the fruit, increase signaling in the areas of the brain involved in memory. They help slow the memory decline process through eliminating the glucose found in the brain.
‘The findings of this preliminary study suggest that moderate-term blueberry supplementation can confer neurocognitive benefit,’ concluded lead researcher Robert Kerkorian, stressing that the juice improved the drinkers performance in learning and memory tests.

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Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

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Health Benefits of Grapes

Blueberries can ward off memory problems

Health Benefits of Grapes

The health benefits of grapes include its ability to treat constipation, indigestion, fatigue, kidney disorders, macular degeneration and prevention of cataract. Grapes, one of the most delicious fruits, are rich sources of vitamins A, C, B6 and folate in addition to essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. Grapes contain flavonoids that are very powerful antioxidants, which can reduce the damage caused by free radicals and slacken ageing.

Grapes, owing to their high nutrient content, play an important role in ensuring a healthy and robust life.

Benefits: Some of the health benefits of grapes include the following:

• Asthma: Due to its eminent therapeutic value, grapes can be used for cure of asthma. In addition to it, the assimilatory power of grapes is also higher. It increases the moisture present in lungs.

• Heart diseases: Grapes increase the nitric oxide levels in the blood, which prevents blood clots thereby reducing the chances of heart attacks. In addition the antioxidant present in grapes prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which blocks the blood vessels.

• Constipation: Grapes are very effective in overcoming constipation. They are considered as a laxative food, as they contain organic acid, sugar and cellulose. They also relieve chronic constipation by toning up intestine and stomach.

• Indigestion: Grapes play an important role in dyspepsia. They relive heat and cure indigestion and irritation of the stomach. They are also preferred as they constitute a light food.

• Fatigue: Light and white grape juice replenishes the iron content present in the body and prevents fatigue. Though, the dark grape juice might not give an iron boost and on the other hand, decrease the iron levels. Drinking grape juice also provides you with instant energy. The anti-oxidants present in grapes also provide the needed boost to your immune system.

• Kidney disorders: Grapes can substantially reduce the acidity of the uric acid and helps in the elimination of the acid from the system, thereby reducing the work pressure of kidneys.

• Breast cancer: Through a latest study, it has been discovered that purple colored Concord grape juice helps in preventing breast cancer. Significant reduction in mammary tumor mass of laboratory rats was seen after they were fed the grape juice on the experimental basis.

• Alzheimer’s disease: Resveratrol, a beneficial polyphenol present in grapes reduces the levels of amyloidal-beta peptides in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Studies suggest that grapes can enhance brain health and stall the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

• Macular degeneration: Grapes can prevent the age related loss of vision or macular degeneration. Three servings of grapes a day can reduce the risks of macular degeneration by over 36 %.

• Prevents cataract: Flavonoids present in grapes have antioxidants, which can reduce and fight the damage caused by free radicals such as cataract apart from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and age related problems.

• Blood cholesterol: Grapes contain a compound called pterostilbene, which has the capacity to bring down cholesterol level. Saponins present in grape skin can also prevent the absorption of cholesterol by binding with it.

• Antibacterial activity: Red grapes have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties and can protect you from infections. They have a strong antiviral property against poliovirus and herpes simplex virus.

• Anticancer properties: Grapes are found to have strong anti cancer properties due to the anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol present in grapes. It is particularly effective in colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins present in grapes have properties of an anti-proliferate and can inhibit the growth of cancer causing agents. Grape juice not just prevents the risk of cancer but also suppresses the growth and propagation of cancer cells. The pigments contained in grapes enhance the overall immunity of the body.

Thus, grapes play a pivotal role in preventing innumerable health disorders and can be used as home based remedies for several ailments.

Also, it is recommended to see:

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Do you know how encourage children to eat more veggies?

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Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Fatty Liver Diet

Health Benefits of Grapes

Blueberries can ward off memory problems

Fatty Liver Diet

Fatty liver diet does not sound appealing but it can help prevent illness. In some cases, it can be life saving.

What Is Fatty Liver?
According to the American Liver Foundation, fatty liver occurs when 10 percent or more of the organ's weight is fat. While fat in the organ is normal, excess adipose tissue can lead to complications. In some cases, the liver may become inflamed.

Inflammation leads to steatohepatitis, when alcohol is a factor. When alcohol is not a factor, the condition is called NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). Over time, the liver may become scarred and it may harden. When this occurs, the condition has progressed into cirrhosis, a very serious health problem that can lead to liver failure.

Causes
The liver is responsible for breaking down fats and when the organ is flooded with excess fat and calories on a regular basis, it is unable to break down the fats as it normally would. This leads to a build up of excess fat in the organ. People may be at risk for developing the condition if the following apply:

Diabetic
High triglycerides
Obese
Losing weight too quickly
Poor nutrition
Alcohol abuse
It is important to note that the condition may develop in people who are not at risk. Since the disease is asymptomatic, it is necessary to discuss testing options with your physician. The problem may be detected with a blood test or through a routine physical exam. The liver may be enlarged. A biopsy may be necessary for proper diagnosis.

Fatty Liver Diet
A diet for fatty liver can be a treatment, but some people may want to adopt this type of eating plan if they are at risk for developing the disease. One of the most important steps you can take is to adopt a healthy eating plan. Those who have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease want to stay away from high-glycemic carbohydrates.

High-glycemic carbohydrates
White bread
Breakfast cereal
White rice
Potatoes
The list is not comprehensive but it gives you a good idea of the types of food that can cause problems.

Developing and Eating Plan
Any diet for health conditions should be a collaborative process between you and your doctor. Your physician may refer you to a nutritionist to help you develop a healthy eating plan. A liver cleansing diet may be in order, involving detoxification but this can lead to unpleasant side effects and should be done with the guidance of a doctor.

What does a typical diet for fatty liver look like? Programs vary according to the individual's specific needs, making it critical to see a doctor about the best meal plans. A diet that helps you to lose abdominal weight may be helpful. General guidelines include:

Avoid saturated fats
Replace sugary treats with fruit
Avoid processed foods
Eat whole grains
Choose lean meats over red meat
Eat many vegetables
Make your own salad dressing using olive oil and vinegar, and use it sparingly
Add legumes to your recipes for added protein and fiber
As a rule of thumb, the closer the food is to its natural state, the better. The more processing the food goes through, the more additives are likely to be in the mix. The additives, extra calories and artificial ingredients have to be processed by the liver.

Alcohol
People who adopt a this diet should avoid alcoholic beverages, including people who have the nonalcoholic version of the disease. People who consume alcohol on a regular basis may be more likely to develop liver problems. Some suggest that a single glass of wine per day may be beneficial, but it is necessary to discuss this option with your physician.

Following healthy eating guidelines, avoiding processed foods and avoiding alcohol can help. However, the first step in determining whether a fatty liver diet is right for you is to consult your doctor.

Also, it is recommended to see:

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Do you know how encourage children to eat more veggies?

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Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Fatty Liver Diet

Health Benefits of Grapes

Blueberries can ward off memory problems

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats can significantly lower the risk of heart attack for people with mildly elevated blood pressure, Johns Hopkins University researchers say.

The diet they examined -- called the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) -- was designed to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. In this new study, it reduced the risk of heart attack by almost 20%, the researchers said.

"Heart disease is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States," said lead researcher Dr. Nisa M. Maruthur, an assistant professor of medicine at Hopkins' School of Medicine. "Thus, adoption of the DASH diet should have important benefits on a public health scale."

The diet also calls for reducing fats, red meat, sweets and sugary beverages, and replacing them with whole grains, poultry, low-fat dairy products, fish and nuts. The eating plan is recommended by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Heart Association.

For the study, published online Aug. 31 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, Maruthur's team studied 436 people with high blood pressure or borderline hypertension who were not taking blood pressure medication. The participants were assigned to either the DASH diet; a typical American diet, which is low in important minerals and high in saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol; or an American diet plus more fruits and vegetables.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.

To determine their risk of having a heart attack over 10 years, the researchers used the Framingham Heart Study risk equation.

After eight weeks, the DASH dieters, who were eating nine to 11 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, had reduced their risk of heart attack 18% compared with those eating the American diet. They also saw their low-density lipoprotein ("bad") cholesterol levels reduced by about 7% and their systolic blood pressure lowered by 7 mm Hg.

While both whites and blacks benefited from the DASH diet, black participants had the greatest benefit, the researchers noted. Blacks on the DASH diet saw their heart risk decline by 22% over those on a typical diet, versus 8% for whites.

Those who ate the American diet plus fruits and vegetables reduced their risk of heart attack by 11% compared with those chowing down the usual American fare.

"The problem with hypertension is that it really is a silent killer because you do not feel it," said Samantha Heller, clinical nutrition coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Conn. Millions of people have no idea their blood pressure is high and are walking around like "ticking time bombs," she said.

Those who know they are hypertensive do not always know what to do about it aside from taking medication, Heller added.

"The good news is that with a few dietary tweaks, the risk of these diseases and their co-morbidities can drop considerably. For example, add a salad or side of vegetables with lunch. Have fruit for dessert. Make your mashed potatoes with olive oil and low-fat milk. Top your pizza with part-skim mozzarella, broccoli, spinach and mushrooms," she said.

"The DASH eating plan is a good way to go for people looking to lower their blood pressure and improve heart health," she said.

Another expert, Dr. Gregg C. Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, said although the DASH diet has been shown to lower systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol levels, changing risk factors does not always translate to a reduction in actual heart disease.

"It is therefore essential to hold dietary modification and other forms of lifestyle modification to the same gold standard that statins and antihypertensive medical therapies have been held to," he said. What's needed are prospective randomized trials that demonstrate actual reduction in coronary heart disease events, Fonarow said.

Also, it is recommended to see:

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Drink plenty of water in the summer

Do you know how encourage children to eat more veggies?

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Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Fatty Liver Diet

Health Benefits of Grapes

Blueberries can ward off memory problems

Which Vitamins are Good for Fertility?

Is there just one vitamin good for fertility? There is no magical pill or Vitamin F for fertility but a combination of vitamins and minerals definitely have an impact on fertility. They are easy to take yet there are so many to choose from. How do you know which vitamins are good for fertility? How much do you take?

“A study performed by Harvard medical school has shown that taking multivitamins improve chances of pregnancy. “

Here is a listing of the most essential vitamins and minerals you will need to take on a daily basis to increase fertility and have a powerful reproductive system! Our fertility supplement program is located at the bottom of this page.

Calcium

In preparation for conception, building up your own calcium stores is very important. Once you are pregnant you will have ample stores and will be eating daily calcium so the baby is getting all that it needs and your teeth are staying healthy.

Calcium also helps to alkalize the body, which is favorable to the sperm and fertilized egg. The Best food sources for calcium are Raw milk products (most absorbable), dark leafy greens, almonds. 1 quart of raw milk supplies 900mg of calcium!
I would focus on getting your daily calcium from food, but supplemental calcium that is easy to absorb is available.
Zinc
Zinc is a vitamin that is essential for fertility. Zinc is a very important especially for men.
Zinc is involved in:
Building good sperm

Healthy testicles
Increases sperm counts
The best food source for zinc is oysters. They are packed with it. But you don’t have to eat oysters everyday to receive the benefits; cooked or raw. Zinc should be included in a whole food multivitamin for men with 15mg. of zinc a day.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for both women and men.

For women vitamin C:
Improves hormone levels
Increases fertility
Keeps the immune system healthy
Helps Iron to be absorbed.

“A study published in Fertility and Sterility, states that vitamin C improves hormone levels and increases fertility in women with luteal phase defect.”

**Too much VI C. for the woman can create and acidic environment in the vagina and dry up cervical fluid.

The dosage for woman, 750-1000mg, should come from foods and acerola cherry or whole food supplements only.
Taking a 100% whole food prenatal vitamin is the
best for preparing for pregnancy.
Learn more…
In men vitamin C is helpful to:
Keep sperm from clumping
Improves movement
For men, a daily dosage of 1,000mg per day of acerola cherry based vitamin C
Great food sources of vitamin C are red bell peppers, oranges and strawberries.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is very important for the reproductive system of both sexes.
In women it is essential for:
The endocrine system
Absorption of other essential fats that make the good hormones
For men vitamin E helps with:
Producing sperm and key sex hormones
Protects the sperm from mutation
The best sources for vitamin E are watercress, dark leafy greens, liver, sunflower oil, pumpkin seeds and wheat germ.
You can get your daily recommended dosage of 400IU daily from a whole food multivitamin.
Iron
Iron is a blood building nutrient that helps to increase fertility by helping to balance ovulation.
“In a study women who were having ovulation problems, 40% became fertile after supplementing with iron.”
The best form of iron is from a whole food supplement. Synthetic versions tend to be constipating.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for the utilization of proteins, minerals, and other vitamins. The best sources for Vitamin A can be found in grass fed butter, egg yolks, liver, sea foods and Cod Liver Oil . Recommended daily dose 5000-10000IU.

L-Arginine
L-Arganine is an amino acid that promotes the synthesis of Nitric Oxide(NO). Nitric Oxide is naturally produced by the body and is important for blood dilation, increases blood flow to the uterus, ovaries and genitals.

The main 5 important effects NO has on the body are:
Increased cervical mucous
Enhanced libido
Sexual stimulation
Creates a healthy environment in the uterus for implantation
May extend fertility for women over 40
This is a major breakthrough in scientific research that won a Nobel Prize. Read more

Folic Acid
Folic acid is known to prevent spina bifida in your future baby. This nutrient is very important to take before becoming pregnant and through pregnancy. But it is not just folic acid that is important, B12 and all the others B vitamins that make up the B-Complex are necessary to insure your baby’s genetic codes are intact. The recommended dosage for folic acid is 400mcg a day.

PABA
PABA is part of the B-Complex family.
In an ancient study (1942) there was a isolated trial published that reported that 75% of women that were taking 100mg of PABA four times a day, became pregnant.
Essential Fatty Acids
EFA’s are so essential for the production of hormones in both the woman and the man. Hormones use these fats as building blocks for what will become progesterone and many other reproductive hormones. Some of the best EFA’s to take are evening primrose oil, flax seed oil, Coconut Oil and Cod Liver Oil . .

DHA
Taking DHA prior to conception is a great way to assure your baby will end up a genius! DHA is an EFA that helps with the formation of the brain in utero. The best sources of DHA are Cod Liver Oil . and sea vegetables. Recommended daily dose is 400mg.
How to choose the best supplements
When you are buying vitamins and supplements remember two things:
They are not all created equal

You do get what you pay for

So a one-a-day from W*lmart is not going to cut it. Throw them all out. I love Trader Joes but that is not where to buy your vitamins either. Using a quality vitamin vs. a cheapie will make all the difference in the world.

So what do you look for when you are buying a vitamin? One of the first things I look for is that it is Food Based or has some food based ingredients.

You also want to avoid unnecessary fillers, colors and preservatives.

Also, it is recommended to see:

Good eating is not a punishment, but an opportunity

More vitamin D, More health

Chemical Found in Foam Cups

Turkey consumption improves energy levels

Drink plenty of water in the summer

Do you know how encourage children to eat more veggies?

Which Vitamins are Good for Fertility?

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Fatty Liver Diet

Health Benefits of Grapes

Blueberries can ward off memory problems

Do you know how encourage children to eat more veggies?

Are you tired of your children turning their noses up at carrots, avoiding cauliflower at all costs, or refusing to touch anything green on their plate? It might be time to think outside the kitchen for a solution to this picky-eater problem. Growing a vegetable garden is a wonderful way to encourage children to eat more veggies. It can also teach kids why these foods are an important part of a healthy diet.

Growing vegetables promotes healthier choices

Studies have shown that when children help plant, tend to, and gather vegetables, they eat more of them than kids who don't garden. Children who garden most likely will enjoy harvesting plants they've helped grow. They've already invested time and effort in the process of growing them (having fun while doing it), so you probably should expect them to take pride in sampling the "reward" at the end. Also, vegetables picked at their peak and eaten fresh -- especially right off the vine or plant -- just taste delicious, which means kids are more apt to like them.

A vegetable garden for everyone

You don't need a big yard - or even any yard at all -- to plan and plant your own vegetable patch. Many veggies can be grown in pots or small planters on a deck or patio. With so many different kinds of seeds and plants to choose from, deciding what to grow can be daunting. You don't have to plant a large assortment of different veggies, but a little variety may make the garden more appealing to kids.

Before you plan out what will go where, decide how much space (or how many pots) you'll be able to use. Check with your local garden center or university cooperative extension office for advice on which plants are best suited to your local conditions. They may even offer kid-friendly classes to help you get started.

Here are some themes to help you narrow down the veggie selection:

1) Grow the rainbow. Think outside the leafy green box and feed your child's playful nature by planting a vegetable of each color to grow in your garden. Choose from red chard or tomatoes, orange cauliflower or carrots, yellow beets or wax beans, blue potatoes, and purple string beans.

2) Plant a salad bar. Many kinds of lettuce are fast-growing, which makes them a good choice for impatient kid gardeners. Plant an assortment of leafy greens as well as your favorite salad mix-ins (such as grape tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions, and bell peppers) to enjoy throughout the season. You may need to plant them at different times to ensure that they'll be ready to eat at the same time.

3) Stick to a theme. Narrow down your choices to vegetables that are similar, but pick varieties that showcase differences in size, color, or texture. Kids will marvel at the range. For instance, if you stick to root vegetables, choose an array of multicolored beets, radishes, carrots, and potatoes to grow. Or choose leafy greens in a variety of sizes and flavors, from baby arugula and spinach to the larger-leafed rainbow chard and wrinkly dinosaur kale.

Whatever you decide to plant, try to include a veggie or two your child already likes to eat. And be sure to talk about the nutrition each vegetable provides. Kids might be surprised to learn that dark leafy greens contain calcium, just as milk does, or that tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may protect against cancer.

Building a garden with your children can also boost their self-esteem. That's because children of all ages can help with just about every aspect of caring for the garden. They'll be able to use a trowel to dig holes for seeds. Plus they can water the plants, pull weeds, and pick ripe vegetables.

From garden to table: enjoying the harvest

Now comes the best part -- coming up with tasty new ways to use the vegetables you've grown. Sit down with your child and go through cookbooks or kid-friendly food web sites to search for fun and easy recipes. Together, you can put your harvest to delicious -- and healthy - use.

Also, it is recommended to see:

Good eating is not a punishment, but an opportunity

More vitamin D, More health

Chemical Found in Foam Cups

Turkey consumption improves energy levels

Drink plenty of water in the summer

Do you know how encourage children to eat more veggies?

Which Vitamins are Good for Fertility?

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Fatty Liver Diet

Health Benefits of Grapes

Blueberries can ward off memory problems

Drink plenty of water in the summer

Stay Healthy During the Summer

Staying healthy during the summer months requires more than just eating the right foods. Below is a partial list of things to do that will help you stay cool and healthy during the hot summer months.

   1. Drink plenty of water. It is very important to drink water. Your body needs water to prevent dehydration during warm summer days. Take special care to make sure infants and toddlers drink enough water. They can become dehydrated much more easily than adults.

   2. If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, keep a careful watch on the daily air quality reports. Also, don't forget to take your inhaler or other medication with you when you go out.

   3. Take a rest or nap. Don't push yourself beyond your physical limits.

   4. Wear Sunscreen. Sunburn is painful and unhealthy. Use a sunscreen that is right for your skin.

   5. Stay Cool. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help you stay cooler.

   6. Wear Sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays.

   7. Maintain your energy level by limiting your intake of fat and sugar; focus on carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables.

   8. Before leaving for vacation pack a few items (calamine lotion, baking soda) that will help with itchy or painful insect bites.

   9. If you have allergies and plan to be traveling/vacationing, find out which plants will be pollinating in your vacation spot

  10. Know your body. If you are feeling ill, see a doctor. An average of 400 people die each year in the United States due to extreme heat.

Also, it is recommended to see:

Good eating is not a punishment, but an opportunity

More vitamin D, More health

Chemical Found in Foam Cups

Turkey consumption improves energy levels

Drink plenty of water in the summer

Do you know how encourage children to eat more veggies?

Which Vitamins are Good for Fertility?

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Fatty Liver Diet

Health Benefits of Grapes

Blueberries can ward off memory problems

Turkey consumption improves energy levels

Turkey is the traditional meat used for Christmas dinner.  The history of this festive food dates back to 1526 when William Strickland introduced this meat to the UK.  Following this introduction the popularity of turkey has skyrocketed and during Christmas 2008 approximately 10 million turkeys were consumed in the UK.  The good news is that turkey is popular for a reason.  Not only is it tasty but it is also extremely healthy.  That’s why today I am going to be taking a detailed look at this festive meat and the health benefits it can provide.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF TURKEY?

Turkey was introduced to the UK by William Strickland in 1526 when he imported six turkeys from America and sold them for tuppence each.  People at the time found turkey to be a tasty, practical and cheaper alternative to other livestock such as cows (which could be used to produce milk if kept alive) and chickens (which were expensive at the time).  Henry VIII is believed to have been the first person in the UK to eat turkey on Christmas day.  Following its introduction the popularity of turkey steadily increased and people started to follow Henry VIII’s trend of eating this meat on Christmas day.  Midway through the twentieth century it overtook goose as the most popular Christmas dinner meat in the UK and during Christmas 2008 around 10 million turkeys were eaten by people in this country.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN NUTRIENTS IN TURKEY?

Turkey is a particularly good source of the macronutrient protein, the macromineral phosphorus, the microminerals selenium and zinc, and the vitamins B3 and B6.  Each of these nutrients has a number of important roles to play in your body and support optimal health:

1) PROTEIN:- Protein is essential for the construction, maintenance and repair of your body’s cells.  In fact it is often referred to as the building blocks of your body’s cells.  Protein also has many other health benefits which include regulating important bodily processes (such as fluid balance) and helping your blood to clot.  Turkey contains a massive 30.06 grams (g) of protein per 100g making it one of the richest protein sources around.

2) PHOSPHORUS:- Phosphorus works with calcium to ensure that you have strong bones and teeth.  It also supports healthy metabolism, activates the B complex vitamins and helps your body produce the genetic information carriers – deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and  ribonucleic acid (RNA).  100g of turkey gives you 224 milligrams (mg) of phosphorus which is almost a third of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) for this macromineral.

3) SELENIUM:- Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from oxygen related damage.  It acts in a protective capacity throughout your body by assisting in the production of antibodies (organisms which work as part of the immune system to fight disease in your body), preventing certain types of cancer (including colon cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer), preventing heart disease and reducing joint inflammation.  A 100g serving of turkey provides you with a significant 0.032mg of selenium which represents more than half your RDA for this micromineral.

4) VITAMIN B3 (NIACIN):- The main role of vitamin B3 is to help the body break down the blood glucose from the foods you eat into energy.  It also keeps your digestive system and nerves healthy and reduces blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (which clogs the arteries) whilst increasing blood levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (which removes HDL cholesterol from the artery walls).  Turkey contains an impressive 7.5mg of vitamin B3 per 100g which represents over a quarter of the male RDA and half of the female RDA for this vitamin.

5) VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE):- Vitamin B6 helps your body’s cells break down the protein in your foods to single amino acids.  It also helps the body produce neurotransmitters (chemical messengers), red blood cells and can prevent heart disease.  A 100g serving of turkey gives you 0.56mg of vitamin B6 which represents over a third of the male RDA and almost half the female RDA for this vitamin.

6) ZINC:- Zinc is a powerful antioxidant with a number of roles in the body.  It assists in the healing of wounds, maximises insulin sensitivity in the body’s cells (which is of particular benefit for diabetics), maximises your metabolism and supports sperm production.  On top of this zinc boosts the immune system, keeps your bones strong, protects you from prostate cancer, reduces stress levels and supports good mental health.  100g of turkey provides you with an impressive 1.73mg of zinc which represents around a fifth of your RDA for this nutrient.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURKEY?

Turkey has numerous health benefits, many of which are linked to the nutrients discussed above:

1) CANCER PROTECTION:- Cancer is a disease that develops when the DNA in your body’s cells becomes disrupted.  This causes rapid, uncontrollable cellular growth and ultimately leads to the development of a tumour.  If these tumours become cancerous they can then spread to other areas of the body and cause further growths.  Fortunately, turkey is rich in the cancer fighting nutrients selenium and zinc which can both protect you from various forms of this nasty disease.

2) HEALTHY GROWTH:- Since turkey is a rich source of protein one of its main benefits is that it supports healthy growth.  Without protein your body would have no materials with which to build new cells.  By eating turkey you can ensure that your body always has the fuel it needs to grow.

3) HEALTHY HEART:- Turkey is a super food for heart health.  The selenium and vitamin B6 found in this meat both prevent heart disease.  In addition to this the vitamin B3 found in turkey improves cholesterol levels which promotes better blood flow and keeps your heart healthy.

4) IMPROVED ENERGY LEVELS:- Turkey contains two energy giving nutrients – phosphorus and vitamin B3.  Phosphorus is essential for metabolism (in simple terms – the process of converting food into energy) whilst vitamin B3 helps your body break down blood glucose for energy.

5) IMPROVED MOOD:- Protein is made up of 20 different amino acids.  Turkey is particularly rich in one of these amino acids – tryptophan.  The tryptophan found in turkey is used by the body to produce serotonin (a hormone which improves mood levels and can prevent depression).

6) IMPROVED SLEEP:- As discussed above turkey is rich in the amino acid tryptophan.  Tryptophan has been shown to improve sleep cycles (particularly in insomniacs).

7) STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM:- The selenium, tryptophan and zinc found in turkey all boost your immune system.  Selenium assists in the production of disease fighting antibodies whilst studies have shown that tryptophan helps the immune system fight multiple sclerosis (hardening or thickening of tissues in the body).  Zinc supports the production of various types of white blood cells which are all key components of the immune system.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS OF TURKEY?

The main health risk with turkey is that it contains purines.  These are naturally occurring substances that can be found in both plants and animals.  The human body breaks down purines into uric acid.  In some individuals excessive consumption of purines can lead to a build up of uric acid in the body.  High levels of uric acid can then cause kidney stones (a hard rock like mass made in the kidney and passed in the urine) and gout (inflammation of the joints caused by a build up of uric acid).  So if you have kidney problems or suffer from gout, you may want to moderate your turkey consumption this Christmas.

HOW CAN TURKEY BE SERVED?

On Christmas day you are more than likely going to be cooking a traditional Christmas roast with vegetables and gravy.  However, once Christmas day is over there are still plenty of things you can do with the leftover meat.  The list below outlines a number of possible serving suggestions:

- Turkey Casserole.

- Turkey Curry.

- Turkey Salad.

- Turkey Stir Fry.

- Whole Grain Turkey Sandwich.

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Chemical Found in Foam Cups

Chemical Found in Foam Cups a Possible Carcinogen

FRIDAY, June 10 (HealthDay News) -- The chemical styrene, ubiquitous in foam coffee cups and take-out containers, has been added to the list of chemicals considered possible human carcinogens, according to a new U.S. government report.
On Friday, experts at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services added styrene, along with five other chemicals -- captafol, cobalt-tungsten carbide (in powder or hard metal form), certain inhalable glass wool fibers, o-nitrotoluene and riddelliine -- to its list of 240 substances that are "reasonably anticipated" to be carcinogenic.
But before you toss those white plastic take-out containers, keep this in mind: the government report says that by far the greatest exposure to styrene comes from cigarette smoke. In fact, one study cited in the report estimates that exposure from smoking cigarettes was roughly 10 times that from all other sources, including indoor and outdoor air, drinking water, soil and food combined.
Styrene is a widely used chemical. Products that contain it include insulation, fiberglass, plastic pipes, automobile parts, drinking cups and other food containers and carpet backing, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry.
Studies in the lab, animals and humans -- particularly workers in industries such as reinforced plastic that expose them to higher than normal levels of the chemical -- suggest that exposure to styrene causes damage in white blood cells, or lymphocytes and may raise the risk of lymphohematopoietic cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
There is also evidence exposure may raise the risk of esophageal and pancreatic cancer among styrene-exposed workers, according to the Report on Carcinogens, prepared by the National Toxicology Program, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
The report also issued its strongest warning about two other chemicals, formaldehyde (widely used as a preservative) and a botanical known as aristolochic acids, adding both to the list of "known" carcinogens.
"The strength of this report lies in the rigorous scientific review process," said Ruth Lunn, director of the National Toxicology Program Office of the Report on Carcinogens, in a news release.
Aristolochic acids have been shown to cause high rates of bladder or upper urinary tract cancer in people with kidney or renal disease who consumed botanical products containing aristolochic acids, according to the report. Despite a U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning against the use of products containing aristolochic acids, it can still be purchased on the Internet and abroad, particularly in herbal products used to treat arthritis, gout and inflammation.

Formaldehyde has long been listed as a substance "reasonable anticipated" to cause cancer after animal studies showed it increased the risk of nasal cancer. Since then, additional studies in humans have shown exposure increases the risk for certain types of rare cancers, including nasopharyngeal (the nasopharnyx is the upper part of the throat behind the nose), sinonasal and myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells, prompting federal officials to strengthen its warning.
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is widely used to make resins for household items, such as composite wood products, paper product coatings, plastics, synthetic fibers, and textile finishes. Formaldehyde is also used as a preservative in medical laboratories, mortuaries, and in some hair straightening products.
Representatives of industry took issue with the addition of both formadelhyde and styrene to the NTP's list.
"It will unfairly scare workers, plant neighbors and could have a chilling effect on the development of new products," Tom Dobbins, a spokesman for the American Composites Manufacturers Association, told The New York Times. "Our companies are primarily small businesses, and this could hurt jobs and local economies."
The federal panelists were quick to stress that the public shouldn't panic over the inclusion of any one substance in the Report on Carcinogens.
"A listing in the report does not by itself mean that a substance will cause cancer," John Bucher, associate director of the NTP, told Bloomberg News in a conference call with reporters. Many factors, including the amount and duration of exposure, as well as an individual's susceptibility can affect whether a person will develop cancer.

Also, it is recommended to see:

Good eating is not a punishment, but an opportunity

More vitamin D, More health

Chemical Found in Foam Cups

Turkey consumption improves energy levels

Drink plenty of water in the summer

Do you know how encourage children to eat more veggies?

Which Vitamins are Good for Fertility?

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Fatty Liver Diet

Health Benefits of Grapes

Blueberries can ward off memory problems