The Super Foods That Can Help Fight Heart Disease

      Heart disease continues to be the primary cause of death in the United States, according to the C.D.C.  In addition to this, about 12% of the country has been diagnosed with some type of heart disease and more than 600,000 people will lose their lives this year alone from this mostly unnecessary disorder.

One main reason for heart disease is maintaining a high fat diet that clogs the arteries.  Dishes that are rich in saturated fats and have little to no nutrient benefit will only carry you so far. Eventually, the arteries get choked on plaque and your heart is not able to pump blood easily throughout your body. Plaque that builds up along the artery's walls is not simply brushed out like plaque on the teeth. 

A solution to stopping and possibly reversing heart disease is eating a diet that contains unsaturated fats, like essential fatty acids from fish oil, for example.  Plus, your diet ought to include dietary fiber which are available in green leafy vegetables.  This form of fare will support decreasing low density lipids as well.

An excellent way to get your recommended daily serving of vital antioxidants and essential fatty acids is to make a tossed salad by tossing a portion of chopped salmon with walnuts, bell pepper and diced orange segments over a bed of spinach.

Kidney beans is an especially adaptable source of fiber. You can get a day's worth of calcium, potassium and fiber with a small bowl of bean chili by adding a can of Mexican-style diced tomatoes, with a can of drained kidney beans, heat and serve. This dish is low in fat and low in cholesterol.

Eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and you will certainly start your day off right.  Try adding in a handful of nuts and you can give your body an antioxidant boost and the power which will get you out of the house. You should stay away from the instant flavored oatmeal assortments as it has too much sugar and other additives. 

With a healthy, well balanced diet, you too can help fight heart disease and lower your cholesterol.
   

Your Lifestyle May Affect Your Ability To Maintain Healthy Cholesterols

      It is not uncommon for people to experience high levels of cholesterol in ones bloodstream. However, you do need to take corrective action.  Cholesterol management can help you to avoid many health problems associated with heart disease. The only problem is that many people  do not understand what steps are necessary in order to help reduce these levels. Not realizing there are alternative approaches to reducing cholesterol many people end up with prescription medication from their doctor.

Most of the doctors prescribe statin drugs to help correct the problem. However, these medications have various side effects like blockage of the production of CoQ10. They also have another major side effect referred to as rhabdomyolysis. This is a condition whereby cells burst releasing their contents into the bloodstream causing pain.  When the cellular debris is released into the bloodstream, it is the duty of the kidneys to clean it up. In extreme conditions where the kidneys are overwhelmed, can lead to kidney failure and even death. To avoid complications, most people try to avoid statin drugs and deal with high cholesterol.

Why are they still being prescribed? First, it is important to note that the drugs do reduce cholesterol levels. This can happen even without doing any exercises or changing ones diet. Also, most doctors are more comfortable prescribing medications and may not be as familiar with natural supplements to lower cholesterol. On the other hand, there are physicians that are able to accomplish the same result using natural remedies.

The other major question many ask is whether there is a better solution. Of course there are many methods to manage your cholesterol levels safely and without much cost. If you are already taking statin drugs, you can ask for alternatives or have your liver function monitored closely.

Aside from this, there are different natural foods and herbs you can take to manage your cholesterol. The first one is alfalfa herb which contains saponins in the seeds. This helps block atherosclerotic plaque formation which happens when there is accumulation of cholesterol. The seeds strike the low-density lipoprotein in the blood replacing it with high-density lipoprotein.

Another helpful produce is garlic. Many people know about its medicinal properties. It has been used in treating many diseases over the centuries. Garlic, just like many other vegetables contains a high concentration of organosulfur. It is actually four times that in most other vegetables. This sulfur is very helpful in cholesterol management because it helps increase HDL levels. It also reduces clotting in blood vessels hence one can enjoy good circulation. As you can see, there a number of ways to naturally reduce your cholesterol.  The important thing is to consult with your physician to determine the most effective course of treatment for you.

Millions Of Americans Are Avoiding The Dentist

Oral health and maintenance is a very important part of a healthy lifestyle. Prevention and correction of dental problems is essential to stem the damage to one of the most important features of the human body. Many people are unable to effectively maintain their oral health due to a lack of dental coverage and end up avoiding the dentist. This is mainly due to loss of employment and downsizing by major businesses effecting employee dental benefits. People who are used to regular dental check-ups are looking at options for where they can get affordable dental benefits. One main question on their minds today is “What is the difference between Dental Insurance and a Discount Dental Plan?”

Managed care dental plans are restricted forms of dental insurance which aim at reducing costs and payouts. They tend to restrict the coverage by limiting the access to care by restrictions (by predefining dentist, specialist, hospital or treatments in form of lists) and restricting level, type and frequency of treatment (usually in form of clauses in the coverage policy). There is generally some paperwork involved and you simply make a small co-payment at time of service.  The dental insurance provider will reimburse the dentist for the claim of approved covered services and treatments. 

Despite these drawbacks, some companies offer dental benefits by group discount schemes. These are also called discount dental plans. These membership programs costs very little money monthly or annually and plan members can use dental services at a deeply discounted rate. The payment is made directly by the patient to the dentist, no paperwork or claims or future hassles.

The USDA Raises Recommended Portions Of Fruits And Vegetables

      I think that everyone is well aware by now that fruits and vegetables are the most wholesome food groups ever discovered. The problem that most people have is understanding how much to eat and which ones are the best antioxidant foods. A short time ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture refreshed its recommended dietary guidelines which now suggests that we consume five servings of a a range of of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.  The recommendations further spell out that the recommended portion size needs to be 3-4 ounces each. 

While there is truly no such thing as a bad fruit or vegetable, some offer more nutritious value than others.  As a matter of fact, citrus like tangerines and grapefruit are especially nutritious due to their superior antioxidant concentration of Vitamin C.  Cantaloupe melon is especially advantageous because it packs a substantial dose of vitamins 'A' and 'C' and Potassium. Interestingly,  one-quarter portion provides a little more than half the potassium as a banana with just half of the calorie consumption. On the subject of nutrients per calorie, strawberries are tough to match.  Eight strawberries incorporate thirty percent more Vitamin C than a half grapefruit with thirty percent fewer calories.

Vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers have the most Vitamin C containing good amounts of potassium. Additionally, both potatoes and tomatoes have the highest concentration of potassium.  Concerning nutrients per calorie, broccoli packs almost double the Vitamin C as an orange and as much potassium as a banana for a mere 45 calorie serving of just one medium stalk. You may be amazed to uncover that a three ounce serving of chopped red leaf lettuce has very high quantities of both Vitamin A and potassium.

Fruits and vegetables play an important role in our diet.  Don't forget, that for you to receive the maximum essential nutrients, they should be consumed without cooking to prevent a reduction in the amount of nutrients. Also, plenty of fruits and veggies that are in jars comprise added sugars and other additives to extend their storage life. Therefore, when buying canned produce, search for those that are either vacuum packaged or are stored in plain water.

Regrettably, as much as 75% of consumers are not consuming the recommended daily requirement of essential nutrients.  The fact of the matter is, nutritionists recommend that you purchase close to eight pounds of fruits and veggies per week so we can get our five daily amounts.  It would be surprising if households are eating even half of the advised quantities. That's why nutritional supplements have become so popular.  A large number of supplements have plenty of essential vitamins and minerals in a single tablet. It's a lot more convenient to take a capsule than to constantly dash out to the grocer. Also, natural supplements normally do not contain unnecessary carbs that are identified in a lot of produce, particularly those that are in jars. 

Regardless of how you dice it, we all will reap the rewards from eating  a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables each day.  They not only make your taste buds happy, but they are great for you too. Remember, the more antioxidant-rich items you devour, the stronger you will be.  Besides, it will give you the strength you want to carry out your daily tasks.
   
   

DIY Interior Design On A Small Budget

  You can still design your dream home even if you have a limited budget.  However, before starting an interior design project you need to decide how much money that you are able to spend.  Otherwise, you will never be aware of the true cost of your project. Actually, most homeowners today are working with limited resources. When you figure out your budget, then you can plan your interior design for all rooms. You don't have to complete every room at the same time, it is sometimes both physically and mentally more beneficial to concentrate on one room at a time. 

Even though paint will be one of the biggest costs of an interior decorating project, there are some tactics that you can employ to dramatically decrease the cost. As an example, you can use two or three colors to mix into hundreds of other colors and shades.  If you want to paint rooms blue, green, white and teal, for instance.  You can mix blue and yellow to make green then add white to make teal without having to buy a pre-mixed paint color. 

Kitchens are another item that can get rapidly expensive real fast. Rather than spend thousands of dollars to replace your kitchen cabinets why not paint and reface them? You don't need to spend a lot of money to transform your kitchen into a modern accomplishment by painting your cabinets white and refacing them with glass doors. You will be amazed how efficiently you can have a new kitchen on a tight budget.

Instead of buying all new living room furniture, you can buy a few new high quality furniture pieces and re-upholster some of your existing items, like sofas and chairs.  This has the effect of buying brand new furniture at half the cost.  Another great way to complement your interior design project is to accessorize your living space with art work and other distinct items.  A few small items can go a long way in decorating your home in your own theme. With a small budget and focusing on one room at a time and being a little creative, you will be able to accomplish your interior design project on a limited budget.

A Healthy Dose of Common Sense To Stay Fit

There are no scarcity of health food hype flooding today's marketplace. The challenge with these so-called fad foods is that they are just that, fads. Basically, there is no scientific records to back-up their statements.

It has always been said that it is most desirable to get your nutrition by having a variety of wholesome and nutrient-rich food items. Raw fruits and veggies are filled with vitamins and minerals. Lean protein contain necessary enzymes and other nutrients. Seafood has a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids which is very advantageous. Sometimes, because of eating behavior, heart conditions and other ailments it is appropriate for  individuals to take natural supplements to restore nutrients that may be in short supply.

When it comes to losing weight there is no miracle elixir that will swiftly trim your waist line. The tried and true strategy that has worked for decades is still the best way. If you need to gain weight you simply store more calories than you burn. On the other hand, to lose weight you consume less calories and exercise more. To illustrate, if you consume 3,300 calories per day but burn off only 800 calories you are sure to increase weight. The more caloric content you snack, the more caloric content you will be required to exercise to get rid of the excess calories. Ingesting diets rich in complex carbohydrates and saturated fats like fried dishes and pasta slows down your metabolic process which makes it harder to slim down. Meals that are rich in healthy proteins like poultry and certain seafood can rev up your metabolism making it easier for your system to burn calories.

Finally, you need a way to flush the extra fat from your body. There is nothing better than water as it has no calories or any other chemicals that will get in the way. If you drink a lot of sugary beverages, then you are hampering your purpose. All it takes is a healthy dose of common sense and a balance of natural foods with sensible portions to stay fit.

Is It Too Late To Stop Childhood Obesity In America?

      Is it too late to solve the growing trend of obesity in children? In order to attempt weight loss for kids it is very important to realize the basic sources including lack of exercise, poor diet or a clinical problem.  The public schools are part of the problem too.  As part of an effort to cut expenditures, most schools keep students under lock and key for most of the day and only allow them out for a few short minutes of time. Although school days are longer than in the past, physical fitness time has been greatly diminished. To make matters worse, nearly all school districts do not provide the kinds of meals that would persuade children and teenagers to eat healthy. Yet, the bottom line is, it is still up to the parent's to help their children sustain a healthy and balanced weight.

Typically, the height and weight for kids should be proportionate.  A child is considered morbidly obese when they have an excessive amount of body fat.  Because children grow in their own way, only your physician can determine if their body mass is in the normal range or not.  Sometimes a child will become overweight as a consequence of a medical issue.  Other times it is a result of not eating enough of the proper things to eat and not having enough physical exercise. 

The optimum time to tackle childhood obesity is before they grow up.  This is because overweight kids tend to be overweight adults.  Also, the excessive weight can put an unsafe burden on their growing body including their heart and back.  This can cause a multitude of weakening health concerns like diabetes and back pain.

In addition to conceivable health damage, overweight children may likely also experience mental challenges. Children that are overweight can become depressed and some become affected from low self image.  Also, it is more difficult to lose weight as kids get older. 

Forming a weight loss routine for kids and teens will give them the resources they need to be able to handle their weight through adulthood.  If it is to be successful, it is highly recommended for the whole family become involved.  Speak with your family doctor to build a variety of healthy food products and exercise drills.  Have your kids choose food items from a list of healthy products. Encourage your kids to enjoy fruit slices rather than candy for a snack.  It is normally alright for kids to have a piece of candy or a soft drink as long as it is in moderation and not a food group.

With a combination of diet and exercise you can help stop childhood obesity.  Bike riding, swimming, playing outside with their pals, walking the dog around the neighborhood and playing sports are good examples.  A child's weight challenges is too important to ignore. You can work with them to reduce weight and live a happier life that reduces their probability of health concerns to help stop childhood obesity in America.
   

Preventing Osteoporosis

Bone strengthening calcium is is the primary mineral that is necessary to build and maintain bone structure.  After all, 99% of calcium is stored in your bones and teeth.  What’s more, we require calcium for a smooth vascular contraction, muscle functionality, nerve signal transmission and other important and vital substantial functions. 

Most men and women get their normal calcium mineral resources from the foods that they eat.  Dairy goods like milk and plain yogurt contain the most calcium.  In fact, an eight ounce serving of plain yogurt actually possesses 40% more calcium than an eight ounce glass of milk. Other good sources of calcium are vegetables, such as Chinese cabbage. The foods fortified with calcium include many fruit juices and cereals. In addition, many antacid medications contain calcium due to its capacity to reduce the effects of stomach acids.

Seeing as our bones change over time, the amount of calcium that is stored also changes. As adults age, additional calcium is needed than in their childhood to give protection to the teeth and bones.  Unfortunately, many adults aren't getting a satisfactory amount of this important nutrient in their diet when their bodies need it most. Therefore, their bones begin to break down and become brittle. For this reason, calcium supplements can be very beneficial to help prevent that from developing.

Calcium supplements are available in two forms which are carbonate and citrate.  Either formulas are well absorbed.  It should be noted that calcium citrate is best taken with food and calcium carbonate can be taken on an empty stomach. The level of calcium that the body can absorb will depend on the total quantity of the supplement that is taken in each dose.  The Institute of Medicine recommends taking less than 500 milligrams per dose for optimum absorption benefits. So if you need to take 1,000 milligrams per day, you would just take two 500 mg doses per day for maximal absorption.

High dosages of calcium can result in health problems.  While taking health supplements it is important to follow the recommended dosing instructions.  Also, before taking supplements it is a good idea to check with your medical practitioner to ensure they will not interact with any medications you may be taking.

The Anti-Oxidant Power of Vitamin C

      Vitamin C is probably the most well-known of the vitamin family. Although most people associate Vitamin C with oranges, it is also commonly found in other citrus fruits like lemon and kumquats in addition to cabbage and cantaloupe. Also, juices and breakfast cereals are often fortified with Vitamin C.

An interesting fact that may amaze you is that a one-half cup serving of diced raw red pepper contains 40% more Vitamin C than a medium orange. Try tossing some sliced uncooked red peppers and oranges in your salad for an antioxidant boost. 

How to know whether or not you are getting enough Vitamin C?  If your only source of the vitamin is with a once daily glass of orange juice, then you're probably not getting an ample amount of this necessary nutrient.  Vitamin C is readily absorbed and rapidly released by the body which is why it is hard to obtain your daily resources from your foods unless you are taking in five helpings of raw fruits and vegetables that have a high content of Vitamin C everyday. Unfortunately, the vitamin content is diminished with prolonged storage of food items that are fortified with the vitamin.  Aside from that, adding heat to fruits and vegetables also decreases the Vitamin C content.  For these reasons, swallowing Vitamin C supplements is highly common.

Vitamin C is a critical element in helping your body to maintain its immune system to overcome illnesses, bacterial infections and teeth loss.  While Vitamin C isn't a cure for the common cold, having an ample supply of the nutrient in your body will help rescue your body from those symptoms.  This might result in getting colds less often or at least in a milder form if you do get them. Those that are most at risk for Vitamin C deficiency includes folks that smoke, eat a small food variety, or have a chronic condition.

Research has shown that Vitamin C is well tolerated at high doses.  Still, it is important to follow the label instructions and never take more than the recommended amounts of Vitamin C supplements. Also, you should consult with your health care professional before using multi-vitamin supplements to be sure that there will not be an interaction with any medications you may be taking.