Watermelon contains several antioxidants, which are the deterrent to ill health. It gives you vitamin C for protection against health problems, such as colds, flus, eye diseases and more. It contains vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin. It aides in cholesterol reduction, which if not reduced can lead to a stroke or a heart attack. Watermelon can help to reduce symptoms of diabetes, asthma, arthritis and more.

Watermelon also contains an important carotenoid, lycopene. Lycopene can help to prevent cancer, particularly lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer and the list keeps on growing.

If you could use a little more pep in your step, watermelon contains vitamin B, specifically vitamin B1 and vitamin B6, which give a great energy boost to our body.

Are you trying to lose a few pounds? Reach for a cup of watermelon. It will quench your thirst as it consists of a great deal of water and it has only 50 calories for a full cup. By substituting a cup of watermelon each day for one meal, you will cut out a lot of calories.

Science researchers are finding that watermelon has another benefit that you may not be aware of. Watermelon relaxes the blood vessels. This is not to say that it will react to your body for the same reason that men take some pills, but it does relax the blood vessels in the body, organ nonspecific. Who can't use a little relaxation?

What is a good watermelon? What does it look like? A good tasting, perfect watermelon is a deep pink color with dark seeds. The outside of the watermelon should be a medium green, not too light. It should be without white streaks.

Another important factor to look for when you are selecting your watermelon is the underside of the watermelon. You will want to find a marking on the watermelon that appears to be either a pale yellow or white. This establishes the spot where the watermelon lies while it was ripening. If this marking is not apparent on the outer side of the watermelon, you could be looking at one that has been taken too soon.

With all of these amazing health benefits watermelon is considered to be one of the "perfect foods" in this world. See, who says that healthy food cannot taste good too?

In another study, people were tracked for 20 years and the number of heart attacks was recorded and analysed (3). Data from the Framingham Study backed up this particular project. The results completely contradict what we have been told so far. As margarine consumption increased, heart attacks went up. As butter consumption increased, heart attacks declined. During the second decade, the group eating the most margarine had 77% more heart attacks than the group eating none!

The Framingham Study is considered to be the research project backing up the conventional theories for heart disease and cholesterol for many decades now. After 40 years, the director of the study had to admit: "In Framingham, the more saturated fat one ate, the more cholesterol one ate, the more calories one ate, the lower the person's serum cholesterol. . . we found that the people who ate the most cholesterol, ate the most saturated fat, ate the most calories, weighed the least and were the most physically active."

I guess that the point to take home from the above studies, is that things are not always the way they are presented by the media. It has become imperative to be very careful when we choose our sources of information concerning health issues.

References

1.Theodore, RF., Thompson, JMD., et al. Dietary patterns and intelligence in early and middle childhood, Intelligence. 2009; 37(5):506-513
2.C. Oomen, M. Ocke, et al, "Association between trans fatty acid intake and 10-year risk of coronary heart disease in the Zutphen Elderly Study: The Lancet, Volume 357, Issue 9258, Pages 746-751
3. ]]> http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/products-to-take-advantage-of-from-alkaline-kangen-water.html http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/products-to-take-advantage-of-from-alkaline-kangen-water.html Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:57:46 +0000
1. Super 501

If you are looking for quality, this is the top of the line for heavy home use. It is an extremely productive machine that comes with a whopping 12 electrode plates, a twin hose system, and an incredible cleaning system. If that were not enough, it also features a build-in tank for the electrolysis enhancer and a water pressure regulating function that is ideal for a large family.

2. Leveluk SD501-U

This is the newest addition to their superb line of quality products that offers pure power and quality directly to your kitchen sink. No longer will you have to sacrifice your counter space as this unit allows you to operate it with a fully featured compact LCD wall-mounted control panel. It is fully automatic making it easier to use than ever and it generates a number of different kinds of water.

3. JR II

A middle-grade system from Kangen Water is the JR II which is a true energy saver. This system has three solid electrode plates that will help reduce the energy consumption. Because of the solid platinum-coated titanium plates, it can still produce the strong acid and strong Kangen waters these systems are known for. This is perfect for small families or couples because of the lower power consumption and fewer plates.

4. SD 501

This is one of the most popular models available as it features 7 electrode plates and produces water with a higher negative ORP. It is fully automatic and comes with a built-in tank that is perfect for the electrolysis enhancer. Although it is larger than the SUNUS, it is still rather compact.

5. SUNUS

If you are looking for improved water quality but do not need anything above and beyond, the SUNUS unit is perfect for you. This is the starter model for home use as the compact size makes it convenient for traveling or moving. Although it does not produce the strong alkaline or acidic waters, it will produce all drinking waters and improve the overall quality.

These are just a few of the many products you can find today. Whether you are looking for the top of the line unit or something to improve your water, there is a little bit of everything from Kangen to choose from.

]]> http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/get-a-thin-girlfriend-are-you-fit-for-it.html http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/get-a-thin-girlfriend-are-you-fit-for-it.html Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:17:34 +0000
Are you one of those people that only wants to date a thin man or woman?

Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately?

Are you asking for something that you are not even delivering yourself? If you answered "yes" to some of these questions, where do you go from here?

Perhaps you have wanted to make changes but are unsure of how to start. I know that you have read many articles regarding weight loss and can't decide which is better, low-fat, low-carbohydrate, high-protein, and so forth.

Before we get to that question, I want you to be aware of a medical term. This term is called the Basal Metabolic Rate or BMR. The BMR is how many calories your body burns while at total rest. This value is influenced by, age, current weight, height, sex, and many other factors. If you search online, you will find many online calculators. For example, my BMR is about 1542 Calories per day. This number is then multiplied by a factor to get an estimate of my total caloric needs. I my case, I would multiply by 1.55, the factor for a moderately active person, to the BMR. This results in a total caloric intake of 2390 Calories to maintain my current weight.

The difference between the BMR and my total caloric needs, is only 848 Calories. I now want make a ratio of this difference to my full caloric requirement. This ratio becomes 848 / 2390, or 35%.

This means that there is only a 35% difference between what I need to eat to live and what I need to eat with an active lifestyle and not gain weight! That is not much of a difference to work with.

If we look at some high Calorie foods, we can see how little this is. Two oatmeal cookies are about 250 Calories and one cup of butter pecan ice cream will pile on 600 Calories. We have already eaten our 850 Calorie difference!

So, how do we solve this difficult problem?

The answer is simple and not so simple at the same time. Despite all the variations in diet types that you may be aware of, if you burn up more calories than you consume, you will lose weight. If you burn less, you will gain weight. This is a well proven fact.

One way to do this is by calorie counting. There are numerous software tools, many for free, that will help you accomplish this task. I downloaded a free program to my iPhone called "Lose It!" that I use to record each meal and keep track of my daily intake. I find it fun to use and very helpful.

It is true that there are problems with calorie counting as it is tedious and it is sometimes difficult to know the portion size. But, it is still a good way to start and learn how much you can eat.

Here are some easy tips to follow:

Be sure to see your doctor before you embark on any diet or exercise plan
Don't skip meals as it is associated with obesity
Eat slowly giving enough time for the "I've eaten enough" feeling to develop
Eat a healthy diet
Avoid liquid calories
Find a sports activity you enjoy and can do regularly

For more information on this and other dating and health topics, please visit my website at www.get-that-girlfriend.com.

The next time that you decide that you want a skinny girlfriend, remember the old saying, "What is good for the goose is good for the gander."

Now, that is some food for thought!

This article is not meant to serve as medical advice or treatment and is provided for informational and entertainment purposes. Please see your doctor before starting any exercise or diet program.
]]> http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/how-to-use-a-calorie-counter.html http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/how-to-use-a-calorie-counter.html Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:51:11 +0000
A calorie counter is an online program that allows you to put in the foods you're eating to find out exactly how many calories you are consuming every day. Many people are not aware of how many calories different kinds of foods have. For instance, if you are going out to lunch and you go to a sandwich shop to grab a bite to eat, the eatery might not have a calorie handout with nutrition facts. Therefore, if you are on a diet, how are you supposed to know where that particular lunch will put you calorie-wise? The answer is the calorie counter. Simply punch in the kind of bread and condiments on your sandwich as well as the type of meats and veggies you've added and the calorie counter will give you an estimated calorie count for your food. It can also help you become more aware of the calories to be expected in different types of meals.

When you can become more aware of the calories you are consuming, you will have more of a chance of being able to take control of your weight. With a calorie counter on your desktop, simply keep track of the foods you are eating on a daily basis to find out where you are having your problems. If you find out that one particular lunch is delivering many more calories than you originally believed, you can cut back and therefore cut back those pounds.

Many people believe that losing weight is all in their heads. The truth is that it is a simple mathematic equation. If you burn more calories than you consume, you will lose weight. With a calorie counter, you can become more aware of the calories you are consuming and therefore alter your lifestyle to lose weight. In many cases, the calorie counter has been the difference between fat and fabulous. ]]> http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/what-are-the-hidden-dangers-of-soy.html http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/what-are-the-hidden-dangers-of-soy.html Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:41:25 +0000
And of course, it's good for you, right?

Not so, according to Dianne Gregg, author of The Hidden Dangers of Soy from Outskirts Press (www.hiddensoy.com). Her research has shown that too much soy in your diet can cause symptoms such as nausea, bloating, gastric disorders, unusual weight gain, thyroid disease, palpitations, shortness of breath and lack of energy.

"The image of soy is that it's this protein-packed guardian of health, but there is more and more evidence to show it's anything but that," she said. "Soy can cause thyroid damage, infertility, low testosterone in men, hair loss, digestive problems, early puberty in girls, and the development of breasts in boys. There are claims that soy lowers cholesterol, but in 2005 the American Heart Association retracted their endorsement because their studies showed that there was only a three percent decline in cholesterol levels and it wasn't significant enough to make that claim. In fact, it's been documented that prisoners in Illinois are getting sick because meat products have been replaced with soy-based products."

Soy beans are used in a wide array of food products, oils, soap, cosmetics, resins, plastics, inks, crayons, solvents, and clothing. Soybean oil is the primary source of biodiesel in the United States, accounting for 80 percent of domestic biodiesel production. Soybeans have also been used since 2001 as fermenting stock in the manufacture of a brand of vodka. It's a great commercial crop for American farmers, and is now grown on more acres than even corn.

"In today's market it's challenging to escape the reach of soy, because more than 60 percent of the food commercially available contains some form of soy," she said. "Even the fast food industry is getting into the game by claiming zero trans fats on many of their menu items, when in fact they are using soybean oil for frying and adding soy flour as filler to hamburger meat to increase their profits."

Gregg said there are three key tips for reducing your soy intake:

• Stop feeding infants soy formula that has been shown to disrupt reproduction development and increase allergy risks.
• More than 60% of the foods on the grocery store shelves contain some form of soy. It's important to know what to look for when it's not listed on the label. Most sauces, broths, canned soups and salad dressings contain soy, although it is not always listed as an ingredient on the label because the product is used in processing the foods, as opposed to as a direct ingredient.
• Stop drinking soy milk and eating soy products, except for unfermented soy which consists of miso, natto, and tempeh. Eat more grains, vegetables, fruits and wild fish as an alternative source for protein.

"The FDA is the culprit for the proliferation of soy, because it has allowed big agri-businesses who have been funding political campaigns for years to cut corners in their food production by using cheap fillers like soy, pesticides, herbicides and now, genetically modified foods," Gregg said. "Many of these are the same agents the Environmental Protection Agency claims cause cancer. In fact, the EPA considers 60 percent of all herbicides, 90 percent of all fungicides and 30 percent of all insecticides carcinogenic. So why is the FDA allowing farmers to use them in our food? It's time to safeguard our homes from these foods, and at the same time, demand the government stop giving big corporate farmers a free ride at the expense of our health." ]]> http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/5-kinds-of-water-you-can-produce-from-kangen-water-machine.html http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/5-kinds-of-water-you-can-produce-from-kangen-water-machine.html Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:22:45 +0000
1. Strong Kangen
The first kind of water is strong Kangen, which will help preserve hygiene because of the strong cleaning effect it has. It contains absorbing, dissolving and heat conducting benefits. You will want to use this kind of water for removing stains like coffee or oil, cleaning cutting boards and dishcloths, and preparing foods likes green onions, bamboo, and wasabi.

2. Kangen water
Kangen water has a pH level of 8-10 which is ideal for drinking. When compared to tap water, this kind of water has no unpleasant odor, it tastes lighter, and has a pleasant and sweet flavor. Drinking at least 2 liters of this water per day may deliver tremendous health benefits to your body. You can also use it for your pets, plants, coffee and tea, rice and food preparation.

3. Clean water
The third kind of water this unit will produce is clean water, which contains a pH level of 7. It is free of chlorine, rust and cloudiness and is delicious for drinking. This is the kind of water you will want to use to prepare baby food and should also be used to drink any medicine you may be taking.

4. Acidic water
Next on the list is acidic water with a pH level of 4-6. This is known for its astringent effect and comes with numerous ways you can use it. First, it is the ideal water to use for face wash as the astringent properties are extremely effective with toning and firming your skin. It can also reduce tangling and bring out a radiant shine to your hair. Other uses for acidic water include pet care, washing fruits and vegetables, removing dirt from hardwood floors and counters, and cleaning dishes.

5. Strong acidic
The final kind of water a Kangen water unit can produce is strong acidic water, which contains a pH level of 2.7 and below. This water has an amazingly strong disinfecting power as it can kill all known germs and bacteria. Because of this, you will want to use this water for cleaning and sanitizing various items like cutting boards, knives, and different parts of the kitchen. You can also use this water to disinfect your hands, toothbrush, or to brush your teeth with.

]]> http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/eating-healthy-while-saving-money.html http://www.articlesworld.info/health-and-fitness/nutrition/eating-healthy-while-saving-money.html Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:24:23 +0000
In many cases, healthy foods can be rather pricey compared to their more processed alternatives. Today, when everyone wants to watch their budget, cost cutting is the name of the game and our diets frequently suffer as a result. However, there are a number of ways to save money and still eat reasonably healthy foods, rather than sacrificing one for the other.

What is healthy eating?

In the last twenty years dieticians have gone from the Four Food Groups to two separate incarnations of the food pyramid. Specific proportions may vary, but some rules of thumb for healthy eating still apply.

Adults should consume a minimum number of calories per day to meet the body's energy needs, while exercising enough to keep their weight stable. People need a certain number of vitamins and minerals, plus plenty of water and supplemental nutrients like fiber to help the body function properly.

The general theme of healthy eating is one of balance. Certain fats and LDL cholesterol are good for the body, while trans fats should be avoided. Organic foods are definitely a healthy choice, as they lack the chemical content of pesticide-treated foods, allowing consumers better control of what goes into their bodies.

However, no one list can say what is healthy for ‘everyone,' because each person has different requirements. Advising people to eat organic, whole-wheat toast for fiber and healthy carbohydrates is great, until you realize that some people's bodies can't process the gluten in wheat.

Also, some people may indulge in certain less wholesome foods that don't automatically ruin an otherwise healthy diet, when considered against the whole picture. After all, if you're eating a fruit and vegetable heavy diet, with protein from easily digested sources like eggs and soy, having the occasional slice of white bread is not going to sabotage your diet.

The trick is to look for your specific nutritional needs, your personal tastes and preferences, and to then balance your diet around them.

OK, but what about that expensive part?

Choosing organic over heavily processed foods is healthier, but it also can be pricier, making the decision a bit difficult. Today we have a great variety of tools at our disposal, new and old, to keep the prices down. Fresh produce is often less expensive that pre-packaged foods. For example, a banana often costs less than a candy bar and is a much healthier choice.

Cash in on coupons and promotions.

Generally your local market will send out ads detailing all the deals they're planning to offer over the next week, as well as a variety of in-store coupons. With organic foodstuffs seeing greater demand every year, stores are beginning to include these goods in their promotions.

There are a number of websites that offer weekly tips and updates on the shopping deals available in a particular area, so do a little research, clip some coupons, and look for deals. Many stores are beginning to offer online-only promotions, with coupons or vouchers printed from their websites.

Tap into your local farming community.

Join a local producers' newsgroup, and shop around for deals. If your local supermarket is selling organic zucchini at fifty cents a pound, but a friend at the farmer's market is supplying it for thirty, you know where to go. Network with people and keep in touch. A few minutes spent on the news board each day can save you hundreds in the long run.

Plant your own garden.

Maximize your outdoor space to plant anything from peas and peppers to lettuce and tomatoes. Even if you only have enough room for a few herbs that you grow indoors, that can add up to savings.

Any effort to save money requires a little time and thought. If you want to eat healthy without draining your wallet, take a half hour each week to do the research and prepare your strategy. Approach the effort as a challenge, rather than an obstacle and you'll be on your way to healthy eating that won't break the bank. ]]>