Posts Tagged ‘vegetables’
Foods high in fiber
photo by: www.flickr.com/photos/a-culinary-photo-journal/3133739205/
Digestive Health – The facts on fiber and why it’s important
by Ann Blanton
If you want to reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, the key component is to eat a high fiber diet. Most people don’t even come close to consuming the amounts that are required on a daily basis. On average, most adults obtain as little as ten to fifteen grams of fiber a day.
What is it?
Fiber is a main factor for a healthy well-balanced diet. It’s a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest and comes from plant based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and legumes. Without being broken down into nutrients, fiber passes completely through the digestive tract rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Why it’s important
Fiber offers cancer fighting properties and prevent certain types of cancer. The edible section of plants are opposed to absorption and have maximum helpful elements to fight against disease..
Other health factors for a high fiber diet include: a reduction in blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, glucose levels and inflammation. It also promotes weight loss because it produces fullness in the intestines by decreasing food intake.
How much is enough
The recommended intake should consist of 14 grams for every one thousand calories you take in on a daily basis. So if you’re consumption is two thousand calories, you should be eating at least 28 grams of fiber.
To determine how much fiber is enough, depends on your age and gender. Women 50 and younger, should aim for 25 grams a day. Those 51 and over, should be getting 21 grams each day. Men 50 and younger, should include a maximum intake of 38 grams, and men 51 and over should try to get 30 grams on a daily basis.
Types of fiber
There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble dissolves in water and is found in most fruits It forms into a gel in the digestive tract and allows food to move quickly through the system. Soluble fiber also maintains healthy cholesterol levels and promotes a much healthier cardiovascular system. Insoluble fiber is quite the reverse and does not evaporate in liquid. Instead, it adds bulk to the stool and passes quickly through the stomach and intestines unless there is fat, protein or soluble fiber to slow down the process. Both types are recommended daily for a well-balanced diet.
Soluble fiber foods
The foods listed below foods are high in soluble fiber and are loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients and can also help reduce cholesterol levels.
Plums, pears, prunes
Grapefruits, oranges, lemons and limes
oatmeal
Brussel sprouts, broccoli
lentils
carrots
chick peas
kidney pinto and lima beans
Insoluble fiber foods
Foods that are high in insoluble fiber incorporate the kernel and the bran. The bran is the outer portion that covers the kernel. Here is a list of the following foods.
Whole grain breads and cereals
Wheat bran
Whole wheat flour, bread and cereal
Granola
Seeds and nuts
Popcorn
Beans, lentils and brown rice
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and cranberries
Grapes and raisins
Cherries
Pineapple
Peaches, pears, nectarines and apricots
Apples, oranges and melons
Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, lettuce and collards
Corn and peas such as snow, snap and pea pods
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussel sprouts
Onions, shallots, leeks, scallions, green peppers, celery and garlic
Eggplant
Cucumbers and tomatoes
Tip:
You should never eat these foods alone or on an empty stomach. Insoluble fiber foods should always be eaten with large quantities of soluble fiber to keep the gastro colic reflex steady This stimulates the movement into the gastrointestinal tract.
Benefits
There are many health benefits from eating a high fiber diet. Some of them are listed below:
Lowers bad cholesterol levels, LDL
Reduces the risk of certain types of cancer such as prostrate, breast, ovarian and uterine. According to clinical studies, there are conflicting results whether a high fiber diet can prevent colon cancer.
Lowers the risk of developing hemorrhoids and diverticular disease, which are small pouches in the colon
Improves blood sugar levels and Diabetes
Helps prevent heart disease
Relieves irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Reduces the formation of gallstones and kidney stones because it regulates blood sugar
Skin breakouts and rashes
Inhibits the severity of a stroke and the chances of recovery
Assists healthy weight management
So, get in your daily dose of fiber and greatly improve your health.
Always, I appreciate your feedback, so leave all your comments.
I’ve had many articles published at Fitness Plus Magazine. Here’s the link to view them if you want to check them out. http://fitplusmag.com/magazine/author/annblanton/ I also had a story story published as an anthology in a book titled, “Heartscapes”.
John 6:35: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
To barf or not to barf
Posted on: January 23, 2013
- In: Nutrition
- 48 Comments
This is my dog, Peaches. Isn’t she adorable?
Proper nutrition is just as important for our four-legged friends as it is for humans.
To barf or not to barf
by Ann Blanton
Do you and Fido spend hours at the vet for allergies, dry itchy skin, hot spots, dental problems and a host of other diseases? If so, have you considered switching your cherished companion to an all-natural food plan? It may sound difficult, but after you read this blog post, you’ll have all the information you need to put your pet on the road to good health and nutrition.
Maybe you’re one of the millions of people who currently practice good nutrition. If so, has it improved your health; maybe even extended your life? Good nutrition is just as important for your pets’ health as it for humans, so why not do the same thing for your loyal companion? With proper nutrition, your four-legged friends can be just as healthy, happy and free from disease as their owners.
What is it?
Barf, which means, bone and raw food, consists of fresh meat, including bones and vegetables that are uncooked unlike commercial dog foods. What’s more, the barf diet is organic, not processed, has no preservatives, grains additives; fillers or byproducts; and contain only the highest quality of fresh ingredients.
The fresh food plan was designed to improve the health of your pet with evolutionary nutrition. Holistic veterinarians have been prescribing the barf diet to their patients for many years with beneficial results. “I agree with the barf diet, because it is based on what dog’s ancestors and current wild canids eat,” says homeopathic veterinarian, Dr Susan Maier. “It contains what their bodies naturally need to provide optimum health.”
Raw or ground?
That’s up to you. But, if you’re like most people, with little or no free time, preparation can be very time consuming. A number of web sites offer fresh quality ground meat, (bones included) and vegetables that are properly prepared, prepackaged and ready to be delivered frozen right to your door. All you need to do is thaw out the package in the refrigerator and serve your dog his favorite meal.
By now, if you’re thinking how disgusting this sounds, consider this. Although, your canine is a beloved family member, all dogs are still considered hunters and scavengers who thrive on raw meat. That’s why dogs who barf, make cheerful and much stronger companions for years to come.
Let’s take a look at some of the healthy benefits that raw foods provide.
Teeth, gums and breath – When feeding commercial dog foods, most dogs accumulate tarter build up which often leads to bad breath and sometimes even tooth loss. Hence, when feeding raw crunchy bones, you won’t have to worry about expensive cleanings because it naturally eliminates plaque and freshens breath.
“Dogs on raw food have healthier mouths and overall, very little tarter. Some of the “doggie” breath is related to an imbalance of micro flora in the gut,” explains Dr. Maier. “The odor may come from the mouth or stomach. Processing kibble often destroys many nutrients in the food, leading to an imbalance in the micro flora.”
Skin and coat – If you’re dog has dry itching skin, a sparse coat or infections, the barf diet is just what the doctor ordered. “By providing the proper nutrients, in the most digestible form provides the building blocks needed for a healthy coat,” Dr. Maier says.
Allergies – “Many allergies are because of poor nutrition, causing leaky gut syndrome,” says homeopathic veterinarian, speaker and author, Dr. Christina Chambreau. “Most dogs’ allergies resolve because of the nutrition and improved vibrational pattern.”
Disease – “Every disease can be helped with a fresh food diet as it provides the nutrients needed for health,” explains Dr. Chambreau.
Foods to feed – Feeding Fido proteins like beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, pork, vegetables and fruit can improve physical well-being. You might also consider adding dairy and yogurt to Fido’s new diet. Thus, when feeding yogurt, make sure it contains active, live cultures. These cultures are a natural form of Probiotics that help aid digestion.
Foods to avoid – Dr. Chambreau says, “Avoid grapes and raisins because of the recent deaths caused from them. Avoid large amounts of onions, (garlic is ok). No chocolate.”
Supplements – Calcium is an essential vitamin; but if your dog is consuming crunchy raw bones, calcium is not necessary.
Water consumption – Unlike highly processed kibble, the water from a fresh food diet has not been removed. The barf diet has a higher moisture content, so if Fido is drinking less, don’t panic.
Making the transition – According to Steve Brown, co-author of “See Spot Live Longer”, a properly prepared raw diet is a gradual process. “A good way to do it is to feed raw for one meal and kibble for another. The more fresh food for dogs, the better. There are many types of raw diets, but a properly prepared, ancestral-type diet is best because it is high in protein, has balanced fats, low in carbohydrates, antioxidants and a trace of mineral rich,” he explains.
Tips to remember – Always wash your hands after handling raw food. Keep counters clean and sanitized and thoroughly wash your pet’s bowl after each meal to prevent bacteria from setting in.
Now that you know all the basics to improve the optimal health of your best-friend, a properly balanced all-natural diet is by far, the best approach. If you’re still in doubt, here are a few helpful links for more information.
You can also purchase some useful books at the following links.
http://www.seespotlivelonger.com/home/sll/page_10
http://www.seespotlivelonger.com/home/sll/page_9/unlocking_the_canine_ancestral_diet.html
I would love to hear your feedback, so send me all your comments.
I’ve had many articles published at Fitness Plus Magazine. Here’s the link to view them if you want to check them out. http://fitplusmag.com/magazine/author/annblanton/ Currently, I just had my first short story titled, “Shattered Spirits”, published as an anthology in a book titled, “Heartscapes”.
Fit and Fabulous over Fifty
Posted on: November 30, 2012
- In: Fitness
- 4 Comments
You can look and feel good at any age
photo by: Sangudo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sangudo/4963074078/sizes/m/
FIT AND FABULOUS OVER FIFTY
Have you ever wondered why your sister in her fifties who leads a physically active lifestyle, looks forty something? What about your forty-year old best friend who has no physical activity and looks fifty?
With regular exercise, you can actually reverse the signs of aging by at least ten years. You no longer have to settle for that tummy bulge, arms that wave back and that sagging rear view. You can look just as attractive walking away as you do walking into a room. Now if that doesn’t get you motivated, nothing will.
Today, baby boomers have tossed all those excuses not to exercise out with yesterday’s trash. Studies show that baby boomers are becoming fit and active at fifty and beyond and are in the best shape of their lives.
Typically, when a person reaches a certain age, they’ve learned to accept most of their imperfections. Maybe you’ve made a promise to yourself to be in good shape by the time you hit the big 5-0. Unfortunately, things don’t always turn out the way we plan. As we age, it’s more difficult to remain physically active.
Getting in shape has many benefits. It makes you look and feel better, gives you more energy, helps fight against cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even some types of cancer. It also helps you sleep better and improves your sex drive. When you feel confident about yourself, you feel more attractive. The possibilities are endless.
With that said, let’s explore other fundamentals that can help you stay healthy for many years to come.
Muscle Toning – There are a number of reasons why you should build strong beautiful muscles with strength training. Building muscle increases your metabolism, enhances energy, keeps your body in perfect balance, keeps your bones in ailment, supports your skeleton and burns calories at rest.
Fitness club owner Dan Neal, focuses mostly on baby boomers and the quality of life. Neal says, “As a person ages, the importance of muscle toning is a necessary factor because the older you become, the more muscle you lose. Toning keeps you stronger, more vibrant and helps to prevent injuries.”
Stretching – It’s just as important to stretch before and after a workout as it is to do the actual workout itself. Failure to stretch can make it difficult to achieve simple daily activities such as putting on your shoes or reaching for something on a shelf. Lack of stretching can also cause muscle tightness, soreness and injury. A good way to improve flexibility is by doing a series of stretching exercises daily. According to Neal, stretching improves stiff joints as well as strengthens the stabilizer muscles.
Balance – You can learn balance techniques by practicing yoga. Balance building exercises are important so you can react in certain situations to prevent falling or breaking a hip.
Watch what you eat – It’s essential to learn the difference between which fats are healthy versus which ones are unhealthy. “Nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans and avocados are examples of good fats,” says licensed nutritionist, Patricia Harris. “Cakes, cookies, candy and soft drinks are a few examples of foods that contain empty calories so it’s important to avoid these foods,” states Harris.
In terminology, empty calories are described as foods that are high in energy, but low in vitamins, minerals, fiber and nutrients. That’s not to say that you have to eliminate these foods altogether, just enjoy them in moderation.
Because of the low quantities of sugar in fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, grapefruits, melons, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower and mushrooms, these foods keep you feeling full and satisfied longer.
So, if you’ve hit that important milestone or you know someone who has, it’s never too late to get in shape and stay fit and active for a lifetime.
I’ve had many articles published at Fitness Plus Magazine. Here’s the link to view them if you want to check them out. http://fitplusmag.com/magazine/author/annblanton/ Recently, I just had my first short story titled, “Shattered Spirit”, published as an anthology, in “Heartscapes”.
Vitamin D Trivia Facts
Posted on: July 10, 2012
Foods with vitamin DMost of the time, it’s a good idea to use sunscreen, but it’s okay to enjoy the sun’s rays for about ten minutes without it. By getting a good dose of vitamin D and then slathering on the sunscreen, you get both benefits.
Also referred to as the “sunshine” vitamin, vitamin D is fat-soluble, which means it’s stored in the body and can be made naturally. Two other forms such as D2 and D3 are also important.
We depend on what we eat, the sun and taking a multivitamin to supply us with enough vitamin D; unfortunately, the sun is not always readily available to everyone.
Studies prove that by taking this supplement, you can prevent breast and colon cancer by cutting the risk by fifty-percent. What’s more, you can decrease the possibilities of other types of cancer such as skin, colon, and prostrate, when taking vitamin D. Autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis can also be prevented.
Dosage
Depending on your age will depend on how much vitamin D you should be taking. This is because the older you are, the less vitamin D your skin will produce. Adult males, females and pregnant and lactating women under the age of fifty should take 200 units, fifty to seventy years of age should take 400 units and those over the age of seventy should consume 600 units. Children from birth to five years, should be consuming 200 units every day.
Foods
Dietary sources that include vitamin D include: fortified milk, salmon, tuna, sardines, eggs and cod liver oil. Fruits and vegetables are another good source of vitamin D. In fact, it’s almost impossible to get optimal levels from the foods that you eat. You’d have to eat at least two or three servings of salmon or sardines, drink five glasses of milk and take a spoonful of cod liver oil and that still wouldn’t be sufficient.
Benefits
This wonder supplement has been known to control blood pressure, reduce stress and tension and reduce spasms that are caused from aches and pains. It also helps fight depression, improves skin health and increases cardiovascular strength.
Vitamin D Deficient
This is common if you live in a place where sun exposure is infrequent or if you’re housebound. Signs that may occur are: muscle pain, depression, mood swings, fractures, low energy, fatigue and sleep irregularities.
Prevention
A good way to prevent vitamin D deficiency is by limited unprotected sun exposure, take a good quality multivitamin along with vitamin D and eat a diet that is rich in whole foods. If you’re someone who’s fortunate enough to live where there’s plenty of sunshine, get out and enjoy the rays. If not, then you might consider taking it in supplement form. So, how do you get your dose of vitamin D?
I’ve had many articles published at Fitness Plus Magazine. Here’s the link to view them if you want to check them out. http://fitplusmag.com/magazine/author/annblanton/ I’ll also have my first creative story published as an anthology in a book titled, “Heartscapes”, in a few short weeks.
Ann Blanton Let's talk health, fitness, nutrition and everything in between 