Why » Nutrition

Why is tuna good for you?

Hari — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:02:21 +0000

When it comes to fish and seafood, tuna is a favorite around the world. It is loved by many not only because of its delectable taste but also because of its various health benefits. As many dietitians and health experts would advocate, tuna is one of many food items that is considered healthy and good for people.

Tuna is good for people’s health because it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids are known to be helpful substances for the body, and these can be acquired through food. As for tuna, its levels of omega-3 fatty acids are high enough for it to have a beneficial effect on the heart. These fatty acids are specifically helpful in maintaining good cholesterol levels. And, as the experts would say, good cholesterol levels will mean a healthier heart. These omega-3 fatty acids are also known to help reduce the incidence of blood coagulation and heart rhythm problems.

Those with hypertension are also said to benefit from tuna’s omega-3 fatty acid content. Blood pressure may be lowered by regular consumption of this food item making people healthier. Studies have shown that a person’s health is significantly better off if tuna consumption is combined with a healthy lifestyle. Aside from lowering blood pressure, other benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids from tuna are improved eye health in terms of protection against macular degeneration, improved mental function by preventing cognition problems, and even stress reduction. Again attributed to its omega-3 fatty acid content, hormones in the body are said to be stabilized leading to a healthier immune system. With these effects, one is said to achieve a better mood. Another great health value for eating tuna regularly is its possible connection to cancer prevention. Various cancers in many organs in the body may be prevented if the body has enough of the omega-3 fatty acids that tuna has. Because of all these health benefits, tuna is considered a good food choice.

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Why is pineapple good for you?

Hari — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:05:29 +0000

Pineapple is one of many fruits that is very rich in vitamin C. Because of this content alone, health experts and dietitians worldwide consider pineapples as good for the body. Vitamin C is considered a wonder vitamin and a great antioxidant since it helps prevent various ailments in the body. When a person regularly gets vitamin C from pineapple, for example, he/she is said to have an improved immunity over the common cold and cough. It is said that even if a person already has a cold or a cough, a person can still benefit from having the vitamin C from pineapple. In its fresh fruit form or in a juice variant, one can still get lots of vitamin C from this healthy fruit.

And for those who have mucus and secretions, pineapple is also said to contain bromelain which is a good aid in terms of cough suppression and the loosening of mucus. This is especially good news for people who have sinusitis and sore throats. Bromelain is also known to be a good anti-inflammatory agent, and so people with some kinds of arthritis like gout are said to benefit from eating pineapple regularly.

Being a master anti-oxidant, the vitamin C in pineapples can help a person reach optimum health levels by means of protecting the body’s cells from the accumulation of free radicals. These free radicals are the ones responsible for making a person sick and unhealthy. And with lots of vitamin C in the bloodstream, the body is healthier and protected. Because of this kind of protection from vitamin C coming from pineapples, certain conditions like asthma attacks, atherosclerosis, and colon cancer may be prevented.

But in order for people to get the full benefits of eating pineapple, like in terms of aiding proper digestion, pineapples should be eaten between meals and without other food items.

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Why is vinegar good for you?

Hari — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:59:12 +0000

Vinegar can be obtained from so many food items and has been used for centuries for its mildly acidic flavor. Most households today have some form of vinegar in their kitchens and pantries as it is a popular option for food flavoring purposes. But aside from vinegar’s use in food preparation, many people also use it for its medicinal and/or health benefits.

In the past, vinegar has been reported across different cultures to have healing properties for some body ailments. And although many are just claims without scientific findings, people still believe some of vinegar’s health benefits. Like in the case of people who get a sunburn, the application of vinegar to a piece of tissue applied on the skin is said to give a cooling effect. For the sunburned skin, this basic remedy gives a soothing relief.

As a food item, some types of vinegar contain valuable vitamins that help in the overall health of the individual. Essential vitamins such as Vitamins A, B, C, and E are said to be found in vinegars made from apple cider. Some vinegar varieties also contain other nutrients like beta carotene, calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, and potassium among others. These minerals are considered good for the body’s cellular functioning.

People who have problems with their cholesterol and body fat levels are said to benefit from vinegar consumption. Studies have shown in the past that vinegar is able to lower cholesterol levels in rat subjects. And with an improved cholesterol level in the body, other diseases may also be avoided like those involving the heart. People with diabetes can also benefit from vinegar in terms of its lowering the glycemic index of food items. This is very important in terms of maintaining healthy sugar levels in the bloodstream.

With all the associated benefits of vinegar, many people use it and have it in their homes. And since vinegar is obtained from plants and fruits, people usually consider it as good for the body.

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Why is cinnamon hot?

Hari — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:53:43 +0000

Cinnamon is a spice that was identified a long time ago. The bark of this plant is taken and dried for further use. It is also made into a stick form which is called a quill. The cinnamon can also be ground into a powder form. The smell that is characteristic to the cinnamon originates from the essential oil that exists in the bark and leaves known as cinnamon aldehyde.

The cinnamon is a spice that is known to generate heat when it hits the nerve endings present in the taste buds. The nerve channels that help in sensing hot and cold temperatures are connected to the nerves. The actual increase in temperature is seen to be very little by the triggering from cinnamon. Apart from the cinnamon, the other triggers of the nerve endings to increase the temperature are capsaicin and piperine. These substances are found to be the cause of the burning sensation in the eyes as well as on the skin that is sensitive. The ground cinnamon is prepared from the bark of the cinnamon tree while the cinnamon oil is prepared from the leaves of the cinnamon plant. This oil is also utilized in aromatherapy. The cinnamon oil is that is golden yellow in color has a hot, aromatic taste.

The cinnamon oil is also obtained in a concentrated form from the tree bark as well. This oil cannot be consumed but can be used for aromatherapy. An overdose of this oil can destimulate the central nervous system. But treatment using this oil has to be done under the guidance and suggestion of a healthcare professional. The essential oil comprises about 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent in its composition. The oil smell is very characteristic to that of cinnamon. The cinnamon oil or powder is known to have a hot, aromatic taste. Fresh cinnamon oil and sticks will smell and taste hot. As the bark ages, it might taste pungent, and the scent produced by the compound present is called cinnamic aldehyde. Therefore, cinnamon is hot as it has a hot, aromatic taste and is a strong spice.

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Why is ginger pink?

Hari — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:24:31 +0000

Most people are familiar with ginger having a yellowish or brownish color. Although there are also variants that have a very light pink hue, these are not that common. With the popularity of dishes that involve ginger as a main ingredient, many have seen that this food item has become pink.

In the Japanese food item called “gari,” for example, slices of young ginger are used, and these are served along with standard dishes such as sushi. Some even call the dish sushi ginger. The food preparation involved in this meal includes soaking the sliced, young ginger in sugar and vinegar. After the soaking process, the sliced ginger will come out with a deeper pinkish color.

Just like the Japanese method of food preparation, one just needs to soak the ginger in vinegar for it to change color from yellowish to pinkish. Rhizomes of the young ginger varieties are said to have anthocyanins which are molecules that create the pinkish hue when mixed with acidic substances such as vinegar. Because of this vinegar-soaking process, ginger has now become popular with a pink color.

Adding to the popularity of pink ginger are commercially available ginger slices which are pre-soaked in vinegar. And since the ginger slices are already marinated with vinegar, they have already become pink even before they are displayed in the stores. Society has also somewhat dictated the popularity of pink-colored ginger as these are sought-after in restaurants. As food experts will admit, prices will increase for pink-colored ginger slices because it is the trend in these modern times. Naturally yellowish ginger is considered dull and ordinary and so it is sold at much lower prices. Some companies also put artificial pink coloring into ginger just to keep up with the demand for this food item and to improve the sales of this product. With all these scenarios combined, ginger is known today as having a pinkish color.

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Why is Coca-Cola bad?

Hari — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:39:38 +0000

Coca-Cola is the drink which is full of sugar and has no nutritive value. Drinking Coke frequently will enhance the sugar levels in the bloodstream thereby leading to obesity and causing damage to the teeth. Coca-Cola is bad for one’s health as it is full of sugar and also consists of many preservatives. The preservatives might result in a brain tumor. Aspartame is the ingredient that is actively present in all the artificial sugar-containing products. The presence of Aspartame in the Coca-Cola can result in seizures, nausea, memory loss, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms. The presence of Aspartame will stimulate certain chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes. Aspartame is also found to enhance the calcium levels in the neurons of the brain making the brain unable to send messages to the other parts of the body through the neurons.

The excess sugar that is present in the Coca-Cola will cause harm to the body. It might lead to diabetes and can also enhance body weight. The body weight will not allow the body to work more and function properly every day. The stress that is created will be hard on the organs as well. Coca-Cola is also found to be comprising ethylene glycol. This substance is used in anti-freeze. Ethylene glycol is a poison that has the capacity to kill the person slowly. But even the tiny quantities of ethylene glycol are not considered as completely harmless.

The major reason for the Coca-Cola to be bad for one’s health is that it has greater acidity levels. The pH of the Coca-Cola is observed to be 3.4. This pH is sufficient for the dissolution of bones and teeth. The acidity of the Coca-Cola is due to its high amount of mineral content. Increased mineral consumption might lead to kidney stones and even can result in tooth decay. The cavities in the teeth are caused by the acidity of the drink and not due to the presence of sugar. So, Coca-Cola is unhealthy and should be avoided.

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Why is fiber healthy?

Hari — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:01:53 +0000

Fiber is known to be a very healthy food item, but there are actually not many details on it that people understand. Most people may have just heard that it’s healthy to eat fiber-rich foods, but they don’t actually know what fiber is or how it benefits the body. But despite limited information on fiber, the most important thing is that people should have it more in their diets to get its various benefits.

Fiber is a component of some food items that plays a big role in proper digestion making it a very healthy food choice. Basically, it prolongs the digestion process of food for it to be utilized by the body more efficiently. This process is essential for people who are watching their weight and for those who have problems with sugar metabolism like the obese and people with diabetes. When fiber is present in the diet, food will be digested properly resulting in slow absorption. And when this happens, people will feel fuller longer.

With fiber in the diet, the body will be able to maintain healthier sugar levels. This particular effect is good news for dieters and diabetics. With slower processing and absorption of food, sugar levels will remain balanced which can help avoid hunger pangs. And as many people know, healthy sugar levels in the bloodstream will also help a person’s overall health by means of proper weight maintenance. Fiber-rich foods are also healthy options for those who have high cholesterol levels. In addition to lowering cholesterol in the body, other health ailments like heart disease and colon cancer may be prevented with a diet that’s always rich in fiber.

Fiber can be obtained from morning cereals, vegetables, fruits, beans, and nuts. These food items have a high-fiber content and are usually recommended by dietitians for their various health benefits.

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Why is Pumpkin Good For You?

shiela — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:59:20 +0000

Why is Pumpkin Good For You?

Every Halloween, the most visible decoration we see is pumpkin. But do you know that it is a wonder vegetable because of its high nutritional value? A pumpkin has so much to offer to our health. It contains antioxidant, vitamins A, C, K, E, beta-carotene, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

Even the natives and ancient tribes believe in the nutritional value of pumpkin. They even create medicine from pumpkin to heal wounds. Pumpkins are also good in the intestines because it cleanses the body from intestinal worms. Powdered pumpkin with water can be used to aid urinary tract infection and menstrual pain.

The orange color in pumpkin is an indication that it is rich in beta-carotene which can help reduce the risk of cancer. Beta-carotene boosts immunity, protects the skin, prevents eye diseases, lessens asthma attacks, prevents depression, lower high blood pressure, aids blood circulation, and prevents heart disease. When you include pumpkin in your diet, your skin also becomes healthy because of the anti-oxidant property that’s why it helps reduce signs of aging.

The seeds of the pumpkin are also rich in minerals and can help protect our body from cancer. It is used for medicinal properties in other countries. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, calcium, iron and magnesium which are essential to our body. Zinc helps in the formation of protein, calcium strengthens our bones, iron increases blood cells, and magnesium helps in muscle growth.

Pumpkin seed is beneficial to avoid illnesses such as prostate disease and high cholesterol. It can also reduce arthritis and inflammation. Eating pumpkin seeds daily can be a good dietary choice because this wonder vegetable is beneficial to our entire body. Once you see a pumpkin, don’t think of it as a Halloween decoration but a super food which our health greatly needs.

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Why is Greek Yogurt Good for you?

shiela — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:56:01 +0000

Why is Greek Yogurt Good for you?

Yogurt had been considered as a healthy food because of its protein and calcium content because of the culture. The cultures in yogurt are active microorganisms which are responsible for various nutritional benefits.

One type of yogurt that is becoming popular is Greek Yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier. It is made of cow or sheep’s milk. What makes Greek yogurt healthier than ordinary ones is the process of making it. The yogurt is still strained so that the thick cream will remain and the whey will be filtered out. Also, Greek yogurt is a combination of milk and cream which brings more nutrition to the body.

Greek yogurt has a lot of health benefits. It is more concentrated so it contains more protein which is essential for cell growth. A cup of serving contains almost 20 g of protein compared to 10-13 g of ordinary yogurts. It also contains less sugar with only 8g for a cup. It is lower in sodium, carbohydrates, and calories which is a good indication that it is best for those who want to be fit.

Having Greek yogurt for snacks is the best choice because of its nutritional content. You can even eat the Yogurt everyday without the fear of heart risks and high blood pressure. There is less fat and cholesterol which means you can eat yogurt as many times as you like.

If you are on a diet, it is also recommended to eat Greek Yogurt because of its nutritious content. Once you eat the yogurt, you will easily feel full and satisfied so you don’t crave anymore to eat for more food.

Greek yogurt is perfect not just for health but also for our tongue. Its creamy and thick taste makes it more delicious and appetizing to combine with other foods. With Greek Yogurt, eating is a pleasurable experience.

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Why is Frying bad for you?

Hari — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 12:21:38 +0000

Why is Frying bad for you?

The frying is bad and deep frying is even worse as it adds lot of fats as well as empty calories to the food. It is also observed that frying destroys the actual nutrients in the food. This will make you to eat food which has calories coming from the bad fats and not from the important nutrition. So, it is always better to use virgin olive oil while preparing a deep fry.

The frying of food will lose certain nutrients when they are boiled to very high temperatures. The oil that is heated to such a high temperature will release certain free radicals which are harmful to our body. The fried item cannot give any nutrition to your body. It can in turn cause much harm to you. The deep frying is done generally in the presence of oil and the arteries will get blocked up with the oil depositions. So, it is always better to have food that is boiled than fried. Of course boiled food also increases the thickness of the blood which in turn might cause the walls of the arteries to get de-sensitized to the systolic and diastolic beats of the heart. This is caused due to the viscous blood. Anyway this is out of scope of this discussion.

Boiled food though is not good entirely, it is considered better than the fried food. This is because people suffering from atherosclerosis are many in number and it is a dangerous condition. The blockage in arteries can lead to severe cardiac problems, if it reaches peak stage. So, it is necessary to avoid fried foods which require lot of oil usage. Usage of virgin olive oil in some cases where there is necessity of eating the fried foods in some occasions can help a lot to keep you healthy than other oils.

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