May 22, 2008
Recently the news carried the story that a researcher had discovered that taking vitamin E at a level of 400IU or more increases the risk of death. But is this true?
Hundreds of studies have shown the beneficial effects of vitamin E on numerous diseases including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, fibrocystic breast disease, epilepsy and infertility.
The researcher who claimed Vitamin E can be harmful investigated mortality statistics from existing studies and came to a conclusion that people should not take 400IUs of vitamin E or they may die.
When looking at the details behind this, there remains no basis for suggesting that high levels of natural vitamin E are dangerous, but rather, there is significant reason for believing that vitamin E is a good thing.
However, are vitamin E supplements necessary? No, not if you are eating a varied diet of raw, organic, natural foods, exercising daily and are not subject to any workplace or other environmental pollutants. If that is not how you are living, then 400IU of a natural vitamin E tocopherol mix is a very good idea. This replaces what would be present in a natural raw diet and helps offset modern toxins, pollutants and stresses. It is also supported by a mountain of good scientific research.
Ask your doctor before beginning any supplements.
Tagged with: cancer • Heart Disease • natural vitamin E • supplements
Apricots are not only delicious but nutritionally sound. Although dried and canned Apricots are available year-round, fresh Apricots with a plentiful supply of vitamin C, are in season from May through August. Apricots are regarded as a nutritious and tonic food and enjoy world wide popularity.
Apricots are a good source of dietary fiber with insoluble cellulose and lignin in the skin and soluble pectin’s in the flesh. The Apricot’s beautiful golden color comes from deep yellow carotenes including beta-carotene that make the fruit a good source of vitamin A.
Apricots also have vitamin C and iron. Cyanogenic glycosides which are found in most stone fruit seeds, bark, and leaves are found in high concentration in Apricot seeds. The drug laetrile, a treatment for cancer, is extracted from apricot seeds. Centuries ago apricot seeds were used to treat tumors and in the 17th century apricot oil was used in England against tumors and ulcers.
Seeds of the Apricot grown in central Asia and around the Mediterranean are so sweet that they may be substituted for almonds in some dishes.
Ask your doctor about the benefits of adding apricots to your diet and how they can benefit you.
Tagged with: Apricot • beta-carotene • carotenes • dietary fiber • nutritious
If you’re looking to add more fiber to your diet, the recipe below is a yummy way to start your day.
Fiber moves quickly and relatively easily through your digestive tract and helps it function properly. A high fiber diet may also help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes and aids in weight loss.
Poached Eggs and Asparagus
INGREDIENTS
* 4 eggs
* 1 cube chicken bouillon (optional)
* 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
* 4 slices whole wheat bread
* 4 slices Cheddar cheese
* 1 tablespoon butter
* salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Fill a saucepan half way full of water. Bring to a boil and stir in the bouillon cube until dissolved. Crack one egg into a measuring cup or large spoon and gently slip it into the boiling water. Repeat with remaining eggs. Simmer for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm
2. Meanwhile, Place the asparagus into a saucepan and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until asparagus is tender, about 4 minutes. Drain.
3. Toast the bread to your desired darkness. Spread butter onto each piece of toast. Top with a slice of cheese, then a poached egg and finally, asparagus. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Tagged with: diet recipes • fiber and weight loss • fiber diet • high fiber diet • weight loss recipes
High protein diet plans are now becoming very popular with dieters.
If you’re looking to lose weight, a high protein diet plan will help you achieve your goal. Consuming high amounts of protein and small amounts of carbohydrates allow for a slow burning of energy and maintain stable blood sugar levels. This helps to maintain a healthy weight. Diets high in carbohydrates have been linked to obesity, low-carb, high protein diets have been found to encourage weight loss.
Protein is the fuel for muscle building as well. In order to build that tissue we need to be on a high protein diet plan. If your goal is fat loss, a high protein diet is also very important. Usually high protein diets are also low in carbohydrates and saturated fats. To accelerate weight loss, you need to reduce carbohydrates and lower your calorie intake. A high protein diet plan can help you to do this. The total amount of protein consumed should be spread over 5 to 6 meals throughout the course of a day.
The times of day you eat is also important. Eat your protein at breakfast, before a work out and for your evening meal. Eating protein before bed, might seem strange but it provides a slow release of high quality amino acids while you sleep.
Before beginning any diet, speak to your doctor.
Tagged with: high protein diet • high protein diets • how can i lose weight • how do i lose weight
Putting beans on top of your favorite foods list may sound boring, but there are a lot of ways that they can be enjoyed. Navy beans taste great in Mexican bean burritos, Italian pasta, chili, bean soup and baked beans.
Navy beans which have a creamy white color are a member of the legume family. They are rich in folate, trytophan, manganese, dietary fibers, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, protein, iron and vitamin B1. The dietary fiber content of navy beans is helpful in lowering your cholesterol level and your blood sugar level.
These mild-flavored beans also help lower the risks of heart attack, they are a great energy booster and an excellent antioxidant source. For those who are watching their fat intake, baked navy beans are extremely low in fat.
Aside from serving them cooked or baked, navy beans can also be pureed and used as spread for your favorite crackers.
Tagged with: Folate • Health Articles • Health Food • legumes • navy beans
