Filberts are more commonly known as hazelnuts, however filberts are a slightly larger than hazelnuts. There are over 100 varieties of these nuts grown world-wide including United States and Canada. Filberts are used to flavor foods such as ice cream, chocolate, tea and coffee. But did you know that these nuts have a lot of health benefits to offer you?
Filberts are a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, vitamins E, B1, B2 and B6, folate, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, protein and dietary fiber.
Here are some of the benefits that you can obtain by adding them to your diet.
Healthy Heart
Filberts can help you to lower your cholesterol levels, and thereby prevent high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke. Filberts can also help to relax your blood vessels to increase the blood flow. This makes it easier on your heart.
Prevent Cancer
Filberts are a good source of folate which can help you to prevent cancer.
Mental Health
Filberts contain B vitamins which are essential for a healthy mind, especially during early childhood. In addition, the folate can help to protect your mind against depression and Alzheimer's disease.
Birth Defects
They can also help to protect your baby from neural tube defects which are birth defects of the brain and spinal chord.
Absorb Nutrients
Adding filberts in with your salads or green smoothies can help you to better absorb fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. This is due to the healthy fats in filberts which help to carry those vitamins around the body so that they can be absorbed.
www.ezinearticles.com
Rabu, 11 Agustus 2010
Coconut Oil Health Benefits
Coconut oil has been a controversial supplement for many years. Due to the fact that it is high in saturated fat, it has been seen as an unhealthy oil. On the other hand, Coconut Oil is rich in Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) - and these are seen as very healthy fats. So, do the health benefits of coconut oil outweigh the dangers? This is the question we will address in this articles.
The Old View of Coconut Oil
Years ago consumers were urged to switch to Olive Oil, which is very low in saturated fats. While it is true that Coconut Oil is high in saturated fats - it is not true that all saturated fats are the same. Animal fat have saturated long chain fatty acids. Long chain fatty acids are very hard for the body to digest and absorb and most people would agree that too much animal fat is not healthy.
Coconut Oil on the other hand is made up of mostly Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs). MCFAs can be absorbed by our mitochondria and can be converted into energy. In fact, Lauric Acid - a MCFA is a very healthy and really only found in two places - Coconut Oil and Breast Milk!
In the end, there is a big difference when it comes to saturated fats and any health benefits or health risks. MCFAs have strong potential health benefits while Long Chain Fatty Acids, are more harmful fats and should not be consumed in large quantities.
Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
Today you can purchase Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil and this is the best way to received the health benefits from the nutrients that are in coconuts. It is very important that consumers use only unrefined, cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil - as this has not been exposed to high heat ot chemicals. High heat and chemicals can destroy the MCFAs and Lauric Acid in the coconut oil and therefore greatly decrease any potential health benefits.
Coconut Oil for Weight Loss?
It may seem strange to think of a fatty oil as a weight loss aide - but studies show it is possible. Coconut oil can increase energy levels and decrease our appetite. If we are able to burn more calories than we take in, we can see real weight loss. It is important note that this is not a magic weight loss supplement - rather, it is a food that can help you achieve your weight loss goals when used in combination with diet and exercise.
A Word About Eating Healthy
There are many different theories on what type of diet is the most healthy. There are literally thousands of books that have been written on eating healthy and diet. It is well beyond the scope of this article to come up with a specific eating plan consumers should follow, but we can offer this advice - there is no one right answer to what you should eat.
There is a great deal of debate and controversy when it comes to what foods are healthy and what are not. For years, alcohol was seen as unhealthy, now it is considered by many to be unhealthy NOT to drink a glass of red wine per day. This is due to the discovery of resveratrol in red grapes and their health benefits. Yes, there is a negative to wine, but in moderation, the positives of the resveratrol in red wine out weigh the negatives.
www.ezinearticles.com
The Old View of Coconut Oil
Years ago consumers were urged to switch to Olive Oil, which is very low in saturated fats. While it is true that Coconut Oil is high in saturated fats - it is not true that all saturated fats are the same. Animal fat have saturated long chain fatty acids. Long chain fatty acids are very hard for the body to digest and absorb and most people would agree that too much animal fat is not healthy.
Coconut Oil on the other hand is made up of mostly Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs). MCFAs can be absorbed by our mitochondria and can be converted into energy. In fact, Lauric Acid - a MCFA is a very healthy and really only found in two places - Coconut Oil and Breast Milk!
In the end, there is a big difference when it comes to saturated fats and any health benefits or health risks. MCFAs have strong potential health benefits while Long Chain Fatty Acids, are more harmful fats and should not be consumed in large quantities.
Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
Today you can purchase Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil and this is the best way to received the health benefits from the nutrients that are in coconuts. It is very important that consumers use only unrefined, cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil - as this has not been exposed to high heat ot chemicals. High heat and chemicals can destroy the MCFAs and Lauric Acid in the coconut oil and therefore greatly decrease any potential health benefits.
Coconut Oil for Weight Loss?
It may seem strange to think of a fatty oil as a weight loss aide - but studies show it is possible. Coconut oil can increase energy levels and decrease our appetite. If we are able to burn more calories than we take in, we can see real weight loss. It is important note that this is not a magic weight loss supplement - rather, it is a food that can help you achieve your weight loss goals when used in combination with diet and exercise.
A Word About Eating Healthy
There are many different theories on what type of diet is the most healthy. There are literally thousands of books that have been written on eating healthy and diet. It is well beyond the scope of this article to come up with a specific eating plan consumers should follow, but we can offer this advice - there is no one right answer to what you should eat.
There is a great deal of debate and controversy when it comes to what foods are healthy and what are not. For years, alcohol was seen as unhealthy, now it is considered by many to be unhealthy NOT to drink a glass of red wine per day. This is due to the discovery of resveratrol in red grapes and their health benefits. Yes, there is a negative to wine, but in moderation, the positives of the resveratrol in red wine out weigh the negatives.
www.ezinearticles.com
How to Stop Your Sugar Cravings
I've don't have a sugar tooth, they're all sugar teeth. When I was growing up I had a dream. The dream was that when I got out of the house I'd go to the store and buy some cake icing. The, I'd sit down and eat it with a spoon. I would eat the whole frosting container in one sitting. I would dream about that day. Fortunately that day never came.
I was able to master my sugar cravings. They aren't completely gone, but I don't succumb to them anymore. If I see a chocolate cake, I don't have to have a piece. If a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies are cooling on a cookie tray, I don't have to stand there waiting for them to be ready to eat. I am the master of my body. I decide what I eat.
Now I'll tell you how I got this way. It wasn't without effort on my part. I couldn't just get rid of the sugary cravings without replacing them with something. Voids will always be filled. I quickly learned that if I didn't put something into my body by intelligent choice, then my sweet tooth would do the thinking.
We have the power to make our own choices. If you don't consciously decide what you want, then your cravings will make the choices for you. This is not a healthy way to live your life. So, to escape from the clutches of sugar addiction, you need to choose something different. That's what I did. That's how I filled the void of sugar.
In the place of sugar I put healthy foods. I started eating whole foods instead of sugary foods. At first, they really didn't compare. A banana is only a piece of a banana split. Still, as I escaped from sugar my body started feeling better. When I caught hold of that, there was no turning back. I understood what my body really wanted. Then, that became my craving.
When you're hungry your body is telling you that it wants nutrients. You can appease hunger in different ways, but if you aren't eating healthy foods, then you aren't really satisfying your hunger. Whole foods give your body what it wants.
Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. These are the things that your body actually wants. Sure, you crave sugar, but what you actually want is something healthy. You can teach it this.
Try to defy your cravings for a while. Instead, give your body what it actually wants. As your body learns what it needs, then your cravings will start to change. You'll still want sugar. A fresh baked cake will look just as good, but throughout the day you'll understand what your body wants.
www.ezinearticles.com
I was able to master my sugar cravings. They aren't completely gone, but I don't succumb to them anymore. If I see a chocolate cake, I don't have to have a piece. If a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies are cooling on a cookie tray, I don't have to stand there waiting for them to be ready to eat. I am the master of my body. I decide what I eat.
Now I'll tell you how I got this way. It wasn't without effort on my part. I couldn't just get rid of the sugary cravings without replacing them with something. Voids will always be filled. I quickly learned that if I didn't put something into my body by intelligent choice, then my sweet tooth would do the thinking.
We have the power to make our own choices. If you don't consciously decide what you want, then your cravings will make the choices for you. This is not a healthy way to live your life. So, to escape from the clutches of sugar addiction, you need to choose something different. That's what I did. That's how I filled the void of sugar.
In the place of sugar I put healthy foods. I started eating whole foods instead of sugary foods. At first, they really didn't compare. A banana is only a piece of a banana split. Still, as I escaped from sugar my body started feeling better. When I caught hold of that, there was no turning back. I understood what my body really wanted. Then, that became my craving.
When you're hungry your body is telling you that it wants nutrients. You can appease hunger in different ways, but if you aren't eating healthy foods, then you aren't really satisfying your hunger. Whole foods give your body what it wants.
Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. These are the things that your body actually wants. Sure, you crave sugar, but what you actually want is something healthy. You can teach it this.
Try to defy your cravings for a while. Instead, give your body what it actually wants. As your body learns what it needs, then your cravings will start to change. You'll still want sugar. A fresh baked cake will look just as good, but throughout the day you'll understand what your body wants.
www.ezinearticles.com
The Super 9 Health Benefits of Apples
These are probably the best health benefits of apples. But remember, there's plenty more!
1. Energy boost.
Natural sugar means a natural energy hit... Get ready for a boost!
2. Grow some hair.
One of the most interesting health benefits of apples is its powerful ability to promote hair growth. It's perfect for those luscious locks.
3. Improve brain function.
Scientists have found the nutrients in apples to promote higher brain function. Try an IQ test after you eat an apple. You might score off the chart.
4. Improve eyesight.
More often associated with carrots, improved eyesight is one of the health benefits of apples too. This is due to the high vitamin A and C content which also treat night blindness.
5. Lose weight.
A study in the Brazil found that women who ate three apples a day while dieting lost more weight than women who didn't. If you want to be slim, just eat some apples!
6. Protect bones.
A flavonoid in apples called phloridzin is thought to increase bone density.
7. Prevent breast, colon, liver and lung cancer.
Studies consistently show that the more apples someone eats, the less they are at risk from cancer. Antioxidants come from fruits and vegetables and have an amazing power to eliminate cancerous growths.
8. Restore strength.
One of the great health benefits of apples is strength. They have often been given to people to restore their vitality, promote strength and speed up recovery times.
9. Slow aging.
The powerful nutrients in apples slow aging of the brain and the skin.
Most people like to eat them, but there's a better way to enjoy the health benefits of apples. It's called juicing and it's sweeping the world like Olympic fever.
www.ezinearticles.com
1. Energy boost.
Natural sugar means a natural energy hit... Get ready for a boost!
2. Grow some hair.
One of the most interesting health benefits of apples is its powerful ability to promote hair growth. It's perfect for those luscious locks.
3. Improve brain function.
Scientists have found the nutrients in apples to promote higher brain function. Try an IQ test after you eat an apple. You might score off the chart.
4. Improve eyesight.
More often associated with carrots, improved eyesight is one of the health benefits of apples too. This is due to the high vitamin A and C content which also treat night blindness.
5. Lose weight.
A study in the Brazil found that women who ate three apples a day while dieting lost more weight than women who didn't. If you want to be slim, just eat some apples!
6. Protect bones.
A flavonoid in apples called phloridzin is thought to increase bone density.
7. Prevent breast, colon, liver and lung cancer.
Studies consistently show that the more apples someone eats, the less they are at risk from cancer. Antioxidants come from fruits and vegetables and have an amazing power to eliminate cancerous growths.
8. Restore strength.
One of the great health benefits of apples is strength. They have often been given to people to restore their vitality, promote strength and speed up recovery times.
9. Slow aging.
The powerful nutrients in apples slow aging of the brain and the skin.
Most people like to eat them, but there's a better way to enjoy the health benefits of apples. It's called juicing and it's sweeping the world like Olympic fever.
www.ezinearticles.com
Plan a Healthy Diet
We become what we eat. Everything we eat and drink affects how our body functions and as the needs of our body vary at different stages of our life, our nutritional needs vary too. The connection between diet and health is clear. To grow properly and function normally, we need a complete range of nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibers, water as well as variety of vitamins and minerals.
Because of our lifestyle or the type of work we do, many of us do not get much exercise as we need. Excess food taken is stored in the body as fat, leading to weight gain and possibly obesity. This, in turn leads to various medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and joint problems.
Of course the reverse is true, if we expend more energy than we take in, we will lose weight and this is the rationale behind many weight loss diets. However, being under weight brings its own health problems and a reduced life expectancy.
What is the optimum number of meals a day? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Everyone's biological clock is different and we all have different demands on our schedules. However our body and mind needs a steady supply of energy and nutrients throughout the day, so eating three balanced meals is the optimum way to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
If you prefer to have just two meals a day, make sure one of these is breakfast and avoid eating heavy meals at night. Breakfast is the most important meal. It breaks the long overnight fast, helping you wake up and get going. It stops you from feeling hungry later and helps you be more alert at school or work.
For a quick and healthy breakfast have a bowl of whole grain cereal with fresh or dried fruits and milk (skimmed). If you have more time, make an omelet and eat with whole meal bread. If you must eat on a run, grab a piece fresh fruit such as banana or apple, some nuts or seeds and yogurt.
Fruits and vegetables should form the basis of every diet. They should be your first choice to snack and every meal should contain them. Vegetarians already will be reaping the benefits of these nutritious foods. Fruits and vegetables are fat free and low in sodium. Evidences show that eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day may help prevent development of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Some foods which are highly valued for their health giving and disease preventing properties of nutrients the supply e.g. Linseed (flax), curd, nuts, olive oil, oranges, pepper, pulses, oats, red grapes, spinach, tomatoes.
www.ezinearticles.com
Because of our lifestyle or the type of work we do, many of us do not get much exercise as we need. Excess food taken is stored in the body as fat, leading to weight gain and possibly obesity. This, in turn leads to various medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and joint problems.
Of course the reverse is true, if we expend more energy than we take in, we will lose weight and this is the rationale behind many weight loss diets. However, being under weight brings its own health problems and a reduced life expectancy.
What is the optimum number of meals a day? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Everyone's biological clock is different and we all have different demands on our schedules. However our body and mind needs a steady supply of energy and nutrients throughout the day, so eating three balanced meals is the optimum way to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
If you prefer to have just two meals a day, make sure one of these is breakfast and avoid eating heavy meals at night. Breakfast is the most important meal. It breaks the long overnight fast, helping you wake up and get going. It stops you from feeling hungry later and helps you be more alert at school or work.
For a quick and healthy breakfast have a bowl of whole grain cereal with fresh or dried fruits and milk (skimmed). If you have more time, make an omelet and eat with whole meal bread. If you must eat on a run, grab a piece fresh fruit such as banana or apple, some nuts or seeds and yogurt.
Fruits and vegetables should form the basis of every diet. They should be your first choice to snack and every meal should contain them. Vegetarians already will be reaping the benefits of these nutritious foods. Fruits and vegetables are fat free and low in sodium. Evidences show that eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day may help prevent development of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Some foods which are highly valued for their health giving and disease preventing properties of nutrients the supply e.g. Linseed (flax), curd, nuts, olive oil, oranges, pepper, pulses, oats, red grapes, spinach, tomatoes.
www.ezinearticles.com
The Negative Effects of Fast Foods
It surprises that even after all of the great published literature out there has been provided to the general public, they still mosey on with their daily routine of consuming foods that help them store fat and play host to a large body of diseases.
Fast food has developed a strong reputation for being unhealthy and deservedly so! It is a major cause of obesity and health problems, for example diabetes. It is soaked with fat and is loaded with massive amounts of calories, but just what do these things mean for your health?
Artery-clogging trans fats are the primary issue. This - combined with the high salt content and outrageous calorie count - leaves a person wondering why fast food is even legal!
Fast food is very calorie-dense. The fact that you can eat seven hundred calories and still not be satisfied is the leading cause of obesity in North America. Healthy meals supplying fewer calories, but the same quantity of food, make you fuller faster and the result is that it is easier to curb additional food cravings such a short time after you have already eaten.
Will eating fast foods always make you fat?
Not necessarily. If you are going to eat these foods, make sure it is an occasional indulgence and not a regular habit. Take a look at the menu before you order and stay away from supersizing and ordering "fries on the side". If you feel the need to indulge, do it only once a week and be smart about it.
Not only does eating fast foods impede your progress in a fat loss program, it also contributes to health risks that you could do without. Practicing eating healthy must become a way of life and it is not easy. It is a one-step-at-a-time process that requires a lot of dedication. However, once you realize that you can control your cravings and not give into them, the satisfaction you get from it will be well worth it.
www.ezinearticles.com
Fast food has developed a strong reputation for being unhealthy and deservedly so! It is a major cause of obesity and health problems, for example diabetes. It is soaked with fat and is loaded with massive amounts of calories, but just what do these things mean for your health?
Artery-clogging trans fats are the primary issue. This - combined with the high salt content and outrageous calorie count - leaves a person wondering why fast food is even legal!
Fast food is very calorie-dense. The fact that you can eat seven hundred calories and still not be satisfied is the leading cause of obesity in North America. Healthy meals supplying fewer calories, but the same quantity of food, make you fuller faster and the result is that it is easier to curb additional food cravings such a short time after you have already eaten.
Will eating fast foods always make you fat?
Not necessarily. If you are going to eat these foods, make sure it is an occasional indulgence and not a regular habit. Take a look at the menu before you order and stay away from supersizing and ordering "fries on the side". If you feel the need to indulge, do it only once a week and be smart about it.
Not only does eating fast foods impede your progress in a fat loss program, it also contributes to health risks that you could do without. Practicing eating healthy must become a way of life and it is not easy. It is a one-step-at-a-time process that requires a lot of dedication. However, once you realize that you can control your cravings and not give into them, the satisfaction you get from it will be well worth it.
www.ezinearticles.com
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