Archive for May, 2010

Coffee vs. Tea – Different Health Benefits Comparison

The most common question people get asked everyday is “Coffee or tea?” Both beverages are enjoyed around the world and is part of almost everyone’ daily routine.
Drinking tea is often thought to be healthful, while coffee drinking has traditionally been maligned as unhealthy. In recent years, however, coffee’s several health benefits have been brought to light. Additionally, the health benefits of tea and coffee have been minimized in certain beverages made with them.
Both green and black teas are known to contain many antioxidants. Tea also helps keep bones strong and, unlike coffee, does not stain teeth. Tea has been shown to boost the immune system and raise metabolism. Recent studies show that those who drink coffee have a reduced risk for getting Parkinson’s Disease, developing colon cancer or getting type 2 diabetes.
When it comes to health benefits, tea will always beat coffee, especially white and green tea. Tea has more antioxidants per cup than coffee does, and also contains less caffeine. A cup of black tea has half the amount of caffeine than a cup of coffee, and a hell of a lot more antioxidants such as flavonoids, catechins, and tannins. Coffee does not have as much as these properties present, but does have its share of minerals.
When it come to tea vs coffee as far as varieties, There are literally thousands of varieties and sub varieties of tea that are processed by many different cultures worldwide. Tea is also a more social beverage than coffee and is a better choice if one just wants to relax with a calming drink.
While both beverages have health benefits, it is clear that tea can be the safer choice between the two. Coffee, despite the good things one can get from drinking it, should really be drunk in moderation. Too much intake can lead to increased heart risk, as caffeine can affect the artery functions, precipitate heartburn, raise anxiety, and quicken heartbeat. Furthermore, caffeine can also speed bone loss, and in pregnant women, this is dangerous as it affects the mother’s birth weight and might result in miscarriage. In these cases, coffee should be cut down or switch to tea instead to avoid further health complications.

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Tofu-a high protein, low fat energy source: benefits of eating tofu.

The highly nutritious, protein-rich tofu is commonly called ‘the cheese of Asia’ and is prepared by curdling soybean milk. It is usually off-white in color and forms an important constituent in the cultural cuisines of many Asian countries, like China and Japan.
The food has high amounts of iron and proteins and is relatively low in calorie content. It also has high amounts of calcium and magnesium levels. Also, tofu contains certain soy isoflavones, which can actually mimic natural human estrogens, causing certain beneficial effects in human body.
Tofu, made from the curds of soybean milk, is primarily available in three textures: firm, extra firm and silken. Silken tofu has a custard-like consistency and is usually substituted into dressings, protein shakes and desserts. Firm and extra firm varieties are usually cut up into chunks that stand up well to marinating and can be sautéed, grilled or baked. Tofu itself is rather bland, but strongly absorbs the flavors used to prepare it.

Health Benefits of Tofu

- Besides calcium and protein, tofu is a good source of iron. It is primarily used as part of hemoglobin and helps in the transport and release of oxygen throughout the body.
- Soya beans and other soya based products may play a role in preventing various types of cancer, especially breast cancer.
- It is also known to prevent osteoporosis, thanks to its calcium.
- Another benefit that tofu offers is that it is very easy to digest. This is because the fiber of the soya beans is removed during the manufacturing process.
- A mere 4 ounces of tofu each day provides around 14.45 of the daily beneficial fat requirement. This beneficial fat or Omega-3-fatty acid helps control erratic heart rhythms, reduces clotting of blood inside arteries and improves the ratio of good HDL to bad LDL.
- Tofu is rich in isoflavones. When making tofu, the soy isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, remain bound to the soy protein.
- The copper present in tofu helps in reducing the painful symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
- Tofu has high level of trace mineral selenium which is very important for the proper functioning of the antioxidant system.

Caution

- Tofu contains considerable amount of the naturally occurring substance called oxalate. The presence of high amounts of this substance causes its crystallization, resulting in certain health problems. Hence, people suffering from existing or untreated health problems should avoid the consumption of high amounts of tofu.
- Certain allergic reactions may occur as a result of consumption of tofu.

Bring aerobics safely into your daily life to live healthy.

Aerobic means “with oxygen,” and it refers to activities of moderate intensity performed for an extended period of time. Aerobics are particularly helpful for weight control. Physical activity helps to control your weight by using excess calories that otherwise would be stored as fat. The number of calories you eat and use each day regulates your body weight. Everything you eat contains calories, and everything you do uses calories, including sleeping, breathing, and digesting food. Any physical activity in addition to what you normally do will use extra calories.
Following a regular aerobics program gives you a sense of commitment and control – two positive mental attitudes that help counteract stress. Aerobics also relax tense muscles, thereby relieving your body’s stress response. Aerobic exercise is any extended activity that makes you breathe hard while using the large muscle groups at a regular, even pace.

Health Benefits of Aerobics

- Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and lungs, making breathing more efficient and improving the efficiency of the heart.
- Aerobic exercise tones muscles throughout the body, which can help reduce blood pressure.
- People who get regular aerobic exercise consume more oxygen and pump more blood with each beat.
- Blood supply to the muscles is increased, as well as their ability to use oxygen.
- Heart rate and blood pressure are lower in people who get regular aerobic exercise.
- HDL cholesterol (that’s the good stuff) is increased.
- Triglycerides in the blood—a risk factor for heart disease— are decreased.
- Body fat and weight can both be reduced by getting an hour of aerobic exercise a few times a week.
- Glucose tolerance and insulin resistance improve in those who regularly exercise, reducing the risk of diabetes.
- Mitochondria inside the muscle increase in number and activity. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells. They do all the heavy-duty work to keep you moving.

Bring aerobics safely into your daily life

- Maintain a comfortable pace.
- Increase your workout in stages to get the most benefits with the fewest risks.
- Select activities that fit your personality and have an element of fun.
- Plan a workout schedule. To gain the most health benefits it is important to exercise as regularly as possible.
- Maximize your safety and comfort.
- Challenge yourself.
- Whether your goal is to control your weight or just to feel healthier, becoming physically active is a step in the right direction.