Archive for the ‘Food’ category

Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Importance, Benefits, Uses and Side Effects.

July 15th, 2010

Fatty acids are organic compounds composed of carbon chains of varying lengths, with an acid group on one end and hydrogen bound to all the carbons of the chain. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are those that are necessary for health, but cannot be synthesized by the body.
The typical American diet tends to contain 14 – 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, has a healthier balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega 3 fatty acids actually reduce inflammation and Omegas 6s increase inflammation, it’s important to have a balanced diet to offset Omega 6 inflammatory affects.
Imbalance between the intakes of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids causes inflammation if the intake of Omega-6 is more than Omega-3.
This dietary imbalance may lead to the rise of diseases as :
- asthma
- coronary heart disease
- many forms of cancer
- autoimmunity and neurodegenerative diseases, all of which are believed to stem from inflammation in the body.
- obesity
- depression
- dyslexia
- hyperactivity and even a tendency toward violence.
Cut down on omega-6 levels by reducing consumption of processed and fast foods and polyunsaturated vegetable oils. At home, use extra virgin olive oil for cooking and in salad dressings.

Dietary Sources:
Sources of omega-6 fatty acids are numerous in modern diets.
- Olive Oil
- Wheatgerm
- Grapeseeds
- Pistachios
- Sesame Oil
- Hempseed Oil
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Chia Seed Oil
- Safflower Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Cottonseed Oil
- Raw Nuts & Seeds

Uses and Benefits of Omega-6 Fatty acids

- Taking gamma linolenic acid (GLA) for 6 months or more may reduce symptoms of nerve pain in people with diabetic neuropathy.
- Some studies have shown that taking primrose oil helps reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Children with Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have lower levels of EFAs, both omega-6s and omega-3s. EFAs are important to normal brain and behavioral function.
- GLA may help reduce high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Evening primrose oil may reduce breast pain and tenderness in people with cyclic mastalgia.

What is Neem good for, its uses and benefits

June 7th, 2010

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a fast growing tropical tree that is native to East India and Burma and also grows in widespread areas of Southeast Asia and West Africa. Neem trees survive in harsh conditions and favor environments that receive as few as 18 inches of rain per year and where temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. People in India and other parts of the world where this tree grows have used it over the centuries for many purposes. Although other parts of the neem tree, such as the seeds and bark, have important uses, neem leaf is often found in Ayurvedic medical products designed to treat a large number of ailments and diseases.

Health Benefits of Neem

- Skin Care : Skin care products made from neem have been reported to help soothe irritated skin, lighten the color of scars, moisturize dry skin and heal infections and destroy parasites.
- Neem leaves, fruits, flowers and Bark contains antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antinflammatory and also acts as a contraceptive agent.
- Sitala can often be seen suspended from a neem branch where she guards against small pox.
- Neem is used in pyrexia, diabetes, urinary problems, filarial worms, respiratory disorders, dermatological disorders, gynecological disorders and by way of external use for eyes, piles and fistula, wounds, hair, dental hygiene and as fertility regulatory material and in addition to its uses in ophthalmic problems.
- Neem leaves help in the treatment of neuromuscular pains.
- Neem leaves are also reported to remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radical in the body by neutralizing them.
- Neem leaves are reported to be beneficial in eye disorders and/insect bite poisons.
- Neem bark is cool, bitter, astringent, acrid and refrigerant. It is useful in tiredness, cough, fever, loss of appetite, worm infestation.
- Both neem oil and neem leaf are fantastic skin care ingredients.
- Neem relieves dry skin.
- It soothes itchines, redness and irritation.
- It improves general skin health and immunity, combating bacterial infections, as in acne, boils and ulcers.
- One of the top neem benefits is that it lets you avoid harsh chemicals and nasty insecticides when treating conditions like psoriasis, eczema,
scabies, head lice and more.
- Used as hair oil neem promotes shiny, healthy hair, combats dryness, prevents premature graying and may even help with some forms of hair loss.
- Neem is said to be a very effective medicine for people suffering from diabetes and helps to control blood sugar levels to a great extent.
- Eating neem will help get rid of intestinal worms, thus performing its role as a de-worming agent and will help restore healthy functioning of the intestines.
- Neem oil can be used to massage muscle aches and joints and can be used to relieve pain from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Osteoarthritis, lower back pain, etc.
- Ingesting neem is beneficial in many ways as it helps to restore the taste of mouth, cures constipation and relieves of indigestion. It also eliminated the problem of acidity.
- In short, neem is just about anti-everything : anti-bacterial, anti-viral
anti-septic, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, blood-purifying, spermicidal.

What are various benefits of red rice over white rice.

June 5th, 2010

Red yeast rice (RYR) is the product of yeast ( Monascus purpureus ) grown on rice, and is served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries. It contains several compounds collectively known as Monacolins, substances known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis.
Red yeast rice extract (RYRE) has been sold as a natural cholesterol-lowering agent in over the counter supplements, such as CholestinTM(Pharmanex, Inc).
Red rice yeast (red yeast rice) has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for centuries to help blood circulation and ease stomach problems. It is made by growing red yeast on white rice, and then powdering it.
Mechanism
Monocolins, the active compounds in natural red yeast rice, convert into a specialized enzyme during digestion. This enzyme inhibits the production of cholesterol.
Cholesterol Effects
Lovastatin is the primary active monocolin in red yeast rice, and it has been repeatedly proven to reduce total cholesterol. Isolated lovastatin is now used as an FDA-approved prescription drug.

Benefits of Red Rice

- Red rice yeast has been proven to lower levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.
- Red rice yeast has been proven in a number of research studies to help lower high levels of triglycerides in the blood.
- Studies have shown that red yeast rice may offer some benefits for people with diabetes and hypoglycemia.
- Early clinical trials have indicated that red yeast rice may help to reduce the risk and severity of coronary heart disease.

Possible Side Effects of Red Rice Yeast

The side effects of red rice yeast are rare and generally mild, but lovastatin has raised some concerns about compromised liver function. In addition, doctors and nutritionists advise that those who are taking statin drugs or other drugs to lower cholesterol levels should discuss the possibility of using red rice yeast as an alternative to conventional drug therapy rather than in addition to it.

Bad Behavior has blocked 150 access attempts in the last 7 days.