Posts Tagged ‘Carbohydrate’

Why do sometimes our body crave for sugar and sweets?

Having a sweet tooth is a natural characteristic common to almost everyone. This is because the consumption of sugar can give you a temporary high and after a few minutes or even a couple of hours, your body could crave some more sugar, just so that it can experience the same high once again. The more you give into the urge, the stronger will it become.

- Sometimes our body requires a boost in blood sugar. This often leads to you to crave sweets at
the end of an exhausting day.
- Craving for sugar could be due to lower serotonin levels. Serotonin is a brain chemical that makes you feel content and happy.
- Sugar gives you a mood boost that makes eating it more pleasurable.
- A craving for sweets may indicate a lack of minerals in the body.
- People with an overgrowth of yeast in their intestines often crave sugar.
- Diabetic intense cravings for sugar.
- Depending on your body-type, you may have a predilection toward sweets.

CAUSES FOR INTENSE SUGAR CRAVINGS

- Depression
- Eating habits
- Following a low carbohydrate diet
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Exhaustion

SYMPTOMS OF INTENSE CRAVINGS

- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Increased sugar addiction
- Increased caffeine intake
- Need for sleep

WAYS TO STOP SUGAR CRAVINGS

- Wean yourself off sugary products slowly. Instead of buying soft drinks sweetened with sugar or high fructose, switch to sugar-free or low sugar substitutes.
- Avoiding foods which tend to trigger cravings for sweets may also be helpful.
- Exercise regularly and follow a proper diet plan.
- Divert your mind.
- Eat often i.e. eat short regular meals at equal intervals.
- Manage stress and depression.
- Eating fresh fruits is a much better way to give in to our sweet tooth.

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What are various benefits of red rice over white rice.

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.