Posts Tagged ‘Lung’

Sweet Corn Nutrition And Health Benefits Of Sweet Corn

Corn, one of the most popular and versatile vegetables, is also a good source of several nutrients. Corn is a low-fat complex carbohydrate that deserves a regular place on any healthy table. These high-fiber, fat-fighting kernels of goodness are also hearty and satisfying.

Corn grows in “ears,” each of which is covered in rows of kernels that are then protected by the silk-like threads called “corn silk” and encased in a husk. Corn is known scientifically as Zea mays.

- Corn is a body building food.
- Corn is helpful in kidney problems including renal dysfunction.
- Corn bran is a heart protector, when eaten everyday it can lower cholesterol in the body.
- Cornstarch can prevent diaper rash.
- Corn is also beneficial in anemia and constipation.
- It helps in treating gout – boil 2 fresh cobs in 4 cups of water for 45 minutes, then strain and allow to cool. Place in the refrigerator. Drink one cup three times a day. Once there is relief, reduce your intake to one cup a day.
- Corn’s contribution to heart health lies not just in its fiber, but in the significant amounts of folate that corn supplies.
- Consuming foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid found in highest amounts in corn, pumpkin, papaya, red bell peppers, tangerines, oranges and peaches, may significantly lower one’s risk of developing lung cancer.
- Corn is a good source of thiamin, providing about one-quarter (24.0%) of the daily value for this nutrient in a single cup.
- Corn is a good source of pantothenic acid. This B vitamin is necessary for carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism.
- Rich Source of Calories : The calorific content of corn is 342 calories per 100grams, among the highest in cereals.
- Consumption of corn kernels assists the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and is effective against hypertension.
- Corn starch is used in the manufacture of many cosmetics and may also be applied topically to soothe skin rashes and irritations.

For these various reasons, the consumption of sweet corn is very necessary, as it has so many health benefits. It is a good idea to include sweet corn as a staple part of your diet to a considerable extent so as to maximize the benefits that you can glean from this rich food source.

| More

If you found this post informative, why not sign up to receive new posts ?
It's simple, and free, and you can even opt to receive by email:
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe to Good Health Tips by Email

Different methods to diagnose lung cancer

Lung cancer is often suspected after an abnormal spot is found on a chest x-ray done to evaluate a cough or chest pain. During this frightening time, it is helpful to know some of the procedures that may be recommended to find out if the abnormality is benign (non-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous.)
Diagnosis of lung cancer begins with taking a thorough medical history, including symptoms, and an examination.

History and Physical Examination

The history and physical examination may reveal the presence of symptoms or signs that are suspicious for lung cancer. Cyanosis, a bluish color of the skin and the mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen in the blood, suggests compromised function due to chronic disease of the lung.

Chest X-ray

It is used to detect enlarged lymph nodes in the chest or a localized mass in the lungs.

CT Scan

It may be performed on the chest, abdomen, and/or brain to examine for both metastatic and lung tumors. CT scans are X-ray procedures that combine multiple images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views of the body. A CT scan exposes the patient to a minimal amount of radiation. The most common side effect is an adverse reaction to intravenous contrast material that may have been given prior to the procedure. This may result in itching, a rash, or hives that generally disappear rather quickly.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan)

is a diagnostic method in which hydrogen ions within the body (and/or specific body parts) are excited by exposure to a magnetic field. The resulting signals are processed by a computer to create an image of the chest to define the location and extent of lung involvement.

Bronchoscopy

It is a visual examination of the windpipe and lung branches performed by a pulmonologist (respiratory disease specialist) using a flexible scope. If the bronchoscopy is still unrevealing, or “negative,” a needle biopsy may be performed.

Needle biopsy

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) uses a slim, hollow needle that is attached to a syringe. The needle is inserted into the suspicious mass and it is pushed back and forth to free some cells, which are aspirated (drawn up) into the syringe and are smeared on a glass slide for analysis.

Bone scan

It may also be performed to rule out suspicions of metastasis to the bones. Metastasis is the process wherein cancerous cells break away from the original tumor, travel, and grow within other body parts.

Positron emission tomography (PET)

It combines the technology of CT scan with the technology of PET (positive emission tomography) scan. PET scans involve injecting a sugar-based radiopharmaceutical, which travels through the body and collects in organs and tissues. The PET scan is used to detect cancer cells in the body and the CT scan provides detailed images that can determine the location and size of the cancer.