Trace minerals that are vital for our body!!!!

*Selenium—Helps boost your immune power and neutralize free radicals.
*Calcium—Not only does this mineral help you build healthy teeth and bones, it also helps you maintain normal blood pressure and control your weight.
*Copper—Helps to make hormones, boost your immunity, increase your enzyme function, improve your absorption of iron, and transport oxygen effectively.
*Cobalt—Essential for the creation of red blood cells, this mineral is also necessary for growth and appetite and helps you to stave off anemia.
*Phosphorus—Working in tandem with calcium, this mineral helps to maximize bone strength and help your kidneys excrete waste more effectively.
*Chromium—This mineral helps you lose weight, build muscle, keep your blood sugar healthy, balance your cholesterol, and improve carbohydrate metabolism.
*Magnesium—Excellent for improved heart health, this mineral also helps you maintain normal blood sugar, strengthen your bones and boost your enzyme function.
*Iodine—Essential for a healthy thyroid, this mineral is necessary for dozens of processes in your body, including fat metabolism, energy creation, and healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Are you suffering from BPH???

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is also known as enlarged prostate.As your prostate grows, it applies more and more pressure inward and squeezes the urethra. This causes the urinary difficulties associated with BPH.Preventing your prostate from enlarging is the safest thing you can do to help protect the health of your bladder and other vital organs.
But by the time you reach the age of 40, your body starts creating more of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme triggers the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). And overabundance of DHT is the main cause of an enlarged prostate.These follwing nutrients help you in your fight against BPH.
Beta Sitosterol,an amazing phytonutrient, has the uncanny ability to help block the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-redutase. Our diets only deliver only miniscule amont of this nutrient,hence it is best to take it in form of supplement.
Selenium,lycopene-two powerful antioxidants are another super nutrients that have ability to prevent BPH.Saw Palmetto is already well known as a prostrate protector.
soy—one of the most popular foods that is loaded with healthy Isoflavones-a rich nutrient that works wonders for your prostate.
Pumpkin Seeds also provide powerful prostate protection.Also Zinc and Copper are two essential trace elements that help to keep your prostrate healthy.

Diabetes and alcohol!!!

If you suffer from type 2 diabetes then you are probably wondering whether or not you can enjoy alcoholic drinks.
Below is a short list of guidelines for diabetics when it comes to drinking alcohol:
*Before considering drinking any alcoholic beverage, it is imperative that you consult with your diabetes health care specialist.
*It is recommended that you limit your consumption of alcohol to two drinks each day if you're male. If you're a woman, than the recommended amount is one drink each day.
*Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. In fact, it is best to combine your drink with a carbohydrate snack.
*It is best to stay clear from alcoholic drinks that are high in sugar content like hard liquor mixed with high fructose mixes, sweet wines,etc.
*If you are experiencing other medical problems as a result of your diabetes then it is best to skip alcohol altogether.

The Role of Diet in High Blood Pressure

What we eat plays a large role in preventing and treating high blood pressure.

Maintain a healthy weight:People who are overweight are two to six times more likely to develop high blood pressure than people who are not.

Reduce your salt intake:Even a modest reduction in salt consumption may prove beneficial in lowering your blood pressure.

Limit alcohol consumption:Having three drinks a day is linked to an increase in blood pressure.

Increase potassium intake:Most fruits and vegetables are high in potassium. A few studies have shown that people with a low potassium intake have a higher risk of high blood pressure.

Drink more milk:It appears that increasing calcium intake may help lower blood pressure, especially for people who rarely consume milk.

Eat plenty of sea food: The omega-three fatty acids found in saltwater fish appear to have a role in lowering blood pressure.

Stick to a DASH diet plan:The DASH plan encourages consumption of more fruits and vegetables than normally recommended; at least eight servings a day are needed for results.

Herbs for Diabetes-part VI

Salacia Oblonga (or Saptrangi , Ponkoranti), is a woody plant found in the forests of Sri Lanka and India. The roots and stems of Salacia Oblonga have been used extensively in Ayruveda and traditional Indian medicine for the treatment of Diabetes.
Salacia Oblonga inhibits the breakdown of oligosaccharides such as sucrose, maltose, etc. into monosaccharides and inhibits the absorption of monosaccharides such as glucose,etc. in the body, preventing blood sugar levels from rising.
Salacia Oblonga taken daily is effective in lowering the blood glucose, serum cholesterol, triglycerides and increasing the HDL cholesterol levels of non-insulin dependent diabetes patients.

Diabetes,Diet and Hypertension!!!

In patients with type 2 diabetes, high-carbohydrate diet modestly raises blood pressure as compared to a diet high in monounsaturated fat.The reason for an increase in blood pressure and heart rate on a high-carbohydrate diet compared with a high- monounsaturated fat diet might be the accentuation of high insulin levels.
Best diet for diabetes would be high fiber,low carbohydrate,low fat and moderate to low protiens.A diet high in soluble fiber would be more than beneficial in controlling both hypertension and diabetes.

Principles of healthy diet!!!!

A healthy diet means you eat meals that:-
- are moderate in complex carbohydrates, such as beans, vegetables, and grains.
- are low in fat, especially saturated fat and cholesterol - that includes protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, and tofu.
- are high in fiber, which is in fresh vegetables and fruits as well as whole-grain breads and some cereals.
- are low in sugary foods and sweets.
- includes only moderate amounts of alcohol.