Thursday, October 31, 2013

8 Reasons You Should Stop Drinking Pepsi





Do you enjoy a can or two of Pepsi during the day? You are not alone. Dozens of people crave and can down several cans in no time. More recently, various campaigns subtlety started to encourage people to dramatically decrease consumption of Pepsi or even give it up altogether. Here are all nasty side effects of your favorite soft drink.

Pepsi helps to gain weight
Drinking regular Pepsi causes gaining weight. No shock there, but the areas of the fat build up should give you pause. Researchers found that people who drink diet Pepsi have a 75 percent increase in waist circumference over the ten years study, compared with those who do not drink any kind of Pepsi. Those who drink more than 2 diet ones per day see a 400 percent waist expansion. It is the aspartame that raises blood glucose levels and causes the weight gain. When the liver finds too much glucose, the extra one is converted to body fat.

Pepsi can cause cancer
That caramel coloring in Pepsi causes cancer in animals. In fact, it was asked to ban it because it contains 2 and 4- methylimidazoles. Main notes that just 15 micrograms per day can be a cancer threat. Yet most of the popular Pepsi have 199 micrograms per 20 ounces.

Pepsi fastens aging
One study on the phosphates in Pepsi suggests they may accelerate the aging process. The rats in the study died 5 weeks earlier than rats with normal phosphate levels. Phosphoric acid is the third listed ingredient in the can being drunk every second can potentially cause kidney and heart problems, muscle loss and eventually osteoporosis.

Pepsi impacts environment
The artificial sweeteners like saccharin do not break down when they go through your body. Evidently these then end up in water systems because treatment plants do not catch them either. This leads them to mess around with the natural feeding habits of the food chain. Now you are getting into the environmental impacts. It is time to feel guilty about the aluminum cans.

Pepsi contains banded substance
Parents should be familiar with bisphenol A. The chemical made headline news because companies used it to line plastic baby bottles even though it can leach into the liquid and cause long term effects. Those include hormone disbalance, infertility and obesity. While most baby bottles no longer contain it, the aluminum cans filled with the Pepsi of your choice sure do.


Pepsi contains GMO
The corn based ingredient such as high fructose corn syrup probably comes from genetically modified corn. No one has a real idea what GMOs do to a long-term health.


Pepsi destroys your teeth
In case your dentist have not told you, between the sugar and the acidity, Pepsi is terrible for your teeth.


Pepsi contains pesticides
Researchers have found high levels of toxic pesticides and insecticides, high enough to cause cancer, damage to the nervous and reproductive systems, birth defects and severe disruption of the immune system in Pepsi manufactured in India.


source

Sunday, October 27, 2013

10 Ridiculously Healthy Foods

Page Redirection If you are not redirected automatically, follow the link to 10 Healthy Dinner Recipes Under $3

Friday, October 25, 2013

10 Foods That Will Kill You!


You’re probably aware of all the foods that are good for you, like fresh fruits and vegetables, but do you know about the foods that can kill you? These unhealthy foods can lead to some serious health problems, especially if you eat them regularly. Want to know what they are? Well, keep reading!

1. Low-Fat Foods

A lot of people think that they are being healthy by purchasing foods that are labeled as “low fat”. Unfortunately this is not the case, as most of these foods are packed with unhealthy chemicals to make up for the lack of fat. These chemicals are extremely bad for your body and can even damage your health over time.


2. Margarine

People choose margarine over butter because it doesn’t have cholesterol in it, but what you need to pay attention to is what IS in it! Margarine is extremely high in trans-fat, which can damage your blood vessels and even increase your cholesterol.


3. Fruit Juice

A lot of shoppers think they are healthy when they purchase fruit juice, but these are actually very bad for the body. Not only are most made with artificial flavors and not any real fruit, they are packed full of sugar and other chemicals that can cause obesity and other serious health problems. Even real fruit juice is packed full of sugar that provides you with no nutritional value. It’s best to eat a piece of fruit instead of drink it, unless you’re juicing your own fresh fruits and vegetables at home.

 4. Processed Meats
The chemicals that are inside of processed meats have been linked to colon cancer and many other health problems. They are also packed full of sugar, salt and fat that can lead to obesity and diabetes. You’re always better off cooking your own meat from lean cuts and avoiding the processed meats all together.


5. Energy Bars

Energy bars are marketed as healthy snacks for people who want to lose weight and get fit. Unfortunately a lot of people don’t read the nutritional information on these bars in the first place. Many of them are made with a lot of sugar and fat, even though they are high in protein. You’re better off staying away from these and reaching for a natural snack, like almonds and cheese, instead.


6. Frozen Dinners and Lunches

Sure those frozen meals are convenient, but what price do you pay for that convenience? These frozen dinners, even those that are low in calories, are really high in sodium. They are also extremely processed, which means they really put your body through a lot of work in order to digest through your body.


7. Breakfast Cereals

There are really only a few breakfast cereals on store shelves today that are actually good for you. Even those that are labeled “healthy” generally turn out to be packed full of sugar and fat. You might be surprised to find that most of the cereals you love have more sugar than your dessert does! On top of all of that, cereals are normally processed quite a bit and made with chemicals to make them seem “healthier” to the consumer.

8. Doughnuts
Speaking of breakfast foods, who doesn’t love a sugary doughnut when they are running late to start the day? Although they may taste good, these are a huge source of sugar, fat, trans fat and carbohydrates. In fact, just one of these fried treats is generally well over 300 calories. Since most people tend to eat more than one, this can lead to quick weight gain without even realizing it.


9. Soda

Regular soda is a huge source of sugar and a variety of other chemicals that have been linked to several different types of cancer. These provide absolutely no nutritional value to you and can lead to diabetes as well. Even diet soda carries risks, as it’s made with a lot of chemicals to make up for the lack of sugar, and these have been linked to diseases and cancers.


10. Potato Chips

Before you reach for that bag of potato chips; think again! These are filled with a lot of fat and calories, but did you know they are also loaded with dangerous chemicals? Most chips are made with acrylamide, which is created when foods are fried at extremely high temperatures. This chemical is linked to cancer, which can result in death.



Friday, October 18, 2013

7 Bad Foods That Are Not Bad After All






Did you stop eating a certain food because someone has told you that it was bad for you? Some products get bad reputations which they do not really deserve because of incorrect information. The truth is, quite a few of the foods you may think are bad may actually be beneficial for you. Find out more about not so bad foods.

White rice
Japan is one of the healthiest nations enjoying white rice at most meals. Plus, studies have found that those who eat rice are also less likely to be overweight. White rice has more essential nutrients than brown one due to fortification. It may surprise you to hear that the brown rice’s bran layer contains phytic acid, an anti nutrient that makes minerals such as iron and zinc hard to absorb. In addition, brown rice contains higher levels of arsenic than white one.
Coffee
In addition to containing caffeine that helps you get alert, coffee is one of the main sources of flavonoids. They are known to protect cells from the natural negative effects associated with aging and help improve heart health. Coffee helps reduce the risk for diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. What is more, studies have found that athletic performance benefits can be seen with moderate amounts of caffeine. Experts seem to agree that moderate amounts of coffee that is about three cups per day, can have modest health benefits without evidence of health risk. Try to choose organic coffee, whenever it is possible.


Pasta
If you quit up white pasta because of a high glycemic index, think again. Pasta made from white durum wheat, has a glycemic index of 50- considered to be low. It means eating pasta won’t cause a quick spike of blood sugar and will keep you feeling fuller for a long time. The secret is to keep portions to no more than a cup cooked. Believe it or not, this is a recommended serving size of pasta. For a more filling and balanced meal, prepare pasta with seafood, vegetables or lean protein like chicken and top it with a tomato based sauce rather than a cream based one.
Canadian bacon
Regular bacon is packed with sodium saturated fat, but Canadian bacon is lower in both calories, fat but still high in protein. Besides sodium there is a lot to love about it. One oz serving of Canadian bacon has about 49 calories and 1.5 g of fat, in comparison to regular bacon with 160 calories and 15g of fat per ounce. Canadian bacon provides zinc, iron and B vitamins, along with the friendly monounsaturated fats. When choosing this bacon, look for the natural uncured variety, as they do not contain nitrates.
Beef
If you are one of those meat lovers who decided to give up the red one in order to lose weight or to make the diet healthier, you may be happy to hear that eating moderate amounts of lean beef can actually help you lose weight and improve your overall health. Many choices of beef sold at stores are classified as lean, meaning the cuts provide up to ten grams of total fat and no more than five grams of saturated fat in a three oz serving. You also can find now beef containing neither hormones nor antibiotics as well as both grass feed and organic options. Beef provides several essential minerals and vitamins including protein, B-vitamins, zinc and iron.
Dried fruit
Many dieters avoid dried fruit because it has more concentrated calories than fresh fruit. While this seems to be true, dried fruit can serve when fresh fruit is not available. Dried fruit can also be enjoyed as a replacement for desserts such as candy or baked goods. Dried fruits contain the same nutrients as their fresh counterparts. They are also antioxidant powerhouses. Look for options which have not added sugar. Try them on top of your oatmeal or mixed with nonfat plain yogurt.
Popcorn
If you eat popcorn only when you go to the movie, you are missing out one of the healthiest grains. Researchers reported that popcorn is packed with phytonutrients. The beneficial compounds are in the darker hulls of the kernel. Experts revealed that popcorn contains nearly twice as many polyphenols compared to a serving of fruit. What is more, popcorn is absolutely whole grain; unlike many other whole grain foods that are only partially made with whole ones. You can enjoy 3 cups of popcorn for just 99 calories and it has 4g of filling 




Thursday, October 10, 2013

10 Hauntingly Healthy Halloween Snacks


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

11 Reasons To Start Eating Grapes



Are you trying to improve your eating habits? You certainly have to stock up on grapes. According to an observational study those who eat grapes and grape products take in more nutrients and eat healthier diets overall than people who do not.
Fights cold
Grapes are high in fiber, and their juice has dozens of nutrients that help fight cancer and heart disease. The fruit boosts your immune system by increasing the amount of gamma and delta T cells in your body. Try using grape juice to get rid of colds. You can blend a half cup each grape juice, low fat vanilla yogurt, strawberries and a banana. Mm delicious!
Erases wrinkles
Grapes are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that will help you to keep skin looking young. Try to smooth a little grape’s seed oil selling at healthy food stores onto crease prone areas before bed.
Whites teeth
You can forget bleach because the malic acid found in grapes naturally breaks down discolorations on teeth and stains. Snack on grapes that are just ripe, because as the fruit ripens the acid declines.
For beautiful hands
Grapes can banish hangnails and keep cuticles soft between manicures. Combine ten red grapes and two tablespoons of granulated sugar. Try this antioxidant rich scrub to massage around every nail and wipe off with a wet towel.
Powers up weight loss
Grape product consumption might have been associated with a healthier diet and improved nutrient intake. Exciting research led by one university found that grape particularly combined with soy isoflavones works on your body in 2 ways to significantly assist with weight loss efforts: first it dramatically reduces ability of cells to store fat by about 150 percent and secondly causes fat cells to disintegrate at a rate 245 percent higher than normal.

Protects heart
In research, grape demonstrated the ability of blood vessels’ dilatation, which may allow blood to flow easier through blood vessels. It has also been claimed to relax the walls of your blood vessels, making larger their diameter and lowering blood pressure allowing a higher volume of blood to flow through all areas of your body, delivering increased nutrients and oxygen to the body’s cells. Other studies found that just ten mg of grapes resulted in a dramatic reduction of heart-attack risk factors.
Mops up brain damaging plaques
Studies at one university proved grape’s brain protecting ability. They found that grape mopes up brain damaging plaques and free radicals, which have been linked to certain diseases. This important nutrient is so powerful that many health practitioners refer as reverse it all.
Protects body from radiation
What is more, grape- potent nutrient has even been shown to protect your body against radiation therapy- used as an adjunct to radiation treatment of cancer.
Fights diabetes
People with high risk of diabetes who were given grapes had a ten percent drop in blood sugar levels, according to research by one college of medicine.
Turns down inflammation
Grapes work as an anti inflammatory, which might be one of the reasons why it is effective for heart disease.
Supports muscle recovery
As a potent antioxidant, grape supports your cells and organs in eliminating uric acid and other toxins from your body and is well- known to support muscle recovery for athletes.
source

Monday, October 7, 2013

7 Reasons To Never Drink Slurpees


Before you rush out the door to load up magically fluffy slush, you should know exactly what you are putting into your mouth because it is not as pretty as you may think. Here is broken down the anatomy of a Slurpee to reveal what kinds of chemicals, additives, and sugars you will really be enjoying when you drink this beverage.
Sugar
You are probably smart enough to guess that Slurpees are full of sugar, but you might not realize that all varieties except for the sugar free one use corn syrup high in fructose as the leading sweetener—even those with fruit flavors. This means they are not only full of empty calories but also spike your blood glucose and fill your body with an added dose of processed ingredients.
Artificial sweeteners
In response to the ever growing obesity problem, companies began producing sugar free versions of their slurpees a year ago. A serving of their sugar free flavors only cost twenty calories but the bad news is that the aspartame used to sweeten this kind of drinks can be even worse for you than sugar.
Caffeine
If you go for Slurpees, do not forget that you are loading up on caffeine eight mg per eight ounces along with the sugar. This amount might not be a big deal if you are just drinking a kid’s size treat, but if you get a jumbo cup, or give it to your children, you will get seriously jacked up on the mix.
Food dyes
You will be horrified to know that certain Slurpee flavors are chock full of toxic artificial coloring. Company uses several different food dyes, but one of the most common is red 40 even those which are not red. It has been tied to reactions ranging from migraines and headaches to temper tantrums, dizziness, aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, uncontrollable screaming and crying, nervousness, kicking, inability to sit still or concentrate in children.
Preservatives
Sodium benzoate is a flavor preservative added to most Slurpees that is a known carcinogen when combined with citric acid being in various flavors and has been shown to correlate with hyperactivity, according to a 2009 study.
Artificial flavors
Berry, citrus, cherry and other fruits abound in their flavors, but you never find a smidge of real fruit in Slurpees. It is all artificial that means yet another dose of chemicals to add to the murky mix.
Quillaia extract
Slurpees contain above mentioned tree bark extract that is used as an additive in many frozen and gelatinous foods and used as a foaming extract in some soft drinks. Although some studies indicate that it is safe in small amounts, its negative side effects could include stomach and intestinal disturbance, diarrhea, and it contains oxalates- chemicals that can lower blood calcium levels and cause kidney stones.
You will do best if you make a smoothie at home when you crave a frothy treat, or if it is inevitable, go and drink the free Slurpee today but then steer clear until next year.

Friday, October 4, 2013

11 Reasons You Should Start Eating Mango



Mangos taste so good that you forget how healthy they are. Here are healthy reasons why you should stock up on this king of fruits.
Nutrition by the numbers
1 cup contains the following percentages applied to daily value
103 calories
75 percent vitamin C- antioxidant and immune booster
24 percent vitamin A- antioxidant and vision
12 percent vitamin B6 plus other B vitamins- hormone production in brain and heart disease prevention
10 percent healthy probiotic fiber
8 percent copper- a co-factor for various vital enzymes plus production of red blood cells
8 percent potassium- balances out your high sodium intake
5 percent magnesium
Mango prevents cancer
Researches have shown antioxidant compounds in mango fruit have been found to protect against colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancers and leukemia. These compounds are isoquercitrin, quercetin, fisetin, astragalin, methylgallat and gallic acid as well as the abundant enzymes.
Mango decreases cholesterol levels
Levels of vitamin C, pectin and fiber found in a high level in mango help to decrease serum cholesterol levels, specifically LDL- the bad stuff.
Mango clears the skin
This tasty and super flashy yellow- colored fruit can be used both externally and internally for your skin. A mango clears clogged pores and eliminates pimples.
Mango for Eye health
1 cup of sliced mangoes supplies 24 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight and prevents dry eyes and night blindness.

Mango alkalizes the whole body
The malic acid, a trace of citric acid and tartaric acid found in the mango help to maintain the alkali reserve of your body.
Mango helps in diabetes
Leaves of mango help normalize insulin levels in your blood.  The traditional home remedy involves boiling leaves in water, soaking through the night and then drinking the filtered decoction after you wake up. Mango fruit also has a relatively low glycemic index so moderate quantities will not spike your sugar levels.
Mango improves sex
Mangos are a great source of vitamin E. Even though the well known connection between vitamin E and sex drive was originally created by a mistaken generalization on rat studies, recent researches have shown balanced proper amounts as from whole food does help in this area.
Mango improves digestion
Papayas are not the only fruit that contain enzymes in order to break down protein. There are many fruits, including mango, which has this healthful quality. The fiber in mangos also helps elimination and digestion.
Remedy for Heat Stroke
Juicing the fruit from green mango and mixing with water and a sweetener helps to cool down your body and prevent harm to it. From an ancient medicine viewpoint, the reason people often get diuretic and exhausted while visiting equatorial climates is because the strong energy of sun is burning up the body, especially the muscles.  The kidneys become overloaded with the toxins from this process.
Mango boosts immune system
The generous amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C in mango, plus 26 different kinds of carotenoids keep your immune system strong and healthy.

source

Healthy Banana Bread Recipe with honey and applesauce instead of sugar & oil.





There’s nothing more enjoyable than a loaf of freshly baked banana bread following a long ride or run, but be careful before you reach for a piece from your local cafe!

Commercial banana bread is far from nutritious, mass produced and full of refined wheat flour, margarine, sugar and more banana flavouring than banana itself. Do yourself a favour and make a loaf of this bumper banana bread from The Wholesome Athlete. It’s sure to be a winner amongst your family and friends, and best of all is gluten and wheat free, dairy free and has no refined sugar! Make a double batch on the weekends, slice then freeze in portions for future convenience.

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar free applesauce
3/4 cup honey
2 eggs, beaten
3 mashed overripe bananas

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together applesauce and honey. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

250 fat burning recipes

250 fat burning recipes
250 fat burning recipes
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...