Low Fat Diets : Not as Beneficial as Once Thought

June 2nd, 2008 by Administrator

The Benefits of Low Fat Diets

It has been studied and surmised for decades. Low fat diets, before the low carb craze, were seemingly the golden ticket to good health, a trim body, and boundless energy. But new studies are starting to cast doubt on this long standing paradigm, paving the way for a possible nutrition breakthrough.

The specific study that prompted the new questions was a government funded study with almost 20,000 mostly overweight postmenopausal women. The study closely monitored the women’s diets, radically changing their eating habits in order to subsequently lower their risk of cancer and heart disease.

What the researchers found was less than compelling evidence that low fat diets significantly altered the risk of heart disease and cancer as once hypothesized.

Some Importants Facts to Point Out About the Low Fat Diet Study

While the results of the studies admittedly were not stellar, scientists still acknowledge there were other factors in their study’s control group of overweight, postmenopausal women which may have negatively impacted the outcome of the studies.

For one, due to the women’s age, they were - in essence - trying to reverse years of bad eating which may have already caused irreparable damaging effects on their health. Although most of the control group on the low fat diet did initially lose a few pounds, most of them continued to retain too much weight.

However, the diet prescribed was not directly designed for weight loss, but instead put an emphasis on dietary fat reduction rather than calorie restriction. This fact kept the weight on most of the test subjects, and excess weight in itself is a high risk factor for most cancers and heart disease.

Important Final Note on Low Fat Diets

Research has still suggested that a balanced, low calorie diet, with a healthy dose of “good” fat is the best way to secure a future that is healthy and disease free. Not only that, but before you break open the Ho Ho’s and Twinkies, high fat diets are still considered one of the most dangerous, and people who eat a lot of fat consistently have shown up with a higher incidence of heart disease and cancer.

To find the best diet for your lifestyle, I recommend you take a look at the following three diet plans for the best healthy eating principles for longevity, health, disease prevention and energy. By the way, none of them are considered to be “low fat”, but rather they focus on keeping the fat in your diet limited only to heart healthy fats which actually aid the body in staying healthy rather than clog it up.

1.) The Zone by Dr. Barry Sears

2.) South Beach Diet by Arthur Agatston

3.) Body for Life by Bill Phillips

Visit Dieting Magazine: Online Diet and Weight Loss Resource for more information on the only clinically proven low carb diet pill mentioned in this article. Danna Schneider is the co founder of
Dieting and Weight Loss Blog

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Do You Need To Cut Down 100 Calories A Day? But Don’t Know What 100 Calories Is?

May 26th, 2008 by Administrator

The difference between weight loss, and steady or weight gain, can be as little as 100 calories a day. Well, that is according to the American Dietetic Association, and it is very easy to believe the underlying truth in that.

Most overweight people in the US and UK put on weight very slowly over the years. A weight gain of 2lbs per year, which is about average, may seem very little. In fact, it is very little, if it stops there and you take it off again. However, a steady weight gain of 2 lbs per year for 10 years is 20lb. In 20 years it is 40lb. Now, that is a serious weight gain that can increase vulnerability to chronic disease. If you are in your 20’s now, you can look forward to a weight drift upwards of 60 lbs by the time you reach your 50’s.

That, for sure, is not a healthy trend. But the cause of that 2lb weight gain each year could be as little as an extra 100 calories a day regularly over the year. So, if you can cut out 100 calories a day, you may keep your weight under control over the years. Or how about doing that little bit extra that will use 100 calories per day? Neither task is that difficult; you just need to ensure you do it every day.

Examples Of Cutting Out 100 Calories Per Day Intake

Here are just a few examples of what 100 calories a day means, and how you may cut it out of your regular diet:

1. Do you drink non diet soft drinks? An 16 ounce can could add 250 calories, so if you switch drinks to a lower calorie drink, or just cut them out altogether, that’s a significant saving in calorie intake.

2. Are you a beer drinker? Even a 12oz light beer is 100 calories or so, which means cutting out one beer will achieve your daily reduction need.

3. Are you a coffee lover? Do you drink your coffee with whole milk? If yes, you can save 100 calories a day by drinking two of your regular cups with skimmed milk instead of whole.

4. You think salads are low calorie? Maybe, but not if you plaster them with dressing. One packet of French dressing can have 160 calories in, so if you usually use the whole packet in a restaurant, try using just under half instead.

You will find many more examples of easy 100 calorie savings. If you look at your diet now, and then check the calories on all the items you think may be high calorie, you will soon find an easy way to reduce your calorie intake by 100 calories a day. That is not too painful a diet experience.

How To Burn An Extra 100 Calories A Day

Would you prefer to burn that 100 calories instead of cut it out of your diet each day? If so, here are a few ways to burn 100 calories extra:

1. Vigorous cycling on a stationary exercise bike should use up over 100 calories.

2. Swimming energetically for just 10-15 minutes should burn more than 100 calories.

3. Walking at about 3mph pace for half an hour should also use up more than 100 calories. You can burn up 100 calories in only 10 minutes that way.

4. Do some aerobics for 15 minutes. That alone could shed that 100 calories. Make it enjoyable by putting on some of your favourite dance music.

5. Do you like golf? Play more often if you can. Just half an hour of golf activity, carrying your own clubs, could help you shed 120 calories.

There are many more similar examples to the above, so make them as pleasurable and easy as possible. 100 calories intake or burn is very modest. Do it every day, and your weight may be under control. Start while you’re young and normal weight, and that’s a good investment for your future health.

EzineArticles Expert Author Roy Thomsitt

This weight loss article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner and part author of the Routes To Self Improvement website.

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Master Cleanse: Elemis Detox Program Review

May 22nd, 2008 by Administrator

What Doctors Say About Body Detox Safe To Use
Our bodies are equipped with several systems to help it naturally detox. However, today’s stressful lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits often overburden our natural systems. As our body struggles to keep up with the toxic matter flowing through our systems it often falls behind. Toxic waste begins to back up and the balance of our body is disrupted. For that reason alone everyone needs to detox, and diet with Master Cleanse. If you usually suffer any GUT symptoms or irritable bowel syndrome it is also a good idea to have a food allergy test to help identify problematic foods. Master Cleanse program is highly popular with celebrities in Hollywood. The main idea of a detox diet is to eliminate nearly all foods and restrict the body to only water and veggetables for a few days usually around 5 or 6 days is adequate, which is the reason why you must be on the Master Cleanse

Why Use Master Cleanse Program
Although everyone can benefit from a detox cleanse, those of us who are overweight, have unhealthy diets, take medications, drink alcohol, have health problems, or are exposed to chemicals in the workplace, need it more than others. I personally have a very healthy diet, drink purified water, take supplements, and exercise regularly, but the amazing benefits I get from doing a complete internal cleanse continues to convince me that all of us are suffering from the toxins around us and in our food, no matter how healthy we think we are. See more on Master Cleanse at Master Cleanse Review This method involves the use of radiant energy at a lower temperature to generate heat within the body. The radiant energy has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin and the underlying subcutaneous layers.

Master Cleanse Benefits:
Master Cleanse is the world most popular diet program. It was proven that sauna is not only pleasant but also an amusing way to detoxify. To make us perspire is what sauna can do and sweating removes toxins in our body. Two types of saunas can be used for the all natural super detox program - the traditional sauna and the infrared heat sauna. It enhances blood circulation and provides more oxygen to our tissues. Exposure to it opens our nasal passages to drain our sinuses. Sauna is known to be the best natural detox solution for heavy metals toxicity which includes high mercury toxicity levels and it also helps to provide arsenic removal from our body. Take a shower immediately after you get out of the sauna to wash off the toxins that seep through your pores. So, do start your master cleanse diet today. If the dangers seem overblown imagine a region populated by about two million people that is devastated by an explosion and meltdown at a nearby nuclear power plant.

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Heart Disease and Homocysteine

May 6th, 2008 by Administrator

Are you aware that one of the most important indicators of heart disease is homocysteine? -1

A naturally occurring amino acid in your body, homocysteine can cause inflammation and damage to your blood vessels when levels become elevated because of a functional deficiency of B vitamins and Folic Acid. -2

Every week we read or hear about heart disease being one of the biggest health concerns facing America today. Most people have experienced this problem because they know a friend or family member with one of these health problems.

In many cases, they may be facing one of these conditions themselves.

Would it be fair to say you really want to take control of and improve your health?

All it takes is a special blood test (just like a test for cholesterol levels), to measure the level of homocysteine in your blood. It is NOT a routine test so do yourself a favor and ask your Doctor for the test.

Also this test may not be covered by your insurance - however, because it is so important to your health - get it anyway.

So what is the normal range for homo- cysteine levels? Your level should be under 8, below 7 is even better for your health.

How you can naturally and easily keep your homocysteine levels in the normal range? One can accomplish this with a few supplements and better eating habits for life.

And guess what? You are going to feel better and gain more energy in the process!

The first thing you may want to consider is taking a pharmaceutical grade natural multi-vitamin which contains B vitamins (B2,B6 and B12) and Folic acid 2-3 times a day. Why should I take a vitamin 2-3 times a day you ask? Because the body can only absorb so much nutrition at any one time.

Most quality vitamins will only contain about as much of a certain vitamin and mineral which can be absorbed by your body at one time.

Because the body needs nutrition throughout the day, this is one of the best ways to feed your body what it needs.

Coenzyme Q10 - or CoQ10. Research has shown and proven this to be effective in fighting heart disease: -3

Slows the effects of LDL cholesterol to fight heart disease.

Inhibits formation of free radicals

Replaces natural CoQ10 levels depleted by statin drugs and poor diet.

Next, here are some great natural food sources to keep your homocysteine levels in the normal range.

Vegetable proteins do not raise levels like some meat proteins can so eat plenty of leafy dark green vegetables.

Legumes (beans) of all kinds which are a great source of protein.

Eggs are a great source of protein - (the only protein with all 20 amino acids in the correct ratios for your body) and also a great source of Folic Acid, which helps to control your level of homocysteine.

Great sources of Soy like tofu, soy beverages, soy nuts.

Nuts - in particular - Brazil, walnuts, almonds, pecans and hazelnuts. As well as seeds - like sunflower seeds and flaxseed, which is also high in Folic Acid.

High quality grass fed organic beef, wild game, wild Alaskan salmon and sardines.

Poor quality sources of meat protein can actually raise your level of homocysteine.

So as you have learned, you can naturally and easily help your body avoid one of the factors which leads to heart disease with these proven, simple and low cost methods.

And guess what? Just imagine how you are going to feel better and gain more energy in the process in a short period of time!

1- Physicians Health Study, Milosevic-Tosic M. ,et al. Hyperhomocysteinemia - a risk factor for development of occlusive vascular diseases Med pregl. 2002 Sep-Oct;55(9-10):385-91

2- Hyman, Mark M.D., Liponis, Mark M.D. Ultra-Prevention, The 6-Week Plan that will Make you healthy for life, New York, Scribner, 2003, pgs 43, 50.

3- http://www.smartbodyz.com/CoQ10Text.htm

3- Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., The CoEnzyme Q10 Phenomenon, McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books,1998

2004 © by Lee Cummings

Please feel free to use this article in your newsletter or on your website(with resource box included and use an active link).

This article may not be used in any e-mail promotions that do not conform with federal law.

If you use this article, please send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: mailto:leeman@lc-nutrition.com

About The Author

Lee Cummings has been studying natural proven nutrition for 9 years. Because he has shown people how to get the results they want with natural proven nutrition, he has helped dozens of people feel better and gain energy over the last 4 years. Lee is the publisher of the monthly LC Nutrition newsletter. For more information on how proven nutrition will help you, visit http://www.LC-Nutrition.com

leeman@lc-nutrition.com

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Prostate

April 29th, 2008 by Administrator

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It is located just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra. The prostate gland measures 3-4 cm long and 3-5 cm in width. On average, the prostate gland weighs 20 grams. The prostate consists of approximately 30% muscular tissue while the remaining is glandular tissue.

Seminal vesicles are attached to the prostate and produce material that mixes with prostatic fluid to form semen. The tubes from the testicles carry sperm to the prostate, which mixes with the seminal fluid and is ejaculated during orgasm.

The prostate may increase in size as age progresses. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). More than 40% of men have an enlarged prostate by the age of 70. Enlargement of the prostate causes it to press against the urethra and weaken the flow of urine. An increase in size may indicate the condition of benign prostatic hyperplasia or a urologic condition. It need not necessarily indicate the growth of cancer cells. Benign prostatic hyperplasia does not increase the risk of prostate cancer but indicates the possibility of occurrence.

Three common diseases of the prostate are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostates and prostate cancer. Each condition affects the prostate differently.

The male sex hormone, testosterone, plays an important part in the normal growth and function of the prostate gland. The testicles produce testosterone and is a concern for those diagnosed with hormone-dependent prostate cancer. As long as testosterone is produced, prostate cancer is very likely to grow and spread throughout the body.

The prostate has various concentric zones, known as the anterior fibromuscular stroma, peripheral zone, central zone and transition zone. A doctor is able to examine the peripheral zone by inserting a finger in the rectum. Benign prostatic hyperplasia develops in the transition zone and grows in size. The anterior fibromuscular stroma is the anchoring point of the urethra

sphincter. It does not contain any glands and hence cancer or enlargement does not usually develop there. It is essential to contact a urologist in case one experiences the symptoms to ensure early preventive care.

Prostate provides detailed information on Prostate, Prostate Cancer, Prostate Health, Prostate Cancer Treatment and more. Prostate is affiliated with Prostate Cancer Treatments.

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Some Food For Thought - Is Your Diet Killing You!

April 26th, 2008 by Administrator

I must admit that I don’t usually write articles with such a chilling headline, so I feel that I should give a little background on a relatively innocent experience which prompted me to write this piece.

I would also say quite candidly that there is nothing really new in the main context of it, in fact most probably, everyone is concious of these facts in some way or another.

What I really do wonder though, is just exactly how many of us are actually making any real attempt to seriously look after ourselves, healthwise that is!

I live in Central Scotland in the UK, and according to statistics, we have one of the highest mortality rates from such things as coronary heart disease, strokes, obesity, etc, etc, and I often wonder why this should be the case!

Of course many things are contributory factors to this, and I am no medical expert, but there is one very important factor involved which I have studied extensively, and that is diet!

In Scotland we are renowned for our love of deep-fried foods such as fish and chips, pies, takeaway meals, our alcohol consumption, and so on. Every region of the Western world has its favourite “goodies” I suspect, so I am sure that you get the picture.

I must hand it to our Health Authorities however, because for some considerable time now there has been an extensive and on-going campaign of Health Education, including some excellent TV and Radio ads, outdoor billboards, and similar such things.

It was one of the latter that really caught my eye recently, so much so, that I can’t quite get the image out of my mind.
It is a large billboard, which contains a graphic picture of a human heart with two giant grey hands sueezing the life out of it!

Very very effective, (at least I thought so), my congratulations go to the person who devised it!

This was the spur that prompted this article, and as I said at the beginning, there is nothing really new in it, but I think it bears repeating nonetheless. Life is a precious gift, and although we are not immortal, there are many many things that we can do to prolong it, and preserve our health.

As far as diet is concerned therefore, here are some of the important ones again:-

Cut down on the fat,and cut down on the carbs.

You’ve heard the popular advice on weight loss diets. Cut the
fat! Cut the carbs! Cut the calories! Eat a balanced diet! But how can you cut though all of the confusion, and eat a diet that is balanced and healthy. Not always easy is it!

Here is some advice from nutritional science,which might help.

Cut out the junk fats.

Most people do not need an ultra low fat diet, but most of us could improve our diet by cutting out the junk fats. These are processed fats, hydrogenated fats, polyunsaturated oils that have been heated, and fats that are combined with junk carbohydrates.

Processed fats are those fats most likely to put on flab and clog your arteries. We do all know this don’t we!

Cut out the junk carbohydrates

The majority of people do not need an ultra low carb diet, but unfortunately, many people who do go on a low fat diet continue to eat highly processed foods.

They switch from processed high-fat foods to processed low-fat foods, and then when the food manufacturers create low fat foods, they tend to replace the fat with junk carbs.

These can actually pile on the pounds, because basically junk carbs are low-fiber carbs, like sugar, fructose (and all the other *oses), flour, cornstarch, fruit juice, and such.

Yes, fruit juice is a junk carb too you know!

After all, how much fiber is there in fruit juice. Virtually none, simply because it’s yet another junk carb. You would be better to eat the whole fruit instead, with its fiber intact.

Cut out the junk calories.

Most people do not need an ultra low calorie diet, but just think what your diet could be like if you dropped the processed fats and the low-fiber carbs. You would then be eating mainly natural proteins, with lots of vegetables plus whole fruits, and the odds would be that you would be eating far fewer calories as well.

That’s the kind of calorie cutting most of us should be doing!

Make every attempt to eat a balanced natural foods diet.

By natural foods, we mean those kinds of foods that would have been eaten by our hunter-gatherer ancestors. They would have had lots of whole vegetable foods giving them vitamins and fiber for instance, and also moderate to small portions of meats, fish, seafood, and other animal and protein foods.

These they would have grilled, stewed or baked, not deep fried!
They would also have eaten small portions of fresh whole fruit
in season, which is the diet on which the human race evolved!

So the next time you’re about to order a meal with fries and a sugary soda, stop and think about how it could be improved. Replace the fries with a salad for example, and the soda with a mineral water say.
It would probably surprise you, how much significant progress you have already made towards a healthier balanced meal.

Just simple sensible changes can work wonders!

When you are at home, look for recipes that use whole fresh foods, with a minimum of processing. Try and make sure that your meals include natural unprocessed foods, with lots of healthy vegetables, both cooked, and raw when in salads.
Avoid processed fats and processed low-fiber foods.

Here is a little simple menu that I often use and enjoy.

Grilled fish with steamed green beans and peppers.
Large mixed salad, dressed with small amounts of olive
oil and,vinegar or lemon juice.

Then fresh fruit platter to finish off.

A healthy balanced diet can be that simple you know!

Life is there to be enjoyed, but moderation in all things is the watchword in my opinion. I do hope this article has given you some food for thought however!

About The Author

Marie Gordon is Author and Publisher of “Your Fastest Way To Permanent Weight Loss” the complete solution to all your weight loss problems. You can find out more by visiting
http://www.howtoloseitfast.com

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Asbestos and Mesothelioma Cancer

April 16th, 2008 by Administrator

Asbestos is the biggest work place killer today. Those who have worked with asbestos or who are regularly in contact with someone who has are at risk from asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. All these are fatal respiratory diseases which are extremely difficult to cure. Research is being carried out in various research labs all over the USA and many pharmaceutical companies are also endeavouring to find new drugs and treatment methods.

One rare disease caused by asbestos which is becoming increasingly common is mesothelioma. Although unknown by many today, it is almost certain that awareness of this disease will be broadcasted worldwide because of its increasing occurrence in men aged between 55 and 70. Many of these men are now lodging multi million dollar lawsuits against the companies who subjected them to asbestos. Those most at risk from mesothelioma are those who have been in regular contact with asbestos dust and fibres without sufficient protection. Just a couple of months of exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma 30 years later. The latency period (amount of time the disease takes to start taking effect) of mesothelioma is 30 - 50 years which is one of the reasons it is so difficult to cure because it is very difficult to tackle in its early stages. Another reason it is so difficult to cure is that its early symptoms are characteristic of many other more common diseases such as pneumonia.

Mesothelioma symptoms include:

- Chest pains
 - Coughing that worsens over time
 - Weight loss
 - Shortness of breath
 - Coughing up blood
 - Nausea and vomiting
 - Fatigue
 - Wheezing
 - Lung infection
 - Swollen lymph nodes
 - Loss of appetite

A patient will feel symptoms depending on which type of mesothelioma he or she has got. For information on the different types of mesothelioma go to: http://www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk

In the next 35 years it is estimated that over 1 million people will die from asbestos related diseases in developed countries. Most of these people will die from lung cancer and mesothelioma as these two are the most prolific asbestos related diseases.

All the detailed information you need on the symptoms, treatment, risks, science and more about mesothelioma can be found at:

http://www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk

All the detailed information you need on the symptoms, treatment, risks, science and more about asbestos can be found at:

http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk

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Mesothelioma Asbestos Diseases

April 6th, 2008 by Administrator

The most common diseases caused by asbestos are asbestosis and pleural disease. The most general forms of asbestos cancer are mesothelioma and lung cancer. The former is also occasionally called mesothelioma cancer or simply “meso”.

Asbestos dust is also responsible for numerous types of throat cancer, including pharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Stomach and colon cancer are two other types of cancer related to asbestos.

It is vital to note that the latency period, which is the period between actually being in contact with the mineral and the onset of asbestos cancer or a disease related to asbestos, can be quite long. In some cases, it can be over 50 years after an individual’s first contact with asbestos that symptoms of asbestos cancer or any other asbestos disease is seen. Owing to this latency period, individuals exposed to this mineral decades back are still in jeopardy, today, to catch this illness. A trained medical professional can correctly conclude whether a person has asbestos disease or asbestos cancer. It is prudent for anybody working with asbestos to frequently consult a medical professional.

Asbestosis is another well-known disease caused by inhaling high volumes of asbestos fibers. Protracted gathering of fibers in the lungs can lead to the scarring of lung tissues. The most common complaint by a person who has contracted asbestosis is shortness of breath upon exertion. This condition is also called dyspnea. Also, a dry cough becomes more bothersome as the disease progresses. Asbestosis can lead to many other lung diseases, particularly pneumonia, that has a propensity to target weakened lungs. Furthermore, for individuals with asbestosis, the chances of getting lung cancer are multiplied by about 5 times.

Mesothelioma Asbestos provides detailed information on Mesothelioma and Asbestos, Mesothelioma Asbestos Diseases, Mesothelioma Asbestos Treatment, Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer and more. Mesothelioma Asbestos is affiliated with Mesothelioma Diagnosis Support.

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