Health&Fitness

Beneficii si Dezavantaje ale Mersului la Solar

2012-01-25T03:40:00.000-08:00

Exista mai multe modalitati prin care te poti bronza in anotimpurile reci. In afara de cremele autobronzante si de cremele cu pigmenti, exista si optiunea bronzarii la solar despre care insa se spune ca ar avea numeroase efecte negative asupra pielii.

Riscul de a dezvolta o forma de cancer de piele in urma expunerii la solar apare in momentul in care sedintele de solar sunt prea dese si prea lungi (recomandarea este de a sta la solar in sedinte de cate 5 minute, de 2-3 ori pe saptamana). Pe de alta parte, obtinerea unui bronz prin expunerea la soare este ea insasi din ce in ce mai nociva prin subtierea stratului de ozon. Misiunea principala a ozonului in straturile superioare ale atmosferei este de a proteja Terra de razele ultraviolete ale soarelui. Distrugerea stratului de ozon face ca expunerea necontrolata la soare sa dauneze pielii din ce in ce mai mult.
Cand vine vorba despre bronzarea la solar, orice persoana trebuie sa puna in balanta efectele pozitive si efectele negative ale acestuia pentru ca in final sa aleaga daca doreste sa se expuna sau nu riscului de a dezvolta anumite boli de piele pe care expunerea indelungata la solar le-ar putea provoca.

Efecte pozitive:
Solarul nu reprezinta o metoda de tratament, dar ajuta la imbunatatirea sanatatii si calitatii vietii:

bronzul obtinut prin expunerea la solar se secreta la nivelul pielii si vitamina D (importanta pentru stocarea calciului in oase);
solarele care emit doar ultraviolete de tip A (UVA) sunt mai putin nocive decat cele care emit si ultraviolete de tip B (UVB);
razele UVA sunt folosite in dermatologie pentru tratarea psoriazisului, acneei si pentru vitiligo;
posibil efect pozitiv asupra psihicului individului ce foloseste aceste servicii prin stimularea sistemului imunitar;
poate sa ajute si la cresterea rezistentei la efort fizic;

Efecte negative:

Au existat numeroase monitorizari facute in Statele Unite si in alte colturi ale lumii care ne dau motive sa ne temem pentru sanatatea noastra cand vine vorba despre solar.
Expertii de la Food And Drugs Administration (FDA, asociatie fondata in Statele Unite ale Americii) sustin ca sunt necesare mai multe restrictii in ceea ce priveste folosirea solarelor:

cercetatorii de la Queensland Institute of Medical Research din Australia sustin ca persoanele care au sub 35 de ani si care merg regular la solar, prezinta un risc cu 98% mai ridicat de a se imbolnavi de o forma de cancer a pielii;
sensibilitate crescuta pentru persoanele cu pielea alba, putin pigmentata si cele care prezinta alunite (despre care se stie ca sunt cancerigene);
expunerea la solar predispune in acelasi timp la aparitia unor noi alunite, precum si la modificari ale AND-ului care conduc la formarea unor atipii celulare ce favorizeaza cancerul de piele;
scaderea imunitatii, cresterea riscului de aparitie a cataractei, cresterea numarului de riduri prin distrugerea retelei de colagen subcutanate, imbatranirea pielii prin modificari ale ADN-ului celular si prin distrugerea celulelor din cauza arsurilor usoare;
razele solare afecteaza in mod negativ parul, motiv pentru care se recomanda folosirea unei casti de protectie;

         In Statele Unite ale Americii, expunerea la solar a fost deja interzisa in 25 dintre state pentru persoanele sub 18 ani, care nu au acces la solar decat daca sunt insotite de persoane majore sau daca au bilet din partea parintelui ce isi exprima acordul expres.
           Este recomandat ca si la solar sa se foloseasca creme speciale de protectie. In general saloanele cosmetice recomanda aceste creme si le pun la dispozitia clientilor. Riscurile asupra sanatatii prin expunerea la solar sunt totusi de luat in seama doar dupa 10-15 sedinte sau atunci cand va expuneti la razele acestora 10 minute sau mai mult intr-o singura sedinta.
          Conform unui studiu publicat in International Journal of Cancer, cantitatea de radiatii UV de la solar ar putea fi de cinci ori mai mare decat de la soarele natural. Astfel, 30 de minute la solar inseamna 2-3 ore de stat la soare in mijlocul zilei.

Nu este sigur ce anume provoaca cancerul de piele. Sigur este insa faptul ca o cat mai mica expunere de orice fel la razele UV scade drastic riscul de imbolnavire.

Atunci cand cauti sa te informezi referitor la expunerea la solar, vei gasi cu siguranta si articole ce sunt 100% pro solar. Exista multe voci care afirma ca aceste articole sunt "comandate", fenomenul nefiind unul nou. Motivul? Bronzatul artificial este o afacere care genereaza foarte multi bani, saloanele care dispun de un solar genereaza profituri de care e greu de crezut ca beneficiarii accepta sa se lipseasca.

Recomadarea mea este bronzul natural. Riscurile supunerii la bronzul generat de solar nu se balanseaza cu beneficiile generate de acesta, si apoi, e mai bine sa previi decat sa tratezi.

Health Benefits of Omega-3

2012-01-09T02:39:00.000-08:00

In the 1970s, scientists discovered that the Inuit (Eskimos) people of Greenland were some of healthiest people in the world. Their diet was very high in fat from eating whale, salmon, and seal, but they had far fewer health problems (coronary heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, etc.) than other Europeans. Scientists concluded that Omega-3 was the determining factor in the Inuit people’s superior health.

Similar results were found in Iceland. People in Iceland have fewer problems with heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure than any other nation in the world. They also have the longest life expectancy and the lowest infant mortality rate in the world. Again, scientist attributed this to high intake of Omega-3 fish oils (particularly DHA and EPA).

Studies have shown that Omega-3 has numerous health benefits, ranging from brain function to heart health. Here is information on a few of the benefits of Omega-3 fish oils.

BRAIN

Why is Omega-3 a “brain booster”?

The majority of the brain is made up of “good” fats knows as fatty acids, and the majority of this “good” fat is Omega-3. Studies have shown that diets rich in Omega-3 can result in increased learning ability, problem-solving skills, focus, memory, and communication between cells. Omega-3 has also been shown to help promote a positive mood and emotional balance, and can help people maintain healthy mental ability as they age.

How does Omega-3 actually help the brain?

Within the brain are neurons (cells which transmit messages throughout the brain and to other parts of the body). The membrane (or wall) around these neurons is made up of “good” fat. In order for the neurons to communicate properly, these membranes need to be flexible to allow vital molecules to pass through. Several factors, including age and diets high in cholesterol and saturated fats, can cause these membranes to stiffen and be less pliable. This stiffness does not allow the needed molecules to pass through the neurons correctly and can result in mood imbalances, difficulties in learning, difficulties in recalling information, and other decreases in brain function.

By supplementing your diet with Omega-3 you can restore the flexible and pliable nature of the cell membranes to the neurons in your brain, resulting in increased cell communication and brain function. In addition, Omega-3 benefits brain function by acting as a blood cleanser, making the blood less sticky and more fluid. This allows more oxygen to reach the brain and in essence “feeds” the brain.

HEART AND CIRCULATION

Dozens of studies have shown that Omega-3 has a positive affect in maintaining a healthy heart. The FDA issued a statement that “supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.” One serving of Omega-3 Brain Booster provides 500 mg of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. [See nutrition information for total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol content.]

Omega-3 can also promote a healthy cardiovascular system, including healthy veins and arteries. Omega-3 may help red blood cells maintain their flexibility, allowing them to flow more fluidly.

OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS

Omega-3 may help promote:

Joints and mobility
Skin and complexion
Immune system
Visual function
Ability to breath
Positive behavior in children
Function of the nervous system
Spatial function and spatial memory
Cellular communication
Weight maintenance

Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
A study conducted at the Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center reports that elderly people can reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by increase their intake of fish oil (DHA). Researchers from Boston University and Tufts University School of Medicine have shown that there is a clear association with low blood levels of Omega-3 DHA and Alzheimer’s disease.

Arthritis
More than a dozen published controlled clinical trials have shown the benefits of fish oil supplementation in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Comparing the results of multiple studies, researchers from Harvard Medical School have concluded that fish oil significantly reduces the effects of arthritis, including joint point and morning stiffness.4
Asthma
It is estimated that 20-25 percent of children suffer from one or more symptoms of asthma at some point in their life. A study at the University of Wyoming found that fish oil supplementation may be effective in treating asthma. Participants in the study who took fish oil supplements showed a significant improvement in their ability to breath and their resistance to asthma attacks.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Researchers have concluded that ADHD is caused by a deficiency in certain long-chain fatty acids, namely DHA. Studies have shown that dyslexia, dyspraxia (problems with coordination and muscle control), and ADHD seem to be closely related. They have also found that Omega-3 DHA supplementation may help children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Blood Pressure, Cholesterol
After conducting extensive controlled trials, researchers at Harvard Medical School found that fish oil supplementation lowers blood pressure levels in people suffering form hypertension and high cholesterol levels, but does not affect blood pressure in people with normal blood pressure.8
A study conducted in Australia clearly shows that a weight-loss diet in tandem with daily fish oil intake is highly effective in lowering blood pressure, reducing triglyceride levels while increase good cholesterol levels. HA supplementation may restore normal blood vessel function in children who inherit high cholesterol. Because of its positive affect on lowering blood pressure, Omega-3 fish oil is recommended to prevent vascular disease related to diabetes.

Cognitive Function
Researchers found that people with high levels of Omega-3 EPA and DHA have increased cognitive function (ability to learn, think and remember) compared to those with lower levels of Omega-3. This same study also shows that Omega-3 can help preserve cognitive function.

Cystic Fibrosis
Daily supplementation with fish oil has been found to lessen many of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Depression
At least three clinical trials have shown that depressed patients who increase their intake of fish oil have shown a marked improvement in their mood. Researchers have concluded that fat-restricting diets can cause a decrease in the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids. Because Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system, low-levels of Omega-3 can cause increased risk of depression, violence, and suicide. A study conducted in Japan showed that supplementation with DHA reduced aggression among healthy Japanese students.

Diabetes
Fish oil has been found to be useful in the prevention of vascular disease in diabetics. A study conducted by researcher at Texas Woman's University and the University of Texas Medical Center has concluded that fish oil can lower cholesterol triglycerides in diabetics, without having a negative affect on glycemic control.

Emphysema
A study conducted at the University of Minnesota found that fish oil can help prevent emphysema.
General Health
Research conducted over the last 20 years demonstrates that Omega-3 is an essential element of human nutrition.

Heart Disease, Stroke
The American Heart Association has concluded that fish and fish oils help prevent several cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks, sudden cardiac death, strokes, and coronary artery disease.

A study conducted at the University of Washington reports that intake of Omega-3 EPA and DHA can significantly reduce the risk of cardiac arrest.

Several studies have shown that men who eat fish regularly can protect against stroke. An additional study found that women who intake fish oil regularly have a significantly reduced risk of stroke.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease)
Researchers at the University of Bologna found that fish oil supplementation can help prevent relapses in patients who suffer from Crohn’s disease.

Kidney Disease
A study at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota found that fish oil supplementation can slow the progression of kidney disease.

Lupus
Researchers have found that Omega-3 can help manage the symptoms of lupus.

Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. A high intake of DHA has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of AMD.

Menstrual Cramps
A study conducted at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center found that girls who took fish oil supplements suffered less pain from menstrual cramps and consumed less pain killer tablets (ibuprofen).

Prostate Cancer
Studies show that intake of fish oil can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Psoriasis
A randomized, double-blind study found that fish oil supplementation taken orally resulted in a significant reduction in symptoms caused by psoriasis, a common skin disease.

Schizophrenia
Studies have shown that Omega-3 can help reduce the symptoms of people suffering form Schizophrenia.

Fitness is...

2011-12-23T02:14:00.000-08:00

Regular activity has a number of proven, positive health effects, especially on heart health. Vigorous exercise strengthens the heart as a pump, making it a larger, more efficient muscle. Even moderate activity can boost HDL ('good') cholesterol, aid the circulatory system, and lower blood pressure and blood fats. All these effects translate into reduced risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Exercise can also offer other benefits, including strengthened muscles, increased flexibility, and stronger bones, which can help ward off the bone-thinning condition called osteoporosis.

Regular activity also promises mental-health benefits, like relieving stress and anxiety. It can help you sleep better and renew your energy. If exercise could be bottled, it would be a best-selling potion at the local pharmacy.

Activity is for Everyone
Virtually everyone can get health benefits from activity. But every few years, surveys confirm the well-known fact that most people aren't active enough. Unfortunately, we pay for it.

The reasons for inactivity aren't hard to figure out. Most of us have jobs where we sit most of the time, so chances are limited to be physically active at work. We also rely heavily on modern, labor-saving devices - cars, appliances, and power tools - to spare us manual effort.

But there's another reason why many people, especially the overweight, avoid activity. Check out the firm, supple bodies shown exercising on television or on magazine covers. They give the impression that exercise is sweaty, strenuous work best reserved for the young, super-fit, and athletic. But the latest research is proving that picture false: benefits can be gained even from low-intensity activity, like gardening.

Activity and Weight Management
If you burn more calories than you consume, then you'll shed pounds. For every extra 3,500 calories you spend, you'll drop one pound. Do strenuous exercise, and you'll burn calories in a hurry. And you can burn the same number of calories with gentler activity: You just have to do it longer and/or more often.
If you're not familiar with the number of calories burned during exercise, you may be discouraged when you first learn about it. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds and go on a brisk, 1-mile walk for 20 minutes, you'll expend about 100 calories, considerably short of the 3,500 calories needed to drop a pound.

But such efforts add up. If you expend an extra 300 calories a day through activity and reduce your dietary intake another 200 calories, then by the end of a week, you'll have a calorie deficit of 3,500, comparable to a one-pound weight loss. This is precisely the kind of gradual success that experts recommend for long-term weight management.

Exercise also has other body-slimming effects. It builds muscle and displaces fat. A given volume of muscle weighs more than the same bulk of fat. So your bathroom scale may not record dramatic changes, but your clothes will be looser, and you'll have a trimmer body shape.

Because exercise builds muscle, it may also help counter a problem caused by dieting. When you reduce calories, your body metabolism may slack off and burn calories more slowly. This makes further weight loss more difficult. But some research suggests regular activity helps correct this slowdown and makes it easier to keep shedding pounds.

How Activity Affects Calorie Needs
The more active you are, the more calories you'll burn, which can help with weight loss. And exercise also promotes fat loss and builds muscle. This, in turn, increases your body's metabolic rate, the rate at which you burn calories, even after you've finished exercising.

Weight loss by reducing your calorie intake without activity can have just the opposite effect: it can cause your body to break down muscle, which ultimately lowers your metabolic rate and makes losing weight even harder.

The problem of reducing your calorie intake without exercise is compounded when people go off their diets. Because they've lost muscle, they tend to regain their weight quickly and then some.

A better approach is to increase activity, which builds muscle, at the same time that you're cutting back on excess calories from food. Physical activity can also reduce stress and regulate your appetite, making it easier to curb the urge to overeat.

The amount of energy needed for any activity, whether it's raking leaves or playing a computer game, depends on three factors: your muscle mass, your body weight, and the activity itself. The larger the muscle mass and heavier the body part being moved, the more calories you use. The duration, frequency, and intensity of exercise also count.

10 Health Benefits of Eggs

2011-12-22T05:14:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have eaten eggs over the Easter weekend so I thought I'd post ten health benefits of eggs (and it doesn't count if they were chocolate eggs!)
1. Eggs are great for the eyes. According to one study, an egg a day may prevent macular degeneraton due to the carotenoid content, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients are more readily available to our bodies from eggs than from other sources.
2. In another study, researchers found that people who eat eggs every day lower their risk of developing cataracts, also because of the lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs.
3. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.
4. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks. 5. They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.

6. They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.
7. New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.
8. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.
9. Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44%.
10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.

Easy the tips on how to lose weight fast

2011-12-22T02:46:00.000-08:00

Cut down on proportion. It makes common sense that the smaller the amount of food you eat, the thinner your waist line will be. This is a fairly gentle way to start for some people, as you do not need to change what you eating style straight away, you need only to cut down on how much. It is a fairly simple thing to acheive just by changing the size of plate you use.

Drink less alcohol, smoke less. You must have heard by know that alcohol and smoking are both bad for your health. If you haven't done so already, join a support group and quit smoking, people will notice a drastic change in attitude and health. Although excessive alcohol is bad for you, it can be said that a glass of red wine every evening can give your body a good dose of anti-oxidants. Steer clear of sugary cocktails and beer if you want to clear your skin up.

Cut out white flour and refined sugar. These are a big cause of headaches and migraines, and do the body no good. By substituting your regular white flour to wholemeal options you will enrich your body with essential nutrients and keep it much healthier. Also you will enjoy a richer, fuller taste from brown and whole foods.

Up your fruit and vegetable intake. Fresh is better. It is very important to remember that fruit and vegetables are key to health, they are especially important to the immune system and skin condition. By eating more fruit and vegetables you can notice clearer skin and a much 'fresher' feeling. Fruits and vegetables also have almost no fat, which will help you to lose weight much faster.

Drink more water, less coffee. Caffeine is one of the biggest problems with society today, people drink much to much of it. Instead it is much better for your body and nutrition in general to include 8 glasses of pure water everyday in order to flush through your systems.

Exercise. Taking a half hour walk everyday can dramatically change your metabolism (the rate at which your body burns food) and make you feel much more energetic. It is also recommended to get your heart rate up at least once every day, so engaging in some cardiovascular work is important. But find something you enjoy like swimming or tennis that you will want to keep doing.

Sleep more. Getting at least 6-8 hours sleep a night is essential to keep the body in good health. It is also important to find your body a routine, as it will respond well to going to sleep at the same time every night and waking up in the morning at the same time. You may find yourself getting more and more tired if you keep changing your sleeping patterns.

Cut out preservatives and artifical additives. The word 'artificial' should say it all, putting these into your body is not natural and cannot do it any good. Working with what nature provides you will help to keep your body in good balance. It is said by many people that if you cannot read or comprehend what is on the ingredients label then don't buy it. A simpler way to make sure you get nothing artificial is to buy organic produce.

Make sure you have breakfast. Those who eat breakfast are more likely to have a higher metabolism which burns fat faster than those who skip this important meal. The healthier breakfast options are muesli, porridge and bran flakes, all of which can be served with a very healthy topping of yoghurt and fresh fruit.

Plan ahead. By planning your meals you can be sure not to pop out for a takeaway or do a fry-up. For those with little time on their hands this can be a great way of ensuring you get a balanced diet also. Try writing a list of things to buy which you enjoy cooking and eating, and then work out what meals you can make from them.

Chew more. This may sound like something from a teen movie, but if you take smaller bites and chew on your food a lot more, then your body will not suffer so much from having to digest it all, and you will keep burping to a minimum, which is definitely a much more formal way of eating.

Benefits of Healthy Eating

2011-12-22T02:34:00.000-08:00

The benefits of a healthy nutrition and good eating habits are unnumbered. There are many benefits which have now been scientifically proved, but we can never know the full extent to which eating healthily will affect our body. Using your common sense and your taste buds is usually the best way to know what is healthy.

What are the benefits of eating healthy?

Well, here is a list of some of them:

•Higher energy levels

•Improved sleep and concentration

•More stamina

•Improved skin tone and texture

•Longer lifespan

•Decreased occurrence of illness

•Shorter duration of illness when it does take place

•Weight loss

•Better hair

•Stronger heart

•Improved digestion

•Less acne

•Possible prevention of diabetes

•Regular bowel movements

•Decreased risk of heart disease

•Decreased risk of cancer

There are many things that you can do to increase your health, but the first should be to cut out all additives, colourings and preservatives, in two words processed food.

Fresh food is much better for you, no matter how you prepare it. It only makes common sense that you should put good things into your body, not unnatural ones (genetically engineered food, or GM). This can only mean that your body has to fight off these unnatural things, rather than use them to fight other things. If you only put good into your body, only good will come of it.

Also, if a product has all these unnatural things in it, it probably has very few nutrients left in it because of the way in which it has been 'preserved'. Still think fast foods aren't bad for you?

Eating natural products can only do you good, not any bad. Which is also why vitamin supplements make no sense, if you can afford and you like real fruit and vegetables. Eating organic is the next step up in any diet program, as these foods will be totally free of chemicals, and naturally produced.

Organic food is sometimes much more tasty than the regular mass produced varieties, so they are definitely worth having a taste of, if you can go to your local producer then that is even better.

Eating Anti-Oxidant Rich Food to Extend your Lifespan

Check out our list of superfoods, to find out which foods in particular will benefit your body. Eat these delicious foods as part of a healthy varied diet, in a salad or sandwich, with yogurt or on your cereal. Superfoods are jam-packed full of antioxidants and nutrients that your body needs on a daily basis.

How can I start eating a more healthy diet?

Following a sensible diet plan that is truly effective is a great way to start seeing the benefits of eating healthily. Crash diets are not usually effective, and can deprive your body of nutrients and foods it desperately needs to maintain itself properly.

As many times as you've heard it, you still may not have taken this on board. The only way to lose weight effectively and safely, staying healthy, is to fill your body with fruits and vegetables, essential wholegrains and good fats and proteins. As well as exercising regularly.

This is the best long term plan for weight reduction.