Control Your Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes is a killer disease. It can lead to kidney failure, heart disease, neuropathy, blindness, and much more. If you have diabetes, you must take control of it immediately. Type 1 diabetes is the hardest type to control. It is also called juvenile diabetes, as it is common to get type 1 diabetes when you are a child. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, which is needed to take sugar (glucose) from the blood to the cells. This results in very high blood sugar counts and this is the major cause of many of the serious complications that may develop.

A person with Type 1 diabetes needs to take insulin shots to lower the blood sugar. Diabetics need to have an insulin called a background insulin, which works throughout the day. Then they need to take extra insulin after eating a meal. An insulin pump gives the constant background insulin. It also allows the diabetic to easily give themselves extra insulin when they eat and cuts down on the need for insulin shots from a needle. However, diabetics must test their blood sugar levels four or five times a day and make whatever adjustments need to be made. The normal testing times are before breakfast, lunch, dinner and bed. The amount of insulin to take with each meal will be determined by a combination of these readings plus the food eaten. Sugar highs and lows wear down the body. The key is to try to control these up and down readings the best you can. The insulin pump helps tremendously but diet is very important.

Follow the glycemic index when eating. This index rates foods according to the way these foods react to your blood sugar. If the carbohydrates the food contains break down quickly, they tend to make your blood sugar levels jump quickly. These foods have a high GI (glycemic index) ranking. For example, a potato has a high GI ranking. The carbohydrates break down very quickly and cause your blood sugar to rise quickly. Beans have a low GI index, so the blood sugar effects are spread out over a longer period of time. You do not get the rapid sugar rise.

Diabetics, in particular, need to learn to balance these foods to avoid those highs and lows. If you are having potatoes, for example, try eating a sweet potato instead or combine some low GI ranked foods with the potatoes to balance this sugar rise. It's well worth it for diabetics to learn as much as they can about this glycemic index. The best diet for a diabetic to follow will be eating more of the foods with a low to medium glycemic index. Other things the diabetic can do is snack on air popped popcorn rather than pretzels. Salt should be limited in the diet as the diabetic is at a greater risk for high blood pressure. Eat broiled or grilled chicken rather than fried chicken. This also helps control blood pressure and cholesterol. If you want to drink wine, drink it with a meal. There is less of an impact on blood sugar. However, do not over indulge. It can and will interfere with your medications.

Diabetes is a very dangerous disease and any diabetic definitely should be visiting a doctor on a regular basis. He or she will help manage your diabetes and will most likely advise a visit with a nutritionist. Diabetes cannot be completely controlled but, with a change in diet and lifestyle, diabetics can help manage it and live a long life.

Five Fat Burning Foods

Each one of the following foods or spices has been clinically proven to promote weight loss. These foods go a step beyond simply adding no fat to your system. They possess special properties that add zip to your system and help your body melt away unhealthy pounds. These wonderful foods can curb your appetite for junk food and keep your body running smoothly with clean fuel and efficient energy.

You should include these foods in any sensible weight-loss plan. They give your body the extra metabolic kick that it needs to shed pounds quickly.

Mustard

Try the hot, spicy kind you find in Asian import stores, specialty shops and exotic groceries. Dr. Jaya Henry of Oxford Polytechnic Institute in England, found that the amount of hot mustard normally called for in Mexican, Indian and Asian recipes, about one teaspoon, temporarily speeds up the metabolism, just as caffeine and the drug ephedrine do.

"But mustard is natural and totally safe", Henry says. "It can be used every day, and it really works. I was shocked to discover it can speed up the metabolism by as much as 20 to 25 percent for several hours" This can result in the body burning an extra 45 calories for every 700 consumed, Dr. Henry says.

Peppers

Hot, spicy chili peppers fall into the same category as hot mustard, Henry says. He studied them under the same circumstances as the mustard and they worked just as well. A mere three grams of chili peppers were added to a meal consisting of 766 total calories. The peppers' metabolism-raising property worked like a charm, leading to what Henry calls a diet-induced thermic effect. It doesn't take much to create the condition. Most salsa recipes call for four to eight chilies - that is not a lot.

Peppers are astonishingly rich in vitamins A and C, abundant in calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium, high in fiber, free of fat, low in sodium and have just two calories per cup.

Salsa

The hot peppers in salsa increase metabolism. This means you burn more fat. It also means you have more energy and vitality for your body. If you can stand it, take your salsa very hot and spicy. The reason, the heat from the hot spices increases the fire in your body thus increasing your metabolism and the ability to burn massive amounts of calories and fat.

Ginger

Ginger is very similar to salsa. If you grate ginger and sprinkle it on food, you will gain the benefits of this hot spice. Your job will be to find the foods that work with sprinkled ginger. My favorite is freshly squeezed orange juice with grated fresh ginger - it also helps when you have a flu.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Look for organic apple cider vinegar. Take a tablespoon before each meal. Some people have no problem taking a full tablespoon right out of the bottle. If you cannot manage that, put the vinegar in a glass of water and drink it with your meal. This will increase the fat burning furnace in your body and allow you to start burning stored fat.

There you have it. Five foods, easily found and inexpensive, that will help you shed those pounds.

Ban Plastic from the Kitchen

The modern kitchen is full of plastic. What would we do without plastic containers, plastic cling wrap, plastic utensils for our parties, plastic dishes, plastic cups, plastic spatulas, and more?

The problem with all this plastic is that it is made with chemicals. Chemicals that can leach into our beverages and our food. Chemicals that end up in our bodies, where it accumulates and causes health problems. Chemicals that end up in our unborn children.

Some of the reported health hazards include reproductive defects, premature delivery (up 23% since 1980), lowered sperm counts (down 40% since 1945), and early onset puberty.

Two of the most common "bad boys" of the plastic industry are PVC (polyvinyl chloride - a hard plastic) and phthalates, a group of substances added to PVC to make it softer and more pliable. In fact, phthalates are among the most common contaminants found in the human body. Another common chemical found in the kitchen is bisphenol-A, which is the main ingredient in hard plastic used in baby bottles, drinking water bottles, and plastic storage containers. Bisphenol-A is in the list of the top 50 chemicals, measured by production volume.

Here are some steps that you can take to decrease your family's exposure to these chemicals.

- never heat foods or beverages in plastic containers; it is so easy to put a "microwaveable" plastic container into the microwave; don't do it
- avoid plastic cling wrap products; most have phthalates in them
- avoid containers with PVC in them; if there is a "3" in the recycling triangle, get rid of it
- use glass or stainless steel drinking containers
- use ceramic or enamel plates
- use metal feeding utensils and metal kitchen tools
- do not store food or beverages in plastic containers, especially if the food item is acidic
- if you must use plastic, do not wash it in a dishwasher or use harsh detergents on it

It is interesting to note that in 2005 the European Union banned some commonly used chemicals of the phthalate family from use in toys. One commissioner was quoted as saying, "Toxic chemicals have no place in children's toys". Yet we continue to allow them in our food and beverage containers.

In North America, San Francisco instituted a ban in December 2006, although implementation has been delayed by a law suit. The ban covers biphenol-A and certain phthalates. This is commendable, but society needs more than city wide bans.

While we wait for our governments to realize the dangers, consider a personal ban. Can you make your kitchen plastic free?

Are You Risking Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that is affecting more and more lives all around the globe. The World Health Organization estimates nearly 200 million people are suffering from it. If you are suffering from diabetes it is important for you to know that. Your general practitioner will be able to help you.

If you are free of diabetes try to stay free by living healthy. Eat healthy food and do not over eat. Try a minimum of half an hour of exercise daily.

Diabetes can be a very disabling disease with a chronic nature. Generally speaking diabetes can be very hard on your body.

Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels either form inadequate secretion of the hormone insulin, an inadequate response from target cells to insulin or a combination of these factors. It's a metabolic disease requiring medical diagnosis, treatment and a life long lifestyle change.

People who have an above average risk of getting diabetes are people over 45 years old. Also people with overweight are having an above average risk at developing diabetes.

Does that basically mean that if you are younger than 45 and have a normal weight you are out of the danger zone? Unfortunately this is not the case. Everybody can develop diabetes.

Some potential risk indicators for developing diabetes are:

1. You are above 45
2. Your belly size is over 102 cm (men) and 88 cm (women)
3. You do not exercise more than half an hour daily (walking, cycling, swimming, gardening.)
4. You are using medicine for high blood pressure
5. In the past you have been diagnosed at least once for a high blood sugar level; for instance during a pregnancy or illness.
6. Diabetes type 1 ("juvenile diabetes") or type 2 ("adult onset diabetes") occurs in your family

If you think you are at risk do not hesitate to consult your doctor.

And surely if you are healthy try to stay that way by doing exercises and keeping your weight at a healthy level by thinking carefully before you eat. Obviously it is not possible to elaborate more about the disease in this short article. However there are many useful sources you can easily find on the Internet or in your local library. But most important if you have any questions or any reasonable doubt about your own health situation or the health of your loved ones please consult a doctor. He or she will be ably informed about the diagnoses and treatment options.

Using Shower Filters

Shower filters are the equipments used to cleanse the water for nice and soaking shower. They endow with enormous safety against the harsh and harmful chemicals along with the rudiments. These harmful chemicals pour in through the plumbing lines in a structure. Taking a shower seems undisruptive in majority cases. You can see just water pouring in from the shower head, but, in fact, that water is contaminated with chlorine that is harmful to skin, lung and hair. Always, keep in mind that all municipal water has been already treated with chlorine and has been subjected to processes that supposedly make it safe.

A1 Shower filters not only eliminate chlorine, but they also remove dirt and bad smell. In various hard water areas, it has been noticed that small pieces of sand, or rock, dissolve in water through the water lines. That’s why anyone who has installed water filter faucets or traps on their faucets are bound to clean out the miniscule particles every once in a week. If not, then this will ultimately lead to clogging of the filters. A1 Shower filter cartridges normally work for 6 to 9 months giving pure bathing water.

Everybody wants pure and clean water to drink nowadays, but they don't give much consideration on the benefits of clean water for their body as well as their shower. Usually, shampoo eliminates oil from your hairs, but when it is mixed with water containing chlorine and dirt, its motive is completely crushed. With changing time majority of the population have become vulnerable to chemicals and various foreign matter on their skin. A1 shower filters always make sure that your installed shower never gets clogged with foreign materials, and also guard your hair, skin and body by cleansing the water through water decontamination filters.

The main aim of A1 shower filter is to reduce the toxic and chlorine content from the water. It's wise if you install A1 shower filter which can reduce the contaminants by 90% making water fit for showering. A1 shower filters are very easy to use, install and maintain. Majority of A1 shower filters are environment friendly and perform well at any water temperature providing positive rewards to skin and hair. So, keeping all the pointed risks in mind it is wise to only A1 shower filter. Instead of spending dollars on expensive cosmetics to hide your skin stains as they are the result of harsh chemicals dissolved in the water, that’s why according to experts A1 shower filters radically reduce the risk of skin stains.

The author of this article is an associate editor to the website http://www.dirtfreewater.com. The website is committed to provide visitors with complete information on aquasana water filters and aquasana shower filters.

Herbal Treatments for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a very distressing condition that involve the swelling of the veins of the anus and rectum. They are very similar to varicose veins whereby the veins lose their elasticity and swell and this results in the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids that may include itching, burning pain and bleeding.

In many cases hemorrhoids will respond quickly to the use of herbal medicines, both taken internally and applied externally, however it is also necessary to address the cause of the condition. Some common factors that can contribute to hemorrhoids include sitting or standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, dehydration, obesity and lack of exercise, but without a doubt the largest factor is constipation and straining during defecation. A poor intake of dietary fiber is often a major culprit that increases the risk of development of hemorrhoids.

The fact that no animal other than human beings has ever be known to exhibit hemorrhoids can be seen as a major indication that something is wrong with our diets and improving the diet can help this condition dramatically, however herbal remedies can often provide immediate relief as well as being effective for the long term treatment of this very distressing condition.

Herbs for the treatment of hemorrhoids:

Pilewort - Piles are another name for hemorrhoids and this herb was named for its effectiveness for this condition. It tonifies the blood vessels and stops bleeding. Pilewort may be taken internally as a tea or alcohol-based tincture and it can also be applied externally as an ointment.

Witch hazel - this herb can help to ease the bleeding and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. It is applied externally as an ointment, or the liquid can be applied directly to the area with a sterile cotton pad. Use three times daily until relief is obtained.

Aloe Vera gel - the fresh pulp can be applied directly on the anus to provide pain relief and soothe any burning sensations.

Butcher's Broom - this herb has been used throughout history for the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. When looking for preparations of Butcher's Broom, try to find those that contain a minimum of 9-11% of ruscogenin content, which is the active ingredient. 100 mg should be taken three times daily.

Pine Bark and Grape Seed - these plant extracts contain proanthocyanins and anthocyanins which are substances that improve the structural integrity of the veins and in fact the entire circulatory system. It is also possible to obtain them through increasing consumption of berries such as blueberries, blackberries and strawberries as well as cherries.

Fiber - a low fiber diet increases the risk of straining during bowel movements and increasing fiber intake may actually be a very effective simple measure that can go a long way towards improving hemorrhoids. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is a must, however there are also a wide variety of fiber supplements available, such as those containing Psyllium husk or Slippery Elm Bark, that can soften the stools and reduce straining.
It is very important to ensure that water intake is increased when taking fiber supplements.

Herbal medicine can greatly assist in reducing the symptoms of hemorrhoids however in very severe cases surgical treatment may be required. In such instances the herbal treatments and dietary changes outlined can be used to prevent the problem from occurring again following surgery.

The Menacing Mathematics of Multiple Meds

By Gary Craig

There's something scary about drugs that concerns a growing number of physicians and should wobble the knees of every patient on the planet. It's obvious to any mathematician but somehow has escaped the general scrutiny of the health industry.

It has to do with combining meds.

Ever since I can remember I have been fed the perception that drugs are governmentally evaluated and thus are safe if taken under the guidance of competent physicians. However, even if we accept the presumed safety for the ingestion of one drug, we must ask ourselves how might that safety change if we take multiple drugs?

For safety assurances, proper testing should be done for every drug combination we are advised to take. If we take Prozac and Tylenol, for example, we should be presented with all the possible benefits and consequences before allowing these two foreign substances to mix with the chemicals our bodies already create. Same thing goes for combining Paxil with Viagra or Interferon with Lipitor.

The list of possible problems here is monstrously long because there are a b'zillion drugs and mega b'zillions of combinations. Nonetheless, I've never seen or heard of any studies that test any of these combinations ... have you?

Thus, if you take two drugs, the odds of their combination having been adequately tested for safety are skimpy at best. But if you take 3 or more drugs the danger possibilities multiply even faster.

Here's how the mathematics work: If you take 3 drugs then adequate safety testing of the various combinations require 7 separate tests. If you take 4 drugs the combinations require 25 separate tests. If you take 5 drugs it amounts to 121 tests. If you take 10 drugs the number of required safety tests total 362,881.

The conclusion here should be obvious. Namely, there is questionable safety testing if you take 2 drugs and nominal, if any, safety testing if you take 3. Beyond that you are clearly into the land of, "I have no idea what these combinations of drugs will do."

To me, this tosses our dedicated docs into a tenuous position. They have patients with problems who aren't willing to exercise, eat right, do EFT for emotional issues or much of anything else to help their own health. Instead, the patients hope the physicians will produce a magic pill (or pills) to make their problems go away.

I have met many patients who are on several drugs and take some drugs to counteract the effects of other drugs. As a non-physician I look at this with a shudder. These folks are being fed chemical cocktails with little or no safety testing behind the combinations. Maybe I need some help with my perceptions here but, to me, they are playing drug roulette.

I don't know if lawyers have picked up on the simple, but compelling, math here. But I do know that I wouldn't want to be a doctor in court facing these clear facts.

In the 15+ years I have been involved in the health field, I have had the good fortune to count many physicians as my personal friends. With few exceptions, they agree that it is our lifestyles, diets and emotional stresses that cause most of our health problems ... and ... the vast majority of these problems would vanish if people would live common sense lives. Yet patients repeatedly abuse their bodies and ask for more and more "miracle drugs" as the convenient solution. I don't envy the docs at all as I often hear them complain that this is a highway to NobodyWinsVille.

Maybe what we really need are good salespeople to persuade folks to take care of themselves. I suspect that, if truly persuasive, they would do more good than the ocean of drugs at our disposal.

Love, Gary

PS: The Free EFT Get Started Package can help any newcomer learn the valuable EFT process. If you want to save time and dive right in, get our low cost DVD Library.

The Basics of Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of medicinal treatment founded by Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. He published a paper in 1796 in which he promulgated his principle that "likes are cured by likes". This principle is known as "Law of Similars". Hahnemann claimed that quinine, a medicine widely used for successful treatment of malaria, produced symptoms of malaria in a healthy person. The patients of malaria were treated with a medicine which created the same symptoms as those created by the disease. The observations with quinine and other medicines led Hahnemann to his "Law of Similars".

Four years later Hahnemann advanced his doctrine of "potentization of dynamization" which stated that medicines in small doses effectively exerted their curative power.

The homeopathic system of treatment is based on these two principles - Law of Similars and Potentization.

Potentization is a process by which medicine is diluted in precise steps and subjected to "succussion" (a vigorous shaking action). This process brings about an energetic change that gives medicines a deeper curative effect. Repeated dilution ensures that the medicine has no toxic effect. This allows homeopathic use of many substances which would be unsafe under normal conditions.

Traditionally homeopathic treatment is done to cure the disorders, not just the symptoms. Any physical and emotional disorder produces certain symptoms in the body. In many cases different ailments produce similar symptoms. As a part of the treatment the medicines are prescribed to eliminate the causes of disease or discomfort. If two patients have similar problems, they may still require different medicines depending upon their habits and many other factors. Medicines of higher potency are generally given only after the cause of the disease is established.

Homeopathy is relatively young - just over 200 years old. New medicines and treatments are constantly being evolved and documented. Such research studies are called "provings". As a result of these research studies, Homeopathy is used in a wide variety of health conditions.

Homeopathic medicines do not work strictly by chemical action. At higher potency the medicine is diluted so much that concentration of original medicine reduces to insignificant level. Yet the medicines not only work, they are more effective at higher potency. "Potentization" process brings energetic change in the medicine. In turn the medicine stimulates the body's defense mechanism to fight the cause of disorder. This approach produces more stable cure as compared to treatment with drugs. Direct chemical action of the drugs often produces harmful side effects. Homeopathic medicines on the other hand have no or little side effects. They are safe and non-toxic.

Two centuries of existence has firmly established homeopathy. It is accepted form of treatment in many parts of the world. However, the theory of homeopathy is inconsistent with known laws of science; therefore the critics often dismiss it as pseudoscience and quackery.

Homeopathy has thrived on the basis of its results. Its medicines have relatively slow but lasting effects. It is not trusted to meet emergency situations, but it is extremely useful in many other situations.

Improve Memory and Prevent Brain Deterioration

Human memory is a truly amazing phenomenon. It is always a source of wonder that seemingly insignificant occurrences may create lasting memories for one person while other people cannot even recall details of major events in their life. There are many factors that influence this apparent disparity.

It is sometimes said that a healthy brain never forgets anything. Unless affected by injury or disease the brain never loses anything. Forgetting something is actually a result of:

1. Not storing the facts properly in the first place.

2. Failure to store the facts in a manner in which they can be recalled.

3. Inability to recall facts at the time although they are still safely recorded in the brain. Who among us has not had the experience of "forgetting" something only to have it pop into consciousness at the most unlikely time?

Problem 1 can be overcome by concentration. If one is distracted and does not store facts to start with then there is very little chance of recalling them later. Memory has two phases - Short Term and Long Term Memory. It is believed that up to 50 percent of information we receive is lost almost immediately and a further 20 percent vanishes within 24 hours. An example would be a telephone number or other ten digit number. Unless a special effort is made its gone almost instantly. Some of these short term memories go on to become long term memories. For instance your best friend's phone number would have started out as a short term memory but has now become part of long term memory and can be readily recalled several years later. Scientists are still uncertain as to the exact reasons why some facts are lost while others go on to create lasting memories. However, it is safe to assume that some special importance is attached to that information for one reason or another. In the world of information overload we live in there are constant distractions and information competing for attention. Chances of recalling facts are significantly improved by paying attention to those that we need to remember later.

There are several techniques that can be used to ensure sufficient attention to important facts. The most common among them would be repetition. Most of us would probably recall having learnt our multiplication tables in this way. Writing notes and personalizing the facts ie. writing ideas in one's own words also helps. However, it is important not to fall into the trap of relying on notes as a substitute for remembering. Notes should be used to reinforce a memory not as an alternative to it. Writing down facts surrounding and supporting an idea as well as the theory and methodology leading up to certain facts also help in recall. Complex mathematical formulae would be an example. Formulae comprised of abstract symbols and numbers can usually be quite hard to recall on their own. However, if one commits to memory the principles from which the formula is derived the symbols often become a lot easier to recall. Understanding the concepts behind the final outcome makes things less fuzzy. The fuzzier things are the harder they are to remember. Breaking down facts into manageable chunks to concentrate on helps immensely as well as there is a limit on how much information can be assimilated at a given time. Avoiding distractions is another important consideration in ensuring that the facts are stored right - it is a lot harder replace incorrect information than it is to store it right in the first place.

Problems 2 and 3 are closely connected to how we recall information. Memories are made by creating connections - connections with experiences through all our senses. Perhaps you have had the experience of a smell or sound triggering a memory of long ago. The more connections we create the better the chances of recall. This is why mnemonics are commonly used as an aid to memory. The more ridiculous or unusual the association the more likely it is to be recalled rather than fade into insignificance among the millions of other connections. Using mental pegs is another technique that works very well. Associate facts with unusual images or rhymes. For instance to remember names and faces one may look at a prominent facial feature, create an exaggerated version of it and connect it with the name. Say Leon with rather long hair may become a mental image of a Lion with a mane. Lion then quickly converts to Leon making it a lot easier than simply trying to recall the name of the guy with long hair!

Unfortunately as we age our brains begin to degenerate and memory deteriorates along with it. There are 4 main reasons for this degeneration.

1. Reduction in Neurotransmitters, especially acetylcholine causes decline in brain function.

2. Reduced blood circulation. The brain uses a significant proportion of all blood. Any impediment to blood flow therefore has a huge impact on brain function.

3. Effects of Cortisol. As a response to stresses cortisol is produced in the brain which damages the cells in the Hippocampus. The Hippocampus is instrumental in converting short term memories to long term ones. The damage in the hippocampus also triggers further production of cortisol setting off a ever increasing cycle of cell damage.

4. Free radical damage. Free radicals are atoms that have an electron imbalance and are constantly seeking to steal an electron to make itself whole. This process of stealing electrons from cells causes cell damage. Brain cells are no exception and brain cell damage also occurs due to free radical activity.

There are many common sense approaches to limiting and preventing brain degeneration:

* Proper diet - limit intake of salt cholesterol and fat while eating plenty of fresh fruits and foods high in antioxidants.
* Regular Exercise - avoid becoming overweight.

* Control Blood pressure

* Control and limit stress

* Limiting alcohol intake and not smoking helps reduce free radical damage.

* Increase intake of Omega 3 fatty acids - found in large quantities in fish -helps combat free radical damage.

* Avoid even minor head trauma - When engaging in activities which could result in jarring of the brain use adequate protection. Regular jarring, even minor levels has been connected with higher incidence of dementia.

There are also several not so obvious strategies that have emerged from recent studies into the brain.

Depression can affect the way the brain processes information and retrieves it. Therefore avoiding or minimizing depression can positively impact on brain function in later years. Socializing and involvement with family and community activities is recommended.

Mental exercise. "Use it or lose it". Stimulating your brain with mental exercises such as crossword puzzles, board games or even taking up a new hobby or learning a musical instrument has been shown to increase the number of brain cells and connections between brain cells. These activities improve what is known as "Brain Plasticity".

Herbal supplements such as Gingko Biloba which is credited with improving blood circulation may help to deter the onset of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

While aging and its consequences cannot be halted it is clear that there is much that can be done to improve brain health and memory.

The Importance of Phytochemicals

As time goes by the typical western diet seems to increasingly contain more fatty processed foods and less natural plant based foods than ever before. The results of this disturbing trend can be seen in the alarming statistics on cancer, heart disease, stroke and many other degenerative diseases.

Aside from the obvious dietary problems of high fat, protein and simple carbohydrate intake is the considerably inadequate intake of plant based foods and all the health giving benefits they bring with them.

Enter Phytochemicals

Many people are aware that eating plant based foods add much needed fiber, vitamins and minerals to the diet but what is less well known is the many benefits of the phytochemicals that these plants contain.

Phytochemicals come in a variety of forms and different vegetables have higher concentrations of a particular phytochemical than others. Some of the main phytochemicals include:

Carotenoids - Found in broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, squash, sweet potato and yams.

Flavonoids - Found in cabbage, cucumber, parsley, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, soybeans and berries.

Isoflavones - Found in peas, beans and legumes.

Indioles - Found in brussels sprouts, cauliflower, turnips, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage and kale.

Lignans - Found in walnuts, flaxseeds and many other nuts and seeds.

Omega 3, Omega 6 Fatty Acids - Found in walnuts and flaxseeds.

Plant Sterols - Found in eggplant, soybeans, peppers, tomatoes, squash, cucumber, cabbage and broccoli.

The list above is only a small segment of the entire phytochemical family which encompasses a very large and extensive range of nutrients.

Benefits of Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals act in numerous ways to assist your body in combating disease and health problems such as:

1) Help to protect the cells by blocking carcinogens that try to enter the cell walls.

2) Helps to fight the malignant changes within cells that have already been penetrated by carcinogens.

3) Appear to boost enzyme activity to increase the benefits of the various protective enzymes consumed within the diet.

4) Combines with numerous vitamins to boost antioxidants activity to scavenge free radicals before they can cause damage within the body.

Although it is not important to know the names and benefits of the large range of phytochemicals that exist, what is important is to understand that maintaining a diet that contains a variety of fruits and vegetables will combine the benefits of the phytochemicals and vitamins to help you achieve optimal health.

By reducing your high fat/processed food intake and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables you will greatly reduce your chances of falling victim to the ever-growing list of degenerative diseases which plague the general population today as a result of following a typical western diet.

It is not only the damaging effects of high fat, high sugar foods in the western diet that allow cancer, heart disease etc. to develop, but the absence of the protective phytochemicals that are only found in plant foods as well.

By adding plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet you will bring a host of phytochemicals to fight the damaging effects of free radicals and carcinogens and give you a level of health that most people will envy.