12 Most Dangerous Additives in Processed Foods

Unfortunately, many of the best tasting and delicious food products are made with dangerous and artificial flavorings. These toxic preservatives, sweeteners and additives enhance the flavor of food by changing their genetic composition. The result is food that may taste better, but is slowly killing the human population. Now is the time to educate ourselves on food that is made from all natural ingredients that can still taste delicious.

Artificial Sweeteners-Aspartame

Aspartame is a common ingredient in diet soda, sugar free gum, sugar free soda, cereal, kool aid, chewable vitamins and even toothpaste. Most commonly found in foods that are labeled “diet” or “sugar free” artificial sweeteners, otherwise known as Aspartame, is a carcinogenic with many negative consequences. As a neurotoxin and carcinogen, artificial sweeteners have been scientifically tested and researched to show that they cause short-term memory lose and can decrease a person’s intelligence.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

The corn used to make HFCS is mostly genetically modified varieties. High fructose corn syrup is a type of highly refined artificial sweetener that is found in everything from breads to granola bars to soups. While it is likely that you will have to spend more money to find products that don’t use this artificial sweetener it is imperative for your health and the health of your children that you avoid high fructose corn syrup. The syrup is a key contributor to America’s battle with obesity as it increases a person’s bad cholesterol levels and leads to diabetes.

10 Super Healthy Snacks Under 200 Calories

For several years now, there have been more and more people speaking out about the five to six meals a day phenomenon. Though this topic of conversation has gained momentum lately, many consumers still have no idea how eating several meals per day helps them to improve their overall health. Regardless of the reason, you may want to modify your eating habits whether it is to lose weight, ensure a more nutritional diet, for fitness training, or to control your blood sugar, five or six meals a day might be just what you need to add balance to your diet. The next time you feel hunger pangs taking over, satisfy your palate with a nutritious low calorie snack and avoid the high calories and the guilt afterwards!

1. Seedless Cucumber Slices/Low-fat Cheese
A half-cup of cucumbers contains just eight calories, put together with two-slices of low-fat cheese; this snack will have you feeling full in no time. Calories: 128

2. Nuts/Raw Veggies
One ounce of nuts with one-half cup of sliced red-pepper is filled with healthy fats and protein. The nuts will have you feeling full, while the red-pepper will give you a good dose of vitamins A and C. Calories: 163

5 Fattiest Restaurant Dishes in Britain

Calorie Rich Dishes in UK

Calorie exposure doesn’t seem to be a prerequisite in the UK when it comes to foods! Nonetheless, by comparing the ingredients, of these five foods to dishes with similar ingredients, you will find the calorie count is quite high.

Stargazy Pie
Stargazy pie is a scary looking dish. This UK dish calls for no less than 16 quail’s eggs! The key feature is the fish heads staring upwards, hence the name “Stargazy.” Streaky bacon, puff pastry, and plenty of butter are a few of the calorie-laden ingredients that make up this creepy looking pie.

Spotted Dick
Spotted Dick is a classic UK dessert made chiefly from suet and currants. Suet is a type of animal fat similar to lard. The calorie count may not be in the 1000s but the calories from fat is high.

Scotch Egg
The Scotch Egg is originally from Scotland and made with a hardboiled egg swathed in sausage-meat, covered in breadcrumbs, and to drive the hammer to the nail, it’s deep-fried. Just think of the luscious calories from fat!

9 Hormone Supplements You Need To Know About

Hormonal imbalances are very common these days, and they affect men and women of all ages. Despite the fact that they are usually not dangerous, hormonal imbalances can trigger skin blemishes and discomfort, especially since they are often associated with menstrual cramps and bothersome PMS symptoms. Here is a brief overview of 9 herbal supplements that are ideal for balancing hormones naturally:

1. Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto extract comes in the form of soft gels and it contains numerous beneficial compounds that are known to restore the hormonal balance as well as to support prostate health in the long run (flavonoids, fatty acids as well as sterols). Saw Palmetto is basically a low-growing palm tree that has been used for centuries due to its health benefits, and this extract is recommended to men over 40.

2. Dandelion Root Supplement

Dandelions are widely used in traditional medicine, as they contain sterols, pectin, phenolic acids, vitamins, lutein and a wealth of carotenoids. Dandelion root extract contains high amounts of vitamin A and C (perfect for strengthening your immune system), it contains lecithin which is essential for boosting your cognitive function, it acts as a hepatic stimulant and it also lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). At the same time, dandelion root extract is also known to support the proper functioning of the liver, an organ that plays a pivotal role in the elimination of toxins. The liver is also responsible for hormone production, including androgens which are known to trigger acne breakouts. If you suffer from hormonal imbalance, then dandelion supplements will surely help you.

3. Motherwort

Just like the dandelion root, the motherwort also has a series of health benefits: it helps you relieve stress and improve heart function, it supports the health of your cardiovascular system and it also relaxes the muscles and the blood vessels. If you suffer from high blood pressure, heart palpitations and high triglycerides, then motherwort can be your best ally. At the same time, motherwort is widely used to relieve the symptoms of menopause: this herb acts as a menstrual regulator that treats hot flashes and insomnia, and it is also known for its hormone-balancing properties.

Foods That Prevent Good Cell Damage

Free radicals are molecules that accumulate inside your body and wreak havoc on your health: as a matter of fact, studies have revealed that free radicals are responsible for several types of cancer, given the fact that they are very chemically reactive and they damage the good cells. In addition to pollution and free chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, tobacco smoke or radiations can also cause free radicals. The good news, however, is that you can prevent their negative effects on the body quickly and effortlessly. If you want to prevent DNA damage, to slow down the aging process and to lower the risk for cancer, then you should include the following foods in your diet:

1. Broccoli

Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are very healthy: in the end, there is a reason why our parents insisted that we eat all our veggies when we were children! Broccoli is very rich in beta-carotene, lutein and Vitamin C, all these compounds being essential for the correct functioning of your immune system. Broccoli has anti-cancer properties, and it can also reduce the long-term risk for cardiovascular disease, if you consume it on a weekly basis.

2. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits may be bad for your teeth, given the fact that they are highly acidic, but they are certainly a great choice for fighting free radicals. It is known that grapes, oranges and lemons boost the immune function and fight cancer, given their high contents of flavonoids, Vitamin C and carotenoids. At the same time, citrus fruits also come in handy for those who suffer from bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), they relax the blood vessels and they prevent the blood from clotting.

3. All Foods That Contain Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is considered to be one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, as it neutralizes free radicals quickly and efficiently. It is very easy to spot foods rich in beta carotene, as they have an orange color. Beta carotene also improves your body’s immune system, so make sure to increase your daily intake of carrots, peppers, mangoes as well as sweet potatoes. Basically, look for all the foods that are orange. However, if you want to benefit from beta carotene at its full potential, you will have to consume at least four daily servings.

Easy And Cheap Face Lift

Nowadays, both men and women show more interest in the way they look – and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, as long as you do not overdo it! The aesthetic surgery sector has boomed over the past few years, and there is a surgery to correct almost any physical flaw. As the years pass, gravitation starts to take its toll on our appearance: this is why we deal with typical aging signs such as sagging skin or wrinkles. A surgical face lift can take care of that within a couple of hours, but the question is: are you willing to take all the risks? If not, then here are 7 natural alternatives that are just as efficient:

1. Herbal Wraps – Green Tea

This is a natural technique to improve and maintain skin elasticity, and it has been used for thousands of years. Herbal wraps benefit you on several different levels: not only will they detoxify your skin and protect it against the external factors that damage the skin cells, but it also improves skin elasticity and boost perspiration. Your skin eliminates toxins through perspiration, this is why it is essential to support the process. Green tea can be an extraordinary herbal face wrap with outstanding long-term results.

2. Micro-Current Stimulation Therapy

This is a widely used method that has effects similar to facial surgery, the only difference is that it is considerably cheaper and less dangerous. Basically, micro-current stimulation therapy involves a tiny current that goes through the skin and rejuvenates it, thus giving it a healthier, more youthful appearance. Cost-effective and risk-free, this treatment is a great alternative if you are scared to go under the knife!

3. Opt For A Natural Face Mask

Face masks have a mild lifting effect. Mild as it may be, it can still help you in the long term: one of the most efficient face masks with lifting effect includes lemon juice and egg whites. This mask will also tighten your pores while the vitamin C found in the lemon juice will thoroughly clean your face and give it a healthy, natural glow that will last for the entire day.

5 Easy Ways To Avoid Overeating After Workout

It is not uncommon amongst athletes to experience increased hunger and craving for sweets after they workout, given the fact that an intense exercise routine will deplete your body of energy, therefore you will feel the need to compensate. Nonetheless, it is very important to avoid overeating after you finish your workout, otherwise all your efforts will be in vain. Here are several useful tips and hints that will help you feel full throughout the entire day, and avoid overeating at the same time:

1. Know Your Limit In The Gym

A very common mistake many people tend to do is that they overtrain, hoping to get a ripped body quicker and with less effort. This is not going to happen, as weight loss and muscle growth will occur over an extended period of time, not over the night. This is why it is important to limit your training on an empty stomach, otherwise you will feel the need to binge on food immediately after you get home. At the same time, counting your daily calorie intake will also help you, but in order to do that you must firstly use a calculator that will help you identify your BMI, or Body Mass Index.

2. Always Eat Before You Workout

In a nutshell, you have two options: you can either eat a small regular meal that will deliver you all the carbs and proteins you need before you train (honey, toast, yogurt or some ham), or you can opt for a specially formulated pre-workout meal that is low in calories and will boost your energy levels. Regardless of your choice, it is essential to eat something before you hit the gym, otherwise you will be unable to complete your training. Pre-workout meals prevent muscle breakdown, they will speed up the muscle recovery process (your muscles are damaged during the workout) and they will also prevent you from feeling hungry when you get home.

5 Amazing Body Scrubs You Can Make At Home

A good scrub not only exfoliates your face and your body, but it also makes you feel good and renewed by removing the dead cells from the surface of your skin. The result is a beautiful, silky smooth skin with a natural glow that lasts the entire day. However, scrubs you can find in shops are often very expensive, so why spend money on such products when you can make your very own, in the privacy of your home and with ingredients you can easily find in the kitchen? Here are several ideas of efficient, natural and cost-effective homemade scrubs:

1. Moisturizing Cream And Sugar

A facial scrub made of moisturizing cream and sugar is certainly one of the fastest and easiest ways to thoroughly clean your face: simply combine two teaspoons of moisturizing cream with half a teaspoon of sugar, mix it until it turns into a gritty paste and then rub it all over your face, using a circular motion. Avoid the eye area, as you certainly do not want sugar getting into your eyes!

2. Intensely Moisturizing Banana Body Scrub

This is one of the most popular body scrub recipes at the moment, not just because it is very easy to prepare but also because it is highly efficient. Basically, you will need one ripe banana, three tablespoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of essential oil. The latter is not important, it is mainly added for its pleasant smell. Simply smash all the ingredients together and then apply it on your body while you are in the shower. Massage gently and then rinse off with warm water. You will feel as good as new!

Toxins in Your Wine Glass

Organic wines are very popular these days: as a matter of fact, people have started to turn their faces to organic foods rather than genetically modified foods, as organic products are free of pesticides and any other toxic compounds. Even though these foods may be slightly more expensive, their health benefits certainly overcome their price. The following wines are made from grapes that are certified to be organic, although the entire winery must be certified as well. A wine is considered to be organic if it is 100% natural and it has an extremely low concentration of sulfites, and no fertilizers or pesticides are used for the grapes. Here are some of the most reputable organic wines at the moment:

1. Wines Produced By The Casa Lapostolle

Casa Lapostolle is an organic winery located in central Chile and it produces several notorious organic red wines, including the carmenere (a red grown wine), the Clos Apalta blend or the well-known syrah. Casa Lapostolle relies exclusively on organic growing techniques and syrah is the most affordable variety, as opposed to the other two varieties. The Lapostolle wines are world-class products that can be purchased at affordable prices.

2. The Chateau Maris La Touge Syrah

The Chateau Maris La Touge Syrah is a blend that contains 85% Syrah and 15% Grenache, made entirely from organically grown grapes. This is a biodynamic vegan wine that has a cherry-like aroma, and what makes the Chateau Maris stand out from the crowd is not only the fact that it is made from organic grapes but also the storage conditions, as the special cellars allow the wines to “breathe” and they ensure proper humidity and temperature levels.

Naturalistic wine making is widely spread across France, and so is the biodynamic farming. Basically, biodynamic farming involves the use of draft horses rather than tractors, and the soil is activated naturally instead of using artificial fertilizers. The Chateau Maris La Touge Syrah is a complex wine with a fruity flavor, and it can be purchased for $12-$15 depending on the year of production.

Just 3 Nutrients A Day

We are what we eat, and our diet can have a tremendous impact on our health – it is entirely up to us to decide whether that impact will be a positive or a negative one. We all know that nutrients are important, but to what extent? Some of the most underrated nutrients are potassium, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D, all of them being essential for our body. Here are the most notable health benefits of these nutrients, and why you should consider incorporating them in your daily diet:

1. Potassium

Potassium is an important mineral that is extremely important for your cardiovascular system, as it not only treats irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), but it also prevents heart failure and lowers high blood pressure. At the same time, if you have increased levels of cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), potassium might come in handy for that.

Potassium is an essential electrolyte that keeps your muscles moving, and it also ensures the proper functioning of your kidneys. Most of the foods contain potassium, from fruits and veggies to fish, meat and even whole grains. Some of the richest sources of potassium are spinach, potatoes, avocados, fruits, beans and tomatoes. If you have a diet that is rich in potassium, then you will lower your risk for heart disease and cancer, and you will also be less predisposed to obesity over the years. Overall, potassium is a very heart-friendly electrolyte that can dramatically reduce the risk of heart attack.

Initial Signs Of Diabetes To Watch For

Some symptoms of diabetes are well known: But others are subtle. Actually a lot of people might have no symptoms until they test positive for diabetes. Often times, people tend to overlook the initial symptoms of diabetes. The reason for this is lack of knowledge about warning signs. Here are 10 indications that point to diabetes.

1. Blurred vision
Eyes are severely affected by diabetes. A number of people are affected by vision problems. Blurry vision together with other vision problems is common. Swelling of eyes lens occurs mostly because of high sugar levels and as a result, vision is affected. Also, the optic nerve is likely to damage.

2. Sudden weight loss
Variation in weight without any efforts such as diet management or work out could be the ringing alarm for diabetes. Owing to the body’s inability to absorb sugar and frequent urination, a patient (typically of type 1 diabetes) loses weight at an alarming rate.

3. Excessive hunger
If you are not exercising a lot or consuming less food, but notice that you are always hungry, it could be a symptom of diabetes. Diabetes prevents glucose from entering the cells, so the body cannot turn the food you eat into energy.

4. Skin and/or yeast infection
When there’s tons of sugar in the body, its ability to recover well from infections is severely affected. Female with diabetes find it difficult to recover from vaginal and bladder infections.

5. Numbness
If there’s a lot of sugar in the body, nerves could be damaged, as could the blood vessels that feed those nerves. One might experience numbness and/or tingling in his feet and hands.

How To Prevent Chronic Eye Problems

Our sight is one of our most valuable assets, this is why we should focus more on eye health – in the end, it is certainly better to prevent than to treat. Eye treatments are expensive, and it often happens that once your vision deteriorates, you can rarely recover it 100%. As you may already know, some foods can promote healthy eyes over the years, as certain nutrients and vitamins play an essential role for preventing chronic eye conditions such as cataracts or macular degeneration, two of the most common eye conditions these days. No matter if you will get these essential nutrients from food or you will opt for supplements, they can truly make a difference in your life. Having said that, here are some of the most important nutrients that promote healthy eyes and should not miss from your daily diet:

1. Lutein

Lutein is by far the most important nutrient for your eyes, and it occurs naturally in carotenoids. At the same time, lutein is a compound that is found inside the eye as well, and it is extremely important for your central vision as it prevents oxidative stress and limits the effects of free radicals on your eyes. If you want to increase your lutein intake, you should eat more eggs, spinach, dark leafy vegetables and such. Besides improving your sight and keeping your eyes healthy, lutein also reduces the risk for age-related eye diseases.

2. Vitamin C

The health benefits of Vitamin C are many, but few of us know that in addition to strengthening our immune system and helping us fight off free radicals, Vitamin C is also essential for healthy eyes. Doctors recommend us 500 mg of Vitamin C (also referred to as ascorbic acid) on a daily basis. The good news is that this valuable nutrient can be found in most citrus fruits, especially oranges, grapefruits and lemons. If you stick to the recommended daily dose of Vitamin C, you can prevent the loss of visual acuity (a very common age-related problem) and you can also lower your risk for cataracts.

3. Vitamin E

Doctors recommend us approximately 400 mg of Vitamin E per day. The antioxidant properties of this compound are very well-known, and Vitamin E can be widely found in cereals, sweet potatoes, salads as well as nuts. As a matter of fact, it is highly recommended to increase your daily intake of nuts given the fact that besides Vitamin E, nuts also contain essential fatty acids and other compounds that keep your heart healthy and lower the risk for certain types of cancer. When it comes to eye health, Vitamin E is known to protect the eye cells and to prevent the free radicals (unstable molecules found in the surrounding environment) from breaking down the healthy eye tissue, which often results in chronic eye diseases.

What Smart People Do For Healthy Heart

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the US, but the good news is that you can dramatically reduce your risk for heart disease and keep this vital organ healthy in the long run, by simply adopting a slightly healthier lifestyle. The secret is to know the risk factors and to slowly eliminate them! Here are 7 very useful tips that will help you keep your heart healthy throughout the years:

1. Avoid Smoking!
With every cigarette, you expose yourself to a series of health problems, in addition to the visible effects smoking has on your body (yellow tooth, premature aging and such). Smoking can narrow down your arteries and trigger what is known as atherosclerosis, which is one of the risk factors of heart attack.

However, it is important to understand that even if you expose yourself to second-hand smoke (you inhale the tobacco smoke from those that surround you), the risk is equally high. Other notable side effects of smoking are increased heart rate or increased blood pressure. If you manage to quit smoking, not only will you be healthier but you will also save more money in the long haul.

2. You Are What You Eat!
Adopting a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet is important from several different points of view. In addition to preventing heart disease, a healthy diet will also help you maintain a stable weight over the years and deliver your body all the nutrients it needs to function normally. It is important to increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as products that contain essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6), such as fish. Also, beans are extremely beneficial for your heart.

At the same time, limit your intake of saturated fats and trans fats, which raise the levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and increase the risk for coronary heart disease.

3. Exercise Half An Hour A Day
This is by far one of the most important aspects you need to pay attention to, as adopting a healthy diet alone will not take you very far. By exercising at least 30 minutes on a daily basis, you will maintain a healthy weight, burn calories, relieve stress, boost your mood and regulate your blood pressure.

However, if you do not manage to workout on a daily basis, then try to exercise at least four days a week: it does not need to be an intense workout, you just need to focus on cardiovascular training that will make you sweat. You can opt for jogging, gardening, hiking, swimming or even housekeeping, as doing the household chores can be considered an exercise!

What the new FDA Gluten-Free labels mean for Consumers

Gluten is the main component found in grains of wheat, barley and rye. There are people who show intolerance to gluten, which is the reason why it must be strictly removed from the diet for. Gluten-free diet is recommended for people with celiac disease, a fairly common affection.

Not only people who have this disease support gluten with difficulty. About 20% of people who don’t suffer from celiac disease present some degree of gluten intolerance. Gluten sensitivity has a multitude of symptoms, from those of digestive nature and up to tingling and numbness in feet and hands. Persons consuming gluten-based foods may also have an increased osteoporosis risk, and this composite can even promote the appearance of autism at children.

Although apparently the problem is easy to solve, there are many foods that contain gluten. Obviously bread, pasta and baked goods made from wheat, barley and rye contain gluten. But gluten is also found in sweet preparations, starting with flavored soy milk, rice milk to which may contain gluten added to enrich the texture and taste. Chocolate and powdered broth contain gluten, as well as some industrial preparations and drugstore supplements.

Gluten exists in cosmetic products and cake brought from bakery stores, but also in sausages and salamis. Sauces and jams prepared industrially contain gluten, and most canned soups with cooked envelope have different amounts of this composite in them. Soy sauce and salad dressings have, in turn, added gluten, which means they are significantly more dangerous for people suffering from intolerance to it. Moreover, most supplements and vitamins on the market also contain gluten.

As of recently, FDA has approved the “gluten free” label on foods, which means that consumers will know exactly which foods contain it and which don’t. International dispositions also say that all preparations that contain gluten or have this additive in their composition should be labeled accordingly. Therefore, from now on it’s considerably easier for users to follow a diet without gluten.

Top Foods That Help You Lose Weight

Obesity is a very serious matter and it affects millions of people worldwide. Only in the United States alone, overweight people spend billions of dollars a year on weight loss supplements and products, when they can shed pounds by making some simple, healthy and efficient diet changes. Some foods are known to speed up the weight loss process by boosting your metabolism and turning your body into a machine that burns fat for energy. Often referred to as “superfoods” given their numerous health benefits, these delicious foods are your best allies in your fight against extra pounds. Here you will find the top 9 foods that help you lose weight quickly, naturally and effortlessly:

1. Green Tea

Green tea has been used for centuries, not only for its natural slimming effect but for the high amounts of antioxidants known as “catechins”. As a matter of fact, the catechins are the active ingredients that stimulate fat burning and weight loss. One cup of green tea per day will help you lower your body mass index, but this is not all: if consumed regularly, green tea also lowers the levels of bad cholesterol, it balances the blood sugar levels (thus being ideal for diabetes sufferers) and it dramatically lowers the risk for heart disease and certain types of cancer.

2. Grapefruits

Grapefruits are delicious and they are certainly a great addition to every weight loss diet, given the fact that they contain nutrients which simply force your body to convert calories into energy, rather than to store them as fat. No matter if you eat the grapefruit raw or you squeeze it into a delicious and nutritious juice, half a grapefruit a day will keep the doctor away and the extra pounds as well!

3. Hot Red Pepper

The hot red pepper is certainly a spicy addition to many dishes, but few people know that spicy chili can have a significant impact on your weight. Consuming red pepper regularly will suppress your appetite and make you feel full for several hours, which means that you will reduce the number of calories you consume daily. The secret lies in the high content of capsaicin, a compound typical to red pepper that reduces hunger and prevents cravings. In addition to this, hot red pepper has several other health benefits that should not be ignored either: red pepper flakes act as natural anti-inflammatories and they are also known to reduce the risk for blood clots.

Keep your Brain Healthy with these Mindful Foods

Recent studies on how certain nutrients and foods can prevent mental decline have shown promising results. If age did not have an impact on mental abilities like memory, focus and acuity, growing old would not be considered to be such a bad thing. According to researchers, the intake of certain nutrients can ensure that the mind remains agile even when people begin to age but the preventive measures have to be implemented in the early years itself. Let us take a look at some of these new findings.

Low homocysteine levels have shown to slow the pace of mental decline. This amino acid that is naturally present in most proteins plays a critical role in emerging heart diseases, brain degenerative processes and blood vessel abnormalities. However, if one is to consume folic acid and vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12 in sufficient quantities, homocysteine levels can be lowered and the brain can be shielded from degenerative conditions like dementia. Vegetables, whole grains and nuts will provide one with the necessary nutrients and in case, they do not suffice, a doctor can always prescribe appropriate vitamin supplements.

A Mediterranean diet is also known to provide a number of high quality nutrients that can prevent mental decline and early aging. The diet is most popular in countries like Spain, Italy and Greece and it offers highly reduced quantities of eggs, meat, butter and fat that is derived from animals. Instead, a typical Mediterranean diet comprises mostly of fish, plant derived oils, vegetables, rice, whole grain bread, pasta, rice, nuts and seeds. By consuming such a diet, one can lower his cholesterol levels and also receive adequate supplies of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These oils are known to have a protective impact on the cells in the nervous system. This particular diet also offers plenty of vitamin B and folic acid that help to lower homocysteine levels in the body and thus keeps the brain from degenerating.

Studies have also shown that a number of Chinese herbs help to prevent mental decline. Ginko Biloba for instance is a herbal supplement that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. In the West, it grew popular for its memory-enhancing properties as it has shown to prevent mental impairment and memory loss. Though supplements of ginko biloba are available without prescription, ideally one must consult a doctor regarding its potential therapy. Huperziz Serrata which is also known as Chinese club moss is another herb that can increase acetylcholine levels, thus enabling the body to transmit brain signals better. Most Alzheimer’s patients are known to have a low level of this neurotransmitter but if one is to consume Chinese club moss, he can prevent such degenerative conditions from emerging.

Top 8 Foods That Increase Your Metabolism

Metabolism is a series of biochemical reactions that influences the storage and conversion of fuel molecules into energy. It is a set of chemical reactions that maintain the living condition of organism and cells. Metabolism can be subdivided into 2 categories:

Anabolism-this is the synthesis of compounds needed by cells

Catabolism-this is the process where molecules are broken down into energy.

Metabolism is directly related to nutrition and the presence of vital nutrients in the body. Biogenetics is a phrase describing the metabolic and biochemical pathways through which cells eventually obtain energy

Formation of energy is one vital component of metabolism. There are several factors influence metabolism including:

• Weight-Different body tissues contribute varying amounts to metabolic rate. Muscles contribute more per unit mass than fat because muscle is denser than fat.

• Heredity-A person can inherit his metabolic rate from past generations

• Age– The rate of metabolism is said to decrease with 5% every decade, after 40years. This is partially due to reduced muscle mass.

• Gender-Generally, men burn calories quickly as compared to women because they have more muscle tissues

• Thyroid dysfunction -Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can speed up or slow down metabolism.

When the main energy source glucose runs down metabolism process converts body fats into energy. On the other hand, when blood sugar supply increases, metabolism process stores extra energy by converting it into fat. The RMR and BMR calculator uses age, sex, weight and height to estimate the Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). It represents the minimum level of energy necessary for proper body functioning including normal body temperature, heart beating and respiratory functions.

10 High Calorie Foods You Should Never Eat Before Going To Bed

We all know that going to bed on a full stomach is a big no. After a hard day at work or school, our body needs a break from performing the functions it performs on a daily basis, and your digestive system should be no exception to this. Also eating fatty meals before bed can trigger heartburn. However, if you really need to eat do your best and eat something light, and eat at lest two to three hours before you go to bed.

Top 10 High Calorie Foods You Should Never Eat Before Going To Bed

1. Pasta

Pasta is one of the fattest foods you need to avoid before going to bed. It may sound like an easy fix if you are hungry, especially since there are many pasta recipes that take less than 30 minutes to prepare, but keep in mind that pasta is a very rich source of carbohydrates that will eventually turn into fat when you hit the bed. Keep in mind the classic pasta toppings full of cheese and oils as well as the high glycemic index of this meal, this is you should steer clear from this fatty food before bedtime!

5 Fattiest Restaurant Dishes in America

It’s messy, unappealing, largish in most instances, distasteful, and unnecessary. Thrown in preservatives, enhancers, and a bit of food coloring, a piece of wood can look completely appetizing! Here are the some of the most calorific dishes of three major countries from around the world United States, UK, and Australia.

The Top 5 Highest Calorie Dishes in America

IHOP Colorado Omelette
Colorado has the title of the “leanest state in America,” so who’s eating the IHOP Colorado Omelettes? This omelette is packed with 1,890 calories, 47g of saturated fat, 4,200 mg sodium, and 130g carbohydrates, a sure contender for “hypertension food of the year.”

Outback Steakhouse Baby Back Ribs Full-Rack
This meal is served with a pile of unappetizing fries, thereby piling on additional calories. Total calorie intake equals 3,000 big ones! Never mind 2,599 mg sodium and 160g of fat.

Applebee’s Appetizer Sampler
This dish makes a joke out of the word “appetizer.” Buffalo wings, cheese quesadilla, spinach and an artichoke dip with chips, along with mozzarella sticks, and you have 2,150 calories, 168 g fat, 6,660 mg sodium, and a dose of heartburn.

Killer Foods Keep Health Experts Worried

The number of people who suffer from cancer has doubled or even tripled over the past several decades, in certain parts of the world. It is believed that the foods we consume and the lifestyle choices we make can increase or decrease the risk for certain types of cancer. One thing is for sure, though: overly-processing the foods and using chemicals, additives and preservatives can put you at great risk for this life-threatening disease. Here you will find a brief overview of the top 10 processed foods that have health experts everywhere worried about impact on our bodies:

1. Potato Chips
We have all eaten potato chips: they are delicious, readily available and they are great snacks when you are on the go and you do not have time to cook something healthy. However, these chips are full of colors, preservatives, artificial flavors, sodium and trans fats, the latter being known for clogging your arteries. At the same time, the chips that are cooked at very high temperatures also contain acrylamide, a compound that triggers thousands of cancer cases every year.

2. Genetically Modified Organisms
Slowly but surely, genetically modified organisms (or simply GMOs) have started to replace the traditional fruits and vegetables with products that are full of chemicals and that have been linked to fast tumor growth. The GMOs are everywhere: tomatoes, soybeans, traditional corn and such. In a nutshell, if you fear the side effects of GMO you have two ways in which you can avoid them: you can either grown your own fruits and vegetables without the use of biotechnology, or you can look for the sticker that says “Certified Organic”. This guarantees that the product in question is natural and was grown and harvested organically.