Nutrition Plan for Better Health Care

Tomato, a healthy choice in your nearby superstore

2010-01-04T09:18:00.003-05:00

Health care becomes one of the most important issues people are concerned. People consult nutritionists for recommendations and are willing to pay much to buy healthy food. However, some usual foods in nearby grocery stores are also nutritious and benefit a lot to health. Tomato, for example, is a smart choice for all of us.

From Wikipedia, nutritional value per 100g of raw red tomatoes has 75KJ Energy, 4g Carbohydrates, 2.6g Sugars, 1g Dietary fiber, 0.2g Fat, 1g Protein, 95g Water, and Vitamin C 13mg. Most importantly, tomato has essential natural antioxidants, lycopene, which plays a critical role of tomato nutritional benefits.

Studies has verified that lycupene from tomatoes has strongly effects to prevent cancers, especially, from cooked tomatoes. The lycopene has the function of antioxidant to improve the ability of protecting cells from oxygen damage and protecting DNA inside of white blood cells. Furthermore, it is also proved to be able to strengthen skin’s protection against UV rays.

There is an argument whether it is more nutritious, cooked or not? No scientific study has been recognized. But it is not that important. Tomato is concerned as both fruit and vegetable. Actually, there are thousands of recipes of cooking tomatoes. Or we can just cut it in slices or cubes and blend it into salad.

Do you like green tea?

2009-12-29T07:44:00.010-05:00

Most of my friends drink coffee every day, and only coffee as their daily beverage. They can tell you tons of reasons why they drink coffee and its benefit. But currently I am hitting on green tea, and strongly recommend to my friends and people around me.

Why? I like the fresh taste and its unique smell. But most important, green tea is a kind of wonderful healthy beverage. Green tea is proven to be an effective beverage to lose weight, reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, increase fat oxidation, treat rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases, treat impaired immune function, and etc. Regularly drinking green tea can realize above functions.

Comparing to other tea, for instance, black tea, green tea is withered and steamed by fresh leaves, instead of fermented leaves. Therefore, green tea contains much more antioxidant polyphenols than the other teas. Studies show that black tea has 3-10% polyphenols, but green tea has 30-40%. Among the polyphenols, a catechin named epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), plays major role to realize green tea’s function, such as anticancer and antioxidant effects. Tak-Hang Chan, PHD, professor emeritus in Chemistry Department at McGill University (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) has achieved success in a study, in which prostate cancer tumors in mice are shrinked by using of a synthetic form of EGCG.

Health benefits from green tea are associated with how much green tea is drunk. Studies indicate that one cup of green tea contains 20-35 mg of EGCG. Health experts recommend three cups of green tea per day will supply sufficient EGCG for health issue and realize most of green tea’s function. For sure, it is a long run. Switch to green tea now to keep your health in good condition.

New Innovations in Blood Circulation Technology

2009-11-26T08:26:00.002-05:00

Poor blood circulation is a serious health concern. Conditions that compromise the flow of blood throughout the body can be life-threatening. Arties that become thick and lose their flexibility results in arteriosclerosis. This impedes the flow of blood within the body and can lead to peripheral arterial disease (PAD). If this condition becomes severe enough, tissue death can occur which could require amputation of an extremity. Individuals with PAD are also at a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition that results from narrowing of the coronary arteries that slows critical blood flow to the heart. One out of five deaths in the U.S. is caused by CAD.

Blood clots can block the flow of blood to the heart or brain. These blood clots can result in death due to a stroke or heart attack. Weakened blood vessels that burst are known as aneurysms. Aneurysms result in internal bleeding that can be fatal. Anti-coagulants such as dabigatran have been prescribed to fight acute coronary syndrome.

There have been several recent innovations in medical technology that are offering promising new diagnostic tools and treatment options for these diseases related to poor blood circulation. The Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona just announced that it will be offering a gene expression test that can predict the likelihood of patients developing CAD. This test which involves a blood draw will allow physicians to offer individualized patient care while giving them a complete picture of their patient’s disease.

The FDA recently approved a new device for the treatment of PAD. This device is called the Wildcat Guidewire Support Catheter. The Wildcat Catheter opens up arteries that are difficult to treat or even completely blocked. The catheter is primarily, at this point, used to treat arteries in the thighs but may eventually be used to treat smaller arteries below the knee or in the heart.

The Siemens Definition Flash CT offers a new innovation in imaging technology that delivers clear pictures of the heart in just 250 milliseconds. This lightning speed means that patients are exposed to the lowest dose of radiation. The speed of the imaging technology also eliminates the need to slow patents’ heartbeats with beta-blockers to obtain adequate high-quality images.

Another innovation in imaging technology has been cleared by the FDA. The imaging service is called 3D Recon. It converts two-dimensional clinical images to three-dimensional images. Bone and anatomy are removed so that surgeons can better visualize the interior of a patient’s vein before surgery. 3D Recon also enables surgeons to better assess stent grafts following implantation.

Technology VS Touch

2009-08-10T14:46:00.003-04:00

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With an advancing world like we have today, it is not far fetched to think about the future of technology and its ability to replace human interaction. Elderly individuals may experience this shift in their lifetimes, but to which extent? Many experts believe that technology is on the rise of making it possible to emulate life and soon we may have companions and health systems that keep us in check. The question is: Will technology ever fully replace the human touch? This may never be answered completely until we really get close to creating an automated technology that has the capacity to think for its own self.

The human touch is somewhat of a vague term. It encompasses the whole of the human’s ability to care for, create for and express for our elderly. There is technology on the rise that can take on certain needs of an elderly individual, making it less of a need for the human touch, especially when a machine can do some things in a more efficient manner. A nurse can take your vital readings quite quickly in an emergency, sure they can make some mistakes, but they are right for the most part. Machines will be able to keep a constant check on your vitals one day and take steps to correct problems on the fly.

Technology wouldn’t really have a touch, more of an application. Creating systems to monitor and control your daily functions may not always be a good idea. Although technology is showing great promise in medical alarm technology and advance warning systems, they may not have the capacity to release the details to those who come and help you. Making sure to have a nurse or someone close around you to give those details in an emergency may save your life. Elderly care technology will improve with time and allow for many chances for elderly independence.

The truth is that nothing could really compare to the human touch. Technology can get close, but never able to fully replace the human touch. The future can go in any direction, but without the proper human interactions that people like the elderly need, technology will never compare with the human touch. Many people argue that technology will allow for even better health in the elderly, but what is better health when you have no one to use your health with? It would be a lonely and unhealthy place for the mind without the interactions of the human touch.

Avocado, a gift from God

2009-06-24T16:23:00.007-04:00

Most of us like fruit salad. Whether we are having dinner or taking a break in the afternoon, we would like to share some salads with family or friends. Personally, I prefer the avocado salad, which I can get it from the grocery store just close to my office. Well, I am not talk about the taste, although it is important, I am referring to its high nutritional value.

Avocado is a good substitute to food cause it contains a large volume of calories, 75% of which come from fat, mainly monounsaturated fat. From the statistics data from USDA, in each 100g avocado, there is 160kcal or 670kj energy. Besides, there are 8.53g carbohydrate, 14.66g fat, 2g protein, 6.7g fiber, which is the highest of all fruit. Avocado also has many minerals, from the same source, 100g avocado has 485mg Potassium, almost 60% more than banana does, 52mg Phosphorus, 29mg Magnesium, 12mg Calcium, 7mg Sodium, and others as well. Definitely, avocado is rich in vitamins. each 100g avocado has 10mg vitamin C, 81mcg folate, 14.2mcg choline, 62 mcg carotene beta, 24mcg carotene alpha, 146 IU vitamin A, 2.07mg vitamin E, 21mcg vitamin K, and many vitamin Bs.

As for RDI (recommended daily intake), 100g avocado satisfy an adult daily nutrients demands as follows, Vitamin B1 5%, B2 9%, B3 12%, B5 28%, B6 20%, B9 20%, Vitamin C 17%, Calcium 1%, Iron 4%, Magnesium 8%, Phosphorus 7%, Potassium 10%, Zinc 6%.

It is quite convincing that avocado is an valuable nutrients intaking fruit. Actually, many people from tropical areas, where avocados grow up, have avocado as food instead of fruit. In America, most grocery stores sell avocados. Although its price is a bit higher than others, I still consider it is worthy as its high nutritional value. By the way, avocado is not only for salad, It is also available to sandwiches or hamburg. There are tons of recipes on the web telling you how to make delicious and healthy food with avocado.

Last but not least, rumors come that avocado is noxious to some animals. But I have not confirmed that. My suggestion is that do not leave avocado or its remains to your pets.

Enjoy a healthy BBQ

2009-06-05T00:30:00.013-04:00

Finally, June is coming. For north residents and Canadians, lovely summer arrives. I bet most Canadians enjoy Barbecue. Juicy sausages, sweet smelling steaks plus spicy barbecue sauce, ennn... Yummy. I used to live in Vancouver for a couple of years. One of the most interesting activities is having BBQ at Jericho beach with my family and friends. With beautiful ocean scenery, we share laugh and delicious foods. It is a fantastic memory!

Here are some BBQ tips for barbecue preparation. When we plan a BBQ, the first thing jumping into our mind is definitely steak, sausage, pork chops, chicken breasts and legs. However, these foods are full of calorie and fat. The less we eat them, the slimmer and the healthier we would be. But what else we can choose if BBQ comes?

As for me, I prefer some vegetables and fish instead of meat. When I make kebabs, I will select alternatives instead of regular beef or pork.

Most vegetables are fine to be a part of BBQ menu, such as bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, cauliflower, tomatoes and tofu. I highly recommend to take some fruits when planning a BBQ. After the greasy BBQ, fruit is the best choice to refresh your mouth and bring your tongue a fresh flavor.

Well, salmon is another good choice. No need to worry about the hi-calorie or fat from the meat. Salmon is a great substitute of beef and pork if you are addicted to meat. Actually, there are tons of BBQ recipes on the internet. Move your mouse to find your favorite BBQ and grilling recipes and enjoy your summer with a healthy BBQ.

Introduction of Multivitamin

2009-05-22T18:22:00.004-04:00

There is no doubt that vitamin plays an important role in our body. The vitamin family consists of many members. Most of them are necessary for our body’s metabolism. Normally, they do not take part into the chemical reaction in our body. But they are important to help or improve the production of critical materials, such as protein.

Generally, our body can not produce vitamins. Natural vitamins are rare in our food recipe. Fortunately, our body only needs a small quantity of different vitamins. Lack of enough vitamins will result in some sickness. Lack of vitamin A leads to night blindness and/or dry skin. However, too many vitamins will have severe negative effects. Too much vitamin A will be poisonous.

So here is the main problem, how to reach the right quantity and balance each vitamin? Nutrition specialist will suggest you to have various foods. However, because of the fast step of our life and mass produced fast food store chain, our food can not satisfy our needs. Plus there are other reasons, such as price, geographic location, taste preference, etc. But do need to be panic, most of pharmacy stores have multivitamin productions for customers to select. There are tons of brands and formulas for customer to choose. Most popular is Centrum multivitamins. But it still offers more than ten formulas for different age or gender. Here comes another question, which one is best?

Basically, people’s multivitamins demand are various according to their age, profession and physiological conditions. Each multivitamin manufacturer develops its specific formula for different people. Usually, customers can find the composition on the labels. For example, I have two formulas of centrum multivitamins, Materna is for pregnant women, Forte is for normal people. Materna has more Folic Acid Forte, 1 mcg against 0.6 mcg, which is much important for baby’s growth. Vitamin B12 in forte is almost eight times of that in maternal. Vitamin B12 is necessary for body to generate blood.

Actually, there are many formulas designed for different people groups classified by gender, age and needs. Multivitamins producers reach each niche market, such as children, pregnant women, older women and men, and young working people. If carefully checking the formulas, consumers can find the some difference in each composition. The formulas are designed according to the research result of each people group. Generally, consumers can choose their group formulas, which can almost satisfy their needs. If consumers are in specific condition and need special formula, it is better to consult the pharmacist.

Omega 369, an important supplement

2009-05-05T00:06:00.008-04:00

American lifestyle brings us convenience and efficiency. We are surrounded by McDonalds and Coca Cola culture. Everyday we are boomed by Big Mac or Carbonated Drinks. What they give us? FAT and Sugar. More and more people are suffering heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Too much fat is the main reason.

A way to decrease the risk of these diseases from too much fat is Omega 369, pure natural groups of fatty acids, which are necessary for good health. Omega 3 family has two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which are hardly found in our food sources, except little quantities in oily fish or its supplements. Omega3 has many functions, such as preventing of heart disease and the complications of heart attack, lowering blood pressure, improving glucose metabolism and so on. Omega 6 is regarded as pro-inflammatory, GLA. However, if it is intaken dietetically, it has the function of anti-inflammatory. It is helpful to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. And it helps to balance the hormone and emotion. Most important, Omega 3 and omega 6 interact each other. Therefore the balance between each other is quite critical. With the two fatty acids, the production of eicosanoids in human body can be greatly influenced. The eicosandoids has an important role on inflammation and all functions of at a cellular level. Omega 9, the main component, is Oleic acid, which is helpful to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and arteriosclerosis. Omega 9 oil can be found in olive oil.

Omega fatty acids are polyunsaturated fat, much better than saturated fats, and have a lot of metabolic functions. Both Omega 3 and Omega 6 are essential fatty acids, called EFA's, can not be produced by our body, have to be intaken from our food sources. Omega 9 is not essential, but our body can make it.

Having an Omega 369 supplement, which has balanced ratio of different oils, can ensure you intake essential nutrients to maintain good health.