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Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts

Friday, June 3, 2022

Balanced Diet: are you really looking health?




What comes to your mind first when you hear about balanced diet? Which of the sumptuous meal do you missed most? Let walk through as we are going to find our what's actually good for us.

What is balanced diet?

A balanced diet is a diet that contains differing kinds of foods in certain quantities and proportions so that the requirement for calories, proteins, minerals, vitamins and alternative nutrients is adequate and a small provision is reserved for additional nutrients to endure the short length of leanness. In addition, a balanced diet ought to offer bioactive phytochemicals like dietary fiber, antioxidants and that have positive health advantage to out health.


Examples of Balanced Diet

A healthy, balanced diet will usually include the following nutrients:

  • vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
  • carbohydrates, including starches and fiber
  • protein
  • healthy fats

A balanced diet will include a variety of foods from the following groups:

*Vitamins

There are 13 essential vitamins that nutritionists divide into two groups: fat soluble and water soluble.

Fat soluble vitamins are:

  • vitamin A
  • vitamin D
  • vitamin E
  • vitamin K

Water soluble vitamins are:

  • vitamin B-1 (thiamine)
  • vitamin B-12 (cyanocobalamin)
  • vitamin B-6
  • vitamin B-2 (riboflavin)
  • vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid)
  • vitamin B-3 (niacin)
  • vitamin B-9 (folate, folic acid)
  • vitamin B-7 (biotin)
  • vitamin C





*Minerals

  • magnesium
  • calcium
  • phosphorus
  • sulfur
  • sodium
  • potassium
  • chloride


Trace minerals are;

  • iron
  • selenium
  • zinc
  • manganese
  • chromium
  • copper
  • iodine
  • fluoride
  • molybdenum
*Proteins
  • red meats (limit their use and choose lean cuts)
  • poultry, including chicken and turkey
  • fish and other seafood
  • beans and legumes
  • eggs
  • dairy products
  • soy
  • nuts
  • some grains, including quinoa 
*Carbohydrates
  • quinoa
  • rice
  • vegetables
  • whole grain pasta, bread, and other baked goods
  • oatmeal
  • fruits
  • barley
  • Yam etc.
*Fat
Monounsaturated fat – good sources include:
  • Olive, canola, peanut, and sesame oils.
  • Avocados.
  • Olives.
  • Nuts (almonds, peanuts, macadamia, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews)
  • Peanut butter. etc









Benefits of balanced diet

  • Manage a Healthy Weight.
  • Support a Strong Immune System.
  • Increase Your Energy Level.
  • Save on Medical Expenses.
  • Reduce the Risk of Chronic Illness.
  • Slow the Effects of Aging.
  • Help You Live Longer.
  • Improve Your Mental Health and Wellbeing.
  • May help you live longer.
  • Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy.
  • Supports muscles.
  • Boosts immunity.
  • Strengthens bones.
  • Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
  • Supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding.
  • Helps the digestive system function.
  • Reduced cancer risks
  • Improved memory
  • Reduced risk of heart diseases
  • Satisfaction and happiness





Food poisoning: Was there poison in the food you ate?





Foodborne illness, more commonly referred to as food poisoning, is the result of eating contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.





Symptoms

Food poisoning symptoms vary with the source of contamination. Most types of food poisoning cause one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Watery or bloody diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain and cramps
  • Fever

Signs and symptoms may start within hours after eating the contaminated food, or they may begin days or even weeks later. Sickness caused by food poisoning generally lasts from a few hours to several days.


When to see a doctor

If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, seek medical attention.

  • Frequent episodes of vomiting and inability to keep liquids down
  • Bloody vomit or stools
  • Diarrhea for more than three days
  • Extreme pain or severe abdominal cramping
  • An oral temperature higher than 100.4 F (38 C)
  • Signs or symptoms of dehydration — excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness
  • Neurological symptoms such as blurry vision, muscle weakness and tingling in the arms

Most food poisoning can be traced to one of three major causes: bacteria, parasites, or viruses.

These pathogens can be found on almost all of the food humans eat. However, heat from cooking usually kills pathogens on food before it reaches our plate. Foods eaten raw are common sources of food poisoning because they don’t go through the cooking process.

Occasionally, food will come in contact with the organisms in fecal matter or vomit. This is most likely to occur when an ill person prepares food and doesn’t wash their hands before cooking.

Meat, eggs, and dairy products are frequently contaminated. Water may also be contaminated with organisms that cause illness.

Bacteria

Bacteria are by far the most common cause of food poisoning. Bacterial causes of food poisoning include:

  • E. coli, in particular Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Salmonella
  • Campylobacter
  • Clostridium botulinum
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Shigella
  • Vibrio vulnificus

When thinking of dangerous bacteria, names such as E. coli and Salmonella come to mind for good reason.

Trusted Source
 of food poisoning cases in the United States. According to the CDC
Trusted Source
, an estimated 1,350,000 cases of food poisoning, including 26,500 hospitalizations, can be traced to salmonella infection each year.

Campylobacter and C. botulinum are two lesser-known and potentially lethal bacteria that can lurk in our food.

Parasites

Food poisoning caused by parasites isn’t as common as food poisoning caused by bacteria, but parasites that spread through food are still very dangerous. They include:

  • Toxoplasma gondii
  • Giardia lamblia
  • various tapeworms, such as:
    • Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm)
    • Taenia solium (pork tapeworm)
    • Diphyllobothrium latum (fish tapeworm)
  • Cryptosporidium
  • Ascaris lumbricoides, a type of roundworm
  • flukes (flatworms), such as Opisthorchiidae (liver fluke) and Paragonimus (lung fluke)
  • pinworms, or Enterobiasis
  • Trichinella

According to the CDC
Trusted Source
, toxoplasmosis is a leading cause of death attributed to food poisoning in the United States. Toxoplasma gondii is also found in cat litter boxes.

Parasites can live in your digestive tract and go undetected for years. People with weakened immune systems and pregnant people are at risk of more serious side effects if certain parasites take up residence in their intestines.

Prevention

To prevent food poisoning at home:

  • Wash your hands, utensils and food surfaces often. Wash your hands well with warm, soapy water before and after handling or preparing food. Use hot, soapy water to wash utensils, cutting boards and other surfaces you use.
  • Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods. When shopping, preparing food or storing food, keep raw meat, poultry, fish and shellfish away from other foods. This prevents cross-contamination.
  • Cook foods to a safe temperature. The best way to tell if foods are cooked to a safe temperature is to use a food thermometer. You can kill harmful organisms in most foods by cooking them to the right temperature.

    Cook ground beef to 160 F (71.1 C); steaks, roasts and chops, such as lamb, pork and veal, to at least 145 F (62.8 C). Cook chicken and turkey to 165 F (73.9 C). Make sure fish and shellfish are cooked thoroughly.

  • Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods promptly — within two hours of purchasing or preparing them. If the room temperature is above 90 F (32.2 C), refrigerate perishable foods within one hour.
  • Defrost food safely. Don't thaw food at room temperature. The safest way to thaw food is to defrost it in the refrigerator. If you microwave frozen food using the "defrost" or "50% power" setting, be sure to cook it immediately.
  • Throw it out when in doubt. If you aren't sure if a food has been prepared, served or stored safely, discard it. Food left at room temperature too long may contain bacteria or toxins that can't be destroyed by cooking. Don't taste food that you're unsure about — just throw it out. Even if it looks and smells fine, it may not be safe to eat.

Food poisoning is especially serious and potentially life-threatening for young children, pregnant women and their fetuses, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. These individuals should take extra precautions by avoiding the following foods:

  • Raw or rare meat and poultry
  • Raw or undercooked fish or shellfish, including oysters, clams, mussels and scallops
  • Raw or undercooked eggs or foods that may contain them, such as cookie dough and homemade ice cream
  • Raw sprouts, such as alfalfa, bean, clover and radish sprouts
  • Unpasteurized juices and ciders
  • Unpasteurized milk and milk products
  • Soft cheeses, such as feta, Brie and Camembert; blue-veined cheese; and unpasteurized cheese
  • Refrigerated pates and meat spreads
  • Uncooked hot dogs, luncheon meats and deli meats

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Best and Worst Foods for Heart Failures

 The best food for heart failures are:









1.Fruits and vegetables


Fresh produce is the backbone of a heart-healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables are high in nutrients and low in calories and salt. The more colorful your plate, the better. Berries are packed with fiber and plant nutrients. Green veggies like kale, broccoli, and spinach are good sources of vitamins C, E, and folate. With orange fruits and veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe, you’ll get your fill of beta-carotene and fiber.






2.Whole Grains


These are heart-friendly for several reasons. They're full of fiber, which lowers levels of artery-clogging cholesterol. Fiber also digests slowly, so it keeps you full for longer and could help curb your appetite. Whole grains are a good source of B vitamins that help your heart deliver oxygen to your body. Oatmeal, whole wheat, popcorn, and brown rice are all whole grains. If you're not sure, look for the words "whole grain" first on the ingredient list.


3.Beans


They really are good for your heart. Whether you prefer the kidney, lima, or pinto variety, they make a hearty and filling addition to meals. These colorful legumes will give you your daily protein without the calories and fat of meat. As part of a heart-healthy diet, they can help improve your cholesterol levels. If you buy canned beans for convenience, choose salt-free or rinse them first to cut the extra sodium.


4.Omega-3-Rich Fish






This is another good alternative to meat. Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats that bring down artery-damaging inflammation. Two servings of fish a week might also slightly lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of death from heart disease and cardiac arrest. Choose fish that are high in omega-3s but low in mercury, such as salmon, sardines, pollock, and albacore tuna.


5.Healthy Oils



Just as important as the foods you cook is what you cook them in. Use vegetable oils instead of solid fats like butter, margarine, shortening, or lard. Canola, olive, safflower, corn, and soybean oils have healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. Choose the one that tastes best to you. Use these oils to sauté, bake, or stir fry, but never to deep fry, which adds calories and fat.


6.Nuts




They're a filling snack and a good source of healthy fat, protein, and nutrients. Add them to your diet to help lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol. Nuts also reduce inflammation in your body. If you eat them a few times a week, they might lower your risk of a heart attack or of dying from heart disease. Just watch your portion sizes. Nuts are high in calories, so a few handfuls can add up fast.


7. Herb Blends



Excess salt raises blood pressure, which makes your heart work harder. But cutting salt doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor. Replace salt in your cooking with herbs and spices such as curry, garlic, ginger, lemon, pepper, parsley, oregano, and thyme. Use fresh herbs when possible. You can also buy pre-mixed spices at the supermarket, but watch the sodium. Many seasoning blends contain added salt.




The Worst food for heart diseases are;


1.Cheese, Butter, and Cream



Dairy products such as milk and yogurt are a good addition to your diet. They supply protein, plus bone-building calcium and vitamin D. But the type of dairy you choose matters. Whole milk, ice cream, butter, and cream are high in saturated fat, which raises levels of harmful LDL cholesterol. Stick to low-fat dairy. Buy plain yogurt without added sugar. And limit yourself to a small piece of cheese daily.


2.Salty Condiments and Sauces



Store-bought condiments and sauces often contain lots of salt. Some of the worst offenders are soy sauce, salad dressing, and hot sauce. Check the salt content on the label before you buy. Look for low-sodium alternatives. Better yet, make your own salad toppings and sauces with salt-free flavorings such as lemon, olive oil, and vinegar. Use orange or pineapple juice as a marinade for poultry and fish.


3.Processed and Smoked Meats



Bacon, sausage, and hot dogs, with their high fat and cholesterol content, don't do your heart any favors. These processed meats are smoked, salted, or infused with chemicals to preserve them. Both processed and fatty red meats like burgers are harmful to your heart. Fish, lean poultry, beans, and tofu are healthier sources of protein, and they also fit on a bun (whole grain, of course!).


4.Sweets



Sugary foods and drinks like cookies, cakes, candy, and soda contribute to obesity, which is harmful to your health. Sugar raises blood sugar and increases inflammation. That may be why people who overdo it on sweets face a greater risk of dying from heart disease. How much sugar is OK? The American Heart Association recommends that women get no more than 6 teaspoons and men no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar a day.


5.Fried Foods



As soon as you dip foods like potatoes or chicken into batter and fry them in oil, you add fat and cholesterol. Eating fried foods on a regular basis leads to weight gain, which can raise your blood pressure. Research finds that fried foods increase the risk for heart disease and heart failure. Bake, broil, roast, or stir-fry vegetables and lean proteins like chicken and fish for a heart-healthy but still tasty meal.


6.Alcohol



A glass of red wine daily might be good for your heart, but once you have heart failure, it's best to abstain. Alcohol contains empty calories that put on weight without adding any nutrition. Plus, alcohol doesn't mix well with some blood pressure drugs and other heart medicines.


 7.Excess Fluids



Heart failure prevents your heart from pumping blood as well as it should. As a result, fluid builds up in your body. If you drink too much water and other fluids, you may gain weight and have symptoms like swelling and shortness of breath. Ask your doctor how much liquid you should drink each day. Watch for foods that have a lot of liquid, such as soup, fruit, and ice pops. And keep track of how much you drink each day.