Foods that Help Fight Diabetes

Have you ever heard of the saying, “Prevention is better than cure”? The rule applies to Diabetic patients as well. But in any case if you have or haven’t developed the disease we will share a secret with you to treat it. Yes! We have a list of foods that will not only help you fight the disease but these foods will also lower the chances of its occurrence.

Whether you are among the 24 million people of America with diabetes or among the 57 million who have the symptoms of prediabetes, a regular check on your diet should be made rule number one.

When we talk about diabetes there are three types :

1. Type 1 Diabetes
2. Type 2 Diabetes
3. Gestational Diabetes

In the case of type 1 Diabetes the body does not produce the important hormone called, insulin.

While in type 2 Diabetes the body actually makes insulin but does not properly consume it and it is more common than type 1, accounting for 90% for the world’s diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is also becoming common among young children.

A third type of diabetes is Gestational Diabetes which is developed during pregnancy, in every 2 to 4% of the cases. The babies born to such mothers are also at a risk of developing diabetes.

Prediabetes is also a condition where a person’s blood glucose levels are usually at the border line, but not high enough to be declared as type 2 Diabetes.

The adverse effects of diabetes include heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction, if not treated at the right time

There are a lot of things that a person needs to include in his lifestyle to avoid the damaging effects of diabetes, especially some foods need to be added to the diet rich in nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, C and E. Here is the list of super foods that are rich in these nutrients and are ranked among the top foods that help combat diabetes.

Turmeric :
The essential component called curcumin found in turmeric is effective for preventing diabetes and this fact has been supported by a research presented by the journal called, “Diabetes Care”. You can add grounded turmeric to your curries, egg salad or sautéed vegetables.

Nuts :
A research conducted by Louisiana State University in 2011 found that people who eat a quarter ounce of nuts in a day have 5% less chances of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart diseases, combinedly known as metabolic syndrome. So it is suggested to have a handful of nuts in a day.

Cheese and Yogurt :
Fermented dairy products such as yogurt, kerif(fermented milk) and cheese are helpful in reducing the risk of developing diabetes up to 12%. This study has been published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. How fermented dairy products are helpful? Researchers say that the good bacteria found in fermented products are the curing factor for diabetes.

Strawberry :
The vitamin C enriched strawberries have been recently found to be very helpful for treating diabetes. British researchers have found an extract from strawberries that help activate a special kind of protein that decrease LDL cholesterol and blood lipids, both of them contribute in the development of diabetes. Strawberries are also helpful in maintaining the blood sugar according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Red Wine :
Did you know that 2 glasses of red wine can prove to be powerful fighter of diabetes? The compound called resveratrol found in red wine or in the skin of the grapes helps to regulate insulin and also reduces the glucose levels in the blood.

Dark Chocolate :
Good news! Now even diabetics can have a sugary treat like dark chocolates. According to the British Medical Journal, people who have dark chocolate regularly have lower chances of developing diabetes. In addition to that the risk of developing cardiovascular disease was reduced up to 37% and the risk of stroke was reduced to 29% by having dark chocolate. Previous researches also reveal that the dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure and regulate the insulin levels.

Obviously you must be thinking about the sugar contents in dark chocolate. It is suggested to choose the ones with higher cocoa percentage as they contain less sugar.

Cinnamon :
You can lower your fasting blood sugar by incorporating cinnamon to your diet. The scientists at UC- Davis conducted some researches and found that cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity, lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. You can sprinkle some cinnamon powder in your coffee or add it to cereals.

Coffee :
Now when you will take the first sip of your morning coffee you can actually feel good about it. Why? Because, you are doing something good to your body. Inside your coffee are some compounds that inhibit the release of the hormones that are responsible for diabetes. A study reveals that 4 cups of coffee in a day are enough to lower the risk of type 2 Diabetes up to 50%.

Apples :
A new research claims that, “An apple a day keeps diabetes away”. This research has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, according to this research fruits rich in anthocyanin like apples, blueberries and pears can reduce the risk of diabetes up to 23%. To get the best results 5 servings of these fruits are suggested per week.

Spinach and Kale :
Green leafy vegetables can reduce the risk of diabetes up to 14%, if only 1.15 serving is taken daily according to the British Medical Journal 2010.

Wheat Bran :
High intake of magnesium reduces the chances of developing type 2 diabetes according to an article published in Diabetes Care. A ¼ cup of wheat bran can give you 22% of your daily magnesium requirements.

By incorporating these foods you may reduce the risk of developing diabetes, but it is also suggested that you drink plenty of water, take regular exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle to stay fit and diabetes free life.

Health Benefits Of Eating Ice Cream

There is nothing better than an ice cream, especially on a hot summer day. Many women do not eat ice cream because of fear of fat. Ice cream is included in the frozen food that has a semisolid texture and has a high nutritional value.

The materials used in the manufacture of ice cream include: milk fat, milk solids non-fat (skim), cream, sugar, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and extract sense. At least 100 grams of ice cream made from milk that has 110-130 calories with protein content of 2.5 – 3 grams. Ice cream improve your immune to diseases, including influenza. Many people thinks ice cream is regarded as a cause of colds, coughs, and colds. In fact, when we eat ice cream, it gets melt into the mouth is affected by body temperature, so temperature is not cold any longer.

1. Source of Vitamins :
Ice cream is a rich source of vitamins. It contains many vitamins including vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, D and E. It also contains thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Ice cream also contains vitamin K which prevents blood clotting.

2. Provides Energy :
Ice cream is an outstanding source of energy. It has a very high nutritional value. It contains carbohydrates, fats and proteins – all of which are essential for energy. Also, it helps to gain weight. If you are looking for energy, you should have ice creams, and with all the goodness of milk, it also provides you with necessary sugars.

3. Source of Minerals :
Ice cream is a rich source of minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Besides helping in building and maintaining stronger bones and avoiding bone related diseases, researchers have also found that calcium reduces the chances of kidney stones. Calcium also helps in preventing mood swings and premenstrual symptoms – another reason why you should have ice creams.

4. Stimulates The Brain :
Ice cream stimulates the thrombotonin, which is a hormone of happiness and helps in reducing the levels of stress in the body. Ice cream is made of milk which contains L-triptophane which is a natural tranquilizer and helps in relaxing the nervous system. It also helps prevent symptoms of insomnia.

5. Reduces Risk of Cancer :
The calcium content in ice cream also helps in reducing the chances of colon cancer. Apart from being a catalyst to building stronger bones, this particular benefit of calcium makes ice cream all the more beneficial.
In spite of all the benefits that ice cream has, there is no reason to over indulge in it because it also has a large number of disadvantages which are harmful for your health. So relish on ice creams, but in moderation.

Rub Your Fingernails to Say Goodbye to Hair Problems

Balayam, is an alternative reflexology therapy for hair growth which involves rubbing identical fingernails together with some amount of force. Though there are a number of people who believe that this technique really works, it has its own share of critics, too. So, before coming to a conclusion, let’s take a look at some facts about Balayam and also try to debunk some myths as well.

How It Works?
Rubbing finger nails for a minimum of 10-20 minutes daily, can make your hair grow again. You should rub all your fingernails except for your thumb, because rubbing thumbnails may cause growth of facial hair. The number of fingernails you rub does not really matter.

What Balayam Claims?
Balayam claims that your bald spots will reduce and you can get your normal hairline back. It also claims to prevent hair greying and hair loss.

The Science Behind Balayam
Believers say that there are certain nerve-endings below your fingernails which are stimulated when you rub them together. It is claimed that when you rub your fingernails, you stimulate your brain to send a signal to adult stem cells to revive the dead or unproductive hair follicles. Rubbing fingernails also increases blood circulation to your scalp, which strengthens your hair follicles and in turn prevents hair fall or greying.
However, no scientific research has been conducted to substantiate these positive claims of Balayam.

Who Should Avoid Balayam?

• People with high blood pressure should not perform Balayam as it may worsen their condition.
• It is also believed that sometimes Balayam may lead to drowsiness, so it is not advisable to perform it during work hours or before driving a vehicle.
• Pregnant women too are advised not to perform it, as it may cause uterine contractions or high blood pressure. 

When Will The Results Be Visible?
If you are looking to combat hair loss then it will take about 3-6 months, whereas for hair growth you will need to wait for about 6-9 months, depending upon how frequently you rub your fingernails.

What Research Says?
A research made by Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology claims that hair turns grey because of a chemical reaction within our body which causes the hair to bleach on its own. This process starts when an enzyme called catalase starts decreasing in our body. Lack of catalase means that hydrogen peroxide cannot be broken down and it starts accumulating in your hair, which in turn lead to grey hair.Every person faces hair fall due to different reasons. Some of the factors which can cause hair loss include hereditary problems, hormonal imbalance especially in the case of women, prolonged illness, anaemia, stress, and lifestyle and dietary habits. Balayam cannot address all these problems together and hence its critics opine that it is ineffective.

How To Clean The Lungs In 3 Days

Drinking 300 milliliters of juice of grapefruit in the snack. If you don’t like the taste of the juice, mix it with a bottle of mineral water or replace it with pineapple juice. These juices contain natural antioxidants that promote a healthy respiratory system.

Drinking 300 milliliters of pure carrot juice between breakfast and lunch. Carrot juice will help alkalize your blood during the 3 days of cleaning.

You have to drink 400 milliliters of a potassium-rich juice with lunch. Potassium is a powerful agent that acts as a tonic for cleaning when ingested in liquid form. It squeezed carrot, celery, spinach, parsley. A true disgust that changes your life.

400 Milliliters of cranberry juice drink before bedtime. It helps to fight bacteria in the lungs that can cause infections. Blueberries are powerful antioxidants.

Care of the Body and Exercise :
A hot bath for 20 minutes every day. It is important to allow the body to lose toxins through perspiration as much as possible.

Once the day walks brisk. Walking promotes healthy breathing. As you walk, you focus on breathing slowly and fully. It keeps the pace.

Place 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus in hot water. Then you put a dry towel on the back of the head and inhale the steam until the water is no longer hot. The properties of oil and steam can help loosen the mucus.

Why We Should Eat Apples

1. Apples lower cholesterol.

2. Apples may keep you slim.

3. They can help breathing problems.

4. Apples boost your immune system.

5. Apples may fight cancer.

6. They decrease the risk of diabetes.

7. They’re good for your brain.

Uses for Cucumbers

Cucumbers are very easy to grow and make for a delicious treat. But did you know they can prevent hangovers, or clean the kitchen sink? Below is a list of tips and tricks you can do with cucumbers that you do not want to miss!

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the photochemical in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too.

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache.

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone.

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the photochemical will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls.