Monday, December 26, 2011

Ideal Body Fat Percentage- Quick Overview

How do you know whether you are overweight or not? Apart from looks, there have been some techniques, which have been extremely good in figuring out whether you are overweight or not. The Body Mass Index or BMI, as it is popularly known as, has been one of the most common modes of calculating whether you are overweight or not. The body mass index is based on the ideal ratio between height and weight. It was quite popular for a very long time. However, it had some basic flaws, which soon become evident.

A major drawback of the BMI was that, it could hardly differentiate between weight gain and fat gain. So a body builder and an obese guy would have the same BMI. This gave way for a new mode of calculating obesity, the Body Fat Percentage.

The body fat percentage is so far the best method of calculating the fitness level of the body. However, even body fat percentage can not be said to be the ideal way of calculating the fitness level of a body. This is because; the ideal body fat percentage is different for different people; which means that your ideal body fat percentage may not be ideal for everybody else.

In calculating the ideal body fat percentage, a lot of factors play a very big role. The main factors are, age as well as gender. It is a generally accepted concept, that the ideal body fat percentage is very high in case of women, than in case of men.

However, when it comes to calculating the body fat percentage is concerned, different people have different opinion. However, the following are a few ideal body fat percentage ranges for men and women of different age groups.

The ideal body fat percentage for a male in the age group of 18 to 39 years would range between 8 to 19%, whereas it ranges in between 11 to 22% for an age group of 40 to 59 years. Any male in the age group of 60 years and above, would have an ideal body fat percentage, hovering between 13 to 25%.

As discussed before; the ideal body fat percentage is pretty higher for women in the same age group. A possible reason for this may be that women need higher quantity of energy during pregnancy. As it is, the ideal body fat percentage for a woman in the age group of 18 to 39 would be between 21 to 32%, whereas, for a woman in the age group of 40 to 59, it would change to 23%-35%. For a lady in the age group of 60 years and above, the ideal body fat percentage would be between 24 to 36%.

Although accurate, the body fat percentage is a complex phenomenon, particularly the method of judging the body fat percentage. However, it is perhaps the best mode of calculating the fitness level of the body till date.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Weight Loss with Auricular Therapy

You must be aware of the fact, that; the obesity problem has grown into epidemic proportions. Now, the biggest challenge, which I faced as an enthusiastic weight watcher, was to control my cravings for food. I would get up in the morning, with a new level of enthusiasm; and a resolution to stay away from bad food. However, by the end of the day, I had strayed away from my diet chart, a number of times.

However, you can not afford to miss out on your diet schedule, if you wish to lead a long and healthy life. Auricular therapy can be of extreme help for you, if you too face a similar challenge.

Auricular therapy is a virtually painless way of controlling your cravings for bad food. As it is, the auricular therapy is a modified acupuncture therapy, where, instead of piercing needles into specific pressure points, a mild electrical stimulation is passed through specific points in the ear region.

This helps a lot in your efforts for weight loss. Auricular therapy can help you in your efforts of weight loss in some of the following ways:

The first and foremost way, by which auricular therapy can help you lose weight, is by way of curbing your hunger pangs. As you feel full for a longer period of time, you are able to drastically cut down your overeating habit. This way, you are able to lower your calorie intake and as a result, lower the fat content of your body.

Auricular therapy is a major way of improving your will power. As you know, the most important component, in any weight loss program,
is motivation. Therefore, it is important for you to hold on to your motivation, in order to stick to your weight loss schedule. As it is, auricular therapy is an important way of improving your motivational level. As a result of your improved motivation, you are able to stick to your diet regime for a very long period of time.

Another important way, by which auricular therapy can help you lose weight, is by way of improving the metabolism rate of the body.
Auricular therapy is often used to improve the overall metabolism rate of the body. So, in case of an improved metabolism rate, you are ready to burn more calories, even at a restive state.

Auricular therapy is also an important way of controlling the blood sugar level of your body. As it is, with a controlled blood sugar level, your insulin production too is under control. A controlled insulin production would mean further weight loss.

It would be interesting to know, that, auricular therapy was primarily introduced for the treatment of people, who were addicted to cocaine or opium. Gradually, its uses began unfolding themselves; and today, it is used for treating a number of addiction related medical problems.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Best Way To Lose Weight Fast

Weight loss is a very complex issue. As we see the obesity level among the people rise to alarming levels, a number of weight loss treatments have gained ground. With new researches in this direction, we come across little known facts in this regard on a regular basis.

When it comes to deciding that what the best way to lose weight is different people would have different opinions. And, it is indeed true, that different bodies react in different manner. Therefore, what might seem to your best kept weight loss secret for you, may not actually work wonders for someone else.

However the basic techniques for weight loss remain more or less the same; increase your work outs and lower your calorie intake. The following are the basic techniques of weight loss:

Rigorous work out
Rigorous work out should be an important part of your everyday schedule. This is because rigorous work-outs would not only save you from a bulky body but would also save you from low motivational levels and humiliation at personal as well as professional front. Apart from that, obesity is the cause of many major diseases. Rigorous work out can be quite effective in saving you from them, as well.

You can indulge in a number of workout plans, along with a number of sports, which can be quite effective in your weight loss program. Swimming, lawn tennis, squash, football, badminton, jogging etc. are some of the innumerable exercising options that you have.

Balanced diet
Along with a rigorous workout schedule, you also need to keep a tab on your calorie intake. Although it is next to impossible to go for a zero calorie diet, it is always in your capability to lower the calorie content of your diet.

Avoiding carbonated drinks as well as junk foods are important steps in this direction. Along with that, you are recommended to have more of protein and less of carbohydrate, along with lots of water.

Alternative methods
Apart from these traditional methods of weight loss, there are also a number of other techniques, which can also be quite helpful for you in losing weight. Acupuncture, yoga, deep breathing, as well as water therapy, along with zone diet therapy, cabbage soup dieting and negative calorie dieting are some of the alternatives, which you can also opt for.

As discussed earlier, that what may be the best weight loss technique for you, may not be so in case of someone else. Therefore, what is actually the best for you, has to be actually decided by you.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery

Obesity is a major problem which has been affecting a number of people all across the globe. Along with this, a number of weight loss techniques have also come forth. However, in many cases, by the time, people actually realize the need for weight loss; they are left with few options. In most such cases, the situation becomes life threatening, when the people finally realize, that they need to do some thing about their weight problem.

The most common solution, which the patient is left with, in such situation, is weight loss surgery. As it is, weight loss surgery is perhaps the best solution for those, who are suffering from life threatening obesity; as a result of which, they need to lose weight quickly and are not in a position to go for the traditional methods of fat loss.

Weight loss surgeries can go a long way in helping you lead a healthy and normal life. As it is, a person who has undergone weight loss surgery can expect a weight loss of up to 60% of his excess weight.

Apart from this, studies have shown that weight loss surgery had significantly reduced the risk of obesity related risks such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, gastro esophageal reflux disease, high blood pressure, hypertension, arthritis, stroke asthma, a wide range of heart diseases and some forms of cancer.

However, since weight loss surgery is after all a surgery; therefore, like any other surgical option, weight loss surgery too involves a great deal of risk.

As it is, a person who has undergone weight loss surgery, is more likely to expect some common symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, feeling cold, dry skin, constipation, hair thinning and hair loss and mood changes. Apart from that, a person who has undergone weight loss surgery is also at risk to a number of complications.

The most common risk associated with weight loss surgery is infection in the area of surgical wound, which may occur, within the first three weeks of surgery. Blood clot to the lungs is another significant risk involved with weight loss surgery. You may also develop gall stones, along with dumping syndrome and excessive skin. Bleeding in stools and dehydration are some of the other significant risks, which are involved with a weight loss surgery.

It is therefore advisable, to go for regular checkups, in the first few months of surgery. This would significantly cut down the risk of the above mentioned complications. As it is, in the first few months, you would be required to undergo a number of restrictions and quite a few precautionary steps.

As it is weight loss surgeries have a number of advantages. Apart from that, people with life threatening obesity are left with few choices, other than a weight loss surgery.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Why Men Lose More Weight than Women

Weight gain is a common problem cutting across the boundaries of gender as well as race. So, both men as well as women suffer equally when it comes to obesity; although women seem to be more obsessed with a slim figure.

However, it is widely believed, that, men lose weight faster than women. Although, there are no scientific conclusions to justify this theory; the general perception continues to be in favor of men losing weight faster than women. Now, before the feminist brigade, gets up with their “you chauvinist pig” thing, it would be better to discuss the possible reasons for such an interesting phenomenon.

As it is, the following are some of the arguments, which are usually put in favor of such a phenomenon:

More lean mass
Although we may be able to see an Arnold Schwarzenegger replica, or a Hulk Hogan lookalike, we usually do not see a female Arnold or a Female Hulk. This is primarily, due to the reason that, our genetics has shaped us this way. So, men have been genetically programmed to put up more lean mass, such a thing does not usually happen to a woman, barring a few exceptions.

Now, as you might be aware, that, more of the lean mass would mean more consumption of calories, in order to support the lean mass.

Faster metabolism
Another reason in support of the theory that men tend to lose moreweight than women; is the fact that men have faster metabolism rate than women. This can be attributed to the fact that men tend to have more of lean mass than their female counterpart. This leads to a higher metabolism rate.

With a higher metabolism rate, you tend to lose, more weight. This is because, when the metabolism rate of your body rises, then in that case, your body tends to burn more calories, even at a restive state, i.e. you burn more calories even while you are doing nothing.

Men are physically more active
Men tend to be physically more active, and tend to have more stamina than their female counterpart. A glaring example of this theory is the fact that, in the weight lifting category at the Olympics, men tend to lift up far more weight than what women actually do.

Due to the above reasons, many people actually believe that men tend to lose more weight than women. However, women too have some edge, as in terms of motivational levels. As it is women have found to be having higher levels of motivation, when it comes to losing weight is concerned; and that is, by far the most important aspect in any weight loss program.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Weight lose training for women

Weight training has long been a domain for men, especially professional bodybuilders, along with actors. However, with the passage of time, many myths attached with weight training have been put to rest. As a result of it, more and more women are opting for weight training as an effective weight loss technique.

However many women still fear of getting bulky, if they go for weight training. However, this is not always true. In fact, it all depends on your body composition, as well as your genetic composition. Besides that, women do not usually have the ability of muscle size expansion, as much as men do.

Now what makes weight training such an important feature in a weight loss program? The following are some of the benefits, which can be availed by you, if you go for a weight loss program:

Improving the metabolism rate
An important aspect of Weight training is that; it is an effective tool for improving the metabolism rate of the body. As you go for a weight training session, you feel thirsty as well; as a result of which, your water intake rises. This means a rise in your body metabolism rate.

Burning those extra calories
A proper weight training session would require a lot more of efforts, at a time. This means, while you are doing weight training, you are constantly losing weight. You may lose more than three to four pounds of weight in a month, if you do Weight training for an hour or so, everyday.

Increase in stamina
Another major benefit of Weight training is the increase in the stamina of the human body. This is very important, because an increase in stamina would mean ability to exercise more. Along with that, it would also help you in your day to day activities.

Gain in muscles mass
It is to be mentioned here that, although weight training can not actually turn you into a female Sylvester Stallone, they can be quite effective in firming your muscle base. This would mean that, the more weight training you do, the more firm your muscle base becomes.

This is very important, because, an improvement in muscle mass would mean, a lot more calories are being burned, even while you are resting.

In the last few years, weight training has gained immense popularity, making weight trainers, the most sought after weight loss professionals. If you are women, then in that case, it might be quite natural to feel that you might get bulky. However, you need to remember, that such an effect does not happen in one single day. Therefore, you have all the time in the world, to change your schedule, if you feel that, you are getting bulky.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Best Way To Lose Weight Fast

Weight loss is a very complex issue. As we see the obesity level among the people rise to alarming levels, a number of weight loss treatments have gained ground. With new researches in this direction, we come across little known facts in this regard on a regular basis.

When it comes to deciding that what the best way to lose weight is; different people would have different opinions. And, it is indeed true, that different bodies react in different manner. Therefore, what might seem to your best kept weight loss secret for you, may not actually work wonders for someone else.
However the basic techniques for weight loss remain more or less the same; increase your work outs and lower your calorie intake. The following are the basic techniques of weight loss:

1. Rigorous work out
Rigorous work out should be an important part of your everyday schedule. This is because rigorous work-outs would not only save you from a bulky body; but would also save you from low motivational levels and humiliation at personal as well as professional front. Apart from that, obesity is the cause of many major diseases. Rigorous work out can be quite effective in saving you from them, as well.

You can indulge in a number of workout plans, along with a number of sports, which can be quite effective in your weight loss program. Swimming, lawn tennis, squash, football, badminton, jogging etc. are some of the innumerable exercising options that you have.

2. Balanced diet
Along with a rigorous workout schedule, you also need to keep a tab on your calorie intake. Although it is next to impossible to go for a zero calorie diet, it is always in your capability to lower the calorie content of your diet. Avoiding carbonated drinks as well as junk foods are important steps in this direction. Along with that, you are recommended to have more of protein and less of carbohydrate, along with lots of water.

3. Alternative methods
Apart from these traditional methods of weight loss, there are also a number of other techniques, which can also be quite helpful for you in losing weight. Acupuncture, yoga, deep breathing, as well as water therapy, along with zone diet therapy, cabbage soup dieting and negative calorie dieting are some of the alternatives, which you can also opt for.

As discussed earlier, that what may be the best weight loss technique for you, may not be so in case of someone else. Therefore, what is actually the best for you, has to be actually decided by you.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Fast Reduce Weight By Yoga

With the passage of times, many ancient forms of weight loss, such as Tai-chi as well as yoga have merged as one of the most favorite ways of losing weight in a natural way.

Yoga evolved in India, some five thousand years ago, by an ancient Hindu saint called Maharishi Patanjali; and remained a secret practice, the knowledge of which was available only to the holy sages. As it is, with the passage of time, it came out of the closet and today, it is benefitting a large number of people all across the globe.

Unlike other forms of exercise, Yoga focuses on the unification of the mind, spirit and the body, instead of pure physical exercise. As it is, the following are some of the ways, in which Yoga can be advantageous for you:

1. Increase in the oxygen level inside your body
Yoga is an important way, by which, you can improve the oxygen level inside your body. The higher the oxygen level; the more is the calorie consumption. Pranayam is a yoga technique, which focuses on the breathing mechanism of the body. It is basically a deep breathing exercise, which ensures that, more of oxygen reaches the brain. It also helps in improving the blood circulation, which means further weight loss as well.

2. Increase in Motivational levels
Perhaps the most important aspect of any weight loss program is the motivational level of the person, who is undergoing such program. A major advantage of Yoga is the fact, that, it helps you in improving your motivational level. A rise in your motivational level would mean that you would stick to your regime, instead of straying away. Padmasana is an extremely popular yoga technique, which is more of a meditational technique and hence, it helps you in improving your motivational levels.

3. Increase in the metabolism rate of the body
A very important advantage of Yoga is that, it is extremely helpful in improving the metabolism rate of your body; and an increased metabolism rate, would mean, an increase in the calorie consumption inside the body. So, a regular practice of Yoga, can be quite helpful in improving the metabolism rate of the body and hence, helpful in burning more fat, even while you are relaxing.

4. Reduces stress and anxiety
Yoga is an excellent way of relaxing your mind and body. By way of Yoga, you can reduce your stress and anxiety levels. This would be quite helpful for those people, who eat, while they are under stress, or when they get bored. As a result, Yoga can be quite helpful in reducing the calorie intake.

Apart from these benefits, yoga can be extremely helpful for you in a number of ways. Not only can they help in maintaining the blood sugar levels, they are also quite helpful in increasing the lean mass of the body. This would help you in ensuring a healthy body.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Blood Testing For Heart Disease

Staying fit and healthy is very important for all of us. You really need to work hard when it comes to your health and fitness. Consulting a doctor and health physician is very important for all the individuals. You need to be very specific while choosing the right options for yourself. We all know that a lot of people die from heart diseases every year. A complete blood test can really help you out in this regard. Further in this article we are going to talk about this article.

A lot of physicians and doctors are working in our firm that would help you out in the best possible way. We can definitely help you out in assessing your present health condition. You need to stay away from all the diseases and cardiovascular issues. Now, let us discuss some key things regarding this topic.

C-reactive protein
Blood tests are really important. C-reactive protein test is a great option for you. You need to be very specific while getting in touch with a health expert.

Cholesterol test
Cholesterol test plays a crucial role in our lives as it diagnoses several health problems. Heart diseases and strokes are really bothering for all of us. You need to cure them in the quickest possible time.

Homocysteine
Amino acids in your body are really essential. Homocysteine is a great test that can help you in measuring the total amount of amino acids in your body.

So, this was all about blood tests for your heart disease. Internet is a great place that would offer you a lot of options. You can find a lot of information regarding such blood tests. Now, let us talk about fibrinogen. It is basically a blood protein that helps in clotting. Without clotting nothing can function properly in your body. Therefore, you need to look for special blood tests that can aid you in this regard. Besides, all these things there should be no such things that block your arteries. Otherwise you might end up on the losing side. You need to opt for something new every time.

Our trained health experts can really offer you some crucial services. The blood tests reports that we deliver are absolutely confidential. One should always look for new and improved services. Health testing center is a great firm that is scattered everywhere in the United States. You just need to get in touch with us. You can call us anytime you want to. We are always ready to help you. Basic health screening for males and females is another great blood test.

There are wide varieties of options available with you in this process. So, these are some of the most amazing things to remember regarding blood testing for heart disease. Heart diseases should always be avoided. Nothing can stop you from staying fit and healthy if you move further step by step. The cost of these tests in our testing center is not at all expensive. It is quite nominal that suits everyone.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Embryonic stem cells (ES cells) are stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of an early stage embryo known as a blastocyst. Human embryos reach the blastocyst stage 4-5 days post fertilization, at which time they consist of 50-150 cells. Embryonic Stem (ES) cells are pluripotent. This means they are able to differentiate into all derivatives of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm.

On January 23, 2009, Phase I clinical trials for transplantation of a human-ES-derived cell population into spinal cord-injured individuals received FDA approval, marking it the world's first human ES cell human trial. The study leading to this scientific advancement was conducted by Hans Keirstead and colleagues at the University of California, Irvine and supported by Geron Corporation of Menlo Park, CA.

The results of this experiment suggested an improvement in locomotor recovery in spinal cord-injured rats after a 7-day delayed transplantation of human ES cells that were pushed towards an oligodendrocytic lineage.

Because of their plasticity and potentially unlimited capacity for self-renewal, ES cell therapies have been proposed for regenerative medicine and tissue replacement after injury or disease. However, to date, no approved medical treatments have been derived from embryonic stem cell research. Adult stem cells and cord blood stems cells have thus far been the only stem cells used to successfully treat any diseases.

Embryonic stem cells (ES cells) were first derived from mouse embryos in 1981 by Martin Evans and Matthew Kaufman and independently by Gail R. Martin. Gail R. Martin is credited with coining the term 'Embryonic Stem Cell'. A breakthrough in human embryonic stem cell research came in November 1998 when a group led by James Thomson at the University of Wisconsin-Madison first developed a technique to isolate and grow the cells when derived from human blastocysts.

Embryonic stem cell research has been promoted because it has the ability to cure a number of deadly diseases.

Natural Health Science

Natural health science is the applied science that deals with health and includes many other subdisciplines in its arena. There are two approaches to health science: the study and research of the human body and health-related issues to understand how humans (and animals) function, and the application of that knowledge to improve health and to prevent and cure diseases.

The foundations for the Health Sciences fields are as old as the human race. Humans have always been in need of solutions to address illness, injury, and various health related issues such as childbirth. With modern technology and the backing of the pure sciences, the scientific accuracy of these fields has greatly improved.
Students can invest time and money to achieve a bachelor's or master's degree in science in nutrition. Natural health studies that are provided in these degree programs involve anatomy, physiology, whole foods, organic chemistry and biochemistry, food science, nutritional supplements and herbal medicine, physical fitness, and related natural health sciences.

Health research builds upon the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, and physics as well as a variety of multidisciplinary fields (for example medical sociology). Some of the other primarily research-oriented fields that make exceptionally significant contributions to health science are alternative health, biochemistry, epidemiology, and genetics, natural health.

Because health science deal with human life, issues of medical ethics, an important area of ethics, arise frequently. Medical ethics includes questions on topics such as a patient's right to privacy and his/her right to be involved in treatment and decision-making. Euthanasia, abortion, human cloning, stem cell research and genetic engineering are especially controversial issues directly related to health science.

The health sciences industry, a multi-billion dollar business sector, is a cross-section of the life sciences and the health care and medical diagnostics industries. Natural health sciences are an emerging field and have evolved lately to a large extent.

Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research

Though scientists have known about stem cells since the early 1900s, it wasn't until the 1960s that stem cells' regenerative capabilities were observed. In 1998, a watershed moment occurred when scientist James Thomson successfully removed stem cells from unwanted embryos at a fertility clinic and harvested its cells in a laboratory. With that moment, stem cell research gathered speed.

There are many issues related to stem cell research. Some people are in favor of this research while others tend to oppose it and have tagged the stem cell research as unethical. In recent history, few topics have been met with as much fierce social and political debate as stem cell research.

But, are politics and the media hiding the real potential of its brother Adult Stem Cell Research? Ultimately, the real question is whether or not Adult Stem Cells have as many capabilities as Embryonic Stem Cells. For many years the stem cell debate was fueled by the embryonic stem cell advocates saying that Adult Stem Cells weren't really capable of turning into other types of cells (which is the real benefit of stem cell research) and was therefore limited in what they could become.

Those arguing for stem cell research believe that stem cells may provide cures for incurable diseases. Those against stem cell research argue that harvesting stem cells from aborted fetuses is wrong because they do not believe in abortion. Highly controversial subjects such as stem cells and abortion go hand-in-hand with strong personal beliefs. Although you may not agree with the other person's beliefs, you must respect the way they feel in order to have a healthy debate.

Due to this debate, the use of human embryos and fetuses in stem cell research, whether dead or living, has been made illegal while the use of adult cells is legal. Although stem cell research has sparked fiery debates among people, we simply cannot ignore the immense potential that this technology has.

About Stem Cell Research

Before going deep into the article, let me give you a brief idea about stem cells. Stem cells are cells found in most, if not all, multi-cellular organisms. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types. The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem cells that are isolated from the inner cell mass of blast cysts, and adult stem cells that are found in adult tissues.

Though no embryonic stem cells have yet undergone clinical trials---due to the ethical backlash against extracting cells from living embryos---adult stem cells are widely in use. There are very few stem-cell surgeries, but animal trials using stem cells have been largely successful. Though the technology remains imperfect, more scientists are participating in stem cell research to realize its life-saving potential.
There are various goals of stem cell research. Firstly, to obtain essential scientific information regarding embryonic development and its use to related fields. To cure diseases that cause debilitation, e.g., Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's, stroke, bone diseases, etc. Treatment of innumerable kinds of diseases - Pain medications - Cloning - Exotic therapies - Miracle drugs.

Stem cells can be engineered to replicate various specialized cells---those in the brain, liver and skin---and have the potential to treat vast numbers of illnesses. There is a strong likelihood that stem cells can generate healthy organs in a laboratory, to be transplanted into people needing them.

Stem cell research is especially exciting because it gives new hope to people who have terminal or incurable conditions. For instance, while Parkinson's patients take drugs that slow or lessen their symptoms, the drugs are incapable of curing the diseased tissue in the brain. This is where stem cell research comes in, because it has the capability to generate disease-free tissue. Parkinson's is just one of many diseases poised to benefit from stem cell treatment.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Foods High In Antioxidants

Antioxidants are very essential for your body because they help in improving your overall health. They help in reducing aging, strengthen your immune system, improve eyesight and help you to fight against cancer and various heart diseases. There are various food items that contain antioxidants and they should be taken by you on a regular basis.

So, now let me tell you about some food items that are very rich in antioxidants.

1. Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are very high in antioxidants and eating them regularly would really help you in the long run. Vegetables like Broccoli, pumpkin, avocados, spinach, carrots, potatoes, collard greens, squash, artichokes, cabbage, radish, asparagus, beetroot, sweet potatoes, kale, tomatoes and lettuce provide you antioxidants.

2. Beverages
There are certain drinks that can really provide you your daily dose of antioxidants. Coffee, Green tea, plain tea, black tea, red wine, beer are some of the beverages that can be very good for your health. If you are taking alcoholic beverages then you must make sure that you drink them in moderate quantities.

3. Fruits
There is no other source of food that can provide you as much antioxidants that are provided by fruits. Some fruits that are extremely good for you are cantaloupe, red grapes, cranberries, red grapes, red currants, figs, mango, peaches, pears, guava, oranges, apricots, cherries, watermelon, raspberries, papaya and strawberries.

4. Spices and herbs
Spices are basically added in food items but some of them also contain antioxidants that have various health benefits. Species and herbs that are good for you are oregano, turmeric, pepper, parsley, basil, curry powder, cardamom, thyme, chili powder, peppermint,  paprika, garlic, coriander, onion, tarragon,  marjoram, cumin,  savory, mustard seed, sage, basil, ginger, dill weed and Cinnamon.

5. Nuts and cereals
Eating cereals for you breakfast is a very good habit. They give you the much needed energy and all the essential nutrients. Some of the nuts and cereal grains that you must prefer are macadamia nuts, walnuts, pistachio nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, corn flakes, cashews and oatmeal.

6. Legumes
You can consume legumes in your dinner and lunch. Some common ones containing antioxidants are broad beans, Black beans, red beans Pinto beans, and soybeans.

While you are having you meals you must try to add a variety of food items that are rich in antioxidants. This would help you to stay fit and healthy for the rest of your life.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research

Though scientists have known about stem cells since the early 1900s, it wasn't until the 1960s that stem cells' regenerative capabilities were observed. In 1998, a watershed moment occurred when scientist James Thomson successfully removed stem cells from unwanted embryos at a fertility clinic and harvested its cells in a laboratory. With that moment, stem cell research gathered speed.

There are many issues related to stem cell research. Some people are in favor of this research while others tend to oppose it and have tagged the stem cell research as unethical. In recent history, few topics have been met with as much fierce social and political debate as stem cell research.

But, are politics and the media hiding the real potential of its brother Adult Stem Cell Research? Ultimately, the real question is whether or not Adult Stem Cells have as many capabilities as Embryonic Stem Cells. For many years the stem cell debate was fueled by the embryonic stem cell advocates saying that Adult Stem Cells weren't really capable of turning into other types of cells (which is the real benefit of stem cell research) and was therefore limited in what they could become.

Those arguing for stem cell research believe that stem cells may provide cures for incurable diseases. Those against stem cell research argue that harvesting stem cells from aborted fetuses is wrong because they do not believe in abortion. Highly controversial subjects such as stem cells and abortion go hand-in-hand with strong personal beliefs. Although you may not agree with the other person's beliefs, you must respect the way they feel in order to have a healthy debate.

Due to this debate, the use of human embryos and fetuses in stem cell research, whether dead or living, has been made illegal while the use of adult cells is legal. Although stem cell research has sparked fiery debates among people, we simply cannot ignore the immense potential that this technology has.

About Stem Cell Research

Before going deep into the article, let me give you a brief idea about stem cells. Stem cells are cells found in most, if not all, multi-cellular organisms. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types. The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem cells that are isolated from the inner cell mass of blast cysts, and adult stem cells that are found in adult tissues.

Though no embryonic stem cells have yet undergone clinical trials---due to the ethical backlash against extracting cells from living embryos---adult stem cells are widely in use. There are very few stem-cell surgeries, but animal trials using stem cells have been largely successful. Though the technology remains imperfect, more scientists are participating in stem cell research to realize its life-saving potential.

There are various goals of stem cell research. Firstly, to obtain essential scientific information regarding embryonic development and its use to related fields. To cure diseases that cause debilitation, e.g., Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's, stroke, bone diseases, etc. Treatment of innumerable kinds of diseases - Pain medications - Cloning - Exotic therapies - Miracle drugs.

Stem cells can be engineered to replicate various specialized cells---those in the brain, liver and skin---and have the potential to treat vast numbers of illnesses. There is a strong likelihood that stem cells can generate healthy organs in a laboratory, to be transplanted into people needing them.

Stem cell research is especially exciting because it gives new hope to people who have terminal or incurable conditions. For instance, while Parkinson's patients take drugs that slow or lessen their symptoms, the drugs are incapable of curing the diseased tissue in the brain. This is where stem cell research comes in, because it has the capability to generate disease-free tissue. Parkinson's is just one of many diseases poised to benefit from stem cell treatment.

Natural Health Science

Natural health science is the applied science that deals with health and includes many other subdisciplines in its arena. There are two approaches to health science: the study and research of the human body and health-related issues to understand how humans (and animals) function, and the application of that knowledge to improve health and to prevent and cure diseases.

The foundations for the Health Sciences fields are as old as the human race. Humans have always been in need of solutions to address illness, injury, and various health related issues such as childbirth. With modern technology and the backing of the pure sciences, the scientific accuracy of these fields has greatly improved.
Students can invest time and money to achieve a bachelor's or master's degree in science in nutrition. Natural health studies that are provided in these degree programs involve anatomy, physiology, whole foods, organic chemistry and biochemistry, food science, nutritional supplements and herbal medicine, physical fitness, and related natural health sciences.

Health research builds upon the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, and physics as well as a variety of multidisciplinary fields (for example medical sociology). Some of the other primarily research-oriented fields that make exceptionally significant contributions to health science are alternative health, biochemistry, epidemiology, and genetics, natural health.

Because health science deal with human life, issues of medical ethics, an important area of ethics, arise frequently. Medical ethics includes questions on topics such as a patient's right to privacy and his/her right to be involved in treatment and decision-making. Euthanasia, abortion, human cloning, stem cell research and genetic engineering are especially controversial issues directly related to health science.

The health sciences industry, a multi-billion dollar business sector, is a cross-section of the life sciences and the health care and medical diagnostics industries. Natural health sciences are an emerging field and have evolved lately to a large extent.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Benefits of Aerobic Exercise


Aerobics is a very common exercising method in recent times. It first came to light, with the publishing of the book called Aerobics; which was published in 1968, and was written by Kenneth H. Cooper. The book went on to become a best seller, primarily because, that was particularly the time, when people were starting to gain consciousness, in regard to weight gain.

Typically, aerobics is an exercise, which aims at the overall fitness of the body and is not concentrated to particular parts of the body. It is usually performed with music and is often done in groups. This is done to promote motivation, which people derive, while watching others perform to the beat of music.

Aerobics is a very popular form of exercise and vests you with the following benefits:

1.   More oxygen to the brain
As in any form of exercise; Aerobics too improves the level of oxygen inside the body. This means more oxygen to the brain and consequently a healthier life for you.

2.   Improving the metabolism rate
An important aspect of Aerobics is that, it is an effective tool for improving the metabolism rate of the body. As you perform aerobics, to the rhythm of the music, you feel thirsty as well; as a result of which, your water intake rises. This means a rise in your body metabolism rate.

And since, a rise in the metabolism rate would mean, a rise in the consumption of calories inside the body, aerobics, is therefore such an effective way of losing weight.

3.   Burning those extra calories
While you are performing on the music, a lot of calories get burned, in order to support your efforts.  This means, while you are doing Aerobics, you are constantly losing weight. You may lose more than six pounds of weight in a month, if you do Aerobics for an hour or so, everyday.

4.   Increase in stamina
Another major benefit of Aerobics is the increase in the stamina of the human body. This is very important, because an increase in stamina would mean ability to exercise more.

Aerobics has a number of other benefits as well. Apart from being quite helpful in weight loss, it considerably lowers down the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Due to theses reasons, it has become so popular in recent times.

Body Contouring after Weight Loss


OK so you have reduced a lot of weight and you have achieved the target weight, which you have set for yourself, in order to enable yourself to wear that gorgeous bikini. Yet, you do not seem to be in a position to wear your bikini. Why? Because of the excess skin that weight loss has left behind?

A major disadvantage of massive weight loss is the compilation of excess skin in many areas. This situation is quite common in case of weight loss techniques, such as bariatric surgery, liposuction, or even in cases of weight loss pills and supplements.

As a result, of a quick and massive weight loss program, you are left with extra skin. This is because, your skin might have lost elasticity and as a result, it has not been able to get back to its original shape. Due to this, you are left with some extra skin, which not only makes your skin look ugly, but you may also have to bear with the burden of rashes on the skin, along with a number of skin ailments.  

If you are suffering from the above condition, then I deem it perfect to tell you about some plastic surgery and skin treatment options, which can help you to get rid of the excess skin storage.

The following are some of the body contouring options, that you have, which can help you lose the excess skin in your body:

1.   Tummy tuck
Tummy tuck, or Abdominoplasty, is an effective way to lose skin around the abdominal region. It helps in not only removing excess skin from the body, but is also quite helpful in tightening your abs, giving you the perfect body, that you always wanted to have.

2.   Butt Lift
Butt lift is another way of removing the excess skin from your body. Unlike tummy tuck, which focuses on the abdominal region; butt lift focuses on skin removal from the buttock region.

3.   Breast lift and breast augmentation
Another area of concern for most of the people is the breast region, which is often left with enormous amount of excess skin. In order to get yourself rid of this excess skin, breast lift and breast augmentation surgery is one of the best options that you have.

4.   Thigh lift
Thigh is also a region, where a lot of fat gets stored. As a result, when you undergo massive weight loss, then in that case, you are left with a lot of skin. As it is, thigh lift surgery leaves you with beautiful thighs.

5.   Arm lift
Arm lift is also a very common body contouring option, in which, the excess skin is removed from the arm region.

Although, body contouring offers you a number of options, when it comes to skin toning is concerned. However, it should be better for you to see to it, that you are in the perfect of your health, before you go for such surgical contouring options.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Affordable Child Health Insurance


There might be times, when your child may be suffering from a major disease. Health insurance can be of great help in such a situation. As it is, health insurance can save you from burning a hole in your pocket, by addressing the medical expenses of treating your child. However, children are usually considered high risk category and hence, the premium for child health insurance is usually higher.

However, there are many health insurance plans, which cater to the needs of children. As it is, you will find a number of affordable child health plans, which you can opt for. A child health plan can be of great help in case of unforeseen medical expenses on your child. Due to this reason, it is very important for you to buy a health insurance policy for your child.

However, you may have to do some research, to get a child health insurance plan, which may be able to address your medical needs properly. The following are, some of the ways, by which, you can find the best health insurance plan for your child:

1.   The internet can be of great assistance, in your efforts, to search for the best child health insurance. It can provide you with ample information in regard to the various child insurance plans, which are available in the market. You can compare all these options and select the best option, which is available to you. This way, you would be able to select an option, which despite being affordable, does not actually compromise in terms of quality and service.

2.   Another way of getting the best affordable child health plan, is by hiring the services of a health insurance broker. A health insurance broker would be of great help for you, by virtue of the immense knowledge in the field. He can assist you in a proper manner, to help you buy the best child health insurance policy. Since a health insurance broker has vast knowledge in the field, he can suggest you a number of options. Further, discussions, would help you narrow your search to a few options, out of which, you may choose, one or more options.

3.  Another way of searching for the best child health insurance is by directly approaching the insurance companies. You can drop by any of the offices of the health insurance companies and know about the plans, which they are offering.

With the help of these measures, you will be able to select the best child health insurance plan for your child.