Miguatemala Health Blog

Archive for the ‘Food and Nutritions’ Category

Antioxidants

A nutrient has antioxidant capacity when it is capable to neutralize oxidation and cell damage caused by foreign substances that act as contaminants in our bodies (air pollution, smoke, snuff, pesticides, herbicides, certain fats, etc..) Action by these free radicals is linked to cancer and other diseases-degenerative diseases.

The fact that these free radicals cause damage later on in our bodies is due to the counteraction of our enzymes, and the problem appears when neutralizing power is exhausted. Read the rest of this entry »

Royal Jelly .- Energy, stimulant, increases intellectual performance, gastrointestinal, anti-aging, anti-diabetic properties, tonic, increases immunity, is ideal for convalescents, elderly and weak children in times of
growth.

Pollen .- It is recommended in pregnancy and lactation for their great power remineralizing, increases immunity, regulates the intestine, compared to sexual apathy and prostate problems to be rich in zinc, helps to restore appetite, ideal for sportsmen increase endurance and physical performance. Improves vision and memory, helps regulate blood sugar levels
blood. Read the rest of this entry »

The acai berry is a berry that grows in the rainforests of Brazil with a circular shape slightly smaller than a grape, well known as ingredients of healthy diets and even some ice cream. Before the acai berry was known, the cranberry was used with the same health benefits. Nutritionists have found that the benefits of the acai berry are very large and that’s why this fruit has become so popular among lovers of sports and good food.

Their large estates are based on its high antioxidant content, which directly influence improve our welfare. In taking these antioxidants will provide the body with the ability to scavenge free radicals, thus delaying the aging process and cell damage. The effects on our body are:
■ Output power levels.
■ Improved sexual performance. Read the rest of this entry »

Fish oil supplements are generally considered safe from toxic heavy metals. Five brands of fish oils that are tested by researchers at Harvard Medical School concluded that they “ignore the content of mercury and may provide a safer alternative than eating fish,” wrote their report in 2003. In 2008, ConsumerLab.com reported no mercury or PCBs that contaminate the 41 most common fish oil supplements on the market. Although this report mentions that the fish oil capsules are generally free of mercury, but one of the citizens of Queens, the U.S., are known to increase the content of mercury in their bodies after consuming fish oil supplements.

Joseph Cohen (pseudonym), a man 59 years who have low levels of genetic HDL and high triglycerides, consuming three Spring Valley fish oil capsules to regulate blood lipids. After taking 4000 mg (general dosage for people with high lipids) of fish oil daily for six months, Cohen experienced a series of minor disturbances that led to a cardiologist, and run a series of blood tests. Lab results showed triglycerides have dropped by 20-30 percent, blood pressure and mercury content is dramatically increased compared to before he began taking fish oil capsules. He has had the disorder in its memory, a common side effect caused by mercury poisoning. Cohen to stop consumption of all fish and derived products for a while. As we will decide whether complement the menu with fish oil or not, probably a good idea to discuss the pros and cons of this with your doctor, and regular physical check to ensure a balanced health

Like Einstein, he has the parietal cortex that are 1 cm larger than the normal person and have the same size between the left and right. While in normal individuals are generally part of the left parietal cortex is larger than the right. This makes Einstein has a high 3-dimensional imagination. This discovery became known in 1999 along with the development of science. Dr. Andrew said he did not know which part of the midbrain which are activated to make the smart kids because of the midbrain (midbrain) can not be controlled or autonomic.

Dr. Andrew explained that there were some parts of the human brain which have their respective roles.

• Midbrain (midbrain)

Midbrain is part of the brain stem that has a function as the core of eye movement and also in this area through the fibers that regulate breathing and consciousness. This activity can not be controlled or be autonomic.

• Cerebrum of the brain inner and outer parts of the brain as well.

The brain inside (medial)
In parts of the brain, include limbiks system that serves to regulate emotion, memory center, set the visceral (digestive) and in animals for its sense of smell. There was also the basal ganglia that serves as the center of impulse control.

Outer brain (cortex)
In parts of the brain consists of four parts, namely:
- The frontal cortex that serves as the center of attention (attention) and also talk.
- Temporal cortex that serves as a center for hearing and speech.
- Parietal cortex that serves as a central somato sensory, mathematical center and also the center of 3-dimensional imagination.
- Occipital cortex that serves as the center of vision.

• Small brain (cerebellum)

In parts of the brain has a function as a center of coordination, muscle tone center and also the center of balance.

“In the big brains and small, each consisting of right brain and left brain. There was also a liaison between the left brain and right brain called the corpus callosum,

Benefits of omega-3 fatty acids

Fish oil supplements and omega-3 is a popular alternative choice in the community who want a healthy heart, but do not like to eat fish or worried about the content of mercury above the safe threshold, PCBs or other contaminants contained in fish.

Fish is an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids, ie, essential fats that help maintain the integrity of the structure of our bodies. Active ingredients in omega-3 fats are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, excessive blood clotting, low blood pressure and improve lipid content.

These last few years, the use of fish oil supplements in the U.S. have increased. According to a poll last February by ConsumerLab.com, more people taking fish oil supplements compared to a standard multivitamin.

Some doctors recommend taking a low dose of fish oil because it can reduce inflammation in blood vessels, irregular heartbeat and increase blood flow. Fish oil is also used as therapy for those at high risk of heart disease or high blood fat are genetically. At high concentrations, fish oil can reduce triglyceride levels. Fish oil in large doses can increase HDL (good cholesterol), or reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and improve cholesterol profile.

Food and drug watchdog agency the U.S. (FDA) define the content of mercury in fish and recommend eating about 12 ounces of fish or shellfish (about twice the portion of) the low level of mercury per week. Shrimp, salmon, catfish and small cans of tuna, a product of a low mercury content. In addition to Lovaza, a brand of fish oil supplements that have been approved and follow the standard processing of the FDA, there is no omega-3 supplements other FDA regulations refer.

Fish oil supplements is deemed safer than eating fish, because many manufacturers use a lower position of fish in the food chain, so that contaminants can be removed during the distillation process.

Unsafe levels of PCB

2 March, the lawsuit was filed on 10 manufacturers of fish oil because it contains polychlorinated biphenyl or PCB compounds above safe threshold. PCBs are compounds that are prohibited by the U.S. Congress since 1979 after a case linked to birth defects and various forms of cancer. This lawsuit claims the producers are violating California’s Proposition 65 which requires the manufacturer to warn consumers’ total toxins content detected “like PCBs.

Ten brands including Omega Protein and GNC, tested positive for PCBs by the plaintiff Mateel Environment Justice Foundation and two environmental activists. The content on certain products even exceed the set limit California, with 10 risk factors for cancer, said David Roe, plaintiffs’ lawyers.

Although organic compounds are banned since three decades ago, they were still detected in U.S. waters and fish. Eating fish is the most common for PCB exposure. California Office of Environmental Health Hazard estimates that the level of PCBs in fish can be hundreds to thousands times higher than in water.

Council of Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the trade association that represents the supplement industry, responded to the lawsuit as the information is wrong and misleading. PCBs found in the environment everywhere and the whole fish or fish oil supplements at least have a little of this organic compound, said Andrew Shao, CRN senior vice president. Shao said that the plaintiff tried to raise this as a public health problem while fish oil has been used safely for decades.

The other defendants also questioned the basis of accuracy and limitations of testing PCBs in the lawsuit.

content in milk and its benefits for pregnant women and their fetuses

Milk contains proteins that function:
-Build and repair body tissues (muscle, bone, skin eye heart and liver)
- Assist the formation of blood, amniotic fluid and placenta
- Build antibody
- It takes as much as 60 grams of protein per day
- Source of protein other than milk: beans, tofu
Milk also contains calcium that serves:
- Form the baby’s bones and teeth Ation-prepare Blood-freeze Calcium-keeping itself, because if pregnant women do not consume calcium, then the baby will take calcium from the mother’s body which may cause mothers at risk of osteoporosis
- Need 1000 mg calcium
-Sources of calcium besides milk: cheese, green vegetables, fish
Milk also contains vitamin D function:
- Assist the absorption of calcium in the blood for bone formation and tissue baby
- Sources of vitamin D than milk: egg yolks, tuna, morning sun for 15 minutes
Milk also contains iron to function:
- Forming red blood cells for mothers and infants to prevent anemia
- The needs of 30-60 mg iron
- A source other than milk: meat (beef, chicken, fish), nuts, oysters
Milk also contains vitamin A function:
- Assist the formation of bone and tissue in infants (teeth, hair, nails, vision)
- Forming at the gum enemel
- Form a defense against infection
- Need for vit A 5000 IU
- A source other than milk: fruits, vegetables, egg yolks, butter

Omega-6 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids: They are necessary for human health but the body can’ t make them — you have to get them through food. Along with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), they help stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, and maintain the reproductive system.

A healthy diet contains a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, and some omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. The typical American diet tends to contain 14 – 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.

The Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, has a healthier balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Many studies have shown that people who follow this diet are less likely to develop heart disease. The Mediterranean diet does not include much meat (which is high in omega-6 fatty acids) and emphasizes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, garlic, as well as moderate wine consumption.

There are several different types of omega-6 fatty acids, and not all promote inflammation. Most omega-6 fatty acids in the diet come from vegetable oils as linoleic acid (LA). Be careful not to confuse this with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. Linoleic acid is converted to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in the body. It is then further broken down to arachidonic acid (AA). GLA can be gotten from several plant-based oils including evening primrose oil (EPO), borage oil, and black currant seed oil.