Todays Health Article

February 3rd, 2012

The fact  is much information has been dedicated to the topic of how sugar is related to cancer and much of it has been construed or misunderstood. I like others, know that sugar has been beat up out of concern for our health.  There is other reasons not relating to our sugar consumption but marketing strategies. Never the less most do not understand the simple explanation, and this may clarify some peoples concerns.

The  Facts

Simply put, the facts about sugar and cancer can be confusing. More often tha not, many articles have  presented the material in a format  that is so misleading  that it creates a high level of anxiety for people with cancer.

With that in mind, if you learn a simple amount  of science behind the connections between sugar we eat and cancer risk, you can make wise choices for better health.

The Concept Is…

Sugar feeds cancer!  This is not useful for our understanding, as this is too broad to understand. For  those  who understand the purpose of sugar in our bodies,  the truth … Sugar feeds every cell in our bodies.

Our bodies have a need for glucose, or simple sugar, for energy. So if you were to cut  out every bit of sugar (NADA ,NONE) out of your diet, your body will  step up and make the sugar from other sources, such as our protein, or fat. Sugar substains the energy reguired for healthy cells.

Cancer Cells need Sugar…

Cancer cells, just like healthy cells,need sugar to grow. Now I am reminding you this, so you will  remember that there  is nothing  in particular as to the feeding of cancer cells versus the sugar that feeds the other cells in our body. (the healthy ones)

Yes, You need to Limit Amount of Sugar!

Understanding this further, sugar being the basic ingredient, when you eat a lot of sugar, your body produces a lot of insulin.

Insulin is a natural substance made by the body. Insulin can actually instruct cells to grow.  With this in mind, like the accelerator on the car, can speed up  or rev up our cell growth. Continuing this example, this is a good thing forthe healthy cells.  Why is this a good thing, because the cells in your body grow, divide, die, and are  replaced . This is just part of the natural process of living.

The downside of this, cancer cells can be or will be encouraged to grow more, too. So while some insulin in the body is normal, excess insulin may encourage cancer cells to grow more, which is not a good thing. It’s just unhealthy if we make too much of it.

Best Sources

I t is literally impossible to avoid every bit of sugar in your diet.   Nor should you do so. understanding that healthy cells need to grow as well.The best sources for healthy, complex carbohydrates such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and legumes (beans), are the very foods that appear to fight cancer best. So  you do not need to avoid all sugar and other carbohydrates.

What is your answer?

There are three other things in the diet that can help reduce the amount of insulin produced by the body when you eat sugar and carbohydrates. These are protein, fat, and fiber. When eaten along with even the simplest sugars, these three items help the body to make less insulin in response to simple sugar.

If you eat sugar with some protein, some fat, or some fiber, your body won’t produce as much insulin. Eating this other food helps your body process sugar more slowly, and this means that your body does not overproduce insulin. In short, protein, fat, and fiber help your body process sugar in a more healthful way.

Making it Work for You

Here is an ample of how this  may work for you. I am  thinking about fruit and fruit juice. The quanity of insulin your body makes after you eat a piece of fruit is much lower than the amount of insulin produced when you drink fruit juice.  The  reason is whole fruit contains fiber as well and that fiber helps balance out the sugar in fruit.

T o continue this same frame of mine about eating specific foods together to get a healthier snack or meal.  So nstead of having two or three pieces of fruit as a snack, you could try having one piece of fruit and a small handful of nuts. The nuts contain protein, fat, and fiber. These three things help your body keep insulin in balance.

Today’s Health Comments

Today it is important to remember sugar itself is not all bad, it just too much sugar, without enough protein, fat, and fiber to balance it out, can cause our bodies to make too much insulin.

The point here is, it is not the sugar, but rather the insulin that may be a problem for spurring cancer cell growth. To  take preventative measure, you should limit the simple sugar in your diet.

Trying to follow a stringent diet and ward  off every single dessert. is virtually very difficult and remember you need sugar to feed the healthy cells as well. So the bottom line here is moderation. You might find these tips to helpful concerning your food choices:

• Stick with naturally occurring sugar, such as the sugar that is found in fruit.
• Avoid concentrated sources of sugar. It is OK to have 100 percent fruit juice in moderation. Avoid fruit drinks that don’t contain any real fruit juice.
• Limit your  treats, and proportions
• Focus on whole, healthy, unprocessed food, including vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils, and peas), nuts, and seeds.

Further Reading

Our Sweetest Addiction known Today

Todays Health Article

November 17th, 2011

Today with the numerous reports of Illnesses related to under cooked foods, a lot of people have perhaps realign or have shifted their thinking, to the more well done, over cooked, and many times blackened, or what I call charcoaled meats. The thought being carried out one step further, is I will just cook it a little bit longer, to make sure it’s done, Right!

Meats are usually characterized by their flavors, by how well they are cooked, and of course to your liking, as you are the one eating it. I think though, that we must be careful to understand… especially when cooking meat on the barbecue, that we may  be adding  additional health risks to ourselves and others.

The Basic Categories… How Well Done

Many people, when asked especially when eating out, the person waiting on you, other than a fast food place, ask you how you want your meat cooked…and you may reply to by one of these statements: Rare, Medium or Well Done

Temperature

Temperature  is the definition or description of how thoroughly cooked a cut of meat is based on the meat’s color, juiciness and internal temperature when cooked. The grades or levels of cooking are most often used in reference to cooking our beef steak or roasts.

It also could be  applicable to other meats such as lamb, pork, poultry, veal, and even seafood .

These Gradations, their description, and their associated temperature ranges may vary regionally from your local restaurant and their own terminology.

The table below is from an American reference book  and pertains to beef and lamb.

In lieu of gradations and ranges, the United States Department of Agriculture recommends a temperature of at least 63 °C (145 °F) for beef, veal, lamb steaks and roasts in order to prevent foodborne illness.

After Cooking

What you may not know is that the interior of a cut of meat will still increase in temperature 3–5 °C (5–10 °F) after stopped being cooked.

The meat should be allowed to "rest" setting before being served, which allows for the juices in the center to return to the edges. The whole meat, and the center will also continue to cook slightly as the hot exterior continues to warm the comparatively cooler interior. The temperatures indicated above... are the peak temperature in the cooking process, so the meat should be removed from the heat source a few degrees cooler.

The Health Risks

The health risks have been prompted by past studies , but by a more current study has brought  this topic back into the lime light.The past was argued that mice are nothing like our human intestines, but now this may be more like our own set of conditions.

Scientists have warned that overcooked meat is twice as likely to cause cancer than previously thought.

This Warning comes, after that charcoal or blackened, dark crust formed on the outside of a well-done steak or joint of red meat,  now more than doubles the risk of intestinal tumours.

This is Why... Frying and Grilling are particularly risky, because the intense heat turns the sugars and amino acids of muscle tissue into high levels of cancer-causing compounds.

Cancer-causing substances

These so-called food mutagens, occur at high temperatures when frying or grilling. Cooking meat until it is very well done or even charred, creates  these chemicals called HCAs, which are carcinogenic. Other cancer-causing substances,  the so-called food mutagens, also occur at high temperatures when frying or grilling.

Latest Study

The scientists at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health have inserted human enzymes into the mice to get a better idea of how it affects us.

They found that after the “human-like” mice ate the overcooked meat crust, their risk of developing a cancerous tumour soared.

“We wanted to study tumour development in the intestines of the ‘human-like’ mice and compare this with tumour development in normal mice given the same food mutagen,” the Daily Express quoted the researchers as saying.

“The results showed that the incidence of intestinal tumours increased from 31 per cent to 80 per cent in ‘human-like’ mice after consuming substances from the meat crust.

Todays Health Comments

Today, we have so much knowledge at our discretion', perhaps sometimes too much to digest, but without it we would now be lost, having no hope. Yet, to live a healthier life, we must not ignore the facts that Cancer is prevalent, and we do not have to encourage the aspects by our eating habits. Most of the meats you eat are much more tastier, if they are not over cooked, and turned into a charcoal briquette.

Today’s Health Article

This subject has been discussed in so many ways, we were almost afraid to tackle  this subject. Why would someone try to write a new article on this topic, if it has been written about,  til there is nothing left to say. That sounds like pure exhaustion or just simple insanity. Yet, do we not have a morale responsibility to our readers and the world we live in…to give it our best shot.

Will anybody care what is said here, or perhaps just one person may listen, and have a better quality of health. We are hoping just that.

 When researching this topic, The Single most preventive cause of Death, was no surprise, that TOBACCO is the single most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death. This is not just in the U.S., but also in many countries.

PREVENTION

Prevention of  its ill effects, is first is Never start using tobacco, and second, if you are still using tobacco then you need to quit. The Problem does not stop there though, those who choose to use tobacco, pass on the ill effects through the use of second hand smoke. Escaping this second hand smoke is not as easy as it sounds, though several laws have been passed in our legistlation to help from being exsposed to second hand smoke, yet they have done little to enforce them.

 Because of the magnitude  on our health and controlling the use of tobacco, it has become is one of the most important public health priorities of our time. Knowing this, The  World No Tobacco Day has dedicated to drawing particular attention to the harmful effects of tobacco marketing towards women and girls. There have reports ut that have indicated, marketing to young women. This also is particularly true amonst other countries.

Some people have moved on to the smokless tobacco, thinking they might be better off, such as smokless tobacco, cigars, and pipes, this is no answer. 

Today there are many solutions to stopping smoking or the use of Tobacco.  Many people believe its one of the hardest habits to break. Others just seem to just stop Cold Turkey, and immediatly feel the results of quitting, For most, the need to seek professional help, is the answer. However, it takes courage on your part, and may take several attemps before you reach success. After all it is your health we are talking about.

Warnings Do Not Get it Done

If warnings on all the tobacco products were effective….No one would use it. But because of the addictive properties of nicotine,a tolerance and dependence develop. The absorption quantity,its frequency, and the speed of tobacco consumption are believed to be directly related to biological strength of nicotine dependence.

That is Why…

* Tobacco is an activity that is practiced by some 1.1 billion people, and up to 1/3 of the adult population.

* Estimated 443,000 people die prematurely from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, 

* 8.6 million have a serious illness caused by smoking.

* Despite these risks, approximately 46 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes.

* Smokeless tobacco, cigars, and pipes also have deadly consequences, including lung, larynx, esophageal, and oral cancers.

* 126 million nonsmoking Americans, including children and adults, are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke. about 150,000–300,000 children younger than 18 months have lower respiratory tract infections.

* Secondhand smoke exposure causes serious disease and death, including heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults and sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more frequent and severe asthma attacks in children.

 * Each year, primarily because of exposure to secondhand smoke, an estimated 3,000 nonsmoking Americans die of lung cancer,

        more than 46,000 die of heart disease,

       about 150,000–300,000 children younger than 18 months have lower respiratory tract infections.

MEDICAL IMPACT

 A enormous health toll causes significant economic burden fro mtobacco use—more than $96 billion per year in medical expenditures and another $97 billion per year resulting from lost productivity.

By now, everyone should know that smoking causes lung cancer. 

 Many serious illnesses are directly attributed to smoking such as…

Bladder Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Childhood Respiratory Ailments, Diabetes, Emphysema, Esophageal Cancer,Gastrointestinal Cancer, Heart Disease, Infertility, Kidney Cancer, Mouth Cancer, Premature Aging, Stroke, and Throat Cancer.

Today,s Health and others around you may depend on our actions. If you do not smoke, do not start, if you do  read this article again, your life may depend on it, and those around you.

Spice up those favorite dishes, salads and your favorite meats.

Here is Why!

We all know that one of the biggest benefits of cooking with spices,  they bring  and offer delicious flavors to our favorite dishes or foods. Those who do the cooking at your household, may have several of these spices in your in the spice cabinet. Those same people may use them  in their favorite dishes and have a general knowledge of what they are best used in.  We are also willing to say, most people would have no clue as to their health benefits might be.

Those who are seeking to eat healthy, may very well know that almost all spices are low in fat,  cholesterol, sugar and sodium.You will find little calories that would matter,  yet they can be concentrated with essential ingredients that can lead you to a healthier life.

Todays Health Site chooses the following spices… they  may be familiar to many of you.  We wanted to provide the health knowledge for each one.

Did you know that Chili Pepper is a good resource of Vitamin A, Vitamin D,  Potassium, Iron, and Fiber. It also provides anti inflammatory benefits… so cook up that bowel of chili.

Everyone loves the smell of homemade apple pie baking in the oven, due to the Cinnamon  in the pie. You also might find it flavorful on cereal or applesauce. Cinnamon contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron and Manganese. It’s medical benefits allows the control of blood sugars  and promotes anti clotting.

If you want a little zest to that favorite dish or it can be found regularly on your favorite steak, Black Pepper is the spice. This spice also provides Calcium, Copper, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Iron, Potassium, Manganese, and Magnesium.

This spice may be best known for flavoring that vegetable dish, chicken dishes or gingerbread, Ginger would be the spice. This spice known for its medical benefits when you have that upset stomach or motion sickness. The vitamins found in Ginger are Vitamin D and minerals are Copper, Manganese,  and Potassium.

The actual Mustard Seeds  or ground up mustard may be used  in your potato salad, chicken dish, or your favorite dressing.   This spice  contains Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and a source of protein and calcium. Mustard seed is also a great source of Selenium… considered to have cancer preventive qualities.  

Tumeric is a ingredient found in Curry powder, used to season vegetable dishes and it’s mighty tasty with Lentils. Tumeric is one of the healthiest because of it anti-inflamatory  qualities, it aids in the digestion of your foods, and enables the healing of wounds. It also provides Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Manganese, Vitamin C and Potassium. 

Todays Health Site provides this information to enhance your health needs. So in conclusion a healthier life might be found by adding a little spice in our life.                          

Is SUGAR Becoming an Edidemic in the US?

Knowing this,  are we becoming  a population addicted  to Sugar?

How is this “SUGAR CRAZE” affecting our Health.

The average American consumes 2 to 3 pounds of sugar each week, that translates to over 150 pounds of sugar per person per year.

Sugar as an additive,  has attributed to this alarming number. With wide popularity of Sugar, it is in everything, and may be disguised in various forms. Sucrose, dextrose, and high fructose corn syrups  may be found as an active ingredient in  your processed food or condiments. These are highly refined sweeteners.

Most professionals stress a balanced approach to eating. If we limit the intake of acidic foods and increasing the intake of alkaline foods, one can achieve optimum health. One of the main factors in the fight against acidic pH levels is sugar.

Sugar’s Radical Effect:

On insulin levels, when they do drop; so does the release of  our growth hormone. Our growth hormones depress the immune system, leaving the body open to a variety of diseases and illnesses. Insulin also inhances the body’s ability to fight off weight gain and elevated triglyceride levels. Simply put, the higher in sugars a food is, the more likely it will promote fat storage in the body. These fat cells  host  in turn degrade the structure of red blood cells in our the bloodstream.

Within our body Vitamin C and Sugar will also fight for control of the cellular development.  Vitamin C and Simple Sugar, from a structural standpoint, are quite similar. As sugar levels go up in the body, they compete with one another when they enter cells. When a higher concentration of sugar is within the bloodstream,this allows more sugar into thirsty cells leaving little to no room for Vitamin C. Without the phagocytizing effects of Vitamn C on cellular structures they are unable to fend off the attacks of viruses and bacteria. Now having lower white blood cell counts, our immune system  isn`t strong enough to protect the body.

Sugar by absorption, steals vital micro-nutrients to help it metabolize in our system. With this deficit being created, our micro-nutrients are not being replaced, causing our fat cells and cholesterol to not be metabolized, thus leading to high blood pressure and obesity.

The ability of sugar to raise insulin levels artificially eventually leaves the pancreas dysfunctional and the body dependent on sugar. This is commonly referred to as diabetes.

Simple sugars have also been attributed to gallstones, mood disorders, heart disease and even asthma. With all of the negative effects that sugars have been clinically linked to, is it any wonder that sugar is also one of the most acidic things you can put into your body.

Cancer is the most dangerous result of heavy sugar dependence.  The  relationship between sugars and unhealthy acidic levels in the bloodstream is clearly drawn through the connection of glucose (sugar) and cancerous cells.

 Simple sugars are quite simply a poison to the body that will eventually deteriorate the quality of cellular development and suppress the immune system to the point of failure.

By balancing the diet,  you can decrease the risk of disease in the body.  Look carefully at  the  ingredient labels and be aware of the many names that simple sugars hide behind.