I recently saw this article on Yahoo News on '11 Reasons to Ditch Processed Foods' and thought I would share it with you.
Coincidentally, 'processed' means 'the aging process' or 'to perform a series of mechanical or chemical operations on something in order to change it or preserve it'. Whether the reason you choose to eat processed foods are because of the flavor, the convenience and time you save from cooking, or because you simply want to store your food for longer, I'm sure there are many legit reasons, which is exactly why processed foods have replaced many of our 'natural' foods at the grocery store. However, after reading this article and grand list of crucial reasons to avoid processed foods, hopefully you can come to realization that putting that extra time into home cooking can really make a HUGE difference. And for those of you health junkies, you mostly know to avoid these types of food, but sometimes are not exactly aware of the reasons. And even if you are familiar with these reasons, it is always a good reminder since we are all so easily faced with purchasing processed foods, especially on our weekly grocery run. Read the list and article below to increase your health benefits of home-cooking. 11 Reasons to Ditch Processed Foods 1. Kidney killer 2. Chemicals 3. Shorter lifespan 4. Accelerated aging 5. Save money 6. Never-ending hunger 7. Good fat taken out 8. Food dyes 9. Addictive signs from sugar 10. Inflammation/asthma 11. Most chemicals have not been tested on humans 11 Reasons to Ditch Processed Foods> Read the article to gain more knowledge on each of the reasons. Can you think of any other reasons to stick to organic, natural foods and home-cooked meals?
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I started taking Herbalife on November 12th, after meeting a consumer (which led to becoming a marketer selling the product for fun) who convinced me to try the product. Being interested in health, I was curious as to why she spoke so highly of Herbalife, however, after 3 1/2 weeks of taking the drink, I quit and went back to all-natural smoothies.
Why did I stop using this protein shake? Well, I did some research and although the shake does have many healthy ingredients and helps you to control your cravings, I found that the first ingredient listed, Soy Protein Isolate, is not necessary, and can be unhealthy to have, at such a high dosage. I think this 'not necessary' is the problem here. While a small amount of natural soy protein is healthy (edamame, tofu, soy nuts) having additional soy protein in the supplement form can cause you to consume a very high amount of estrogen (estrogen dominance), changing your hormone levels. This soy product increases Isoflavones which can disrupt your Thyroid function. Also, it could possibly cause females to hold onto more fat since estrogen is fat-storing. The more research I've been doing on supplements, the more I realize I should only have natural ingredients from the market and should keep the dosage to a normal amount. You can't go wrong with making your own smoothies at home and using all-natural ingredients. If you're making it, you know what's inside of it. Remember, it's important to keep a balance in the food that you eat (try to stick to superfoods) to have a balance in the nutrients that you're consuming. Please do more research yourself before taking any protein shake product or supplements. It's important to analyze the ingredients and to get a doctor's or health professional's opinion as well. Find out what's best for your specific health needs. Resources Herbalife Review Video Isolfavones Soyfood Soy Protein and Estrogen In Men Soy O' Boy! WebMD iHerb> see website Here are my top products that I stock up on from iHerb: -Nutiva, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil -Jarrow Formulas, Brown Rice Protein Concentrate, -Vanilla Flavor (the most natural protein powder that I've found, which is great for vegetarians) -NuNaturals, NuStevia, White Stevia Powder, 100 Packets -Organic Vanilla -Now Foods, Certified Organic Quinoa -Bob's Red Mill, Vegi Soup Mix -Bob's Red Mill, 13 Bean Soup Mix -Bob's Red Mill, Natural Raw Whole Flaxseed A few tips- 1. When trying new iHerb products, I usually look for the brand with the top reviews and then check out why it's so popular. 2. Read the reviews to verify that the product fits your own personal health needs. 3. Look for the savings on this site. Sometimes you save more by spending a certain amount or you can collect customer coupons. 4. Take advantage of the great prices- $3 bags of quinoa...why not? Healthy food is usually so expensive, so thank iHerb for their convenient and practical site by Most of you have heard of soy and know that it is on the rise of popularity in the states. If you are like me, though, you probably have heard positives and negatives of including soy in your diet. Let's discuss the topic.
First of all, what is soy? Soy comes from soybeans (also called edamame), which is a type of legume, and can be found as the main ingredient in soymilk, tofu, soy nuts, soy flour and tempeh. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people have been eating soybeans for around 5,000 years! Soy is found in many Chinese, Japanese and other Asian dishes, and is now also becoming more popular in western dishes. You can add tofu to salads, smoothies, desserts or main dishes (and can replace meat with soy). You can even make or buy soymilk, soy butter, soy yogurt and soy cheese. Health Benefits Soybeans have building blocks of iron, calcium, magnesium, folic acid, protein, B vitamins and potassium. Soybeans are one of few plants that are a high source of protein. Clinical studies done in Asia show that a diet high in soy foods can lower the risk of heart disease, help reduce menopausal symptoms, and help prevent osteoporosis, as well as hormone-related cancers (University of Maryland Medical Center). To fight/prevent cancer and other illnesses, it's best to eat natural foods as often as possible, which are another reason why legumes are a good choice. A clinical study done in Japan with about 5,000 men and women, showed that those who ate the most soy foods had the lowest cholesterol levels. From the study, it may be noted that soy protein lowered levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) up to 10% and total cholesterol up to 7%. Also, from the review of the study, those who have high cholesterol were advised to replace meat with 31-47 grams of soy protein each day to reduce their cholesterol by 9%. Risks While soybeans may help prevent breast cancer, it has been researched that if you already have breast cancer, eating soy may stimulate the growth of new cells. People with kidney disease should be cautious to eating soy foods, since soy has more phosphorus and potassium than meat, fish and poultry. Some minor side effects that are common with eating soy include upset stomach, constipation and digestive problems. Women with uterine cancer should consult their doctor before taking any soy products. The isoflavones found in soy may reduce iodine levels in the body, which can lead to the thyroid and hypothyroidism to not work properly. Very few cases have been found in infants who were fed soy formula. What other research can we find about soy? What other information have you heard, read online, or been told by your doctor? Please share and add resources. Resources For more information about soy, click on the links below. http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/support/recsoy.shtml http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/soy-000326.htm These days, many of our celebrations and holidays (Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc.) and even special days out include sugar. But how much is too much to eat? According to the article "Health Effects of Sugar on the Body" (Evolving Wellness), sugar is something we should try to stay away from as much as possible. Since 1970,7 the worldwide consumption of sugar has increased dramatically...enough to cause us serious health conditions, such as depression, obesity, cavities and loss of teeth, diabetes, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, and an overall unhealthy immune system which is physically and metaphorically slowing us down in life. Scary, huh? Did you know that sugar has absolutely no health benefits? Therefore, it is empty calories and also proven to be addictive. What about sweeteners to replace sugar, you ask? Unless they're natural, they're even worse! Artificial sweeteners are made up of chemicals and can also do much harm to the body. But don't worry, there are natural ways to savor that sweet tooth of yours. Can you guess any? Fruit and natural plants are great ways to add sweetness to your life. Think Agave nectar (from a plant), honey, dates, Maple syrup, molasses or any natural juice from a fruit. Please make smart choices the next time you have a celebration. And while it might be impossible to take out all sweets, do your best to limit your sugar intake. Remember, natural is always the best option. Care for your body and replace sugary treats, or as the article mentioned, sugary "threats", with nutritional food. Read more on the links below to find out exactly how and why your body is negatively affected by sugar. Mayoclinic Evolving Wellness A new compound that boosts muscle growth by 700% is out, and it is all natural. It's a plant that was discovered in Africa. It's the #1 muscle builder of 2012 and is clinically proven, 100% natural, builds testosterone and reduces abdominal fat. Most protein wheys or steroids are made up of chemicals and artificial ingredients that can damage your liver and heart and make you grow stronger in quick but very unnatural ways. Unlike the typical protein wheys, C-9 T11 has lots of clinical research to prove that this is all-natural, legal and safe to use. One study published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise shows an average 202% increase in muscle strength in 6 weeks. A study published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise shows an average 700% increase in muscle growth in 7 weeks. There was also research done by Kent University to show a 9-fold increase in biceps. The compound lowers cholesterol, blood sugar and fat. If this is truly a natural plant, it may be very helpful for athletes since the amount of protein can help with injury prevention (wear and tear) and with recovery after your workout. It also could boost the competitive level in future athletic sports. However, this performance-enhancing drug is in question whether it should be banned for sports since it is giving athletes an unfair advantage. Should C-9 T11 be permitted for sporting events and competitions? Is this supplement as natural as they say it is? You be the judge. What do you think of this new compound? Do you think C-9 T11 should be illegal for athletes and considered like a steroid since it dramatically improves your strength? Can you trust these articles and research statements even if it is from an accredited source? If this is truly natural, how could this change our future with athletes and pro sports? Please read more information from the articles below and then do your own research. Share your thoughts about this new natural supplement. Also, feel free to post other related links that you come across that relate and might be interesting for us to read. Eye On Health> C-9 T11 http://www.c9t11.com/ I was only just introduced to raw organic apple cider vinegar about 3 years ago, when my neighbor in South Korea was leaving to go back home to the states and gave me what was left of her kitchen goods. I had heard of the drink a few times but had never tried it (only other drinking vinegars that were sold in the big E-Mart (like Wal-Mart) in Korea. Being very interested in health and nutrition, I was eager to try the drink and learn about its health benefits.
According to Global Healing Center (Natural Health and Organic Living), along with many other sources, apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural medicine for hundreds of years. The best form of the drink is when it includes the mother in the bottom of the bottle (the sponge-like shape that is made up of living nutrients and bacteria). Apple cider vinegar comes from natural apples and when it goes through the fermentation process, it produces enzymes and beneficial nutrients to make it a "wonder drink". Note: Do not be fooled between raw organic apple cider vinegar and clear vinegar. Clear vinegar (which does not contain the mother) has no nutrients left and can actually be harmful to you. How I drink apple cider vinegar (ACV): 1-2 Tbs of ACV to taste 1-2 C hot water 1 small piece of ginger 1/2 garlic clove Agave Nectar to taste Here is a list of health benefits of raw apple cider vinegar: Pectin- reduces bad cholesterol and regulates blood pressure Potassium- prevents hair loss, runny noses and weak teeth Calcium- helps build strong teeth and bones Ash- helps your body in getting proper pH levels for a healthy alkaline level Malic Acid- gives the apple cider vinegar power of being anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal Acetic Acid- helps to lower the rise of glucose after meals because the acid slows the digestion of starch A Few Remedies from drinking raw apple cider vinegar: -Helps to remove toxins from the body at a faster rate/ aids with bowl irregularity -Can be a replacement for toxic heartburn medicin (1 Tbs apple cider vinegar + 4 oz water) -Helps with clearing up acne and keeping skin smooth -Helps with stiffness and joint pain -Helps to break down fats quickly in your body (instead of storing them) and reducing levels of glucose -Helps with pets to control fleas and for healthy fur Below you can find additional information on apple cider vinegar and its wonderful uses. Global Healing Center Apple Cider Vingar facial toner and acne scar remover You can usually find this drink at supermarkets and health stores. Or you can order it online at iherb.com (a very affordable health online store with quick delivery). Have you heard of raw apple cider vinegar or tried it before? Do you know of other benefits of this drink? Try it out and tell us what you think. Or share a story if you have seen some impressive remedies from using it. Top Foods That I Keep In My Kitchen: -Grains> Quinoa, brown rice, oats, whole-wheat/gluten-free pasta and flour, sweet potatoes -Nutiva 100% Coconut Oil, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinaigrette -Seasonings> Cinnamon, Nutmeg, sea salt, ginger, basil, oregano, -Nuts and seeds> Almonds, walnuts, cashews, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed -Fresh fruit >blueberries, bananas, blackberries, grapefruit, apples -Fresh Veggies >Spinach, mushroom, bell peppers, garlic, onion, carrots, cherry tomatoes, Kale, avocados, broccoli -Beans >Lentils, chickpeas -Nutritional yeast -Natural plain yogurt -Brown rice protein powder (natural) -Soybutter (pb with soybeans), tofu -NuNaturals NuStevia- white stevia powder or Blue Agave -Dried fruit> dried apricots, raisins, goji berries -Granola bars (Carman's fruit muesli bars) -Fish (salmon) -72% dark chocolate Top Drinks: Kombucha Green Tea Ginger Tea -Soy milk -100% Pomegranate and Mangosteen -Fresh young coconuts -Energy Beetroot mix = 7 vegetables, 7 fruits, 7 herbs, 7 nuts and seeds What am I leaving off the list? Are there other foods/drinks you recommend? Everyone has their own special diet that meets their individual needs. To me, I feel the best when I'm eating lots of vegetables, fruits and natural foods. I never really liked meat unless it was easy to chew (fish) and when I didn't think about where it came from. Since being overseas, I have learned that it's ok not to eat meat and animal products as long as you're finding protein in other foods, such as beans, whole grains (especially quinoa= the only grain that is a complete protein), yogurt, soy milk, tofu, etc., and as long as you understand nutrition and how to obtain all the necessary nutrients that your body needs in order to be healthy and balanced. I've also learned that even some vegetables (broccoli) have good amounts of protein. For about a year now, I have even gone to the extreme of taking out animal products whenever I possibly can. Not only is it supporting animal rights and the ecosystem, but it's the best way possible to eat natural and get all the nutrients you need. Think about it- the highest foods in trans and saturated fat, as well as cholesterol come from animals >red meat, cheese, animal oils, butter. Also, how do you know how healthy and clean the animal that you're eating was before it was cooked and sold to you? In addition to taking out animal products and processed foods, you must not forget about all the chemical preservatives, artificial flavoring, colors and dyes that are in packaged foods at the grocery store. If you can, buy organic and natural foods at a market and COOK AT HOME! For these reasons and more, I have really enjoyed cooking vegan or vegetarian meals for my husband and I for the past year and researching new recipes and nutrition tips. Be amazed at the collection we'll have on this website soon. Please share as well! If you are new to the vegetarian/vegan or 'health nut' world, you'll be surprised at how simple it can be to exchange unhealthy foods to more natural options with the same great taste. The only difference is that it will leave you feeling SO much better and light after you eat your meal. What's your story? Are you a vegetarian, vegan, a proud chef at home, or a health nut? If you're a vegetarian or vegan, why and how did you become one? Nutritional wellness is understanding the nutritional benefits of healthy food, identifying which foods are of good quality, and knowing the quantity your own individual body needs to have complete nutritional wellness. This component focuses on balancing your nutritional needs and finding ways to substitute unhealthy ingredients in your everyday favorite recipes. We will discuss superfoods, key foods that you should always keep in your kitchen, proper ways to cook, and where to find your recipes. |