Category Archives: Diet And Food

The cardiac diet is the best medicine for fighting heart disease. Learn what to eat, benefits, and tips to stick with the diet here.

Every year, over 600,000 people in the United States die from heart disease.

One of the major contributors to heart disease is poor diet. Diet and exercise are key to preventing heart disease and helping to manage it.

The term cardiac diet is used to denote a heart-healthy approach to eating. It involves controlling what types of foods you consume and limiting others. Avoiding most alcohol is also part of a cardiac diet.

Salt is one of the leading causes of high blood pressure. Limiting your salt intake will help to lower your blood pressure and prevent fluid retention.

Be careful when purchasing low sodium foods. Some products are labeled as no salt added but can still have considerable amounts of sodium. Youll want to pay careful attention to nutritional labels.

Cutting salt out of your diet is not always necessary. The key is to limit the quantity ingested to manage your cardiac health better.

Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease. Lowering the amount of sugar you ingest will help to avoid Type 2 diabetes. Sugar can cause many negative impacts on your health.

Drinks with a lot of sugar can raise blood pressure. Sugary foods also take the place of healthier options and represent what dieticians call empty calories.

Cutting down on your sugar intake is critical to a healthy cardiac diet and a healthy body. Replace soda and energy drinks with water.

When we eat saturated fat, it can clog our blood vessels. This can create blockages that lead to a heart attack. The only way to treat a blockage is with a surgical procedure.

Baked foods and fried foods are all high in saturated fats.

Our bodies crave saturated fat foods because weve evolved for survival situations. For modern people, there is no reason to consume large amounts of fat.

While meat is good for you, the problem is that most people eat way too much of it. Having red meat with every meal is not recommended. Red meat and pork are full of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Digesting red meat can produce harmful chemicals linked to heart disease. It is important to have days without meat in your meal if you want your cardiac diet to work.

Try substituting red meat for more chicken and fish. Another great type of meat for cardiac diets is the rabbit. Rabbit meat is incredibly lean and has very little cholesterol.

You dont have to be a vegetarian or vegan to be on a cardiac diet. You should always eat more vegetables than meat.

Some vegetables are more heart-healthy than others. For a cardiac diet, its important to place a focus on these heart-healthy vegetables.

The preparation of vegetables is also important. Much of the health benefit is lost once you fry a vegetable. Potatoes are a heart-healthy food, but preparing them with butter and salt negates their benefit.

Try to steam your vegetables and avoid salty and fatty dressings. Salad dressing, butter, and most condiments are bad for your cardiac diet.

A majority of adults dont eat enough fruit. While fruit should be consumed in moderation, it offers you a delicious way of eating healthy. The fructose in fruit is less harmful than processed sugar.

Fruit can help prevent diet fatigue. Having healthy food that tastes good is essential to staying on your diet. You can try to eat too healthy and ruin your diet because of how difficult it is to follow.

Let fruit be a healthy snack and a way to get around that sweet tooth. Instead of grabbing a doughnut, try an apple instead. Switch out sweet, baked treats for fruit and youll shed calories fast.

Whole grains have been proven to be healthy for you. Whole grains found in certain wheat breads and pastas can be a fantastic addition to your cardiac diet. Eat them in moderation.

The types of whole grains foods you should consider wont have a lot of salt or fat in them. This allows for the benefits of whole grains without adding negative elements to it.

Your doctor may prescribe you medication to help make your diet more effective. One of the most common types of medication used for cardiac diets is cholesterol medicine.

Another potential medication to help you is Jardiance. Consult with your physician about medication options.

Increasing your physical activity is essential to heart health. Even if you eat all the right things, you still need to be physically active.

That doesnt mean you have to go overboard with intense workout sessions. Moderate, consistent activity that increases your heart rate and burns calories is the best. Light cardio workouts are a great place to start.

Having a proper cardiac diet involves lifestyle changes. Some changes can be difficult. Exercising both build a healthy heart and helps to increase energy levels.

When you make the choice for your health and future to eat healthily, do it responsibly. Having great intentions when you begin your journey doesnt mean youll succeed.

Make food choices that you can live with. If youre miserable while following your cardiac diet, its far more likely youll fail.

Its not easy to eat healthy all the time. You may have to try new foods and methods of cooking that you arent used to. You may also find that your tastes change as you stick with your cardiac diet.

The price of not eating healthy often results in early death. One in four deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease. Dont be a statistic. Diet, exercise, and medication can all help you.

If you found this guide helpful, please take a moment to browse the site for other insightful reads.

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The Cardiac Diet Explained: Guidelines, Benefits, and Tips - Baltimore Post-Examiner

Although the holidays are times of reunions and celebration, much of the time we spend with family were focusing on our hopes for the future and our health. Plenty of our New Years resolutions revolve around getting in shape, especially since we tend to spend our holidays pigging out and sleeping in. While it makes sense, in theory, to enjoy your holidays now and worry about your health later, plenty of studies show that January diets rarely work.

While its never a bad time to focus on your health and to challenge yourself with something new, its important to keep your expectations in check, especially since diets are already pretty stressful without accounting for cultural pressure and the hangover from the holidays.

Here are 4 reasons why starting your health resolutions in January might end up backfiring.

Photo by Rima Kruciene via Unsplash

In the simplest of ways, when trying out a January diet, the numbers are stacked against you. Different studies show that most quit their January diets early on. Data also shows that these resolutions cause lots of harm to peoples mental state. They also drain large amounts of your money.

RELATED: Why Dry January Is Dumb And What You Should Do Instead

The vast amounts of money spent on diet clubs, special foods, and over-the-counter remedies, estimated to be on the order of $30 billion to $50 billion yearly, is wasted, explains Dr. Marcia Angell in the New England Journal of Medicine.

A lot of people who start to diet in January do so out of guilt over holiday eating or because everyone else is doing it. These motivations arent usually enough to get people to stick to their diets, at least over long periods of time.

RELATED: 5 Simple Habits That Can Help You Live Longer

The problem with this lies in the concept of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. With intrinsic motivation, we are driven to achieve our goals because they reflect our most personal values, our truest aspirations and our most authentic selves. Extrinsic motivation means we base our goals on what other people think we are supposed to achieve, said OPTAVIAs behavioral manager on an interview with the Huffington Post.

Photo by Chelsea shapouri via Unsplash

Weve all experienced this to one degree or another, especially in January. We hope that the new year will reboot our systems and instantly make us a healthier and more goal oriented person, only to be disappointed when we realize that were still the same person and that achieving these goals is hard. Instead of quitting when things get challenging or when you fail to meet your goals, take things one day at a time.

If youre a person who thrives on stress, this might not apply to you. But if crowds and the knowledge that everyone you know and their mother is on a diet stresses you out, January is not the appropriate time for you to start a diet. This month tends to be one where gyms and classes are full and where trainers are super busy.

Link:
4 Reasons Not To Start A Diet In January - The Fresh Toast

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Meghan Markle received the title "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex" when she married Prince Harry in May of 2018. But before she married into Britain's royal family, she was an actress on the hit show Suits, and ran her own lifestyle site called The Tig. Meghan has always been passionate about health, exercise, food, travel and the latest trends in all of it. And she's dropped her tips through the years on how she stays zen and balanced. Here are 40 pieces of her best health advice.

1Be chill about aging.

"As Im getting older, my approach to aging is quite different," she told Best Health in 2016. "I make sure that I take care of my skin and body, especially with the work hours I have. And I dont just take care of myself for aesthetic reasons but because how I feel is dictated by what Im eating, how much rest Im getting, and how much water Im drinking. If I dont have time for a long workout, Ill grab my dog and go for a quick run. Being active is my own moving meditation."

2Make fitness a priority.

"Meghan Markle's fitness definitely takes priority; shes very focused on her health," Meghan's trainer, Craig McNamee, CSCS, founder of Catalyst Health in Toronto, Canada, told WomensHealthMag.com in 2018. "When she gets to the gym, theres no real complaining. She gets down to business right away and really enjoys it." (Another reason the royal is #goals.)

3Try running.

"Meghan is an avid runner, so she already did a lot of treadmill work on her own," McNamee explained to WomensHealthMag.com in 2018. "Wed look at what her run frequency was like that week" and build workouts around that.

4Take your skincare seriously.

In an interview with Allure in 2017, Meghan revealed her tried and true exfoliator. "I really love the Tatcha Rice Enzyme Powder," she said. "It just sort of foams on your face and gives you a really subtle exfoliation." In addition to exfoliation, Meghan also mentioned being a fan of Jan Marini skincare products. "I've been using their serum lately," she said. "It's a nice glycolic one that makes your skin really glow-y."

5Enjoy motherhood.

She previously said about parenthood, "Its magic. Its pretty amazing. And here I have the two best guys in the world, so Im really happy."

6Be realistic about social media.

"You see photos on social media and you dont know whether shes born with it or maybe its a filter. Your judgement of your sense of self-worth becomes really skewed when its all based on likes, Meghan said on her trip with Prince Harry to New Zealand in October 2018.

7Focus on your posture.

"Generally speaking, we had a full-body approach," her trainer McNamee told WomensHealthMag.com in 2018. "And since Meghan was onscreen, we really focused on posture." To do so, he always included posterior chain (glutes, back, hamstrings) exercises, in addition to plenty of core (abs, back, obliques, pelvic floor) work.

8Pick up strength training.

Meghan is also into circuit-based strength training. When she was still filming Suits in Toronto, she and her trainer McNamee met up three to four days a week, for 45-minute training sessions. "For Meghan, we tried to schedule these workouts early in the day, to make it a priority," he told WomensHealthMag.com in 2018. McNamee took a high-rep (20 to 25), low-weight strategy for Meghan's fitness routinerather than heavy lifting.

9Stay close with your mom.

Meghan and her mom, Doria Ragland, have an incredible bond. According to Oprah, Doria also loves yoga (and is currently a yoga teacher).

10Make time to stretch.

"Yoga is my thing, she confirmed to Canadian magazine Best Health. I was very resistant as a kid, but she [mom Doria] said, Flower [her nickname for Meghan], you will find your practice just give it time. In college, I started doing it more regularly," she added.

11Find makeup and skincare that works for you.

Meghan shared with Allure in 2017 about her makeup routine. "I don't wear foundation in real life. My routine is very simpleI call it the five-minute face. It's just Touche clat, curled lashes, mascara, Chap Stick, and a little bit of blush. That is my favorite kind of look. If I'm going to amp it up for night, then I use M.A.C. Teddy eyeliner, which is a really beautiful brown that has some gold in it."

12Drink your greens.

"It's easy to fall into the trap of rushing for a coffee when you hit that 4 p.m. slump," she told Today. "But if I blend some apple, kale, spinach, lemon, and ginger in my Vitamix in the morning and bring it to work, I always find that sipping on that is a much better boost than a cup of espresso."

13Keep working on self-acceptance.

"My 20s were brutala constant battle with myself, judging my weight, my style, my desire to be as cool/as hip/as smart/as 'whatever' as everyone else. My teens were even worsegrappling with how to fit in, and what that even meant," Meghan wrote in a blog post on her 33rd birthday on her old website The Tig in August 2014, accodring to Marie Claire. "[I]t takes time. To be happy. To figure out how to be kind to yourself. To not just choose that happiness, but to feel it."

14Use resistance bands.

Meghan's trainer McNamee told WomensHealthMag.com in 2018 that she particularly loves doing lower-body exercises using a mini bandwhich can conveniently be used just about anywhere.

15Be a supportive friend.

This past summer, Meghan flew from England to the United States in order to support her close friend Serena Williams as she competed in the US Open final. Best. Friend. Ever.

16Learn to enjoy cooking.

"I grew up on the set of a TV show called Married with Children, where my dad was the lighting director," she told Best Health in 2016. "Because of the content of the show, my dad would have me help in craft services, which is where they make all the food and nibblesthats where I started to learn about garnishing and plating. After being there every day after school for 10 years and seeing the appreciation of food, I started to learn the association between food and happiness and being able to entertainI think thats where the seed was planted."

17Challenge yourself in your workouts.

"Wed take into account any yoga postures she was trying to improve, and focus our efforts in those areas," Meghan's trainer McNamee told WomensHealthMag.com in 2018. In other words, if Meghan was dead-set on mastering a headstand, McNamee would include some more core exercises in her fitness routine.

18Find a nutrition plan that works for you.

Meghan revealed to The Chalkboard in 2015 that her daily breakfast at the time consisted of a Clean Cleanse vanilla shake with blueberries or an acai bowl with fresh berries and Manuka honey. She also shared the recipe for her favorite smoothie, which also uses Clean Cleanse vanilla powder.

The Clean Cleanse powder is part of the Clean Program, a 21-day nutritional cleanse that, according to the program's website, can boost your skin, sleep, digestion, energy, weight loss, and mental clarity.

19Block out gossip.

Meghan has previously said she doesn't read anything in the press, and that she and Harry make any effort to drown out noise when it comes to their relationship.

"It has its challenges, and it comes in wavessome days it can feel more challenging than others. And right out of the gate it was surprising the way things changed. But I still have this support system all around me, and, of course, my boyfriend's support. I don't read any press. I haven't even read press for Suits. The people who are close to me anchor me in knowing who I am. The rest is noise. Of course it's disheartening. It's a shame that that is the climate in this world, to focus that much on that, to be discriminatory in that sense. I think, you know, at the end of the day, I'm really just proud of who I am and where I've come from and we have never put any focus on that. We've just focused on who we are as a couple. And so when you take all those extra layers away and all of that noise, I think it makes it really easy to just enjoy being together."

20Volunteer your time to a cause you care about.

This year, it was revelaed that Meghan regularly volunteered at a soup kitchen in Toronto when she was working on Suits.

"Meghan Markle was an active supporter and volunteer of St. Felix Centre during her time living in the city while working on Suits. She volunteered on a regular basis in our kitchen as part of our Community Meals Program. The duchess also donated food from the set of Suits, and on one Thanksgiving she brought in all the food, turkeys and the fixings for over 100 people."

21Experiment with different eating styles.

She told Best Health in an interview in 2016: "I try to eat vegan during the week and then have a little bit more flexibility with what I dig into on the weekends."

22Check out new fitness studios.

In Meghan's guest editor's letter in Vogue, she mentioned an affinity for London-based fitness studio Heartcore's Ritual class. "Heartcore's new Ritual class is a high-energy, cardio-based mat workout incorporating elements of yoga, Pilates and barre," the description in Vogue reads.

23Embrace your favorite food.

In an interview Meghan did with former First Lady Michelle Obama for British Vogues September issue (which Meghan guest-edited, btw), Meghan revealed she loves tacos.

"So, over a casual lunch of chicken tacos and my ever-burgeoning bump, I asked Michelle if she would help me with this secret project," the Duchess wrote.

24Be independent, even when you're in a relationship.

I can tell you that at the end of the day I think its really simple, she told Vanity Fair of her relationship with Prince Harry. Were two people who are really happy and in love. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was peoples perception. Nothing about me changed. Im still the same person that I am, and Ive never defined myself by my relationship.

25Make food a family affair.

"I am a big fan of Sunday suppers. Whether we're eating lamb tagine, pot roast or a hearty soup, the idea of gathering for a hearty meal with friends and family on a Sunday makes me feel comforted," she told Today. "I enjoy making slow-cooked food on Sundays, like Filipino-style chicken adobo. It's so easycombine garlic, soy (or Bragg Liquid Aminos), vinegar, maybe some lemon and let the chicken swim in that sauce until it falls off the bone in a Crock Pot."

26Speak about your passions.

Meghan said during a panel discussion on International Women's Day in 2019, Your confidence comes in knowing that a woman by your side, not behind you, is actually something you shouldn't be threatened about but, opposed to that, you should feel really empowered in having that additional support that this is really about us working together."

27Find a creative outlet, like writing.

Before becoming royal, Meghan ran a lifestyle site called The Tig. She shared with Allure in 2017, "The Tig has been sort of swirling in my mind for years as something I wanted to do. My mom was a travel agent, so off-the-beaten-path travel has always been a big part of my life. And growing up in California, farm-to-table dining was something that I experienced. I'm the person friends come to when they want to find the perfect restaurant or boutique hotel on the outskirts of Paris. As opposed to scouring the Internet for a travel guide, wouldn't you rather ask the people who are really cool who go there? That's what I do. So I wanted to get all of that and put it together on one site."

28Always have healthy snacks on hand.

She previously told Good Housekeeping what snacks she likes: "Hummus, carrotsbecause I love them and so does my dog, Bogart, strangelya green juice, almond milk, for sure, and a chia seed pudding I make every single week. So easy, so good. I really love to cook."

29Value your education.

According to Glamour UK, while speaking to students and staff at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji, the Duchess of Sussex talked about the value of education and the cost of university.

As a university graduate, I know the personal feeling of pride and excitement that comes with attending university, she began. From the moment you receive your acceptance letter to the exams you spend countless late nights studying for, the lifelong friendships you make with your fellow alumni to the moment that you receive your diploma, the journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one. I am also fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people around the world, myself included. Getting honest about the difficulties of paying for life as a student, she said, It was through scholarships, financial aid programs and work-study where my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuitionthat I was able to attend university. And, without question, it was worth every effort.

30Start your day with hot water and lemon.

Meghan shared with Delish in 2018 that when she shot Suits, she'd have hot water with lemon right when she woke up, then eat steel-cut oats with bananas and agave syrup for breakfast.

31Spend time with furry friends.

The Duchess of Sussex had two dogs when she was living in Toronto at the time she met Prince Harryrescues named Guy and Bogart. According to Vanity Fair, Guy made the move with Meghan to London when she and Harry began seriously dating, and Bogart remained behind in Toronto with friends of Meghan's.

32Let yourself indulge.

Meghan shared with Delish in 2018, "I'm always hoping I'm having lunch with people, so we can share fries. It's its own food group for me."

33Practice moderation.

According to Harper's Bazaar, Meghan named her now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig after her favorite brand of red wine, Tignanello. "God, do I love wine; a beautiful full red or a crisp white. But if its cocktails, I love a spicy tequila cocktail, negroni, or good scotchneat," she said. "Do the things you enjoy within reason," she says. "Know your body and what works for you and youll be fine."

34Define yourself how you want to.

"You don't have to play dress up to be a feminist. You are a feminist exactly the way you are. You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women. There's no uniform for feminism; you are a feminist exactly the way you are," she told Create & Cultivate in 2017.

35Practice meditation.

According to Bustle via Meghan Markles former blog, The Tig, she practiced Vedic meditation. Vedic meditation comes from the Veda, which is the ancient Indian system of knowledge from which yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic medicine all stem, according to the New York Meditation Center.

36Mix veggies into your favorite dishes.

Meghan told Delish in 2018 that a friend convinced her to slow-cook zucchini for four to five hours, until it breaks down into a "filthy, sexy mush" to toss with pasta. "The sauce gets so creamy, you'd swear there's tons of butter and oil in it, but it's just zucchini, water and a little bouillon," Meghan said.

37Take breaks from your daily routine.

Meghan told Delish in 2018, "When I'm traveling, I won't miss an opportunity to try great pasta. I come back from vacation every year with a food baby, and I've named her Comida. I get to the set and I'm like, 'Hey, Comida's here, and she's kicking.'"

38Work on being kind to yourself.

"We just need to be kinder to ourselves. If we treated ourselves the way we treated our best friend, can you imagine how much better off we would be?" she said. "Try to find a space inside of you that reminds yourself that yes, you can have questions and self doubt, that's going to come up, that's human. But at the end of the day, you are enough exactly as you are."

39Try Megaformer workouts.

In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Markle shared her love for the Megaformer, a machine created by workout guru Sebastien Lagree, founder of the Lagree Method. "[It] is hands-down the best thing you could do for your body," Markle said. "Your body changes immediately. Give it two classes, and you will see a difference."

40Carry tea tree oil.

She told Allure in 2017, "The one thing that I cannot live without when I'm traveling is a small container of tea tree oil. It's not the most glamorous thing, but if you get a cut, a mosquito bite, a small breakout, no matter what it is, it's my little cure-all. It's inexpensive, it's small enough to carry on, and I bring it with me all the time."

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40 Meghan Markle-Approved Diet And Workout Tips To Try - Women's Health

Amla health benefits: Indian gooseberry or amla is loaded with vitamin C and many other essential nutrients. You can fight many health issues just by adding amla to your diet. Here are some health benefits of amla that you must know.

Amla health benefits: You can fight skin issues by adding amla to your diet

Amla also known as Indian gooseberry is loaded with health benefits. Ayurveda also suggests the use of amla as it is loaded with health benefits and medicinal properties. During the winter season, you can easily find amla. It can be added to your daily diet. Adding amla to your winter diet can offer you multiple health benefits. Amla can be consumed in various ways. You can eat it raw or amla juice, amla candy and amla murabba are also some great choices. It can also be added to many food and recipes. Here are some amazing health benefits of amla which you must know.

Amla is a power-packed source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps you boost immunity. During the winter season, you are more likely to catch cold, cough or fever. Adding amla to your diet will support a strong immune system and help you keep these health issues at bay.

Amla can boost immunity which can help you fight cold, cough and feverPhoto Credit: iStock

Amla can be a part of your diabetes diet. It can help in controlling blood sugar levels naturally. Many studies have also highlighted the use of amla for controlling diabetes. With other precautions and a healthy diet, you can manage healthy blood sugar levels with amla.

Also read:Amazing Health Benefits Of Amla You Must Know; Learn Different Methods To Use Amla

Poor cholesterol levels should not be ignored. Bad cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart diseases and affect your health in various ways. You must follow a healthy and lifestyle to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Amla can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Also read:High Cholesterol: Health Issues Linked With High Cholesterol And Ways To Control It

Amla is good for your skin and hair. Amla is loaded with vitamin C and other properties which can boost skin health and also promote hair health. You can prepare face packs or hair masks with amla powder. Adding amla to your diet will also benefit your hair and skin.

Amla can help you achieve healthy and glowing skinPhoto Credit: iStock

Alma can also help in weight loss as it can boost metabolism. It also boosts digestion. Amla is rich in fiber which helps in flushing toxins from the system effectively keeps the gut healthy. Amla juice is quite popular for weight loss. Around two tablespoons of amla juice can be added to your diet for weight loss.

Also read:Weight Loss: This Juice Should Be A Part Of Weight Loss Diet; Here's Is The Right Method To Consume

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

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Amla Health Benefits: 5 Reasons Why Amla Should Be A Part Of Your Winter Diet - Doctor NDTV

It is well established that consuming a balanced diet aids in maintaining physical and mental well-being. Eating a nutrient-rich diet reportedly helps a person to also take care of their emotional well-being. Now, a study has revealed that women may need a more nutrient-rich and healthier diet for emotional well-being.

Also read:Health: Adding Chilli peppers to your diet may reduce risk of heart attacks, says study

A leading neuroscience journal in the USA has published a study which suggests that there are substantial differences in a woman and a man's brain which command mental illnesses. The study suggests that the anatomical and functional difference between men and women aid to their independent physiologies and psychological well-being. Researcher Lina Begdache led a team of researchers who conducted a detailed study about the connection of a healthy diet to mental health.

Also read:Excessive antibiotic during first five years harmful to children's health

Lina Begdache is a professor of health and wellness studies at BinghamtonUniversity, New York where she conducted an anonymous study with 563 participants. The sample size of the study included 48% men and 52% women. This study concluded that women are less likely to experience mental well-being unless they follow a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet.

Also read:67 per cent of imported toys fail QCI test in India, pose health hazards for kids

According to Lina Begdache's statement regarding her study, women may need a larger spectrum of nutrients to support mood, compared to men. Lina expressed further that these findings may help explain the reason why women are twice more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, compared to men. Though today's diet is high in energy, Lina believes it lacks key nutrients that support brain anatomy and functionality. Lina added furthermore that gender-based differential food and energy intake may explain the differential brain volumes and connectivity between females and males.

Also read:Healthy winter recipes | Here's how to make a delicious cauliflower crust pizza at home

Also read:Sleep quality can be improved by consuming these healthy foods

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Diet has greater impact on womens emotional well-being compared to men, suggests study - Republic World - Republic World

The keto diet is low in carbohydrates and protein and very high in fat. Evidence suggests that it can reduce the frequency of seizures, and some people with epilepsy who follow the diet stop experiencing seizures altogether.

Typically, people who try the diet for this purpose are also taking antiepileptic medications.

However, the keto diet may be especially effective for children with refractory epilepsy, which does not respond to medical treatment. Modified versions of the diet may be more suitable for adolescents and adults.

It is crucial to note that a medical professional should monitor anyone using a keto diet to help control epilepsy. This is to ensure that the person is dieting safely and getting the most benefits. Medical supervision is especially important for infants and other children.

In this article, we explore the potential benefits of the keto diet for adults and children with epilepsy.

According to a 2019 review, the keto diet appears to reduce or prevent seizures in children and adults with drug resistant or refractory epilepsy.

The Epilepsy Foundation recommend the diet as a potential treatment for refractory epilepsy.

They report that more than half of children with refractory epilepsy who follow a ketogenic diet experience at least a 50% reduction in the number of seizures. Moreover, according to the same source, about 1015% of these children stop experiencing seizures.

When a person is on the keto diet, their body does not receive enough carbohydrates to burn for energy, so it must use fat instead.

Burning fat for fuel causes acids called ketones to build up in the body. When this occurs, the body is in ketosis. To achieve this, a person must adhere to the diet for a significant period.

Ketosis also occurs during periods of fasting. As a 2013 study notes, people have used fasting as a seizure treatment for centuries, and scientists documented the effects of this approach into the 1920s. Even so, experts are still unsure how, precisely, ketosis or the keto diet helps people with epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a metabolic disease, and one theory is that the keto diet works by altering a person's metabolism.

Neurons, or hyperexcitable nerve cells, in the brain may contribute to the onset of seizures. The keto diet leads to metabolic changes in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and these changes, along with other factors, may decrease the excitability of neurons. This could have a stabilizing effect on seizures, according to experts.

The keto diet can take time to have an effect. In order to see the benefits, people should continue with it for at least 3 months after reaching ketosis.

It is very important that a healthcare professional monitors anyone using a keto diet for treatment. They can ensure that the diet is having safe effects and that the person's body is really going into ketosis.

Both children and adults with drug resistant epilepsy can benefit from a keto diet. It may be especially helpful for people with certain types of epilepsy, including:

The diet may also be effective for children with focal seizures.

Children of any age can follow a keto diet. Under the strict supervision of a doctor, a formula only keto diet may help control seizures in infants.

Parents and other caregivers should receive guidance on meal planning and cooking, and they should be aware of potential adverse reactions to the diet.

Doctors often do not recommend the classic keto diet to adolescents and adults because it can be difficult to maintain. They may instead recommend a modified keto diet that is more palatable and convenient.

Experts suggest that around 3040% of adults with epilepsy who follow a keto diet experience at least a 50% reduction in seizures.

However, fewer than 10% of these adults achieve a 90% reduction in seizures or stop experiencing them.

Anyone intending to use the keto diet to control epilepsy should be aware of the risks and possible additional benefits.

A modified keto diet may provide benefits beyond epilepsy management. Adults on the diet may experience improvements in:

Children and adults who follow keto diets must see their doctor or dietitian at least every 3 months. These regular visits are important for monitoring progress and growth and checking for any adverse effects of the diet.

Risks of a keto diet include:

Since the diet allows for few fruits, vegetables, grains, and other nutritious foods, supplementation with a carbohydrate-free multivitamin is essential.

Once a person has maintained control over their seizures for some time, their doctor may suggest coming off the diet. Doctors usually recommend doing so after a period of 2 years.

It is important to come off the diet gradually, over a period of several months or longer. Suddenly stopping the diet can cause seizures to get worse.

Some modified versions of the keto diet for epilepsy include:

At present, there is no evidence that any type of food generally triggers epilepsy seizures.

There is a rare type of epilepsy, called reflex epilepsy, in which certain foods can trigger seizures. These triggers vary from person to person.

Some people with epilepsy report that specific food additives can trigger seizures. Potential triggers include:

Some drinks can contribute to seizures or affect epilepsy medications.

These beverages may contain:

Anyone with concerns about how foods or drinks may be affecting their seizures or medications should speak to a doctor.

The keto diet may be an effective treatment for people with drug resistant epilepsy.

While the diet can be suitable for people of any age, children and infants may experience the greatest benefits because they can stick to the diet most easily.

Adolescents and adults may do better on a modified version of the keto diet, such as the modified Atkins diet or the low-glycemic index diet.

A healthcare provider should carefully monitor anyone using a keto diet as a treatment. This is especially crucial for children and particularly infants.

A doctor and dietitian can observe a person's progress, recommend supplements, and check for adverse effects.

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Epilepsy and the keto diet: Can diet help with seizures? - Medical News Today

In the big picture, the US pet food and treat industry continued to grow in 2019. That growth has garnered the attention of investors and some large human food manufacturing companies. Both General Mills with the acquisition of Blue Buffalo and J.M. Smucker Company with the acquisitions of Big Heart Pet Brands and Ainsworth Pet Nutrition are now embracing food and treats for pets as key business pillars delivering the growth required by their investors.

Pet food and treat brands are chasing consumer preferences of matching their own personal food philosophies with what they feed their pets, and brands are throwing tradition out the window and distributing to any and all channels in order to meet pet owners where they prefer to shop.

Additionally, the regulatory environment over the past 10 years has brought US pet food processing standards in line with human food manufacturing, increasing the pressure for pet food manufacturers to check and check again that their products can be made safely, consistently and efficiently.

All in all, global human food companies and investors holding more stake in the pet food market, an emerging omnichannel landscape, consumer-driven ingredient and formulation trends and regulatory challenges have proven that with growth comes growing pains, and pet food and treat brands are having to fine-tune their processes and products more than ever to stay competitive.

Traditional retail lines are becoming increasingly blurred in the US pet food and treat market with the rise of e-commerce and a shift among well-known premium brands, such as Blue Buffalo, from pet specialty to FDM channels.

Changing channels

With Blue Buffalo leading the pack, pet food and treat brands have strayed from their traditional sales channels either pet specialty, Food, Drug and Mass (FDM), or internet retailers to unapologetically meet customers where they shop.

Were focused on significantly expanding Blues availability so that pet parents can get the Blue products they want anywhere they shop for pet food, said Billy Bishop, Blue Buffalos founder and brand adviser, during General Mill Inc.s Sept. 18 earnings call covering the first quarter of its fiscal 2020 year. Minneapolis-based General Mills acquired Blue Buffalo in 2018.Pet food was a major focal point for the first time at PROCESS EXPO 2019, where a live production line churned out minimally processed kibble bites for freeze-drying or dehydration.

So far, this approach seems to be working for the super-premium brand. Blue Buffalo sales topped $368 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and were up 7% from year-ago sales. General Mills said retail sales for FDM customers who have carried Blue Buffalo for more than 12 months were up 50% versus last year. E-commerce sales for the pet food brand were up more than 20% in the first quarter as well, according to the company, which expects e-commerce growth to continue at 8% to 10% throughout fiscal 2020.

Unfortunately, as the company shifts focus toward FDM, Blue Buffalo sales in the pet specialty channel declined at a double-digit rate. To repair relationships with pet specialty customers, General Mills has launched a new super premium line, Carnivora, which will be sold exclusively in the pet specialty retail space. As brands are widening their product lines to offer exclusivity to certain channels, those channels are creating brands of their own.

High-end house brands

Until recently, independent pet specialty stores traditionally carried higher priced brands and the lower priced options were available in mass retail outlets. Those lines have begun to blur in the pet food and treat market. Traditional barriers are fading away and premium claims, such as high protein, grain-free and all-natural diets, continue to drive sales.

An increasingly wide variety of premium pet foods have become available through various mass and e-commerce channels, speeding up the mass premiumization of the market, according to Packaged Facts annual report, Pet Food in the U.S., 14th Edition.

House brands have dominated the low end of the pet food market for years, even in pet specialty stores, but this was before premium and super-premium products took over FDM retailer shelves, said Steve Mills, senior vice-president, customer brands and co-manufacturing at American Nutrition Inc.

Now that more premium and super-premium products are migrating from pet specialty to FDM shelves, it creates the opportunity for FDM retailers to create similar brand offerings of their own, Mills said. These new house brand pet foods have become top-shelf competitors and are attracting consumers with premium ingredients, functional claims and lower price points than top premium brands.

Jared Koerten, an analyst covering packaged foods for Euromonitor International, said millennials who favor both premium and value are helping drive this trend. Private label products are rising in the ranks in pet care, with retailers launching their own brands across all channels and categories. According to the Private Label Manufacturers Association, New York, store brands market penetration set all-time records in 2018, increasing dollar share and unit share at double-digit rates.

Novel proteinsAside from the use of alternative proteins such as nutritional yeast, cultured animal meat or plant-based substitutes some brands, like Phelps Pet Products, are embracing exotic animal proteins such as alligator, quail and wild boar for pet treats and food.

Good-for-the-planet brand claims seem to dominate the sustainability story of pet food, and novel proteins are nothing to bark at. Last October, Wild Earth, Inc., Berkeley, Calif., launched a dog treat line made with cultured koji (Aspergillus oryzae), an ancient Asian protein and member of the fungi kingdom containing all 10 amino acids essential for dogs. Then, in August 2019, the company launched a meatless complete-and-balanced diet for dogs that utilizes yeast protein as a main ingredient and source of protein.

In March 2019, Because Animals, Philadelphia, announced the development of pet treats containing lab-cultured meat a meat-alternative protein made from mice cells. The company, which already offers probiotic supplements for cats and dogs, released its first human-grade dog treat made with nutritional yeast in December 2019 and said it plans to debut a cultured mouse meat cat treat in early 2021.

Jiminys, a Berkeley, Calif.-based pet treat manufacturer using crickets as a sustainable source of protein, launched two complete-and-balanced insect-protein dog foods. Good Grub includes insect protein powder, while Cricket Crave includes cricket protein powder. Montreal-based dog food company Wilder Harrier offers an insect protein-based pet diet as well. Most of the diets protein comes from the inclusion of black soldier fly powder and oil, which is supplied from Canadian insect-rearing facilities.

As the market is introduced to the promise of new ingredients for pet diets, whether they are derived from yeast, lab-grown meats or insects, the pet food and treat industry is sticking to one important tradition: growth.

History of growth

For more than 10 years, the industry has delivered growth that keeps investors tails wagging. The American Pet Products Association (APPA), based in Stamford, Conn., said pet food has grown year over year since 2007 by at least 3.7% and as much as 10.7%.

Freshpet Inc. continued to see impressive growth in 2019, with other fresh, home-cooked style and minimally processed brands gaining traction with investors and consumers looking for pet food that more closely resembles their own diets.Although dry kibble still dominates the US pet food market with 72% of sales, according to consumer goods market research firm Packaged Facts, the increased focus on pet wellness has pet owners feeding a broader range of products to their pets.

While dollar sales for dog food continue to trump cat food sales, food for felines has grown and is projected by Packaged Facts to continue growing at a higher rate than dog food. In 2020, cat food sales are projected to grow 3.2% to $9.6 billion, while dog food sales are expected to grow 2.5% but still lead the pack with $19.2 billion. According to Euromonitor, the growth in global cat treatsales led the pack with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% between 2013 and 2018, followed by dog treats with a 5% CAGR during the same period.

Many new pet food formats, such as dehydrated or freeze-dried, are fetching premium prices, making them an attractive brand extension option. A 100% freeze-dried kibble recipe on average costs 1,587% more per pound than traditional dry kibble, according to Packaged Facts, with 100% freeze-dried costing an average of $32.55 per lb. and dry kibble averaging $1.93 per lb.

Pet food and treats with functional claims that promise to support joints, skin and coat health, endurance and digestion, just to name a few, are gaining in popularity. Mirroring the human food market, products containing hemp, including cannabidiol (CBD), are exploding and far outpacing the regulatory agencies policies on these ingredients just another area where this industry is breaking the rules.

As more traditionally premium and super-premium brands take an omnichannel approach, retailers both traditional and online are competing with house brands for shelf space or online position. Novel ingredients are grabbing the headlines, processors are learning how to navigate an increasingly complex market, and top brands are steering their products into sales success.

Competing with private label brands for shelf space or online position is just one more obstacle top pet food and treat companies must overcome in the modern market. Fortunately, US pet food manufacturers are in a strong position, owning nearly half of the global market. Processors are learning how to navigate an increasingly complex market and top brands are steering their products into sales success.

Keep up with the latest pet food trends on our Trends page.

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State of the US pet food and treat industry, 2019 - Pet Food Processing

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Its that time of the year when the members of O2 Health Studio the health division of Savera Hotel gear up for their annual Weight Loss Challenge programme. A month full of a well-balanced diet, rigorous workout and health goals the result is confidence, a self-esteem boost and a toned physique.

This is the sixth year were having this challenge. Its designed to make people active, eat better, and have fun safely and scientifically. This weight-loss challenge will help people reach their health goals, stay focused and motivated along with physical activities and weight-loss nutrition. What is unique to this programme is powerful team-building exercises. Fitness is a common resolution taken for New Year. We wanted our patrons to make the most out of this programme, said Nina Reddy, joint managing director of Savera Hotel and founder of O2 Health Studio.

Around 180 people participated. The Weight Loss Challenge started on November 18 at all outlets of O2 Health studio Ashok Nagar, Besant Nagar, Nungambakkam and OMR. A small group was formed with eight participants under each fitness trainer and they guide the participants towards their goal. A weekly review was regularly done. The winners were announced on Sunday at the end of the fourth week of their final assessment.

Siva Gurunathan won the mens category by losing 17 kg. Mekala and Aishwarya won in the womens category by losing 11 kg, each. The total weight lost by all the participants was 427 kg. Enjoying the sweet success of hard work, Siva, a software engineer said, It was a month full of dedication. I gave up on many cravings and indulged in healthy eating and exercises. I worked out four hours a day and went for work directly from the gym. I felt detoxed and light at the end of the programme. Of course, people criticised me and did not believe that it was possible to lose weight by staying focussed. I kept away from social media and put all my energy and anger in workouts. I feel confident about my body image now.Fitness trainers spoke about healthy habits and the benefits of working out to spread awareness. People who attended the event went home taking inspiration from the participants.

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Fitness, focus and fun - The New Indian Express

Diet is strongly linked to longevity. Leading health experts state that people who ate 20 percent more healthy foods over the course of 12 years, decreased their risk of early death by up to 17 percent. A certain diet incorporates foods commonly eaten by people in Nordic countries with several studies showing that eating this way may cause weight loss and improve health markers.

The Nordic diet is a way of eating that focuses on locally sourced foods in the Nordic countries including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

The Nordic diet was created in 2004 by a group of nutritionists, scientists and chefs.

Compared to an average Western diet, the Nordic diet contains less sugar and fat but twice the fibre and seafood.

DONT MISS

What to eat on the Nordic diet?

The Nordic diet is very similar to the Mediterranean diet, however, the biggest difference is that it emphasises canola oil instead of extra virgin olive oil.

The diet emphasises traditional, sustainable and locally sourced foods with a heavy focus on those considered healthy.

The main principles of the diet includes eating often with foods such as fruits, berries, vegetables, legumes, potatoes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, rye bread and sea foods. Eat in moderation, rarely eat red meat and animal fat and dont eat sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugars, processed meats, food additives and refined fast foods.

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How to live longer: Best diet to increase life expectancy - foods to eat and avoid - Express

Athough eliminating is the hardest goodbye of all, low-carb diets have been the rage for quite some time now. There are a few different plans you can follow. Keto is a major one thats yielding quick, drastic weight-loss results for tons of people, and Paleo is another trendy plan. And then there are the tried-and-true low-carb classics, like the Atkins diet (this might be the first time youve heard that one in a while).

Both keto and Atkins are actually pretty similar when it comes to the amount of macronutrients (fat, carbs, protein) you should be consuming day to day, but what are the actual differences between the twoand which would be a better fit, nutritionally?

Of course you could just make your choice based on how much pasta youre able to eat, but nutrition experts do believe that one is a little bit better than the other for a few reasons. Two dietitiansNatalie Rizzo, MS, RD, a New York City-based registered dietitian, and Susan Piergeorge, MS, RDN, nutrition education manager for Rainbow Light and Natural Vitality CALMgive the lowdown on these high-fat, high-protein, low-carb eating styles. Their verdict, ahead.

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet that was originally developed to treat epilepsy, explains Piergeorge. Thats right, historically, it wasnt prescribed for extreme weight loss but to reduce blood sugaryou can hardly have any sugar on the dietwhich during the 1920s was thought to lower the risk of seizures. Now, the diet is a huge trend for weight loss as well as treating type 2 diabetes, Piergeorge adds.

Heres the basic formula: Fat accounts for 70 to 95 percent of the keto diet, while protein makes up 5 to 20 percent, and carbohydrates just 5 to 10 percent of what youre eating. It tends to bring on dramatic weight loss because youre consuming less than 50 grams of carbs a day on keto, ideally.

At this ratio, the body starts to burn fat. Once the bodys glucose stores become depleted, ketone bodies are produced (these are products of fatty acid oxidation in the liver) and provide an alternate source of energy, Piergeorge explains. Basically, fat, instead of sugar from carbs, becomes your bodys main energy sourceand when you're burning fat, you lose weight.

Once you read this, you may be tempted to devour an entire charcuterie platter. But the focus really is on healthy fats and lean meats, and supplementing those with fruits and vegetables in moderate amounts, since those are technically considered carbs.

Keto-friendly foods:

Foods to avoid on keto:

There are some potential health benefits you could experience by going keto. At the same time, the diet can have side effects, as explained below.

Health benefits of keto:

Cons of keto:

Well, if youre trying to lose weight and have tried many other avenues to do so, eating keto may be effective. If youre diabetic or pre-diabetic, it may also help lower your blood sugar since youre cutting out all that sugar.

And, Rizzo adds, it could be a fit for some athletes, too. Certain elements of the keto diet, like the emphasis on healthy fats and protein, is a good recommendation for active individuals who put a lot of wear and tear on their muscles and need more calories, Rizzo says. You have to make sure the fats you choose are healthy, omega-3-rich fats instead of saturated fats, and that you're choosing lean sources of protein.

Remember that before making a major lifestyle change, though, its best to check it out with your medical professional first. You dont want to end up feeling worse after making this dietary switch instead of better.

Though the Atkins diet basically peaked in the late 90s (didnt we all?), it was actually developed much earlier by Robert C. Atkins, a doctor who published his first book, Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution, in 1972, and then his most popular bestseller, Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, in 1995. Dr. Atkins intended on it being a way to cut carbs, of course, and reduce high blood pressure.

Basically, with Atkins, you generally have two paths you can choose from: Atkins 20 and Atkins 40, based on the grams of carbs you should be eating per day. Its also low in carbs, higher in fat, and higher in protein, which ideally should prompt the body to burn fat.

If youre trying to shave off more than 40 pounds, youd eat about 60 to 70 percent fat, 20 to 30 percent protein, and 5 to 10 percent carbs on Atkins 20 (youre allowed 20 grams of carbs a day), Rizzo explains.

If you would like to lose less than 40 pounds, go with Atkins 40. It consists of 55 to 65 percent fat, 20 to 30 percent protein, and 10 to 15 percent carbs. Youre allowed 40 grams of carbs per day, which is a bit easier when youre tallying up macros. Theres also Atkins 100, which is a slightly simpler plan that allows for 100 grams of carbs per day.

Like keto, Atkins focuses on lean protein, as well as healthy fats. Depending on the plan individuals follow, the plan emphasizes consuming protein at least three times per day in four to six ounce portions including meat, seafood, poultry and eggs, Piergeorge explains. Fats are encouraged, you want at least 3 tablespoons per day in the form of butter, mayonnaise, or olive or other vegetable oils, she adds.

Atkins-friendly foods:

Foods to avoid or limit on the Atkins diet:

Just like keto, there are potential health benefits of the Atkins diet, as well as side effect you should be aware of before you try it.

Health benefits of Atkins:

Cons of Atkins:

Like keto, it may help an individual drop some serious pounds if its done the right way. And it can help lower your blood sugar if you have type 2 diabetes or are pre-diabetic.

Also, counting macros can be a good way to really boost awareness of what youre putting in your body, especially if you are an athlete and want to make sure youre fueling properly for training. But, Piergeorge argues, a highly restrictive diet doesnt work for everyone, and you should consult a doctor or nutritionist before beginning this strict regimen.

Keto and Atkins may seem like the same thing when it comes to eating more fat and protein and less carbs and sugar, but there are some nuances you should keep in mind.

Keto and Atkins similarities:

Keto and Atkins differences:

Both keto and Atkins are highly restrictive diets, the experts point out, so it may be difficult to sustain these major lifestyle changes and cut out carbs for a long period of time.

Keto becomes tricky because it can be an unhealthy diet if you dont do it correctly, and consume too many unhealthy fats (were talking cured meats instead of avocado). I wouldnt necessarily recommend the keto diet because it has such a high percentage of fat and a low percentage of carbs. Its unsustainable in the long run, and there is too much of a tendency to eat a lot more saturated fat than you need, Rizzo says.

If she *had* to choose between these two highly restrictive eating regimens, shed choose Atkins because it allows for more carbs (in the form of fruits, veggies, and whole grains) and ultimately more leeway in your eating and more balance in your diet.

Atkins also gives you more wiggle room because you can choose the 20, 40, or 100 option for allotment of grams of carbs per day. That way, you can introduce a little more pasta into the mix if thats how you want to roll.

But its ultimately your decisionyoull be making the dietary changes so they have to fit with your lifestyle and make you feel happy and healthy. Changing your diet (and especially eliminating the majority of carbs from your diet) is not easy, and may take some trial and error, so its important to thoroughly research all of your options.

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Atkins Vs. Keto: Differences Between The Diets, According To RDs - Women's Health