I think culture is definitely important, but I try to have a more nuanced view of what culture is, said Fuster. I was born and raised in an urban setting. There are so many different layers that influenced me and how I view Puerto Rican [food culture]. For me, it's different from somebody in Puerto Rico right now, or somebody that grew up in New York or Boston, or a different part of the country.

She added, That's something that I try to do in the book: to explain that we're more than just where we're from. We have to look at people at the intersection of what I refer to in the book as structural factors. Our class, race, gender, agethose are things that interact with each other and where we're from. It all shapes our views and practices around food.

Its also common for dietitians to link high rates of diet-related diseases to Hispanic Caribbean cuisine, said Fuster, and to suggest that traditional cooking in these cultures includes fatty meat, starchy roots, and a lot of frying.

When we think about ethnic foods, or immigrant diets, we think of these stereotypes, said Fuster. Like You're Puerto Rican, so you only eat rice and beans... things like that. What I try to do is show that the Caribbean is a melting pot. There are, unfortunately, some erroneous ideas about what we eat.

In her book, Fuster opens up about her own acts of stereotyping, including anecdotes like a conversation she once had with a Puerto Rican woman about the motivations that led to her changed diet.

She mentioned that she had been eating more saladsspecifically ones that went beyond the usual salad that you might see in Puerto Rico, the iceberg lettuce, tomato, and potentially avocado or onions, said Fuster.

My first thought was, Oh, she must have had a chat with a dietician; somebody must have told her she had to change what she was eating, said Fuster. The real reason? It was because she got a pet iguana! added Fuster, with a laugh. She had to research what iguanas ate, realizing that our traditional iceberg lettuce was mostly water, prompting her to switch to more nutritious greens. This experience led her to reflect on the reality of multiple (and unpredictable) drivers for dietary change and her own stereotypes about diets in the community.

As part of her response to these issues she brings to light in her book, Fuster founded TheLatin American Restaurants in Action(LARiA) Project, an initiative that collaborates with Hispanic Caribbean and Latin American restaurants to develop strategies aimed at boosting cultural visibility and improving unity, health, and trust among Latin American communities through the lens of food. Its funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Something we forget is that we need to make a healthy choice a desirable one, said Fuster. I see restaurants as a vehicle for that. I also see that, historically, restaurants and food in general, are a vehicle for new immigrants to enter the economy.

LARiAs goal is to work directly with restaurants (it is already partnering with two) to curate dining options that offer both comfort and education to Latin American patrons.

Something that we did with a Puerto Rican restaurant in New York City was that the chef developed a side dish with cabbage, peppers, squashvegetables that [Puerto Ricans] are familiar with, but we might not eat it this way, said Fuster. But the chef seasoned it with the same flavors were accustomed to. People might go out and say, I won't go to that restaurant because they won't prepare the food like my mom or my grandma or I'm not going to spend money eating out at a place when I can make the food at home, but the idea here is to inspire some creativity in home cooking.

Fusters plan is to grow the network of chefs and restaurants with which LARiA partners and expand the work to address how policies and regulations can help facilitate changes, to help inspire people in Latinx communities to consider healthy and tasty cooking habits, and, above all, to embrace their multifaceted identity.

My aim is to change social and cultural norms about the deliciousness of healthy food, said Fuster.

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The Complex Intersections of Food, Health, and History in Hispanic Caribbean Communities - Tufts Now

When it comes to the health of your heart, your diet plays a primary role. In fact, right from the management of your blood pressure to proving prime protection from a number of heart diseases, your diet can do it all. Healthy eating choices and eating patterns can not only give your heart a necessary health boost, but they can also help you fit into a smaller pair of jeans and keep your skin healthy and young. Studies show the reason behind approximately one-third of the deaths worldwide is because of heart disease alone. Interestingly, just the addition of certain heart healthy food items to add to your daily diet can make all the difference. In fact, there are certain common food items that can impact blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and inflammation.

Understanding Heart Health

Did you know the heart of a healthy adult beats over 2 billion times in an average lifetime? During which it works to push more than millions of gallons of blood to all the parts of the body. The consistent flow of blood transports oxygen, hormones, and several crucial elements to all the parts of the body. In fact, if the heart stops working, all the essential bodily functions simply fail and the body breaks down. Despite the constant workload that never ends, the heart is steadfast and dependable.

However, in the absence of heart-healthy habits, which include lack of heart healthy food, absence of exercise, and unhealthy habits like smoking, and drinking the heart stumbles and in worse cases even breaks down. This absence of heart-healthy habits makes you more prone to several big and small heart diseases including high blood pressure and even heart attack.

Heart attack

One of the major problems that come with bad heart health is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is nothing but the accumulation of cholesterol inside your already thin arteries. This accumulation limits the normal blood flow through the arteries, which can lead to a life-threatening heart attack or stroke.

Although with age the functioning of the heart gradually slows down, however, it is important to understand unhealthy habits can make your heart age faster. With healthy lifestyle changes, you can not only reduce the chances of getting a heart attack you can achieve an overall better immunity. But the question remains on how to incorporate heart-healthy habits.

How to incorporate Heart-Healthy eating habits?

Despite being one of the leading causes of death in the United States, heart attacks are totally avoidable. All you need to do is incorporate a few heart-healthy habits. When it comes to heart-healthy living, you have a chance to make healthy choices at every point of your life. Right from taking the stairs to eating broccoli, every little action plays a very important role.

While there are many factors in how you can minimize the chances of getting heart disease, your diet is the most important. With heart-healthy eating habits, you can consciously add heart healthy food items to add to your daily diet including certain fruits and vegetables and minimize the intake of saturated fats and sugars. Ahead, find a carefully curated list of 15heart healthy food items for the soundness of your heart.

Here is a list of 15heart healthy food items to maximize your heart health:

1. Green leafy vegetables

When it comes to heart healthy food items to add to your daily diet green vegetables definitely top the list. It is well established that green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and even antioxidants. Whenever you have a chance to incorporate kale, spinach, and collard greens into your diet, please say yes. Not only are they a great source of vitamin K, but they are also one of the best heart healthy foods out there. Research shows, green vegetables promote improved blood flow through your arteries and even a enable healthy blood clotting process which reduces the risk of heart diseases. Moreover, green veggies are also rich in dietary nitrates, which help in the management of blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and overall cell function.

2. Tomatoes

Another vegetable that works as well as green vegetables to protect the heart is a tomato. Tomatoes are one of the best heart healthy foods that are rich in lycopene. Lycopene is a natural plant-based pigment filled with antioxidant properties. These antioxidant-rich properties work to neutralize damaging free radicals that prevent and protect from any oxidative damage or inflammation thereby protecting from heart diseases. Lycopene is also linked to reducing the risk of heart attack and even stroke. Incorporation of tomatoes into your daily diet can help you manage blood pressure, blood lipids, and even endothelial function. Studies reveal tomatoes are known to increase the levels of HDL or good cholesterol. HDL further works to eliminate any excess cholesterol or plaque from arteries which promotes better flow of blood thereby protecting the heart from heart diseases and stroke.

3. Whole grains

Whole grains are another heart healthy food items that you must add to your daily diet to promote a healthy heart. Germ, endosperm, and bran are all nutrient-rich parts of any grain. Top whole grains you must incorporate into your diet include:

whole wheat

While the consumption of refined carbohydrates might increase the risk of heart disease, the consumption of whole grains actually works to protect the heart. Studies claim that incorporating more whole grains into your diet can definitely work to benefit your heart and improve overall heart health while reducing the risk of heart disease. In addition to that, it also works to prevent as well as manage hypertension. So the next time you go grocery shopping, make sure you buy whole grains, you get products with the labels whole grain or whole wheat. When it comes to labels like wheat flour or even multigrain you must read the label to confirm if they are whole grains.

4. Avocados

Avocados are another one of several heart healthy food items out there. Avocados are one of the best sources of monounsaturated fats which are incredibly heart healthy. They are known to effectively reduce the levels of cholesterol hence lowering the risk of heart disease. Studies reveal that avocados reduce the incorporation of LDL or bad cholesterol, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Also, multiple studies also claim that avocados exhibit lipid-lowering and cardioprotective properties. They are rich in potassium which works to benefit the heart. Avocados help in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, and even stroke.

5. Berries

Berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and even blackberries are one of the best categories of heart healthy food items. Filled with the essential nutrients and antioxidants for the body, berries work to nourish as well as protect the body against oxidative stress as well as inflammation. Not just that, studies show berries specifically strawberries help in the improvement of insulin resistance and management of LDL also known as bad cholesterol.

Another study about blueberries reveals that the incorporation of blueberries in your diet can improve the functioning of cells lining the blood vessels. This helps in controlling blood pressure and promotes healthy blood clotting. Almost all kinds of berries work to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and help in the maintenance of systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and inflammation. When you have a bad sugar craving or simply need a snack, berries cab definitely be that low-calorie but delicious dessert. Another food for healthy heart might include fruits like cherries and oranges for the heart.

6. Fatty fish & fish oil

Studies claim that fatty fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are flooded with heart-health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids derived from fatty fish play a crucial role in protecting the heart from developing any heart disease. Moreover, it also reduces the risk of arrhythmias and CVD events. Studies claim that the consumption of fish for an extended period of time can reduce cholesterol levels and help in the management of blood triglycerides, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. Another study proved the positive relationship between the consumption of fish and the risk reduction of cardiovascular diseases and depression. It even works to increase overall longevity. Another way to incorporate the benefits of fish is by incorporating fish oil which ensures the daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Apart from fish oils, fish oil supplements are also food healthy for the heart, they also work to deliver benefits like reduction of blood triglycerides, improvement of arterial function, and management of blood pressure. Similar benefits can also be incorporated through omega-3 supplements like krill oil or algal oil.

7. Beans

Beans are one of the best heart healthy food options out there. They are rich in resistant starch, which helps in the digestion process. Resistant starch in beans also works to benefit the gut. Several studies claim that adding beans and legumes to the daily diet can reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing levels of blood triglycerides and LDL or bad cholesterol. Beans also help in the management of blood pressure and inflammation which again reduces the risk of heart disease. Add beans to your daily routine if you want to incorporate a diet for a healthy heart.

8. Dark chocolate

Another exciting food item that actually helps in improving heart health is dark chocolate. When incorporated in moderation, dark chocolates can incorporate a healthy dose of antioxidants including flavonoids, that work to promote better heart health. Studies claim that consuming less than 5-6 servings of unsweetened dark chocolate per week reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes. However, when eaten in huge amounts chocolates can be harmful because of their sugar and calorie content. Make sure you pick good quality dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa content. Moderate consumption of dark chocolate is also known to reduce the risk of plaque accumulation thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

9. Green tea

Green tea has always been linked to innumerable health benefits. Right from boosting a fat-burning metabolism to improving insulin sensitivity, green tea is no less than a magic drink. Green tea is flooded with polyphenols and catechins. They serve as antioxidants that prevent all kinds of cell damage while reducing inflammation. Studies prove green tea works to protect the soundness of your heart. Research shows green tea promotes leptin and reduces LDL or bad cholesterol which works to help with obesity. Another study claims, green tea works to reduce blood pressure triglycerides, and even LDLs. Matcha green tea also seems to have multiple benefits for the heart. All kinds of green tea-infused snack or green tea as a beverage works as one of the best heart healthy food options.

10. Almonds

Almonds are another nutrient-rich healthy snack that works to benefit the heart. They are rich in all kinds of vitamins and minerals and work to promote heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber. These work to protect against heart disease. Research claims eating almonds regularly can even work to reduce cholesterol levels. It even reduces belly fat along with the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. In addition to that, studies show almonds increase the levels of HDL or good cholesterol. This in turn reduces any plaque buildup while clearing your arteries to promote better blood flow. Almonds are rich in nutrients and calories as well. However, when consumed in moderation it is known to deliver fiber and monounsaturated fats which reduces cholesterol as well as belly fat.

11. Walnuts

If you have been looking for heart healthy food items, walnuts are another snack you can definitely incorporate into your daily diet. They are flooded with fiber and micronutrients including magnesium, copper, and manganese. Just a few servings of walnuts can help in the protection against several heart diseases. Studies show several tree nuts including walnuts work to prevent cardiovascular diseases when incorporated into the daily diet. Research shows that walnuts also decrease LDL or bad cholesterol in the body and help in the maintenance of blood pressure.

12. Seeds

Another one of the best heart healthy food items that you must consider adding to your diet are certain kinds of seeds including, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds. Not only are they rich in heart-healthy nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids they promote the incorporation of fiber. Studies claim the incorporation of seeds into your diet can effectively minimize risk factors like blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol, and triglycerides that might lead to a heart attack. Hemp seeds are rich in arginine which is an amino acid that works to promote lower blood pressure levels and reduces inflammatory markers. This reduces the risk of heart disease. Another example of a heart-healthy seed is flaxseed which also helps in blood pressure and cholesterol management. This proves flaxseed minimizes the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as cancer. Also, it also helps in minimizing the risk of diabetes and certain gastrointestinal conditions. When it comes to seeds chia seeds are another health healthy food item that potentially works to lower blood triglyceride levels while boosting the levels of beneficial HDL or good cholesterol.

13. Olive oil

A staple in Mediterranean diets, olive oil is one of the most documented heart healthy food items out there. Packed with antioxidants, olive oil is known to relieve all kinds of inflammation while decreasing the risk of chronic diseases. Studies have shown olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that work to improve heart health. Another study shows olive oil works to effectively lower the risk of acquiring heart disease. Moreover, olive oil is rich in oleic acid as well as antioxidants that help in the prevention as well as treatment of hypertension. Olive oil can easily be substituted with your cooking oil and can even be added to salads and sauces.

14. Edamame

Immature soybean popularly known as edamame thats used in several Asian dishes is another one of the most effective heart healthy food items. Just like any other soy product, edamame is filled with soy isoflavones which is a flavonoids. It helps in lowering cholesterol levels and works to improve heart health. Soy protein also reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. When combined with a better lifestyle and more dietary changes, it can even reduce cholesterol levels which works to reduce the risk of heart ailments. Studies show soy protein works to manage blood lipids, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Along with that, edamame is rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants as well. Tofu is another soy-rich snack thats good for the heart.

15. Garlic

It is well established that garlic has plenty of health care benefits. In fact, it is one of the best home remedies to treat a number of problems. Research shows garlic is flooded with medicinal properties one of which is the improvement of heart health. Garlic is rich in compounds known as allicin which is one of the most therapeutic compounds. Studies show garlic extract works as well as a standard prescription drug for the reduction of blood pressure. Another study shows that garlic works to reduce cholesterol and LDL which makes it beneficial for patients with high cholesterol. Studies also reveal garlic works to reduce any sort of platelet buildup, which reduces the risk of blood clots and even stroke. When consumed raw garlic is the most beneficial.

When it comes to incorporating a heart-healthy diet there are a number of heart healthy food items out there. Diet is one of the most important factors that significantly affect health. What you consume on a regular basis can impact every aspect of your health including heart health. Also, there are certain diet plans like the DASH diet that help in the management of heart health. However, before you incorporate any major changes in diet, it is important to consult your healthcare professional. If you wouldn't like to incorporate a whole new diet, With a little moderation and healthy food choices you can manage to control your blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol levels, and even triglycerides. While the above-mentioned food list for a healthy heart or heart-healthy snacks is incredibly healthy when you combine them with healthy habits and better lifestyle changes, the risk of heart disease practically goes away. Not just that, a healthy heart diet, regular exercise, and a little moderation in diet can help naturally improve your overall health which will be visible in the form of better skin, better fitness, and overall better immunity.

Note: If you are medically diagnosed with any heart disease, these dietary recommendations cannot substitute for your medications. In fact, you must consult your healthcare professional before you incorporate any major changes in your diet.

Also read: 9 Easy Diet plans for weight loss and overall health boost

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15 Heart healthy food items to add to your daily diet - PINKVILLA

Gal Gadot shot to international superstardom when she took on the iconic role of Wonder Woman and earned high praise from fans as she played the beloved character as loving, fierce, strong, compassionate, and uncompromising. While the 37-year-old makes wearing the form fitting outfit look easy, the actress got into tip top shape for the part and worked hard to look amazing in the suit. She looks equally good in a new swimsuit photo. "Looking good," said one fan. Here's what we know about how Gadot trains for Wonder Woman. Read on to see 5 ways Gal Gadot stays in shape and the photos that prove they workand to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

While preparing for her role in Wonder Woman 1984 Gadot enlisted the help of Magnus Lygdbck who explains in a YouTube video on his channel that he before each workout, Gadot warmed up 5 minutes on the assault bike then 12 reps and 3 sets of wide grip pull down and finally 5-7 push-ups on knees e sets.Reda Elmardi, a Registered Dietician, Certified Nutritionist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Trainer and owner of thegymgoat.com says, "Low-intensity workouts are great for beginners who want to start working out but don't have much time to devote to exercise. These types of workouts can be done at home or even while commuting to work. They do not require any equipment and can be performed almost anywhere.

Cardio Exercise

Cardio exercises include running, walking, swimming, biking, elliptical machines, rowing machines, etc. This type of exercise helps burn calories and build muscle mass. If you're looking to lose weight, cardio exercises should make up a large portion of your routine.

Strength Training

Strength training involves using free weights (dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells) or bodyweight exercises (push-ups, pull-ups, squats). Strength training builds muscles and increases bone density. It's often recommended that people perform this type of workout three times per week."

Lygdbck also played a big role in her diet. He revealed in another YouTube video that Gadot ate a lot of protein with vegetables, but always avoided simple fast carbs. Reda explains, "Simple carbohydrates are those that contain only 1 sugar molecule per carb atom. These include things like table sugar (sucrose), high fructose corn syrup, honey, molasses, agave nectar, maple syrup, etc. There are many different types of simple carbs that we eat every day. They are often referred to as refined carbs because they have been processed into their final form. Refined carbs are not good for your health because they can cause inflammation in your body. This is because they lack fiber and other beneficial compounds that are naturally present in whole foods.

Scientifically:

Simple carbohydrates are defined as any carbohydrate that can be broken down into individual sugar units. These include monosaccharides (single sugars), disaccharides (double sugars), and oligosaccharides (chains of multiple sugars). Simple carbohydrates are easily digested and absorbed by the body and are often referred to as "quick energy" due to their quick release of energy. They are usually derived from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, and grains.The three types of simple carbohydrates are glucose, fructose, and galactose. Glucose is the primary form of carbohydrate in our bodies. Fructose is a type of sugar that occurs naturally in fruit, while galactose is a sugar that occurs in milk products."

Lygdbck broke down everything Gadot ate while training and explained how she eats eggs with a slow-carb for breakfast in his YouTube video, Reda says, "A slow-carb diet is a low-carbohydrate eating plan that emphasizes whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean meats, nuts, seeds, eggs, seafood, and non-processed dairy products. This type of diet can be beneficial for people who are looking to lose weight, lower their blood sugar levels, improve their energy, and increase their focus and concentration. The concept of a low-carb diet was first introduced by Dr. Stephen Phinney, a nutritionist at the University of Vermont. His goal was to create a way to eat fewer carbohydrates while still being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He believed that the standard American diet (SAD) was too high in processed carbs and that many Americans were suffering from obesity and diabetes. In order to achieve his goals, he created a ketogenic diet that allowed him to eat 80 percent fewer carbohydrates than SAD. In addition to reducing the number of carbohydrates consumed, he also increased the consumption of fats and protein. By doing so, he was able to reduce the number of calories he ate each day without feeling hungry or deprived. Today, the term "low-carb" has become synonymous with any low-carbohydrate diet. However, some experts believe that the original definition of a low-carb diet should only apply to those diets that are based on whole foods and do not include artificial sweeteners, refined grains, or other processed ingredients.

Additional info:

Lygdbck doesn't believe in extreme dieting or eliminating foods, but in order to achieve great results, he does require eating clean 17 meals out of 20, which he explains in his YouTube video. The other meals are meant to enjoy whatever you'd like and Reda shares, "Cheat meals are meals that contain foods that are not allowed on your diet plan. These foods can include anything from chocolate to potato chips. Cheat meals are usually eaten at night before going to bed. This way, you won't have any cravings for them in the morning. The cheat meal method works because it helps you eat less food overall. When you skip eating certain foods, you feel hungry sooner. Once you start feeling hungry, you tend to want to eat something right away. By having a cheat meal first thing in the morning, you'll get full faster and avoid those hunger pangs. You should only use cheat meals once per week. If you use cheat meals too often, they may become a habit. You don't want this to happen because then you'll stop losing weight. When using the cheat meal method, you need to make sure that you're getting enough protein. Protein is needed for muscle building and repair. Without protein, you won't build lean muscle mass. If you're looking to lose weight fast, you should try the cheat meal method. It's a great way to keep yourself motivated while you're trying to lose weight."df44d9eab23ea271ddde7545ae2c09ec

Lygdbck shared that Gadot ate five meals a day and Janet Coleman, a registered dietitian with The Consumer Mag says, "The biggest advantage of eating small meals throughout the day is that it helps you maintain your energy level, which makes staying active and burning fat much easier. If you get too hungry, your willpower to stay active drops in proportion to how low your blood sugar levels gothat's why many people have trouble sticking to a diet when they don't have time to eat much during the day."Alan Morton, a trainer with Train Fitness, adds, "The idea here is that lots of meals rather than one big meal will keep your metabolism boosted throughout the day and avoid the peaks and troughs brought about by the hormonal response that large meals bring. If all meals are small and spread out it could keep the insulin spike which promotes fat loss lower as you are not overloading the body with lots of foot in one go. Also, the body can only synthesise (use) a given amount of protein at any given time (around 12 grams per hour) so if you are getting regular protein intake then you can maximize muscle growth."

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Gal Gadot in Bathing Suit is "Looking Good" Celebwell - Celebwell

Some people can make this change overnight, which is fantastic if this is the best way for you. Maintain sight of your destination while traveling at your own pace. A vegan diet may appear complicated or overly restrictive at first glance. Like any other lifestyle change, going vegan requires getting used to something new and figuring out what works best for you. It is a subjective experience, and there are numerous approaches to this situation.

Making minor changes to your daily menu is the simplest way to increase your intake of plant-based foods.

You can begin by committing to one meat-free day per week and work your way up from there. Another option is to replace one product at a time, such as cow's milk with soy or almond milk, butter with coconut oil, or margarine. Additionally, if you don't have a budget, you shouldn't worry because many recipes are inexpensive.

Planning a diet that includes all the vitamins and nutrients you need will be very simple if you eat diverse and tasty plant-based foods. Make sure that you are not deficient in essential nutrients! Because there are vegan options for almost every type of junk food, being vegan does not imply that you are healthy. Vegan diets tend to be low in vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, vitamin D, selenium and iodine.

A common myth is that its difficult to get protein from plant foods. In reality, they can provide all the essential protein building blocks that we call amino acids. Good sources include beans, lentils, chickpeas, soya products, peanut butter, cashew nuts and pumpkin seeds, Heather Russell, a registered dietician at the Vegan Society, said in an interview with The Guardian.

"Fortified plant milk contains the same amount of calcium as cow's milk, and fortified yogurt alternatives, calcium-set tofu, and a soya and linseed bread fortified with extra calcium are also rich sources," he added.

New foods and flavors will tantalize your taste buds. Vegan recipes from all over the world abound. You will be surprised that many of your favorite dishes are vegan by default and others require just small changes.

Always be aware that becoming a vegan is a process where you live in a non-vegan world, with a vegan lifestyle that requires curiosity and courage. Do not forget to enjoy your chose a vegan lifestyle and the benefits you experienced after making the switch.

As a huge advantage, vegan diets allow you to maintain a healthy weight. Veganism is not restrictive, and you should not consider yourself on a diet. Vegan counterparts can satisfy almost all your non-vegan-style pleasures. You can find them in your supermarket and alternatively grow your fruit and vegetables.

Vegans typically abstain from animal products specifically for health reasons. Switching to a vegan diet is not difficult, though it requires additional nutrition knowledge.

Advice from a specialized dietitian is always helpful.

Although vegans may prefer to avoid animal products for their diet, they frequently select extensions that go beyond diet. In reality, Veganism is a lifestyle strongly related to animal rights. As a result, many vegans avoid purchasing clothes made of silk, wool, leather or suede.

Generally, a vegan diet based more on whole grains, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and fruits can bring a higher daily intake of nutrients, fibers, minerals and vitamins. Important to mention here is to consider an additional supplement for nutrients such as vitamins B12 and D, zinc, and calcium, because these may be lacking in some foods.

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How does the vegan transition process work - Blasting News United States

We all know that mosquitoes drink blood. What you may not know is that some mosquito larvae are also cannibals.

Before becoming adults, mosquito larvae live in lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and even neighborhood gardens. While most mosquito larvae feed on algae and bacteria, some feed on other aquatic insects including other mosquito larvae.

Robert G. Hancock, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Biology at Metropolitan State University of Denver, first observed mosquito larvae attacking other larvae under a microscope in an undergraduate course in the 1980s.

It was so incredibly fast, he said in a news release. The only thing that we saw was a blur of action.

Since that undergraduate course, advances in video and microscope technology have allowed Hancock and his students to observe mosquitoes in extreme slow motion. His groundbreaking research, published in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America, shows not just that they eat other larvae but how.

RELATED: Whats behind Colorados West Nile virus surge?

Hancocks report includes 10 videos of larvae from three species of mosquito. The Toxorhynchites amboinensis and Psorophora ciliate species diets rely on consuming other insect larvae. The Sabethes cyaneus species eats microorganisms and sometimes other larvae.

The Toxorhynchites and Psorophora larvae strike prey by elongating their necks, almost completely removing their heads from their bodies. Then, they grab the prey and snap their mandibles closed.

Hancock recalls his surprise when he and his researchers first successfully recorded the strike on film. I saw it first, he said, and my jaw dropped. And it still does every time I watch it.

Sabethes mosquito larvae use their long tails to sweep prey toward their heads, then open their mandibles and maxillae (pincerlike mouth parts) and snap onto the prey.

The larvaes use of the tail was also a surprise, Hancock said.

Both striking mechanisms take about 15 milliseconds. That speed indicates an almost-reflexive behavior called a fixed-action pattern, Hancock said. He compared it with the action of swallowing, which involves multiple muscular movements that work together in the blink of an eye. All of this stuff has to work in concert we all do it so automatically, he said. And thats exactly what these (mosquito-larvae strikes) have to be. Its a package deal.

Toxorhynchites and Psorophora mosquitoes are well-known for their predatory characteristics. The Toxorhynchites species has been studied as a potential tool for controlling mosquitoes that carry germs because it preys on the Ades species, which spreads zoonotic diseases such as Zika. Because a single Toxorhynchites larva could consume up to 5,000 larvae before maturing into adulthood, adult Toxorhynchites mosquitoes are some of the largest in the world, as are Psorophora.

Hancock recorded the strikes in 2020 with students at MSU Denver using a high-speed digital camera that captures more than 4,000 frames per second. The lights needed to view the larvae under the microscope were so bright and hot that they had to use protective filters to not just cook the larvae, he said. They also wore dark sunglasses to protect the researchers eyes.

Hancock has studied mosquitoes for most of his career and says this new research can help unveil the mysteries of nature, especially in aquatic species. The videos could open peoples eyes to the species living in even the smallest pools of water. Small containers of water that dont move are primarily the domain of mosquitoes, he said.

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These insects are vampires and cannibals - RED. Relevant. Essential. Denver

The Argentinian singerMara Becerra was spotted in beautiful Spain. On Instagram, she shared a picture of herself on a pool lounger, showing off her tattoos. She says she always likes to take advantage of a free moment to enjoy the pool and beach. "Siempre aprovechando cada momento libre para pileta y playita," she wrote. How does she do it? Read on to see 5 ways Mara Becerra stays in shape and the photos that prove they workand to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

In this video by Recording Academy, Mara reveals she is a vegan. Vegans restrict their intake of animal products, of course. According to Tufts Medical Center, "vegan diets can be a part of a healthy lifestyle when planned and implemented correctly. Like any eating plan to restrict specific food groups, vegan diets can come up short in essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, iron and vitamin B12. If planned and supplemented (as needed) appropriately, vegan diets can certainly be a part of a healthy lifestyle."

Mara enjoys her herbal teas, she shared with the Recording Academy, such as "ginger, lemon, turmeric." But she also drinks plenty of water. She does mention she needs her mate when on tour. Mara explains that mate is a tradition in Argentina, and contains of a thermos with hot water infused with herbs, mate, and some honey or sugar. Mara says that the drink is best enjoyed when shared. Per Harvard, "Drinking enoughwatereach day is crucial for many reasons: to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood."

Mara loves to cook! In this video for Tastemade, she shares her favorite dish, a gluten free pasta, and how to prepare it. The dish features fresh ingredients such as lemon, garlic, and herbs, and also nuts. The UW reminds us that "Many commercially prepared foods are high in fat, salt, and sugar. When we prepare our own food, we know exactly which ingredients and how much of each are going into our food."df44d9eab23ea271ddde7545ae2c09ec

On TikTok, Mara shares some of her dances. Not only that, she takes on challenges as well! In all of them, we can see her moving. As the CDC states, "Adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits. Only a few lifestyle choices have as large an impact on your health as physical activity". So, move that body!

It would be to no one's surprise that Mara follows a rigorous workout routine. But to stay true to her heritage, she knows how to kick a ball around as well! Take a look at this Instagram post. Staying active goes beyond the fitness club. And play, such as playing soccer with a friend of going for a bike ride, can go a long way!

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Mara Becerra in Bathing Suit Visits the "Pool and Beach" Celebwell - Celebwell

Fitness influencer Bru Luccas works hard for her physique, and she's proud to show it off. Luccas posted a picture of herself wearing a printed floral bathin in Barcelona, Spain, much to the appreciation of her many fans. "Hermosa", one commenter said. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Luccas stays in shape and the photos that prove they workand to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

Luccas enjoys working out on a trampoline, especially with friends. "Jumping causes you to repeatedly tense and release your muscles, which is good for your circulation," says exercise coordinator Lori Lyons, MBA, AFAA, CWA. "Then, when you're done jumping, your muscles are loose and relaxed."df44d9eab23ea271ddde7545ae2c09ec

Luccas likes to spend time in the sauna and spa when she's winding down. "Sauna bathing at a temperature of 113-212 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 10-30% mimics a physiological response similar to moderate- to high-intensity cardiovascular exercise like cycling, swimming or running," says Michael Daignault, MD.

Luccas is a big fan of fresh fruit, especially strawberries. "Strawberries have a low glycemic index (GI) and as such help moderate blood sugar release," says registered nutritionist Jo Lewin. "Studies suggest that a diet with plenty of low GI foods may be beneficial for weight management and for reducing the incidence of obesity-related diseases. Strawberries are also low in calories, yet sweet tasting so may be helpful as a sweet fix."

Luccas likes to incorporate CBD products into her wellness routine. "CBD is a chemical found in marijuana. CBD doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high," says Brent A. Bauer, MD. "The usual CBD formulation is oil, but CBD is also sold as an extract, a vaporized liquid and an oil-based capsule. Food, drinks and beauty products are among the many CBD-infused products available online."

Luccas makes a point of never dieting or restricting food groups. "I don't do diets I eat like any other person," she says. "I love ice cream! I only know what's good for my body. Girls should focus on their own bodies. You should do whatever makes you happy."

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Bru Luccas in Bathing Suit is "Hermosa" Celebwell - Celebwell

The CDC should recommend agricultural reforms to reduce pandemic risks caused by factory farms.

The U.S. public has many lovescar ownership, large sports events, and Fourth of July fireworks. But no love affair burns quite as hot as the publics love for cheap, plentiful meat.

But could consuming large amounts of meat affect more than just your cholesterol levels?

Some scientists and activists have already warned that factory farming, which is the rearing of livestock under extreme confinement, emits dangerous amounts of greenhouse gases, abuses animals, and worsens nutritional diets and health. Despite these reasons for consumers to cut back on eating meat, the threat of another global pandemic could finally persuade U.S. consumers to reduce their meat consumption.

Changing meat-eating habits and encouraging stronger animal advocacy is difficult, but COVID-19 has forced more disruptive changessuch as altering work schedules, social habits, schooling, masking requirements, and more. To amass public support and spur agricultural change, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should propose non-binding recommendations that encourage factory farms to limit extreme animal confinement, improve facility hygiene, cease antibiotic overuse, and reduce selective breeding practices.

Researchers have linked concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) with increased viral and bacterial transmissions. Environmental stressors on CAFOssuch as animal overcrowding, enclosed facilities, illness-inducing grain feed, and unsanitary conditionsfacilitate the spread of disease. These conditions also take a substantial toll on farm animals bodies and their ability to fight off infections.

In addition, CAFO operators administer large quantities of antibiotics to farm animals, increasing bacterias likelihood to mutate, develop antibiotic resistance, and pass to humans. Moreover, operators rear animals for profitable physical characteristics, such as breeding chickens to have large breasts. Breeding practices that produce genetically similar animals permit easier spread of infections because the animals lack the genetic variation needed to combat new viruses or bacteria.

Globalized markets add another layer of risk. International trade of farm animals and human travel redistributes pathogens and viral hosts, facilitating the exchange of genetic material between strains that otherwise would not have encountered each other.

Despite the global pandemic risk created by factory farming, the U.S. Department of Agriculture only has congressional authorization to regulate animal slaughtering, animal transportation, and animal product inspection, which all occurs after handlers have already removed animals from the CAFO facility.

Some agencies have attempted to reduce on-farm infection risks even without a specific law authorizing regulation of CAFO conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for example, released nonbinding guidance to reduce animal ingestion of antibiotics that are critical to human health. Yet, factory farms have not drastically decreased antibiotics use and still pose a global pandemic risk.

Just as FDA attempted to redress factory farming pandemic risks through guidance, the CDC should release guidance recommending the elimination of extreme animal confinement and cleaner living and waste disposal standards. The CDC should also recommend ceasing antibiotics overuse and limiting selective breeding that produces genetically homogeneous animal populations. These recommendations would decrease the probability that novel viral or bacterial strains would survive and spread in factory farms, which decreases the probability that a human would become infected and spread illness to others in turn.

Although CAFO operators and managers would likely refuse to comply with such CDC guidance, the agency should not limit the guidances ambition because of anticipated noncompliance. Instead, the guidance should serve as a publicity tool to inform the public about the substantial and unjustifiable pandemic risks that factory farms impose on the United States and the entire globe.

And because the CDC has become a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, it currently has the publics attention and is in the best possible position to issue non-binding guidance about factory farms extraordinary pandemic risks.

Theoretically, the CDC could go a step further and issue binding regulations on factory farms to reduce pandemic risks. Under the Public Health Service Act, the CDC can issue regulations that are necessary to prevent the introduction, transmission, or spread of communicable diseases, that manifest in CAFOs.

But even if the CDC were to issue binding regulations, a court might invalidate them.

The U.S. Supreme Court has demonstrated that it will disregard an agencys action if based on a legal interpretation that implicates major political or economic issues, even though courts in the past have usually deferred to agencies interpretations of ambiguous laws.

For example, the Supreme Court rejected the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys ability to regulate an energy transition from polluting plants toward less carbon-intensive energy generation under a certain section of the Clean Air Act. The Court determined that the Acts section did not give the agency clear authority to regulate a fundamental sector of the economy and force a nationwide transition toward green energy.

Similarly, the Court would likely invalidate a CDC attempt to regulate the meat industryfor which the CDC lacks institutional expertisebecause of the meat industrys scale and profitability. The CDC might be able to regulate some less-consequential on-farm activities, such as requiring protective respirators for workers, but it is unlikely to dismantle the abusive practices that concern animal activists.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court and various district courts have clawed back the CDCs regulatory power during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supreme Court, for instance, held that the CDCs second authorization of an eviction moratorium exceeded its legal authority, noting that the Public Health Service Act only explicitly authorizes inspections, fumigations, and other sanitary measures. Given the current trend, a CDC attempt to regulate factory farms as a pandemic threat would likely not survive judicial review.

But when binding legal approaches fail, rule makers can still facilitate change through nonbinding guidance. Despite no clear congressional authorization to regulate factory farm conditions, the CDC should issue guidance to illuminate the industrys catastrophic pandemic risks. Then, consumers can determine whether they would rather uphold the meat industry as it currently exists or advocate agricultural changes to reduce risks of another life-altering global pandemic.

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How Factory Farming Could Cause the Next COVID-19 - The Regulatory Review

A grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation may help Royal Oak and neighboring cities make a number of changes, including road diets, along the 11 Mile Road corridor from Stephenson Highway to Greenfield Road in the next several years.

The other cities include Huntington Woods, Berkley and Oak Park.

Royal Oak City Manager Paul Brake said staff is seeking approval from city commissioners Monday for the city to take part in a federal pilot program aimed at reconnecting communities.

This brings the communities together and would help us promote a safer (11 Mile Road) for motor vehicles, pedestrians and non-motorized transportation, Brake said. It enables us to design cities around people and not cars.

A key premise of the project is to analyze the possibility of road diets on 11 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway.

In Royal Oak that could include bike lanes east of Woodward to allow riders from the other communities to wheel into Royal Oaks downtown, Brake said.

Other features for the communities involved could also include enhanced crosswalks, permeable pavers, bioswales, more lighting and a few added traffic signals.

With the communities joining together it shows this is a priority for our region, Brake said.

The city is working with a consultant engineer and the pilot grant, if it happens, would cover the first phase of work.

Still, the city is set to proceed with a budgeted resurfacing of 11 Mile Road in 2024-25 from Main Street to Campbell Road. Other stretches of the road are planned to follow in the three subsequent years.

Funds have also been earmarked to have a gateway project on 11 Mile just west of I-75 for those entering the city.

Royal Oaks traffic committee has already been looking at 11 Mile Road for lane conversions that might include implementing a left-hand turn lane. A traffic study that was done shows 11 Mile averages about 14,000 motor vehicles a day.

A left turn lane would be safer, Brake said. That means the roadway would be reduced to one lane in each direction instead of two.

The city traffic study showed that between 2016 to 2020 there were 568 crashes on 11 Mile in Royal Oak, with 140 of them resulting in injuries.

At this point its unclear how many changes will be made along the roadway by all four cities seeking the federal pilot grant.

Oak Park City Manager Erik Tungate said officials there have yet to consider what changes it would make to the section of 11 mile that runs through the city from Coolidge to Greenfield.

A traffic study will have to be done to meet the needs of the pedestrians as well as the vehicular traffic coming through here, Tungate said.

Having the four cities collaborate in the pilot grant program will allow them to coordinate quality-of-life investments, from road changes to public seating, lighting and other features, Tungate said.

Its not often (multi-city) partnerships like this have been fulfilled, he said. Were excited to work with the other cities and this fits with other improvements were making in Oak Park.

Several restaurants and two breweries have located on 11 Mile in Oak Park in recent years.

Improving the road among the four cities will make them each part of a larger seamless district, Tungate said.

Weve got some momentum building and seized this opportunity to build more momentum in Oak Park, he said.

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Royal Oak, 3 other cities join to seek grant for 11 Mile Road changes - Oakland Press

New funding will advance research on the role of diet and race in knee arthritis pain and pain sensitivity, respectively, in transgender community.

Burel Goodin, Ph.D., and Robert Sorge, Ph.D.Two University of Alabama at Birmingham faculty members in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology have received R01 grants from the National Institute for Nursing Research to further their research projects.

Professor Burel Goodin, Ph.D., and Associate Professor Robert Sorge, Ph.D., received $472,384 in funding for their project titled Sex, Hormones and Identity affect Nociceptive Expression, or SHINE, and $525,800 in funding for the project Diet Interventions, by Race, Evaluated as Complementary Treatments for Pain, or DIRECTPain.

These grants will allow Dr. Sorge and me to continue our work focused on improved pain management options, as well as better understand the pain experiences of people historically under-represented in research, Goodin said.

SHINE will focus on the understudied transgender community and aims to determine the impact of gender identity, sex assigned at birth and hormone status on pain sensitivity. The goal is to examine social and psychological factors that contribute to pain sensitivity in these groups, and it is the first study to examine evoked pain sensitivity and immune cell responsivity between cisgender and transgender individuals.

DIRECTPain is the first study to examine the efficacy of diets to reduce knee osteoarthritis pain with an emphasis on race, sex and interactions. The overall aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of diets to reduce evoked pain and to determine the contribution of race and sex to these effects, with an emphasis on psychosocial variables.

Both of these grants are the natural extension of our work examining ways in which biopsychosocial variables can affect chronic pain in populations that are historically undertreated for pain, Sorge said. Providing a non-drug alternative for chronic pain through DIRECTPain and partnering with local community groups through SHINE will allow us to directly impact those shouldering the greatest burdens and at the highest risk for poor health outcomes.

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Nearly $1 million in R01 grants to support UAB psychology research - University of Alabama at Birmingham