Healthy Body

The changing structure of our bodies as we grow up affects our food and nutrition practices. When the hormones in our body become less active, the body starts to lose muscles and bones, and gains fat.

There are numerous factors that cause impediments in an elderly person’s life. Here are eight nutrients that can help an elderly person learn how to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Water

As we grow older, our body is more prone to cases of dehydration that decreases the water inside our body. Though, most elderly people have a hard time sensing thirst and pouring themselves a glass of water to drink can already be very hard for them, it is still recommended for them to drink at least 1 ounce of water for every 2.2 pounds of the weight of their bodies.

Protein

Protein foods such as eggs, poultry, lean meat, and fish are very important nutrients for the elderly people because it strengthens the immune system and hinders the wasting of muscles.

Carbs and fiber

Crabs, grain products such as cereals, pasta, and bread, partnered with water are good combinations that should be included in their diet.

Fat

In an elderly person’s diet, fat intake is not fully eliminated but controlled. Choosing healthier food items such as low fat dairy items, lean meat and using a cooking method that does not involve frying should be done to remain healthy.

Iron

Elderly people with iron deficiencies in their bodies mean they do not eat much. Breakfast cereals and lean red meats are excellent choices of iron.

Zinc

A certain age in a person’s life, the body may not absorb zinc that it needs. Foods that are rich in zinc such as fish, poultry, and meat should be consumed.

Calcium

The bodies of elderly people do not consume enough calcium. For example, they think that drinking milk will only upset their stomach.  Nevertheless, milk is a good source of calcium and nonfat powdered milk should be used as an alternative in food recipes. It is a requirement for the elderly people to consume calcium at least 1, 500 mg per day. Yogurt, broccoli, and low fat cheese are also other sources of calcium.

Vitamin B12

Elderly people usually suffer from atrophic gastritis which triggers bacterial overgrowth and inflammation of the stomach, which hinders the production of the intrinsic factor that absorbs the benefits gained from Vitamin B12.

These eight nutrients are exceedingly important to keep an aging body fit and healthy. Most importantly, a balanced diet should also be followed with an active lifestyle in order for the elderly people to live healthy long lives.

When cows or other livestock feed on grass, they first regurgitate the grass from their first stomach or rumen. Since they have four rumens, they can break down the food and digest it by converting it into fat and protein. Why grass fed meat is better for you is the topic of this article.

Years ago, grass was the only source of food for most livestock. Today, however, grain, corn, and other protein supplements are utilized. The problem is that because the livestock is not used to this type of food, antibiotics have to be given to the livestock so that the foods they are given do not cause problems to their digestive system.

The problem with feeding corn to cows is that it is an acidic agent which can cause bloat, which is when the animal’s rumen produces high amounts of gas and the rumination process suddenly halts. The rumen becomes larger and intervention becomes necessary to relieve the animal of the gas build-up. Unless this is done quickly, the pressure can literally suffocate the cow.

Thus, because cows and other livestock are given antibiotics to prevent ulcers, liver disease, and other conditions as a result of the acidity, the meat can be infected with bacteria such as E. coli. Recent events illustrate how the E. coli bacteria played a major role in causing individuals to become seriously ill and, in some cases, even death.

Another reason why grass fed meat is better for you is because it is low in saturated fat. Studies have shown that livestock who are fed with grain have a higher amount of fat than those who are grass fed. When you buy a steak, for example, do you notice the marble of fat? Well, that is a direct result of grain fed cattle.

In addition, grass fed meat contains a higher amount of omega-3 fat, which is beneficial to our health. This is the same omega-3 fat that is found in fish and cod liver oil. Here is another point: When livestock are fed grain, the omega-3 fat is slowly absorbed into their tissue and much of it is lost. In addition, meat from grain fed livestock has less Vitamin E than meat from those that are grass fed. Cattle that are grass fed have four times more Vitamin E than their counterparts.

Finally, it seems appropriate to add that grass fed livestock help the environment. When grain is used, there is a build-up of waste which is attributed to pollution. However, with grass fed livestock the waste is absorbed by the farmland and becomes a source of nutrients that are recycled over and over again.

Grass fed meat is a viable alternative in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Although grass fed meat is more expensive, it is worth the price knowing that we are contributing not only to the health and welfare of livestock, but to the environment as well.

Organic meat is meat which is derived from livestock that are neither given hormones nor antibiotics. Is organic and natural meat the same? The answer is no. In order to obtain organic status, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to. Let’s review what they are.

When an owner of a cattle ranch decides to go organic, the process involves several components which take three years to accomplish.  The land must first build up its fertility. This is known as the conversion stage. Once it has been deemed fully organic, then additional guidelines are set in place to assure the livestock are properly raised.

The feed or grass that is grown must be 100% certified organic. No pesticides or fertilizers can be used. In fact, even the fence posts have to be untreated in order to meet the guidelines imposed. The feed must be free of animal by-products. The livestock must be able to roam freely, as their wellbeing is a priority.

Machinery used on the farm must be cleaned regularly. Livestock are checked to ensure they are healthy, and if any of the livestock develop a condition which requires intervention in the form of antibiotics, the organic status is lost.

Organic status begins from inspection of the farm and animals to the processing and distribution of the organic meat. Unless the meat sold in supermarkets has the USDA Organic label affixed to the package, it is not considered organic.

Organic meat can cost more than conventional meats. This is mainly due to labor intensive management of the farms. Farms are inspected yearly to ensure they are keeping within the organic status guidelines.

If you compare organic meat to traditional meat, you can see a remarkable difference between the two. For example:

* Use of hormones are prohibited in organic meat, but are allowed in regular meat.
* Feed grown with fertilizers and pesticides is used in conventional farming – not so with organic meat.
* On conventional farms, cattle cannot graze in pastures and are confined, whereas in organic farming they have complete access to the land and are not confined.
* Traditional farms feed animal by-products to cattle; organic farms do not.

These are just some of the major differences between organic and non-organic meats. It is no wonder that more consumers are opting for organic meat since the practice used to obtain organic status is of the highest caliber.

Inevitably when you are choosing vitamins or supplements you want to ensure you are purchasing the best product available. Choosing the right form of cod liver oil is no exception.

Here are some tips and suggestions to assist you.

1. Cod liver oil, in its purest form, contains Vitamins A, D, and E, which are found in the cod’s liver. While most manufacturers process all of these vitamins to form the oil, there are others who use synthetic vitamins and pass it off as the real thing. Check to ensure the product you are purchasing is the real thing.

2. Some cod liver oil products do not meet the guidelines associated with eliminating toxins and other contaminants from the oils. Ensure that the brand of cod liver oil you choose is free of these contaminants.

3. In some cases if cod liver oil is not processed correctly, oxidation can occur. This is due to the fact that the oil contains unsaturated fats. So if you purchase a bottle of cod liver oil that smells bad or has a bad taste, throw it out.

4. As mentioned above, cod liver oil normally contains Vitamins A, D, and a small amount of E, which is naturally generated from the cod’s liver. However, there are some manufacturers who add a synthetic form of Vitamin E. Make sure the cod liver oil you purchase contains natural Vitamin E as part of its overall ingredients.

5. Choose a product that originates from countries such as Norway. The reason for this is that the cod is caught in seasons when the content of the liver oil is at its peak. Moreover, the process by which the liver oil is extracted is done without the use of chemicals.

6. There are over thirty protocols that are supposed to be incorporated to determine the efficacy of the cod liver oil. These protocols include ascertaining the freshness of the product, the potency, and the levels of contaminants therein.

7. Cod liver oil is available in soft gel capsules for easy consumption.

Finally, in researching cod liver oil, the general consensus is that one company has been given the highest ratings thus far: Carlson Laboratories has been touted as the best manufacturer of cod liver oil. The product is called Norwegian Cod Liver Oil with Lemon and has been regularly tested using the international protocols for potency and purity. In fact, consumers have remarked that the lemon taste disguises the oil, making it more palatable for adults and children alike.

There are many uses of coconut oil, besides its health benefits. Here is a list of the most common applications:

* Coconut oil can be used as salad dressing.
* It can be utilized as a substitute for shortening or vegetable oil.
* Coconut oil can also be used to deep fry and/or sauté.
* Instead of putting butter on popcorn, why not use coconut oil.
* Coconut oil is a conditioner for hair.
* It can be used as a daily moisturizer for the skin.
* Coconut oil can be used as fruit topping.
* It can be used to make a smoothie.
* It can be used in baking ingredients.
* It relieves sunburn.
* Coconut oil can be used as a dietary supplement.
* It may prevent age or liver spots.
* It can control dandruff.
* It can keep thyroid conditions stable.
* It can prevent tooth decay.

While these are just a few ideas to incorporate coconut oil in your daily regimen, its main ingredients can have health benefits, too.

* If can be used to relieve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

* Taken orally coconut oil can help prevent a host of illnesses such as diabetes, viral infections, listeria, osteoporosis and diabetes, as well as aid weight loss, improve digestion and lower cholesterol.

Due to the high concentration of saturated fat found in coconut oil, specifically called lauric acid, you can incorporate this oil in your diet regimen by adding it to chicken and rice dinners, fish, salsa, and other recipes you have on hand.

Here is an interesting study that tried to determine how much fat was stored in people who maintained a low-fat diet, a high-fat diet containing long chain triglycerides, and a high-fat diet that contained medium chain triglycerides. Keep in mind that coconut oil contains the medium chain triglycerides.

After the individuals were kept on their diets for 44 days, the results were as follows: “The low-fat diet group stored an average of 0.47 grams of fat per day, and the LCT group 0.48 grams/day, while the MCT group deposited only 0.19 grams of fat per day. Thus, the MCT group had a 60% reduction in the amount of body fat stored as compared to the other diets.”

The assertion that coconut oil decreases food consumption has been proven. Studies show that by simply adding coconut oil to meals, individuals find that they become fully sated after a meal and have no desire for seconds or snacks.

As stated at the beginning of this article, there are many uses of coconut oil, but none more effective than its use as an alternative way to improve one’s health.

The connection between grass fed beef and omega-3 fatty acids is an important link to one’s health. Livestock who are grass fed produce higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, similar to the omega-3 found in fish, fish oils, and cod liver oil.

Since our bodies cannot produce these acids, it is important that they are acquired through foods. Studies have indicated that most people consume foods which are higher in omega-6, which in turn can cause health problems. Most experts recommend that a diet should consist of a balance of both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in order to prevent heart disease and related illnesses.

Other studies have asserted that omega-3 can alleviate and reduce treatment for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids can prevent hypertension, cancer, and inflammatory conditions as well.

One study showed that DHA, a component found in omega-3, may lower the serotonin levels in the brain. They indicate there is a direct link between depression and lack of omega-3. Omega-3 also decreases memory loss and may reduce the development of Alzheimer’s as well.

The assertion that grass fed beef is more beneficial to our health is based on data resulting from a number of studies. Here are five reasons why grass fed beef is preferred:

1. Livestock that are grass fed produce leaner meat.
2. The omega-3 in grass fed beef is seven percent of the fat content, as opposed to one percent in grain fed beef.
3. There are higher amounts of vitamins and minerals in grass fed beef.
4. One of the acids contained in grass fed beef is called CLA, which is a fat that can decrease the development of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and other immune disorders.
5. Grass fed beef is healthier to eat than grain fed beef.

As mentioned earlier, there should be a balance between the amount of omega-6 and omega-3 in our daily diet. The reason is that a study recently conducted affirmed that women who have a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Here are a few statistics that may be of interest: The ratio of omega-3 in grass fed beef versus a chicken breast is four to one. Grass fed beef also has lower cholesterol levels than a chicken breast. The CLA ratio in grass fed beef as opposed to a chicken breast is three to one.

The connection between grass fed beef and omega-3 fatty acids is based on solid research and data. The next time you go grocery shopping you may want to ask, “Where’s the Beef?” instead of choosing a package of chicken breasts.

As we get older, we face the prospect of health-related issues, memory problems and loss of physical acuity. But while some believe that age is just a number, others assert you are as old as you feel. Well, depending upon how you feel one thing is certain – finding the “fountain of youth” may be just as difficult as grabbing the brass ring. In this regard, perhaps there is another alternative available: slow aging with bee pollen. Let’s take a look at the possibilities.

We know that bee pollen not only has an energizing effect but because it contains antioxidants, it can halt the aging process by rallying the cells in the body. This process of rejuvenation has been the subject of considerable research. Here is one case study.

A biologist, who is also an expert in geriatrics, did a study in the mountains of Russia where the population is known to live longer than most. What he found was quite startling. While most of the people he examined exhibited signs that they were suffering from heart disease, they were still engaging in hard work on a daily basis and enjoyed participating in local activities. The people were quite old, and the biologist couldn’t figure out why these particular people had defied the aging process.

Upon further research, he found that the common factor among these people was they all kept beehives. While they were considered quite poor and mostly bartered with their neighbors, they would pay for services with honey taken from the beehives they owned. But what they did not barter away was the substance that could be found at the bottom of these beehives. This substance was bee pollen. Thus, he concluded, the bee pollen not only slowed the aging process for these people, but extended it considerably.

Why is this research so remarkable? Because the 200 men and women he studied were over the age of 125 – all active, all engaged in daily living, and consuming bee pollen on a daily basis.

Studies have shown conclusively that bee pollen increases mental and physical acuity, and increases the metabolism as well as the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. As delineated in the study, while it appeared that the people involved had suffered cardiovascular disease, there were no other acute signs showing any significant limitations. Indeed, in the example given these people were energetic, free of stress, able to function on a daily basis, and obviously maintained a healthy state – both physically and mentally.

Can bee pollen slow the aging process? There seems to be no evidence to the contrary, at the moment.

To fully understand the differences between raw, pasteurized, and homogenized milk, let’s take a look at each and discover what it all means.

Raw Milk

Approximately 1% of the population ingests raw milk. Its health benefits have been studied and the data concludes that it is well known for helping to cure various ailments including rickets in children, diabetes, skin conditions, allergies, arthritis, TB, and heart disease, among others. There is, however, an ongoing debate as to its efficacy. While health institutes strongly object to its use because it can adversely affect pregnant women and cause a myriad of illnesses, proponents suggest otherwise.

Raw milk contains vitamins, minerals, protein and amino acids, and enzymes which are important to maintain good health. As long as the milk is “clean”, that is, the farmer who distributes it utilizes high standards, the cows are fed fresh green grass, and the milk is cooled and bottled; it is considered safe and effective.

Pasteurized Milk

Opponents of raw milk are definitive in their assertion that pasteurized milk is healthier. During the pasteurization process, all the bacteria that is contained in raw milk is destroyed. But pasteurization destroys vitamins, nutrients, and proteins as well. So the controversy surrounding raw milk versus pasteurized milk is still ongoing.
Studies on pasteurized milk have shown that it may cause illnesses such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli.

Conversely, while raw milk contains high amounts of calcium needed for strong bones and increased growth, the pasteurization of milk all but kills the calcium and other important ingredients required to maintain good health. In addition, pasteurized milk has been known to cause allergic reactions and illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, ear infections, weight gain, osteoporosis, and other related diseases.

Homogenized Milk

The process of homogenizing of milk involves mixing the cream content into the milk itself. Where does the cream come from? Well, when you milk a cow the cream flows to the top. During the homogenization process, the fat from the cream is broken down so it is absorbed into the milk.

Many experts consider this process detrimental since studies indicate that when the fat is broken down, the enzyme known as xantine oxidase is released. This is a process of oxidation that occurs when the fat is exposed to air and increases the chances the milk will spoil. When this milk is ingested, it can penetrate the intestinal wall and cause damage to the arteries and heart, even resulting in heart disease and atherosclerosis.

While there are a large number of consumers who swear by the health benefits of raw milk, there are just as many who oppose this as a health alternative. One thing is clear; the case against drinking homogenized milk falls somewhere in the middle.

According to the dictionary, proteins are: “fundamental components of all living cells and include many substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies that are necessary for the proper functioning of an organism. They are essential in the diet of animals for the growth and repair of tissue and can be obtained from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and legumes.” Raw milk is high in protein and here are the reasons why raw milk may be a healthy alternative.

Raw milk contains all the amino acids we need and since proteins consist of amino acids, it follows that we need amino acids to build protein. These proteins allow for easy absorption of iron, have anti-cancer properties, and anti-viral properties. They also help prevent bacteria from forming on the teeth, which can cause cavities.

In addition, the protein in raw milk can rid the body of “bad” bacteria and provide antibodies that play an important role in resisting viruses and toxins. These proteins have also been known to decrease the symptoms of asthma.

It should be noted here that pasteurizing milk not only destroys the “good” bacteria and other necessary nutrients, but significantly reduces the overall amount of protein in the milk.

To further delineate the importance of protein in milk, take a look at a label on a carton of regular milk and 1% milk. The protein amount is 16% or 8 grams for both. In raw milk, the protein is 80% casein. What is casein? It is the protein consisting of amino acids which are digested at a slower rate. This is important because it releases the amino acids over a seven-hour period. The whey protein in raw milk is 20%, and its amino acids are released within an hour.

Why is slow amino acid release so important? Ask any body-builder and he will tell you that it allows for increased muscle growth which is based upon how well protein breaks down in the body. The slower the body absorbs the protein, the less likely the protein will be suppressed.

Other important components of raw milk are enzymes which are made up of different kinds of proteins. One enzyme found in raw milk, for example, acts as an anti-bacterial agent.

While we know that pasteurized milk is void of some of the necessary nutrients and enzymes that are most beneficial to the body, raw milk contains protein and enzymes as well as vitamins necessary to maintain one’s overall health. Remember, too, that bacteria in raw milk also serves as a protective agent against pathogens.

The historical significance of the coconut and the oil extracted from it has been the source of numerous studies and research. The fact that the coconut has been proven to be beneficial to our health cannot be overstated. The nutritional value of coconut oil, however, is just as important. Let’s examine the reasons why.

Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, which means when the oil is consumed as part of a diet regimen, it is rapidly turned into an energy source and not body fat. This process allows for weight loss since one becomes fully sated after each meal.

Coconut oil also plays a role in digestion. Studies indicate that because this oil can be easily absorbed, it is primarily utilized for individuals who have problems digesting foods. The oil also allows for the absorption of minerals which is vital to the elderly in decreasing the rapidity of degeneration. In addition, because coconut oil absorbs calcium and magnesium, it is used for infants who are malnourished.

Studies performed among Polynesians assert that when coconut oil is consumed as part of their normal diet, they have less risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Moreover, their cholesterol levels were dramatically reduced.

Coconut oil has also been touted as supporting the immune system since it contains the medium chain fatty acids which consist of saturated fats. These fats allow for the antioxidants to remain intact whereas unsaturated oils are said to quickly break down vitamins essential to one’s health. This is especially effective in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients.

Research into coconut oil and cancer has yielded significant results. It shows that unsaturated fats play a role in the advancement of colon and breast cancer, whereas saturated fats decrease the incidence by a wide margin.

While researching the effect of vegetable oil, results have determined that it can cause disease and increase the aging process. However, coconut oil can be used as an alternative method in reducing the amount of hydrogenated and polyunsaturated oils that can cause these diseases from the outset.

Finally, we know that coconut oil has an anti-microbial agent. The lauric acid in coconut oil allows for the anti-microbial agent to exist, unlike other oils available today.  While coconut oil contains the medium chain fatty acids, so does breast milk. Thus, when coconut oil is added to a mother’s diet, it effectively helps protect the infant from developing bacterial infections.

Coconut oil has been recognized as one of the most formidable dietary oils for centuries, with a high nutritional value. It cannot be denied, then, that this oil has helped decrease the incidence of disease and has proven to be among the most effective medicinal cures nature can provide.