Vaginal 'Seeding' Not Proven Safe, Experts Say

A growing number of pregnant women are asking doctors about a procedure that involves wiping down the skin of a newborn delivered by cesarean section with a gauze carrying their mothers' vaginal fluid, in an attempt to transfer helpful bacteria. Now, a group of doctors who are seeing this at their hospitals are urging caution.

The idea behind this process (sometimes called "vaginal seeding") is to transfer the bacteria present in the mother's vagina — which babies naturally come into contact with, if they are born vaginally — to babies born via C-section. Some experts say that these bacteria have the potential to reduce the risk of disease in children, and a small study published earlier this month showed that the procedure did likely affect the bacteria present in and on the babies.

However, in an editorial published today (Feb. 23) in The BMJ, other experts not involved in that study argued that there is not enough data to show that vaginal seeding is safe. 

It is possible that infants may develop severe infections from exposure to vaginal pathogens, the authors wrote in the new editorial. Women may carry pathogens in their vaginal fluid such as group B streptococcus bacteria, herpes simplex virus, and the bacteria that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea, even without having any symptoms, according to the editorial.

The authors acknowledged that there is growing evidence that suggests that the bacteria can be manipulated to benefit infants' health.

In the small, recent study, 11 infants who were delivered by C-section and were swabbed with their mother's vaginal fluid shortly after birth, were found to have levels of bacteria similar to those of seven infants who were delivered vaginally. However, the authors of that study noted that more research is needed to determine if the procedure is beneficial — and that it could take another 10 to 15 years for the procedure to be approved.

Until there is evidence that vaginal seeding is beneficial, the authors of the new editorial have advised staff at their hospitals to not perform the procedure. "We believe the small risk of harm cannot be justified without evidence of benefit," they wrote.

In addition, because the simplicity of the procedure makes it easy for mothers to do it themselves, the authors recommend that health professionals inform women about the possible risks. Health professionals should also keep vaginal seeding in mind when examining newborns who may have infections, as it could be a potential cause, they wrote.

The authors of the editorial noted that other events in early life — namely, breast-feeding and antibiotic exposure — also have "a powerful effect on the developing microbiota" in an infant.

"Encouraging breast-feeding and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics may be much more important than worrying about transferring vaginal fluid on swab," the authors concluded./livescience.com/

How to Avoid Core Strength Training Injuries

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The core is a group of muscles that surrounds the spine.  These muscles include the erector spinae, multifidi, diaphragm, transversus and rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, lumbar and latissimus dorsi, hip flexors, hip adductors and all three gluteal muscles. With a strong core, the body’s stability and strength improve. You can do all sorts of intense exercises if your core is in tiptop shape.

Although training the core has its benefits, the moves are often linked to injuries. To keep your training safe and effective, we are listing down ways to avoid training injuries:

Work on the Timing

Let’s face it, if your timing is off, there is a good chance that you will lose your balance and hurt yourself. All types of exercises need proper timing, including core strength training. If you are working out for the first time, we recommend having a professional trainer nearby for assistance. A professional trainer will help you work on your timing as you exercise. For advanced training, you want to focus on the movement to achieve the right timing. Give your core enough time to adapt to the demands of an advanced training to achieve the best results.

Improve Your Posture

The core muscles are located in the spine. Poor posture could put unnecessary stress on the spine, causing chronic back pain. Instead of working out the muscles, you end up damaging your spine. Always mind your posture during and after working out. The shoulder blades should be kept back, the chest should protrude and the spine should be straight.

Hunching over weakens the rotator cuff and back, making you vulnerable to injuries once you exercise. As the spine develops an abnormal curvature, your physical abilities will be limited too. The curvature does not affect your training alone; it can also affect day-to-day activities.

So always pay close attention to your posture. Keep the shoulders back and the chest out, like a military cadet. Elevate your sternum to improve your posture. By doing so, the chest muscles will lengthen. The muscles of the upper back become stronger over time as well!

Perfect Your Form

Always observe the proper form if you are working out. This is easy if you have a trainer who will assist you as you train. But if you are working out on your own, always protect the spine from stress. You want to leave all the heavy lifting to the back muscles, not the backbone!

This can be done by paying close attention to myoelectric signals. These electrical signals control the muscles. As you work out, myoelectric signals are generated to create muscle force. The force makes the muscle carry the weight. To avoid pressure on the spine, keep your position neutral or extended. This will stimulate the back muscles to carry the weight in a deadlift. The position also reduces the forces on the lumbar vertebral disks for an effective lift, preventing injuries.

Improve Flexibility

You simply cannot achieve a strong core without flexible muscles. And we are not just talking about the back muscles, but the abdominal, hamstrings and hip flexors too! When the muscles that surround the back muscles are flexible, the back muscles can carry more weight. Do a lot of squats, lunges, and other exercises to keep the middle and lower body strong. When the muscles in the lower body are strong, there is less stress and force applied to the spine as you work out./healthydietbase.com/

Factors to Consider When Choosing A Gym

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A gym membership is certainly not cheap. So to maximize your money, you need to choose the best gym in your local area! To help you on your search, we are listing down the important factors you need to consider if you are looking for a fitness gym:

The Location

Save yourself the headache of taking a long drive to get to your gym on the other side of town. Choose a gym that’s closest to you. Ideally, you want a gym that’s near your home or office. Opting for the nearest gym is just convenient. This way, you can work out despite a hectic schedule. Choosing a gym that’s near to you serves as an excellent motivation to exercise too!

The Hours

Most gyms are open 24/7 while others are closed during the weekends. To pick the right gym, consider the usual time you work out. If you work out late at night, then opt for a gym open 24 hours a day and so on. Make sure the gym you choose fits your schedule. There is no use to signing up for a membership if you cannot maximize it.

The Staff

The gym’s staff members must be presentable, courteous, and supportive. They should provide all the answers to your queries. They should assist you to make the most out of your workouts. The fitness trainers should be qualified to guide you through your fitness routine. If you want to hire a trainer, don’t forget to ask the fees.

Cleanliness

When it comes to choosing the right gym, every little detail counts. You want to keep your eyes peeled for signs of poor maintenance and negligence. The gym should provide clean towels, the equipment must be working. The staff members should enforce the highest standard of hygiene. Don’t forget to check the shower area and the locker room too. Go to the bathroom and check the state of the sink, toilet, etc. The toilet must be clean and orderly.

Equipment

During your initial visit, check the gym equipment. The facility should present a wide variety of equipment so members do not have to wait in line to use them. Check if the equipment is in good working order. If the facility has too many out-of-order machines, consider that as a red flag.

Classes

The gym should offer classes that you see yourself taking. Fitness classes vary according to intensity. Some classes feature high-energy workouts while others are designed for relaxation. You want to inquire which classes require extra charges, which ones are for free.  If you are unsure about a certain fitness class, do not sign up for it.

The Rates

Again, gym memberships are not cheap so if you are ready to sign up for a membership, make sure you are getting your money’s worth! Most gyms offer a sign-up fee, but the fee could be waived during promos.

Check the payment schedule and ask what options are best for you. We also recommend asking if there are extra fees for cancellation, charges classes and so on./healthydietbase.com/

How Nitrogen Balance Leads to Muscle Gains

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We all know that the best way to boost muscle mass is to consume protein. But how do you know if you’re getting enough protein to regenerate more muscle tissues? You can check if you’re getting enough protein by calculating your nitrogen balance.

Nitrogen balance is the measurement of nitrogen output subtracted from the nitrogen input. With the right level of nitrogen in the body, you increase the chances of muscle gains.

The 3 States of Nitrogen Balance

Nitrogen is not static, it has three states and each one can affect your fitness efforts. Positive is a state that describes the greater intake of nitrogen compared to nitrogen output. This is the optimal nitrogen state for building muscles. The greater the nitrogen intake, the faster the recovery workout. Positive state puts the body in an anabolic state.

Equilibrium is the state in which the nitrogen input and output are equal. At this point, you are neither developing muscles nor regressing from your fitness state. Finally, there’s the negative state. This is the least ideal of all nitrogen balance because the nitrogen loss is greater than intake. At this point, the muscles start breaking down, leaving the body to a catabolic state.

Measuring Nitrogen Balance

You can measure your nitrogen balance by tracking the nitrogen content of the foods you eat. Then, you compare the amount of nitrogen excreted. You can also estimate your nitrogen balance by measuring urine urea nitrogen loss. 90% of nitrogen is lost through the urine through the kidneys.

How to Achieve Negative Nitrogen Balance

Eat Protein Rich Foods

This is a no-brainer, especially if you are a bodybuilder. You want to consume more lean protein in order to achieve the right balance of nitrogen in the body. Avoid poor sources of protein such as red, fatty meats and get it from fish, poultry and nuts.

Balanced Fat and Carbohydrates Consumption

Don’t abstain from fat and carbs completely. You need these nutrients to support protein synthesis. However, choose fats and carbs from healthy sources such as grains, oily fish, and nuts. You want foods that are high in complex carbs and fiber such as root crops and vegetables too.

Do not Over-Train

Overtraining won’t accelerate muscle growth. It does the total opposite. When you over-train, the muscle tissues start breaking down. Too much training coupled by insufficient consumption of protein causes negative nitrogen balance.

Get Enough Rest

Resting is just as important as training. You want to give your muscles a break from intense training to trigger protein synthesis. If you work out too often, the muscles will start using protein surplus as fuel. This generates negative nitrogen balance. You want to rest to let the body repair itself. And once it does, the muscles start growing.

Triggering Anabolic State

When training, you want to maximize positive nitrogen balance by stimulating the muscle fibers without causing muscle breakdown. And when you do, the body reaches an anabolic state. This will pave the way for positive nitrogen balance. The body becomes more efficient without fatiguing. To do this, keep your training short and intense. Keep the workout at 45 minutes maximum and complete two to three exercises per body part./healthydietbase.com/

HEALTH BENEFITS OF POMEGRANATE VINEGAR

Pomegranate is a fruit packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and three times the amount of antioxidants of green tea. Take it raw as garnish or as a healthy snack and you can take advantage of its concentrated nutritional value. Even better, take pomegranate vinegar to get higher dose of pomegranate’s health-giving nutrients!

What Is Pomegranate Vinegar?

Pomegranate vinegar is made from the fruit’ extracts as well as pulp and then brewed to turn it into vinegar. Pomegranate vinegar is perfect as salad dressing; use it to add flavor to various dishes. It could also be used as seasoning to fish and poultry, ingredient for dips, etc. You can also drink pomegranate juice on its own or mixed with your favorite beverages to maintain health and complete your recommended dietary allowance of vitamins and minerals.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Vinegar

Aids in Digestion

Pomegranate vinegar contains high levels of acetic acid. This compound aids in digestion by boosting the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from the food we eat. To take pomegranate vinegar to aid in digestion, we recommend drizzling the stuff all over your favorite salad or add a couple of tablespoons of pomegranate vinegar in a glass of water after every meal. You can sweeten the drink by adding honey.

Boosts Performance and Energy

Because the acetic acid in pomegranate vinegar aids in better nutrient absorption, the organs work better thereby boosting the body’s performance. What’s more, the concentrated level of minerals and vitamins in pomegranate vinegar will keep the body energized all day!

Efficient Calcium Absorption

People who are lactose intolerant will benefit from drinking pomegranate vinegar daily. When you’re lactose intolerant, you have to find alternative sources of calcium, like broccoli or spinach. Adding a couple of drops of pomegranate vinegar to these greens will help you absorb the calcium in them, helping you achieve stronger bones and teeth.

Lowers Bad Cholesterol Level

Pomegranate contains naturally occurring compounds that keep the heart healthy and cut the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. These compounds include tannins, antioxidants, and vitamin C. The potassium in pomegranate vinegar could also enhance its effectiveness in lowering elevated blood pressure.

Helps Prevent Cancer

Pomegranate vinegar may also prevent narrowing or hardening of the arteries caused by fat deposits, preventing heart attacks, strokes, and other heart and blood vessel ailments. Multiple clinical tests reveal that flavonoids and antioxidants in pomegranate help stop cancer cells dead on their tracks, shrinking tumors by cutting the blood flow within the growth and even triggering the self-destruction of cancer cells! These compounds basically eliminate cancer cells without damaging the healthy cells within.

Boosts Memory and Prevents Mood Swings

The flavonoids and antioxidants in pomegranate vinegar help prevent oxidative damage to the brain. This helps keep the memory sharp and prevents the onset of hormone-related disorders like depression or mood swing. Oxidative damage is also linked to cancer development. By preventing free radicals from damaging healthy cells, pomegranate vinegar stops the proliferation of mutated cells in the body.

DELICIOUS TEXAS EATS TO TRY

Everything’s big in Texas especially the local appetite. So if you are planning a trip down south, better get yourself ready because there are loads of amazing eats in Texas! In today’s post, we are counting down some of the must-try local eats in Texas:

Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak was developed to make the toughest part of chicken meat more appetizing. This dish is meant to maximize every part of the chicken. Chicken fried steak is made from flour-coated chicken meat pan-fried to golden perfection. The steak is them slathered with cream gravy made from the chicken drippings.

Barbecue

Every household in Texas has a barbecue grill stowed away somewhere. This is barbecue country, after all! Texas is renowned for the sheer number of barbecue restaurants in the region, and everyone has their own special recipe kept under lock and key!

The most popular BBQ in Texas is beef brisket and pork ribs. The meats are either seasoned with a dry rub or a special blend of sauce to be used for marinade and basting. But for purists, they prefer the dry rub. The meats are then slowly cooked over a wooden fire for no less than 8 hours! Most Texans would apply spice rubs for a kick of flavor.

Chili

Chili happens to be the official dish of Texas. The authentic Texas chili does not contain beans. The bright red, savory Texas chili is loaded with tender pieces of beef, seasoned with dried chili and topped with grated cheese and fresh, roughly chopped onions. The Texas chili is similar to a beef stew except it is spicier with no distinct sweetness. The Tex-Mex version of chili contains beans.

Fried Okra

Fried okra is very popular across the south especially in Texas where the plant grows in abundance. The fried okra is made from sliced okra coated with cornmeal batter. The vegetable is then deep fried and served as a snack or as a side dish. Frying the vegetable is important because it masks the slime in the vegetable that some people do not like.

Brisket Tacos

Brisket tacos are simply slow-roasted barbecued beef brisket in a taco. Tex-Mex dishes are very popular in the region. The dish is prepared by adding slices of slow-cooked brisket, chopped onions, cilantro in a warm corn or flour tortilla. The tacos are then topped with cheese. Brisket tacos are eaten as snacks and even as a breakfast food.

Pecan Pie

Texas is one of the major producers of pecan in the world. So it makes sense that pecan is the official nut of the state. Pecan pie is as Texan as you can get. Virtually all restaurant has their own version of this sweet, tasty dessert.

Dr. Pepper

Nothing like a bottle of Dr. Pepper to wash down all that yummy Texan foods! Dr. Pepper is Texas’ answer to Coke, which was developed at the Morrison’s Old Corner Drugstore in Waco in 1885. This drink is made from sugar cane instead of high fructose corn syrup. 100 years since it was manufactured, Dr. Pepper is still more popular than ever.

5 WAYS TO DEAL WITH PARCHED, FLAKY SKIN

Do you suffer from perpetually rough, itchy, flakey and dry skin? Sounds like your skin could use a lot of TLC right now! The fact is, treating parched skin isn’t just about putting more products on the skin. The clothes you wear, your lifestyle, diet, the climate, and other factors also play a role in the state of your skin. In today’s post, we are listing down ways to banish dry skin for good:

1. Opting for Warm Showers

Do you love hot or very cold showers? Extreme water temperatures could strip the moisture off your skin. When the natural oils of the skin are gone, the skin is left irritated, dry, and flaky. Instead of going to the extremes, opt for short, warm showers that do not take longer than 10 minutes. A warm bath isn’t as harsh to the skin. It will not leave the skin raw and dry. Warm baths will not strip the skin of its natural oils so they are not as drying.

2. Use a Gentle Cleanser

If you suffer from very dry skin, avoid super foamy cleansers. Opt for soapless cleansers that come in a low-sudsing formula. If you can, avoid cleansers with very heavy fragrance or too emollient formulas that could cause greasiness. We recommend cleansers fortified with ceramides to keep the skin hydrated.

Ceramides are fatty molecules that form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin. Ceramides locks in moisture and softens the skin. These molecules also prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin. If you can, skip toners, chemical peels, and harsh astringents formulated with alcohol.

3. Protection from the Sun

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can break down the skin tissues, causing sagginess, wrinkles, and roughness. The sun’s damaging rays could also worsen very dry skin. Our advice is to slather sun protection creams all over the body every time you head out. You want a sunblock with high sun protection factor (SPF) of 45 and up. Wear sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from sun damage too. Don’t ignore the lips and the ears! You want to slather SPF lotion on the ears to protect it from ultraviolet rays. Keep an SPF lip balm in your purse to protect the lips from UV rays.

It helps if you dress in layers. This way, you can simply peel away a layer of clothing to keep cool. Perspiration and overheating could irritate the skin, causing dryness.

4. Moisturize Properly

Of course, one of the best ways to combat dryness is to give the skin a dose of moisture. You can do that by drinking water regularly and slathering on body moisturizers. If you have dry, sensitive skin, we recommend gel-type moisturizers formulated with ceramides, glycerin or hyaluronic acid. These compounds improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture, keeping the skin supple, healthy, and glowing!

For very dry spots, we recommend emollient moisturizers made from nut butter, stearic acid, and natural oils. These products hydrate the skin deeply, eliminating dry spots and roughness. Just massage the product in to ensure proper absorption. For very dry heels, we recommend wearing socks after working the moisturizer in at nighttime.

5. Minimizing Exposure to Dry Air

Did you know that exposing the skin to air conditioner is one of the most common causes of very dry skin? The cold, dry air leaves the skin irritated, scaly, and dry! Our advice is to use a humidifier to balance out the moisture in the air and keep the skin hydrated./healthydietbase.com/

WHY IS BREAKFAST SO IMPORTANT FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

Motivated to Move

Who knew eating breakfast every morning would keep you motivated to work out? Let’s face it, when we feel exhausted, we are not motivated to work out at all. When you have all the energy you need to keep up with your day-to-day activities, you have extra room for a workout. A hearty breakfast gives you enough energy to keep up with the demands of an active lifestyle, allowing you to stay motivated to exercise regularly.

Curbs Cravings

A healthy breakfast comprised of lean protein and unrefined grains will fill you up nicely, reducing cravings. How? Cravings are caused by dips in blood sugar level. When the glucose level in the blood plummets, the brain deems this as dangerous, signaling for a quick source of sugar. The sugar is then converted into fuel. That’s why most people crave for sweet treats like chocolate bars, donuts, etc.
Eating breakfast daily rebalances the blood sugar level, keeping it nice and steady for longer. The result? You don’t experience intense cravings that affect your weight loss routine.

Reduces Mindless Grazing

Apart from stabilizing the blood sugar level in the system, a healthy breakfast could also reduce overeating! Breakfast foods like whole-grain bread, whole grain cereals, unprocessed grains, fruits, and vegetables are a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber.
Fiber is an instrumental nutrient to keep the weight down. When exposed to stomach juices, soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance that sits in the stomach. What this does is it keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Meanwhile, insoluble fiber binds with fat and bulks up the stool.

Regulates Mood

Are you an emotional eater? Do you use food to cope with stressful or emotional situations? If the answer is yes, then you know how fattening this habit is. Eating breakfast daily stabilizes the insulin levels in the system. The result? An uplifted mood. When you feel better, you are less likely to stuff your face with food.

Stimulates Brain Activity

Ever wonder why you feel more alert and focused when you ate a balanced breakfast? A healthy breakfast stimulates brain activity. It helps enhance memory by stimulating the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Studies show that children who never miss breakfast perform better in school compared to children who did not eat breakfast.

Multiple studies show that individuals who never miss breakfast are at least 30 pounds lighter than individuals who do not take breakfast at all. A University of Florida study also found that children who eat breakfast every morning generally consume fewer calories throughout the day compared to kids who did not eat breakfast at all. So what makes breakfast such an important meal for those who are trying to lose weight? Let’s find out:

Energizes the Body

As you sleep, the body goes through a fasting state. This allows you to go on all night without eating. And as soon as you wake up, your system is depleted of nutrients to power charge through your day. At this point, the body is famished.

Eating a well-balanced breakfast every morning ensures that the body has all the nutrient it needs to go through the day. Your breakfast meal provides enough fuel to stay energized until lunchtime.  For maximum energy, fill your plate with whole grains, fresh greens, and fruits!/healthydietbase.com/

The Pros and Cons of Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Is it possible to reshape the nose and achieve harmonious facial features without going under the knife? With non-invasive rhinoplasty, it is quite possible!

A non-surgical rhinoplasty is a type of alternative procedure to regular rhinoplasty, which is invasive. The process involves shots of fillers including Botox® Cosmetic, Restylane®, or Radiesse® to reshape the nose and define the nasal contours. Because the procedure is fast, this procedure requires no downtime and involves minimal pain. This procedure is ideal for patients with minor nasal imbalance. The effects will last for several months.  Non-surgical rhinoplasty is ideal for patients who cannot commit to an invasive rhinoplasty or those who do not want dramatic changes to their nose shape.

Considering getting your nose done without the surgery? Below are the advantages and disadvantages of non-surgical rhinoplasty:

The Advantages of Non-surgical Rhinoplasty

No Surgery

Of course, the most important benefit of a non-surgical rhinoplasty is that it requires no surgery at all. The procedure will enhance and improve the contours of the nose using a collagen-stimulating filler. There is absolutely no incision and downtime. This procedure only requires a topical anesthesia to reduce pain and discomfort. The result is also instantaneous. You can see the effects of a non-surgical rhinoplasty within minutes of injecting the fillers.

Zero Downtime

A traditional rhinoplasty will require months of recovery. The patient has to wear protective dressing and avoid strenuous activities to facilitate proper healing. The incisions have to be cleaned regularly to prevent infection.

You don’t have to worry about the prolonged recovery period with a non-surgical rhinoplasty. The procedure takes only a few minutes to complete. Because there are no incision sites, there is no fear of infections or improper healing. Within a few minutes, you will walk out of your surgeon’s office with a new and improved nose!

Fast, Subtle Results

Non-surgical rhinoplasty provides natural-looking results. This procedure is perfect for patients who prefer subtle changes in their nose shape. The procedure is an excellent way to test out if a regular rhinoplasty is right for you. If you are satisfied with the outcome, then you can either complete another round of treatment or opt for a more permanent method.

The Disadvantages of Non-surgical Rhinoplasty

Not a Permanent Solution

The effects of the fillers will only last for several months (8 months maximum) so this procedure does not provide a permanent or long-lasting solution to your troubled areas. In addition, non-surgical rhinoplasty will not correct physiological nasal issues at all.

Expensive

A round of non-surgical rhinoplasty might seem cheaper than a rhinoplasty but because the effects of the filler will fade within months, you will need another round of treatment to restore the shape of your nose. Eventually, the additional costs of repeated treatments will pile up. In the end, you will spend more on non-surgical rhinoplasty than a one-time surgical rhinoplasty.

Nose Appears Bigger

If you are trying to achieve a smaller nose to harmonize your facial features, a non-surgical rhinoplasty might not be the best choice for you. The procedure will not shave off the nose. Quite the contrary, the filler will take up space, making the nose appear plumper than its original shape. /healthydietbase.com/

THE BENEFITS OF OKRA FOR DIABETICS

Okra – also known as lady fingers – is a type of tropical flowering plant that belongs to the mallow family. The plant yields edible green seed pods used as a vegetable in cooking. The pods contain zero cholesterol and are low in calories.

While the okra is certainly a highly nutritious vegetable, a growing number of scientists are suggesting that it does more. Okra may be used to treat diabetes.

According to the World Health Organization or WHO, diabetes is the 6th deadliest disease in the United States. It also contributes to the development of often-fatal cardiovascular diseases and end-stage renal disease. Several studies conclude that okra may minimize a number of diabetes-related symptoms. In today’s post, we are listing down the benefits of eating okra among diabetics:

Regulates Blood Sugar Level

Okra has low glycemic index or GI. GI is the measurement in which carbohydrates are turned into sugar in the blood. Regular consumption of low glycemic foods helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Okra is a great way to control the blood sugar level while keeping the weight down. This vegetable has a GI of below 20.

Aids in Weight Loss

Doctors recommend that diabetics keep their weight within the normal range in order to prevent complications related to diabetes. These complications range from heart disease, stroke to high blood pressure. Eating high cholesterol foods could also increase the risk of health complications rooted from diabetes. Okra aids in weight loss by making you feel fuller. When you feel fuller, you don’t get the urge to snack on unhealthy foods. Okra is also rich in fiber. This compound bulks up the stool and prevents heart disease.

Protects From Kidney Disease

In a study published on the “Jilin Medical Journal,” researchers found that diabetics who ate a diet rich in okra saw reduced signs of kidney damage as opposed to patients who were given a regular diabetic diet.

Diabetics are at higher risk of sustaining kidney damage because of sustained high blood pressure and blood sugar. These factors make it hard for the kidneys to work properly. Eventually, the organs will fail from long-term damage. That’s why it’s important to keep the blood sugar within normal level. Maintaining a normal body weight is also essential in decreasing the risk of kidney disease. Regular consumption of okra promotes healthy kidneys.

Loaded with Soluble Fiber

Okra is nearly 50% soluble fiber. This type of fiber aids in digestion and keeps the heart healthy. It also reduces the effects of carbohydrate-rich foods on blood sugar levels. Soluble fiber also suppresses the appetite. It delays the digestion process so you feel fuller for longer. Just a 25 gram serving of fiber per day can reduce the risk of high blood sugar levels significantly!

Protects the Heart

Diabetics are more vulnerable to heart disease. To reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetics should stick to a vegetable-based diet. Eating plenty of okra helps minimize complications related to the heart. It contains soluble fiber that keeps the heart healthy plus essential nutrients that lower heart disease risk.

In fact, a study published in the “Journal of Nutrition” found that type 2 diabetics who ate more vegetables like okra lowered their risk of heart disease by 10% as opposed to patients who ate vegetables infrequently./healthydietbase.com/

SUSHI NUTRITION GUIDE: CALORIES, HEALTHY OPTIONS, AND NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Sushi is a Japanese delicacy made from vinegared sushi rice, raw or cooked seafood, and wasabi. Sushi can be wrapped with a nori or just hand-rolled and sliced. The preparation of sushi differs from type to type. The portions, ingredients, and flavorings could contribute to the nutritional value of this well-loved delicacy. For basic reference, we are listing down the nutritional content of a single roll of sushi by type. An average sushi roll yields about six pieces of sushi:

California Roll

This is the most popular of all sushi types in the west. Developed in LA by chef Ichiro Mashita, the California roll is made from vinegared rice, cucumber, crabmeat, and avocado. Sometimes, avocado is substituted with mango or banana. A roll of California sushi contains 255 calories (or 43 per piece), 7 grams of fat, 38 grams of carbohydrates and 9 grams of protein.

Kappa Maki

A traditional kappa maki is made from sushi rice, sliced fresh cucumber, and wrapped in nori. This all-vegetable sushi is one of the healthiest of all sushi types. A roll of kappa sushi yields about 136 calories (or 27 per piece), 30 grams of carbs, 6 grams of protein, and zero fat.

Spicy Tuna Roll

This is one of the most popular types of sushi. It is made from raw tuna seasoned with mayo, chili sauce and a dash of wasabi. With mayo, spicy tuna roll is quite calorie-rich. You can cut the calorie content by up to 100 by nixing mayo. A regular roll of spicy tuna sushi is about 290 calories (or 48 per piece), 11 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbs and 24 grams of protein.

Shrimp Tempura Roll

The shrimp tempura roll contains one of the highest calories. This sushi is made from deep fried slices of shrimp wrapped in wheat batter, avocado, and cucumber slices. A roll of shrimp tempura yields about 508 calories (85 per piece), 21 grams of fat, 64 grams of carbs, and 20 grams of protein.

Avocado Roll

A classic avocado roll makes an excellent vegetarian option for those who are watching what they eat. The sushi is made from creamy slivers of ripe avocado wrapped with sushi rice and nori. A roll of avocado sushi contains about 140 calories (23 per piece), 5.7 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbs and 2.1 grams of protein.

Rainbow Roll

A rainbow roll is made from a variety of raw fish, crabstick and avocado slices. It is high in calories and protein because of the different varieties of fish topping. A regular roll of rainbow roll contains about 476 calories (79 per piece), 16 grams of fat, 50 grams of carbs, and 33 grams of protein.

Philadelphia Roll

Philadelphia roll is a contemporary sushi made with cream cheese, salmon, nori and rice. A roll yields about 290 calories (48 per piece) 12 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbs, and 14 grams of protein.

Salmon Sushi

A salmon sushi is comprised of sushi rice, a dab of wasabi, and slices of fresh salmon on top. A typical roll of salmon sushi contains 240 calories (35 per piece), 3 grams of rice, and 1 ounce of protein./healthydietbase.com/

Myth: Honey and molasses are better than sugar

Just when you thought you had found a cheat guide to sweeten your life, honey and molasses certainly are natural unrefined sweeteners, they still have a high glycemic index, just like white, refined sugar According to nutritionists, honey contains more calories -1 tablespoon honey pro vides nearly 65 calories, as compared to only 46 calories provided by the same amount of table sugar. /timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Which Foods Are Safe for Parakeets to Eat?

Parakeets are tropical birds, and they sure can eat like it. They need a wide variety of foods in their diet to stay healthy. It's a lot of fun to offer your bird a tasty variety of things to eat. You will find that your parakeet has his own taste preferences! Learn what he likes, what he doesn't like, and what his very favorites are. Here is a list of foods that are safe to feed to your parakeet.

Veggies

Vegetables are actually a very important part of a parakeets diet. They contain many necessary nutrients that may not be available in a typical store-bought seed diet. Some veggies that are safe to feed to parakeets are:

• Lettuce
• Broccoli
• Carrot (shredded, preferably)
• Corn
• Peas
• Spinach
• Celery

Bite-Size is Best

Anything you feed to your parakeet should be cut up into small, bite-size pieces. Otherwise, he will have trouble breaking chunks off by himself.

Fruits

Parakeets love fruits. However, just like in a human's diet, these should be fed to your parakeet in moderation. Fruits are high in natural sugars that can be bad for your parakeet when consumed in large quantities. Some fruits that parakeets enjoy most are:

• Apples
• Oranges
• Bananas
• Pineapple
• Grapes
• Mango
• Coconut

Keep It Fresh

While all of these foods are safe for a parakeet to eat, you should only feed your bird fresh fruits and veggies. Dried or packaged fruits especially may have added ingredients that are bad for your feathery friend.

Nuts

Parakeets love to eat all different kinds of nuts! They are tasty, and full of nutrients that your parakeet probably isn't getting anywhere else. Some of their favorites are:

• Almonds
• Pistachios
• Peanuts
• Walnuts
• Pecans

Make sure that any nuts that you give your parakeet are chopped. Parakeets cannot eat them whole. Also, any shells should not be included. Your parakeet won't bother with those.

Bread

Your parakeet will enjoy eating whole grain breads, broken up into small bits. Try to stick to simple whole grain breads, though. Sweet breads and other varieties may contain ingredients that are harmful to parakeets. /hubpages.com/

Myth: Extra-virgin cooking oil should not be used for cooking

Myth: Extra-virgin cooking oil should not be used for cooking
Should it be used as a garnish for salads? Does it lose its nutrients after being heated? There are many questions that render cook ing with extra-virgin olive oil a dubious topic in the Indian kitchen.

“However, olive oil is one of the most heat stable oils," says nutritionist Ishi Khosla.“In fact, extra-virgin olive oil is more stable.Hence, it is a myth that it cannot be used for cooking."

That said, heating any oil to high temperatures leads to formation of undesirable compounds and loss of nutrition. Therefore, to derive the maximum benefits from any natural fat, it is better to minimise its heating. Also, it is valuable to know that extra virgin olive oil is low in acid, resulting in a fruity flavour and aroma, so you need to use less to enjoy the flavour./timesofindia.indiatimes.com/.

35 Elegant Tattoo Designs

Tattoos carry a long and colorful history as markers of a rite of passage, as a sign of status or punishment, and in some cultures as a mark of protection to ward off evil. Tattoos are on many respectable bucket lists but no one plans to go down with a tattoo they are going to regret. If a tattoo is on your bucket list, remember that tattoos don’t have to be loud, big or flashy to look good on you.