Nuts about... nuts! Part 2

 

Nuts = Weight Loss?

Despite nuts being high in fat and calories, new research indicates that nuts can also aid in weight loss.

 

Researchers at Purdue University have found that adding almonds to a calorie-controlled eating plan can assist in weight loss. Although the study was short-term and small in sample size, it does demonstrate that people were able to eat nuts and control or lose weight.

 

How? The mechanism is still unclear, but the researchers think that the fat content in nuts may promote satiety, the feeling that you're full, or the protein in nuts may burn more calories during digestion.

 

Nuts are high in calories but are also cholesterol-free and they provide good sources of protein, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, vitamin E and selenium. In small portions, nuts can be a healthful food choice.

Produced by ADA's PR Team www.eatright.org
Presented by www.wellnessproposals.com

Nuts about... nuts! Part 1

 

Nuts to you!

Just a small handful of nuts is packed with protein, other nutrients, fiber and health-protective plant substances. Stick to a small serving so calories don't add up. In fact, 1 1/2 ounces of nuts a day may reduce your chance of heart disease if the saturated fats and cholesterol in your food choices are low!

 

Different nuts have different benefits: almonds for the most fiber, almonds and hazelnuts for the most vitamin E (an antioxidant), pecans for more cancer-fighting ellagic acid, Brazil nuts for more selenium (another antioxidant), cashews and pistachios for more potassium, walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids. Many nuts also have phytic acid, which may reduce cancer risk and help control blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides.

 

Wonder about the fat? It's mostly monounsaturated - the kind that doesn't raise your blood cholesterol. And nuts are  cholesterol-free too.

 

Pick an easy nutritious culinary idea today.

Produced by ADA's PR Team www.eatright.org
Presented by www.wellnessproposals.com

Foods To Avoid For People With IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that is a digestive condition characterized by chronic stomach pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, diarrhea, and/or constipation. It's estimated that upwards of 15% of the United States suffers from IBS, many of whom do not even realize it. While there's no known cure for IBS, individuals can prevent symptoms from occurring by avoiding the consumption of certain foods. 

Brussels Sprouts

Although they are loaded in beneficial nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, manganese and fiber, brussels sprouts should be avoided by people with IBS. This fun-sized vegetable can worsen the symptoms of IBS by promoting excess gas and abdominal pain. While each and every case of IBS is unique, most people report adverse symptoms after consuming Brussels sprouts.

Broccoli

Another food that you should avoid is broccoli. This crunchy, stalky vegetable is high in fiber and it promotes gas - two elements that can worsen IBS symptoms. It's important to note, however, that cooking broccoli may eliminate some or all of its negative effects. So if raw, uncooked  broccoli triggers a bout of IBS, try steaming or sauteing it. Doing so may allow you to reap the nutritional benefits of this vegetable without irritating your digestive system.

The truth is taht any high fiber vegetable may cause digestive issues in people with IBS, so don't assume that broccoli and brussels sprouts are the only culprits.

Milk

You may want to think twice before eating a milk filled bowl of cereal for breakfast in the morning, as it can worsen IBS symptoms. Normally, the small intestines do a pretty good job of breaking down lactose. If there is not enough enzymes to perform this operation, however, some of it will travel to the large intestine where it ferments. Not only will this cause gas, but it can also cause bloating, cramps, spasms, and diarrhea.

Beans

It should come as no surprise that beans is on our list of foods for IBS sufferers to avoid. Beans (legumes) contain a special type of sugar known as oligosaccharide, which the body is unable to break down. Since they aren't broken down in the same manner as other sugars, oligosaccharides pass through the small and large intestines, at which point bacteria converts them to gas. 

Breakthrough For Back Pain Relief

Fast Food Folly

Here's another recent revelation from the food industries: Many sub sandwiches are loaded with high fructose corn syrup, making them far from a healthy alternative in fast-food (though certainly better than a Big Mac). Drive-thru grinders aren't the only tricky pitfall of the fast food industry. Salads can be just as tricky - particularly ones that are loaded with meats, cheeses, cream-based dressings, and fried items.

To make the most of your healthy meal to go, avoid taco salads and any salad that contains fried chicken strips, red meat, lots of cheese, and heavy dressings.

Smiling For Health

Did you know the mere act of smiling stimulates the release of endorphins in the pituitary gland? And endorphins make you feel good - and they can also make someone else feel good as well.

Scientists have calculated that ten warm smiles is the biological equivalent of ten minutes of intensive rowing.

So go out and give the gift of a smile today - your body will thank you for it!

Drive Safe This Holiday Season

As we prepare for the holiday season, most of us will be out on the road at some point. Just remember, nothing is so urgent that you have to sacrifice your safety (and that of others) to address it. With that said, you should avoid all distractions, partticulary talking on your cell phone and text messaging, when you are behind the wheel of a car. In some states, this is illegal, and for good reason. An accident can happen in the blink of an eye. If something is so important that you must see to it right away, get to a place where you can carefully pull over and put the car in park.

The same goes for radios, GPS devices, DVD players and other gadgets that can totally absorb your attention in a matter of seconds. If you can't handle the distractions until you reach a destination, then remove them from your vehicle. This zero-distraction policy should be discussed and reiterated often in your household, particularly if there are young drivers in the family.

And last,  but certainly not least, please don't drink and drive. As we travel to and from holiday parties and family gatherings, it's easy to tell ourselves it'll be fine if we only have one drink. But that one drink could be the difference in whether you get home safely or not.

So please, take a moment this holiday season to put your and your family's safety as top priority.

From our family at Advanced Healthcare Center to yours, we wish you a safe and healthy holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!