Monday, June 29, 2009

How to Eat Healthy - Rules and Guidelines

Eating healthy is important in order to keep you and your family live healthier and longer. This article will emphasize on certain rules and guidelines for healthy eating.

Include green leafy vegetables in your diet. They are a rich source of fiber. Various studies and researches have shown that vegetarian have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. Many major diseases begin with inflammation. Fruits and vegetables contain salicylic acid and inflammation-fighting compounds found in aspirin. In one study the blood of vegetarians contained 12 times more salicylic acid than the blood of meat eaters. This can very well explain the lower incidence of cancers, heart disease in vegetarians.

Many people want to know what is the best way to add fiber to their diets? Very simple. One must always add fibers slowly in 5 gram increments for five weeks. If the person is tolerating it well, he can continue until he reaches a level of 25 to 35 grams.

A common doubt among women is what cooking method is the least damaging? In a study using broccoli, microwaving zapped away 97% of the flavinoids and antioxidants. Conventional boiling killed 66%, high pressure boiling killed 47%. Nutrient loss was only 10% when the broccoli was steamed. So the present advice is ‘buy a steamer and start steaming the veggies’. This is the least damaging of all the cooking methods.

Another common doubts needing clarification is regarding the healthiest rice of the 1200 varieties of rice including Jasmine and Basmati. Brown rice has the nutrient profile because the Bran Jacket remains intact. The fiber, calcium, phosphorous, B1 and niacin have not been stripped away in processing as they have been with white rice.

Post menopausal women can benefit from having 5-6 meals (small ones) per day, which helps balance blood sugar. After menopause slight diet modifications are essential. A woman must include more fresh fruits, vegetables, wholegrain. Regular exercise will also be beneficial to digestion.

Grape juice, papaya and pomegranate juices are very high in antioxidant power. Medical experts recommend this as the best source for antioxidants.

Recent research says regular black tea is healthy. Black tea contains quarcetin, a compound that helps prevent blood clots, the triggers of heart attacks. When one plans a diet such points should be kept in mind. The diet must be balanced, nutritious, safe and must offer benefits as mentioned above. This becomes a complete diet.

To lower the risk of breast cancer, researchers suggest eating grapefruit regularly. Grapefruit contains the antioxidant compounds Naringin and Limonid. Naringin is found only in grapefruit. In lab studies, Naringin stopped the growth of breast cancer cells.

Eat healthy to live healthier and longer! It’s a natural and easy way to better living.


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Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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Sunday, June 28, 2009

How to Give a Back Massage

Our back represents a large part of the body, and is a very common place to accumulate tension. Back massage is extremely soothing and relaxing and great for relieving stress and tension. This article discusses how to give a back massage that gives relief from back pain naturally.

Steps for back massage -

Uncover the back to just show the buttock crease. At this point it is good idea to place a small rolled up towel under your partner’s forehead otherwise he or she will have to turn his or her head sideways or end up with a squashed nose through which it is difficult to breathe.

1. Starting at the lower back effleurage oil using both hands. Work slowly up the back to the shoulders, pressing gently on the upward stokes, releasing the pressure as you come back down.

2. Starting at the base of the spine work up on either side, using gentle thumb pressure or little thumb circles. Repeat five or six times.

3. With reinforced hands (one on top of the order) sweep up the spine then work around the shoulder blades in a figure-of-eight movement. Repeat the figure-of-eight four or five times.

4. Now work around each shoulder blade individually, still with reinforced hands, in a circular motion. Repeat four or five times each side. You may feel knots (little bumps) around the shoulder blades. These are an indication of tension and massage here gives great relief.

5. Work around the shoulder blades with your thumbs, helping to break down the knots and bumps. Allow your partner to be your guide as these areas can be tender.

6. Squeeze along the top of the shoulders from the neck out, using your fingers and thumbs. Repeat four to five times on each side.

7. Stroke up the back of the neck and out to the ears, using your thumbs.

8. Stand at your partner’s head and sweep your hands down the centre back, across the top of the buttocks, then firmly pull up at the sides. Repeat five times.

9. Move to your partner’s side and rub backwards and forwards over the whole back with frictions to warm the area.

10. Make thumb circles out from just above the buttock crease round towards the hips. This area can often be tender and massage here is soothing. Repeat several times.

11. Effleurage the whole back.

12. Gently stroke up the spine, hand over hand, several times, allowing your touch to get lighter and lighter.

13. Finish by gently holding your partner. Place one hand at the base of the spine, the other at the base of the neck. Hold this position and feel the warmth build up under your hands. After approximately one minute gently lift your hands off. Cover your partner over.

Note: Use massage oil to decrease the friction created on the skin and to prevent the pulling of hair.

Use slow movements for a soothing or calming response and fast movements for a stimulating effect.

Do not put any direct pressure on the spine. Avoid any broken skin, blisters or areas of possible infection.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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