Wednesday, May 28, 2008

5 Ways to Say Goodbye to Sodium

5 Ways to Say Goodbye to Sodium
FREE DAILY DIET TIP

By Lisa Zamosky, Special to LifeScript
Friday, May 23, 2008

Even if you never reach for the salt shaker, your diet may contain too much salt. Prepared and preserved foods often contain very high levels of sodium, which, if consumed in excess, can foster high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. And while many of us are in the habit of checking labels for calories or fat content, too few of us scroll down to take a look at the amount of sodium our products contain. The FDA suggests we take in no more than 2,300 milligrams (2.3 grams) of salt each day. But just how much salt is that? Surprise: It’s the equivalent of only one teaspoon! If you have high blood pressure or are an older adult, you should be aiming to take in no more than 1,500 milligrams of salt per day. Being cautious about your salt intake is an important part of your long-term health. Try these five tips to lower your salt intake:

1. Avoid foods that are canned, frozen or packaged since these foods are usually preserved using sodium. If you can’t avoid them, try low-sodium options.

2. Use spices rather than salt to flavor your food when cooking. Mrs. Dash seasonings are a great choice for sodium-free flavor enhancing.

3. Limit your intake of cured foods, such as ham, bacon and pickles, all of which are swimming in sodium.

4. Look out for salt hiding in some of your favorite condiments. Soy sauce and ketchup, for example, are very high in sodium.

5. Reduce the amount of salt you cook with by 50% to start, and then try to move to 100% salt-free cooking.

5 Ways to Say Goodbye to Sodium

5 Ways to Say Goodbye to Sodium
FREE DAILY DIET TIP

By Lisa Zamosky, Special to LifeScript
Friday, May 23, 2008

Even if you never reach for the salt shaker, your diet may contain too much salt. Prepared and preserved foods often contain very high levels of sodium, which, if consumed in excess, can foster high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. And while many of us are in the habit of checking labels for calories or fat content, too few of us scroll down to take a look at the amount of sodium our products contain. The FDA suggests we take in no more than 2,300 milligrams (2.3 grams) of salt each day. But just how much salt is that? Surprise: It’s the equivalent of only one teaspoon! If you have high blood pressure or are an older adult, you should be aiming to take in no more than 1,500 milligrams of salt per day. Being cautious about your salt intake is an important part of your long-term health. Try these five tips to lower your salt intake:

1. Avoid foods that are canned, frozen or packaged since these foods are usually preserved using sodium. If you can’t avoid them, try low-sodium options.

2. Use spices rather than salt to flavor your food when cooking. Mrs. Dash seasonings are a great choice for sodium-free flavor enhancing.

3. Limit your intake of cured foods, such as ham, bacon and pickles, all of which are swimming in sodium.

4. Look out for salt hiding in some of your favorite condiments. Soy sauce and ketchup, for example, are very high in sodium.

5. Reduce the amount of salt you cook with by 50% to start, and then try to move to 100% salt-free cooking.

5 Ways to Say Goodbye to Sodium

5 Ways to Say Goodbye to Sodium
FREE DAILY DIET TIP

By Lisa Zamosky, Special to LifeScript
Friday, May 23, 2008

Even if you never reach for the salt shaker, your diet may contain too much salt. Prepared and preserved foods often contain very high levels of sodium, which, if consumed in excess, can foster high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. And while many of us are in the habit of checking labels for calories or fat content, too few of us scroll down to take a look at the amount of sodium our products contain. The FDA suggests we take in no more than 2,300 milligrams (2.3 grams) of salt each day. But just how much salt is that? Surprise: It’s the equivalent of only one teaspoon! If you have high blood pressure or are an older adult, you should be aiming to take in no more than 1,500 milligrams of salt per day. Being cautious about your salt intake is an important part of your long-term health. Try these five tips to lower your salt intake:

1. Avoid foods that are canned, frozen or packaged since these foods are usually preserved using sodium. If you can’t avoid them, try low-sodium options.

2. Use spices rather than salt to flavor your food when cooking. Mrs. Dash seasonings are a great choice for sodium-free flavor enhancing.

3. Limit your intake of cured foods, such as ham, bacon and pickles, all of which are swimming in sodium.

4. Look out for salt hiding in some of your favorite condiments. Soy sauce and ketchup, for example, are very high in sodium.

5. Reduce the amount of salt you cook with by 50% to start, and then try to move to 100% salt-free cooking.

A Whey to Weight Loss

A Whey to Weight Loss
JORGE’S DAILY FIT TIP

By Jorge Cruise, LifeScript Fitness Coach
Sunday, May 25, 2008

Little Miss Muffet must’ve been trying to lose a few pounds when she famously ate her whey. Whey has been around for ages, and as it so happens, whey protein is a weight-loss all-star. Whey is the best supplemental form of protein to maximize your retention of fat-burning lean muscle tissue. It also has the highest bio-absorption levels. This means your body’s muscles will stay more structurally supported and your metabolism revved. But the advantages of whey don’t stop there. You’ll also benefit from a strengthened immune system, increased satiety and reduced cortisol levels (a stress hormone). Whey protein should not take the place of regular meals, but it can be consumed as a snack up to two to three times a day. I love a scoop of chocolate whey protein powder blended in water with ice as a delicious 100-calorie snack drink.

辛辣食物可以抗击癌细胞

辛辣食物可以抗击癌细胞

辛辣食物是很多人的最爱,而且是癌细胞的“天敌”。英国诺丁汉大学的学者通过研究揭开了辛辣食物能够杀死癌细胞的秘密。
研究者在人类肺癌细胞和胰腺癌培养基上进行了试验,结果发现,墨西哥辣椒里面的辣椒素能够攻击线粒体(细胞的能量源)引发癌细胞的死亡。
辣椒素所属的分子家族以及芳草醛能粘附到癌细胞线粒体里面的蛋白上,引发癌细胞凋亡(细胞受环境刺激后在基因调控之下所产生的自然死亡现象)同时还不会伤害周围的健康细胞。
主要研究人员蒂莫西.贝茨博士介绍:“当这些化合物对肿瘤细胞的核心发动攻击,我们相信已经发现了所有癌症的根本性的致命弱点。癌细胞线粒体的生化结构不同于健康细胞。这是癌细胞与生具来的天然弱点

空腹喝绿茶会伤肾

空腹喝绿茶会伤肾

绿茶的保健作用已为大家熟知,而且随着国际上对绿茶保健作用研究的越来越深入,绿茶似乎已经成了很多人养生保健的不二选择。很多人整天是茶杯不离手,绿茶不离口,早上一起床也有人把喝上一杯绿茶当成习惯。但国家茶叶质量监督检验中心副研究员翁昆提醒:空腹喝绿茶,对肠胃保健不利。  翁昆说,绿茶是没有经过发酵的茶,较多地保留了鲜叶内的天然物质,其中茶多酚、咖啡碱能保留鲜叶的85%以上,绿茶中的成分,对于防衰老、防癌、抗癌、杀菌、消炎等确实有效果,是其他茶叶无法比拟的。但是,也正是这些天然成分,如果在空腹状态下饮用,会对人体产生不利影响。空腹时,茶叶中的部分活性物质会与胃中的蛋白结合,对胃形成刺激,容易伤胃。

除了会对胃肠有刺激,空腹喝茶还会使消化液被冲淡,影响消化。同时,空腹时,茶里的一些物质容易被过量吸收,比如咖啡碱和氟。咖啡碱会使部分人群出现心慌、头昏、手脚无力、心神恍惚等症状,医学上称之为“茶醉”现象。一旦发生茶醉现象,可以吃一块糖或喝上一杯糖水,上述症状即可缓解并消失。氟如果在体内蓄积过多,则可能引发肠道疾病,影响肾功能。  患有胃、十二指肠溃疡的中老年人,更不宜清晨空腹饮绿茶,茶叶中的鞣酸会刺激胃肠黏膜,导致病情加重,还可能引起消化不良或便秘。

Breathe From Your Belly

Breathe From Your Belly
JORGE’S DAILY FIT TIP

By Jorge Cruise, LifeScript Fitness Coach
Thursday, May 22, 2008

It’s a crucial part of living but so simple a mechanism that it’s often ignored. Breathing gives our body the oxygen it needs. But there are also some fantastic psychological benefits to breathing. Without enough oxygen, you become lethargic, tired and depressed. However, taking full, deep breaths can heighten your energy and focus. When you increase your oxygen levels, you not only increase your energy level, but also dramatically improve your mood. Plain and simple, you just feel better! The secret behind effective breathing is learning how to breathe from your belly. You will love how it makes you feel. The key to belly breathing is to use your diaphragm, the dome-shaped muscle located under your lungs. When you breathe in, you will notice that your belly wants to expand. Retract your belly as you exhale and move the used oxygen out of your lungs. Do your belly-breathing exercises several times a day, especially when you feel worn out. Try to sneak in belly breaths whenever possible – during your morning commute, at your desk at work, or while you’re relaxing on the couch.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Midnight Munchies? They, Too, Will Pass

Midnight Munchies? They, Too, Will Pass

JORGE’S DAILY FIT TIP
By Jorge Cruise, LifeScript Fitness Coach
Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Do you sometimes lust after bowlfuls of ice cream while lying in bed at night? As pleasurable as answering that craving may seem, chances are you’ll soon forget about your object of yearning. Most food cravings last only 10 minutes and then subside. Cravings often are your body’s cries for water and oxygen. So during those 10 minutes, drink a glass of water with lemon and take a few deep breaths. By giving your body these essentials, you can get through a craving without committing a diet slip-up. You might want to change activities to clear your mind and distract yourself. Go for a walk, or call a friend. By the time you’re done, chances are that fleeting craving will be behind you.

Your coach,Jorge Cruise

Friday, May 2, 2008

青山相待,白云相爱,梦不见紫罗袍共黄金带,一茅斋,野花开,管甚谁家兴废谁成败,陋巷单瓢亦乐哉。贫,志不改!达,志不改!

贵州女寿星114岁走过三个时代 每天吃1斤半饭

贵州女寿星114岁走过三个时代 每天吃1斤半饭(图)
倍可亲 京港台时间:05/03 向您播报 消息来源:贵州都市报 打印版
贵州都市报5月2日报道 在贵州从江县月亮山、东朗乡分居寨只不过是弹丸之地,但却远近闻名,因为村寨里生活着一位已有114岁高龄老人。黔东南州老龄部门最近的一次普查显示,这位叫高务虽的老人是全黔东南州“老寿星”之最。近日,记者远赴从江,拜访了这位“老寿星”。

  百岁老寿星走过三个时代

  高务虽老人居住的村寨位于半山腰上,寨名叫分居寨。村寨内古树参天,郁郁葱葱,风光优美。老人的家在村寨中间,房前屋后的不远处都有老古树。记者赶到时,老人68岁的儿子蒙老告正牵牛上坡去。看到客人来了,又把牛关了起来,然后带着记者直奔二楼上的厅堂。

  落座后,记者正说明来意,突然旁侧的房门“嘎”的一声被推开了,循声望去,见到了一个老妇,她背有点驼,手持拐杖。尽管老态龙钟,但是显得很精神,面色好,脸上的皮肤也不错。

  “她就是家母高务虽!”蒙老告站起身来,去扶母亲越过门槛。记者举起了手中的相机,抓拍镜头。高务虽见状,“哇哇”地大声说起来,她说的是苗语,记者听不懂,但是感觉语速快,声音清晰,口齿还算伶俐。

  


  蒙老告对着她的耳朵,大声说了几句。记者仍是听不懂,但是听了儿子的话语之后,老人不说话了,她手持拐杖站着,让记者拍照。

  “经常有客人来给我母亲照相,老人见多了,知道这是好事,也很乐意接受!”蒙老告说。

  高务虽出生于1894年,至今经历了清朝末年、民国时期和新中国三个时代。当记者通过蒙老告向老人问起历史的或者她个人的往事的时候,高务虽老人却只记得“躲匪”的一些琐碎的经历。

  一生清闲很少干重活

  蒙老告说,母亲高务虽出生于今东朗乡龙爪村一个贫苦农民家庭,她是老大,下面有四个弟弟和三个妹妹,如今,只有高务虽一人在世。

  因为区域落后和家庭贫困等原因,高务虽小时候没有上过学,青年时代就嫁给了父亲蒙告搂(音译)。为蒙家生育了几个子女。这些子女,就只剩下都已年过六旬的蒙老告和妹妹了。

  “我的母亲一辈子都很清闲,几乎没有干过重活。”蒙老告说。

  但是,高务虽的感情生活还是很不幸的,到1960年的时候,丈夫过世了,留下了她和孩子们。好在孩子们都已长大而且能干农活了,所以生活重担仍然没有压在她的身上。

  丈夫去世之后,高务虽就更少干活了,安心带孙子,脚步很少跨出村寨。她人慈祥,照看孩子细心,村民们外出干活,也把孩子交给她带,老人很乐意接受,所以很长一段时间,她的身后总是跟着一大群孩子。现在,村子里上了40岁左右的男子,高务虽老人都曾经照看过。

  每餐喝点啤酒不碰凉水

  采访正在进行的时候,记者发现蒙老告家厅堂里东倒西歪的放着不少啤酒瓶,便问老人是否喝酒。

  此话一出,蒙老告就笑起来了,他说这些酒瓶子都是她母亲留下来的。看到记者不太相信的表情,他就说出了事情的原委。

  原来,现在的经济条件比以前稍好,在村寨里想喝啤酒,已不再是什么难事,这样一来,老人竟然迷上了啤酒,每餐都要喝1至2两啤酒,酒后精神很好。就这样,给母亲买啤酒,也就成为了蒙老告孝敬老母的重要内容了。

  “当然了,她也只喝啤酒,家里自己酿的米酒、包谷酒她是不喝的,因为有辣味,喝不下。”蒙老告说。

  由饮酒的话题说开去,蒙老告向记者说起了母亲的生活习惯。首先是饮食,尽管高务虽已有114岁高龄,但是却很能吃,“我自己就没有她吃得多。”她每天都要吃下一斤半米饭,分三餐吃完。此外,她不挑食物,只要是能吃的,不管是蔬菜瓜果糖肉或者是米面,她都能吃,包括经过调制好的生肉片(当地人的一种饮食习惯)。

  吃好饭之后,她主要的活动内容就是去睡觉,偶尔有时不想睡,她就依仗拐杖下楼到家门口走走看看——她除了耳朵有点背不好使之外,身体还硬朗,上下楼梯问题不大,还很少生病,连感冒之类的小病都难得找到她的头上去。

  此外,老人从来不与凉水“打交道”,不管天气热冷,在洗脸、洗脚的时候她都要用热水,喝下的也是热开水。

  老寿星的幸福晚年

  高务虽老人活了114岁,而且没有受到病痛折磨,这是很幸福的事情。但更让她感到幸福的,是子女、孙子孙女对她的孝顺和社会对她的关爱。

  目前,高务虽老人所在的大家庭里有10口人,四代同堂。大家对她这位“老寿星”孝敬有加。

  “跟“老寿星”过年,让我们沾点长寿气将来也长寿。”高务虽的女儿经常这样开玩笑,她更期盼的,是老人暮年身体安好。孙子们都在外面打工,不经常回家。但是家里的“老寿星”是他们的牵挂。

  此外,社会各界对这位老寿星也很关爱,当地党委、政府的领导经常到老人家里走访,问寒问暖,过年的时候给老人送来慰问品,祝福她身体健康,晚年生活幸福。