Focusing on food for a healthy immune system can increase overall good health and nutrition. Foods that build your immune system are rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements and omega-3 fatty acids. Including these foods in your weekly diet can improve your energy levels and decrease the number of colds and other bugs that you get every year.

Some people rely on daily multi-vitamins and dietary supplements, instead of food for a healthy immune system and good supplements are always a good idea. It is not always possible to eat the right foods in the right combination every day. For instance, you may think of oranges or orange juice when you think of foods that build your immune system, but oranges are not the only foods that contain Vitamin C. And if you don’t have enough calcium and magnesium in your diet, then your cells cannot efficiently absorb Vitamin C. Complicating things further, if you drink a glass of orange juice and a glass of milk, then the acidic content of the juice can sour the milk, leading to stomach upset.

People who have frequent heartburn or are lactose intolerant may not be able to include either orange juice or milk in their diets. Citrus fruits are highly acidic and trigger heartburn in many people. Regular milk causes bloating, pain, gas and diarrhea in people who are lactose intolerant. So, what is a person to do?

Crabmeat, lobster and oysters are all rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin C. Salmon is an important food for a healthy immune system and is often referred to as a “super food” by dieticians and nutritionists, because it contains numerous vitamins and minerals, plus a healthy amount of omega-3 fatty acids, believed to be beneficial in preventing heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Broccoli, tomatoes, peaches and apples are good sources of Vitamin C and are all foods that build your immune system. Broccoli is another food that contains numerous vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and selenium. Not familiar with selenium?

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that may not be included in your daily multi-vitamin, but very important to human health. It is essential to proper immune system function, as well as numerous metabolic pathways. Remember chicken soup? Chicken is another good source of selenium and is one of the foods that build your immune system strength.

Like mushrooms? Researchers studying foods that build immune system strength by increasing white blood cell counts learned that shitake mushrooms worked. The study concluded that beta glucans found in edible mushrooms increased white blood cell counts. White blood cells are primary infection fighters. Don’t like mushrooms? Beta glucans are biologically active compounds found in numerous plant foods and some immune system dietary supplements.

So, in order to include some of the best foods that build your immune system in your weekly diet, eat salmon, tuna and/or seafood three or four times a week, chicken three or four times a week, a variety of fruits and vegetables including broccoli and mushrooms, whenever possible. Relying on food for a healthy immune system may not be enough, depending on where you live or work. A daily multi-vitamin can help and there are immune system supplements that contain beta glucans, herbs and other ingredients that can also help, particularly during cold and flu season. To learn more about food for a healthy immune system and supplements that can boost your immune system, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

When you are on a weight loss diet, you may be unknowingly, while cutting down on the calories be also cutting down on essential nutrients

What Are These Nutrients?

• Calcium

• Fibre

• Magnesium

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin D

Calcium

Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of Muscles, Bones, Teeth, Hair and Nails etc. It could be called the beauty mineral.

Some Other Needs for Calcium.

It also helps to keep the heart beating normally. Plays a major part in the clotting of blood and can lower Blood Pressure. Another plus, Calcium can help with your Weight Loss Diet.

The Institute of Medicine says that the older we get the more we need Calcium.

• 19 – 50 years old need to take 1000 mgs per day

• 51 – upwards need to take 1200 mgs per day

Three servings of dairy food each day will go a long way in ensuring you get enough Calcium to keep your body in good condition.

Fibre

Fibre is needed to keep your Intestines in good working order. It will keep your Bowels regular and also help you maintain overall good health.

Fibre rich foods lower the risk of heart disease, Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes.

A bonus if you are on a Weight Loss Diet, Fibre is very filling and is found in foods with less Calories so that it is important for weight loss.

Men and Women need different amounts of Fibre each day:

• Men 19 – 50 years = 38 grams, 51 and older 30 grams

• Women 19 – 50 years = 25 grams, 51 and older 21 grams.

Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for many of your body’s day to day running. To name a few:

• Bone strength

• Boosts the Immune System

• Normalises Muscle, Nerve and Heart function.

Your needs on a daily basis are:

• Men 19 – 30 years = 400 milligrams, 31 and older 420 milligrams

• Women 19 – 30 years = 310 milligrams, 31 and older = 320 milligrams.

Some Magnesium rich foods are:

• Whole Grains

• Pumpkin Seeds

• Beans – Black or White

• Soy as a Protein instead of meat.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is found in fatty foods, such as nuts, seeds and oils.

If you are on a Weight Loss Diet you will be avoiding fatty foods mistakenly believing that you are helping yourself to lose weight. But Vitamin E is needed to fight pollutants that your body is being bombarded with every day. So Vitamin E is an Anti – Oxidant. Anti – Oxidants help the body fight the invading pollutants.

What Can You Eat To Ensure You Get Enough Vitamin E?

• Sunflower Seeds

• Almonds

Vitamin D

What Have These People Got In Common?

• People with dark skin

• People who avoid the sun

• Older adults

They all may have a deficiency of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin.

It is manufactured in the skin by being exposed to sunlight.

As you get older, your need for Vitamin D increases because even with sufficient sunlight, your body may not be able to manufacture enough Vitamin D.

Unfortunately, Vitamin D cannot be found in food, unless the food manufacturers have fortified their foods with it.

So to make sure you are receiving enough Vitamin D, taking Nutritional Supplements is recommended.

By all means if you are on a Weight Loss Diet, eat foods with fewer calories but do take care not to miss out on the essential nutrients that your body needs.

Pneumonia - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Also called: BronchopneumoniaPneumonia is an inflammation of the lung, usually caused by an infection. Three common causes are bacteria, viruses and fungi. You can also get pneumonia by accidentally inhaling a liquid or chemical. People most at risk are older than 65 or younger than 2 years of age, or already have health problems. Signs and symptomsPeople with infectious pneumonia often have a cough producing greenish or yellow sputum, or phlegm and a high fever that may be accompanied by shaking chills. Shortness of breath is also common, as is pleuritic chest pain, a sharp or stabbing pain, either experienced during deep breaths or coughs or worsened by it. People with pneumonia may cough up blood, experience headaches, or develop sweaty and clammy skin.In other cases of pneumonia, there can be a slow onset of symptoms. A worsening cough, headaches, and muscle aches may be the only symptoms. In some people with pneumonia, coughing is not a major symptom because the infection is located in areas of the lung away from the larger airways. At times, the individual’s skin color may change and become dusky or purplish (a condition known as “cyanosis”) due to their blood being poorly oxygenated.Acute confessional state (more common in the elderly).There may also be a serious outbreak of herpes (cold sores) around the mouth, which shows that your immune system is not now able to defend against the herpes virus. What causes pneumonia?Germs called bacteria or viruses usually cause pneumonia.Pneumonia usually starts when you breathe the germs into your lungs. You may be more likely to get the disease after having a cold or the flu. These illnesses make it hard for your lungs to fight infection, so it is easier to get pneumonia. Having a long-term, or chronic, disease like asthma, heart disease, cancer, or diabetes also makes you more likely to get pneumonia. Pneumonia can also affect different parts of the lungs:A lobar pneumonia affects a section (lobe) of the lung.A bronchial pneumonia affects the lungs in patches around the tubes (bronchi or bronchioles), which bring the air into the lungs.Hospital-acquired (nosocomial) pneumonia. If you’re hospitalized, you’re at a higher risk of pneumonia, especially if you are on a mechanical ventilator, are in the intensive care unit or have a compromised immune system. This type of pneumonia can be extremely serious, especially for older adults, young children and people with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) or HIV/AIDS.Diagnosis of PneumoniaYour healthcare professional will probably listen to the back and front of your chest with a stethoscope, to check for any crackling or rattling sounds.They may also listen to your chest by tapping it - if the lungs are filled with fluid, this produces a different sound to normal, healthy lungs.Treatment of PneumoniaIf the cause is bacterial, the doctor will try to cure the infection with antibiotics. If the cause is viral, typical antibiotics will NOT be effective. Sometimes, however, your doctor may use antiviral medication. It may be difficult to distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia, so you may receive antibiotics.

What Causes Eczema – Bad Habits Cause Eczema

Do you smoke cigarettes or do you drink alcohol? You would have to have spent the last 15 to 20 years on another planet to not realize that smoking causes heart disease, cancer, emphysema, stomach ulcers and premature babies.Cigarettes also interfere with your energy levels and demean the function of your immune system. With a defective immune system your skin is susceptible to rapid aging and disease. Fortunately in some societies public cigarette smoking has been banned which lessens the likelihood of you experiencing secondary effects of smoking. You do not have to be a smoker yourself to suffer from the ailments that cigarettes can cause.Smoke contains carcinogens which are cancer forming substances. It also contains arsenic, tar and formaldehyde. Cigarette smoke damages your skin because is zaps vitamin C, zinc and bioflavonoid from your system.If you are a smoker you should consider taking additional supplementation to counteract the effects of smoke on your system. Extra doses of vitamin C and B vitamins, bioflavonoid and zinc are a must. If you really want to get rid of your eczema and experience the joys of superior health and you are a smoker, it is time to seriously consider giving up the bad habit. There are many avenues you can take and support is available from your doctor.Another bad habit is alcohol. Now alcohol are a funny commodity. In small quantities is can prove very beneficial to your health. Studies have proven that small quantities of wine protect you against heart attacks. In fact studies indicate that those who do not consume any alcohol at all are far more likely to suffer heart problems than those who drink the occasional glass or two.A little drop of wine each day can also aid relaxation and improve your digestion providing it does your irritate your eczema. However alcohol consumed in large amounts will weaken your immunity, bring on early ageing and cause cancer. Two or more drinks per day can cause liver damage, mental problems and lead to heart attacks. Excessive consumption of alcohol does not play any part in the superior health lifestyle. Insure your consumption is minimal.

Mens Health Fitness and Tips

While the life-expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, it’s no secret that men still need to pay more attention to their bodies. Several things work against men. More than 50 percent of American men and women do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. Men’s Health Network (MHN) is a non-profit educational organization comprised of physicians, researchers, public health workers, individuals and other health professionals. Understanding the health risks for men is a crucial part in maintaining a healthy life. Mens are smoke and drink more than women, and generally lead less healthy lifestyles. What you eat and drink and what you don’t eat and drink can definitely make a difference to your health. Mens health is committed to improving the health and wellness of men through education campaigns, partnerships with retailers and other private entities, workplace health programs, data collection, and work with health care providers to provide better programs and funding for men’s health needs. Balancing obligations to your employer and your family can be challenging.Health problems in menBased on your age, health history, lifestyle, and other important issues, you and your health care provider can determine how often you need to be examined and screened for certain diseases and conditions. Males are at increased risk for some injuries and conditions. Motor vehicle traffic, poisonings, and falls are the leading causes of unintentional injury deaths for males.heart disease cancer obesity diabetes stroke physically transmitted diseases

Read About Vitamin C

The c vitamin has got to be the most widely known vitamin these days. It is not surprising because the body needs c vitamin for over 300 functions. In fact, the c vitamin has been proved to help protect against heart disease, cancer and other serious illnesses. Without the c vitamin the body would not be able to heal itself either. This is because the c vitamin is vital for the formation of collagen. Whenever a person has a cut or an injury it is the collagen that helps repair the damage and without sufficient c vitamin this would be almost impossible. Collagen has a multitude of functions in the body, including keeping the organs in place, and it would not be able to do this without sufficient c vitamin. The c vitamin is also an antioxidant for the body and helps other vitamins and minerals to be absorbed better. Folic acid and iron, for example, need the c vitamin to maximise their usefulness. The more c vitamin that the body has, the better its defence against colds and other common ailments and the c vitamin may not prevent a person catching a virus but it does help speed up the recovery process. There is c vitamin in almost every fruit and vegetable but some have far higher c vitamin content than others. Cranberries and melons have high c vitamin content. In fact, tropical fruits have the highest c vitamin amounts of all fruit. Hot peppers are amongst the richest sources of the c vitamin when it comes to vegetables. The hotter the pepper, the higher its c vitamin content is. Unfortunately, the c vitamin is water soluble so many vegetables lose their effectiveness as a c vitamin provider if they are boiled for a long time. Steaming or quick stir frying vegetables ensures that more of their c vitamin content is retained. The recommended daily amount of the c vitamin is easily obtained from eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day if they are consumed raw or cooked quickly. C vitamin supplements are extremely useful to ensure that people obtain sufficient c vitamin. However, with a balanced diet the amount of c vitamin the body receives is likely to be sufficient. However, if a person begins feeling tired or lethargic then a c vitamin supplement will help overcome this. There is no danger of having too much c vitamin as the body simply excretes the excess.

Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements Are the Key to a Healthy Life

The discovery of vitamins as essential balance of the body is relatively recent. We owe our merit especially to the Japanese Umetaro Suzuki who discovered in 1910 vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the hull of a grain of rice. In the early 20th century, we still did not understand very well what role they could play in the organization of the human body. Today, scientists recognize the importance of dietary supplements in the prevention of heart disease, asthma, cancer, memory disorder, premature aging and in many other medical conditions. The following are some of vital supplement that our body needs to function properly, according to several researches on nutrition:Antioxidants have aroused much enthusiasm - These nutrients protect the body from damage due to “free radicals”, compounds produced by toxins from the environment and the normal mechanisms of the body. Free radicals can damage cells throughout the body. Now days, all medical researchers confirm the benefits of antioxidants on our health, including protection against heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene (vitamin A) and selenium are antioxidants on which scientists conduct numerous searches.Vitamins - The vitamins are absolutely necessary to our body even in small quantities. Besides, with the exception of vitamin D, vitamins can not be synthesized by the body and must be present in our daily food or taking in supplements! We mainly use the range of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12), vitamin C and vitamin E, without forgetting the vitamin A and vitamin D. In short, when it comes to vitamins, all are useful and indispensable to good functioning of our organism. A lack vitamins may cause more diseases one can imagine. Minerals and oligoelementsAs for minerals, selenium and magnesium are the top supplements you should consider increase in your diet. Selenium for its huge anti-oxidant properties and the other (magnesium) for its ability to restore energy and morale. In addition, you need many of these small molecules (oligo-element) used in the composition of dietary supplements: calcium, carotene, chromium, copper or iron, each has its role in the beauty of the skin, the strength of our bones or well-being of your joints. Without forgetting the fluorine for the smallest and largest, or zinc for a perfect. The protein, fatty acids, and amino acidsMore original, compositions based fatty acid such as the famous omega 3 from fish oil or vegetable oils, are known for their positive action on mood and heart. There is the CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which “dry” muscles by preventing fat set but also all kinds of protein and fatty acids. Among the amino acids, creatine evokes discussion. Its role to supply energy to muscle and nerve cells is sometimes controversial. Many researches have shown the outstanding role of Fatty acids in our organism. The list of proteins, amino acids and fatty acids and their role is long, I promise to talk about them in another article. Nature provides us with everything we need for a healthy life. The vitamins, minerals, and certain herbs all around us can help us have healthy skin, clean bodies, and prevent or even cure diseases that are said to be incurable. However, taking those supplements in a daily basic in a regular food is not as easy as it sounds. You need to supplement your food with healthy vitamin supplements. At vitalfoodstore.com, we offer a variety of natural supplements that your body needs to stay healthy. Visit our vitamins minerals supplements website today and save 5%.

What Is Coral Calcium And Where Does It Come From?

Coral calcium is a dietary supplement said to be derived from “remnants of living coral that have fallen from coral reefs, as a result of wave action or other natural processes. According to the coral calcium infomercial, taking coral calcium can cure up to 200 human diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes etc. When you start taking coral calcium, your body alkalizes and drives out the body’s acidic state. Coral calcium is composed of mostly calcium carbonate, just like those you found in Tums or other calcium carbonate supplements from your health food stores. Coral is composed of tiny, fragile living organisms called coral polyps. Coral reefs are among the worlds most fragile and endangered ecosystems, strict laws are enforced to preserve them. Since coral reefs are protected by law, “coral calcium” is made by grinding up dead coral called limestone that no longer contains live organisms. Coral grains are mined from fossilized coral beds on the coastline, and pumped from coral beds in shallow waters. Coral calcium supplements come from fossilized coral beds. Since it is severely illegal to mine “live” coral reefs, coral calcium has to come from a different source which is dead coral loaded with calcium and trace minerals. For people who need to consume extra calcium, coral calcium may be the best choice. The body absorbs coral calcium better than other calcium supplements in the market mostly due to the trace minerals also found in coral. The calcium content of coral calcium ranges from 24% to 38% and is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. Ninety-eight percent of people over age 60 are totally calcium-deficient meaning, they are not consuming enough calcium to sustain current bone density. Most of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones, which can release whatever amounts are needed to maintain adequate blood levels, this causes bone loss. Historically, calcium supplements haven’t always been safe: years ago calcium carbonate from bone meal or oyster shells, for instance, was used in some supplements —but was later found to contain high levels of lead and other heavy metals. Now with new technology and strict government laws calcium is very safe. Like many other supplements, coral calcium is beneficial to your body in many ways. And unlike other calcium supplements, coral calcium does have special properties that make it worth strongly considering as a supplement to your daily diet, mainly trace minerals. Almost every cell in the body, including those in the heart, nerves, and muscles; relies on calcium to function properly. Calcium deficiency can weaken bones (osteoporosis), but it does not make the body more acidic or cause a wide range of diseases. The body needs about two times as much calcium compared to any other mineral. The body of an unhealthy person is acidic, or has low pH this acidic state cause’s disease. Over 35% of the body’s mineral makeup consists of calcium, which literally performs hundreds of operations essential to our everyday lives. Are you getting enough?Consumers should be aware of the claims that coral calcium can treat or cure cancer, multiple sclerosis, lupus, heart disease, or high blood pressure are not supported by existing scientific evidence. Most of the health claims being made about coral calcium from Okinawa are based on the fact that the Okinawan’s are among the world’s longest lived people and supposedly drink water containing coral calcium. In conclusion, there is no medical evidence to support these claims, and coral calcium has been identified by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a Fake Cancer Cure Consumers Should Avoid. Most of the claims are based on how calcium can bring the body into a more alkaline state and this alkaline state strengthens the body and helps it fight disease over time. Knowing this, have you had your coral calcium today?

A few days ago I was with my sister in Madrid, Spain, doing window shopping (nowadays, with the fall of the dollar against the euro, it is difficult to do any other kind of shopping in Europe). After wandering for a while, we took a break and went to a cafeteria.

I ordered a bottle of water and my sister asked for a coke. As I watched the waiter placing the 12-ounce glass of soda on our table, I waited for my sister to say something like: can you bring me a larger soda? This is too small. But I waited in vain because she didn’t say a word. She seemed to be pretty satisfied with the size she was served and during the two hours we spent at the cafeteria, she didn’t order anything else.

As I was conversing with my sister, a bothersome thought kept coming back to my mind: what do Americans think when traveling in Mediterranean countries and presented with such small sizes of soda? In the United States we are used to be served “supersizes” and we feel we are not getting our money’s worth when presented with anything shorter of that.

The Mediterranean diet: the portion factor

Much has been written lately about the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet to prevent the so called “prosperity diseases”, especially heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and overweight. And many of us know, the virtues of the Mediterranean cuisine reside in the selection of its basic elements: fruits and vegetables, grains, fish and seafood, olive oil and red wine in moderation. But are we aware that a very important element of this diet is the portion factor?

Looking at how much and how often you eat, counts

If you have made the decision of eating healthy and according to the principles of the Mediterranean diet, no matter how close you follow this diet, all the potential health benefits will be lost if your portions are double of what they should be. Why?

Because portions such as the ones we are used to in the United States lead to obesity. And obesity leads to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, the same chronic diseases Mediterraneans have avoided for centuries thanks in part to the adequate portions they eat or drink.

So, how do you know what is considered a “normal” portion?

Health authorities have already established food guidelines to help you in this area so you can do the following:

• Go to MyPyramid.gov. You can check the different servings for meats, grains, fruits and vegetables, fat, etc. that are adequate for you and your family. The portions are based on ages and genders.

• Remember that there is a difference between a portion and a serving. A portion is how much you choose to eat, at home, at the restaurant, or from a package. A serving is a standard amount set by the U.S. Government. Usually our portions are much larger than the servings recommended by the Health authorities and that’s why we end up gaining those extra pounds.

• Keep also in mind that you need to be a role model for your children as they need to get used to eat adequate portions to prevent overweight. A lean child would most likely be a lean adult and chances are a healthy one.

You want to get your money’s worth when eating out

Restaurants want your money and the way to get it is to serve you very large plates with a lot of food and a “supersize” soft drink. And to add insult to injury, sometimes the meal even includes a “supersize” refill. Getting all this food may make you happy since for a reasonable amount of money you are getting a substantial amount of food and you feel you are getting your money’s worth.

Unfortunately, what is happening here is that the restaurant is getting your business and you are getting the calories; definitely, not a win-win situation. In fact, many studies show that the more often people eat out, the more body fat they have.

So, what can you do when at the restaurant or at the fast food place?

• When presented with a too large portion, before even getting your teeth into that tasty food, ask the waiter to take half of it and save it for you in a doggy bag (in the refrigerator, of course) until you leave.

• Share your meal with your fellow diners.

• Do not order supersize soft drinks. It is true that large sizes only cost a few cents more but you get a lot of unwanted calories (A 12 ounce can of soda has the equivalent of 11 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. You can do the math for a 32 ounce soft drink). Order water. According to Odilia Bermudez, Ph.D., of Tufts University, soft drinks and other sugar-added beverages have overtaken white bread and are now the main source of calories in the average American’s diet.

Final thoughts

The moral of this article is that if you want to follow a Mediterranean diet because you have committed yourself to eat healthy, you need to watch portions. How about spending your next vacation in a Mediterranean country such as Spain, Italy or Greece? The Mediterranean cuisine, the sea, the sun, the freshness of the salads, the sweetness of the fruits, and the wines and cheeses would be a wonderful experience. And you will get familiar, first hand, with Mediterranean portions.

There is a difference between good trans fats and bad trans fats. The bad trans fats have been shown to cause heart disease, cancer, and diabetes..but there is some proof that the good trans fat can aid you in getting a leaner body, muscle building, and cancer determent. Learn about the difference.

I just received the results of my annual physical exam the other day. The doctor said that my cholesterol was too high. It was lower last year by 10 points! How can it be too high this year? Anyway he wanted to put me on drugs to get it lower.

Now I%26#8217;ve been reading a lot lately about cholesterol, what causes it, and how best to lower it. I decided I would try to find a way to lower it without the drugs. I knew that the drugs could possibly cause liver damage. GREAT, not what I wanted.

Have you noticed all the side effects of almost any drug on the market? Scares me into trying to learn all I can and to find alternatives to the drugs.

My research led me to trans fats. Just what are trans fats and where do they come from. Aren%26#8217;t trans fats in any form bad for you?

There is a difference between good trans fats and bad trans fats. The bad trans fats have been shown to cause heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, but there is some proof that the good trans fat can aid you in getting a leaner body, muscle building, and cancer determent.

Over the last few years it has been stated in the news just how bad synthetic trans fats are for your health. These substances are some of the most offensive food additives and are found in the majority of all processed and fast foods on the market these days.

In their degree of danger to your health, man-made trans fats are as bad as smoking. They are one of the major factors for the outbreak of heart disease since about the 1950%26#8217;s.

The FDA has required that food manufacturers list the grams of trans fat on all nutrition labels. You now have an easier way to avoid packages with trans fat included in them.

I wanted to clear up some things, specifically about bad trans fats vs. good trans fats, with all of the talk about trans fats in the news. If you%26#8217;ve never heard of good trans fats before, let me explain.

The Good Trans Fats

The good trans fats are all natural and they are healthy for you. Natural trans fats are produced in the stomachs of animals like cattle, and sheep and make their way into the fat reserves of the animals. Therefore, the milk fat and the fat within the meat of these animals can supply natural healthy trans fats.

Natural trans fats in your diet have been thought to have some possible benefit to assist in both muscle building and fat loss attempts. However, keep in mind that the amount of healthy trans fats in the meat and dairy of animals is greatly lowered by their grain diets and methods of farming. Meat and dairy from grass-fed, free-range animals always have much higher amounts of these favorable fats.

One trans fat is called c

onjugated linoleic acid and has been retailed by many weight loss companies. Keep in mind that these man-made CLA pills may not be the top way to get natural trans fats in your diet, because they are artificially made from plant oils. Once again, man-made just doesn%26#8217;t compare to the benefits of natural sources.

The Bad Trans Fats

The bad trans fats are the man-made kind. Any artificially hydrogenated oils exemplify these. Margarine, shortening, and hydrogenated oils that are in most processed foods are the culprits. These hydrogenated oils are considerably processed using harsh chemical solvents like hexane (a component of gasoline), high heat, and pressure.

They have a metal catalyst added, and are then deodorized and bleached. A small amount of the solvent is allowed to stay in the finished oil. Somehow the FDA still lets the food manufacturers put this in our food in vast quantities, even with the well-documented health dangers.

These hydrogenated oils cause irritation internally, which signals cholesterol as a healing agent to be deposited on artery walls. Heart disease has blown out of proportion since this has been added to our food supply.

Soon science will unveil how fatal these oils really are. Eventually they will be banned from use. The labeling laws were simply the first step. Some countries around the world have already banned the use of hydrogenated oils in food manufacturing.

Most companies are replacing them, with highly refined polyunsaturated oils. These are still over processed oils using high heat, solvents, deodorizers, and bleaching agents. Even refined oils are known to yield irritation in your body…a far cry from natural sources of healthy fats.

Your body will bless you as you avoid highly processed foods completely and choose whole, natural, minimally processed foods.

Keep in mind that if an amount of trans fat is listed on a meat or dairy product, it is most likely the natural good trans fats that we%26#8217;ve talked about here. Otherwise, if the quantity of trans fat is listed on any processed foods, it is most likely the hazardous unwholesome fat from artificially hydrogenated oils.

Please stay away from these fats! Now that all of your labels should be listing grams of trans fat it will be easy to spot the bad trans fats.

Stay away from any food that lists hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils as an ingredient. Your body will thank you for it.

I hope you will use this information to arm yourself with more wholesome food choices for a healthier body. This was an intriguing look at good trans fat vs. bad trans fat that I hope you keep in mind while making food choices.

Article Source: http://www.BestToRead.com/