Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Cardiac Treatment

How many times have we heard about omega-3 fatty acids? All the time, right? It gets so that when you hear about how great they are, you kind of ignore the information.

But several research studies not only talk about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for prevention of heart disease, they also talk about how beneficial they are in treating it. That’s huge. One study says that omegas “help in therapy for a number of conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack, atherosclerosis and heart failure.”

When you think about the damage done to your body during heart disease, this news is truly fabulous. It means that it’s never too late to be better heart healthy.

Image: sxc.hu.

Eating Healthy Important to Beauty

With so many face creams and beauty products on the product, it’s easy to forget that eating right may be the best thing we can do for our skin. Foods like “vegetables, nuts, and teas…may replace a trip to the spa.” Salmon and other foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids might help with wrinkles, and “spinach, broccoli, and Swiss chard” help ad shine to hair.

The key is to eating foods rich in antioxidants. Foods like green tea, citrus fruits, spinach, collard greens, and egg yolks can all “combat skin damage from the sun and aging.”

Image: sxc.hu.

Diabetic Superfoods

If you’re diabetic and trying to eat right – and really, who isn’t? – the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has released its list of “superfoods” for all diabetics. They are:

• Beans
• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Citrus fruit
• Sweet potatoes
• Berries
• Tomatoes
• Fish with omega-3 fatty acids
• Whole grains
• Nuts
• Fat-free milk and yogurt

These foods have high “fiber, potassium, healthy fats, magnesium and antioxidants.” And here’s a secret for those non-diabetics out there: these foods are good for you, too! Everyone should try and incorporate more of these into their diet.

Image: sxc.hu.

Dr Weil’s Fruit and Nut Bars

I love bars. If you followed Veggie Chic, then I’m sure you have heard me say that before. I like the portability, the ease, the taste, the way they are like a healthy cookie.

Dr. Weil’s Fruit and Nut Bars arrived in my mail last week. I had the opportunity to try a whole bunch of these certified organic bars. Yum! They have a moist, dense texture. The taste reminded me of a Fig Newton filling – the fruitiness and the slight crunchiness when I chewed. The Banana Manna tastes just like banana nut bread. My favorite was the Chia Razz – I loved the raspberry flavor.

Goji Moji: Goji berries help support a healthy immune system, improve eyesight, and circulation.

Chocolada Walnut: Walnuts are good-for-you fat full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids

Pistachi-Oh!: Pistachios are high in potassium, protein, phosphorus, and magnesium

Banana Manna: Bananas are also high in potassium which helps to protect against heart attack, stroke, as well as lowering blood pressure.

Chia Razz: Raspberries are a Super-Fruit and the Chia seed is a complete protein, with Omega 3 fatty acids, and amino acids.

Image credit: Michelle Smith

Kids Don’t Get Enough Omega-3

A recent study in Canada revealed that children don’t receive enough omega-3 EPA and DHA in their diets.

Researchers of the University of Guelph in Ontario found that the average daily intake of omega-3 EPA and DHA was only 31.5 mg. The same group was children ages 4-8. However, the recommended intake is 90 mg per day. The study indicated that 78 percent of the children were far below the recommended level.

Omega-3’s are important for neurological benefits and cognitive function. It may help improve behavior, learning disorders, and hyperactivity disorders.

How can you get your child the recommended dosage?

The best sources for omega-3 fatty acids are oily fish, walnuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, canola oil and soy.

Source: UPI.com

O.N.E. Amazon Acai Juice – Product Review

I see press about the Acai berry all over the place. Even on My Space, there’s an ad saying something along the lines of “lose weight the same way Rachel Ray (or is it Oprah) did…. Amazing Acai berry …..”  So, when I was given the opportunity to try some, I said, “Heck yeah, send it over…….”

And O.N.E did. They sent me a selection of juices.  Today, we are going to talk about the Amazon Acai.

Read more

Sure Ways To Improve Heart Health

I think about my  heart health – improving it, maintaining it – all the time.  I’m a single mother with 3 kids. My oldest son, Max, is 18 and he has Cerebral Palsy. He relies on me for all of his care. I have to be healthy in order to able to do that.

Today, I found an article entitled Cut Heart Risk in 18 days. Here are some of the main ideas:

*Drink green tea. I’ve read this before, but I always wondered how much. Twenty ounces is the amount recommended here. I love green tea. In addition, drink a daily glass of both orange and grape juice – both are high in antioxidants to help avoid clogged arteries.

*Keep your fat intake down between 20-35% of your total calories. These fats should be polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fatty acids. Nuts and tofu over french fries and pastry. A vegan diet fits within this effortlessly. Olive oil over butter or Canola. Chose cold-pressed extra virgin for the most antioxidant benefits.

*Eat between 25-35 grams of fiber a day. Choose whole grains, beans, fresh fruit. Eat 2 cups of fresh fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables a day, focusing on the cruciferous choices - brocoli, kale, cabbage, etc. Don’t forget garlic. Garlic has shown an ability to lower cholesterol.

*Add more omega-3s to your diet. This is something that I mentioned The Flat Belly Diet. The easiest way I’ve found to do this is to add Flax to my diet. Both my son and I take two flax oil supplements a day.

*Get out there and get moving. Start slow and follow the advice of your doctor. (While you’ve got her attention, ask your doctor about the possibility of aspirin therapy). Set the goal to complete 45 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. Choose something fun and you are more likely to maintain that goal.

*Try to find a way to incorporate meditation into your day. Surround yourself with like-minded people, build a supportive circle of friends. This will help to reduce anxiety and fight depression, plus it’s fun.

Image credit: Michelle

Wine For The Heart

Having a glass of wine over the holiday’s will actually be good for your heart. A glass or two of wine per day will increase the Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood.

A research study led by Dr. Romina Di Giuseppe of the Catholic University in Campobasso, Italy, found that the link is stronger among wine drinkers. The link was not as strong in those who drink beer and other alcoholic drinks in moderation.

Fish such as salmon and mackerel also lower your triglycerides. Which in turn reduces risk of heart failure due to reducing inflammation and preventing disturbances in the rhythm of the heart.

Wine also reduces the chances of blood clots by boosting the blood levels of your good HDL cholesterol.

The study will be published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

http://www.topnews.in/healthcare/content/-2359glass-wine-day-can-keep-heart-healthy

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/health/article_212194076.shtml

Heart Healthy Snacks

                                                                                                                               

This is the season for parties, office snacks and great holiday dinners. With a few suggestions from the sites listed below you too will enjoy the holiday season. The foods listed on the sites are heart healthy.

Everyone gets tired of trying to always eat what is best for us, because it seems as though these foods do not taste that good. Well that is behind us for I have found some snacks and good tasting alternatives.

I hope you will find these easy recipes for snacks, desserts and meals just what you have been dreaming of. Your dream has come true.

Often called nutrient powerhouses, nuts are loaded with heart healthy nutrients such as fiber and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels. Many nuts, such as walnuts, are also a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent clotting of blood, reducing the risk of stroke and also helps lower triglycerides, a type of blood fat linked to heart disease.

 http://www.heartandstroke.qc.ca/site/c.pkI0L7MMJrE/b.4701621/k.C929/Go_nuts.htm

http://food.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/09/healthy_junk_food.php

“Healthy Kids, Naturally” from Whole Foods Market

Keeping kids and teens healthy can be a challenge during the busy school year. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone.

Fortunately, there are some simple, and natural, things parents can do to help kids stay healthy and energized for all their activities.

Hygiene. The CDC says that the single most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands. When there’s not sink and soap around, use natural hand sanitizers—wipes or gel—with 100 percent pure essential oils.

Nutrition. Growing bodies and brains need fiber and nutrients to stay healthy. A child’s health can suffer from too few of these good things and too many sugary, highly processed foods.

The USDA Food Guide Pyramid recommends nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. One serving size of fruits and veggies for children equals one of the following:
• 1/2 cup juice
• 1 cup raw leafy salad greens
• 1/2 cup chopped raw, canned or cooked fruit or other vegetable

Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3s, are crucial for development and health of the brain, heart, nervous system, tissues, skin and immune system, especially for school-age children. DHA can be found in fatty cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna, and in DHA-enriched products like eggs and milk.

What about nutritional supplements? If kids and teens are actually eating nine servings of colorful fruits and veggies—plus foods containing all the other recommended daily nutrients—every day, then they probably don’t need them. But with picky eaters, tight schedules, food allergies and more, they don’t often get what they need. In these cases, supplements might be a good idea. But be careful. While it’s easy to find a fun and fruity multivitamin that kids don’t mind taking each day, it’s the nutrients they need, not loads of sugar or artificial colors and flavors.

Rest. Rest, relaxation and sleep are key for handling stress. While moderate stress is normal, the demands of school life can cause stress overload for youngsters and adolescents—and their parents and teachers! Be sure to schedule in downtime and allow for adequate sleep when you’re planning the week.

Kids need more sleep than you might think.
• 3–6 years old: 10 3/4–12 hours per day
• 7–12 years old: 10–11 hours per day
• 12–18 years old: 8¼–9½ hours per day
Stomachaches, nervousness, trouble sleeping, anger flares or infections may be signs of stress. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe, effective ways to handle it. Breathing deep, exercising, stretching, physical play and homeopathic remedies may help.

If you would like to know more about natural ways to help your kids stay healthy, the Whole Body Team Members at Whole Foods Market are well educated about all of the products they offer and are happy to answer questions.

You can also visit WholeFoodsMarket.com for educational podcasts and more information.
Story courtesy of Family Features
Image: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

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