Whole grains benefits

Whole grains benefits


Studies show that eating whole grains instead of refined grains lowers the risk of many chronic diseases. While benefits are most pronounced for those consuming at least 3 servings daily, some studies show reduced risks from as little as one serving daily. The message: every whole grain in your diet helps!

The main benefits of whole grains

The benefits of whole grains most documented by repeated studies include:

• stroke risk reduced 30-36%
• type 2 diabetes risk reduced 21-30%
• heart disease risk reduced 25-28%
• better weight maintenance

Other benefits indicated by recent studies include:

• reduced risk of asthma
• healthier carotid arteries
• reduction of inflammatory disease risk
• lower risk of colorectal cancer
• healthier blood pressure levels
• less gum disease and tooth loss

Summaries of Recent Whole Grain Health Research

To support the deliberations of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, Oldways and the Whole Grains Council have compiled a summary of research on whole grains and health that has been undertaken since the 2005 Dietary Guidelines. This PDF report includes information from almost four dozen studies, largely from 2006 to 2008; it augments an earlier compendium from the Bell Institute of Nutrition at General Mills.
 

Putting the Whole Grain Puzzle Together:
Health Benefits Associated with Whole Grains

In April 2010, the American Society for Nutrition brought together researchers to review the evidence regarding the health benefits associated with whole grains. Current scientific evidence indicates that whole grains play an important role in lowering the risk of chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and also contribute to body weight management and gastrointestinal health. The findings were published as a supplement to The Journal of Nutrition in May 2011 and made available as a Free Article.
 

Whole Grains and Human Health – an Overview

In 2004 (Nutrition Research Reviews, May 2004; Vol 17: 99-110), Dr. Joanne Slavin of the University of Minnesota published a meta-analysis that reviewed and compiled scores of recent studies on whole grains and health, to show how whole-grain intake is protective against cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

10 reasons why you should use pure unrefined sea salt

10 reasons why you should use pure unrefined sea salt


 
Salt use has been a controversial health issue. Most allopathic MDs consider it a source of high blood pressure. But researchers from holistic health circles, including some independent MDs, have embraced pure sea salt as vital for good health. The taboo on salt has been challenged.

Taboos Based on Hearsay

Similar taboos within the same established medical circles have existed for saturated fats and cholesterol to avoid clogged arteries. As a result of unproven medical dogma, unhealthy margarine replaced healthy organic butter and toxic trans-fatty processed oils replaced fatty acid rich coconut and palm oils.

Now many health experts have been disabused of the negative press on saturated fats. The salt issue is very similar. The doctor tales go this way: High salt intake leads to high blood pressure resulting in heart attacks or strokes.

There have been epidemiological studies that indicate those on low sodium diets, salt restricting diets, are even more susceptible to cardiovascular issues than heavy salt users. One study surveyed a group with high blood pressure compared to another group with normal blood pressure and found no difference for heart attack risks.

Apparently the unequivocally absolute causal link of salt consumption for high blood pressure to heart attacks is bogus. But the right type of salt should be used for optimum health.

Why Sea Salt

Normal refined commercial table salt is rather toxic and lacks the nutrients contained in unrefined, raw sea salt. The toxicity comes from the refining and bleaching process, which also removes many of sea salt's naturally occurring trace minerals.


Though we all need sodium to live and function efficiently, our bodies have a hard time recognizing it from refined salt. Digestion and metabolism become imbalanced, perpetuating toxicity internally.

Our blood salt content closely resembles sea water salt content. All unrefined salt regardless of its current origin came from the sea originally. Therefore, pure salt can be sourced from ancient caves as well as seaside beds.

Pure unadulterated salt has been consumed by humans for centuries. Over the past few decades, industrially processed salt has taken over our cuisine and has been overly used in packaged and fast foods.

And that is the type of food that sodium sensitive types should restrict, especially since those nutritionally empty foods are also full of toxic ingredients. Commercially processed salt even passes on aluminum, used for processing, to your brain cells.

Ten Health Benefits of Unrefined Sea Salt

1) Salt helps stabilize and regulate heartbeats, thanks to its magnesium and sodium content.
2) Sodium is essential for proper muscular function.
3) Salt helps minimize the effects of stress by maintaining proper melatonin, serotonin, and tryptamine levels in the brain.
4) Salt helps the body hold water sufficiently for proper cell hydration.
5) Salt helps remove cellular acidity, especially in the brain and kidneys. Thus it is an alkalizer.
6) Sea salt boosts your immune system.
7) Since salt is taken into bone matter as part of strengthening bones, it helps prevent osteoporosis.
8) Sea salt provides a buffer for blood sugar levels to help prevent diabetes or to help those who are diabetic use less insulin.
9) Sea salt provides iodine in a natural setting, making it easier for your thyroid to absorb it and to regulate the endocrine system.
10) It tastes better.

Caution:Avoid overdoing a good thing. Sea salt should be balanced with appropriate water consumption. For more information, check out the sources below.

Benefits of cinnamon

Surprising health facts

A shaker of cinnamon often sits on the spice rack in most of our kitchens. Given its frequent use in sugary baked goods, many health mavens overlook cinnamon's centuries-old history as a healing substance, focusing on more exotic herbs rather than a brown powder found in Grandma's kitchen. Yet cinnamon, derived from the bark of a tree commonly found in South Asia and the Middle East region, not only adds flavor to pies, it also delivers a host of health benefits.

Ancient India's Healing Tradition

Ayurveda, the ancient healing system of India, often uses cinnamon to stimulate circulation as well as to increase the bio-availability of other herbs. Ayurvedic healers, prescribe remedies based on an individual's dosha or type. Ayurveda sees cinnamon as an appropriate remedy for people who belong to the kapha type (characterized as sturdy, heavy, calm, slow and moist) and the vata type (thin, cold, prone to nervousness) since cinnamon tends to have a heating and energizing effect. People who belong to the pitta type (fiery, oily, sharp) can partake of cinnamon in moderation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Herbalists and acupuncturists in the Chinese tradition value cinnamon for its warming qualities. Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may prescribe cinnamon, often in combination with another warming substance such as ginger, to ward off colds. TCM healers may prescribe cinnamon for disorders associated with the kidney meridian.

Anti-Viral

During the 1918 influenza outbreak, workers at cinnamon factories seemed immune to the Spanish flu which decimated the population. A potent new form of cinnamon extract may even protect against HIV. An Israeli researcher, taking a cue from a Biblical reference to high priests using a holy oil containing cinnamon, in 2007 developed a powerful cinnamon extract which may protect against modern viruses like the Avian flu.

Blood Sugar Control

There may be a touch of ancient wisdom at work in all the recipes which combine cinnamon with high-carb and high-fat ingredients. Cinnamon can mitigate the impact these foods have on blood sugar levels, slowing the rate at which the stomach empties after meals and thereby reducing the potential spike in blood sugar. Cinnamon can offer aid to people who have type 2 diabetes by preventing insulin resistance and has even been recommended by the American Diabetes Association. Research has shown cinnamon outperforms diabetes drugs. In a study published in The Journal of Diabetic Medicine, research subjects given cinnamon supplements experienced greater improvement in blood sugar levels than those who received standard diabetes drugs.

Muscle to Fat Ratio

Studies indicate that cinnamon supplements go beyond just improving blood glucose levels; they can also reduce body fat percentage and help increase lean muscle mass.

Scent

If people at the holiday dinner table seem especially alert when the cinnamon-spiced pumpkin pie is being served, it might be because of its scent, not just an appetite for sweets. A 2004 study found that the smell of cinnamon helped boost brain function. Study participants performance on tasks involving virtual recognition memory, attentional processes, working memory, and visual-motor speed while using a computer were measured comparing the relative effects of jasmine, peppermint, cinnamon and no odor. Cinnamon had the strongest positive effect on study subjects' cognitive processing skills. Cinnamon's aroma comes from cinnamonaldehyde, an essential oil in the bark of cinnamon trees.

Anti-Microbial

Cinnamon has the ability to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, molds and yeasts, including Candida yeast. In a 2003 study, two batches of vegetable broth were refrigerated, one with, and one without cinnamon oil. The broth with the cinnamon oil was resistant to food-borne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. Researchers in this study observed that the cinnamon not only served as an effective preservative but also improved the flavor of the broth. In another study, researchers at Kansas State University discovered that cinnamon eliminates E. coli in unpasteurized apple cider.