According to a CSFII USDA survey, we Americans eat 20.5 teaspoons of granulated sugar every day. This statistic is a bit absurd when compared to the figure consumed by the French. On average they consume one-eighteenth the amount that we do. Could this be the reason why the French eat lots of butter, animal fat, and cheese while suffering from fewer cases of chronic disease? Perhaps the paradox is not so much a paradox after all.
Why Sugar Is Bad
Sugar is a processed substance that is foreign to our bodies. For this reason alone, it is best to consume organic sugar in small quantities, but preferably not at all. Another great reason to decrease you sugar intake is that it impacts the physiology of our bodies in dramatic ways. Sugar is largely responsible for obesity (excess sugar is stored as fat), cancer, diabetes, gum infections, tooth decay, yeast infections hypoglycemia and hyperactivity. Sugar can also decrease growth hormone, encourage cancer, increase cholesterol, encourage fatigue and food allergies, incur gallstones and contribute to osteoporosis. In addition, when it enters the body, it feeds harmful bacteria that live in the mouth. It also suppresses immune function. This list is just a sampling of the ill-effects that sugar has on our bodies.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that the average American consumes anywhere between 150 to 170 pounds of simple sugars in one year. This is the equivalent of eating ¼ to ½ pounds of sugar each day. Less than 100 years ago, the average intake of sugar was only about 4 pounds per person per year. This is a huge difference and a statistic that tells us we are consuming above and beyond what nature intended. Just take a look at the food you eat on a daily basis. If you enjoy the more obvious sugar laden foods like pastries, donuts, cookies, cakes, and candies, then you know you’ve got some work to do. And if you eat these sweets in moderation, great, but there are numerous foods out there (namely processed foods) which contain way more sugar than you would think just by virtue of the way they are made.
White bread, white flour products, processed fruit juice and even rice cakes not only have more sugar than your body can take, but they also have a high glycemic index. When we eat foods with a high glycemic index, we often experience wild swings in blood sugar which causes a high. The high is then followed by a low, hypoglycemic state which can result in depression and irritability. Over the long term, these foods leave you insensitive to your own pancreatic insulin. When this happens, your body loses its ability to control blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetes, depression and obesity.
Refined white sugar contains no nutrients whatsoever. It contains no fiber, no minerals, no proteins, no fats, no enzymes-just empty calories. In order to digest it, the body has to take nutrients from its storehouse of enzymes and nutrients. All of the B vitamins which are essential to nerve function and vitamin C, which is required for keeping the immune system active and for repairing connective tissue are needed in this process. Calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium are also taken from various parts of the body in order to make use of the sugar. Think about that each time you add white sugar to your morning cup of coffee or take a bite of that glazed doughnut. Is it really worth it?
What We Can Do!
Perhaps it’s time to re-examine our relationship with sugar. Maybe it should be treated like any other addiction, because let’s face it, most Americans are addicted to sugar- whether we are conscious about it or not. In fact, researchers have found that there is a strong correlation between alcohol and or other addictive drugs and a strong craving for sugar. Those who are addicted to sugar have strong withdrawals when sugar is removed from the diet.
Think about what you eat on any given day. For breakfast, you may have cereal (lots of sugar there), perhaps you add sugar to coffee or tea and some mornings French toast is on the menu. At lunch you will most definitely find sugar in restaurant foods, in salad dressings or in pasta sauce. For a snack, yogurt seems like a healthy option but most contain upwards of 15 grams of sugar. At dinner there is sugar in ketchup, BBQ sauce, pizza and bread. Then there’s dessert and voila-you have incorporated loads of detrimental sugar to your daily diet. Still, there are other sources from which we obtain sugar that might not be so obvious. Certain types of crackers, canned vegetables and fruits and peanut butter are some examples. Just take a look at labels as you shop. If sugar is one of the top ingredients in the product, gingerly put it back on the shelf.
Unfortunately, we are biologically programmed to eat sweets. It is in our genes. Our biological sweet tooth was well under way when we were still living in caves. In order to make it through the day we had to eat nutrient-packed foods. Berries and other fruits helped boost our energy levels to enable us to perform the physical tasks of a typical day. If we fulfilled our collective sweet tooth today with fruits only, having a “sweet tooth” would not be such a negative thing.
The good news is, there are so many wonderful alternatives to sugar. When it comes to sweeteners, it is important to avoid all products containing aspartame, splenda, saccharin, refined white sugar, desserts made with white flour and white sugar. In moderate quantities, these sweeteners may be replaced with stevia, agave nectar, blackstrap molasses, certified raw, organic honey, pure grade B maple syrup, rice bran syrup, carob candy and organic chocolate, preferable raw. By cutting back on your intake of sugar you will be doing your body a huge favor. If you break down occasionally there’s no need to feel guilty, but do try to avoid it. With time, your body will thank you immensely.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Gecko In Blue.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Iced Mango Green Tea Recipe
Mix the following ingredients and pour over ice:
1 cup chilled green tea
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup mango nectar
serves: 1.
I happen to like the taste of green tea. A lot. I know that many of you avoid drinking green tea because you'd prefer coffee, or soft drinks, sports drinks or juice. Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet and with a little time, an open mind and some creative thought, a green tea beverage has the potential to taste as good or better than any other libation. One of my missions here, on this blog will be to inspire you all to get your green tea on. To your health!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Get Your Green Tea On!
Provided we don’t drink too much of it, teas provide a number of health benefits. They have been known to combat the flu, prevent tooth decay, lower heart disease risk, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cancer. Green tea is one of the most healthful teas due to it myriad of therapeutic properties. This little miracle of health was first discovered by a Chinese emperor in 2700 B.C. Traditionally, it was drank as a fasting tea to give its drinker mental clarity and energy during a cleanse. While it is indeed a stimulant, the amount of caffeine in green tea is minimal. If you are worried about caffeine, the decaffeinated version is just as beneficial because it retains its tannins and other flavonoids. Flavonoids are antioxidants that have the ability to hinder cancer-causing substances such as nitrosamines found in smoked food and the residues of nitrate fertilizers. They also have anti-allergen activities as well. Green tea also contains powerful polyphenols that acts as antioxidants, yet do not interfere with iron and protein absorption. A stimulant of thought and conversation, green tea should be taken daily throughout one’s lifetime for optimal health. While it can be taken in capsule form, one or two cups of green tea every day can have an altogether calming and meditative effect, useful in lowering stress levels.
1) Green tea for heart health:
Recent research suggests that antioxidants in green tea play a role in reducing the negative effects of bad cholesterol, lowering triglyceride levels and increasing the production of good cholesterol. They have also been shown to inhibit excessive blood clotting which may help against heart diseases and stroke. Further evidence has suggested that green tea plays a role in prevention of age-related and brain degeneration diseases, such as Parkinson and Alzheimer’s. Its antioxidant properties are thought to reduce free radical damage and the breakdown of neurotransmitters.
2) Green tea for immunity
It has antibiotic properties and even has the ability to combat antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The tea can also lower iron levels in the body, having a direct anti-viral effect on abnormal types of hepatitis viruses. There is also evidence from some studies that green tea provides significant immunoprotective qualities, particularly in the case of cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. White blood cell count appears to be maintained more effectively in cancer patients consuming green tea compared to patients who do not drink the soothing beverage.
3) Green tea for cancer prevention
Green tea’s rich supply of antioxidants may also play a key role in the prevention of various cancers, like breast, colon, stomach, and lung cancer. They suppress the formation and growth of potent cancer-causing agents. While the potential anti-cancer properties of green tea look promising, they are also complex and not yet completely understood. Catechins, which are tannins found in green tea, have been shown to have anti-tumor effects.\ Studies in Japan has shown that several cups of green tea on a day are effective in reducing lung cancer death rates, while other studies indicate the same success with liver and stomach cancers.
4) Green Tea for digestion and detoxification
The Chinese regard green tea as a stimulant , and astringent for clearing phlegm and a digestive remedy. Because of the tannins in green tea, it is useful for diarrhea. During detoxification, the polyphenols found in green tea are astoundingly efficient at lessening the production of uremic toxicity to protect the kidneys.
5) Green Tea for weight loss
Because it boosts enzyme activity in the body and is fully enzyme-active it helps the body cleanse itself and lose weight, while increasing metabolism. Polyphenols have also been known to help the body burn fat because they work with other chemicals to intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is when heat is created in the body by burning fuels such as fat. A study in Switzerland found that drinking 2-3 cups of green tea daily caused the participants to burn eighty extra calories each day without increasing their heart rates.
6) Green tea to prevent tooth decay
Studies suggest that chemical in green tea can destroy bacteria that cause tooth decay and other dental conditions. Try natural toothpastes, dental floss and mouth washes that contain green tea.
Green Tea’s Other Uses
Green tea can also be used as a natural beauty product. When applied directly to the skin, green tea has the ability to clear blemishes and other skin problems. Its leaves can act as an excellent exfoliant to the skin while the concentrated version calms and cools the face. Try mixing one tablespoon of green tea leaves to three tablespoons mayonnaise for a detoxifying facial mask. In addition to drinking green tea, try adding it to breads, fruit compotes and sorbets
Serving and Storing Green Tea
Green tea can be served hot or cold and still provide a host of health benefits. While sugar and lemon are not thought to alter the antioxidant content, milk may bind to the antioxidants and make them unavailable to the body. To brew a potent cup of green tea, make sure to steep the tea bag for at least 3 minutes. Otherwise, all of the antioxidants may not end up in the tea. If you’re concerned about caffeine, a 6-ounce cup of green tea contains approximately 30 mg. That’s much lower than coffee, which has about 100 mg per cup. Buy tea leaves in small quantities and store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.
1) Green tea for heart health:
Recent research suggests that antioxidants in green tea play a role in reducing the negative effects of bad cholesterol, lowering triglyceride levels and increasing the production of good cholesterol. They have also been shown to inhibit excessive blood clotting which may help against heart diseases and stroke. Further evidence has suggested that green tea plays a role in prevention of age-related and brain degeneration diseases, such as Parkinson and Alzheimer’s. Its antioxidant properties are thought to reduce free radical damage and the breakdown of neurotransmitters.
2) Green tea for immunity
It has antibiotic properties and even has the ability to combat antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The tea can also lower iron levels in the body, having a direct anti-viral effect on abnormal types of hepatitis viruses. There is also evidence from some studies that green tea provides significant immunoprotective qualities, particularly in the case of cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. White blood cell count appears to be maintained more effectively in cancer patients consuming green tea compared to patients who do not drink the soothing beverage.
3) Green tea for cancer prevention
Green tea’s rich supply of antioxidants may also play a key role in the prevention of various cancers, like breast, colon, stomach, and lung cancer. They suppress the formation and growth of potent cancer-causing agents. While the potential anti-cancer properties of green tea look promising, they are also complex and not yet completely understood. Catechins, which are tannins found in green tea, have been shown to have anti-tumor effects.\ Studies in Japan has shown that several cups of green tea on a day are effective in reducing lung cancer death rates, while other studies indicate the same success with liver and stomach cancers.
4) Green Tea for digestion and detoxification
The Chinese regard green tea as a stimulant , and astringent for clearing phlegm and a digestive remedy. Because of the tannins in green tea, it is useful for diarrhea. During detoxification, the polyphenols found in green tea are astoundingly efficient at lessening the production of uremic toxicity to protect the kidneys.
5) Green Tea for weight loss
Because it boosts enzyme activity in the body and is fully enzyme-active it helps the body cleanse itself and lose weight, while increasing metabolism. Polyphenols have also been known to help the body burn fat because they work with other chemicals to intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is when heat is created in the body by burning fuels such as fat. A study in Switzerland found that drinking 2-3 cups of green tea daily caused the participants to burn eighty extra calories each day without increasing their heart rates.
6) Green tea to prevent tooth decay
Studies suggest that chemical in green tea can destroy bacteria that cause tooth decay and other dental conditions. Try natural toothpastes, dental floss and mouth washes that contain green tea.
Green Tea’s Other Uses
Green tea can also be used as a natural beauty product. When applied directly to the skin, green tea has the ability to clear blemishes and other skin problems. Its leaves can act as an excellent exfoliant to the skin while the concentrated version calms and cools the face. Try mixing one tablespoon of green tea leaves to three tablespoons mayonnaise for a detoxifying facial mask. In addition to drinking green tea, try adding it to breads, fruit compotes and sorbets
Serving and Storing Green Tea
Green tea can be served hot or cold and still provide a host of health benefits. While sugar and lemon are not thought to alter the antioxidant content, milk may bind to the antioxidants and make them unavailable to the body. To brew a potent cup of green tea, make sure to steep the tea bag for at least 3 minutes. Otherwise, all of the antioxidants may not end up in the tea. If you’re concerned about caffeine, a 6-ounce cup of green tea contains approximately 30 mg. That’s much lower than coffee, which has about 100 mg per cup. Buy tea leaves in small quantities and store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Acid-Alkaline Balance for Optimal Health
The acid-base balance of the body is critical to optimal health. Diet and nutrition play a key role in this balance, and if the body is not able to compensate for an unbalanced diet, the body’s internal environment becomes compromised and eventually cells fail to thrive, thus leading the body to a diseased state. When the body is in an acidic state, the alkaline biochemical buffers are less able to maintain the blood’s healthy pH of 7.4. Our systems compensate for this by depositing excess acid substances into the tissues and joints. This is one reason many believe that acidity leads to arthritis.
The pH scale goes from 0-14 with the number 7 representing the ideal balance between acid and alkaline substances. With greater acidity in the body, the number becomes smaller. With greater alkalinity in the body, the number becomes larger. The zone of optimal health extends only from pH 7.36 to pH 7.42. Illness will typically accompany any occurrence of acidosis or alkalosis. Of all the factors that cause acidosis, the most important is unquestionably food. Foods are classified as basically acid or alkaline, not according to their taste, but to the residue left after they have been metabolized in the body.
America’s diet is heavily based in acidifying foods. Wheat, oats, white rice, refined flour, refined sugar, strawberries, pomegranates, meat, poultry, cold cuts, fish, eggs, cheese, butter, whole and refined grains, bread, pasta, cereal flakes, pecans, peanuts, soybeans, white sugar, sweets, cashews, sodas, coffee, tea, cocoa, wine, mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. These are all examples of acidifying foods. In contrast, alkalizing foods consist mostly of green and colored vegetables. They also entail most fruits, millet, buckwheat, sprouted beans, sprouted seeds, olive oil, and soaked almonds.
For a system that does not get too acidic, the diet should contain about 70% alkaline foods-one that focuses on fruits and vegetables, with some whole grains, sprouts, and smaller amounts of animal foods and refined foods. Drinking large amounts of water on a daily basis can also be a highly effective way to de-acidify the body.
The pH scale goes from 0-14 with the number 7 representing the ideal balance between acid and alkaline substances. With greater acidity in the body, the number becomes smaller. With greater alkalinity in the body, the number becomes larger. The zone of optimal health extends only from pH 7.36 to pH 7.42. Illness will typically accompany any occurrence of acidosis or alkalosis. Of all the factors that cause acidosis, the most important is unquestionably food. Foods are classified as basically acid or alkaline, not according to their taste, but to the residue left after they have been metabolized in the body.
America’s diet is heavily based in acidifying foods. Wheat, oats, white rice, refined flour, refined sugar, strawberries, pomegranates, meat, poultry, cold cuts, fish, eggs, cheese, butter, whole and refined grains, bread, pasta, cereal flakes, pecans, peanuts, soybeans, white sugar, sweets, cashews, sodas, coffee, tea, cocoa, wine, mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. These are all examples of acidifying foods. In contrast, alkalizing foods consist mostly of green and colored vegetables. They also entail most fruits, millet, buckwheat, sprouted beans, sprouted seeds, olive oil, and soaked almonds.
For a system that does not get too acidic, the diet should contain about 70% alkaline foods-one that focuses on fruits and vegetables, with some whole grains, sprouts, and smaller amounts of animal foods and refined foods. Drinking large amounts of water on a daily basis can also be a highly effective way to de-acidify the body.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
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