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Health & Fitness

The Health Benefits of Being a Vegetarian

Written by Barbara Wertheim

There are many benefits to becoming a vegetarian and there are different types of vegetarians. One benefit is the health benefit. According to the ADA (American Diabetes Association), vegetarians have a lower risk of heart disease, colorectal, ovarian and breast cancers, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension (high blood pressure). Three main types of vegetarians are: Total Vegetarian, Vegans, and Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarians.

Total Vegetarians eat only plant food and don’t consume any animal foods, which include fish, eggs, dairy products, and honey. Vegans omit all animal products from their diets and lifestyle, which means no animal based products such as leather, wool and silks. Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarians consume dairy products and the list grows from there by the variety and of protein sources they consume.

Contrary to popular belief, despite not eating any meat, vegetarians are able to meet their daily protein requirements from a variety of alternative protein sources that are not only healthy but pleasant to the palates as well.

Studies have shown a great deal of health benefits to those who choose to abstain from eating meat. These include lowering the risks of certain types of cancer, lower cholesterol and risk of cardio vascular disease largely due to the lack of saturated fats (fats found mainly in meat and certain plants) and an increase in the ingestion of unsaturated fats (fats found in most plants and fish). Saturated fats (in studies) increase your risk of obesity, cancer, and heart disease. Saturated fats are the main source of storage fats (fat storages like thighs, love handles, etc.). Sources of saturated fat are butter, processed meat products, cream, cakes, cheese, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, etc.

Unsaturated fats are divided into two categories – monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats can help lower your total blood cholesterol and possibly assist in the prevention of certain cancers and heart disease. Good sources of monounsaturated fats are olive oils, and nuts. Polyunsaturated fats have two categories, Omega6 and Omega3 fatty acids. Omega fats are essential to the formation of cells and the normal functioning of the nervous system. Great sources for the Omega fats are salmon, tuna, and sardines.

Just by making some of these adjustments and including some of these alternatives in your diet you will actually benefit from making better, well rounded dietary choices. If you eliminate meats altogether you will increase your health benefits and decrease your risks of other health related issues associated with the consumption of meat. You have a whole list and variety of foods to explore and enjoy. The world of the vegetarian and their recipes are no longer limited to that of the past. There are a variety of recipes from all over the world and updates to old favorites to choose from. They even make wonderful products that simulate meat’s texture, flavor, and appearance. Explore a new lifestyle that keeps you and your family healthier longer.

Got Allergy?

Written by Husna Raoof

The reason is Dermatophagoides Farinae, or commonly known as dust mites - those tiny bugs that live in linen and pillowcases that feed on your dead skin. Dust mites are actually spiders and an average bed will contain about 100,000 to 10 million of them.

Your bed is especially inviting to them. Dust mites love warm, humid places and since your bed is an all-you-can-eat buffet, they comfortably settle in and multiply. Sadly for us, allergy to dust mites can make life miserable. Studies have linked dust mite allergy with seasonal allergy (hay fever). The constant exposure to dust mite might cause chronic inflammation, making sufferers more susceptible when pollen season comes around.

What is Allergy?

The term allergy is used to describe a response within the body to a substance that is not necessarily harmful. This can lead to a reaction that causes symptoms (itching, wheezing, runny nose and headaches). Allergy is very common and affects one in four of the population at some point in their lives. Half of those that are affected are children.

Common allergen include; pollen from plants, house dust mites, moulds, pets, insects like bees and wasps, industrial and household chemicals, latex, medicines, and foods such as milk, eggs, nuts, and fruits.

An allergic person's immune system sees allergens as a damaging substance and releases an antibody (IgE) to attack the substance. This in turn causes blood cells to release more chemicals (one of which is Histamine), leading to a full-blown allergy.

What can be done about it?

A new mattress or pillow isn't the answer, since they already come with dust mites living in them. The solution is allergen proof encasement (zippered) made of vinyl or tightly woven fabric that won't allow dust mites or their faeces through. Once the encasement is securely on, there is no need to replace or wash it on a regular basis. Make sure that pillows, mattresses and the box spring are all covered. Washing bed sheets once a week in hot water (more than 55 degree C) is also important.

Vacuum the entire house once a week to get rid of mites that might be in your carpet. Reducing the amount of carpeting might also be an option. Allow plenty of ventilation, so open your windows; oxygen is good for you anyway. Remember dust mites prefer humid environments, therefore use air conditioners or dehumidifiers. When it’s too dry the mites shrivel and die.

If you have pets keep their sleeping place far from your room and let them out of the house as much as possible. Mites can easily hitch a ride in your pet’s fur and feed on your pet’s dead skin as well.

How do I treat my allergy?

The best way to handle an allergy is to avoid what is causing it. If hayfever is the problem avoid going out when the pollen count is high. With dust mites just follow the out lines mentioned earlier. Yet often allergens cannot be avoided or what is causing the allergy can not be determined. For that medication might need to be taken. Anti-histamines and steroids are usually given, but for those who are concerned about the long-term affects, there are other ways that might alleviate allergies.

Vitamin C is natural anti-histamine, so eat citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers, kiwi fruits and cherries. Magnesium can help alleviate constricted airways. Foods that have Magnesium are spinach, avocados, almonds, barley, buckwheat, sunflower seeds, pumpkinseeds, chocolate, oysters and Brazil nuts. Quercetin reduces inflamation and also prevents the release of histamine. Eating cabbage, garlic, apples, grapes, cranberries, pears, onions, spinach and grapefruit can boost your Quercetin levels.

Allergy busting foods

GINGER – A natural antihistamine and decongestant. It may also provide a measure of relief from allergy symptoms by dilating constricted bronchial tubes.

EYEBRIGHT – Helpful for conditions involving mucous membranes. Used for congestion, coughs and hayfever. Works well when combined with Stinging Nettle.

HONEY – Has long been used to prevent hayfever. The small amounts of pollen found in the honey will often desensitise the eater to the allergic effect of local pollen. For this reason, its best to eat honey produced locally.

FENUGREEK - Has a soothing effect on the respiratory system. Drinking one cup of fenugreek seed tea a day may help hayfever sufferers.

WASABI – Has been traditionally used by the Japanese to treat hayfever. They recommend one teaspoon of wasabi everyday until symptoms disappear. After that, it is recommended to take a few teaspoons a month to keep the hayfever from coming back.

GINKGO – The Chinese have been using ginkgo to treat allergies for centuries. Both the back and the leaves can be used.

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