Regular consumption of processed foods and junks interferes with the pH levels in the body. This usually impacts on your immune system which puts you at a higher risk of health conditions like cancer, prevent heart disease, and obesity. Naturally, your body is alkaline and it is your responsibility to keep up the pH levels.
Health experts recommend the consumption of alkaline foods to support a healthy body and in good shape. Here are some of the best alkaline foods you should incorporate to your regular diet.
Lemons
Isn’t lemon juice acidic? You are probably wondering, but lemon juice can lower the risk of stroke and treat kidney stones. In addition, lemon can prevent constipation, cancer, and high blood pressure.
Spinach
Spinach contains powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body. They improve cognitive function of the brain including memory retention. Moreover, they improve the cardiovascular function. Apart from being low in cholesterol and fat, spinach are rich in vitamins A, C, and K and contain other essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium.
Cauliflower
It has strong antioxidant properties and improves the heart health. A single serving of this vegetable can offer you with 77% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. Additionally, cauliflower is packed with riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
Grapes
If you experience hypertension and anxiety, grapes can be very helpful. The fruits help in preventing various forms of cancer. These include oral, lung, prostrate, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer, credit to a class of antioxidants called polyphenols.
Swiss Chard
The Swiss chard has been shown to be effective in regulating blood sugar, improving circulation, and enhancing cardiovascular function.
Broccoli
Thanks to their large quantities of iron, broccoli helps in boosting circulation. It improves the heart function, strengthens the bones, and lowers cholesterol. With its powerful antioxidant properties, this vegetable helps fight cancer. Plus it is rich in fiber, copper, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E.
Quinoa
People with high cholesterol and high blood sugar can reap lots of benefits from the regular consumption of quinoa. Apart from being rich in fiber, quinoa happens to be the richest in protein content in comparison with other grains. Plus, quinoa is packed with magnesium, manganese, iron, and lysine.
Berries
These fruits are very ideal if you want to stay younger. They slow down the aging process while addressing chronic disorders and improving memory as you age. Regular consumption of berries can put you at a lower risk of certain types of cancer and enhance digestion. Additionally, they are rich in fiber and antioxidants.
Bananas
Adding bananas to your regular diet can help you lose weight. Bananas improve cardiovascular function, improve digestion, and balance the blood sugar. Additionally, they are loaded with fiber and nutrients, such as B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium.
Carrots
You can improve your eyesight and cognitive function by adding carrots to your regular meals. They contain beta-carotene, which is a group of pigments that shield your body against free radicals. They are also rich in vitamins A, B8, C, K, fiber, iron, and potassium.
Watermelon
This fruit comes with anti-toxic properties that help in the elimination of harmful compound from your body. It is also a great way to keep your body hydrated. It ranks among the top alkaline foods because it has a pH value of about 8.5.
Buckwheat
This wheat stands out from the other types because it can boost the health of your heart, enhance your energy levels, and prevent diabetes. Its ability to keep your body warm makes it ideal for use during the cold months. Plus, buckwheat is rich in protein, vitamins, and iron.
Avocados
These aid in the absorption of nutrients from vegetables along the digestive tract. They also strengthen the heart and control cholesterol levels in the body. Moreover, avocados are rich in fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, and other essential nutrients.
Olive Oil
Studies have shown that olive oil can lower the risk of heart disease and has the ability to regulate the blood sugar. It is also packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and monounsaturated fatty acids.
Flaxseed
These seeds are ideal in maintaining a healthy heart, fight inflammation, and reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. They fall under the best alkaline foods because they are rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and fiber. You can simply grind flaxseeds and add to any of your favorite meal.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining an alkaline pH can help to prevent a number of health problems commonly experienced around the world. The good news is that there are various foods that you can incorporate into your regular diet. You don’t have to regret in the future over something you could have avoided in the past. Take the next step!
There are heated debates about whether the human growth hormone (HGH) can help you lose weight. HGH occurs naturally and is produced by the pituitary gland which is located in the brain. In an effort to lose weight, some people have gone to the extent of using HGH. This is available in form of powders, pills, and injections.
Some small studies have shown an association between HGH injections and fat loss. However, only minimal changes have been found while the risks and potential side effects were higher. In reference to some medical experts, HGH is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss.
Why HGH Sparked Interest
Interest in the use of HGH for weight loss hails back to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The 1990 study demonstrated that injections of synthetic HGH resulted in 14% body fat loss and 8.8% gain in muscle mass without dietary changes or exercise. Though the study seemed very promising, later studies refuted the claims.
The New England Journal of Medicine in 2003 denounced the misuse of the 1990 study, stating clearly subsequent reports found no reason to be optimistic.
Surprisingly, the 1990 study is being used to promote the use of HGH for weight loss through Internet sales.
Two other Small Studies
In one small study, it was found that the administration of lower doses of HCG can help in fat loss and muscle gain. In 2009, the Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism published a report from a study which involved 39 obese men and women. The participants were administered HGH in lower doses for 6 months. After using diet and exercise, they lost 5 pounds of body fat on average. They managed to keep the weight off for an average of 9 months.
Another study in 2001 involving lab mice demonstrated similar results. According to a publication in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, HGH helped the mice to shed weight by burning fat.
HGH Mode of Action
HGH promotes growth and development in children. It usually peaks during the 20s and starts to dwindle when a person reaches 40 years. The HGH maintains some bodily functions, such as muscle growth, tissue repair, metabolism, energy production, and brain function.
Studies have demonstrated that adults who are obese tend to have lower levels of HGH than those with normal weights. The decline in HGH levels has ignited some debates about whether the administration of HGH to the obese can help in weight loss.
The use of HGH is banned in the Olympics and other roles as it has gained a reputation as to assist in muscle building. Nevertheless, it remains unclear about whether it can enhance performance in athletics.
Warnings
Studies conducted using higher levels of HGH indicate that it can lead to undesired side effects. These include high blood pressure, swelling in arms and legs, and muscle or joint pain. Additionally, it can trigger glucose intolerance and put you at a higher risk of diabetes. In reference to Dr. James G. Beckerman, very few studies have been conducted and more comprehensive long-term studies are required. HGH is not properly regulated and one can purchase one that is sterile or impure. Additionally, the FDA has not approved HGH as a weight loss remedy due to various reasons, including the cost (approximately $ 1,000 per month). It is also worth noting that HGH will get broken down in the stomach when used orally. Thus, it can only be effective when administered through injection.
HGH Prescription
Synthetic HGH, such as Sermorelin, is usually prescribed to patients with genetic defects or tumor on the pituitary gland that lowers production of HGH. According to Hole’s Human Anatomy and Physiology, HGH can be given to patients with AIDs to help boost the growth of muscles. Patients undergoing organ transplants also qualify for HGH prescription.
You are not supposed to take HGH without consulting your doctor. It can lead to serious health complications or simply have no effect.
The Bottom Line
The use of HGH for weight loss, muscle gain, or anti-aging is a controversial debate that is still in experimental stages. It is believed that HGH injections can help to slightly decrease the storage of fat in the body and promote muscle growth. However, studies are yet to demonstrate how safe and effective for weight loss.
Unless more studies are carried out to reveal the long-term benefits and effectiveness of HGH for weight loss, avoiding it is a good idea.
Sadly, you can’t find a miraculous pill when trying to solve those extra pounds. To lose weight in a healthy way, burn more calories than you consume every day. This entails eating a healthy diet (loaded with fruits and vegetable) and exercising regularly.
How Coconut Oil Affects your Cholesterol Level and Weight Loss
Researchers have discovered that coconut oil dietary supplementation can help in weight reduction particularly along the waistline and Cholesterol level. It also comes with other health benefits, making it the most suitable oil that you should us all the time.
In the double-blind study, 40 women were divided into two groups. Participants in the first group were given a dietary supplement of soybean. The other group was given an equal amount of coconut oil. The groups were requested to walk for 50 minutes a day and consume a balanced hypocaloric diet.
The Study Findings
After only one week, participants who received coconut oil supplementation demonstrated a reduction in waist circumference. However, the other group exhibited an increase in total LDL (bad) cholesterol while the HDL (good) cholesterol declined. No such observations were made in the participants who received dietary coconut oil supplementation. The researchers noted that it appears dietary supplementation with coconut oil promote a reduction of abdominal obesity and does not trigger dyslipidemia.
High Cholesterol and Heart Disease
This serves a good example of how many nutritional theories are critically thought to be untrue. For over the past 60 years, most people have been thinking that saturated fat causes high cholesterol and heart disease, while the discussion has been the reality.
Currently, most people try to replace saturated fats such as coconut oil with polyunsaturated vegetable oils like soybean oil. This misguided advice is currently reflected in the statistics for heart disease. Before 1920, coronary artery disease was rare. The rates began to rise as people continued to use hydrogenated vegetable oils (trans fat) in an attempt to switch from saturated fat like lard and butter.
As we speak, 68% of vegetable oils and fats that Americans consume come from soybean oil.
Double-Blind Clinical Trial Compares Soybean Oil and Coconut Oil
For 12 weeks, researchers examined the biochemical effects of coconut oil and soybean oil on 40 obese women aged between 20 and 40. Belly fat is also known as visceral fat. It has been linked to many chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke just to name a few.
Participants in each group were given 30 ml (approximately two tablespoons) of either soybean oil or coconut oil. They were also advised to follow a low-calorie diet and take a 50-minute walk every day. Here are the findings:
Coconut Oil Group
Increased levels of the good cholesterol (HDL)
Decreased LDL/HDL ratio
Reduction in waist circumference, also known as abdominal obesity.
Soybean Oil Group
An increase in total cholesterol
Increased bad cholesterol (LDL)
Increased LDL/HDL ratio
Decreased good cholesterol (HDL)
No change in abdominal obesity/waist circumference
Soybean Oils Facts
Polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils and soybean become oxidized when processing and cooking. As a result, free radicals are formed which can destroy a number of body organs. Free radicals attack cell membranes and damage DNA/RNA strands. When the damage occurs in your blood vessels, it marks the beginning of cardiovascular and heart disease.
Studies have also found that people who ingest a lot of polyunsaturated fats are at a higher risk of the following conditions:
Dysfunction of the immune system
Increased risk of cancer
Lung and liver damage
Damage to the reproductive organs
Stunted growth
Thyroid function disorders
Weight gain
Severed learning ability
Digestive system disorders
Increased risk of bone damage and arthritis
Fermented Soy
Many Asians populations consume soy without apparent health issues. This is mainly because they usually take fermented soy products. Fermenting degrades phytic acid although it doesn’t eliminate isoflavones. If you are going to take soy, select the fermented products and take in small amounts.
Reduction Of Trans Fat
A couple of years back, the food industry started switching from ‘low linolenic soybeans’ to modified version of soybean oil in an attempt to reduce trans fats in food. Trans fats labeling on food packs even became mandatory. The low-linolenic oil doesn’t necessarily require hydrogenation. This is the process that enhances stability, durability, and flavor. However, it triggers the formation of trans fats. Most food companies can’t tell their customers the amount of low-linolenic oil from soybean in their products. But definitely, it appears that the content can be quite high.
Invalid Claims
Some manufacturers claim that their products contain “healthier” vegetable oils. Nevertheless, these oils can still be disastrous to some people. Food companies can drastically adjust the sensitive omega-6/omega-3 ratio that regulates many biochemical pathways in the body. This can potentially cause an increase your chances of developing many chronic degenerative conditions. Apart from low-linolenic soybean oil claims, over 90% of canola, corn, and soy oils are sourced from genetically modified seeds. The main aim is to help them endure the lethal doses of pesticides and herbicides in the farm. This is another reason you should, by all means, avoid the use of these the dangerous and harmful vegetable oils.
Unhealthy GM Foods
In reference to Dr. Joseph Hibbeln from the National Institute of Health, the human health is in jeopardy from the use of genetically modified (GM) foods. Shockingly, it is estimated that every American gets 10% of their calories in the form of oil every day which has been sourced from soybean. This is double tragedy because apart from being sourced from genetically modified seeds, it is also unhealthy in relation to the above study. This is irrespective of whether it is organic.
What Makes Coconut Oil Unique?
Coconut oil happens to be the best when it comes to saturated fats and comes with many health benefits.
Reduced Cardiovascular Disease
In multiple studies on Pacific Island, it has been demonstrated that people who receive 30-60% of their daily calories from saturated coconut oil rarely get cardiovascular disease. For nursing mothers, pregnant women, the elderly, and athletes, coconut oil can help in enhancing their overall wellbeing.
Lauric Acid
One of the many reasons that make coconut oil to be useful in improving health is that it is rich in lauric acid. It converts the body into a monolaurin. This compound which enhances immunity is commonly found in breast milk. Its medium chain triglycerides (MCT) or fatty acids also have some other health benefits, such as increasing your body metabolic rate and fighting viruses, fungi, and bacteria among other pathogens.
Capric Acid
Additionally, coconut oil contains smaller amounts of capric acid, which is a fatty acid that has antimicrobial properties.
Improved Brain Function
Coconut can also improve your thyroid function. In addition, a recent discovery found out that coconut oil can work as a natural treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. This is because it medium chain triglycerides produces ketone bodies which fuel the brain and can also prevent it against from atrophy which is linked to dementia.
Promotes Fat Loss
Apart from the featured study, several studies in the past have shown that coconut oil can help in weight loss. This is due to its medium fatty acids which also helps in removing the adipose fat in cells. In one study, it was found that rats which were fed long chain fatty acids (commonly found in vegetables) stored body fat. On the other hand, rats fed on medium chain triglycerides (like in coconut oil) reduced body fat. The researchers also noted improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in the latter. In particular, the expression of adipogenic genes was kept under control by the medium chain triglycerides.
Another Previous Study
In a different study in 2003, medium chain triglycerides were shown to boost energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in men who were overweight. In this study, 24 men who were overweight took diets rich in MCT or LCT (long chain triglycerides) for 28 days. Participants who took MCTs lost significant weight and had more energy than their counterparts who took LCT. However, LCT was sourced from olive oil as opposed to soybean oil.
Currently, conventional advice relating to coconut oil and cholesterol are not only untrue but also deceiving. Several studies have shown the many benefits of coconut oil on cholesterol and cardiovascular health. According to researchers, it has been demonstrated for a long time that suppression of thyroid triggers an increase in serum cholesterol. This puts you at a higher risk of cancer, infections, and heart disease. However, bringing cholesterol level down to normal can be achieved if your thyroid hormone is restored. As previously stated, coconut oil helps to balance your thyroid and normalize your cholesterol levels. When added regularly to a balanced diet, coconut oil lowers cholesterol by promoting its conversion into pregnenolone. Populations who regularly eat coconuts have lower cholesterol than people living in the United States.
Other Benefits of Coconut Oil
When used topically, coconut oil can help protect hair against damage. It also acts as a sunscreen and keeps your skin moisturized. In reference to a study which was published in the medical journal Food and Function, coconut oil enhances antioxidant levels and can slow aging. It reduces stress on the liver and lowers oxidative stress. Because of how it works with the liver, coconut oil may also support detoxification process. Thanks to its strong antimicrobial properties, you can use coconut oil as a mouthwash in a process known as oil pulling. It eliminates bacteria, improves dental health and reduces bad breath. Coconut oil prevents osteoporosis by fighting free radicals while promoting absorption of calcium along the digestive tract. Studies in patients with osteoporosis have shown that coconut oil not only increases bone volume and structure but also prevents bone loss.
Changing Your Diet
In general, some of the foods that are rich in trans fats include:
Processed foods and fast foods
Baked foods including cakes and sandwiches
Snacks such as ice cream, biscuits, popcorns, and sweet rolls.
Deep-fried foods including French fries
Other than soybean oil, you should avoid other varieties such as canola oil and corn oil. Therefore, it is important to check the labels carefully when shopping. If your goal is to eliminate these dangerous fats in your diet, avoid processed foods by all means. Then, you should use the following tips to ensure that you are consuming the right fats that won’t compromise your health:
Incorporate organic coconut oil to all your cooking preparations. It comes with many health benefits and is superior to all the other cooking oils. Ensure that your coconut oil is organic, unrefined, unbleached, processed without heating, and is free from GM ingredients.
Regularly take a coconut to reap all of its health benefits. Coconuts have an extended shelf life and can easily be found in most food stores.
Instead of margarine and vegetable oil spreads, use organic butter, preferably from raw milk.
Incorporate raw fats to your diet. You can get these from raw dairy products, avocados, and olive oil. If you want an animal-based omega-3 fat, ensure it is high-quality. Krill oil is a good example.
When using coconut oil, ensure that all the ingredients are at room temperature. This is because coconut oil solidifies when added to cold ingredients like eggs and milk.
The Bottom Line
This study has shed more light on the health benefits associated with the use of organic coconut oil. The findings should change our conventional thinking about the use of vegetable and other types of cooking oils. If participants who received coconut oil supplementation started to see the results in just one week, what could be the benefits in the long run? However, it is imperative to make healthy lifestyle choices even if you resort to the use of coconut oil to improve your health. Eliminate junk and processed foods in your diet and incorporate more healthy whole foods. Most importantly, ensure that you are using coconut oil that is organic and unrefined. It should also not contain any GM ingredients.
Dan Hawthorne talks about his weght-loss journey with South Hagerstown High School students.
“Hello. I believe our story can help many. I was over 600 lbs 11 months ago. I had fallen into a very bad place both mentally and physically. I was angry, depressed and very embarrassed at what I had become. I thought my time on this earth was just about over. I had a little hope, and faith, but it was dwindling fast. I had a mirror moment one late August evening. I wanted to hit that horrible thing looking back at me, and at the same time, I also wanted to hug him and apologies to him for what I had done to him. That moment started my journey. It took a lot of bad events to get me to that place, and I knew it would take everything I had to regain my life. Today as I type this letter, just 11 months later, i’m down over 260 pounds and well on my way to a healthier and much much better life. I talk to both college and high school classes with my friend and trainer Thomas, we host healthy living seminars and we do a daily internet radio show on a fitness station (FTNS.co). Yes, I said fitness station, who da thunk that one? I am so thankful to be alive. I want to share this journey with as many as I can. I see how my story has touched and helped many here locally. I know it’s now my job to take it further and help as many as I can. Life is amazing and it’s all about paying it forward for me now. Here are several links to my story. I hope to hear from you. have a fantastic day, and again, thank you for your time….Dan”
Dan’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Love yourself.
Weight loss tip #2:
Find your inner strength.
Weight loss tip #3:
Find support.
Weight loss tip #4:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or ask questions.
Weight loss tip #5:
Set small goals.
Dan’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
Couple of eggs, fresh fruit, water.
Lunch:
Big healthy salad, water.
Dinner:
Skinless, boneless chicken breast with broccoli, salad, water.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Cashews, almonds, celery with natural peanut butter, banana, protein shake.
Dan’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
I workout with weights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday is more up-tempo cardio work.
Cardiovascular:
Bike, rowing machine, squats, ball slams, heavy ropes.
This video is a response to Robert Gibbs’s video asking for help. Robert is a 700 pounds 23 years old, who is suffering from food addiction. Watch Robert’s story here:
Dan and his trainer, Thomas Burge, broadcast their Internet radio program, “Getting My Life Back,” from 9 to 10 a.m. weekdays from the small press box at Hagerstown Community College. The show is available on FTNS radio, at ftns.com.
