Rooibos Tea – The Healthy Drink
Rooibos Tea – The Healthy Drink
Nettie Mae
Rooibos, or Red Bush Tea as it is also known, is not a true tea but an herb which is indigenous to the Cederburg area of South Africa. Due to its widely publicized health benefits it has grown into a billion dollar export industry since the mid twentieth century.
The tea has no caffeine and only half the tannin of ordinary tea. Apart from being refreshing to drink, in place of ordinary tea and coffee, it has the advantage of containing minerals and powerful antioxidants. Having no oxalic acid it also does not irritate the kidneys.
Japanese scientists, doing studies in the 1960’s, discovered Rooibos contains a powerful antioxidant similar to SOD which is thought to retard aging and quercetin (Q10) which is believed to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, Rooibos is also found to contain aspalathin which counteracts the atherosclerotic processes that result in heart disease. For these reasons, the Japanese promote it as an Anti-Aging Tea and import large quantities of the tea.
Research done in France found that hair lotion containing Rooibos promoted faster hair growth with improvement in the hair condition and caused no allergic reactions.
In South Africa research found that the polyphenol content in Rooibos is similar to green tea. Polyphenols help protect the body from damage by free radicals.
Rooibos has been found to be helpful with general health problems. It relieves digestive problems, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and constipation. Having a calming effect it helps with irritability, insomnia and depression.
Both pre-natal and breast feeding Mothers can use it to supplement their intake of manganese, calcium and fluoride by drinking Rooibos therefore promote strong teeth and healthy bones in their babies. Rooibos, when applied at every diaper change, can relieve diaper rash and, when drank by the baby, relieves colic.
Preparation of Rooibos is the same as ordinary tea. First warm the tea pot with boiling water and then place one teaspoon of tea or tea bag per cup required in the pot. Pour over boiling water and let infuse for a few minutes. The longer it is left before drinking the more antioxidants the tea will contain. Can be served plain, with hot or cold milk or lemon. It can be lightly sweetened with honey or sugar or just left without any sweetening. Rooibos also makes a wonderful ice tea.
In South Africa Rooibos Tea is often used in day to day cooking as not only does it add important minerals and antioxidants to the diet and help digestion, it also enhances the flavors of the cooking. Just replace the water in a recipe with the tea.
Next time you are in your health shop or in a department store stocking specialty teas, why not pick up a packet and try it out?
About the Author
Sick and tired of being Sick and Tired, Nettie Mae quit her 3rd shift factory job. To see what keeps her going, visit http://www.frutavida4u.com/nettiemae/.
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Men And Food Allergies What’s Healthy and What’s Not
Men And Food Allergies What’s Healthy and What’s Not Part1
Robert Walker
The Basics of Food Allergies In Men
Allergies affect the lives of millions of people around the world. Fresh flowers, a friends cat
or dog, even dust can make people itch, sneeze and scratch almost uncontrollably. But what about
that seemingly innocent peanut butter sandwich, glass of milk or fish fillet? Learn more about
food allergies and steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure to potentially dangerous
food allergens.
The Basics
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies
Most Common Food Allergens
Diagnosing Food Allergy
Treatment for Food Allergies
Other Resources
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The Basics
Each year more than 50 million Americans suffer from a variety of allergic diseases such as;
atopic dermatitis and other eczemas, hives, allergies to venom of stinging insects (honeybees,
wasps, and fire ants), allergic drug reactions and food allergies. According to the National
Institutes of Health, approximately 5 million Americans, (5 to 8% of children and 1 to 2% of adults) have a true food allergy.
Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance
Food allergy, also called food hypersensitivity,is a reaction of the bodys immune system to
something in a food or an ingredient in a food usually a protein. Food allergens are not broken
down by cooking or the digestive process. As a result, they enter the bloodstream and cause
allergic reactions throughout the body. Food allergies can cause life-threatening reactions.
Other reactions to foods are called food intolerances or food idiosyncrasies. Food intolerance is
an adverse reaction to a food substance or additive that does not involve the immune system.
These reactions are generally localized, temporary, and rarely life threatening. Lactose
intolerance is an example of food intolerance.
Note: It is very important for individuals who have true food allergies to identify them and
prevent allergic reactions to food because these reactions can cause serious illness and, in some
cases, be fatal.
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies
Symptoms of food allergy differ greatly among individuals. They can also differ in the same
person during different exposures. Allergic reactions to food can vary in severity, time of
onset, and may be affected by when the food was eaten.
Common symptoms may include: skin irritations such as rashes, hives and eczema, and
gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath can also result from food allergy.
Some individuals may experience a more severe reaction called anaphylaxis a rare but
potentially fatal condition which may include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing,
lowered blood pressure and unconsciousness.
Symptoms usually appear rapidly, sometimes within minutes of exposure to the allergen.
Seek immediate medical attention standard emergency treatment often includes an injection of
epinephrine (adrenaline) to open up the airway and blood vessels.
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Most Common Food Allergens
The eight most common food allergens include:
Milk (including yogurt and ice cream, and anything that is made with milk)
eggs
peanuts
tree nuts (such as walnuts and almonds)
soy
wheat
fish
shellfish (such as shrimp, crayfish, lobster, and crab)
Note: These food allergens cause more than 90% of all food allergic reactions. However, many
other foods have been identified as allergens for some people.
Diagnosing Food Allergy
If you suspect you have a food allergy, get a medical evaluation. Treatment is basically avoiding
the food(s) after the specific food allergy is identified. You should see a board-certified
allergist to get a diagnosis, and a dietician to plan the proper diet.
Making a diagnosis may include a thorough medical history, analysis of a food diary, and several
tests including skin-prick tests, RAST tests (a blood test) and food challenges. Once a diagnosis
is complete, an allergist will help set up a response plan that may include taking medication by
injection to control allergic reactions.
Treatment for Food Allergies
Currently, there are no medications that cure food allergies. Strict avoidance is the only way to
prevent a reaction. Once the specific food has been identified, it must be removed from your
diet. It is important to read lengthy, detailed ingredient lists on each food you are considering
eating. The Food and Drug Administration requires ingredients in a food to appear on its label.
You can avoid most food allergens if you read food labels carefully, and avoid
restaurant-prepared food that might have ingredients to which you are allergic. Dont be shy
about asking for more information if the menu isnt clear.
Unfortunately, you cant take a medication in advance to reliably prevent an allergic reaction to
a specific food. However, there are several medications that will relieve food allergy symptoms
that are not part of an anaphylactic reaction. These include antihistamines to relieve
gastrointestinal symptoms, hives, or sneezing and a runny nose, and bronchodilators to relieve
asthma symptoms. These medications are taken after you have inadvertently ingested a food to
which you are allergic, but are not effective in preventing an allergic reaction when taken prior
to eating the food.
Note: Randomly taking different food groups out of your diet can cause other health problems.
Seek the help of a doctor before making significant changes in your diet.
Other Resources
This is just a brief overview. For more information, check out these resources:
Click Here http://todays-man-health-advocate.com
Food Allergies:
Websites*:
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
Asthma & Allergy Foundation
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Food and Drug Administration
International Food Information Council
USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center
For More Man Health Information Benefits Click Here http://todays-man-health-advocate.com
Consumer Focus: The Basics of Food Allergies
Tips for Avoiding Food Allergies
Eight percent of children in the U.S. are estimated to be affected by food allergies, along with
up to 2% of adults. The eight most common food allergens milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy,
wheat, fish and shellfish cause more than 90 percent of all food allergic reactions. However,
many other foods have been identified as allergens for some people.
About the Author
Robert Walker is a health information marketer and writer that writes for
The Men’s Health Advantage Report at http://todays-man-health-advocate.com.
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How To Eat A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy
How To Eat A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy
Beverley Brooke
Perhaps the number one complaint of women trying to watch their weight during pregnancy is that they are hungry all the time. True, pregnancy does result in an increased metabolic demand on the body, which can cause you to be hungry. Many women also experience a number of cravings during pregnancy, which can make healthy eating challenging.
The first thing to remember is that the idea that you should eat for two is wrong. You only need an additional 300 calories per day, and generally you dont need these calories until you are well on your way to the second and third trimesters.
So what can you do to help manage your weight and stick to a healthy diet?
Remember that during pregnancy it is vital that you do not cut back on your caloric intake. This has the potential to rob your baby of essential nutrients that are necessary for his/her growth and development. Here are some tips to help you stick to a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy:
Avoid skipping meals. If you have a habit of skipping breakfast, youll find that you are not only more fatigued but ravenous during your pregnancy, which will result in overeating. Be sure that you eat each meal every day.
Try eating several mini meals throughout the ay. This will not only help you feel fuller longer, it will help minimize the nausea often experienced during the first trimester.
Satisfy your cravings with nutritious snacks. Have a variety of healthy things to snack on readily available so you avoid overindulging in foods that are too decadent. If you are craving something sweet, consider having some mini chocolates near by or opt for a cup of hot chocolate. Both are far better for you than an entire candy bar or piece of cake.
Exercise during your pregnancy. The act of exercising in and of itself will be plenty to motivate you to stick to a healthy diet. Youll feel better about yourself and find that you have more energy throughout the day.
Avoid high calorie beverages. Soda pop (which isnt good for you anyway, particularly during pregnancy), juices and other flavored drinks often contain a good 100-300 calories per serving. Stick to water or flavored water during your pregnancy.
Drink lots of water. You may think you are hungry when in fact you are actually thirsty at many points during your pregnancy. In fact, the brains hunger and thirst centers often get mixed up, so people often feel hungry when they are in fact dehydrated. The better hydrated you are, the les likely you are to overeat.
About the Author
Article by Beverley Brooke, author of “Ensure A Healthy Pregnancy For You And Your Baby And Lose Weight After Pregnancy” – visit http://www.pregnancy-weight-loss.com for more on a range of pregnancy health issues
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Weight Loss Pills For Teens
Someone once said, “Health is wealth.” This statement is true given that there are more teens obese today than it was 20 years ago which could lead to various problems in the future such as diabetes and heart disease.
The best way to lose those extra pounds is by working out and going on a diet. Unfortunately, a lot of teens find it difficult to balance the time, which is why many have turned to weight loss pills.
Weight loss pills are designed to make a person lose weight by suppressing one’s appetite. The only drug approved by the FDA for use on teens between the ages of 12 and 16 is Xenical, which was once only used by overweight women.
When teens decide to eat food, the main ingredient, Orlistat blocks the absorbing of fat and releases this out through the intestine as waste. In a comparative study done between those who took the drug and those on a placebo diet, results prove that the people here lost an average of seven to eight pounds, which is much higher than the other group.
Since the body needs fat, teens are advised to compensate for the losses by having this replenished during the three regular meals of the day.
The test group did not just take Xenical to get the results. These people also had to follow a strict diet plan and exercise to maintain the weight that was lost. One of the things to also watch out for are the side effects such as gas pains, nausea and wet stools that will prompt the person to frequently go to the toilet.
Xenical is a prescription drug. This means that the parents of the teenager or that person cannot just buy this off the counter. It is only after a thorough medical examination has been conducted that the doctor will allow the patient to use this kind of medication.
Will someone who takes this get the same results like those in the test study? The answer is no. This figure could be higher or lower which really depends on the patient’s metabolism.
Patients are advised to discontinue the use of Xenical if there are no signs of improvement after six months. Doctors may have to try something stronger such as the next one called Meridia.
Meridia is a diet pill that sends a signal to the brain making the person think that the body is already full after eating only a few servings. The ingredient that makes this happen is called Sibutramine. It works much differently than Xenical with the same objective of losing the excess weight.
There are two other diet pills that the patient may take. These are namely Bontril and Didrex. These ingredients of these two drugs are different and the doctor may increase the dosage if there are no signs of improvement.
Unlike Xenical and Meridia, both of these pills have certain ingredients that are quite addictive so this can only be used for a short period of time. A gradual decrease in the dosage is also done to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Diet pill such as those mentioned are only used for teens that are obese. Those who are overweight will have to go on a diet and exercise given that people at this young age can still engage in strenuous activity unlike people two or three times that age.
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