by Peter James | Aug 12, 2023 | Health, Nutrition, Supplements
Hemp seed oil has emerged as a popular super food due to its impressive nutritional profile and numerous health benefits. Derived from the seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L), hemp seed oil stands out as an excellent plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. In this article, we will explore the various health advantages of hemp seed oil. We will especially focus on its omega-3 content and how it can contribute to a boost in overall well-being.1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Basics:Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play a crucial role in maintaining optimal health. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are divided into three main types: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While fish oil has long been hailed as the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids, a plant based alternative known as hemp seed oil also offers an appeal.2. Rich Source of ALA:Hemp seed oil is abundant in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. ALA is converted in the body into EPA and DHA, although this conversion may not be as efficient as obtaining EPA and DHA directly from marine sources. Nonetheless, incorporating hemp seed oil into a balanced diet can still provide valuable omega-3 benefits.3. Cardiovascular Health:The omega-3 fatty acids found in hemp seed oil have been associated with heart health. Studies suggest that ALA may help lower blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels, and improve overall cholesterol profiles, which may decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:Inflammation is a natural response in the body, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues. Omega-3...
by Peter James | Aug 10, 2023 | Health, Nutrition, Supplements
Artificial sweeteners, often marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar, have gained popularity in recent years and the last decades. These sweeteners promise the taste of sweetness without the extra calories. They have become a staple in various food and beverage products especially as people adjust their calorie intake in order to address weight loss. However, beneath the allure of guilt-free indulgence lies a growing body of research suggesting potential dangers associated with their consumption. In this article, we explore the risks of using artificial sweeteners in food and drinks and shed light on the need for more caution before blind consumption.The Sweet Temptation:Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin, have become pervasive in the food industry, offering a sweet taste without contributing to weight gain. Dieters, diabetics, and health-conscious individuals are often drawn to these sugar substitutes as a way to limit their caloric intake and manage blood sugar levels. While these sweeteners may seem like an appealing option, their long-term effects on health raise concern among experts.Metabolic Misfires:Research indicates that artificial sweeteners can disrupt metabolic processes, potentially leading to weight gain rather than weight loss. Paradoxically, consuming these sugar substitutes may trigger cravings for high-calorie foods, contributing to overeating and an imbalance in the body’s natural satiety cues. Moreover, some studies suggest a link between artificial sweeteners and an increased risk of metabolic conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.Gut Health Imbalance:Emerging evidence highlights the impact of artificial sweeteners on gut health. The gut microbiome, a complex community of bacteria residing in the digestive system, plays a crucial role in overall health and...
by Peter James | Aug 10, 2023 | Health, Nutrition
In today’s health-conscious society, being aware of what you’re consuming is crucial for making more well informed health and dietary choices. Nutrition Facts labels, are often found on most packaged foods. They provide a wealth of information about a product’s nutritional content which can oftentimes be overwhelming. Learning how to properly read and interpret these labels empowers you to make healthier food choices that align with your nutritional goals. This guide will walk you through the key components of a Nutrition Facts label and provide you with practical tips for making sense of the information presented.1. Serving Size:The first piece of information you’ll encounter on a Nutrition Facts label is the serving size. This portion is the basis for all the nutritional values listed on the label. Be sure to compare the serving size to the amount you will actually consume, as this can greatly impact your understanding of the product’s nutritional content. Ask yourself the following question will I be eating half a serving, one serving, or two and a half servings?2. Calories:The number of calories per serving is prominently displayed on the label. This information helps you gauge the energy content of the food item. Keep in mind that the calories listed are for one serving, and if you consume more or less than the serving size, the calorie intake will vary accordingly.3. Nutrients:Nutrients are divided into two main categories: those to limit and those to get enough of. a. Nutrients to Limit: These include saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars. Monitoring these nutrients is crucial for maintaining heart health and managing...
by Peter James | Aug 8, 2023 | Health, Nutrition
Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for overall well-being, and one of the challenges many individuals face is making healthy food choices while eating out at restaurants or shopping at grocery stores. Tempting menus and enticing displays can often lead to unhealthy food decisions. However, with some mindful strategies and awareness, it is possible to make healthier choices without compromising on taste or satisfaction. In this article, we will explore effective tips to boost healthy food intake decisions when dining out and grocery shopping.1. Plan Ahead:Before heading to a restaurant or grocery store, take some time to plan your meals. Research healthy options available at the restaurant or create a grocery list with nutritious foods. Having a clear idea of what to order or buy will help you avoid impulsive decisions and stick to healthier choices.2. Be Mindful of Portions:At restaurants, portion sizes are often larger than what we actually need. Consider sharing a meal or opting for a smaller size. Similarly, at grocery stores, be cautious of bulk deals that might lead to overeating. Buying in moderation can prevent unnecessary overconsumption.3. Opt for Fresh and Whole Foods:When dining out, choose dishes that feature fresh ingredients and whole foods. Look for items that include lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. At the grocery store, shop primarily from the fresh produce section and whole food aisles, avoiding processed and packaged foods as much as possible.4. Read Labels and Ingredients:While grocery shopping, make it a habit to read labels carefully. Avoid items high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and excessive sodium. Look for products with shorter ingredient lists, and opt for...
by Peter James | Apr 6, 2020 | Nutrition, Supplements
One of life’s most potent therapeutic agents is actually fungi. You can find many edible forms of mushrooms that can actually be used in the kitchen for cooking within recipe’s. There are also many other mushroom’s present in nature that are not all necessarily safe. Some have phytochemicals and agents within them that are used in extracts for their medicinal potential, meanwhile others have toxins that can be deadly if they are ingested and broken down in the liver.Mushrooms are currently being used for medical research and drug development for people with all sorts of diseases and illnesses.This excitement within the field of mycology has funneled into other areas of study including immunology and oncology. Some of the most promising research most recently has come up through immunomodulation. Herbal medicine which has been in practice for centuries in Chinese eastern medicine assists with balancing out the body when endocrine systems are out of whack. Medicinal mushrooms can be defined as macroscopic fungi, mostly higher Basidiomycetes, which are used in the form of extracts or powder for prevention, alleviation, or healing of diseases and/or for nutritional reasons. It is well-established that mushrooms are adept at immune modulation and affect hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells.1 Extensive research over the last 40 years has demonstrated that mushrooms have potent antineoplastic properties that slow growth of tumors, regulate tumor genes, decrease tumoral angioneogenesis, and increase malignant-cell phagocytosis. Additionally, evidence suggests that medicinal mushrooms may safely boost chemotherapeutic efficacy and simultaneously protect against bone marrow suppression.Mushrooms represent a unique branch of botanical medicine and are...
by Peter James | May 19, 2019 | Nutrition
Flash-Freezing FruitsIf you happen to grow a lot of your own produce with your own fruit, vegetable, or herbal garden there is often a plethora of extra’s at the peak end of grow season. When it comes to fruits and using them fresh it’s often quite enjoyable to use them right away after they’re picked for the fresh taste. If you want to experience and taste more produce throughout the year, it’s a good idea to flash-freeze some of your fruits from local farmer’s markets or your own garden as a way to preserve nutrients and vitamins.The best way to follow through with this process is to use a baking sheet or tray and place your fruits on this tray inside a freezer and space the fruits apart away from each other. Afterwards you should have frozen fruits that could be stored in a container or placed in freezer bags. Use a marker and label the fruits and the date they were picked or frozen in the freezer. As a result you should have flash frozen fruits that you can use during the upcoming year for nutritious smoothie recipe’s. Some key things to remember are as follows:Wash your fruits and peel the skin offCut out any bruises or ugly spotsIf you have large fruits cut it up smaller so it is more bite sized, so it will blend and break down easier after freezingMake sure to space fruits apart when first placing in the freezer on a traySame protocol can be taken with garden herbsRemember you don’t have to waste extra fruits or keep them in the refrigerator for...
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