Monday, February 28, 2011

Cold sores are commonly caused by herpes simplex virus. It is a blister that is filled with fluid and appears on the mucous membranes. The area where a group of cold sores are formed can be swollen and painful. The blisters will heal, likely without leaving a scar, but there is a great possibility that it will recur.

Herpes simplex virus is the virus responsible for the development of cold sores. This virus is contagious and can be spread by exchanges of body fluids. Active blisters are the ones that are very contagious. As the blister dries, the contagiousness will decrease. On the other hand, cold sores are not just the mode of transferring the herpes simplex virus. The virus can still be transmitted to other people even if blisters are not present. Symptom of cold sores includes tingling sensation on the skin and after a while blisters will appear.

Since a cold sore is contagious it is still best to avoid contact with someone who has active sores. When exposed to someone with these, it is important to wash hands thoroughly. Avoid touching your genital area and eyes for these are the areas where virus can rapidly multiply.
Natural remedies for cold sores are available. Several studies have proved that these remedies are effective in treating cold sores.

Lysine is an amino acid that fights back with arginine. Arginine is also an amino acid that is utilized by the herpes simplex virus to duplicate itself. Our body cannot produce lysine; we need foods and additional supplement in order to obtain lysine. Lysine is use to produce protein which is vital in manufacturing antibodies, hormones, body tissues and enzymes. It is obtained from dairy products, eggs, red meat and wheat germ. It is important to have a higher lysine level than arginine. That is why it is also important to take note to avoid foods that are rich in arginine such as peanuts, chocolate and almonds.

Lemon balm is another cold sore treatment. It has an antiviral property that will help combat herpes simplex virus. Studies have proved that lemon balm ointment, when applied to the blisters, may heal the blister in less than six days. Peppermint oil has also an antiviral property. It penetrates deep into the skin and helps in killing the virus.

Reishi and astragalus belongs to the family of mushrooms that is known to boost the immune system. Numerous studies have confirmed that reishi reduce the multiplication of herpes virus.
Red grapes contain resveratrol which helps in treating herpes simplex virus. It has been proven to suppress sores when applied on the blister two to five times a day. Propolis aids in inhibiting the virus to enter body cells and be a hindrance in the duplication of the virus. Propolis is also called bee propolis because it is collected by bees from poplar.

Even though these remedies are effective in treating cold sores caused by herpes simplex it is still important to consult your physician before using the natural remedies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Monday, February 21, 2011

Chocolate For Health Benefits

The word chocolate comes from xocoatl (Aztec language) which means a bitter drink. Aztecs and Maya in Mexico believe that the god of Agriculture has sent a chocolate that comes from heaven to them. Cortes then took him to Spain between the years 1502-1528, and by the Spaniards bitter drink was mixed with sugar, so it feels more comfortable. Brown then spread to France, Holland and England. In the year 1765 chocolate factory was established in Massachusetts, USA.
In the development chocolate is not only a beverage but also become the preferred snack of children, adolescents, and adults. Besides it feels good, chocolate was nutritious to make age a person becomes longer. An epidemiological study has been conducted at Harvard University students who enrolled between the years 1916-1950. By using a food frequency questionnaire collected information about the habits of eating candy or chocolate at Harvard University students.
By controlling the physical activity undertaken, smoking, and eating habits found that those who love to eat candy / chocolate age older than one year are not eating. Allegedly phenol antioxidants contained in chocolate is the reason why they can outlive. Phenol is also found in red wine that is well known as the drink is good for heart health. Brown has the ability to inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and improve immune function, which can prevent the risk of coronary heart disease and cancer.
So far, there is the notion that chocolate causes of dental caries and may also be responsible for the problem of obesity. Undeniable that obesity is one risk factor for degenerative diseases. But a study at Harvard University shows that if you balance the consumption of chocolate candy with enough physical activity and eat a balanced diet, then the negative effects of chocolate candy need not worry.
According to Mayan belief, chocolate is the food of the gods. Original flavor from the cocoa bean is actually a bitter alkaloid content, but after going through the engineering process to produce chocolate as the food liked by anyone. Cocoa beans contain 31% fat, carbohydrate 14% and 9% protein. Chocolate is rich in protein amino acid tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. Although chocolate contains high fat, but relatively easy to rancidity because chocolate also contains polyphenols (6%), which functions as an antioxidant deterrent.
Chocolate consumption in the United States contributes only 1% of total fat intake as stated by the National Food Consumption Survey (1987-1998). This amount is relatively small, especially when compared with the contribution of meat (30%), cereals (22%), and milk (20%). Fat in chocolate, often called cocoa butter, mostly composed of saturated fat (60%), especially stearic. But the brown fat is a vegetable fat which does not contain cholesterol. To keep pressing the saturated fat that is not too high, it is better to limit eating chocolate just one cigarette per day and consume restrict supplement or other food containing catechins such as apple and tea.
In research involving human subjects, found that consumption of brown fat to produce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol lower than the consumption of butter or beef fat. So even though both contain saturated fat but the effect was produced different cholesterol. High stearate content of the chocolate is suppose to be the reason why brown fat is not as bad as animal fat. Has long been known that stearic acid is a neutral fat that will not trigger blood cholesterol. Why? Stearate was slowly digested by our bodies and also absorbed less.
One third of fat contained in chocolate is oleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid. Oleic acid is also predominantly found in olive oil. Epidemiological studies in Mediterranean populations who consume lots of olive oil is oleic acid oleic concluded positive effect on heart health.
Often the question arises how much we may consume chocolate? There are no definitive recommendations for this nutrient, however, 2-3 times a week eating chocolate or drinking chocolate milk every day would still be acceptable. Principles of nutrition that is actually easy to eat all kinds of food are moderate. Nutritional problems generally arise when we eat too much or too little.
Eating chocolate will not cause addiction, but for some delicious chocolate taste that may cause the desire to consume them again. This is called a chocolate craving. The impact of chocolate on behavior and mood (mood) is closely associated with chocolate craving. Brown could miss because of the aroma, texture, sweet-bitter and so on. It is also often associated with the content of phenylethylamine which is a substance similar amphetanine which can increase absorption of tryptophan into the brain which then in turn produce dopamine. Impact of dopamine is the show feeling happy and mood improvement. Phenylethylamine is also considered to have aphrodisiac properties that gave rise to a feeling like someone in love (heart flowers). It is said that King Montezuma in ancient times was always drunk chocolate before rotating harem-harem different every night.
Catechins are powerful antioxidants contained in chocolate. One of the functions of antioxidants is to prevent premature aging that can occur due to pollution or radiation. Catechins are also found in tea even though the amount is not high on chocolate. Parents are often ancient practice with a water wash of tea because it can make facial skin glowing and youthful. If they know that chocolate contains catechins is higher than the tea, maybe they'll suggest a shower scrub with brown.
Chocolate also contains theobromine and caffeine. Both substances have been known to give effect to those who consume them awake. Therefore when we are dozing off at the airport or waiting for long queues, eating chocolate potent enough to make us excited again.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Advantages of Drinking Milk To Lower Risk of Breast Cancer

Benefits of milk had no doubt. Almost all the nutrients found in milk of good quality. Protein and fat milk has a high digestibility properties. Vitamin and mineral content of milk is relatively complete.
Milk can be consumed in various forms. There is nothing in the fresh or processed form, such as milk powder or condensed milk. Humans also consume milk from food products containing milk, such as cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.
However, there are still differences of opinion about the consumption of this milk. No group has claimed that the consumption of milk every day is not good for health, especially vascular diseases such as narrowing of blood vessels. The argument is, milk increases blood cholesterol levels risk factors for heart disease. Secondly, there is a positive relationship between average milk production per capita with deaths from heart disease in some countries.
Other groups supporting the role of milk at a reduced risk of various degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. Recent studies in Norway to support it.
Hjartäker together with colleagues from the Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromso, Norway, through its publication in the International Journal of Cancer, proving that eating three or more glasses of milk every day can reduce the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.
Through the study cohort the Norwegian Women and Cancer Study, they examined 48 844 women for six years and two months. Consumption of milk is measured by sending the form to the respondent history of food consumption. During this period, the team found 317 cases Hjartäker breast cancer patients.
It turned out that the consumption of milk since childhood negatively associated with the incidence of breast cancer when they were aged 34-39 years (premenopausal). That means that the consumption of milk since childhood can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Consumption of milk in adulthood also reduces the risk of breast cancer after corrected by hormonal factors, body mass index, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Women who do not consume milk run the risk of breast cancer 2 times greater than women who consumed milk 3 cups or more of milk every day.

Milk can be consumed in various forms. There is nothing in the fresh or processed form, such as milk powder or condensed milk. Humans also consume milk from food products containing milk, such as cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.
However, there are still differences of opinion about the consumption of this milk. No group has claimed that the consumption of milk every day is not good for health, especially vascular diseases such as narrowing of blood vessels. The argument is, milk increases blood cholesterol levels risk factors for heart disease. Secondly, there is a positive relationship between average milk production per capita with deaths from heart disease in some countries.
Other groups supporting the role of milk at a reduced risk of various degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. Recent studies in Norway to support it.
Hjartäker together with colleagues from the Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromso, Norway, through its publication in the International Journal of Cancer, proving that eating three or more glasses of milk every day can reduce the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.
Through the study cohort the Norwegian Women and Cancer Study, they examined 48 844 women for six years and two months. Consumption of milk is measured by sending the form to the respondent history of food consumption. During this period, the
Hjartäker's team found 317 cases breast cancer patients.
It turned out that the consumption of milk since childhood negatively associated with the incidence of breast cancer when they were aged 34-39 years (premenopausal). That means that the consumption of milk since childhood can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Consumption of milk in adulthood also reduces the risk of breast cancer after corrected by hormonal factors, body mass index, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Women who do not consume milk run the risk of breast cancer 2 times greater than women who consumed milk 3 cups or more of milk every day.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Distress behind Food Packaging

Food packaging is part of everyday foods that we consumption. For most people, just food packaging food wrappers, and tends to be regarded as a "protector" of food. Actually, not exactly, depending on the type of packaging material. We recommend that you carefully pick from now on food packaging.
Packaging on food has the function of health, preservation, convenience, uniformity, promotion and information. There are so many materials used as a primer on food packaging, ie packaging in direct contact with food. But not all of this material is safe for foods that are packed. This is the top ranking of packaging materials food that you need to be aware.
PaperSome non-packaging paper and packaging (newsprint and magazines) that often used to wrap food, containing detectable lead (Pb) exceed specified limits. In the human body, lead entering through the respiratory or digestive tract into the system blood circulation, and then spread to various other tissues such as kidney, liver, brain, nerves and bones. This lead poisoning in adults characterized by symptoms 3 P, namely pallor (pale), pain (pain) and paralysis (paralysis). Poisoning that occurred could be chronicand acute.
To avoid food contaminated heavy metals lead, indeed easy bother. Many snack foods such as bananasfried, tofu and tempeh fried gorengm wrapped in newspaper because knowledge is less than the seller. Though hot and greasy materials facilitate the migration of lead food. As prevention efforts, put these street food on a plate.
StyrofoamStyrofoam or polystyrene packaging materials has become one The most popular choice in the food business. However, recent research prove that the styrofoam questionable safety.
Styrofoam is made from the copolymer is a choice styren business food because it can prevent leaks and keep the its shape when held. In addition, the material is also capable of retain heat and cold but still comfortably held, maintain freshness and integrity of the packaged materials, low cost, more secure, and lightweight.
In July 2001, the Food Safety Division of the Government of Japan revealed styrofoam residues in food that is very dangerous. Residues can cause endocrine disrupter (EDC), which is a disease occur due to interference with the system and reproductive endocrinology human due to chemical carcinogens in food.
Currently, there are many fast food restaurants that are still using styrofoam as a container for food or drink.Wherever possible you should avoid using styrofoam for hot food or drink, because as well as plastic, high temperature causes the movement of chemical components of Styrofoam into your food.
TinIn general, food products are packaged in cans will lose image of the fresh flavor and nutritional value due to decreased processing with high temperature. One thing that is also quite disturbing is the emergence of a sense of taint or taste like metal cans that arise from tin coating is not perfect.
The main danger in canned food is the growth of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which can cause poisoning botulinin. Signs botulinin poisoning among others throats a stiff, eyes dizzy and convulsions that brought death due to difficult breathing. Usually these bacteria grow in canned foods that do notperfect processing or in cans that leak so that the food in contaminated inside air from the outside.Fortunately this botulinin poison sensitive to warming.
Carefully select the tin packaging is an attempt to avoid hazards such unwanted. Choose is finea slightly dented cans, provided there are no leaks. In addition immediately move the rest of the canned food to another place for destruction cans that happens then it would not mmepengaruhi quality food.
PlasticEvery day we use the plastic, either for processing, storing or repacking food. Rather than traditional packaging such as leaves or animal skin, plastic is more practical and durable. The disadvantage is that plastic is not heat resistant and durable. The disadvantage is that plastic is not heat resistant and can contaminateproduct due to migration of the monomer component which would be bad on the health of consumers. In addition, the plastic is also problematic for environment because it is a material that can not be destroyed byquickly and naturally. (Non-biodegradable).
Keep in mind that the plastic is actually odorless and colorless. So, avoid the use of plastic odor and color. So avoid the use of plastic odor and dark color to wrap food directly.
Crackle black plastic that is often used as a wrapper fried, plastic cups used for boiling water, bottled water packaging minerals in the sun every day, and the use of plastic kilogram to make a diamond, tends to be examples of the use of plastic packaging is wrong and very dangerous. As a result of the use of plasticnot in accordance with this function, it is feared will happen transfer of chemical components from the plastic into the food.
Some plastic packaging material derived from polyethylene polypropilenpolyvinylchlorida which, if burned or heated to causing dioxin, a highly toxic substance and is cause cancer and can reduce the immune systemsomeone. Keeping the plastic to change during use as packaging is a peaceful way to avoid these hazards.