Medical Information Blog

Archive for the ‘Healthy food’ Category

The stress caused by economic insecurity increases the likelihood of developing obesity. “The stress of living in a competitive social system without a strong welfare state makes people eat more”, suggest researchers at the University of Oxford (United Kingdom).

Obesity policies tend only to encourage people to care for himself mismasLa research, led by Avner Offer, published in Economics and Human Biology, analyzed eleven countries rich with different economic systems. The results indicate that in countries in economic regimes prevailing free market economies very competitive and less absence or presence of the welfare state, obesity rates are tripled.

Social causes of obesity

The study compared four countries with liberal market-United States, Britain, Canada and Australia, with seven European nations that traditionally have greater social protection: Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain and Sweden. The results indicate that the Americans and British are much more prone to obesity than Norwegians and Swedes.

Policies to reduce levels of obesity tend to focus on encouraging people to take care of themselves, but this study suggests that obesity has complex social causes.

To rule out other factors, the researchers took into account the availability of high calorie foods and fast food chains and supermarkets.

Insecurity affects more than junk food

In this sense, the researchers measured the impact of fast food using the price index created by The Economist, which shows international variations in the cost of the burger ‘Big Mac’ McDonald’s.

Their findings indicate that “the availability of fast food has half the effect of economic insecurity on the prevalence of obesity. The most powerful influence we have discovered over obesity levels of insecurity,” say the researchers from Oxford.

In the prevention and the development of cardiovascular disease, fat intake in the diet plays a role. In this article, Cynthia Rodriguez Caballero, MenuDiet.es dietitian will summarize the major findings of studies carried out to demonstrate the benefits of polyunsaturated fats more popular with consumers and the scientific community, fatty acids Omega-3. Find out what Omega 3 is best for your heart and incorporate it into the daily diet to enjoy its benefits for your cardiovascular health.

The increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease not only in our country but in large parts of Europe is pushing many professionals to carry out studies and research on the causes and possible solutions to the growing problem.

It is well known that some fats are able to negatively affect the health of our heart; these are saturated fats of animal and vegetable (coconut, palm and hydrogenated fats).

Others, unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats have very beneficial effects on our cardiovascular health, so it is imperative to introduce enough of these fats in our diet. Like its predecessors, the source of these fatty acids may also be of animal or vegetable origin.

Differences between animal omega-3 and Omega-3 plant

Omega-3 found in fish are long-chain fatty acids called EPA, DHA and DPA have a function in the body.

On the other hand, the Omega-3 plant, called ALA, chain are shorter, but through them are synthesized small amounts of EPA and DHA called their contribution is not sufficient to meet human needs.

In conclusion, we can say that it is necessary to include omega-3 fatty acids of animal origin. Avoid strict vegetarian diets, including fish them, thus ensuring a number of functional omega-3 able to carry out essential functions in maintaining health.

Although the article focuses on the impact of these fats on cardiovascular health, it is noteworthy that the Omega-3 are essential fatty acids that perform essential at many levels such as in the brain or retina.

Benefits of Omega-3 to the cardiovascular

1. Anti-inflammatory effect and protection of blood vessels
Omega-3 DHA is able to decrease gene expression of adhesion molecules, preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques of cholesterol and improving the elasticity of arteries.
2. Benefits on the levels of blood fats (triglycerides and cholesterol)
Omega-3 are able to reduce circulating levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in some cases, these effects are produced in the liver. They get also reduce the accumulation of esterified cholesterol in the artery walls.
3. Reduce the risk of thrombosis
The Omega-3 EPA and DHA moderately reduced the ability of platelets to aggregate, thus modulating the formation of thrombi. This phenomenon, coupled with the greater elasticity of blood vessels, reduces significantly the risk of thrombosis.
4. Prevention of cardiac arrhythmias
its cause’s mild antiarrhythmic effect is indicated for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, is helping to reduce complications in high risk cardiac patients and / or after cardiac surgery. Some studies indicate that they are able to decrease heart rate, improve recovery after exercise and decrease diastolic pressure.

Sources of Omega-3

* Animals: Most notable are EPA and DHA. You need to ingest through diet because they are the most functional and are responsible for really important functions in the body. The richer in EPA and DHA are oily fish (fatty) as mackerel or mackerel, herring, salmon, anchovy, mackerel, emperor, sardines and tuna among others, but is also present in white fish like cod, hake and flounder and some seafood.

* Vegetables: The ALA, an omega-3 short chain that fails to perform some essential functions for life. Through the ALA forming a small amount of EPA and DHA is not enough to cover the recommended allowance. Nuts such as almonds, chestnuts and walnuts are particularly rich in Omega-3, as well as some vegetable oils such as linseed oil, canola and olive oils.

Supplements and fortified foods: in this case are very different products, depending on the type of omega-3 and the amount they contribute. The most suitable are those supplements as fish oil provide an excellent combination of Omega-3 EPA and DHA, are very natural and free from heavy metals like mercury.

Another supplement that is widely used today are the seeds of flax. This supplement is very natural, but we must not lose sight that the contribution of plant omega-3 (ALA) is not enough, so it’s not a very good option.

Fortified products generally provide very small amounts of Omega-3 do not cover the figures regarding the recommended daily intake of Omega-3. In addition, they often do not specify the source of these fatty acids (animal or plant) so we do not know the degree of protection offered by these products.

Recommended Contribution

how general recommendations are marked as follows:

* Healthy People: At least 2 servings of oily fish a week, supplemented with foods rich in omega-3 plant, such as oils.

* People with cardiovascular disease or high risk: It is recommended to ensure 1 gram of omega-3 EPA and DHA from fish consumption. Consideration should be given to manage natural supplements of animal origin.

Future research will get more accurate determination of recommendations for each of the populations.

Flaxseed
Linseed dosage
every day and fasting take a tablespoon on an empty stomach and left to soak the day before. I want to know if that amount is adequate for the purpose of maintaining the daily intake of omega 3.
Submitted by horacio Dobal pla

Hello Horacio: If you suffer from high cholesterol or triglycerides, is very important to eat every day foods like flax seeds, which contain omega 3 acids. To obtain the beneficial effects of these seeds, it is important to know which the daily consumption of flaxseed is, to help you incorporate the daily dose of omega 3 needed in your diet.

According to various international agencies that investigate the relationship between dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risks were established recommendations on the consumption of omega 3. If it is suggested that consumption of omega 3 per day ranging from 5 mg to 4 grams, with the daily intake of 1 tablespoon of flaxseed could get about 5 mg of omega 3, which would be bringing to your body a good amount of the fatty acid.

Keep in mind that not only flax contains omega 3, but also other compounds like fiber, which also helps reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Therefore, lipolytic properties are enhanced.

On the other hand, you can keep using 1 tablespoon of flaxseed daily, and add other foods rich in omega 3 to your diet such as fish twice a week, a handful of dried fruit daily, and olive oil canola oil for seasoning foods.

Flax seeds are grains containing a high percentage of omega 3, polyunsaturated fats help lower LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. It is therefore very important to incorporate them into your daily diet with other foods with similar properties that allow you to prevent cardiovascular complications.

The word derives from the Latin Caseus cheese. But in Roman times the term became famous among the legionaries formaticum of Caseus formatus, which means cheese molding. This has to be said in French fromage, Italian formaggio formatge or Catalan.

Cheese is a solid food made from curdled milk from cows, goats, sheep, buffalo, camel and other mammals ruminants.

The origins of the cheese are under discussion and cannot be dated with precision but is estimated to lie between the years 8000 BC C. (When domestic sheep) and 3000 a. C.

It’s hardly ideal as preserved breaks in the course of time as to improve their qualities dry weight ratio. Milk curdling is induced using a combination of rennet (or a substitute) and acidification.

Bacteria are responsible for acidifying the milk, playing an important role in defining the texture and flavor of most cheeses. Some also contain molds, both the outside and inside.

There are hundreds of varieties of cheese here, thanks to Carlos Maribona and ABC, we give a list of which can be top 10 in Spain:

Manchego (La Mancha)
The most emblematic of Spanish cheeses. Made from sheep’s milk Manchego, is presented in cylindrical parts. Taste slightly spicy, sour and salty. Very buttery. Approx.: 25 euros / kilo.
Torta del Casar (CACERES)
Used sheep raw milk coagulated with vegetable rennet thistle. Cylindrical and weight between 200 grams and one kilo. Pasta very creamy, intense aroma, taste somewhat bitter and no acidity. Approx.: 28 euros / kilo.
IDIAZABAL (NAVARRA-GUIPÚZCOA)
Top with black label, make the shepherds from the milk of sheep of the same breed. Cylindrical, with a weight of between 1 and 3 kilos, and maturation of 4 to 8 months. Slightly spicy and sour flavor. Buttery. Approx.: 50 euros / kilo.

Cabrales (Asturias)
the best of our blue cheeses, milk from cows, goats and sheep. Mature between 3 and 5 months in caves of the Picos de Europa. Parts 2 to 5 kilos of semi-soft dough. Tang, creamy texture, strong flavor and a peppery finish. Approx.: 38 euros / kilo.
Mahon (Menorca)
Artisan cheese made from raw cow’s milk. Square in shape, its weight ranges from 2 to 4 kilos. There is from tender to stale. Melt-in scales and provides a strong smell, with a final salty and spicy. Approx.: 28 euros / kilo.
Majorero (FUERTEVENTURA)
Cylindrical cheese between 2 and 5 kilos, made with raw goat milk Fuerteventura. Tasty, very oily in the mouth, and slightly tart and sweet at the same time, with a final salt. Approx.: 30 euros / kilo.
Grazalema (Cádiz)
One of the most prized cheeses. It is made with milk from merino sheep and goats Payoya race native to the Sierra de Grazalema. Cylindrical, weighing between 1.5 and 2.5 kilos. Firm texture and intense flavor, oily and slightly spicy. Approx.: 32 euros / kilo.
Zamorano (Zamora)
Although it may be confused with manchego, has its own personality, made with raw milk from Churro sheep. Between 1 and 4 kilos, and a maturity that reaches 12 months. Most are fatty and cured with intense itching. Approx.: 27 euros / kilo.
THE GARMILLAS (CANTABRIA)
It is fresh and delicate texture, so its time consumption does not exceed two weeks. Irregular-shaped cake, weight about half a kilo. Very creamy, slightly sweet and gentle acidity. Approx.: 13 euros / unit.
SAN SIMON DE COSTA (LUGO)
With a format similar to cheese nipple, provides a darker color, it is smoked with birch wood. Cow’s milk is used. Slight smell of smoke and a mild taste, something acidic and spicy. Approx.: 16 euros / kilo.

When talking about light food does not mean that all products in that category are healthy. It is necessary to review the nutritional parameters not to be fooled, because there are many foods that are sold by diet when in fact they are not. For example:

- Juices packed: The large amount of sugar added to the recently recommended intake for a diet to lose weight.

- Cheese light: A true fraud. Your calorie level is almost equal to that of traditional cheeses.

- Margarine: Another tricky product. Light margarine is more expensive than common and has a number of calories than the original product.

- Cocoa soluble low in calories: As with the cheese, this type of product does not heat very important difference with the original food.

- Cereals light: paradoxically have more calories than traditional cereals that come with chocolate added.

- Chocolate without sugar: not recommended for weight loss. While the sugar is reduced increasing the level of fat compared with original chocolate, and calories are exactly the same.

Endless appetite syndrome is a problem that, at various levels, affects many people and creates a vicious circle: eat more, gain weight, feel bad for personal image-troubled. Disable this circular process requires a change of habit and the adoption of renewed activity for the body and the mind. The “mirror of the mind” is the kick to counter this problem and recover against your wishes.

PROFILE OF COMPULSIVE EATER

The person suffering from hunger is characterized by compulsive siquientes attitudes:

- Who is hungry compulsive, has real crises that lead to binge meal 2 or 3 times a week.

- Often eat in secret, outside the hours of the four basic food.

- Drink plenty of water, and when is the peak hunger compulsive mix flavors that do not match, reckless eaten in huge amounts of food and do not choose what you consume: grab the first food you have on hand.

- While having your binge eating, you experience guilt, frustration and anguish.

- It is usually in weight loss plans, but can not stop wanting to eat if they catch him.

- Women are most affected by this problem, because they are more exposed to the mandates of beauty and thinness, and that’s how obsessed with be provided online in order to achieve social acceptance.

Variety is the taste, the old saying. And in the kitchen, there is no doubt that this premise is true. “One of the most innovative? Molecular cuisine. You may already have heard about this new technique and you’ve wondered: What is molecular gastronomy? Molecular gastronomy or techno-emotional that is already installed in the world for over 10 years. A new way to feel, enjoy and live a dinner plate.

What is molecular gastronomy?

It is innovative cooking techniques (used in some laboratories), which appeal to science and research to enhance flavors and find new ones. The most common are:

- Deconstruction: Here we isolate the various components of a meal usually and is typically constructed of completely new way. This provides a plate appearance and texture completely different from what we all know, but with its original flavor intact.

- Foams using traps are created.

- Sferification: Use of alginates to form small balls of liquid content.

- Liquid nitrogen, this gas is used in some dishes. This range is further underlined by the presentation in the table and innovation through a mixture of different temperatures and flavors. Thus, the savory dishes can be frozen, and desserts can have elements unique to the salt. The secret is to play and invent new things all the time.

U.S. scientists have found new reasons to eat oats. Oatmeal is one of the most consumed cereal for quite some time, because of their special qualities both nutritious and energy, became the staple food of peoples and civilizations.

Research suggests that avenanthramides, consisting of oatmeal, reduce the production of inflammatory molecules in the arterial walls and thus, help prevent atherosclerosis. In previous studies showed that phenolic antioxidants in oats hinder the ability of blood cells from sticking in the walls of the arteries.

This latest study provides more information on the potential benefits of consumption of oats to prevent coronary heart disease in addition to the known effect of lowering levels of cholesterol in the blood. The details of this study were published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine (Free Radical Biology and Medicine).

Cereal bars
In recent years, cereal bars have become an ideal choice for the collation and today the market is full of different options and varieties of cereal bars with different ingredients that enhance its nutritional quality. The experts tell us their differences and energy intake and because it has become a perfect snack for all ages.

With regard to the recommended daily amount of cereal bars, it can vary according to each case. Those overweight people who are away from home all day are 2 or 3 bars indicate light per day. But they can also opt for stock bars (1 or 2 units per day).

For children: they are very suitable as a replacement for the usual goodies.

For teens: they are an extra source of energy between meals and snacks for a replacement.

For adults: they are an opportunity to snack away from home and a replacement for sweet foods in cases of anxiety. The recommended choices are those that contain dried or dried fruit, soybeans, seeds, yogurt and bran.

For the athlete, choose those that contain higher amounts of calories (more than 200 kcal). This supply of energy as carbohydrate is essential to use the proteins in their specific function to form, maintain and repair all body tissues.

People who are overweight or obese, consider the alternative “light” without sugar and more fiber. They are a useful resource because demand chewing and provide satiety value.

People with diabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides: Indicate preferably without sugar, and those containing oat bran to regulate blood glucose or cholesterol.

People with constipation: are ideals that bring extra soluble and insoluble fiber (wheat bran and / 0 fruit dried plum).

This is because, when we eat, we consume a certain amount of calories during digestion, consumption that helps us lose weight and there are some foods that, to eat, eat fewer calories than we spend on digest, so that the balance is negative.

Among these foods are vegetables such as lettuce, onion and asparagus and fruits that are rich in sugar and tangerines, lemons or apples. In this group we can also find foods such as white fish, provided that cooked without fat.

It’s not just food. There are spices like cayenne pepper also helps us burn calories, as they stimulate the body’s thermodynamic action, increasing the caloric intake that occurs during digestion. Read the rest of this entry »