covid 19
Health NewsbyHMT News Team

Stop The Spread – Simple Things You Can Do Today

The COVID-19 pandemic surged three years ago, around December 2019, and put a halt to life as we knew it for the upcoming years. It’s still a little unfathomable that a global pause-on-life phase initiated with a single case of the newly identified virus in Wuhan, China.

Putting a Stop Sign on the Spread- Ways in Which You Can Do It

Several preventative measures keep you and your family healthy and wealthy (quite literally since you’ll be saving money that you would otherwise spend on medical care in case you do get infected).

  • Get Your Vaccination: Multiple vaccinations have been distributed in every country. Till now, 7.36 billion people have gotten their dosage, and 40.5% percent of the global population is fully vaccinated. Vaccinations significantly lower the chances of the virus’s spread. Don’t fall for the vaccine hoaxes and get the vaccine ASAP.
  • Don’t Forget to Wear a Mask: WHO (World Health Organization) has stated that you don’t need to wear a mask full-time if you’re vaccinated (another reason you should get the vaccine). But with new variants coming in now and then and especially if you’re meeting people, it’s best to stay safe than sorry. And if you’re a woman, you can save a couple of bucks by not putting makeup and simply wearing a mask.
  • Practice Social Distancing: If you’re someone who makes people run, this is your time to shine! A 6-feet distance prevents getting too close to someone who’s infected or infecting someone else if you are infected. Practice the 6-feet distance rule, and you’ll be protected from people getting too uncomfortably close as well; it’s a win-win! Or, you can recreate your own Five Feet Apart if your significant other gets infected.
  • Crowded Spaces are a No: Crowded places aren’t following the 6 ft distance rule in the first place. Therefore, wherever it’s possible, avoid going to such places, so you don’t have people breathing down your neck and getting you infected. Poor ventilation is an added disadvantage since you’ll be breathing the same germ-infested air over and over.
  • Make a Habit of Washing Your Hands: You should be washing your hands or applying a sanitizer regardless of a global pandemic. But, for extra motivation, now’s the time to make this a permanent habit. There are tons of germs and bacteria residing on surfaces you touch every day, and the coronavirus is just one of those deadly pathogens.
  • Don’t Cough or Sneeze on Others: This is a no-brainer; not sneezing and coughing on others and covering your mouth are basic etiquettes. Another benefit of this is that it prevents the spread of the virus to others if you’ve been infected, especially if you’re asymptomatic. Cover your mouth when you’re about to sneeze or cough, and you’ll be doing more good for others around you.
  • Let Cleaning and Disinfecting Become a Motto: Ugh, the struggles of cleaning and disinfecting your entire home and workspace are indeed a task we all tend to avoid. However, these two basic practices are essential if you don’t want to get infected. The virus can live on many surfaces, as recent research depicts. Cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces lower the risks of transferring the virus to your hands and then to your mouth or nose.
  • Look Out for Any Symptoms: It’s not like you can overlook fever and pain throughout your body. But those are not the only symptoms we’re talking about. If you’ve been infected or suspect it, keep checking your oxygen levels using an oximeter. On the flip side, don’t think you don’t have the virus if you’re not showing any symptoms; you could be asymptomatic!

Give Us Your Opinion! – Take Our Covid Survey Today

 

keto diet good for you
Health Trends Health NewsbyHMT News Team

The 3 Best Keto Diet Guide Tips to Follow!

The Keto diet, also known as the keto diet, has gained popularity as one of the best diets in 2022. While some people swear by this diet, others prefer a different diet. The diet is unique because of its countless benefits and uses!

Some people use the keto diet for weight loss, while others control their health problems like seizures and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

What Is the Keto Diet?

keto diet - Healthier Me TodayThe keto diet is a high-fat, low-protein, and low-carb diet. People who partake in this diet eat nearly 90% protein. Although this is true, it is important to note that there are different degrees of the keto diet.

Some people eat more protein and fat than carbs, while others only focus on eating a high-fat percentage. Either way, carbs are cut low in the keto diet. However, even with all the slight changes, the diet works the same way.

Human bodies take energy from sugar, specifically from carbs. Since this diet is a low-carb diet, the human body takes energy from other places, like fat and protein. This is a process called Ketosis and helps with weight loss.

There are a few main reasons that people use this diet. The reasons are weight loss, controlling seizures, and lessening the symptoms of PCOS.

How It Affects Weight Loss

keto dietDieting is popular because of the potential weight loss that can happen if done correctly. The diet promotes weight loss through its unique high-fat, low-carb requirements.

Because during the diet, we do not eat a substantial amount of carbs, our body begins to take energy from fats and proteins.

By taking energy, the fats and proteins (more so the fats) are burned, contributing to losing weight. Dieting with this diet can be fairly easy once you get the hang of it.

The diet is a popular choice in dieting for 2022, as there are plenty of foods high in fat but low in carbs and sugar.

Some of these include fish, coconut, avocados, eggs, butter, cheese, and nuts. Although there are some restrictions, such as high-carb bread made with whole wheat, the possibilities of what you can eat during this diet to lose weight are endless!

While there are benefits to doing the diet for weight loss, it is not for everybody. This diet is a quick diet that can help you lose weight quickly, instead of slowly and over time. This may be difficult to maintain.

Also, the diet can help you lose weight but is not necessarily nutritious. While eating eggs, cheese, and milk is part of the diet, reducing fruits and carbs with necessary vitamins can be harmful.

One Of The Biggest Benefits

One of the best things about dieting is that you can do dieting for many reasons! While this diet can help you lose weight, there are other reasons to go on it. If you are suffering from frequent seizures of epilepsy, your doctor or nutritionist may recommend going on the keto diet.

According to multiple studies, the  diet has aided children suffering from seizures by decreasing the number of seizures over time. While this diet is not a cure for seizures, a doctor can recommend it to decrease the amount of anti-seizure pills a patient is taking.

It is important to note that while studies have noticed a difference in children with seizures participating in the keto diet, adults have not been studied as extensively. Also, while the keto diet may decrease the likeliness of frequent seizures over time, there are other health issues to consider.

This diet, for example, does not give children the right number of vitamins needed to grow and develop as the food is restricted. Doctors may recommend supplements if this is the case.

Let’s Talk PCOS

keto diet - Healthier Me TodayAs the year ends and a new one begins, women diagnosed with PCOS may want to look into the keto diet. PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a condition where the female body produces too much of the hormone androgens, which causes multiple cysts to form in the ovaries.

This condition is worsened by obesity. Since the keto diet can aid in weight loss, it can also decrease the symptoms of PCOS.

The low-carb diet results in less sugar, which is a positive thing considering PCOS also interferes with insulin production. PCOS, however, does not have a cure. Although the keto diet can control and decrease PCOS symptoms, it is not a cure and may not work for everyone.

The Best Facts About The Ketosis Diet…

This diet is a great way to maintain your health as well as lose weight. With reputable studies being done, this diet can be extremely beneficial. However it may not be for everyone, make sure the diet is right for you and your body before diving in!

Give Us Your Opinion! – Take Our Cholesterol Survey Today

 

alkaline and acidic foods - spinach - healthier me today
Food & Nutrition Healthy EatingbyHMT News Team

Alkaline and Acidic: The Differences

The human body is sensitive, and any changes can throw off the pH balance in your body. Everybody’s alkaline and acid balance is different, but should generally be balanced. Without a healthy balance, your body can be too acidic or too alkaline, causing health problems that develop both quickly and over time.

What is Alkaline in Our Bodies?

Before diving into how to balance the pH in our bodies to live a long and healthy life, it is important to define what alkaline is. Alkaline is a ph level of above 7. When looking at a scale of ph levels, it is pretty straightforward. Acidic bodies have a ph level below 7. A normal ph level for a human body that is balanced and healthy is between 6.5 and 7.5. As the number rises or dips below these numbers, it can get dangerous.

Technically, our bodies are slightly alkaline as opposed to acidic. To raise the acidity so your body is not too alkaline, it is important to eat foods that lower acidity. These foods are high in vitamins and minerals, like potassium, sodium, iron, and calcium. There are alkaline benefits as well, but we can only achieve them with the right ph level. Some foods that we can consume to lower increase acidity and balance alkaline bodies are:

  • Spinach
  • Seaweed
  • Lentils
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Broccoli
  • Avocado
  • Kiwis
  • Peaches

What Alkaline Body Benefits Are There?

When our bodies are alkaline, that means we are eating and drinking the right foods. For example, the foods listed above to lower acidity and increase alkaline levels are nutritious and high in vitamins and minerals. These minerals strengthen our systems and bring lasting benefits! Some alkaline body benefits you should strive for are:

  • An Increase in Energy
  • Slower Aging Process on Your Skin
  • Decreased Risk of Cancer
  • Less stress
  • Increase in Immunity Strength and Response

What Is Acidity in Our Bodies?

alkaline and acidic - salad - healthier me todayOur bodies should naturally be slightly alkaline, as opposed to acidic. Acidity in our bodies, as tested by ph levels, can lead to problems! Acidity is the pH level of anything under the number 7, which is neutral. Acidity in our bodies depletes the minerals and vitamins we need to grow and develop. When our bodies are more acidic, they will begin taking vitamins and minerals from organs and other systems to naturally balance out their ph levels. This means we are missing important nutrients and vitamins.

It is also important to note, however, that our body parts have different ph levels. While urine samples should not be under a ph level of 7, our stomachs do have high acidity. The acid in our stomach that helps us digest food and move bowels healthily is approximately at 3.5 or lower. While this is the case, the main bulk of our diet should not come from acidic foods as the alkaline body benefits would decrease.

What Foods Increase Acidity in Our Bodies?

Just like some foods increase the alkaline ph levels in our bodies, there are also acidic foods that you should lower in consumption. The amount of alkaline in our diet should be between 60-80%. Any lower, and there is a risk for developing problems instead of alkaline body benefits. Foods that should be controlled and limited for acidity are:

  • Eggs
  • Cow Meat
  • Pig Meat
  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Oil
  • Butter

What Dangers Rise from an Increase in Acidity in Our Bodies?

Some dangers arise when we consume too many acidic foods and not enough foods that increase our alkaline levels. When our bodies are too acidic, for example, we lack vitamins and minerals that strengthen our systems. People are more likely to develop cavities and weak and brittle teeth because of the lack of calcium and magnesium levels.

Although cavities are uncomfortable, they are the least of your worries. Another danger that arises from an increase in acidity in our bodies is an increased risk of Osteoporosis, which is the weakening and breaking of bones. This is especially dangerous for vulnerable age groups like the elderly, who may take medications that deplete vitamins like calcium.

Our immune system is also weaker when our bodies are more acidic than alkaline. When this occurs, it can become dangerous. A common cold can place someone in the hospital if they do not have enough nutrients in their system to fight off the illness or virus. Watch out for these symptoms to let you know if your body is more acidic than alkaline:

  • Frequent Headaches
  • Uncomfortable Diarrhea
  • Constant Indigestion
  • Dehydration
  • Abnormal Acne
  • Weight Gain

Give Us Your Opinion! – Take Our Headaches Survey Today

 

parenting during the pandemic
ParentingbyHMT News Team

The Guide to Developing Strong Family Bonds In a Pandemic

It goes without saying that the 2020 Corona Virus Pandemic has hit us in ways that no one has imagined. From our ideas, to systems, health, and our way of life has been impacted. However, nothing has been more affected than family bonds. Whether you are stressed, work as an essential worker, or are homeschooling your children due to the effects of the pandemic, we want to share with you some parenting tips during the pandemic and how you can strengthen your family bond today!

How Do You Communicate?

Families and individuals have learned that the way to communicate the past couple of years has truly changed, creating dialogue among individuals that we did not expect. With this, it has opened a pathway for individuals to better express their feelings. However, one aspect that is truly crucial to ensure stability in our lives is the family bond, especially when kids are involved. So, we want to share with you how you can strengthen your family bond during today’s tough times!

Ask Yourself These 3 Key Questions:

Do you actively listen to the concerns of those around you?

One of the most important aspects to ensure a quality family bond is listening. Listening to the concerns, fear, and worries of those around you will help you better navigate during this time. In this, it also will help create a connection between family members, children, and siblings. The key to actively listening is to not judge the individual sharing their emotions. Whether it’s a concern over the virus itself, worries about the future, and how to navigate the current stress of their environment, actively listening is key to ensure that the family bond stays intact.

Do you come up with a plan together?

This is another key question to ask as a group within the family. For a strong family bond to survive, it requires communication and a feeling of security. How can you build more security among your children and family members today? Well, do all of you, as a group, create and discuss a plan for the future? Are you guys prepared for the changes that may occur during this pandemic as well as better planning for future scenarios? In this, it helps bring the family together by better preparing for possible scenarios while also creating a feeling of security and wellbeing among everyone!

Do you have a routine in your family?

This may be one of the key elements to ensure that your family bond stays intact. A routine within your family will also create a sense of security and peace, allowing for a bit of normalcy within the household. A couple of ways that you can introduce normalcy during the pandemic is to keep a daily schedule that does not change. For instance, does your family have a morning ritual to follow?  You and your family can also take long walks in nature, workout together, watch movies together, or even play board games. In this, a routine can truly help bring a feeling of calm and security to the family bond!

How Has Your Family Bond Changed During The Pandemic?

In this, we are eager to hear from you. How has your family bond changed during the pandemic? In truth, when all of this passes, all that will remain is the individuals that were there for each other during this time. Therefore, we want to thank the essential workers reading this, the families that are working hard to continue everyday life, and all of the individuals that have been affected during this pandemic.

Give Us Your Opinion! – Take Our Family Planning Survey Today

 

Health News General WellnessbyHMT News Team

10 Healthy Ways To Cope With Anxiety

Anxiety can be crippling and debilitating. It can sneak up on you when you least expect it and last for hours, days, and even weeks. With anxiety, an individual can feel unmotivated, sad, lonely, and even depressed. In this, anxiety in the modern age has become harder to escape with so many of the pressures of the outside world. From social media, to work, to family, relationships, money worries, and more, now more than ever individuals are battling anxiety. In this, we want to share our 10 healthy ways to cope with anxiety.

Before We Begin

Before we begin, we want to mention that none of the ways we are going to share with you are to replace the treatments of any health care provider or your primary doctor. In this, if you feel you may be prone to anxiety, contact your doctor!

10 Healthy Ways To Minimize Anxiety

  1. Keep Physically Active – When it comes to anxiety, it starts in the mind and then slowly seeps into the body, causing a crippling sensation that lowers your ability to function and perform daily tasks. With this, keeping physically active is important and may help boost your mood. In fact, physical activity such as working out releases endorphins that can minimize anxiety and boost your sense of well-being.
  2. Avoid Alcohol & Recreational Drugs – When coping with anxiety, there are certain triggers that can enhance and make your anxiety stronger. For instance, alcohol and recreational drugs can alter your state of mind and well-being, which can severely increase your feeling of anxiety.
  3. Relaxation Techniques – There are many different relaxation techniques that an individual can dive into when they feel they have anxiety or anxiety is creeping in. For instance, you can use an anxiety coloring book, which has specific instructions to help you relax your mind and focus on coloring, instead of the many thoughts around your anxiety. Other relaxation techniques can be walks in nature, drinking tea, cooking, and watching funny comedy shows.
  4. Yoga – Yoga can center you and help you calm your mind. With specific stretches and yoga poses and individual can minimize anxiety by focus on their body instead of the many thoughts that creep in. Yoga, much like physical activity releases endorphins and can boost your mood and sense of well being.
  5. Eat Healthy Foods – There are specific foods that can help boost your mind , especially alkaline foods and vegetables. In this, feeding your body the nutrients that it needs to stay healthy can minimize your anxiety. Fruits and vegetables will give you a feeling of achievement by feeding your body what it needs to maintain balance and a healthy diet!
  6. Keep A Journal – A journal may be one of the best ways to manage and understand your anxiety. Not only will a journal help you release the many thoughts you may have during an anxiety attack, but can also help you discover triggers by keeping a log of your anxiety worries and issues. In this, an individual can better understand when anxiety may occur and how to better manage it.
  7. Talk To A Professional – Without a doubt, the most effective method when it comes to combating anxiety is to talk to a professional. A professional can help you better diagnose and treat your anxiety in a healthy way that will fit your lifestyle. In this, a professional can also help you when it comes to feeling alone and give you solutions to ensure that your anxiety does not get the best of you!

Combating Anxiety & How To Cope

There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to coping with anxiety. In fact, now more than ever individuals are finding different techniques and methods to cope with the problems and situations of the real world. In this, always discuss your anxiety with your healthcare provider to better find a treatment and solution plan for you!

be more present in a relationship
Relationships ParentingbyHMT News Team

How To Be More Present In Your Relationship

A successful relationship is not cute couple photos, it’s not dating every day, it’s not making sure you never say the wrong thing. A successful relationship takes effort, compassion, love, and clear communication. We often mistake successful relationships for those Instagram couples that make it look so effortless.

When in fact, a relationship is a blend of two individuals understanding each other, having compatibility, and appreciating the little things in life, together. With this, we wanted to share effective ways to be more present in your relationship!

Are you present with your partner?

When your partner talks or tries to communicate with you, are you present or are you on your phone? Do you watch Netflix or Hulu, or do you take time to really pay attention and listen with an open heart?

In this, being present with your partner requires intimacy, it requires effort, and most importantly, your full-on attention. We are here to tell you that it can be quiet easy to be more present with your partner. Let’s talk about it!

  1. Do Not Have the TV On – Only Music

When it comes to being more present with your partner, it is important to minimize all distractions. In this, you can create a space of intimacy for both of you to really talk, spend time together, listen to each other’s worries or concerns, and most importantly, be present and in the moment. If you can’t do it over complete silence, put on some music!

  1. Have Someone Watch The Kids

If you want to spend more quality time and be more present with your partner, it is important to cultivate time together to spend it without the kids. So, if you have children, you may want to consider a babysitter, friend, or parent to take care of the little ones for the evening. In this, you can better spend time together that will not be interrupted.

  1. Turn Off The Cellphone

This may be one of the most important factors when it comes to being more present in your relationship. From the moment we wake up in the morning to the moment we fall asleep, we tend to look at our phones. We have created a habit of holding onto our phones as if they were part of our limbs.

In this, when it comes to creating presence in a relationship, turning off the phone or putting it in a closet, drawer, or away from you is crucial. Spend some quality time alone, for an hour or two without your cellphones, and there will be a feeling of peace that wil ensue due to not always being plugged in. This will also cultivate intimacy between you and your significant other.

  1. Practice Active Listening

This may be one of the most crucial aspects of creating presence with your partner. When you partner talks, do you actively listen or are you thinking about what you are going to do next? Active listening is vital to manifest a more present moment with your partner. Through active listening you can be there for your signifact other, talk about each other’s problems, concerns, and really cultivate a feeling of intimacy that allows the both of you to be more present. Talk less and listen more!

  1. Not In The House

Who said that to create presence in a relationship you had to do it in the house? No! In fact, you can go for walks together, go to a park, the beach, or even spend time working out or working on crafts together. As long as you both are together, talking, listening, and spending time together without outside distractions, you can cultivate a feeling of presence.

Are You Being Present With Your Partner?

Now that we live in a modern age where we are constantly being distracted with outside sources from news to social media, it is important to remember the most important things of all, the people we spend time with, and the well-being we cultivate in our lives. Being present with your partner can enhance your relationship, build intimacy, and help the both of you uncover new facets of each other that will keep the sparks flying!

Food & NutritionbyHMT News Team

Sesame Ginger Shrimp

Ingredients

6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons fresh minced ginger
4 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
12 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined

Preparation

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, oil, ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp; mix well. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes.

Coat a nonstick medium saute pan with cooking spray; heat to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and saute for about 1 minute. Add half of the marinade mixture to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds. Discard any leftover marinade.

 

common cold
General Wellness Health NewsbyHMT News Team

The Common Cold – 7 Quick Remedies

If one thing is for sure, is that eventually every individual will get a chance to experience the common cold. In fact, the common cold is so common, that’s why it has the word “common” in it’s name. You may experience the common cold and develop symptoms when the seasons change, when winter comes around, during travel, or even because of allergies. In this, there are many different common cold remedies that can easily make the process of getting back to feeling better, much easier! Let’s talk about the 7 quick tips to treat the common cold!

7 Remedies For The Common Cold!

  1. Stay Hydrated – It goes without saying that water is essential for human life. However, when the common cold comes around, it is extremely important to stay hydrated. You release many toxins in your waste when you go to the bathroom, in this, drinking water and going to the bathroom as often as possible will help you feel better!
  2. Rest – Of course rest is crucial! Your body heals itself when you are relaxed and sleeping. With proper medicine and rest, you can quickly reduce common cold symptoms.
  3. Combat Stuffiness – One of the most common cold symptoms is a stuffy nose. In this, it is important to make sure you take care of your breathing and clear the passage ways in your nose. You can gargle saltwater, try ice chips, use a sore throat spray, lozenges, and hard candy such as mints to help you breath better!
  4. Teas – Warm teas can ensure that you will get better much quicker. There are many different herbal remedies that can help you combat the common cold. From green teats to ginger teas, a tea can easily help you combact the common cold and get better quickly!
  5. Lemon Water – Lemons are full of antioxidants and can help you heal the body. With this, when in the body the lemon water turns alkaline and helps you fight and combat cold symptoms. So, if you ever feel that a common cold is coming on, have a glass warm water with a full lemon squeezed into it.
  6. Honey – Honey will surely help you sooth the throat when you start noticing symptoms of a common cold. Honey also helps with dry coughs!
  7. Vitamin C – This may be one of the most important cold remedies out there. One of the key tips to fighting the common cold is having a lot more Vitamin C. Vitamin C will help strengthen your immune system to ensure that you can beat the cold and it does not beat you!

Fighting The Common Cold

Of course, all of these quick remedies should not be substitutes for consulting with your healthcare provider. When it comes to the common cold, no one ever truly knows how long it will stay or how severe the symptoms may be. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help and diagnosis, so you can receive the quality treatment that will help you combat the common cold!

UncategorizedbyHMT News Team

Why ‘Beer Bellies’ Are a Myth: Exploring Beer Health Benefits

Don’t put down your Oktoberfest stein just yet. The Great American Beer Festival in Denver is in full swing, and there’s more to celebrate than just the wide array of brews.

Despite beer’s bad reputation for contributing to “beer bellies,” recent research suggests that it may offer some surprising health benefits. The festival, which has been celebrating beer for 35 years, features unlimited one-ounce tastings of over 3,500 beers and competitions among 800 breweries. But there’s more to the story than just a good time.

Beer Health Benefits: What the Research Says

Contrary to popular belief, beer might be beneficial to your health. A recent Danish study published in the Journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes reveals that beer could potentially lower the risk of diabetes. The study, which included 70,000 participants, found that moderate beer consumption was associated with a lower risk of diabetes. Men who consumed about 14 drinks a week and women who had nine drinks weekly showed the most significant health benefits.

Registered dietitian Michelle Dudash, author of “Clean Eating for Busy Families,” emphasizes the importance of moderation. “Moderate drinking is key here,” she notes. Unlike many sugary beverages, beer contains no added sugars once fermented, making it a better option than you might think.

Key Takeaways

  1. Moderation Matters: The research highlights that moderate beer consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle, countering the “beer belly” myth.
  2. Nutritional Content: Beer does not contain added sugars once fermented, which could be beneficial compared to other sweetened beverages.
  3. Health Benefits: Evidence suggests that moderate beer drinking might help lower the risk of diabetes, offering a health benefit that’s often overlooked.

Enjoying beer responsibly could be part of a balanced approach to health, especially during events like the Great American Beer Festival. So, the next time you raise a glass, remember that moderate beer consumption might have more to offer than just a good time.

Healthy EatingbyHMT News Team

Figs – Great Nutritional Boost for a Healthier You!

The next time you’re browsing around the produce department at your market, change things up a bit and buy some figs. Yes, Figs – Great Nutritional Boost.

Figs – Great Nutritional Boost

Not only is dried fig taFigs - Great Nutritional Booststy to eat, it has numerous health benefits to offer as well. Improves digestion: Also called anjeer, figs are rich in dietary fiber. 3 pieces of dried figs contain 5 grams of fiber, which accounts for about 20% of our daily requirement. … One dried fig gives you 129 mg of potassium and just 2 mg of sodium.

If you buy some figs, chances are they are from California. California produces 98 percent of fresh figs and 100 percent of dried figs grown in the U.S. California’s fig farmers adhere to the highest standards and dedicate special care to the fig orchards that have been passed down for generations ensuring California Fresh and Dried Figs are the best quality in the world.

As consumer demand for healthy, convenient and tasty food choices increase, so too does the demand for California Figs – Great Nutritional Boost. Though an Ancient fruit and beloved for centuries, figs are on the up rise as a go-to snack and ingredient.

 

Food & Nutrition Healthy EatingbyHMT News Team

The Health Benefits of Watermelon

What are the health benefits of watermelon? Let’s dive in and discover the three main areas where a watermelon bite a day, can keep the doctor away!

Heart – An amino acid known as citrulline present in the white rind of the fruit helps to normalize blood pressure. It relaxes our arteries, so it maintains a good blood flow while improving cardiovascular functions.  Vitamin C and beta-carotene help to reduce cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy heart. Watermelons also contain phytochemicals such as lycopene, which is known to be a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cardiovascular ailments.

Blood Pressure – The amino acids potassium and magnesium in watermelon combine to help keep blood vessels healthy and maintain smooth blood flow. They also help maintain proper electrolyte and acid balance, resulting in stable blood pressure levels. Potassium works as a diuretic and helps removal of toxins and excess salts.

Kidneys – Watermelon juice helps to flush out ammonia and uric acid from your body, as well as cleanse the kidneys. Studies have shown it to be helpful for kidney stones as well. Watermelon seeds are particularly helpful in cleansing the kidneys. So make sure you buy a watermelon with seeds if this you want to use it for this purpose.

So enjoy a treat this summer, knowing you’re doing something good for yourself at the same time!

 

 

Food & Nutrition General Wellness LifestylebyHMT News Team

You Made it to 40! – What Now?

Eating HealthyForty is an interesting time of life. You’re not “old” but you really can’t get away with playing video games all day and call that a mature hobby. Time to grow up!

Truthfully, 40 is a time to make some serious decisions about how you want the rest of your life to go. Do you want to live to 90? Do you want to feel strong and healthy for those next 50 years? If so, there are some things you need to do, and there may be some things you need to stop doing. And you have to commit, this is time to be serious.

 

STOP:

  • If you smoke, you need to stop. Period. Not cut down, you need to stop. Smoking after 40 erodes the linings of your lungs even faster that it has before, so this is turning point. Just don’t do it.
  • If you drink more than one or two drinks per day, you need to moderate. Hopefully you have had blood tests that include checking your liver, and even if your liver is fine, excessive drinking is not good over 40 for many reasons. Two per day or less.

START:

  • Increase your intake of antioxidant foods and anti-inflammatory foods. Your joints will ache less if you do this.
  • Boost your intake of fruits and vegetables. Green vegetables are especially important after 40.
  • Eating garlic aids in reducing your chances of being prone to cancer, heart ailments, blood pressure and numerous other diseases and boosts immunity.
  • Including onions in your diet would provide you with phytonutrients and keep Parkinson’s disease and cardiovascular ailments away. They are rich sources of sulphuric compounds too.
  • Exercise – Just do it.

Of course, have a physical exam regularly and run any diet or exercise plans by your doctor.

 

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