Vitamin E Cuts Heart Attacks by 75 Percent

Avocado is a rich source of Vitamin E

According to an article from Reuters, Vitamin E reduces the risk of a heart attack by 75%. That information is according to Bristish researchers from Cambridge University.

A team of Cambridge University scientists has made a study in 2,000 patients with heart problems. Professor Morris Brown said that they have discovered that Vitamin E is beneficially good. He said, too that he recommends it to patients with angina and those who are at risk of heart disease.

Along with their regular medication, one half of the 2,000 patients in the 18-month trial have been given Vitamin E while the other half have taken placebo tablets. The number of heart attacks in the Vitamin E group has only been quarter of that in the placebo group. They have concluded that Vitamin E cuts heart attacks by 75 percent.

Professor Brown has said that the result is more exciting than aspirin. The average benefit from taking aspirin is in the order of a 25 to 30 percent reduction, he has said as well.

The article also mentions that Vitamin E helps prevent cholesterol build up so it protects the heart naturally.

Image Above Courtesy of:

http://www.health-fitness.com.au/vitamin-e/

What are the Common Symptoms of Prostate Disease?

I remember one day, my Dad just could not urinate. Previously, he did not complain about any problem with urination but I observed that he frequently went to the toilet to urinate even at night. Then on that morning, he just could not release his urine. A few drops would flow and there seemed blood on it. He was in pain and we did not know what to do. We had to take him to the hospital. Fortunately, it was not yet that severe and he was strong enough to drive so he and Mom went to consult a doctor in the nearest medical clinic.

After a series of tests, we found out that he was already suffering from prostate disease or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. The doctor prescribed medicines for him to take. After several years, he went under an operation to cure his prostate enlargement. We suspect that his renal failure, must have had been caused by BPH.

It’s important to recognize common symptoms of prostate disease in order to obtain proper treatment before it leads to other complications. If the case is prostate cancer, (not all prostate enlargement cases necessarily mean cancer), it would be best if a doctor diagnoses it at an early stage.

Here are the common symptoms:

• An immediate need to urinate
• Frequent or painful urination
• Urinating more than three times a night
• A delay in starting urination

We may mistake some of these symptoms as part of the natural aging process but these are possible early warnings of a prostate disease like prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia or other prostate infections. If ever you or any male family member is experiencing any of the symptoms I’ve stated above, it’s important to see a doctor soon in order to obtain professional evaluation and prevent serious complications.

Image Above Courtesy Of:

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/prostateenlargement/

10 Foods That Are Good For the Heart-Part II

6. Fruits and Vegetables

Eat apples, carrots and other foods high in soluble fiber called pectin. In general, fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidants, which may be anti-cholesterol agents.

7. Wine

Drink a glass or two of wine- red or white- a day to raise your good cholesterol. Red wine is also thought to be good for the heart for another reason: Grape skin used in making red wine inhibit blood-clot formation.

8. Grape Seed Oil

Grape seed oil is a mild salad oil available in natural foods stores. Oils high in monounsaturated fats such as olive and canola, also help lower bad cholesterol.

9. Fish

Salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and tuna are all high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help boost good cholesterol

10. Supplements

Antioxidant supplements may also be good for your arteries. It is advisable to take 10,000 to 20,000 IU of beta-carotene, 100 to 400 IU of Vitamin E and 1 to 2 grams of Vitamin C each day.

Let me just emphasize that these are food that can help the body fight high cholesterol but not medicines that would cure cardiovascular disease. If you feel that your cholesterol level is shooting up, don’t hesitate to consult a health professional immediately.

Image Above Courtesy Of:

http://infocholesterol.com/

10 Foods That Are Good For the Heart-Part I

I have read an old article from the Philippine Star Lifestyle Section by Ms. Ching M. Alano dated February 10, 1998. It is about a heart-healthy diet and food that can help lower cholesterol. I’d like to share it here on my blog. Perhaps, this could help some people out there who want a few tips about eating foods that are good for the heart.

1. Oat Bran

Try eating a bowl of Oat Bran or Oat meal for breakfast. Studies show that people with cholesterol levels above 220 can lower their count by 8 to 23 percent with this one addition to their diet.

2. Beans

Eat a cup of cooked beans a day. Beans not only lower LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol but also increase HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) or good cholesterol when eaten regularly for more than a year. (However, people with high level of uric acid should go easy with beans)

3. Onions

For people with cholesterol problems, eat half of a raw onion a day to boost your HDL.

4. Garlic

Studies show that eating one clove of garlic a day effectively lowers total cholesterol levels.

5. Soy

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that a diet rich in soy protein found in tofu and soy milk reduces cholesterol.

Image Above Courtesy Of:

http://infocholesterol.com/

Skin Friendly Diet

Apple is rich in fiber

Often, we think of our body shape and weight whenever we talk about diet. Actually, even our skin gets nourishment from the food that we eat. If we don’t get the proper nutrients from our diet, even our skin cells starve and that is why we encounter different skin problems. A healthy looking body begins with a good skin.

Our skin is a natural protective defense against bacteria and viruses. Langerhans cell present in the epidermis act as a natural anti-viral defense mechanism at the onset of skin infection. Our skin also contains nerve endings that give us sensation. It is also a natural heat regulator and controls fluid loss. It is a natural storage space for water and fats. It is also our natural water resistant protection to make sure that nutrients don’t get washed away from the body (wikipedia). That’s how important our skin is to us so we need to protect it because once it gets damaged, repair might be difficult and expensive.

A high protein diet is essential for the development of skin cells. In fact, Langerin, which is present in Langerhans cells, is protein. It’s important that we get a good amount of protein in our diet like eggs, fish and meat.

Fibrous fruits and vegetables is a good source of fiber, which helps decrease inflammation beneath the skin. Fiber, hence, helps delay the aging process. You can eat cereals, wheat bread, and vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, spinach; and fruits like apple, bananas, pears and berries.

Citric Acid has an anti-oxidant property that is very good for our skin. It is essential for the nutrition of skin cells. You can eat fruits like lemon, oranges, pineapple and tomatoes.

Lastly (well, for this blog post), drink plenty of water because it helps keep the skin hydrated. 

Image Above Courtesy of:

http://www.freefoto.com/preview/07-13-61?ffid=07-13-61&k=Apples

5 Chinese Skin Care Secrets for Women’s Day

Radiant and Youthful Skin

Oriental women are known for their flawless and radiant white skin especially Chinese, Korean and Japanese women. I just don’t know if the weather plays an important factor in having a nice skin considering the fact that there is snow in those countries. Men are easily attracted to women with flawless skin. I don’t know why but that’s how I feel.

                                              

I’ve learned some ancient Chinese princesses’ beauty secrets from Pinoy MD and I’d like to share it here for Women’s Day. Sharing a beauty tip feels awkward for a man like me but it’s my small way of paying tribute to women.

Secret #1: Drinking Green Tea

Green Tea has anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties. It eliminates body toxins and makes the skin radiant looking. It is also good for weight loss.

Secret #2: Jade Stone Facial Massage

Jade stone massage helps refine skin pores. It tightens skin making it soft; removing lines and wrinkles. This is said to have been exclusively for empresses.

Secret#3: Pearl Powder

Using pearl powder as a facial powder is an ancient Chinese beauty secret. It’s rich in amino acids and minerals that nourish skin cells and help maintain skin health.

Secret #4: Egg-white Facial Massage

 Egg whites contain albumen, which is rich in protein, an essential nutrient that is good for the skin. Massage it onto the face and leave it for 30 minutes before washing off.

Secret #5: Camellia Nut Oil

Camellia Nut Oil or tinseed oil is a good skin moisturizer especially when used after bathing. It contains vitamins and nutrients that are absorbed by the skin easily. It also improves hair growth and restores color to white hair.

Fresh Cucumber is a good substitute for Jade Stone, olive oil for Camellia Nut Oil and a hypo-allergenic facial powder for Pearl powder.

Image Above Courtesy Of:

http://theteachick.com/2009/02/10/