19 July 2013

Milk - FACTS


It's a general belief - a misbelief - that you should drink milk, because it's good for your bones and teeth cos of the calcium and it's very healthy to drink a glass of milk every day.... Now I tell you something. It's bullshit! Why?

It is easy to understand that the confusion about milk’s imaginary benefits stems from the fact that it contains calcium – around 300 mg per cup. But many scientific studies have shown an assortment of detrimental health effects directly linked to milk consumption. And the most surprising link is that not only do we barely absorb the calcium in cow’s milk (especially if pasteurized), but to make matters worse, it actually increases calcium loss from the bones. Here’s how it happens. Like all animal protein, milk acidifies the body pH which in turn triggers a biological correction. You see, calcium is an excellent acid neutralizer and the biggest storage of calcium in the body is in the bones. So the very same calcium that our bones need to stay strong is utilized to neutralize the acidifying effect of milk. Once calcium is pulled out of the bones, it leaves the body via the urine, so that the surprising net result after this is an actual calcium deficit.


Thanks to our creative ingenuity and perhaps related to our ancient survival needs, we adopted the dubious habit of drinking another species’ milk. Nobody can dispute that cow’s milk is an excellent food source for calves. But unlike humans, once calves are weaned, they never drink milk again. And the same applies to every mammalian species on this planet. Also, each mammalian species has its own “designer” milk, and cow’s milk is no exception. For example, cow’s milk contains on average three times the amount of protein than human milk which creates metabolic disturbances in humans that have detrimental bone health consequences. It’s important to bear in mind that mother’s milk is excellent nourishment for human babies, but its composition is very different from cow’s milk.

Until the end of the 19th century in Europe and the beginning of the 20th century in the US, milk was consumed unpasteurized or raw. Later on, homogenization became the industry’s standard. These processes further alter milk’s chemistry and actually increase its detrimental acidifying effects.



Nowadays, milking cows are given antibiotics and most are also injected with a genetically engineered form of bovine growth hormone (rBGH). A man-made or synthetic hormone used to artificially increase milk production, rBGH also increases blood levels of the insulin-growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in those who drink it. And higher levels of IGF-1 are linked to several cancers.



Lactose intolerance isn't the only problem with milk and milk products. The milk protein, casein, can irritate the immune system and stimulate mucus production, worsening allergy symptoms. This is why milk consumption is associated with recurrent childhood ear infections, eczema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and sinus conditions. Even those who are not allergic to milk, like people who have autoimmune diseases or digestive problems, may find that their symptoms improve when they eliminate milk and milk products.


How are cows on dairy farms abused?

I was shocked to learn that cows on dairy farms are repeatedly impregnated using artificial insemination. Their babies are torn away from them at birth, with male calves destined to become veal or beef and female calves destined to suffer the same fate as their mothers. These cows are then genetically manipulated to produce about 10 times as much milk as they would naturally, spending their lives constantly bloated and in pain. And cows on organic farms can suffer even more because when the animals' udders become infected, many farmers will not administer medicine, as that would prevent them from labeling the cows' milk as organic. On average, cows on dairy farms live for about four or five years, whereas under less stressful conditions, they would live for approximately 25 years! Stress and fear plague these cows on a daily basis, and it's no wonder that at the end of their short lives, they are completely spent and often lame.
 
See some pictures where your milk comes from:


IT'S A MYTH THAT YOU NEED MILK! YOU DON'T NEED MILK!
Human beings are not designed to drink any milk except human milk (only during infancy, of course).


What to drink instead of cow's milk?
1. Nuts milk, like cashew milk, almond milk
2. Soy milk
3. Rice milk
4. Coconut milk
5. Oat milk
6. Hemp seed milk

Soy Milk is High in Protein: Soymilk is highest in protein. It’s the only one that’s comparable to cow’s milk, providing between 8 and 11 grams of protein per cup. Soy protein also has beneficial effects on cholesterol levels and may also help keep your bones strong.  - See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/which-non-dairy-milk-best?page=all#sthash.Er7Y9OzN.dpuf
Soy Milk is High in Protein: Soymilk is highest in protein. It’s the only one that’s comparable to cow’s milk, providing between 8 and 11 grams of protein per cup. Soy protein also has beneficial effects on cholesterol levels and may also help keep your bones strong.  - See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/which-non-dairy-milk-best?page=all#sthash.Er7Y9OzN.dpuf


Soy milk is high in protein: Soymilk is highest in protein. It’s the only one that’s comparable to cow’s milk, providing between 8 and 11 grams of protein per cup. Soy protein also has beneficial effects on cholesterol levels and may also help keep your bones strong. 

Hemp milk is a good source of Omega-3 fats: Hemp milk is a relative new-comer on the alterna-milk scene. Its big claim to fame is that it is an excellent source of omega-3 fats. A single serving of hemp milk provides an entire day’s recommended intake of omega-3 fats. That’s about four times as much as you’d get in soy milk and six times as much as you’d get from cow’s milk. It’s not terribly high in protein, however.                 

Almond milk is lower in calories: If you’re counting calories, almond milk tends to be quite a bit lower in calories and sugar than most of the other non-dairy milks. It also contains monounsaturated fats, which are the same heart-healthy fats found in olive oil. Almond milk is fairly low in protein. 

Oat milk provides fiber: Oat milk offers fiber as well as a moderate amount of protein, about 4 grams per serving. However, it is on the higher end in terms of sugar and calories.

Rice milk is non-allergenic: Rice milk is one you’re least likely to be allergic to.  However, it’s the lowest in protein and tends to be higher in sugar and calories.

Calcium rich foods:

Dark Leafy Greens (Watercress)
Chinese Cabbage (Pak Choi, Bok Choy)
Okra
Tofu
Broccoli
Green Snap Beans
Almonds
Garlic
Sun Dried Tomatoes
Spinach (Raw)
Collard Greens (Cooked)
Kale (Raw)
Sesame seeds
Celery
Orange
Blackberries
Dried apricots
Dates
        
Soy Milk is High in Protein: Soymilk is highest in protein. It’s the only one that’s comparable to cow’s milk, providing between 8 and 11 grams of protein per cup. Soy protein also has beneficial effects on cholesterol levels and may also help keep your bones strong.  - See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/which-non-dairy-milk-best?page=all#sthash.Er7Y9OzN.dpuf
Soy Milk is High in Protein: Soymilk is highest in protein. It’s the only one that’s comparable to cow’s milk, providing between 8 and 11 grams of protein per cup. Soy protein also has beneficial effects on cholesterol levels and may also help keep your bones strong.  - See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/which-non-dairy-milk-best?page=all#sthash.Er7Y9OzN.dpuf



  • Nut milks, such as cashew milk or almond milk
  • Rice milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Oat milk
  • - See more at: http://peakofwellbeing.com/what-can-i-drink-instead-of-cows-milk/#sthash.3Esu8gQ4.dpuf



  • Nut milks, such as cashew milk or almond milk
  • Rice milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Oat milk
  • - See more at: http://peakofwellbeing.com/what-can-i-drink-instead-of-cows-milk/#sthash.3Esu8gQ4.dpuf

    24 June 2013

    Fat - FACTS

    From fat you will have ----- Fat. It's simple. That's why we don't eat any deep-fried things or lots of butter and fatty fast food anymore, do we?
    From carbohydrate you will have ----- Fat. How? Your body uses the carbohydrate as your "fuel". If you take more carbohydrate than you use, your body will make fat from it and keep it in your adipose tissue. And that's why we don't eat any white bread or pasta, pastries, cakes and soft drinks and sugary things..hmm???

    Still - your body need fats... But it does matter what kind of fats you eat, so let's see.

    What are the "good fats"?
    Fat is considered as a "good fat" and can contribute most to our health and slimming if it's:
    1. cold-pressed
    2. contains the larger proportion of polyunsaturated fats
    3. contain larger quantities of essential fatty acids



    There are polyunsaturated fatty acids, which the body can not produce itself, but are vital for the operation of your body, in other words, they are - essential. Therefore your fat intake should be based on essential fats. The two most important polyunsaturated fats are Omega3 and Omega6.

    What contains Omega3?
    fish oil
    hempseed oil
    linseed
    linseed oil
    marine oils 



    What contains Omega6?
    borage oil
    evening primrose oil
    sunflower oil
    sesame
    sesame oil
    soya oil
    grapeseed oil
    pumpkin seed



    Other "good fats" are the monounsaturated fats, like:
    avocado
    avocado oil
    nuts
    almond oil
    olive oil
    rapeseed oil





    20-40% of your daily caloric intake should be polyunsaturated fats, it means 60-90g daily.
    The optimal ratio of Omega3 and Omega6 intake is 3:1, 4:1, so you should take 3-4 times more Omega3 than Omega6. 

    Fat is also important because there are some fat-soluble vitamins:
    - Vitamin-A
    - Vitamin-D
    - Vitamin-E
    - Vitamin-F
    - Vitamin-K 

     




    9 June 2013

    Sugar, baby! - FACTS

    Sugar is not THAT 'sweet' as you think...

    What is sugar?
    Most commonly processed sugar cane or sugar beet plant in granular form. From plant to granular form involves several chemical processes. 
    So this is the "common" sugar.
    Apart from this, there are many types of sugar and not all of them are bad!
    1. sucrose or saccharose - common sugar - VERY BAD!!!
    2. fructose - fruit sugar (this is the good type of sugar!) - THE BEST POSSIBLE!
    3. lactose - found in milk - LACTOSE ITSELF IS NOT BAD FOR YOU (it is if you suffer from lactose intolerance) BUT MILK IS and we gonna talk about this later
    4. glucose or dextrose - grape sugar - THIS IS GOOD IF YOU NEED INSTANT ENERGY FOR YOUR BRAIN BUT DON'T EAT IT REGULARLY [Glucose is an energy source for the body. It is the main source of energy for the brain, and when glucose levels are low, person's mental abilities may be impaired.]

    How does it work in your body?
    All sugars are broken down by the body into glucose and fructose and are processed in the liver. Sugars are converted into glycogen or fat for storage, or kept as glucose in the blood for use in the body's cells. So it's the quantity you consume that makes the difference to your health. When people eat a diet that is high in calories and high in fructose, the liver gets overloaded and starts turning the fructose into fat.

    How much sugar should you take in a day maximum - IF YOU ARE NOT ON DIET?
    Added sugars shouldn't make up more than 10% of the energy you get from food and drink each day. This is whether it comes from honey, fruit juice and jam, or soft drinks, processed foods or table sugar. This works out at about 70g a day for men and 50g for women, although this can vary depending on your size, age and how active you are. Fifty grams of sugar is equivalent to 13 teaspoons of sugar a day, or two cans of fizzy drink, or eight chocolate biscuits.
    Got it? Not 1.5 litre of Coke! And not a full box of chocolate biscuit! And anyway... as we know already, fast-food and pre-made food contains lots of lots of sugar already! So - you should NOT take any added sugar ANYWAY! And IF YOU WANT TO GET SLIMMER, YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE ANY ADDED SUGAR!!! Just watch:






    Eating a lot of fructose IN THE FORM OF ADDED SUGARS may:

    • Make your liver synthesize fats, which are exported as VLDL cholesterol, which leads to dyslipidemia (blood tryglicerides and cholesterol), fat around the organs and ultimately, heart disease
    • Increase blood levels of uric acid, leading to gout and elevated blood pressure
    • Cause deposition of fat in the liver, potentially leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
    • Cause insulin resistance, which ultimately leads to obesity and type II diabetes
    • Insulin resistance leads to elevated insulin and insulin like growth factor in the entire body, which may ultimately cause cancer
    • Fructose doesn’t affect satiety in the same way as glucose, making you eat more total calories automatically if your fructose intake is high
    • Excess fructose consumption may cause leptin resistance, throwing body fat regulation out of whack and contributing to obesity
    • Sugar may be downright addictive
    What's more, lots of sugar can cause CANDIDA!
    Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the normal yeast in the body. So foods that the yeast is feeding on can promote yeast growth and lead to an infection. In small quantities, many yeasts are harmless.  However, under the right conditions, some of them, such as Candida Albicans, overgrow and become pathogenic.

    What contains lots of yeast?
    • Hydrogenated oils
    • Sugars
      • White sugar
      • Brown sugar
      • Syrups
      • Honey
      • Fructose
      • Sorbital
      • Dried fruits and fruit juice
    • Vinegar and condiments containing vinegar (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressing)
    • Starches
    • Refined carbohydrates
      • White flour
      • White rice
      • White potatoes
      • What Grains
    • Yeast and yeast containing products
      • Beer
      • Mushrooms
      • Bread
      • Cider
      • Fruit skins
      • Malt beverages
      • MSG (often extracted from autolyzed yeast extract or from wheat)
      • Wine
      • Yeast Extract


    When in the supermarket it's worth remembering that produce is classed as high in sugar if it contains more than 15g in 100g and low in sugar if it has less than 5g per 100g. 

    It’s important to realize that all of this does NOT apply to fruit.
    Fruits aren’t just watery bags of fructose, they are real foods with a low energy density and lots of fiber.
    They’re hard to overeat on and you’d have to eat ridiculous amounts to reach harmful levels of fructose. In general, fruit is a minor source of fructose in the diet compared to added sugars.
    The harmful effects of fructose apply to a western diet supplying excess calories and added sugars. It does NOT apply to the natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables.