Archive for August, 2010

Weddings, Birthdays, Baptisms, Reunions, Fiestas, Anniversaries and other special events are the things that we look forward each year. This is the time that we can be with our loved ones who are once close to us that live on distant places. These are the happy days that we can cherish in our lives. We are even zealous in preparing menus, drinks, desserts and programs for that event. It is good that we meet and bond with our loved ones, every once in a while. These are occasions where we can talk and reminisce moments together.

Ironically, is it possible to have those events be celebrated in a healthier way? You will agree with me when I say that these are the events that our fathers (more often) would suddenly have heart attacks, sudden stroke, and high blood pressure. Why is it such? Check on the foods that are prepared each event or drinks that are included, they are all wasteful. Forgive my language, but it is a reality check. Instead of having these events as a living torture, take time to prepare foods that lower blood pressure instead and drinks that detoxify our body.

Cigarettes, pork viands, and alcoholic drinks are always on the top of the list whenever these events come. We even see the clutters of these events such as cigarette butts, emptied alcoholic bottles, and marks of puke all over the place due to high intake of alcohol after these celebrated events. Why not opt to celebrate those occasions using foods that lower blood pressure, drinks that will not make us drunk and good replacement of cigarettes that will not accumulate nicotine in our lungs.

Sharing moments with them are part of our family culture. They are a part of us and we want to foster good relationships with them during these events. As we foster memories that are long and lasting, let us build it on foods that lower blood pressure that contributes to longer life and away from heart risk. We can sing with them, take pictures of blissful moments that we can cherish in our lifetime that we can pass on to the next generation. Beer is not in, if our life is on the verge of death. Beer only poses momentary pleasure in our body but the bad effects are permanent and devastating.

Our hugs, kisses, stories, and experiences are enough preparation along with the foods that lower blood pressure. Drinks that tickle our veins rejuvenate our body. A day or two is not enough to spend with them. One of them may not be able to join us on the succeeding years to come to celebrate the most anticipated events in our life. It is anticipated not because of beer but because of our dear loved ones that we can see again. Joyful celebration means healthy celebration and it promises us more celebration of years to come because we can still be with them with this rightful occasion that have grown through the years.

The foods we eat have an enormous effect on our mood and brain function.  By introducing specific nutrients into our diet we can improve memory, encourage clear thinking and alleviate stress and depression.   Mind food’s that help us achieve natural beauty are rich in boron, iron and essential fatty acids and include foods such as seafood, spinach and whole grains  The quality and type of food eaten can affect the brains chemical processes and consequently influence the way we feel. Below we look at the vitamins, minerals and foods that help feed the brain, encouraging clarity, memory and alertness.

Protein rich foods are linked to motivation; they contain amino acids that stimulate the brain, and encourage clear thinking.  If work is stressful and demanding, try starting your day with a protein rich breakfast such as yogurt, cereal and omelette. This will help balance your blood sugar, keep you feeling fuller for longer and help with memory and concentration.  Fish chicken, lean meats, pulses and vegetables are excellent sources of protein. Fish and shellfish actually contain an amino acid called tyrosine, used by the body to make the brain stimulating chemicals, noradrenalin and dopamine, which increase mental energy and alertness.

B group vitamins For optimum functioning the brain requires plenty of B group vitamins, including B3 (niacin) B5 (panthothenic acid) B6 and B12.  A lack of B vitamins in a diet can dramatically affect mental processing, perception and memory and also cause mood swings and irritability. All B vitamins work closely together with each other, so a diet rich in foods such as apricots, avocados, bananas, oats eggs, root vegetables, pulses, nuts, seafood and brown rice will help to ensure you are getting a wide selection of B vitamins.

Minerals are important for healthy brain function. Zinc is needed for mental alertness and concentration.  Good sources of zinc are pulses, wholegrain bread and cereals and fish. The trace element boron is needed in only tiny amounts, but is essential for mental alertness. Boron is found in fresh and dried fruits, green vegetables, walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts. A deficiency of iron may affect thinking in some people so it is important to ensure you are getting enough iron rich foods such as red meats, poultry, kidneys, green leafy vegetables, wholegrain and enriched cereals.

The relationship between food and our mood is important. A well balanced nutritious diet that includes slow energy releasing foods, such as oats and unrefined whole grains and some protein foods, such as fish, beans, eggs, cheese, nuts or seeds, every day, helps smooth the negative effects of fluctuating blood sugar levels, which include irritability, poor concentration, fatigue, depression and food cravings. Essential fatty acids, particularly the omega-3 type found in oil-rich fish, such as mackerel and sardines, linseeds, hemp seeds and their oils are all contributory factors to mood and  vital for the formation and healthy functioning of the brain.