Archive for the ‘diet’ Category

Is Coffee Good or Bad for your Health?

Friday, July 25th, 2008

A few weeks ago I went to Glastonbury…one of the largest music festivals in the world. Because I didn’t sleep much, I used coffee to help me stay awake. Since I rarely drink coffee, it was interesting to observe how much I wanted it when I got back.

Even now, weeks later, I fancied a coffee during the day, which is something I almost never do. So today my friends and I sat in the lovely sun and drank frappuccinos…mmm.

Coffee is many people’s drug of choice…in fact I have several friends who claim that coffee is the key to their success! It can make you more productive and creative.

Generally, I have a coffee about once a month (unless I have just been to a festival) in order to stay awake at night. I love the fact that because I don’t drink coffee, it gives me such a rush. I drink it if I am feeling tired but want to stay up late dancing or hanging out with friends. It not only wakes me up, it puts me in a super good mood and makes me excited about everything.

However, I know that when I drink coffee more often, and especially if I drink it during the day, I can feel jittery and anxious. I feel that I might lose my mind and sick to my stomach.

Of course, like any drug, if you do it everyday, and especially multiple times per day like many people, the effects are lessened.

Coffee: Health Enhancer or Destroyer?

Recently I have heard research that coffee prevents diabetes and off sets the risk of heart disease caused by other vices such as smoking. There was even a recent study which showed that women who drank coffee cut their risk of colon cancer in half.

On the other hand, there are many other doctors and nutritionists that I trust who are convinced that coffee is not so good for you.

Some studies report that coffee raises the adrenaline levels and that heavy consumption causes adrenal gland exhaustion, which can lead to lowered immune system, anxiety and panic attacks, increased allergies, and chronic fatigue (which of course makes the person dependent on coffee for a boost.)

There is research showing that coffee raises blood pressure and causes the heart to pump harder.

Some scientists and doctors say that coffee has organic acids that raise your blood sugar and insulin, which causes a variety of health disasters, including inflammation and weight gain. It is said that heavy coffee drinkers that give up coffee can shed up to 10 pounds without making any other changes.

Although I am qualified in nutrition and natural therapies, I am not a scientist. Therefore, I don’t know for sure which of these two conflicting theories about coffee is correct.

However, logic tells me that the symptoms I have from coffee as an occasional user are not the symptoms I would hope to get from something that was seriously good for me.

I also have clients and friends that have experienced improved health when they gave up coffee.

The fact that heart disease, cancer and diabetes are so rampant in this world where coffee is so popular makes me question just how powerful its benefits are.

Further, when people are addicted to coffee and can’t live without it, then like any addiction, it is keeping them from enjoying optimum health.

For now, the jury is out on whether coffee is health enhancing or destroying. Personally, I am happy to enjoy its effects every now and again when I want to dance the night away, and avoid it on a daily basis.

If you are a regular coffee drinker, it might be an idea to give it up and see how you feel. I would certainly recommend this to all coffee addicts! Here are some tips for giving up:

1. Switch to herbal tea. Green tea in particular will give you that caffeine hit, but without any of the supposed side effects. It is also a powerful antioxidant.

2. Try a coffee substitute such as Teeccino or Chicory. You can buy them at a health food shop, and they are a mixture of nuts seeds, grains and spices that supposedly taste like coffee. (I have never personally tried them because I am not looking for a coffee replacement, but they have helped a few of my clients and friends give up.)

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5 Ways to Stay Healthy this Summer

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008

I live in England, and we don’t exactly have the hottest most predictable summer on the earth. But when it’s nice, the whole country goes outside and enjoys it. We can finally rip off our jackets and feel free. Since summer is not a particularly long season here, it is essential that we make the most of ever sunny day.

Here are 5 fun ways to keep well and make the most of the summer (no matter where you live.)

Rawvolutionise

Enjoy as many raw foods as possible. While cooked food tastes nice, especially on a cold winter’s day, vital nutrients are damaged and lost. Further, cooking adds chemicals that aren’t particularly natural to our bodies. Summer is the perfect time to introduce as many raw foods as possible in the diet.

Raw salads and smoothies will keep you going in the summer. A greater variety of fruits and vegetables means more nourishment for your body and better for your health. It also means that you won’t waste valuable sunshine time standing over your cooker, and you may find that you look more gorgeous than ever in your summer frock (or suit…)

Berrylicious!

By now, most of us know that blueberries are great for health. But there are plenty of berries that grow wild all over the world which can give us many of those same nutrients and antioxidants.

I find it funny when I see a small amount of blackberries on sale in the supermarket for quite a hefty price, and they are growing all around us for free. No matter where you live in the UK, there are berries growing in the summertime. I have been amazed at the amount of blackberries to be picked even in big cities like London. Find out if there are any wild berries or edible items for your raw salad growing near you! It will save you money and add a new dimension to your food.

Sun Drenched

Sunscreen is a tricky subject. On the one hand we know that overexposure to sun causes aging skin and even cancer, we also know that the best way to get vitamin D, which is essential for our health, is through the sun. Studies are also continuously showing that many mainstream brands of sunscreen contain chemicals that are no good for our wellbeing. Here are a few ways to deal with the sun:

* Make sure your sunscreen is organic.
* Cover up…a hat will not only protect you from the sun, it can add style and flare to your outfit!
* Studies show that lycopene is extremely beneficial in protecting us from the negative effects of the sun. Lycopene is plant nutrient found primarily in tomatoes and tomato based products such as juice and puree, as well as watermelon, pink grapefruit, papaya, and red bell pepper.
* There are also some interesting studies to suggest that broccoli sprouts (which you can sprout yourself or buy at a health food shop), are beneficial for warding off harmful sun rays.

The Best Drink on the Planet

It is crucial to drink plenty of water all year long, and no time is it as refreshing and necessary as in the summer months. We are primarily made of water, and drinking plenty of plain agua will ensure that we feel well and vibrant during the hot months. Just watch a wilting plant in the sun come alive when it gets watered.

Get a Move On

Generally speaking, we can be outside all year long in England, but no time is more pleasurable than the summer. If you have wanted to get in shape and get into some healthy exercising habits, there is no better time than now. Figure out what you enjoy doing, and do it 4-5 times a week.

Bicycling, skateboarding, running, or just walking regularly for 20 minutes can make us feel better and improve our health…not to mention how we look and feel with our winter jackets off.

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