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β-Glucans (or beta-glucans) are polysaccharides of D-glucose monomers linked by glycosidic bonds. They occur most commonly as cellulose in plants and trees, the bran of cereal grains, the cell wall of baker's yeast, certain types of fungi, and many kinds of mushrooms and bacteria. Some forms of beta glucans are useful in human nutrition as texturing agents and as soluble fiber supplements, but problematic in brewing as excessive levels make the wort too viscous. Yeast derived beta glucans are notable for their immunomodulatory function

The human brain has high energy and nutrient needs. Changes in energy or nutrient intake can alter both brain chemistry and the functioning of nerves in the brain. Intake of energy and several different nutrients affect levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters transmit nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another, and they influence mood, sleep patterns, and thinking. Deficiencies or excesses of certain vitamins or minerals can damage nerves in the brain, causing changes in memory, limiting problem-solving ability, and impairing brain function.

"The major factor which stimulates weight gain in winter months is vitamin D. Human bodies get vitamin D from sunlight; as the hours of sunlight become less with the onset of fall, so our levels of vitamin D decrease. Low levels of vitamin D affect the brain's production of the hormone leptin. Leptin plays a vital role in controlling appetite and metabolism; so as the amount of vitamin D in our bodies decreases so does the leptin, and this causes an increase in our appetite and a change in our metabolism. Researchers at Aberdeen University found that obese people had 10% less vitamin D than people of average weight. The study also found that excess body fat absorbed vitamin D so the body couldn't use it. Scientists now believe that there is a direct correlation between obesity and low levels of vitamin D.

"So why is Dr Vieth so frustrated? You might think he'd have cause for celebration. But for him and other vitamin D researchers around the world, the good news comes with a bitter aftertaste. They believe they can prove vitamin D could help millions live longer and be healthier and yet they have not been able to convince their own governments. In the US and Canada, official vitamin D policy is set by the Institute of Medicine. And in the opinion of Vieth, the current recommendations - 200 International Units per day for people under 50, 400 for people aged 51-70, and 600 for those 71 and older - are outrageously low. Bruce Hollis, professor of paediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina, calls 400 IU a day "a joke". That's because the best research suggests that to achieve the higher vitamin D blood levels associated with disease prevention, most adults in the US would need to take 1,000-2,000 IU a day: five to 10 times more than the current official recommendation for adult In 1999, Reinhold Vieth (pictured right) published a review of vitamin D research in response to the IOM conclusions. In it, he argued that there was no evidence that amounts lower than 20,000 IU a day could be toxic. "Throughout my preparation of this review, I was amazed at the lack of evidence supporting statements about the toxicity of moderate doses of vitamin D," Vieth wrote. Studies have since shown 10,000 IU a day of vitamin D to be safe. While any substance will become toxic in excess, vitamin D researchers today accept that the current vitamin D recommendations could be more than quadrupled with no fear of toxicity.!

When you eat, your food is broken down in your small intestines into three basic nutrients: amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids. Once they are broken down, your body puts these nutrients to work, assigning them different tasks. But if you eat in excess, your body doesn't have a job for all those extra nutrients. They become "unemployed workers", and you will never guess what your body does with them.

In many situations, an excess of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol will overpower HDL, the "good" one. This causes your cells to become filled with fatty wastes that create a serious risk for your heart. Pectin, a natural substance found in the cell walls of certain fruits can help you obtain a good balance between the "good" and the" bad" cholesterol.

Going green will help you reduce your risk to chronic diseases like diabetes, thyroid, cancer etc. Avoid meats and dairy in excess and keep youself in the good shape. Read more...

Katri Räikkönen, Anu-Katriina Pesonen, Kati Heinonen, Jari Lahti, Niina Komsi, Johan G. Eriksson, Jonathan R. Seckl, Anna-Liisa Järvenpää, and Timo E. Strandberg Maternal Licorice Consumption and Detrimental Cognitive and Psychiatric Outcomes in Children American Journal of Epidemiology Advance Access published on October 4, 2009. doi:10.1093/aje/kwp272 Data are compatible with adverse fetal "programming" by overexposure to glucocorticoids and caution against excessive intake of licorice-containing foodstuffs during pregnancy.

"LOS ANGELES (September 29, 2009) -- A simple, non-invasive test appears to be an effective screening tool for identifying patients with silent heart disease who are at risk for a heart attack or sudden death. Coronary artery calcium scans can be done without triggering excessive additional testing and costs, according to the multi-center EISNER (Early Identification of Subclinical Atherosclerosis by Noninvasive Imaging Research) study, led by investigators at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. The findings appear in today's issue of the findings appear in today's issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology."

October 17, 2006 | Steve Stiles Boston, MA - A review of the literature on the health effects of dietary fish or fish-oil intake has a reassuring message for seafood lovers, anyone eating fish for health reasons, and perhaps most everyone else [1]. Levels of mercury and other contaminants in commercially bought fish are low, and their potential risks are overwhelmed by likely reductions in cardiovascular mortality, according to a report in the October 18, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. "The main message is really that everybody should be eating one or two servings of fish or seafood per week for their health," Dr Dariush Mozaffarian (Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA) told heartwire. In his analysis, coauthored with Dr Eric B Rimm (Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA), regular "modest" intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the two long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) abundant in finfish and shellfish (collectively referred to as "fish" in the article), is associated with a 36% drop in coronary disease mortality (p Those potential benefits are immense compared with the highly publicized but apparently low health risks associated with methylmercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that have been found in some fish species, they write. The evidence suggests a potential for neurodevelopmental deficits from early exposure to methylmercury, but the risk is likely diminished by limiting intake of fish with high methylmercur

"I know what you may be thinking: "Fish oil?! I thought fish oil was supposed to be healthy! One day you say we should take it, now you're saying it puts us at risk for Swine Flu?" Well, there is a reasonable answer, but it doesn't come in the form of a simple "fish oil is good" or "fish oil is bad" kind of package. The truth is that eating fish and taking fish oil is very often extremely beneficial for a great number of health conditions. But there is no substance on Earth that is 100% healthy under every conceivable circumstance. Take water, for example. Drinking plenty of pure water is a healthful practice. On the other hand, drinking excessive amounts (water intoxication) can lead to serious bodily damage and even death. The August issue of the Journal of Nutrition reports on a study conducted on two groups of mice fed either a fish oil or corn oil enriched diet. (4) All the mice were infected with the flu virus and were then examined over a two week period. Several interesting observations were made at the conclusion of the trial: * The mice receiving the fish oil exhibited lower levels of lung tissue inflammation. This confirms the known anti-inflammatory activity of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. * However, these same mice suffered a "40% higher mortality rate", a "70% higher lung viral load" and "a prolonged recovery period following infection". * The researchers also noted a decline in NK (natural killer) cells in the spleens of the mice that were fed fish oil and a decrease in CD8+ T cells. NK cells and cytotoxic T cells are vital players in the body's ability to deal with infections."

Thanks to the ingredients that form its base, the Mediterranean Diet protects you from numerous risk factors such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes type 2, and excess weight among others. Even in the event that some of these conditions have already made its appearance, a Mediterranean diet is an excellent complement to any medical treatment.

You would think that someone who eats excessively would be getting all of the vitamins and essential nutrients that their body requires. That is why it is surprising that recent research suggests something very different. We are seeing that among obese teenagers vitamin D deficiency is a very common occurrence.

Do not be surprised if I tell you that the reasons you are overweight is because you tend to overeat. Not to forget the fact that your lifestyle of no exercise also added to your problem. Finally you are probably eating a lot of fast food or processed foods and an excessive amount of fats and sugars.

The amazing health benefits of litchi fruit are because of its rich nutritional value. Lychee is very rich in Vitamin C, and contains about 72 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams. It is also rich in copper, phosphorus, and is low in sodium. It provides many B complex Vitamins and is a good source of Fiber too. The polyphenol Oligonol has antioxidant and anti-viral properties. Litchi is hot by constitution so do not consume excess of it. It might lead to skin rashes and pimples. Nutrition Facts of Litchi Dash per 100 ml Energy: 60 Kcal Fat: 0 gm Carbohydrate: 14.8 gm Protein: 0 gm Sugar: 12.5 g litchi small but powerful fruit Litchi is a small fruit with a sweet smell and taste, which is available in the summer. It is a small fruit packed with healthy nutrients. It has rough skin outside while contains juicy flesh inside. Litchi is a highly rich nutrient fruit. It contains a high amount of soluble fiber known as pectin which is beneficial to protect from colon cancer. It contains a good amount of antioxidants that protect the body from carcinogens. Carcinogens are free radicals that are produced in the body due to oxidative stress. So Litchi is effective to protect from cancer, ageing, arthritis and degenerative disease. Also, it is a great source of potassium which is important for maintaining blood pressure. Along with these, it contains a high amount of other nutrients that promotes health. So, know the amazing Litchi health benefits and nutrition facts. Health Benefits of Litchi Increase Immunity Protects from Free radicals Increase Blood formation Increase Metabolism and Promotes healthy weight loss Prevent Early Aging Prevent High blood pressure Protection from Arthritis Protect from Asthma Improve cardiovascular health Prevent Cancer Aids digestion Heart Disease Maintenance of Healthy Hair Skin-Friendly Nutrients Maintains healthy bones Vitamin B Vitamin C

The Nutrition of Mango Juice Mango juice contains a number of valuable nutrients. The naturally fulfilling fruit beverage also acts as a beneficial dietary food item that aids in normal bodily functions and the prevention of health risks and disease. Nutritional Content Like many other natural fruit drinks, mango juice, sometimes referred to as mango nectar, packs a variety of both vitamins and minerals. Each cup of mango juice adds a more than feasible source of both vitamins A and C to any diet. Without added sugars, pure mango nectar contains about 30 grams of sugary carbohydrates per cup. Although mangos contain moderate to high levels of carbohydrates, they cause little fluctuation in blood-sugar levels. This process lets the body maintain appetite and metabolic processes much easier. Plus, none of the calories found in mangos comes from fat, making the juice an easily digestible, energy providing drink. Health Benefits One cup of mango juice contains over 60% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which helps the body regulate enzymes and metabolic processes. Mangos also have high levels of vitamin A, with one cup providing nearly 40% of the daily required valued. This important nutrient helps maintain healthy eye function and growth, gene transcribing and the maintenance of healthy skin tissue. Mango juice also provides a good source of calcium and iron. Iron helps the body eliminate free radicals, while calcium assists with the formation of healthy teeth and bones. Health Warnings Consuming too much mango juice will lead to an excess amount of sugars within the body. Too much sugar will increase fat storage and lead to weight gain. However, some athletes benefit from loading up on complex and simple sugars before long-lasting events.

Mango juice contains a number of valuable nutrients. The naturally fulfilling fruit beverage also acts as a beneficial dietary food item that aids in normal bodily functions and the prevention of health risks and disease.

Nutritional Content
Like many other natural fruit drinks, mango juice, sometimes referred to as mango nectar, packs a variety of both vitamins and minerals. Each cup of mango juice adds a more than feasible source of both vitamins A and C to any diet. Without added sugars, pure mango nectar contains about 30 grams of sugary carbohydrates per cup.

Although mangos contain moderate to high levels of carbohydrates, they cause little fluctuation in blood-sugar levels. This process lets the body maintain appetite and metabolic processes much easier. Plus, none of the calories found in mangos comes from fat, making the juice an easily digestible, energy providing drink.

Nutritional Content of Mango Juice per 100 ml
Energy: 58 Kcal
Fat: NIL
Carbohydrate: 14.6 g
Vitamin C: 10.34 mg
Sugar: 14.5 g
Iron: 0.3 mg
Protein: 0.11 g
Sodium: 15mg

Health Benefits

One cup of mango juice contains over 60% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which helps the body regulate enzymes and metabolic processes. Mangos also have high levels of vitamin A, with one cup providing nearly 40% of the daily required valued. This important nutrient helps maintain healthy eye function and growth, gene transcribing and the maintenance of healthy skin tissue.

Mango juice also provides a good source of calcium and iron. Iron helps the body eliminate free radicals, while calcium assists with the formation of healthy teeth and bones.

Health Warnings

Consuming too much mango juice will lead to an excess amount of sugars within the body. Too much sugar will increase fat storage and lead to weight gain.

Mangoes are the richest source of most important vitamins (A, C, B, E, K), minerals, dietary fibbers, electrolytes and iron which are mostly required by the for better growth and development as well as being healthy and live life without any diseases and infections. It is liked by all people due to its nice color, taste, flavor and quality health aspects. I have mentioned below the few beneficial aspects of the mangoes which you must know to enhance your interest while eating mangoes: Benefits of Mango juice for Cancer Prevention Mango fruit has antioxidant compounds (such as quercetin, fisetin, astragalin, gallic acid, isoquercitrin, methyl gallate and etc) and lots of enzymes which help in protecting against various body organs cancers like colon, leukemia, breast, stomach, prostate, lungs, cervical, oral cavity cancers and etc. These compounds include, as well as the abundant. Polyphenols found in it acts as an anti inflammatory agent and restricts the growth of cancerous cells. The soluble dietary fibers, pectin found in it has property of decreasing the action of protein (galectin) found in the cancerous cells. Benefits of Mango juice for Heart health It contains highest level of soluble dietary fibers (pectin) and vitamin C which involves in lowering the bad serum cholesterol levels means Low-Density Lipoproteins as well as enhancing the good serum cholesterol levels means High-Density Lipoproteins thus keeps the heart healthy by keeping all the heart problems away. It is the rich source of potassium which involves in controlling the blood pressure thus heart rate. Benefits of Mango juice for Skin It is beneficial for the skin in both ways whether it is eaten or applied externally on the skin. It India juice has antioxidants which make the skin healthy, smooth, glowing and wrinkles free. It clear out the blocked pores and provides solution to get free from the pimples if applied on the face. It makes the skin glowing by reducing the dark spot

Weight gain: Mango Juice is highly beneficial in gaining weight because of the presence of adequate amount of protein both in milk and mango. The underweight people can drink mango juice regularly during summer. 150 grams of mango has about 86 calories, and starch easily converts into sugar thereby helps in weight gain. This is the most important health benefits of mango juice. However, obese person should avoid drinking of mango Juice. Good for anemia patient: The mango Juice is the most delicious juice and filled with important nutrients like iron, protein and beta-carotene. It is good for anemia patient and those have protein deficiency. One of the important benefits of mango juice is to increase red blood cells count in the body. Mango juice also has significant amount of iron. Regular drinking of one glass of mango juice is enough to provide necessary amount of iron to the body. Mango juice is also beneficial for pregnant mother as far as iron content is concern. A number of studies have shown that iron content is beneficial in reduction of muscle cramp, anxiety, stress and heart related problems. Good for eyes: Mango contains vitamin A, which is beneficial for eyes and skin. The sufficient amount of vitamin A helps the eyes against dryness, night blindness along with facilitating good eye sight. Strengthen bones: Milk, which is the integral part of mango juice, is having vitamin D and calcium, helps in strengthening of bones. Maintains blood pressure: Mango juice is rich in potassium and magnesium, which helps to keep blood pressure under control. Potassium assists the heart and regulates blood pressure as well as balance fluids in your body. Mango juice also lowers blood pressure due to tinnginya fiber, pectin and vitamin C. Pectin and vitamin C reduces the serum cholesterol levels, especially the low-density lipoprotein For heart health: Mango in Mango Drinks has high amount of pectin, a dietary fiber and helpful in lowering cholesterol

Cancer Prevention and Heart Health Mango Juice have high amounts of pectin, a soluble dietary fiber that efficiently contributes to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Pectin can also help prevent you from developing prostate cancer. Recently, studies at The Institute for Food Research discovered that a compound within pectin combines with galectin 3 (a protein playing significant role in all the stages of cancer). The European Prospective Investigation of Cancer also has come up with a strong association between eating mango and lowering the risk of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Diabetes Management and Prevention Further Mango Juice research is still ongoing, but some studies have already revealed that mango Juice are a great natural remedy for diabetes. It was a long-told myth that diabetic patients should avoid Mango Drinks because of its sweet taste; now it is being shown that other than the fruit, the mango leaves are also helpful in curing diabetes. Place 10 or 15 mango leaves in warm water and close it with a lid before going to bed. In the morning, drink the water on an empty stomach after filtering the leaves. Regular practice of this method has shown positive results for diabetic patients in the management of their blood sugar levels. Weight Gain Mango juice consumption is one of the easiest ways to gain weight. 150g of mango has around 86 calories, which can be absorbed easily by the body. Moreover, mangoes contain starch, which transforms into sugar that aids in gaining weight. Some people work hard to put on weight for a variety of reasons, and mango should definitely be a part of their diet. Mango milkshakes will accelerate the process of gaining weight since they also contain milk, and are notoriously delicious! Aids Digestion Mango Juice play a prominent role in eliminating problems such as indigestion and excess acidity. The digestive enzymes in mango juice help to promote natural, efficient digestion. The bioactive ingredie