Benefits of Pears

   Apples are in season in the Autumn, but pears are too. The soft, sweet, buttery flesh of the pear makes this Fall fruit one of my favorites. Plus there are so many varieties to choose from — Bartlett, Bosc, and Anjou — that they each seem like a different fruit. These juicy gems are pretty healthy for you, too.

1 - Pears are high in fiber. One medium-sized pear contains six grams, so snacking on a pear can help you meet your daily requirement of 25 to 30 grams. They're a delicious way to keep you regular too, which can help prevent colon cancer. A diet high in fiber can also keep your cholesterol levels down, which is good news for your ticker. Getting your fill of fiber from fruit is also linked to a lower risk for breast cancer.

2 - Pears contain a fair amount of vitamins A, C, K, B2, B3, and B6. For expecting or nursing moms, they also contain folate. Pears aren't too shabby in the mineral department either, containing calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Vitamin C and copper are antioxidant nutrients, so eating pears is good for your immune system, and may help prevent cancer.

3 - Pears also contain boron, which our bodies need in order to retain calcium, so this fruit can also be linked to osteoporosis prevention.

4 - The hydroxycinnamic acid found in pears is also associated with preventing stomach and lung cancer.

5 - It's a hypo-allergenic fruit. That means those with food sensitivities can usually eat pears with no adverse effects.

6 - Eating three or more servings of fruits a day, such as pears, may also lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults.

7 - Quercetin is another antioxidant found in the skin of pears. It helps prevent cancer and artery damage that can lead to heart problems. A recent study at Cornell University found it may also protect against Alzheimer’s disease. So don't peel your pears!

SOY NUTS & HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

   Soy protein is often used as a healthier alternative to meat products, since it contains less saturated fat and cholesterol. Soy consumption has been associated with a number of benefits, from reducing cholesterol to combating inflammation. Evidence also indicates that incorporating soy nuts into your daily diet may help lower high blood pressure.

Hypertension

   High blood pressure, or hypertension, refers to elevated pressure it takes to move blood through artery walls. Over time, this extra force causes inflammation and hardening of arteries, which increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney dysfunction and eye problems. Hypertension is defined as having 140 or higher systolic blood pressure, or the force when the heart contracts, and 90 or higher diastolic blood pressure, or the force of the heart when relaxing, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Lowers Blood Pressure

  Soy nuts may help lower your blood pressure, especially if you have hypertension, according to a study performed by scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. They investigated the effects of adding soy nuts to a diet on blood pressure in hypertensive, prehypertensive and normotensive patients. Participants consumed a therapeutic lifestyle diet, which aims to lower blood pressure, with or without soy nuts for eight weeks. Blood pressure was measured before and after the study. Scientists reported in the May 2007 issue of the "Archives of Internal Medicine" that those in the soy nut groups lowered their blood pressure compared with those in the non-soy groups.

Mechanism

   One of the ways soy nuts might improve blood pressure is by reducing inflammation of your blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow and decreasing blood pressure. Scientists at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center observed that hypertensive and normotensive participants consuming 0.5 cups of soy nuts on a therapeutic lifestyle diet for eight weeks experienced reductions in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, which is associated with blood vessel inflammation, compared with those not consuming soy nuts on the diet. The findings were reported in the July 2008 issue of the "American Journal of Cardiology."

Caution

   Soy consumption may interfere with normal thyroid function and should not be consumed by those with kidney disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition, if you are allergic to soy, avoid its use.

Premature aging

This section shows a full list of all the diseases and conditions listed as a possible cause of Premature aging .

• Acrogeria
• Cockayne syndrome
• De Barsy syndrome
• Down syndrome - premature aging
• Geroderma osteodysplastica
• Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome
• Hypothyroidism
• Lison syndrome

• Lower limb anomaly -- ureteral obstruction - premature aging
• Metegeria
• Patina hard-skin syndrome
• Premature aging, Okamoto type - premature aging
• Progeria - premature aging
• Rajab-Spranger syndrome - premature aging
• Seckel syndrome
• See also causes of thick skin, balding, or wrinkles
• Smoking
• Stiff skin syndrome
• Sun exposure
• Tight skin contracture syndrome
• Tropical sprue - premature aging
• Werner syndrome
• Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome
• Xeroderma pigmentosum
• Xylosylprotein 4-beta-galactosyltransferase deficiency

Avoid Cardiac Arrest Through Keeping in Mind These Very Simple Tips

   Cardiac arrest could certainly hit anybody without notice and may be fatal. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients are especially susceptible to stroke and cardiovascular problems. Being overweight, poor diet, low quality slumber and lack of physical exercise all contribute to the chance of getting a heart attack.
   Thankfully, cardiac arrest may be avoided. One can find four important matters to remember if one really wants to steer clear of the chance of heart failure.

1. Engage in physical activity

   Experts say, being seated the entire day is equally as unhealthy as smoking cigarettes. Exercise is needed to maintain the body’s metabolic process and cardiovascular function under control. The ideal is to be capable of working up a sweat for about half an hour every day. Yet people seem to have the many excuses including lack of time but mostly sheer idleness. Folks lack the drive and even self-motivation to be able to control their selves to exercise daily. However, experts say that even a 10-minute workout is certainly adequate to help keep the body from going into cardiac arrest. ten mins is actually a really short time frame and everyone must be able to do any kind of type of physical exercise they want even at the conveniences of their very own residence.

2. Feed on happiness

   Many individuals will likely be cynical but the truth is, a lot of great things can come about from contentment. The body has a natural capacity to produce happy hormones that is excellent for a person’s well being. It is important for people to stay joyful, smile frequently and also laugh a good deal. According to a study at Wayne State University, happy people live longer compared to those who often experience emotional anxiety. One must always avoid stress, anxiety, hopelessness and violence as a way to decrease the chance of acquiring heart ailments.

3. Learn to love vegetables

   As per Amparo Villablanca, a Cardiologist from the University of California, people need to learn to think about their own bodies as a possible engine. Anything bad that you put within it can cause the engine to corrode and not perform at its maximum. Experts have been highlighting the need for people to eat more vegetables because of its nutritional value. However, food markets are generally full of inexpensive highly processed food which appears suitable for people who are constantly on a hurry and don’t have plenty of time to prepare vegetables on a daily basis. Yet health aficionados will certainly argue that healthful eating is about the correct perspective, the right knowledge of foods and personal time management. Nutritious eating means giving more hours for food preparation yet the little extra effort will certainly help a lot.

4. Have a good night’s slumber

   Nowadays, most people give little significance to sleep. Sleep truly performs an important role in a person’s overall wellness, particularly one’s cardiovascular system wellness. It isn’t sufficient that the person gets 8 hours of slumber every night. What’s more important is how deeply the person is able to slumber with as little or no disruptions as much as possible.

   These kinds of reminders may not be something you haven’t heard of before yet this is really to emphasize the significance of each factor. Experts help remind individuals of such simple things but people find it difficult to comply. Lots of people end up feeling fatigued and having a heart attack at such an early age because of the sedentary type of lifestyle modern society provides people. Keeping balance in life is essential to avoid cardiac arrest. Pursuing these 4 simple reminders day-to-day will help anybody live a wonderfully balanced life.

Nail polish leads to diabetes

   Chemicals found in cosmetics, fragrances and plastic packaging could be fueling the dramatic rise in diabetes rates, according to a new study.

   Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found an association between increased concentrations of phthalates - chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system - and an increased risk of diabetes in women. Phthalates are found in moisturizers, nail polishes, soaps, hair sprays and perfumes, and they are also used in adhesives, electronics and toys.

   The team, led by epidemiologist Tamarra James-Todd, analyzed urine samples of 2,350 women ages 20 to 80 who took part in the study between 2001 and 2008. They found that women with higher concentrations of the chemicals were more likely to have diabetes.

   Of the participants, who made up a representative sample of American women controlled for socio-demographic, dietary and behavioral factors, 217 self-reported diabetes. Women who had the highest levels of two chemicals - mono-benzyl phthalate and mono-isobutyl phthalate - had nearly twice the risk of diabetes compared to those with the lowest levels of these chemicals.

   A 70 percent increase in risk was found in women who had moderately high levels of the chemicals mono-n-butyl phthalate and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate. It's possible that phthalates indirectly increase the risk of diabetes by interfering with the metabolism of fat tissue, which can lead to insulin resistance, the researchers said, according to Fox News.

   "This is an important first step in exploring the connection between phthalates and diabetes," said James-Todd. "We know that in addition to being present in personal care products, phthalates also exist in certain types of medical devices and medication that is used to treat diabetes and this could also explain the higher level of phthalates in diabetic women. So overall, more research is needed."

   The researchers also cautioned that the women in the study "self-reported" their diabetes, a less than ideal method of conducting research. And while the study found a potential connection between phthalates and diabetes in women, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship, according to U.S. News & World Report.

   "What we really need to do now is to start exploring phthalate levels over time," James-Todd told The Boston Globe, "to determine whether high levels actually lead to a greater risk of becoming obese and developing diabetes down the line."

   Because of the common usage of phthalates, it could be difficult to avoid the chemicals. "A moisturizer can say it's phthalate-free, but it's packaging can still contain the chemical, which can leech into the cream," she said, according to The Boston Globe. "The bigger issue is whether the government should take steps to limit the use of phthalates in products."

Foods stimulate happiness

   Serotonin, sometimes referred to as the ‚Äúfeel-good hormone,‚Äù is essential to promote happy moods, improve feelings of well-being and stabilize your emotions. Although youcould resort to prescription medications to promote serotonin production, drugs come with their own problems and side effects. Instead, it makes more sense to look for natural solutions. Fortunately, a number of foods help up the production of serotonin and help improve your mood.

Foods Rich in B Vitamins

   Often labeled as the ‚Äúanti-stress vitamins,‚Äù B vitamins help stabilize your moods and ease anxiety. When your stress levels go up, it becomes more difficult for your body to keep up with the production of serotonin. Adding foods rich in B vitamins can help you fight stress and improve your mood. Foods rich in B vitamins include nuts, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, brown rice, dried apricots, asparagus and beans.

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

   According to cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz, omega-3 fatty acids are brain-boosting and effective as an anti-anger supplement. They also help boost good moods and fight depression. Fatty fish such as salmon are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, but you can also find them in flaxseed, walnuts and soybean oil.

Foods That Contain Tryptophan

   The amino acid tryptophan can help stabilize mood and promote healthy, restful sleep, according to MedLine Plus. Tryptophan is also necessary for the body to produce serotonin. Although tryptophan is sold as a supplement, you can also get it directly from foods such as eggs, nuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, tofu and fish.

Foods Rich in Vitamin D

   Vitamin D regulates your body‚Äôs usage and production of serotonin, dopamine and other mood hormones. The best way to get your daily dosage of vitamin D is through a combination of food and sun exposure. Dr. Oz recommends looking for vitamin D-fortified mushrooms. Other foods rich in vitamin D include fortified orange juice, fortified milk, sardines and Swiss cheese.

How to avoid dry skin

Causes of Dry Skin

   Dry skin is very common and can be very irritating and painful. Dry skin may tend to look very dull, tight and flaky and also feel itchy.

   There are many causes of dry skin and you may only treat it and hydrate it if you know whats causing the dryness.

• Constantly exposing your skin to environmental and indoor factors can cause your skin to become dry. Regular exposure to the sun and strong winds can aggravate dryness in the skin. You may notice that your skin is at its peak of dryness during the climate changes especially during winter. Indoor factors such as the heater or air conditioner may also effect your skin.

• Using soap to wash your face does its job by absorbing the oils from your skin, leaving it tight, dry with a shine and  making it very uncomfortable for you.
• Exposure to water and long hot baths and showers results in skin dryness and the heat takes away the natural oils from your skin.
• Aging causes the skin to become more and more dehydrated with time.
• Caffeine and alcohol can cause dryness in the skin as it draw water from your body.
• Overuse of skin care products and cosmetics can result in damaging the skin hence causing dryness. When purchasing your make-up or skin moisturisers, do some research about the product and its ingredients and invest in quality rather than buying cheap brand make-up as the quality may be poor.
• Taking drugs and medications may have side effects which cause dryness or patches of dry skin. If you have medical conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, these can also cause your skin to become dry and itchy.
• Hormonal changes like while you are menstruating or when you are pregnant can cause changes in your skin type.

Treatments for Dry Skin

   Once you know what has caused the dryness in your skin it is easy to avoid some factors and a good idea to start curing the dryness.

• Exfoliating using a facial scrub two to three times a week will help keep clear the skin and remove dead skin resulting in smoother skin. Always apply good quality moisturiser after washing your face and preferably straight away as the pores in your face will absorb the moisture from the moisturiser.
• Always apply quality sunscreen or face cream containing SPF protection before leaving the house to protect your skin from the sun. Sunscreen should be applied all through the year even if there is no sun.
• Use skin care products that are for sensitive skin and are fragrance free, alcohol free and do not contain soap as these ingredients draw away moisture, oils and damage the skin.
• Avoid long hot baths and showers and use water that is luke warm not very hot when washng your face or just enough warm water when having a shower to avoid dryness in the skin.
• Give your self a facial treatment once a week by scrubbing your skin with a scrub and then with a facial mask. This will give additional moisture to the skin.