Watch Out For Bottled Water With Xenohormones

Watch out for bottled water with xenohormones! Have you heard the news about estrogenic chemicals that are found in bottled water? Did you know that these man made hormones called xenohormones found in the glass and plastic bottles of mineral water has hormone like effect to the humans? Study in Germany showed that those xenohormones acts like functional estrogen.

If it acts as functional estrogen, it could interfere our hormonal balance. Too much of estrogen in the body especially if not from healthy source like xenohormones could result to hormonal imbalance that may lead to health problems. Either you are male or female, you have estrogen hormone. Body produces estrogen, some of the food we eat like soybean has phytoestrogen which functions like our own estrogen when consumed. These are the healthy sources of estrogen.

In females, too much estrogen results to hormonal imbalance that produces physical and psychological effects, some of it are depression, migraine, bleeding, endometriosis, infertility and cancer. In males, it could lead to breast enlargement, erectile problems, depression and heart attack.

I hope problem like this, estrogenic chemicals present in bottled water, will be eliminated as soon as possible for good health reasons.

The Health Benefits of Soybeans

soybeans

What are the health benefits in soybean that we need to include it in our diet? We all know that legumes are the best source of protein and fibers. However, did you know that protein derived from soy beans lowers cholesterol level? Soybean also contain phytoestrogen that may help women especially on their menopausal stage, it helps reduce menopause symptoms. Additionally, some studies verified that soybean can reduce cancer risk, heart disease, bone loss and osteoporosis.

Because of its numerous health benefits, soybean is viewed as functional food – foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Soybeans are an equivalent to fish, fowls in meat. It is a good source of protein. It contains all the proteins you need. Soy beans are also good source of carbohydrates, fiber, folate, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, phosphorous and manganese. If you will consume it as oil, a soybean oil, it is healthy for it is unsaturated. We all know that unsaturated fats helps lessen the LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in our body.

Have you tasted the delicious soy milk? It is made up of grounded soy beans with water. A good source of protein and other health benefits listed above.  Soybean are good staple food too. You can find good recipes for soy beans from online vegetarian communities and lovers of soybeans. Tofu, who is not familiar with it? It is made up of soy beans and coagulant. People love it of its amazing sponge-like ability to soak up any flavor that is added to it. Tempeh, tau-pi, tau-kee, tim-kee, miso and soy sauce are also made from soybeans.

Nowadays, researchers are still studying soybeans advantages and disadvantages on our health. It is advantageous for us consumers to know more about soybean.  We must just always bear in mind that we have to take all the good things on moderation, and that includes soy beans.  And, remember that legume are part of the original diet plan for humanity, you may read it on the Bible, it is found on Genesis 1:29.

Health Benefits of Flaxseed

Health Benefits of Flaxseeds

Flaxseed and Flax Oil Benefits

Have you heard about flaxseed and flax oil benefits? For the benefit of those who are interested to know more about flaxseed and flaxseed oil, I want to share some things I knew that is good for your family health.

Flaxseed and Flax Oil and its health beneficial components are highly significant when it comes to having healthy heart, arteries, and strong bones. We have talked about fatty acids and the significance of polyunsaturated fatty acids in lowering of low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and in raising the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol. We have also tackled about omega-3 that is good for our bones. Well, let us add some benefit we can get from omega-3 to our list: it can RAISE high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol that is responsible in cleaning up LDL-clogged artery; an anti-cancer; it helps reduce psoriasis, eczema, acne, dandruff and some allergies; has anti-stress effect (it increases stamina); and improves calcium absorption. The good news is- flaxseed oil belongs to polyunsaturated fatty acids and it is a good source of omega-3, so good for your family health as source of fat.

Yes, you hear it right, omega-3 from plant source. Usually, when we hear about omega-3, we automatically link it to fish oil, right? Well, flaxseed oil contains twice the amount of omega-3 compared to fish oil. Fish oil has omega-3 that is called eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA omega-3 while flaxseed and walnut has the precursor form and is called alpha-linolenic acid or ALA Omega-3. As you consume ALA omega-3, your body converts it to EPA omega-3. Flaxseed has alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) while evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). I highly emphasized it because though both ALA and GLA are linolenic acid that belong to essential fatty acids (EFA), they have different health benefits.

Aside from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 from plant source, flaxseed is rich in essential fatty acid called omega-6 fatty acids. We can also find insoluble and soluble fibers, manganese, magnesium, folate, copper, phosphorus, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), potassium, lecithin, zinc, protein and lignan precursors in flaxseed. Remember the phytoestrogen from soya? Flaxseed also contains phytoestrogen.Lignan precursors in flaxseed are converted to lignans by the body when it is consumed. Lignans acts as phytoestrogen and antioxidant in the body. It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties.

Flaxseed benefits are so promising, right? But, not everyone has good access where to buy flaxseeds. Thanks to the byproducts (flaxseed oil and flaxseed oil supplements) that is accessible in the market. Flaxseed is more beneficial compared to flaxseed oil and flaxseed oil supplements because it contains dietary fibers (soluble and insoluble) and antioxidants. However application of minute amount of flaxseed oil to your face and neck for at least 30 minutes before taking a bath helps prevent your skin from fine lines and wrinkle formation.

Flaxseed is easily destroyed by heat, so, the right time to add your flaxseed or flaxseed oil is when your favorite food is already cooked. You may add it also in your favorite salads or even in yogurt. Practically speaking, you may add flaxseed in any food you want to eat as long as it is not hot. Though flaxseeds has lots of benefits, due to its high calorie content you need to take it moderately. Our body need 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil only for every 100 pounds of body weight every day. And in case you are taking in flaxseed, you only need 10-40 grams a day.

Just a simple reminders:
-You have to ask some opinion from your doctor first, if it is advisable for you to take flaxseed. or not.
-Buy flaxseed oils that are prepared at low temperature and placed in light-resistant plastic container.
-Make sure to refrigerate your flaxseed oil and, or flaxseed oil capsules to extend its shelf life.