Health

Benefits of green tea

Green tea comes from China where is been used for hundred and hundred years ago. Recently green tea is spread in the West, by using it in foods, beverages and in cosmetic products. 

Green tea has important antioxidants and properties that boost our health. You know how important are antioxidants, for overall health. They protect body cells against free radicals that can damage DNA, contribute to cancer or other diseases.   

Here are some health benefits of green tea:

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5 Benefits of YOGA

Yoga is an ancient Indian physical, mental and spiritual discipline. Yoga became popular to the Western world in the late 19^th century and nowadays it is practiced as a gentle form of stress management and exercising.

Yoga has different varieties but all of them are based on structures poses or asanas. Each posture is linked with breathing and it acts as a powerful form of meditation. 

Practicing Yoga regularly, lead to many health benefits, not only mental but also physical. Here are some of them:

1. Yoga erases aches

Yoga erases aches especially lower back pain. According to studies people who practiced Yoga regularly, improve soreness by 56% compared to people who used medicines that lessened the hurt by 16%. Yoga Improves posture and strengthens back muscles. 

2. Yoga improves sex life

Yoga can raise your desire and pleasure by reducing anxiety and increasing the production of sex hormones. Two hours a week can make the difference, it boosts your libido, lubrication and the chances for orgasm. Yoga increases blood flow, in particular to pelvic and groins area, linked to a better sexual arousal and function.

3. Yoga tone-up your body

Strengthening your muscles shouldn’t be limited only to the weight room or at the gym. Yoga poses also is excellent for toning your muscles and improve body flexibility. You can focus on muscle-building poses like: Crescent, Plank and Crow.

 4. Yoga improve your mood

Yoga is the antidote of stress. Doing one hour of standing, sitting and breathing exercises, raises the level of brain chemical GABA (an amino acid that plays a role in regulating neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system). According to studies, Yoga is superior to other types of exercises in its positive effects on anxiety and overall mood. 

5. Yoga leads to better sleep

The worst enemy of sleep is stress. So if you get of the stress you will have a better sleep. Regular practice of Yoga, help people to relax, making easy to sleep. Three times a week is enough to improve your sleep. 

Besides these benefits, Yoga also helps and improves cardiovascular system, digestive system and nervous system. 

Anyone can practice yoga, regardless of their age or fitness level. But you must consult a specialist or a doctor before you do it by yourself. It’s important to work with an experienced teacher because the postures should be done carefully and never cause pain. 

September 24, 2012

 

 

Best diet for a healthy pregnancy

When pregnant, is very important to have a good nutrition for you and your baby health. Try to have a balanced diet that includes a large variety of food. Read these advices about what is good and what is not to eat during pregnancy:

What to eat when pregnant

• Include high fiber food in your menu like: cereals, whole-grain bread, rice, vegetables and fruits.
• Daily eat at least four portions of foods rich in calcium. You have to get 1000-1300 mg of calcium everyday during pregnancy.
• Everyday eat three servings of iron-rich foods. You must get 27 mg of iron daily.
• Include in your meal oranges, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes and green peppers that provides with vitamin C. You need 70 mg of vitamin C daily.
• Folic acid is also very important while pregnant to prevent fetal defects. A good source of it is: green leafy vegetables, legumes, veal.
• Be careful with vitamin A, it`s important but excessive intake can lead to fetal malformations. Consume it every 2-days. Source of vitamin A are: carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, apricots, pumpkins etc.
• Make sure you are getting enough minerals and vitamins in your diet. Choose a variety of foods to get all nutrients. You can get supplements if you need but only with your doctor prescription.

Foods to avoid when pregnant

• Limit caffeine consume. Caffeine is not only present in coffee but also in various drinks, energy drinks, tea, and chocolate. Your caffeine level during pregnancy must be no more than 300 mg per day.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking during pregnancy. The can lead to a premature birth, mental retardation and birth defects.
• Limit fat and cholesterol intake. During pregnancy their levels are high, so limit them in 30% of your total daily calories.
• Choose well the fish you eat, because some of them (king mackerel, shark, and tilefish) contain high level of mercury. Mercury affects the brain development and nervous system.
• Avoid unpasteurized milk, yogurt or cheese because they can cause Listeria infection.