Tag: Better Health

Ice Cream Today

What is happening and new in the world of ice cream? As companies continuously strive to improve their products, and to make them more appealing to customers, much goes on behind the scenes to generate such improvements. Everything from taste, packaging, and numerous factors for the health-conscious are frequently scrutinized, debated, and changed, to keep up with the times and to generate the most sales.

The majority of customers would not be pleased if the only ice cream available to them was the original version first brought to America by Thomas Jefferson. The majority of customers would also not be pleased if ice cream companies did not present them with any flavor varieties, no provisions for customers with dietary restrictions or weight-loss issues, or even a basic choice in whether one prefers ice cream in a cone or a bar. When it comes to consumers, most do not want a “one size fits all,” but rather an extensive range of choices in the products they purchase.

One of the most important factors influencing choice is that of health concerns. No longer a product which is off-limits to many for this reason, ice cream is now being produced with two factors which were not available in ice cream’s early days. First, ice cream is now being produced which takes into consideration various health concerns. Second, ice cream is now being made in ways which promote better health for its customers in general.

An improvement to ice cream which has had positive effects on the most people has been the alterations to one of ice cream’s main ingredients: sugar. The subject of sugar is very important to those with certain health conditions, most notably diabetics. As a person who has diabetes must pay close attention to his or her intake of sugars, ice cream used to be one of the many treats which was completely off-limits. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. Ice cream manufacturers now produce a nice range of ice creams which allow diabetics to enjoy this product while at the same time safeguarding their health.

In addition to ice cream made especially for diabetic consumers, the sugar subject is also often of interest to those who have weight-loss goals. While sugar itself is not nearly as disastrous to weight-loss diets as many previously believed, ice cream manufacturers take this issue into consideration and make ice creams which are sugar-free, as well as no-sugar-added products. Keeping their ice cream customers happy has accounted for sugar being replaced by numerous sweeteners and substitutes. One which is currently favored is aspartame.

As many customers also wish to limit their intake of fat, ice cream is now produced which will aid in this factor also. Whether one is on a controlled-fat diet for health reasons, or simply a matter of choice, ice cream companies now produce a wide range of tasty low-fat ice creams which provide both the health benefits and variety that will make all of their ice cream fans happy. No longer having to cut ice cream out of their diets, or settle for less-enjoyable substitutes, consumers are being presented with more and more healthy ice creams from which they can choose.

Not content with merely making ice cream better, those in charge of its production wish to make it the best. Unlike the early days of ice cream, or even just a few decades ago, where what you saw was what you got, many ice creams are now being fortified with extra calcium, and research is being done to find what other improvements can be made. For ice cream fans, it is good to know that ice cream producers are constantly seeking ways to improve their products to make ice cream accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Sweeteners for Better Health

As people age, the body is not able to digest sugars as fast compared to before. Since this poses as a health risk, people have shifted to sweeteners. This can also be used to control blood sugar or reduce the amount of calories or carbohydrates taken into the body.

This has prompted companies to make artificial sweeteners that offer the same taste but less on the calories. Some of the brands are in the market are Equal, Canderel and NutraSweet.

The main ingredient that makes this work is aspartame. This can be found in diet drinks, multivitamins and other products. The person can substitute this for sugar commonly used in coffee or tea and still enjoy the same good taste will less calories.

The person can buy this in small sachets which are good for trips or buy it in the form of bottle that can be used for the home.

Another low calorie sweetener out in the market is Splenda. The main ingredient that makes this work is Sucralose. The process takes away the calories normally found in sugar and when consumed, this passes into the body without being converted into energy. This simply goes in and out to add flavor to the drink or the food taken in without causing any effects on the body.

Another sweetener can be taken from sugarcane. This is called a wholesome sweetener and the person can find this in the grocery with the name Sucanat on the label. The name stands for sugar cane natural and gives the user the much needed vitamins and nutrients as part of the healthy diet.

Corn sweetener is another alternative to those who want a healthy lifestyle. This comes in a variety of products that people find in the supermarket.

All of these sweeteners can be mixed with a drink or with food. This has proven to be safe for women who are pregnant and on patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Is there a brand that stands out among the rest? The answer is no. Though some are more popular in certain places, the other brands have shown to stand out in other countries. If these are all available in the grocery, it will be a good idea to read the back of the label to compare the ingredients and minerals each of the sweeteners give.

The basis for choosing one brand over the other is not about the price but the healthful benefit that the product can give.

Low Calorie Sweeteners for Better Health

People have become health conscious these days. This is due to the fact that there are more people who are overweight and this has affected both kids and adults.

Can this be treated? Yes but it is going to take more than a change in diet and exercise to make it work. The person can watch the food and beverage being taken in by only using artificial sweeteners that are low in calorie.

Low calorie sweeteners still give the same flavor as regular white sugar. The difference is that it only gives the person a few to zero calories per serving. This product has been called different names such as being a intense sweetener, an alternative sweetener, high potency or high intensity and non-nutritive sweetener.

There are many products in the market that the person can choose from. One of the best selling is made of an ingredient called Aspartame. Brands that use this are NutraSweet, Equal and Canderel.

Companies that manufacture this have produced beverages, sachet packs and bars which serve as another way of taking this into the body. The shelf life of such products could last three years as along as these are stored in room temperature.

Another brand that is quite popular is Splenda. This product also adds flavor without the extra calories after being taken in by the body. People who buy this product dont only mix it with tea or coffee. There are those that substitute this for regular sugar during baking.

The company also has a wide range of products to choose from in the grocery that are good for those with a sweet tooth but dont want to add those extra calories.

Sugarcane has been used for years on a variety of products. In Asia, this has been used as a drink. Lately, people have seen this as an alternative to oil for vehicles. A few years back, scientists have discovered that this can also be a low calorie health sweetener.

Sucanat serves as a wholesome sweetener that is all natural and can give the person the right amount of vitamins and minerals that the body needs.

The ingredients that make up a low calorie sweetener can be found in almost every basic thing that the person buys from the supermarket. Some examples are toothpaste, breath mints, syrup and cooking oil. These ingredients are printed on the label are a good for those who want to have a healthy lifestyle.

Food Allergy and Food Intolerance: Identification and Treatment

Most medical doctors nowadays are giving much attention to food allergies and intolerance unlike before. Although there is no particular drug that can be used as treatment for food allergies, there are other alternatives that can be pursued to control your addiction to certain foods. Some doctors also prescribe vitamin supplements and other drugs that can be helpful in controlling your cravings for certain foods.

Jonathan Brostoff and Linda Gamin wrote a book which was published way back in the year 2000. It’s a book all about food allergies, food intolerance, and their treatments. If you want to get invaluable advice to achieve long-lasting and dramatic health improvements, this is the best book to add to your book collection.

This book explains how food sensitivities cause misdiagnosed and chronic ailments like migraines, persistent fatigue, and sinus problems. It also features a gradual process of identifying certain food allergies, intolerances, and helps you reshape your diet to achieve better health.

Some chronic ailments like the ones mentioned above remain elusive, and doctors find it quite hard to diagnose such ailments. If all conventional tests can’t provide comprehensible diagnosis, the likely culprits are food intolerance and food allergies.

You can find clear explanations about the causes, differences between allergies and intolerance, and various case studies on certain problems that the readers are quite familiar about. Most importantly, the needed solutions or treatments for such problems are also provided. Many charts and illustrations are provided, including an elimination diet divided into three stages and a gradual reintroduction food system.

If you suspect that you have a persistent condition that is linked to any dietary sensitivity, this book can provide you with the necessary information that you will need in achieving sound results. You’re not only improving your health, but your life as well.

Most critics gave the book high ratings and they claim that the texts are thorough and detailed. The critics recommend the book for public health collections and for the general consumers. If you’re studying about food problems and allergies, this is a must-have that you shouldnt miss. Of course the book can’t please everyone, and there are those that say the book lacks adequate examination of complementary and/or alternative practices which most readers and allergy sufferers are looking for in a book.

Many consumers also gave the book high ratings. Most of them claim that it’s truly a helpful book that it unlocks the door that leads to the better understanding of food intolerance and food allergy.

The good news is that the book is sold at approximately $20, and is shipped to you in twenty four hours. If you can’t afford it, you can settle for used copies, but make sure that you get it from authorized dealers.

The authors of the book are Brostoff and Gamlin, and they are an honorary professor/consulting physician and biochemist respectively. Brostoff is highly recognized as the leading authority on intolerance and food allergy internationally while Gamlin specializes about health matters, allergies, and immune system. Gamlin is also a well respected writer.

So if anyone in your family suffers from any health condition and you think that it is brought about by food allergy, or perhaps food intolerance, dont hesitate to buy the book. This is the key to discover what causes such health conditions.

Detox Diet: Juice Fasting Recipes

Juice fasting is gaining popularity as a great way to detoxify. Many people are interested in getting toxins out of their system so they can live a healthier life. When toxins accumulate in the body, they feel sluggish and also have a poor immune system. Juice fasting, as a cleansing method, can help to people to achieve better health and more energy. It is quite easy to do as fruits are readily obtainable and all that is required additionally is a juicer.

For a beginner to juice fasting, it is important to start out slow and to try it out for one day. By juice fasting, you are limiting your intake to juices only. Fruit juice is high in sugar, so if you are a diabetic or otherwise in need of monitoring your sugar intake you should be cautious of trying a juice fast with fruit juices. Anyone just starting out with fasting should always speak with their doctor first. Also, do not juice fast for prolonged periods like more than 3 days, not unless your doctor agrees that it is safe for you to do so.

The following are sample recipes that can help give you an idea of combinations of fruits and vegetables to use together:

Recipe 1: Vegetable Juice Combo

2 Swiss chard leaves

1/2 beetroot

2 or 3 sprigs of watercress

3 carrots

1 celery stalk

Wash with filtered or distilled water, cut and put in juicer.

Recipe 2: Carrot-Apple Juice

2-3 Green Apples

1 carrot

Fresh basil leaves

Wash with filtered or distilled water, cut and put in juicer.

Recipe 3: Carrot-Vegetable Juice

A handful of dandelion leaves

1 kale leaf

4 carrots

Fresh mint, basil or coriander leaves

Wash with filtered or distilled water, cut and put in juicer.

Recipe 4: Peach Juice

2 or 3 peaches

Wash with filtered or distilled water, cut and put in juicer.

There are many different types of juice fasts. Some diets call for fruit juices while others used less sugary vegetable juices. You can always come up with your own unique combination of fruit and vegetable juice diet recipes.