Showing posts with label coffee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coffee. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

The Cancer Dies When You Eat These Five Foods, It’s Time To Start Eating Them

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth. There are over 100 different types of cancer, and each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected. When the human body is formed, undergoes a stage named angiogenesis during which all blood vessels are created. However, this activity does not stop after we are born. It is also present later in our lives when we suffer injuries that cut through our skin, veins, or arteries, and the need for rebuilding the blood canals arises.

Very often, this process is related with cancer spread, and it is orchestrated by what are called activators and inhibitors. Almost all researches related to cancer focus mainly on the inhibitors, however, it is actually the activators who promote and boost the vascular growing of cells, so that new blood vessels could be created.

The 5 groceries listed below are actually anti – angiogenesis, and that is the reason why they help stop cancer growth, because they affect the feeding of cancers.

1. THE BLUEBERRY & RASPBERRY EFFECT
Blueberries and raspberries are plants that are well known by their anti – cancer capabilities, especially when it comes to ovarian cancer. Phytochemicals are the reason why they have their dark hue and the secret of their effectiveness, which are proven to be great for cancer prevention. Furthermore, blueberries and raspberries are also known to have a decreasing effect on oxifative stress and angiogenesis.

2. COFFEE AND GREEN TEA
Besides the fact that both coffee and green tea, are the most popular daily consummated drinks, they decrease the chances of cancer development.


3. THE TOMATO EFFECT
According to recent Harvard research, there is up to 50% reduction in chances for prostate cancer in people who regularly ate cooked tomatoes. It was proven that tomatoes are incredibly effective in inhibiting the angiogenesis, and the reason why this fruits are so effective is that they contain high amounts of a substance called lycopene, which has strong anti – angiogenic properties.

Experts explain that lycopene is easily distributed through the body’s digestion system due to the fact it breaks down in our bodies’ fat. In addition, lycopene concentration increases when it is subjected to higher temperatures. That is why cooked tomatoes are very effective when it comes to stopping cancer growth.

4. DARK CHOCOLATE
For many people this is almost unbelievable. Dark chocolate is an incredibly tasty desert, which also happens to be incredibly healthy to eat, because it is good for you heart condition, your overall happiness, but also for fighting cancer cells.

5. TURMERIC
This plant has various health benefits, and it is well known by the effectiveness in fat reduction, turmeric is also used as a preventive measure against cancer.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

10 Foods That Make You Look Younger

You can head off a lot of your most common beauty concerns simply by downing the right foods. That's right—eating well not only does wonders for your waistline and bolsters your immune system but can also provide some very real get-gorg benefits, such as smoothing wrinkles, giving hair a glossy shine and strengthening flimsy nails.

"Your diet directly affects your day-to-day appearance and plays a significant role in how well you age," said Dr. Joshua Zeichner.

The smart approach, Zeichner said, is to create a plan that includes what he calls "the building blocks of healthy skin and hair"—nutrients, minerals and fatty acids—as well as antioxidants to protect your body from damaging environmental stresses.

Get ready to nab some beauty-boosting perks by tossing these essential face-saving edibles into your grocery cart.

Coffee
Grabbing some java every morning doesn't just jump-start your day—that cup of joe has bioactive compounds that may help protect your skin from melanoma (the fifth most common cancer in the U.S.), according to a recent report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Researchers found that the more coffee people downed, the less likely they were to get the disease: Those drinking four cups daily had a 20 percent lower risk of developing malignant melanoma over a 10-year period than non-coffee drinkers.

Watermelon
The summertime fave is loaded with lycopene.

"This antioxidant compound gives watermelon and tomatoes their red color—and helps skin stave off UV damage," said nutrition pro Keri Glassman, RD, founder of NutritiousLife.com.

Researchers believe that the melon contains as much as 40 percent more of the phytochemical than raw tomatoes; that's the equivalent of an SPF 3, so use it to bolster (not replace) your daily dose of sunscreen.

Pomegranates
The seeds of this wonder fruit are bursting with antioxidants, like vitamin C, that prevent fine lines, wrinkles and dryness by neutralizing the free radicals that weather skin. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher vitamin C intake lessened the likelihood of dryness and wrinkles in middle-aged women. Also in the fruit's arsenal: anthocyanins (which help increase collagen production, giving skin a firmer look) and ellagic acid (a natural chemical that reduces inflammation caused by UV damage).

Blueberries
Boost radiance by popping some of these plump little beauties. Blueberries supply vitamins C and E (two antioxidants that work in tandem to brighten skin, even out tone and fight off free-radical damage), as well as arubtin, "a natural derivative of the skin lightener hydroquinone," Zeichner said.


Lobster
High in zinc, shellfish has anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat a range of skin annoyances, acne included.

"Zinc accelerates the renewal of skin cells," said Dr. Whitney Bowe, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "That's why you find the nutrient in many acne medications."

In fact, research shows that people with acne have lower levels of zinc than people with clear skin.

Kale
On the long list of this leafy green's nutrients are vitamin K (it promotes healthy blood clotting, so the blood vessels around the eyes don't leak and cause Walking Dead-like shadows) and loads of iron.

"Insufficient levels of iron in your diet can cause your skin to look pale, making it easier to spot blood vessels under the skin," explained Dr. Howard Murad, associate clinical professor of medicine at UCLA. To max out the benefits, eat the veggie cooked, not raw.

Eggs
Your fingernails (toenails, too) are made of protein, so a deficiency can turn those talons soft. Keep yours thick and mani-pedi-ready by cracking smart: "Eggs are a good source of biotin, a B complex vitamin that metabolizes amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein," said Dr. Frank Lipman, director of Eleven-Eleven Wellness Center in New York City.

Walnuts
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in the natural oils that keep your hair hydrated) and vitamin E (which helps repair damaged follicles) are two secrets behind strong, lustrous strands—and these nuts are full of both, Lipman said. All you need is 1/4 cup a day. What's more, walnuts are packed with copper, which will help keep your natural color rich: Studies show that being deficient in the mineral may be a factor in going prematurely gray.

Avocado
Like you need another reason to love them: These rich fruits are high in oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that helps skin retain moisture in the outer layer to keep it soft, plump and supple, Bowe said.

Cantaloupe
The sweet melon contains beta carotene, or vitamin A, which is believed to regulate the growth of skin cells on your scalp and sebum in the skin's outer layer, Zeichner said. This keeps pores from getting clogged and causing flakes.

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Why Coffee Can Actually Make Your Workout Better

If you’re a Starbucks lover who needs a little motivation to get back to that Zumba class, we are here to provide good news that’s just as sweet as your latte.

It turns out coffee can boost your workouts, so the next time you head to Planet Fitness, make sure you have a nice cup of Joe beforehand.

Look at science gifting us with fantastic findings! This is totally a practice we can all get behind. Let’s be honest — does the treadmill really seem that inviting sans coffee?

Not that you’d need any further convincing before trying out this method for yourself, but, just in case, we’re here to provide.

According to The New York Times, caffeine makes it easier for your muscles to burn fat (score!). It increases alertness, which in turn makes that round on the elliptical seem less grueling.

As delighted as scientists were to discover this, some used to believe there is a catch — it only works if you give up coffee some time beforehand.

OK, OK, stop hyperventilating and listen to what Dr. Bruno Gualano, a professor of physiology and nutrition at the University of São Paulo, has to say. He identifies himself as a “good Brazilian” who loves a cup of Joe, so he is totally in the know.


To see if this frightening theory was true, Dr. Gualano gathered a group of 40 male cyclists for a study. After extensive questioning, riders were divided into groups — low, moderate, and high caffeine consumers. They all received caffeine pills that boosted their performance.

Dr. Gualano concluded that the workout results were the same for all consumers — light, moderate, or heavy.

He provided The Times with very promising news and said, “No matter the habitual caffeine intake in the diet, acute caffeine supplementation can improve performance.”

However, he did mention that results might vary for women.

In honor of Dr. Gualano’s findings, I’ll go treat myself to a cappuccino… but Planet Fitness is kind of far away from my apartment, and it’s raining out, so I’ll save that whole pesky exercise thing for another day and just stick to getting my coffee.

Friday, June 2, 2017

Things You Didn't Know About McDonald's Breakfast

You may not have to rush to McDonald's in the morning to get breakfast anymore, but, there was a time when college kids across America schlepped themselves out of bed before 10 a.m. to nurse their hangovers with Egg McMuffins and hash browns. Chances are it was better than your dining hall food, and it was probably cheaper too, given the cost of higher education.

These days you can get Mickey D's breakfast around the clock. This is just the latest addition to their food history, spiced with innovations and controversies alike. Here are some things you didn't know about McDonald's breakfast.

It's been around for a while
Like most McDonald's innovations, selling breakfast items was the idea of a franchisee. Jim Dellegatti, inventor of the Big Mac and franchise operator, wanted to have his restaurant open during morning hours. So in 1970, he started selling coffee and other breakfast items during the four hour window when most McDonald's were closed. By 1971, he was doing 5 percent of his business during this shift.

But it was another franchisee who really put breakfast on the map for the fast food industry — Herb Peterson, who operated a McDonald's in Santa Barbara, California. He asked Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald's System, Inc., to come visit his restaurant over a Christmas holiday. It was there that he planned to show Kroc a new item  he had been working on: an egg sandwich served with cheese and a slice of Canadian bacon. According to company lore, Kroc liked it so much he ate two in a row, then brought the idea back to executives. This humble sandwich, which was officially launched shortly after senior management were introduced to it, became the cornerstone of the McDonald's breakfast menu. By 1976 McDonald's had a full, established breakfast menu, years before the competition got into the game.

All day breakfast caused some problems
All day breakfast was a big deal when McDonald's rolled in out in October of 2015, which was no surprise since it was their number one customer demand. Not everyone was thrilled with the roll-out, however, as there were a few hiccups. Some franchisees had to invest a lot of money making their restaurant capable of serving breakfast alongside the standard menu items. Others felt like they were rushed into service, and wanted more time to introduce the new menu. And there was concern about menu items that all day breakfast pushed off the menu, like some McWraps.

In spite of these and other issues, sales have been good, driving an increase in stock prices and company revenue. So at the end of the day, making breakfast available around the clock was, so far, the right thing to do for both franchisees and the corporation.


They're invested in the coffee game
Starbucks, easily the most ubiquitous coffee shop in the United States, wasn't always on every corner. So its fast and fierce success showed there's an insatiable thirst for coffee in the American market, and customers are willing to pay top dollar for it. In this regard, McDonald's was a bit late to the party, in spite of the fact that as of 2006, they sold one out of 10 cups of coffee purchased at restaurants, stores, and coffee shops — that's $19 billion every year.

McDonald's really upped their coffee game when they introduced the McCafe line of drinks in 2009. Featuring drip coffee, lattes, frappes, and more, these drinks rival the stalwart offerings available at Starbucks, though for a cheaper price and faster service. Additionally, they've been changing how they source their coffee beans and work with farmers; by 2020, 100 percent of the coffee they source will be sustainable.

It can be pretty unhealthy
You can't beat the convenience of getting a hot breakfast at the drive-through window on a hectic work morning. But it's prudent to do a bit of research in your downtime as your breakfast can quickly become a fat, salty calorie bomb. Take, for example, the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit: it has 450 calories, which isn't too terrible, but it also has 24 grams of fat — that's 37 percent of your daily recommended intake. And it has a whopping 1,290 milligrams of sodium, which is over half of your recommended daily sodium intake in one sandwich. Note that this nutritional profile is pretty standard for their breakfast sandwiches; everything served on either biscuits or McGriddles shakes out with relatively similar calorie, fat, and sodium measurements.

But even that's not as bad as their aptly-named biggest breakfast offender, the Big Breakfast, which clocks in at 750 calories, 49 grams of fat, and 1,490 milligrams of sodium. And if you get it with hotcakes? That's literally 100 percent of your recommended fat intake in one sitting. Wash that down with a latte from the McCafe menu, and you've exceeded your dietary fat allotment before lunch.

But there are healthy breakfast options
Like most restaurants, you can find a range of options, from healthy to downright decadent, depending on how you order. And McDonald's is no different; for as decadent as you can get with the Big Breakfast, you can also order a few breakfast items that won't exceed your daily recommended guidelines in one sitting.

The Egg McMuffin clocks in at 300 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 730 milligrams of sodium. And while that's a bit high in fat and sodium, you do get 18 grams of protein. Still, the healthier option is the Egg White Delight McMuffin, which has 260 calories, eight grams of fat, and 730 milligrams of sodium. And it only has two grams less protein than the regular McMuffin.

Cage-free eggs are on the horizon
One of the most central ingredients on the McDonald's breakfast menu is eggs. You'll find them either fried, folded, or scrambled in many items, such as the breakfast burrito, breakfast sandwiches, and the Big Breakfast. In fact, they use so many eggs that McDonald's uses more than four percent of all eggs produced in the U.S. That's a lot of eggs!

What's surprising is that McDonald's has pledged to use only cage-free eggs in their North American restaurants by 2025, an ambitious undertaking for sure. But with more and more customers demanding that livestock be treated ethically, it's a wise move for business. Still, it's going to be a while before this is fully implemented.

That problem with their pork
Nearly all of the meat in McDonald's breakfast items is pork: the sausage, the Canadian bacon, and of course the standard bacon. In fact, the only non-pork breakfast meat is the steak in the Steak, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit, if you can get it in your area.

McDonald's found itself in some hot water back in 2011 when Smithfield, a company who supplies McDonald's with pork, were accused of lying to shareholders by the Humane Society of the United States. According to the complaint made to The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Smithfield made claims about animal welfare that were untrue, as they confined breeding sow to gestation cages — spaces so small that during their entire lifetime, they couldn't even turn around. In response, McDonald's pledged to have its U.S. pork suppliers phase out the use of these crates, though officially, this won't happen until 2022.

So even though they're making the effort to source humane pork, it's no guarantee for the time being.