Sandwich: Is It A Healthy Food?

People like sandwiches. But is it good for our health? Read on to find out the answer!

The Error of Sandwich

No matter how you slice it, there’s a pretty good chance Arby’s Market Fresh Sandwiches and your diet aren’t going to be a good fit.

As a sandwich connoisseur myself, I know how easy it is to be misled into thinking a certain sandwich is healthy. You know the old song and dance: It has lettuce and tomatoes so it must be healthy. Or, the name has that nutritionally sound ring, much better than those fattening subs dripping in mayo. What a fool believes...

Despite its healthy sounding name, the Market Fresh line is loaded with a lot of big numbers. Tread carefully and always check your facts BEFORE you buy!

Market Fresh… I love that brand name. It makes me think of rolling farmland and roadside stands selling fresh-picked lettuce, tomatoes and onions.

But you can't judge a book by its cover nor a food by its fancy name. The heads of marketing firms get paid lots of lettuce to come up with ideas that will lure us into temptation, but not deliver the goods!

The ruination of many a great sandwich? Mayo... heaping spoonfuls of the full-strength, full-fat egg-based topping. Try less or, better yet, opt for the lighter brands or even the fat-free. I find the latter too sickeningly sweet.

Nibble on these nutritional numbers freshly plucked from the official Arby's Web site (www.arbys.com):

The 13.5-ounce (382-gram) Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon has 834 calories, 38 grams of fat, 11g saturated fat, 0.5g trans fat, 109 milligrams of cholesterol, a mind-numbing 2,258mg of sodium, 75g carbs, 5g fiber, and 49g protein.

The 10.5-ounce (294-gram) Ultimate BLT has 779 calories, 45 grams of fat, 11g saturated fat, 0.5g trans fat, 51 milligrams of cholesterol, 1,571mg of sodium, 75g carbs, 6g fiber, and 23g protein.

The 12.1-ounce (339-gram) Roast Beef & Swiss has 777 calories, 41 grams of fat, 13g saturated fat, 1.5g trans fat, 89 milligrams of cholesterol, 1,743mg of sodium, 73g carbs, 5g fiber, and 37g protein.

You can do a little better by ordering the wrap version.

Chew on This: You don't have to be a rocket scientist to launch... er, to lunch on a healthy sandwich. Grab yourself a couple of slices of whole-grain bread, then fill it with a few -- I repeat: FEW -- slices of lean meat. Add cheese if you wish, but make it the light or nonfat kind if you can stomach it. Fill it out with as much lettuce, tomato and onions as you desire. If you need some kind of dressing your best bet is good old mustard.

John McGran, a.k.a. Mr. Bad Food, is co-creator of BadFoodGoodFood.com and president of nargcm communications, inc. Prior to launching his own businesses, McGran served seven years as editor-in-chief of the online healthy living Web site eDiets.com where he honed his skills of writing about food in an entertainingly informative style. When he isn’t researching new foods, McGran is playing hubby to his wife Barbara and daddy to his kids, Jonathan, 10, and Caelyn, 8, at his home in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Source of Calcium

Will you find a good source of calcium in vegetarian diet? Find out in below article. Keep reading!

Good Source of Calcium - Does Vegetarian Diet Serve as a Good Source of Calcium?

Vegetarian diet is one of the richest and most beneficial sources of calcium. Vegetables are free from contaminants and harmful substances which are part of most foods coming from animal sources. We can safely claim that a vegetarian diet is a good source of calcium and should be adopted to live a healthy, fruitful life.

Vegetables like kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, cabbage, broccoli, spinach and dandelion greens contain adequate amounts of calcium. Kale is easy to digest and the calcium it contains gets readily absorbed by the bloodstream. Similarly, other vegetables belonging to this family are healthful sources of calcium.

Soybeans, white beans, navy beans, lima beans and some others are fairly good sources of calcium coming from plant sources. However, they do not provide adequate amounts required to fulfill daily calcium needs. And because of this reason, beans are not considered as a very good source of calcium.

Nevertheless, tofu has been found to be a fairly good source of calcium. ½ a cup of regular tofu provides up to 135 mg of calcium. Similarly, same quantity of firm tofu provides about 80 mg of calcium. Peanuts, almonds, walnuts and sesame seeds are rich sources of calcium. 1 ounce of roasted almonds provides up to 80 mg of calcium.

Other foods listed under the vegetarian diet are almond butter, peanut butter, cranberry juice, orange juice, figs, soy milk, and Brussel sprouts. 4-6 of the above-mentioned calcium sources should be added to an everyday diet to receive good quantities of calcium. You can also add blackstrap molasses and brown sugar to baked desserts to receive calcium in good amounts.

Vitamin D is required for proper absorption of calcium. Try to add those sources which are also rich in vitamin D, iron and phosphorus. Fish and seafood is considered as one of the most healthful sources of calcium and vitamin D. Similarly, calcium supplements containing vitamin D and vitamin K2 can also be used to fulfill daily calcium needs.

Recently, it has been discovered that a special kind of calcium carbonate known as coral calcium is very effective for long-term bone health. It contains calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium and many other minerals in just the right quantities. It is obtained in an environmentally friendly manner from fossilized coral reefs above sea level. It is pure, safe and totally natural.

Calcium supplements containing coral calcium are very beneficial for health and should be consumed to complement a calcium-rich vegetarian diet.

For optimal bone and joint health, we have been using a special natural calcium formula and for good reason, this formula is known as Bone Protect We have personally been using this formula for over 3 years with excellent health results.

You can learn more about our product of choice and why we use this product above all other calcium formulas at optimal bone health

John Gibb is the manager of a series health websites. His latest addition discusses the calcium formula himself and the editors consume. For more information on calcium, coral calcium, and bone health as a whole, be sure to check out http://www.optimal-bone-health.com

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Comparing Weight Loss Supplements

Today, we are offered many kinds of supplements. Some even allergic to our body. How to find the best for our health? Be wise, and get the tips below!

How to Compare Weight Loss Supplements

With all the weight loss products available, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. That is why we need to compare weight loss supplement products carefully before buying them. It’s not enough to just compare weight loss supplement products by brand. Compare them based on how they work, their side effects (if any), how fast they work, and their prices. Here is a simple guide to help you out.

Prescription weight loss supplements
You can compare weight loss supplement products based on whether you can buy them with or without a prescription. Prescription weight loss supplements are usually given to obese patients who need more potent medications. Obese patients are those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, although a BMI of 27 may require the same medication if the patient has a high risk of heart disease or other complications. Prescription drugs are also given to those who are having a hard time losing weight, even with proper diet and regular exercise. These drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Effectiveness may vary from person to person, but most users lose around 5% to 10% of their original weight.

Another way to compare weight loss supplement products is by the way they work. The two most common types are appetite suppressants and fat blockers. Almost all prescription weight loss supplements work as appetite suppressants, except for Orlistat (Xenical). Approved by the FDA in 1999 as an anti-obesity drug, it works by inhibiting the lipase enzyme responsible for breaking down dietary fat in the body. Xenical can decrease the body's fat absorption by up to 30%. However, it comes with minor side effects, such as cramping, flatulence, intestinal discomfort, oily stools, and diarrhea.

Meridia
Another popular weight loss supplement is Meridia. Unlike Xenical, it is an appetite suppressant, so it works in a completely different manner. It received approval from the FDA in 1997 and works by increasing brain chemicals believed to help reduce one's appetite.

Despite its FDA approval, however, Meridia has been linked to increased heart rate and blood pressure. It should not be used by those with hypertension , heart disease, irregular heartbeat, and congenital heart problems. Other side effects include insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, and headaches.

Short-term supplements
You can also compare weight loss supplement products based on how long you can use them. Some anti-obesity drugs are prescribed by doctors, but approved by the FDA only for limited and short-term use. Examples are Desoxyn (methamphetamine), Bontril (phendimetrazine tartrate), Adipex-P (phentermine), and Ionamin. These drugs are restricted because of their potential side effects. They should not be used by people who have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, or an over-active thyroid gland. Since they are “speedy,” they are only approved for a maximum of three weeks.

Over-the-counter weight loss supplements
Some products are available over the counter, with no prescription needed. When you compare weight loss supplement products of this type, be sure to look at their ingredients, supposed benefits, and potential side effects. Most OTC weight loss supplements contain phenylpropanolamine as their main active ingredient.

The phenylpropanolamine scare
Phenylpropanolamine is also used as a nasal decongestant. However, studies have found evidence that it increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, or bleeding in the brain. Because of this, the FDA has requested the drug’s manufacturers to stop selling products containing the ingredient. The FDA has also warned consumers through a public health advisory in November 2000 to stop buying and using such products.

Unproven claims
Since the FDA does not strictly regulate supplements, many weight loss product manufacturers make false claims about their products. You never know when a promising product will turn out to be a fake or contain something harmful to your health.

Be especially careful of products with the labels “natural” or “herbal.” These terms do not necessarily guarantee safety. Not all herbal ingredients are safe; in fact, some may even be dangerous for people with existing medical conditions. If you are unsure about a product, check with your doctor first and do a little research on your own. Learn which ingredients to look out for and which ones to avoid. Remember, labels don’t tell you everything, so always get a second opinion.

Phillip England is a weight loss expert and Author of the popular report "The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret". To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, and health companies either don't know, or don't want you to know, please see http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret

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Organic Compounds

Getting to know a little bit about organic compounds could be important as we could prevent asthma and cough by knowing how to treat them. Below article is about organic compounds, the need to get rid of them.

Hope this article helps us to live a healthier life!

A Clear & Present Danger - Organic Compounds

Has your asthma been bothering you lately? Does someone in your house smoke? Have you been coughing a lot lately? Answering yes to any of these questions may mean that organic compounds could be looming in your home. So what are organic compounds and do I need to get rid of them? The answer is an unwavering yes. Think about decaying matter giving off hundreds of billions of particles so small they can only be seen through a microscope and their not your friend, exactly the opposite. These organic compounds have a nasty habit of creating odors which come from the refuse of their digestion to put it simply. So the more that are propagated the more need to eat and so the odor grows. So how do I fair battle against something I cannot even see? There are a few options in air purification for the home that can help eliminate these nasty little creatures; however with hundreds of various units on the market it may be difficult to decide which type is most suitable for you. Undoubtedly, there are several technical issues involved in understanding how purifiers work, but with a bit of research it is safe to say that units utilizing Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) as their primary method of operation are by far the most efficient to remove organic compounds. But why is this so?

To begin, let’s take a look at the basis behind PCO. Photocatalytic Oxidation is defined as the removal process of low concentrations of harmful contaminants in the air by converting these contaminants into more environment-friendly substances. It is an effective method of eliminating what are known as volatile organic compounds from the air, which is basically the waste of volatile organic compounds that can build up in one’s household. PCO is considered a very efficient way of eliminating harmful contaminants from the air since the process does not require much energy input. PCO is extremely effective in eliminating airborne contaminants, as well as molds, fungus, yeasts, bacteria and viruses, especially at room temperatures. In addition, no chemical additives are necessary to stimulate the process.

Considering Americans spend a projected $250 million annually on air purification systems it is no doubt important that they choose the unit most suitable for them. It should be noted that certain units operate in proportion to the size of the room that they are placed, meaning that it is necessary to first find out how large the living area is going to be that contains the purifier. With advanced models you need not be so preoccupied with space size requirements since they will adjust to spaces within a few hundred square feet. Another thing to consider is the types of as well as density level of contamination present in your living space, this would be a more important aspect to consider. For example it is known that if you have pets the organic contamination level will be higher, the same goes for smokers and many people within one area in a home. Yes, that’s right; people provide their own variety of contamination to add to the situation. If molds or fungus are present and visible they normally are found in more humid home environments coming from leaking basements and walls or even flooring.

In short, it is important to be properly aware of the basics of air purification systems prior to investing. With modern technology, units that utilize Photocatalytic Oxidation as the primary method of operation are recognized as the safest. Considering other units may emit harmful pollutants into the air, taking the time to research various models before purchasing is essential. After hopefully learning about these systems, you will be able to purchase the model most suitable for you – not to mention with the best performance. Also consider units that prove they work through test kits and that provide a money back guarantee or a free trial on their unit.
More articles from this pro: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Pharmatropic Ltd

Allergy Fighting Vitamins and Herbs - For Children

An allergy is a hypersensitivity to one or more things that are in the environment. The allergy can show itself as a skin condition such as eczema, respiratory conditions such as hay fever or asthma or food allergies. One in six children in the United States is allergic to one or more substances.

Common symptoms of allergies in children include:

• sniffling and a postnasal drip, inflammation of the nasal passages
• dark circles under they eyes (what is often called the allergic shiner),
• puffiness under the eyes,
• restlessness,
• fatigue,
• poor sleep,
• headaches,
• behavioral issues, such as:

• - irritability,
• - hyperactivity,
• - poor concentration, and

• pickiness with food.

Recommendations

Try to remove the source of the allergic reaction - at least as much as possible. There is often a dietary allergy. The most common food allergies are dairy and wheat - these are often the allergy behind nasal congestion. Eat a healthy diet that emphasizes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Any chemical additives that are found to be the cause of allergies need to be eliminated.

Vitamin and Minerals Supplement

These are aimed at balancing the immunity, reducing inflammation and enhancing intestinal health and promoting relaxation.

• Beta-carotene, up to 10,000 units daily and foods that are rich in vitamin A - dark colored fruit and vegetables.
• Essential fatty acids in the form of evening primrose oil, 500 mg one to four times per day.
• Zinc, 5 mg daily.
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 250 - 500 mg taken two to four times each day.
• Vitamin E, 50 to 200 mg daily.
• Vitamin B complex supplement daily.
• Calcium citrate or lactate 600 to 800 mg daily in combination with 300 to 400 mg of magnesium.

Herbal treatments

The treatments can be maintained regularly or used as needed during bad allergy seasons or with flare-ups.

The following herbs are most helpful:

• Nettle - an immune system herb which stimulates lymphatic function. It is also used to stabilise the histamine produced by the body to excess in allergic reactions.
• Elder flowers - used to dry up excessive catarrh in the upper respiratory passages and it also has an anti-microbial action and is a relaxant.
• Ginkgo - reduces platelet activating factor which plays a key role in allergic and inflammatory processes. It also improves cerebral circulation, cerebral oxygenation, enhances memory and reduces depression. This makes this herb a good choice for allergy related behavioral problems.
• Plantain - is used to reduce upper respiratory congestion and it can be easily combined with other herbs.
• Anise seed - has a warming effect on the digestive and upper respiratory tracts which is useful for reducing secretions. It is also mildly antiseptic and relaxing for the respiratory system.
• Ginger - is an excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-catarrhal herb.
• Astragalus - an immune system enhancing herb which is particularly useful for the upper respiratory passages and also skin conditions.

Tincture for Allergy Remedy

The following herbs balance the immune function, strengthen the upper respiratory system, reduce inflammation and decrease secretions (improving runny noses, watery eyes and ear congestion).

1 1/3 ounces elder tincture

2/3 ounces ginkgo tincture

2/3 ounces astragalus

2/3 ounces liquorice tincture

1/2 ounces anise seed tincture

Combine all of the ingredients and store in an amber glass bottle away from sunlight and heat.

Take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon up to four times per day.

Hay Fever Remedy

To treat and alleviate the symptoms of hay fever the following combination of herbs can be most effective.

2 parts elder flowers

1 part ephedra (ma hung)

1 part eyebright

1 part golden seal

1 cup water

Combine the herbs. You need about as much of the combined herb as you would for a cup of coffee. Then add the cup of boiling water. Allow this to stand for 10-15 minutes and let the mixture cool slightly. Strain the mixture before you drink it. Drink 1 cup of this mixture 2 - 3 times per day.

Concluding Comments

Remember that allergies are accumulative in their effects. During seasons when people are exposed to higher than normal allergens, symptoms can become much worse quite quickly if there is existing chronic exposure to other allergens. The most common culprits are food allergies and these are sometimes "silent" and undiagnosed. Improving the diet to eliminate these can sometimes reduce the level of symptoms experienced even seasonally to a tolerable level, so no treatment is needed at all. While the above details are intended to be generally helpful and educational they should not be construed as a replacement for individual advice from a health professional. You should seek professional assistance if your child's allergy is sudden, extreme, long-lasting or fails to improve.

Liquid vitamin and mineral supplements can be helpful.

References

Hoffmann, D. 2000, The New Holistic Herbal. Element Pub.

Romm, A. 2000, Naturally Healthy Babies and Children. Storey Books.

Shaw, N. 2002, Herbalism. Element.

Woodward, P. 2003, Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies. Hyland House.

Dr Jenny Tylee is an experienced health professional who is passionate about health and wellbeing. She believes that health is not just absence of disease and seeks to actively promote vitality and wellness through empowering others. She encourages people to improve their health by quit smoking, cleansing their body, taking essential, non contaminated vitamin and mineral supplements (from healthproductssite.com) and many other methods, including herbal remedies. She also owns Healthy Living blog.

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Allergy And Deodorant Connection

The connection between your allergy and deodorant is not that you may be allergic to an ingredient in the product. In addition, your diet and nutrition is playing such an important role that if paid attention to could actually eliminate your allergy all together.

The allergy and deodorant connection is no different to peanut allergies. For some reason, sometimes related to our genes, our body has an adverse reaction to various things. Traditional medicine says that there is something wrong with you. However, natural medicine would assert that in addition to you being prone to allergic reactions to certain things, there are also other factors in your environment that may be aggravating the allergic reaction. If you can isolate those other factors, you may be able to reduce or eliminate your allergy.

For example, there is mounting research that indicates that the lack of omega-3 fats in our diet could be aggravating our allergies. Because we eat a lot of processed foods and meat that is raised unnaturally, we are consuming far too few omega-3 fats and this could be connected to the severity of your allergy. So, the allergy and deodorant relationship could be reduced if you consumed more omega-3 fats.

Another diet angle to the allergy and deodorant connection is sugar. We consumer far too much sugar in the US and this could be aggravating your allergy. So for example, instead of discontinuing the use of your deodorant, stop eating so much sugar and you may find that allergy is greatly reduced or even that it even disappears.

Finally, something else you should consider with the allergy and deodorant connection is the use of deodorant in the first place. Antiperspirant has aluminum in it which is absorbed into your body when you apply. This is toxic to your body and could cause you harm in the long run. If you are having a hard time controlling your body odor then use antiperspirant sparingly. You are better off using deodorant, not antiperspirant.

The allergy and deodorant connection can also be addressed by you examining why you have body odor in the first place. Keep a diary of what you eat and drink day to day and also note the level of your body odor. See if you can find a connection between what you eat and body odor. But as far as the allergy itself, the allergy and deodorant issue may be resolved by avoiding sugar and grains and consuming more omega-3 fats.

Loni publishes a newsletter on allergy relief. She would be happy to include you as a subscriber for free. Just email her at allergy-relief@aweber.com

Read her blog at Relief From Allergies

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