What is Cystine?

Cystine - sulfur-containing amino acid that functions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution.

Obesity and overweight

Obesity and overweight are a result of an imbalance between food consumed and physical activity. Nowadays calories consumption of adults has increased, but there are no changes in physical activity. Obesity is a complex issue related to lifestyle, environment, and genes. Overweight adolescents often become obese adults. Obese adults are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, certain cancers, infertility. 

Body weight regulation

Total calories are more important than any single macronutrient. 

Selenium

Regions of North America identified as low in selenium content are the Northeast, Pacific, Southwest, and coastal plain of the southeastern region of the United States, as well as north central and eastern Canada. The lowest selenium content of soil exists in a few regions of China, especially in Keshan, where severe selenium deficiency was first reported in a human population in 1979. Other areas with low selenium content include parts of Finland and New Zealand. 

Zinc

The most readily available form of zinc occurs in animal flesh, particularly red meats and poultry. Meat intake is frequently low among preschoolers, occasionally because of personal preferences or socioeconomic reasons, but usually because meats are displaced by cereal foods, milk and milk products that children tend to prefer. Observation led to the fortification of infant and children’s foods, especially cereals, with zinc. Milk is a good source of zinc, but high intakes of calcium from milk may interfere with the absorption of iron and zinc. The phytates from a whole grains in unleavened breads may limit zinc absorption in some populations. 

Iron

Iron deficiency, the precursor of iron deficiency anemia, is the most common of all nutritional deficiency diseases. In the United States and worldwide, iron deficiency anemia is prevalent among children and woman of childbearing age. The groups considered to be at greatest risk for iron deficiency anemia are infants younger than 2 years of age, adolescent girls, pregnant woman, and older adults. Pregnant teenagers are frequently at high risk because of poor eating habits and continuing growth. Women in their childbearing years who are iron deficient benefit from either a diet rich in iron-containing foods or supplements. 

Phosphorus

Approximately 700 g of phosphorus exists in adult tissues, and about 85% is present in the skeleton and teeth as calcium phosphate crystals. The remaining 15% exists in the metabolically active pool in every cell in the body and in extracellular fluid compartment. 

Gelatin - tasty and healthy

Gelatin has many health benefits and in its pure form – is free of color, additives and sugar. Gelatin is made from the connective tissues of meat animals, which happen to have very nutritious components.

Gelatin-rich foods are a large part of traditional diets. Gelatin by itself has few healthy properties.

For your heart: low salt products

How much sodium is in our favorite products? 

1. Apricot, 1 medium (0mg)
2. Cherries 1 cup (0mg)
3. Grapefruit, 1/2 fruit (0mg)

Yogurt benefits to heart health

Yogurt with live and active cultures supports the naturally occurring good bacteria in the intestinal tract. Yogurt is high in calcium and protein. It is a nutrient dense food and can be made in whole-fat and low-fat varieties.

Top 5 fruits for your heart

Kiwi fruit. It was found that regular consumption of kiwis could help to improve other measures of cardiovascular health. Specifically, 2-3 kiwis a day lowered triglyceride levels by 15% and reduced platelet aggregation by 18%. Platelet aggregation is a measure of the “stickiness” of blood. Keeping it in check promotes healthy circulation. Aspirin therapy is the most commonly used inhibitor of platelet aggregation. But aspirin carries with it some possible side effects. Kiwis, on the other hand, provide quite a few side benefits.

Your heart needs OMEGA-3

There's a simple, proven and easy way to reduce the the risk of cardiovascular disease, and that is to increase your intake of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to significantly reduce the risk for sudden death caused by cardiac arrhythmias and all-cause mortality in patients with known coronary heart disease.

Your heart needs a glass of red wine

Research has suggested that specifically red wine is the most beneficial to your heart health. The cardioprotective effect has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes.

Love your heart. Happy Valentine's day!

This Valentine's day give your heart some love: