It is common for doctors and nutritionists to mention the need for fiber in a daily diet. While we may understand that it is important for our health, we may not necessarily understand why. What is Fiber, and Where is it Found? Fiber, while very good for the body, is something that cannot actually be absorbed. All whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits contain fiber that helps us stay full and feel satisfied after eating. Insoluble fiber, which is found in whole-wheat flour products as well as nuts and vegetables, helps promote a better digestive system by adding bulk to stools, which makes the stool easier to pass throughout the body. Soluble fibers are found in oats, legumes, peas, apples, carrots, and some citrus. These specific fibers can slow down the absorption of food, which allows the body to stay energized and full feeling for longer. What is the Daily Recommended Fiber Intake? According to the American Diabetic Association, the average American needs to intake between 20 and 35 grams of fiber per day in order to promote healthy digestion. Most people do not consume this much fiber in a day. It is reported that the average American takes in 14 to 15 grams of natural fiber per day, far less than the recommended intake.

Food packaging these days can be manipulative. At first glance that pack of muesli bars looks healthy — but loaded language, carefully selected wording, even color schemes, have all been designed to appeal to your subconscious and influence your behavior. Thankfully, outsmarting this marketing is possible. It just takes a few moments to check these five things on the label of a food package before deciding whether or not to throw it in your shopping basket. 5 Things To Check On The Food Label are: 1. The ingredients list A long list of ingredients with names you can’t pronounce is a definite red flag. A general rule of thumb is that the more you can recognize the ingredients listed, the less processed the food is. Fewer ingredients generally also signals that a product is closer to its natural state. Another thing to bear in mind is that ingredients are always listed in order of the most used down to the least used. So, if the first ingredient on the list is sugar, than sugar is the primary ingredient. And speaking of sugar – even some products that market themselves as sugar-free include hidden sweeteners or sugar-substitutes. Check the ingredients list for words like dextrose, fructose, xylose, high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, malt syrup and fruit juice concentrate to be aware of what kind of sweeteners are hiding inside.

Excess weight is a growing problem around the world and there are many factors that play into the increasing waistlines. Obesity has recently been termed a disease and while many consider it to be a condition that affects esthetics, it is can lead to a plethora of diseases and illnesses. While it is fairly easy to see when your weight is growing, there are some signs to suggest that you are actually overweight. Seven important signs to pay attention to that suggest that you are overweight are: 1. The Scale is the First Place The scale should be your first indicator that your weight is getting out of hand. While there is no exact number you should stay at your entire life, the scale will be able to give you a reasonable estimate of where you are in your body weight. If you have not been to the gym and you recently have gained five pounds, this could be a sign that you are gaining weight. Also, your doctor can give you a good understanding of where you should be at with your weight, so if you go above that, then you probably have too much around the waist. 2.

The body is composed of 60% to 70% water, depending on individual morphology. Fluids occupy virtually every space in our body, both inside and outside the cell. Water plays a beneficial and essential role in the survival of all living organisms, especially human beings. To feel fit and healthy, you need to hydrate properly every day. Drinking Water Benefits Temperature regulation Water contributes to thermoregulation. It dissipates heat in the form of sweat when the body is overheated and its temperature has to drop. That said, your body can be overheated and need water even in the absence of perspiration. Oxygenation of the body Water keeps our bodies moist, which is essential for most of our organs, including our lungs, which must have a high moisture content to function properly. Studies have shown a link between water consumption and its effects on asthma reduction. Detoxification Our body is often exposed to toxins from our external environment. Drinking water is a simple and natural method to get rid of it – hence it is important to drink a lot of water. Regulation of blood sugar levels The level of blood sugar plays a significant role in our health and overall well-being.

Unfortunately, aging is a part of life! You might be already feeling the aches and pains from daily wear and tear. Aging is a genetic physiological process, that comes with a decline in sensory, structural, physical, and possible mental function. Nutrition from what we eat can reduce aging and can keep us feeling healthy and looking young as long as possible. A healthy, well-balanced diet of the anti-aging foods listed below can neutralize free radical damage, detoxify, and limit DNA damage. 10 Foods that Prevent Aging are: 1. Fish Deep sea cold-water fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation in the body. These fish keep the skin supple and moisturized, and strengthen skin-cell membrane. Omega-3 fatty acids protect your heart and brain, therefore preventing premature aging. Anti-aging benefits occur when 2-3 servings of farmed or wild caught fish are consumed per week. These fish contain low levels of mercury. Some examples of these fish are: > Freshwater salmon > Wild-caught salmon > Atlantic mackerel > Alaskan black cod > Pacific sardines 2. Berries Blueberries , blackberries, black currants, and black grapes are high in flavonoids, anthocyanins and antioxidants. Eating half of cup of the mentioned berries per day gives extra protection to the body against free radical damage, aging, environmental, physical, and emotional stress.