April 25, 2013

4 Ways to Improve Your Mental and Emotional Health

Filed under: Emotional Health,health,Mental Health — Tags: emotional health, mental health — pdhillon @ 10:33 am

improve mental health, improve emotional healthMental health comes with a healthy lifestyle and adopting a realistic approach to living. Being emotionally healthy provides you with a sense of contentment, a zest for living, and boosts your self esteem. For those reasons, it’s important to know what we can do to help improve our mental and emotional health.

Here are the 4 best ways you can improve your mental and emotional health now.

1. Indulge In a Diet for Your Mind: 

Skip the saturated fats and sugars and move onto a healthy combination of fresh fruits and vegetables, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and whole grains. Nutrition doesn’t only affect your body but also energy levels and moods

2. Step Up On Social Interaction: 

An emotional need for relationships makes us crave companionship. We cannot thrive in isolation because we programmed to want social interaction. Spend quality time with your family and friends to share life’s challenges and celebrate joys. Encourage new friendships and keep in touch with old ones for an upbeat and positive support system.

3. Don’t Drop Your Guard for Stress: 

Stress-free existence is no reality but when not taken care of can take a toll on your body and mind. Although moderate stress can be beneficial by enhancing memory and energy levels, chronic stress can be debilitating. Learn some relaxation techniques, engage in a favorite hobby, or share your troubles with a close friend to relive stress.

4. Get a Dose of Sunlight: 

Bask out in the sun and indulge in any physical activity such as step class, swimming, or walking to stimulate anti-anxiety effects. Feel a sense of euphoria, thanks to your endorphin rush.

Pay attention to the little signs that your body shows every now and then that may be a red flag when it comes to your mental health. For instance, you may develop anxiety or have trouble falling asleep. Engage in creative things that you love to do, take on a spiritual road to find peace within, control your emotions, accept compliments, exercise to let the ‘feel-good’ chemicals play with your mind, and engage in activities that appeal to your senses. It’s all about feeling good about yourself.

Comments, questions, or concerns? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or the comment box below.

April 10, 2013

Are Bananas Fattening?

Filed under: Bananas,diet,health,weight,weight loss — Tags: are bananas fattening, health benefits of bananas, nutritional value of bananas — pdhillon @ 11:07 am

are bananas fattening

 

 

There is a nasty allegation circulating the health sphere that bananas are fattening. Various parties are even claiming that bananas aren’t the angelic, low-fat, high-health food we always believed them to be.

But is this actually true? What is the nutritional value of bananas? Are bananas adding extra calories to diets and sabotaging weight loss efforts worldwide? Let’s look at the facts.

 

The case for bananas as a fattening food:

High in calories
Bananas are high in calories compared to other fruits. A standard banana contains about 105 calories. A cup of grapes meanwhile, contains around 62 calories.

Loaded with carbs
A banana has around 127 grams of carbohydrates, compared to grapes, which contain just 15 grams of carbs. This carb variance is largely because bananas contain less water.

The case against bananas being fattening:

Rich in potassium
According to registered dietician and author, Cynthia Sass, bananas are incredibly rich in potassium. Potassium helps to reduce blood pressure, encourage the maintenance of healthy muscles and also ease water retention and bloating.

Packed with fiber
Anything with fiber helps you stay fuller for longer, so the fact that bananas are packed with fiber is a huge plus in their favor. Fiber also acts as a ‘broom’ to your intestinal tract to ensure healthy digestion.

Contains B6
Vitamin B6 is responsible for equalizing blood sugar levels, which in turn promotes a healthy weight.

Low GI
Bananas have a glycemic index (GI) of 55, which means they release energy at a slower rate than other foods. Low GI foods decrease your risk of heart disease and other blood-glucose related diseases.

Provide instant energy
As bananas are higher in carbs (the fuel our body uses for energy), consuming a banana boosts your energy levels almost immediately.

The verdict
As with most things, moderation is clearly key here. Bananas are higher in calories and carbs than other fruits. But, if consumed sensibly, the health benefits of bananas are that they can actually aid your weight loss efforts by keeping you full and your energy high.

Experts suggest swapping a high-sugar dessert or snack for a banana and if you’re worried about weight gain, consuming a banana before or after a work out.

Overall, bananas are considered to be healthy, nutritious and delicious and when consumed in moderation should not impact any weight loss efforts.

Comments, questions, or concerns? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or the comment box below.

March 25, 2013

Knee Injury Treatments

Filed under: health — Tags: common knee injuries, Knee injury, knee ligament injury, knee pain treatment, knee problems, types of knee injuries — patt @ 9:00 am

People say that when your knee health goes down the drain, so does everything else. Knee injuries are painful and debilitating. We rely on our knees for walking, standing, running, and just about any other movement; so, it is important to take precautions when doing anything that involves your knees.

What are some of the most common causes of knee pain? It’s usually due to two reasons: direct blows to the knees and sudden movements beyond a knee’s normal range of motion.

Often knees receive abuse slowly over time. Severe knee injuries include bone bruises and damage to the cartilage or ligament. Knee injuries typically occur when playing sports or exercising, and due to old age.

Treatment for knee pain depends on the cause and gravity of the damage done to the knee. Doctors often prescribe medication to relieve pain and to treat underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Over the counter medication such as glucosamine and chondroitin are not prescription required, and are becoming more popular alternatives.

Therapy is often the next recommended form of treatment. There are two types of therapy for knees: physical therapy and orthotics/bracing therapy.

Physical therapy focuses on balance and strengthening the muscles around your knee. This process is often slow, but highly effective. Orthotics and bracing therapy use arch support to transfer pressure away from the side of the knee, while braces protect and support the knee.

Aside from medication and therapy, Corticosteroids and Hyaluronic acid injections may be beneficial for a knee injury. Corticosteroids are directly injected into a patient’s knee joint to reduce symptoms of arthritis and pain. Hyaluronic acid is a fluid found in healthy knee joints. It can also be injected into a patient’s knee, to reduce pain, provide lubrication to the joint, and reduce inflammation.

Surgery is a final, and sometimes the only option, for knee pain. Types of surgery include arthroscopic surgery, partial knee replacement surgery, and total knee replacement surgery.

Keep the following tips in mind if you or a loved one experiences a knee injury:

• Elevating the knee reduces swelling
• Compression prevents fluid build up
• Ice reduces pain and inflection

The most important thing one can do when experiencing knee pain is to rest in order to prevent further damage.

Comments, questions, or concerns? Leave a message in the comment box below or by clicking on our social media pages: Twitter or Facebook.

March 13, 2013

Four Myths About Kidney Disease

Filed under: health,Kidney — Tags: kidney disease, kidney health, kidney problems — patt @ 9:00 am

Did you know that it’s National Kidney Month? Your kidneys are just as important as other organs in your body, like the heart. Without them functioning properly, you could face serious life threatening health risks.

In the spirit of spreading some kidney awareness love, here are some of the most common myths about Kidney disease.

1. People suffering with kidney disease should drink a lot of water.

A function of the kidneys is to balance fluid in the body. However, when one experiences kidney failure, there will be excess water in the body. The excess water can lead to other health concerns such as increased blood pressure and heart disease. Moreover, excess water in the body can be dangerous because it will cause the body to swell, and the water could settle in the lungs. This could be life threatening. The amount of fluids that an individual with kidney disease should consume varies from patient to patient. Consult a doctor before adjusting your fluid intake.

2. My blood pressure will naturally become higher as I age, so I don’t need to worry about my blood pressure affecting my kidneys.

At any age, a healthy blood pressure should read 120/80. High blood pressure is the second most common cause of kidney disease in all age groups, but in seniors, it is the primary cause of kidney disease. With high blood pressure, the job of your kidneys becomes harder. If your kidneys cannot function properly, then waste and toxins will build up inside of you.

3. The only way to know if your kidneys are not functioning properly is to get a blood test.

While a blood test can help to confirm whether or not your kidneys are not functioning properly, there are physical symptoms that you can look out for. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Keep in mind that these physical signs could be indicators of many health issues aside from kidney disease. If you are worried, consult a doctor.

4. Dialysis patients cannot travel.

In the US and many other countries, there are many dialysis centers in which you can receive treatment. Just make sure that you call ahead of time to schedule an appointment. To make your trip enjoyable, you should also be taking good care of your health prior to a trip. This will help avoid exhaustion and other health related issues. If you are planning to make travel plans, be sure to talk to your doctors so that they can help you with the travel preparations.

For more information about National Kidney Month visit the National Kidney Disease Education Program.

Comments, questions, or concerns? Leave a message in the comment box below or by clicking on our social media pages: Twitter or Facebook.

January 5, 2013

Top 4 Sleep Disorders in Adults

Filed under: sleep disorders — Tags: sleep disorders, sleep habits, sleep problems — patt @ 1:10 pm

Adult Sleep Disorder #1: Snoring

Yes, it’s actually classified as a sleeping disorder.

Snoring is the most notorious example of a sleep disorder in adults. It affects not only the person suffering from it but also anyone within earshot. It can be especially bad for those sleeping beside the snorer.

This adult sleep disorder is caused by inner parts of the throat flapping against each other as a person breathes in and out.

It can be caused by anything from the natural configuration of your tonsils and other throat structures, to swelling caused by exposure to chemicals or allergens, to abnormal obstructions that should be dealt with medically. A trip to the doctor to determine the cause of snoring is the best first step if it’s causing big problems.

If there is no underlying medical condition, then taking decongestants, losing weight, sleeping on your side, quitting smoking, or using nasal strips to help you breathe through your nose can all reduce or eliminate snoring.

 

Adult Sleep Disorder #2: Insomnia

This adult sleep disorder can be a true torment to those who experience it – lying awake, and, though exhausted, being unable to fall asleep.

Insomnia can be caused by medical conditions, including anything that causes chronic pain. But if you have a clean bill of health, looking elsewhere for a solution can be fruitful for winning a good night’s sleep again.

If insomnia results from something like a strong but temporary source of stress, then the sleeplessness will probably pass once the stress is gone. However, long-term insomnia stems either from health problems or emotional stress such as anxiety and depression – common triggers of sleeping disorders in adults.

Long term insomnia can be successfully quashed in many cases by changing your behavior or modifying your mental and emotional state. Use meditation, relaxation methods, hobbies, and cognitive behavior therapy to help break the emotional stress patterns that cause insomnia.

 

Adult Sleep Disorder #3: Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is one of the most serious adult sleep disorders, mainly because it can cause real damage. Both aging and being overweight can cause it, though it can also happen in the young and skinny.

Having sleep apnea means that you stop breathing for several seconds. Then, you’ll start breathing again with a convulsive snort or gasp. This repeatedly starves you of oxygen all night, suffocating you over and over. And possibly triggering strokes or heart attacks.

This is a dangerous condition and should be dealt with sooner rather than later, before it does serious harm to you.

Losing weight if overweight and giving up sedatives and liquor before bed are two frequently effective first options. After that, an oral appliance can help prop your mouth open to let you breathe. CPAP devices provide a pressurized air flow to keep your breathing. Surgery is used in extreme cases.

 

Adult Sleep Disorder #4: Narcolepsy

Among sleeping disorders in adults, narcolepsy is strange. It’s not caused by a physical condition (like snoring when overweight) or from psychological factors (like insomnia when stressed).

Instead, the tendency to fall asleep at random intervals during the day – suffering from a “sleep attack”, as it were – is a genetic, possibly an autoimmune, problem someone gets from your parents. Narcolepsy can cause people to perform automatic actions while not being consciously awake, can cause them to collapse, or can simply cause powerful drowsiness during the day even when well-rested.

Like other sleep disorders in adults, there is no cure for narcolepsy. Instead, it is usually managed by taking two to three brief naps daily, as well as various medications. The best news about narcolepsy is that if you do not have it, you are unlikely to suddenly develop it.

November 29, 2012

Too Much REM Sleep? Is it Possible?

Filed under: rem sleep — Tags: REM sleep, sleep habits, too much REM sleep — patt @ 8:55 am

Today, we look at if it’s possible to get too much REM sleep.

It is certainly possible to get too little. Some studies indicate that animals that do not get any REM sleep start to slowly die.

And figuring out if people can get too much REM sleep is complicated by how it is not entirely clear what REM sleep does.

REM sleep occurs most in children and least in the elderly. It declines steadily as people age. It never disappears totally, however. Most REM sleep episodes occur towards morning.

REM sleep may be important to store memories and discard unimportant ones. It likely helps brain development in the young. In adults, it may be linked to creativity and problem solving. The brain becomes active as it works out information. And it can do so without being interrupted by the conscious, waking mind. REM sleep, in short, probably helps the brain run more smoothly and more effectively.

 

Problems with Too Much REM Sleep

The main problem that too much REM sleep would cause in most people would be the possibility of waking up more often and ending up not as rested. Since REM sleep is quite similar in a lot of ways to waking brain activity, and can cause awakening by prompting the muscles to flex or jerk, excessive REM sleep can leave you feeling tired and depressed.

Some people have REM sleep disorders that cause them to move with their dreams. Usually the body is paralyzed so your muscles don’t actually thrash about as you dream about swimming. Or dancing. Or running. Or anything.

If this paralysis stops working properly, a person will actually move in sync with dream activities, possibly waking themselves, hurting themselves by hitting against walls or falling out of bed, or accidentally striking someone sleeping beside them. There is no cure for this kind of disorder. Most just have to wait for it to pass, and pad the area around their beds to prevent injury.

 

The Results of Too Much REM Sleep

Too much REM sleep might cause you to wake up several times a night, leading to disrupted rest and feelings of tiredness or lack of energy the next day.

If you get too much sleep, the first thing you’ll notice is that you’ll have a headache for much of the day. It’s especially bad in the morning after you get up. This is because the neurotransmitters in your brain are thrown out of balance by oversleeping.

Getting too much sleep in general is also linked to higher chances of heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity.

It’s not certain if sleeping too much causes these problems or if having an illness developing at a low level causes excessive sleep. If you find yourself sleeping more than normal, you might want to get a physical exam from a qualified physician.

November 19, 2012

The 8 Most Common Food Allergies

Filed under: food allergies — Tags: common food allergies, food allergies, top food allergies — patt @ 1:30 pm

Common Food Allergy #8: Soy

Soy is most frequently a childhood allergy, but it can last into adulthood. In some cases, it will appear in adults, but this is rare.

People who are already allergic to environmental factors such as pollen and mold spores, or who have skin conditions like eczema, are most apt to have a soy allergy. Mouth itching and hives on the skin represent the maximum allergic reaction in most soy cases. However, dangerous anaphylaxis can occur in a few people.

As with most allergies, the best way to deal with this problem is to not eat products that contain soy.

 

Common Food Allergy #7: Certain Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables are frequent causers of food allergies, though the reaction is almost universally mild.

Usually, it does not go beyond mouth itching right after eating certain raw fruits or vegetables, and only happens when other allergies are present (for example, in hay fever season). Cooking the fruits or vegetables usually removes the effect.

 

Common Food Allergy #6: Sesame

Sesame seeds and sesame oils (which are used both foods and cosmetics) can cause skin irritation, an itchy or swollen mouth, asthma, a stuffy or runny nose, and sometimes potentially deadly anaphylaxis. Peanut and tree nut allergies are also likely in people who have a sesame allergy.

 

Common Food Allergy #5: Gluten

Gluten (wheat) holds a notable place among the most common food allergies. A bloated stomach, cramps, diarrhea, and general itching of the skin (sometimes with hives) are all symptomatic. Avoiding all baked goods made with wheat and sticking to those made with rice flour is the best alternative for eliminating gluten allergy’s impact on your life.

 

Common Food Allergy #4: Fish

Fish allergies tend to be severe and are triggered by any kind of fish once they appear.

They inflict a laundry list of symptoms, including:

  • stomach cramps,
  • swollen eyes,
  • itching skin,
  • dizziness,
  • diarrhea,
  • heartburn,
  • breathing difficulties,
  • flatulence,
  • and a stuffy nose.

The exact combination of symptoms can vary, and can turn dangerous (anaphylaxis). Fortunately, fish allergies usually subside after several years. Tuna and mackerel are less likely to trigger a food allergy.

 

Common Food Allergy #3: Tree Nuts

Tree nuts trigger an allergic reaction in relatively few people. But lethal reactions are much more common than with most food allergies.

Walnuts, cashews, almonds, and Brazil nuts are some of the culprits here. This is different from a peanut allergy: peanuts are not nuts. An itching throat, sneezing, swollen skin, watering eyes, a runny nose, and rashes or hives are all the usual symptoms. This allergy, once it develops, is life-long. The best method of dealing with it is avoidance.

 

Common Food Allergy #2: Peanuts

Peanuts are used everywhere in the U.S. since they’re cheap and easy. Many people are allergic to them, however, and can get symptoms ranging from a few small hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

The best way to cope with a peanut allergy, which is second among most common food allergies, is by not eating them.

 

Common Food Allergy #1: Shellfish

Among the most common food allergies, shellfish holds first place by a large margin. Crabs, shrimp, lobsters, and octopus can also trigger a reaction in sensitive people.

This type of allergy is also the most persistent of adult food allergies. Four times out of five, a shellfish allergy never leaves once it has developed.

Nasal congestion is a major symptom, as are itchy hives.

There is a risk of anaphylaxis, however, which requires hospitalization in many cases, and can kill. Some people only have an allergy to specific shellfish species, while others are unable to eat any.

November 8, 2012

Can You Train Your Brain? Yes, and Here’s How.

Filed under: brain,brain training — Tags: brain, brain training, cognitive functioning, expanding brain — patt @ 11:25 am

Your brain is one of your most powerful assets. Yet, too few people make any effort to utilize it at its full extent. But, is it even possible?

Can you train your brain? Can you get smarter or be intellectually stronger, like training your body?

The fact that we can learn shows that it is definitely possible to train your brain and make it better. But, gaining new information is just one ‘exercise.’

For best results, use a whole-body plan to build up your mental muscle.

The human brain is very adaptable. Forging new connections, developing fresh mental skills, and disciplining your thoughts can be very rewarding. Treat this as a fun challenge and you will soon find yourself seeking new ways to develop your mental sharpness further.

It’s like exercise. The more you do it, the easier it gets. And it even can be enjoyable.

How do you get started training your brain? Start from several directions, but keep your goal firmly in mind.

The objective of training your brain is to achieve quicker, more acute perceptions and decision making abilities. If you train your mind generally to work on several levels, solve puzzles faster, and make better, more insightful choices, you will succeed better at the things you do, both at work and in most life circumstances.

Here are some brain-training exercises to get you started.

 

Train Your Brain Tip #1: Get regular Exercise

The mind-body connection works both ways.

Increased blood flow from exercise nourishes and oxygenates the brain, making it “run” better. This improves your memory, lets you put information together faster, and helps you learn. Plus, regular physical exercise is connected to preventing Alzheimer’s disease in later life.

 

Train Your Brain Tip #2: Get Enough Sleep

Sleep for the proper amount of time every day. Try to get a minimum of six hours sleep. Try not to habitually sleep more than 8 hours per day. Not getting enough sleep and being tired lowers your alertness and reasoning skills. But excessive sleep also disrupts your brain chemistry.

 

Train Your Brain Tip #3: Expand Your Mind

Cultivate interests and explore the world. Mental stimulation helps you think more clearly. Increasing your knowledge base gives you more perspective and wisdom overall.

Let one interest lead to another. The more you understand the world you live in, the more effective your decisions. This is a major strategy on how to train your brain.

 

Train Your Brain Tip #4: Stay Positive

Work at maintaining a positive outlook. Depressed, anxious, or generally negative and sour minds tend to be defeated before they even start.

Lack of mental energy and a ‘who cares’ attitude, born of cynicism and despair, causes people to make bad choices.

Work on having a zest for life. See difficulties as challenges to be solved rather than brick walls to stop you dead in your tracks. This seemingly insignificant change can energize your mind and unlock your hidden thinking potential.

 

Train Your Brain Tip #5: Learn a Language

Learning a new language is tough mental work. But, it’s worth it. It helps you think in brand new ways. Learning a new language literally makes you build your thoughts differently. And that gives you a broader viewpoint and could even lead to more empathy.

Just as with exercise, the harder you use your mind, the more it will develop. You don’t need to acquire instant fluency. The most important thing is to stay with the project and keep learning.

 

Train Your Brain Tip #6: Try a Completely New Hobby

Learning a completely new skill, unrelated to anything else you have ever done, forces you to think different. Try anything from art to playing a musical instrument to woodcarving to scientific rock climbing. All of it can hone your mind in new, unexpected ways.

 

You can train your brain to get stronger cognitive powers, keener and better decision making, and improved memory. But more than that, doing so can enrich your life all on its own.

If you are looking to train your brain, the means to do so are everywhere.

You’ve already started by reading this. Don’t lose your momentum! Take the initiative and make a brain-training change today.

October 16, 2012

Why Do I Crave Salt?

Filed under: salt,unhealthy — patt @ 9:35 am

Actually, there’s a very good reason for it. Table salt, or sodium chloride, is essential for proper metabolism.

One of the ways that salt is important is that it helps to manage the amount of fluid present in our bodies. It may seem odd, but salt is responsible for the proper firing of electrical impulses in us. This electrical activity helps fluids move into and out of cells to help maintain the right balance of liquid in our bodies. This electrical activity uses the positive ions in sodium and the negative ions in chloride to help maintain this rather fragile arrangement.

Your kidneys play a large part in how much salt is present in your blood. When you are wondering, “why do I crave salt?” your body is probably low on what is needed to help get fluids into the bloodstream.

Salt provides the electrolytes, the positive and negative ions that allow the absorption of the liquids that you drink. When you become dehydrated, it can actually be impossible to rehydrate if you only drink water. Water does not contain electrolytes, which means it will simply pass through your digestive system without actually being used

A Personal Salt Craving Story

My mother was evidently a person who needed little salt in her diet, but she extended this to her three children, although my brother, sister, and I evidently had a need for more salt.

In order to satisfy my salt craving, I would go into the refrigerator and bite off sections of the salted butter. I later found out that my brother and sister were doing the same thing in order to try to get enough salt.

I wonder now if some of the illnesses we experienced as young children didn’t stem from dehydration from lack of salt.

Craving Salt for Bodily Functioning

Salt has a great influence over the volume of blood in your system, and the kidneys help to regulate this.  Salt attracts water, and you can try this for yourself by spilling a bit of salt on the kitchen table, and checking on it the next day. You won’t see any salt crystals; all you’ll see are little puddles of water where the salt has pulled moisture out of the air. Salt helps to pull moisture out of what you have eaten to put it into your blood for use by cells and tissues.

One of the reasons why you will experience salt craving is when you become dehydrated in any way.

This can easily occur during the summer, especially, when you’re working or engaging in sports outside and you sweat heavily. Intensive exercise workouts can also cause dehydration through sweating, and you will be drawn to salty foods or drinks precisely to help restore your electrolyte balance. Certain medical conditions will also render people more susceptible to dehydration, and those who have had  abdominal surgery for diseases such as colitis will have a much greater need for salt.

It is also easy to become dehydrated when you become sick and experience vomiting and/or diarrhea. In this case you will definitely have a salt craving as your body tries to restore the proper amount of fluids. This is probably one reason why chicken soup is often looked upon as being good to eat when you’re sick – it will supply a healthy dose of salt.

Remember, too, that water alone may not be sufficient to rehydrate you when you’re ill, you will need to drink energy drinks or tea, water will probably not be absorbed.

October 10, 2012

Why Are Trans Fats Bad?

Filed under: trans fat,unhealthy — patt @ 4:40 pm

Ever wondered what trans fats are?

The story begins way back in the 19th Century, when the first attempts at hydrogenating oils began.  Then in the first years of the 20th Century, the process was perfected. Hydrogenated oils were meant to replace butter and lard in cooking.

Trans fats are liquid oils and fats that have been hydrogenated.

Oil is heated while hydrogen gas passes through it. The small bubbles of hydrogen give body to the liquid oil.

Margarine and other semi-solid and solid cooking products are the result.

Why Were Bad Trans Fats Made?

The introduction of hydrogenated cooking fats came along with a shortage of buttermilk, so public acceptance (with a helpful nudge from attractive advertising) was rapid. The use of hydrogenation also meant that oils that might otherwise be considered unsuitable, such as fish oils, could be used without the consumer being any the wiser.

Plus, trans fat carriers like these were cheap to produce.

Trans fats are so named because they have been basically ‘transformed’ from their original forms by heat and hydrogen.

Most of us have heard about the damage that trans fats can do to the body and why trans fats are bad, but these dangers were unknown before the 1990s.

Manufacturers of baked goods and other foods love trans fats because they are not only much cheaper to use than butter or coconut oil, but because they also give the product a much longer shelf life.

Profit margin can be much greater than if ‘real’ shortening was used.

Reasons Why Trans Fats are Unhealthy

Ever since trans fat dangers have become publicized, many people have become more careful with the products they purchase.  It is always important to read the ingredients label before putting anything into your cart.

Trans fats have been linked to heart disease, cancer, and arthritis, among other problems, so it’s important to remove them as much as possible from your diet.

Your body requires fats in order for normal metabolic functions to be carried out. Every cell needs energy to work and help your body keep going. A healthy fat binds to the cell wall as it should, to help provide fuel for the cell to work with, and allows other necessary substances to pass into the cell.

Trans fat upsets things because it binds to the cell wall, but does not provide the necessary fatty acids and actually prevents the other vital substances required for metabolism to get into the cell.

It has been said that trans fats contribute to at least 100,000 fatal heart attacks every year in the United States.

This is no small number, especially for an avoidable problem.

Not only do trans fats interfere with normal cellular metabolism, they also raise the levels of harmful cholesterol, LDL while lowering the level of HDL, which is a beneficial cholesterol.

Ironically, while we were taught to fear certain foods because they contain cholesterol, most of the natural foods that do so will raise the amount of good cholesterol in the blood, even if they also raise LDL.

Coronary heart disease is not the only health problem associated with trans fats, however. Diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, arthritis, and even the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease have been linked to the consumption of trans fats.

While research data is still being compiled in many cases, it certainly does not mean that we cannot err on the side of caution.

Interestingly, obesity is also linked to trans fats, although not strictly as a matter of caloric overload. Trans fats do not provide the fatty acids our bodies need, so in order to try desperately to acquire these important nutrients, people will keep eating and eating, although all the trans fat saturated food in the world will not satisfy the need.

Many fast food restaurants have switched from using trans fats, generally in response to consumer groups pointing out the threat these hydrogenated fats pose. However, most cookies, crackers, pastries, and other baked good found in grocery stores still contain trans fats, so be diligent at checking the ingredients list.

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