Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Asian Superfood Is Best To Reduce Cholesterol

We feed soybeans to chickens. But in Asian countries, people eat soybeans as well as soy foods such as tofu nearly every day. These foods contain compounds that help lower cholesterol, and this may explain, at least in part, why cholesterol levels in Japan are so much lower than they are here in the United States.

• Studies have shown that replacing protein from animal sources with about 1 ounces of soy protein a day can lower total cholesterol by 9 percent. It lowers dangerous LDL cholesterol even more, by 13 percent.
• Tofu and other soy foods contain compounds called phytoestrogens. Researchers believe that these compounds help transport LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver, where it's broken down and excreted. They also may prevent the LDL from oxidizing making it less likely to clog the coronary arteries.
• To get the cholesterol-lowering benefits of soy, you need to eat two or three servings of soy foods a day.
• Garlic-lovers say that you can't eat too much of the "stinking rose," and it seems that they're right. Research suggests that this pungent bulb can significantly lower cholesterol. Garlic contains a compound called allicin that changes the way in which the body uses cholesterol.
• When Dr. Warshafsky analyzed data from five of the most reliable scientific studies on garlic and cholesterol, he found that eating one-half to one clove of garlic per day lowered blood cholesterol an average of 9 percent.
• When using garlic it's a good idea to mince or crush it, since this releases more of the allicin. Even if you eat a lot of garlic, however, don't count on it to be a magic bullet against cholesterol. Eating garlic on top of a diet high in saturated far and cholesterol is unlikely to do you any good.
• Fish is important article in Asian food as it is also low in calories and saturated fat, making it a perfect addition to a cholesterol-reducing diet. To get the maximum benefits from omega- 3's, plan on eating 3 to 4 ounces of fish two times a week.
• Salmon, tuna, and other fish contain fats called omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower triglycerides. In a study at the University of Western Australia in Perth, two groups of men followed a low-fat diet. Those in one group ate a variety of protein foods, while those in the second group ate 3 to 5 ounces of fish a day. After three months, men in both groups had drops in cholesterol. But the men who are fish also experienced a 23 percent reduction in triglycerides.

Friday, August 6, 2010

US Heart Disease Statistics

US heart disease statistics are some of the worst (if not the worst) in the world, with over one million reported heart attack and half a million deaths annually. Our diets tend to be a big part of the problem with lots of red meat, high saturated fat foods deep fried to perfection, along with a healthy dose of those tasty fast food delights thrown in for good measure. Not only do these types of foods add a few pounds but create an environment inside our bodies ripe for coronary artery disease. The US heart disease statistics compiled by the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia tend to tell the story better than I could ever hope to. Let's take a few minutes to run through a number of chilling US heart disease statistics that you should find very interesting.

First, did you know that heart disease was the leading cause of death for most ethnic groups in the United States? Here's how the numbers stack up: Whites 27.5%; African Americans 25.8%; Hispanics 22.7%; Other 24%. According to these numbers the average American has a 1 in 4 chance of dying of a heart attack. Now that should make all of us think twice before ordering that double burger with fries along with a fried pie or milk shake for dessert for lunch, and that chicken fried steak with gravy for dinner!

So now we know the fatality rate, but what are the chances that we would know enough about heart disease to call emergency services for help? In a very surprising survey conducted in 2005, 92% survey participants knew that chest pain was a symptom of a heart attack but only 27% were aware of all the major symptoms and knew to call emergency services for help when someone was having a heart attack. This would explain why 47% of heart attack victims fail to make it to the hospital in time to avoid becoming another heart attack fatality statistic.

But by now you are probably saying you new most of that information anyway but here a question for you; What is the biggest risk factor for heart disease? Okay most of you screamed out that double cheeseburger with fries! While a good answer it is not the right answer. According to the CDC the biggest risk factor for heart disease is inactivity (39.5%). Certainly the other risk factors of obesity, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes are very important but in the end inactivity stands alone at the top of the list.

What I do to keep from becoming just another heart disease statistic?

Certainly, this is something you should discuss with your doctor but as a general rule a combination of exercise 5 or more days a week, a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, saying no to cigarettes, and a natural cholesterol reduction supplement would be an excellent place to start.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Military Case Uses

Believe it or not, the military case is a versatile tool that can be used for a number of things. Aside from the fact that these cases can carry anything from firearms to explosives, they are also useful when transporting any type of fragile material.

Society functions with the help of great packaging every day. Medical companies use military-grade cases to transport defibrillators, MRI products, and various other medical tools that require special packaging. Without these cases, crucial medical devices would not reach patients in need on time. Still, there are other uses for the military case.

Various film and television industry professionals use the very same military cases to transport delicate photography equipment, video equipment, and sound equipment. Numerous other industries including construction, engineering, and mechanics have found that these cases are the only way to go when it comes to shipping delicate products safely.

Of course, the military uses many different cases in order to transport weapons, but there are other military uses for these cases as well. Any system of component that is calibrated can be safely shipped and transported within a military-grade case. Additionally, vital items that are used by the military regularly (including electronics and optics) are only transported using an indestructible case.

Why are these cases so sought after by so many different industries? Military-grade cases are:

Customizable
Water resistant
Sandproof
Dustproof
Heat resistant
Easy to open
Rustproof
Unbreakable

Also, many of these cases now come with pull-out handles and wheels making transport easier. In short, these cases are far more than simple vessels for important items.

While some cases have obvious uses, other cases (such as laptop cases) can be used for a number of things. Sometimes, an object that must be transported does not fit into any one standard container. When this happens, the cases that hold these items are often customized to fit the item precisely. Additionally, all cases that will be transported using military vehicles must fit snugly into a particular vehicle.

For example, a case containing an explosive must fit exactly into its designated area within a military vehicle. The only cases that can conform to these tight quarters are those that have been professionally measured and cut with accuracy. This is one of the main reasons why the military case is so popular within many different industries.

Even though it may seem like a military case has only one direct purpose, this is not the, well, case. In fact, many individual consumers have begun to use these cases as well. As it turns out, any military-grade cases are perfect for:

Hunting
Fishing
Extensive traveling with a laptop case
Packaging fragile items

Many different items that are manufactured for the military eventually begin to catch the public eye due to the fact that they are highly durable, well thought out, and entirely personalized. If you have anything that needs to be transported carefully, selecting a military-grade case is the perfect solution.