Beta Carotene's Benefits In Human Health
Beta Carotene is a carotenoid . Carotenoids are light absorbing pigments
occurring in plants and animals. Beta carotene stores light in plant
leaves during the process of photosynthesis. Found in many plants
including asparagus, apricots, broccoli, carrots, kale, pumpkins, sweet
potatoes and tomatoes; it can easily be added to the diet naturally.
This carotenoid can absorb light wavelengths that evade chlorophyll.
This can help to increase the range of usable light waves during
photosynthesis. It also helps the plant reach for the light unless the
light is too severe then it sends the plant growing into the opposite
direction.
In the human body beta carotene through a series of conversions joins
with opsin, the red pigment of the retina to make rhodopsin which is
necessary for night vision. Rhodopsin is also called visual purple and
it is the substance in the back of the eye that is responsible for the
first steps in light recognition. Beta carotene may also serve as a
cofactor in enzyme systems. These serve the enzyme in its catalyst
functions.
The human body converts every one beta carotene molecule into two
vitamin A molecules which are stored in the liver. People on average
store a two year supply of this vitamin in the body. There are some
vitamins which need to be replenished on a daily basis because they are
not stored in the body. By contrast vitamin A is to be supplemented only
with great caution because of the potential risk of overdose.
Beta Carotene not only helps with night vision, it aids in the treatment
of some eye disorders. It helps to promote bone growth and teeth
development and aids in the reproduction process Beta Carotene helps us
to maintain healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. It also builds the
body's resistances to infections, especially respiratory as it is an
antioxidant and helps to remove free moving radicals in the body. Its
thought to help prevent acne, impetigo, boils and open ulcers when
applied to the skin. The symptoms of Beta Carotene deficiency are Night
blindness, inability to create tears, subtle changes in the eyes,
xeroderma, weight loss, poor bone growth, weakened tooth enamel,
diarrhea, acne, insomnia or fatigue.
It will take several months of a Beta Carotene deficient diet before
symptoms will begin to develop so don't be concerned about a few days
without eating carrots. Also don't take beta carotene if you are
allergic to Vitamin A. If you are pregnant do not take doses of Vitamin
A larger than the Daily Value as it can cause growth retardation and
urinary tract malformations in the fetus. Similarly don't take doses
higher than the daily value if you are breastfeeding.
by Vincent Platania
Stanley Home Products
In business since 1931, Stanley Home Products has been offering families
high-quality personal care and household products for 75 years. Stanley
Home Products personal care and home cleaning products are
environmentally friendly.
Visit http://www.stanley-home-products.com
The Many Bacteria in Your Mouth
When I wake up in the morning I brush my teeth before I sleep at night I brush my teeth. Why? Well it is because I like to think of my mouth as clean and I like to feel the cleanliness of my teeth with my tongue. Don't you like to think of your mouth as a clean place? I was astonished to lean that just because my mouth felt "clean" didn't mean it was sterile. The best oral hygiene strategy in the world cannot rid the mouth of bacteria and in my opinion this is not always bad (more about this later).
Think about the environment that is your mouth dark, wet, and warm. This climate with the occasional meal running through it is probably one of the best places bacteria have to live. It has been estimated that the average human mouth has over 400 species if bacteria, their combined populations total to billions and billions of distinctive organisms, (Stevens J. It's a jungle in there. BioScience, 1996:46:1-5).
The good news is that most oral bacteria are not harmful. Many oral bacteria are helpful. This is definitely good news! What this means is that we need not worry about eliminating all bacteria in our mouths. Some mouth washes do eliminate all bacteria for a short amount of time, but this is not necessarily safe.
What xylitol enables us to do is to focus killing specific bacteria – such as S. Mutants, the biggest bacterial culprit when it comes to tooth decay. Still other bacteria cause periodontal disease which attack the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth.
Why fight S. Mutants?
They turn sucrose into acid.
It is important to focus on controlling S. Mutants. S. Mutants ferment carbohydrates and sugars into an acid. Grapes are fermented into wine, but sucrose is fermented into a much less palatable product- lactic acid. Our pH level decreases in our mouths shortly after the consumption of sucrose based candy and chewing of gum.
Acid eats away tooth enamel.
Although tooth enamel is a very hard tissue, it is very vulnerable to acid. Acid produced by bacteria breaks away tooth enamel much like acid rain corrodes marble structures. Tooth decay caused by acid is called demineralization.
Demineralization constantly occurs very slowly while it is constantly balanced by remineralization. Teeth are able to remodel themselves by adding minerals-especially calcium- into the enamel. However, remineralization may only occur when conditions inside of the mouth are not too acidic.
As long as the mouth's pH level is not too acidic, the mouth is able to cover newly formed small cavities with new enamel. Although they may not be able to completely fill a hole of a cavity it usually is able to seal the cavity from further erosion. Remineralization cannot succeed when acid producing S. Mutants are not kept under control.
As you may have noticed our body as an method for fighting cavities on its own, all we need to do is empower our own bodies to heal it self.
S. mutants thrive in an acidic environment.
Not all bacteria can survive in an acidic environment. S. Mutants are able to. S. Mutants secrete acid themselves and are able to live in acid. In a way, it is survival of the fittest- the acidic environment that S. Mutants create allows them to be able to take over environments unto themselves by killing other weaker and less harmful bacteria with their acid. This is the method in which S. Mutants are able to become stronger, they kill all the competition and multiply.
They turn sucrose into sticky plaque.
As I have mentioned before many bacteria are not harmful. They can be easily washed out of the mouth with saliva or food. Saliva balances acid because it contains alkaline properties. Acid produced by bacteria like S. Mutants is not harmful until it has concentrated a specific area which is exactly why sucrose can be devastating to your teeth.
Sucrose is the only carbohydrate that can be changed by S. Mutants into polysaccharides. When the S. Mutans secrete this type of carbohydrate they are covered with a sweet and sticky substance. This allows them to stick to anything- especially dental enamel.
Polysaccharides produced from sucrose hold bacterial colonies together that form dental plaque. We all know that plaque is harmful and leads to cavities. Plaque forms at the surface of the tooth. Plaque actually helps bacteria and acid by protecting it from saliva, which could neutralize the acid on contact. Instead, the acid is allowed to eat away at the tooth.
They store sucrose.
Dental plaque breaks down sucrose quickly. Lactic acid levels increase quickly when any piece of sucrose candy or gum is put in the mouth. Bacteria can unfortunately store sucrose inside of polysaccharide cells to use when we are eating less sugar.
This is why we brush, floss, and now eat and chew xylitol. What is xylitol? Well in short it provides a non sticky surface on your teeth allowing this plaque to slip on by, never clinging and thus never eating at your teeth. To read more about xylitol see my article called "Xylitol the Cure for Caries".
John Bateman advocates healthy foods. Suggested recipe link: shepards pie. Suggested xylitol link: xylitol.
Oatmeal - The Most Powerful Breakfast for Weight Loss
Did you know that simply eating breakfast raises your metabolism by 10 percent? Oatmeal is one of the most powerful breakfast foods of them all. If you are looking to get your body in great shape, you should incorporate this as a staple food in your diet.
Oatmeal is the perfect meal to start your day because it boosts your energy and has plenty of fiber to keep you full and satisfied. Oatmeal breaks down slowly in the stomach, giving you long-lasting energy. It is also full of water-soluble fibers, which play a crucial role in making you feel full over a longer period of time. Studies have also shown that oatmeal reduces cholesterol, maintains blood sugar levels and fights against heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and obesity.
If you want to add some powerful antioxidants to your oatmeal, simply throw on some blueberries and raspberries. These delicious fruits are packed with antioxidants that fight against heart disease, cancer, and a multitude of other ailments. Blueberries have also been proven to preserve vision. This powerful fruit rated highest in antioxidants among over 40 fruits and vegetables.
What more could you ask out of the first meal of your day? However, oatmeal doesn't just have to be for breakfast. You can use it a couple hours before you exercise to energize your workout. You can even include oatmeal in your smoothies. It is also a wonderful addition to muffins and even as a covering for chicken breasts.
Keep in mind that you must buy the unsweetened, unflavored variety. To spice it up a little, you can use bananas, berries, or milk. The downfall of pre-flavored oatmeal is that it often comes loaded with sugar calories. So, stick to the good stuff.
If you're looking for oatmeal with a little more texture, you can try out the steel-cut oat variety. Although this type does take a little longer to cook, I find that it is well worth the wait. They have a somewhat chewier texture and heartier flavor than rolled oats. Once you try this variety, you may never go back.
If your having trouble with late night binges, have a bowl of oatmeal instead. This will help squash your cravings. Not to mention, you'll be avoiding any junk food or empty calories.
If your looking to get in the best shape of your life, I suggest your alternate your morning meals between oatmeal on one day and have eggs and meat on another. This will put your fat-burning into overdrive.
To find out more about how to get in the best shape of your life, read some of the great nutrition articles at http://www.healthyeveryday.com
