Heart Healthy Snacks for Kids and Adults

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says we should eat no more than 2,400 milligrams of sodium (salt) a day. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the same thing. But Americans, on average, are eating 4,000 milligrams of salt a day, and much of it comes from restaurant meals, frozen meals, and canned food.

Salt is an acquired taste and the more salt kids eat the more they want. This concerns health experts because salt is one of the major causes of high blood pressure and pre-high blood pressure.

\"Snacks For Kids\"

Kids get really hungry between meals. All too often, kids snack on high-sugar, high-salt, and high-fat foods. They eat these snacks because they are available. Similarly, kids will eat healthy snacks if they are available. Kids will enjoy healthy snacks if you involve them in preparation. You may want to make Saturday your "official" snack preparation day.

Heart Healthy Snacks for Kids and Adults

Young children can wash grapes, bag them in zipper snack bags, and pop them in the freezer. Kids will enjoy making pure fruit juice ice pops as well. Older kids may assemble the ingredients for individual pizzas and note the baking directions on a recipe card. The last thing you can do to promote healthy snacks is to store them at a reachable height. These snacks will quell kids' hunger and tide them over until the next meal.

* Crisp apple wedges (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn are especially good.)

* Frozen red and green grapes

* Individual pizzas made with whole wheat English muffins, salt-free tomato sauce, dried oregano, and low-fat mozzarella cheese

* Fat-free, sugar-free yogurt (Divide into two servings for young children.)

* Orange fruit smoothie made with fresh orange juice, ice cubes, and fat-free, sugar-free vanilla yogurt

* Fruit ka-bobs (pineapple chunks, sliced bananas, and seedless grapes)

* Baby carrots, celery, and broccoli with low-fat vegetable cream cheese (Thin the cheese with a little fat-free milk.)

* Dried apples, apricots, pears, and raisins

* Unsweetened applesauce

* Homemade trail mix (unsalted peanuts, raisins, and a few chocolate chips)

* Plain popcorn with chopped dried fruit

* Fritatta squares made with egg substitute, low-fat cheese, and a few bacon crumbles

* Low-fat peanut butter and sugar-free jelly sandwiches on whole wheat bread

* Low-fat cheese on salt-free crackers

* Low-fat cheddar and a dollop of chutney on salt-free crackers

* 1% cottage cheese with fresh or frozen fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches)

* Pure fruit juice ice pops

* Drained and chilled Mandarin oranges in plastic zipper snack bags

* Flavored water

The last way to promote healthy snacks is to take kids grocery shopping. Let them choose the fresh fruits and veggies they enjoy best. Ask kids to read food labels, too, especially the sugar content, salt content, and serving size. Get on the heart healthy path and enjoy these snacks with your kids.

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson

Heart Healthy Snacks for Kids and Adults

http://www.harriethodgson.com http://www.healthwriter.blogspot.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance nonfiction writer for 28 years. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. Another review is posted on the American Hospice Foundation Website under the "School Corner" heading.

12 Pomegranate Health Benefits

Countless studies have shown the seemingly countless benefits of fruits for a person's health. The U.S. Government recommends that people get several servings of fruits every day. Of all the fruits available in the market today, one fruit is at its height of popularity because of its legendary Greek mythology association and its exoticism-the pomegranate fruit.

Considered as one of the earliest fruits that have been cultivated along with grapes, figs, olives, and dates somewhere between 4000 B. C. E and 3000 B. C. E., pomegranate continued to be an emblem of fertility, rebirth, and health.

\"Snacks For Kids\"

Dubbed as a "miracle fruit" by some fans, pomegranate has earned its popularity because it is thought to possibly help support the body's natural defenses against Alzheimer's disease, various cancers, coronary and heart diseases, arthritis and many ailments an aging person experiences. Because of its so -called anti-aging possibilities, pomegranate has had several food and beverage variations from juices, ice creams, dishes, and even in water that come in bottles.

12 Pomegranate Health Benefits

Why is pomegranate good for you?

This handsome fruit is quite popular for its deep and purple-colored juice that is packed with lots of antioxidants that may help in maintaining a smooth and wrinkle free skin. But, aside from the possibility of helping people to maintain youthful and glowing skin by keeping the blood platelets together, there are so many health benefits of pomegranate to people of all ages. While no health claims are made regarding pomegranate whatsoever, here are some of the remedies and uses that some people hope pomegranate can help with.

1. It may help reduce the risk of having a heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Studies show that pomegranate juice daily may help support the normal blood flow to the heart. Because of its antioxidant properties, pomegranate keeps bad cholesterol from forming, and thus, may help keep the arteries clear of clots.

2. It may help support the body's normal defense in the prevention of certain cancers. Since pomegranates has very high levels of antioxidant called "flavenoids" that is thought to be effective in counteracting various cancer-causing radicals, more and more experts recommend this fruit as a possible part of a healthy diet. Because of flavenoids, many people are consuming pomegranate because it is believed to help support their good health.

3. It may help reduce the risks for illnesses such as atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, and diabetes. Because of the properties of pomegranate, conditions that are known to cause the thickening and hardening of arterial walls and damage in cartilage and joints are hoped to be helped by this fruit. Studies are needed of course to get test results. No claims are made as to what the pomegranate may or may not help.

4. It is a rich source of various vitamins. Pomegranate is a good, natural source of vitamins A, C and E as well as folic acid.

5. It is rumored to help reduce the possibility of having premature babies. Pomegranate juice and extract is thought by some people to help expectant mothers avoid having low birth weight babies.

6. Some users claim it is beneficial for relieving minor illnesses such as core throat.

7. Other users believe it might reduce the possibility of developing Alzheimer's disease among older people.

8. It is prized in some countries for the belief that it might help in achieving and maintaining a clear skin with youthful glow, and it is believed to help soothe skin inflammation.

9. The antioxidants are thought to help support the immune system.

10. It may help support healthy blood flow because of its iron properties. Pomegranate supports the blood by supplying it with iron, thus may help prevent anemia symptoms that include exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, and hear loss.

11. Aside from having lots of anti-oxidants, pomegranate also might have some anti-viral properties.

12. Pomegranate juice and extract is thought by some women to help in overcoming the feeling of general malaise during menopause.

While no medical claims can be made for pomegranate, the juice is growing in popularity every day as more and more people try it and benefit from it.

12 Pomegranate Health Benefits

Monica Nelson writes about health topics, about women's health issues, and about specific topics such as health benefits of pomegranate juice and how to save money on vitamins with swansons vitamins coupons. These health articles are provided as a helpful news service and are not to be considered medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about health issues such as pregnancy.

5 Foods That Speed Up Metabolism Instantly!

The best foods that speed up metabolism and help you lose weight are all natural foods. This article provides an in-depth look into 5 of them. Forget fat burning pills, forget drugs. This list of the 5 foods that speed metabolism will get more done for you than artificial products and drugs ever could! So here they are:

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: You can find this oil in your local supermarket. Olive oil contains omega 3's which help with blood circulation and increased metabolism. Use Olive oil whenever you fry something.

\"Snacks For Kids\"

2. Green tea: This may not be a food per se, but it's still VERY good for you. Green tea is by far one of the most powerful products that speed metabolism and is used in many far burning products. Drink it at least twice a day (Morning and before bed).

5 Foods That Speed Up Metabolism Instantly!

3. Cayenne Pepper: This pepper is a very powerful product and can be found in most local health food stores or on the internet. Cayenne pepper heats the body up and as a response, when the body must cool down, it burns calories. It's a natural process that speeds metabolism and helps people lose weight.

4. Water: This is not a food either, but it's still imperative to mention none the less! Water has always been and always will be the greatest method of boosting metabolism, losing weight, restoring health and vitality and more. Drink at least 8 glasses of pure filtered water a day.

It also helps to emit (display) positive emotions like love and gratitude in front of water. Am I insane? Not exactly. Studies show water has the amazing ability to absorb emotions which directly affects it. If positive emotions are displayed, the water becomes healthier and it will directly affect your metabolism and health. Negative emotions such as cursing, anger and stress cause water to become acidic, thus making it harmful to you. It's true.

5. Apples: Ever heard the saying "An apple a day will keep the Doctor away?". Well there's a reason for it! Apples are not only healthy for you and boost metabolism, but they also keep you full with little effort. This means you can eat an apple instead of a small meal and not worry about being hungry!

5 Foods That Speed Up Metabolism Instantly!

So there you have it! 5 foods and drinks that speed metabolism naturally and improve your health! But these products aren't the only things that are good for you.

There also exist 5 powerful diets, all of which help improve metabolism, regenerate cells, protect you from diseases and help you lose weight fast! To find out what they are, click here to pick up a free 20 page weight loss guide that reveals them all!

Essential Amino Acids and Their Functions

There are eight essential amino acids that are considered necessary for your body: leucine, lysine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, and valine. Furthermore, a essential amino acid is defined as an amino acid that cannot be made within your body, so it must be obtained from foods that contain these substances.

As for their functions, the following is a summary of some their important benefits.

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Leucine Leucine helps to slow the the deterioration of muscle tissue by increasing the combining of muscle proteins. Leucine is also important in helping to lower blood sugar.

Essential Amino Acids and Their Functions

Lysine Lysine plays an essential role in the production of carnitine, a nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and helping to lower cholesterol. It also helps the body absorb and conserve calcium, and plays an important role in the formation of collagen, a substance important for bones and connective tissues including skin, tendon, and cartilage.

Isoleucine Isoleucine helps to stabilize and regulate blood sugar and energy levels. For athletes, it plays an additional important role by aiding in the healing and repair of muscle tissue, skin cells and bones.

Phenylalanine Phenylalanine is helpful in the production of chemicals used by the brain to transmits signals between nerve cells. The amino acid also elevates mood and alertness, decreases pain, and aids in memory and learning.

Threonine Threonine helps to maintain the proper protein balance in the body. It is also important in helping in the formation of collagen and elastin in the skin, and in the formation of tooth enamel.

Tryptophan Tryptophan helps relieve insomnia by bringing about normal sleep by the production of serotonin. It is also beneficial in reducing anxiety, depression, and helps to stabilize moods. In addition, it helps in the treatment of migraine headaches and in the proper functioning of the immune system. For dieters, it aids in weight control by reducing appetite.

Methionine Methionine is the body's primary source of sulfur, which is used to promote healthy hair, skin, and nail growth. The sulfur it supplies also acts as an antioxidant. Methionine also assists the breakdown of fats.

Valine Valine is needed for muscle metabolism and coordination, and used as an energy source by muscle tissue to promote muscle growth, and tissue repair. It also assists in the prevention of the breakdown of muscle fibers by supplying the muscles with extra glucose for energy production during intense physical activity.

Essential Amino Acids and Their Functions

Check out the latest news and information on diets, weigh loss products, and exercise at http://www.How-to-Burn-Fat.com

In addition to reporting on the latest information regarding diet and weight loss research, the site is updated daily with advice and guidance on ways to burn fat quickly. Plus, learn how green tea can help you lose more weight.

What Foods Contain Folic Acid?

Many people are lacking in folic acid as well as vitamin B. Apart from taking a supplement, the only way to get sufficient amounts is through vitamin B rich food. It is common for someone to be lacking in B12 but can't see the signs because they are taking folate. For this reason you should always choose supplements that have folate and the full B vitamin range as well.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) have a recommended DV percentage for folate which is 400 and above. The simplest way to describe the DV value is whatever the percentage of the ingredient is, that represents the percentage of your daily intake. In one day you may eat two 25% DV folic acid items, followed by five 10% DV folic acid items to make your total daily intake of folic acid 100%. All cereal that has 100% DV fortified folic acid is a simple and great daily source. The higher the DV percentage, the better a source of folic acid the particular food is.

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With a high 45% DV, just 3 OZ of braised beef liver is a fantastic way to get folic acid. The next step down is 25% for any 25%DV serving of cereal or half a cup of boiled immature cowpeas / blackeyes.

What Foods Contain Folic Acid?

Another good folic acid source is spinach, and only a half cup has a 25% folic acid DV. The same amount of boiled great northern beans or at least four spears of asparagus would have a 20% DV. These are both excellent foods for your daily folic acid intake, and offer many other health benefits as well.

Some other foods with good folic acid levels are green peas, broccoli, lettuce and avocado. They are all about 10-15% DV, as well as orange juice, vegetarian beans, raw spinach and wheat germ. Pretty much all leafy vegetables which are dark green in color have high folic acid values.

Even if you feel you have adequate intake of foods that contain folic acid quiet often, it really needs to be maintained daily to prevent problems. There are so many positive health benefits to ensuring you have an optimum vitamin B and folate level, it is worth it for everyone to take a dietary supplement also.

Cereals, vegetables, liver and juices can all be made a part of your daily diet plan to prevent illness or disease due to folic acid deficiencies. By checking the DV value for foods you should be able to easily make up your 100% folic acid DV per day.

What Foods Contain Folic Acid?

Learn more about flax seed oil vs. fish oil on our site. You'll also find other information such as flax seed supplement for vegetarians and fatty acids in flaxseed. OmegaFlaxSeedOil.com is a comprehensive resource to help individuals gain the benefits of essential nutrition such as flax seed oil, omega 3 and vitamin B12.

4 Vegetables You Need to Help Repair Muscles

Vegetables have long been known to keep your body healthy. Vegetables can help repair and gain muscle as well as get rid of fat. Vegetables contain vital minerals and nutrients that are essential for helping repair and restore your body.

Beans and legumes are two vegetables that are vital in helping you repair muscles in your body. Beans and legumes have plenty of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. Protein is especially vital in repairing muscles that are damaged and it helps to build new muscles too.

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Fiber keeps your arteries clean and carbohydrates give your body much needed energy to help it restore muscle mass. Kidney beans, chick peas, and black beans are some of the more common beans that can be eaten to help repair damaged muscles. Potatoes are another vegetable that can help repair and build muscle. Potatoes have lots of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber just like beans. Potatoes also have minerals such as iron and other important vitamins. Potatoes can also help you lose weight.

4 Vegetables You Need to Help Repair Muscles

Spinach is a vegetable that has a high amount of alkaline. Spinach repairs and builds muscle and also stops the loss of muscle and bone. Spinach has also been linked to preventing diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

These are just four of the many vegetables that can help you repair muscle damage. It is important to eat vegetables not just for your muscles but your entire body. Vegetables improve your overall health and fitness and prevent you from contracting many diseases. The more vegetables you consume the healthier and happier you will be.

4 Vegetables You Need to Help Repair Muscles

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