A Daily Cup of Greek Coffee Could be Key to Longevity !!!!

The elderly inhabitants of the Greek island Ikaria boast some of the highest rates of longevity in the world, and now scientists believe that the secret may lie not just in their heart-healthy Mediterranean diet but in their daily caffeine fix.

Findings: A new study has found that drinking certain types of coffee could help you to live longer

Could a daily cup of boiled Greek coffee be the secret to a longer life?

 

In a new study in the journal Vascular Medicine, researchers from the University of Athens Medical School found a link between the good cardiovascular health of the island’s elders and the boiled Greek coffee they drink daily.

Only 0.1% of Europeans live to be over 90, the researchers said, yet on Ikaria, the figure is 1%, with the islanders tending to live out their long lives in good health.

From a sample of 673 Ikarians aged over 65 who lived on the island permanently, the researchers randomly selected 71 men and 71 women to take part in the study. Medical staff checked for high blood pressure, diabetes, and other ailments, and subjects answered detailed questionnaires about their medical health, lifestyle, and coffee habits. In addition, the researchers tested their endothelial functioning — the endothelium is a layer of cells that lines blood vessels, which is affected both by aging and by lifestyle habits, such as smoking.

Prior studies have suggested that moderate coffee consumption could not only reduce the risks of coronary heart disease but have a positive impact on several aspects of endothelial health, the researchers said.

The researchers investigated all types of coffee that the subjects imbibed — but interestingly more than 87 percent of those in the study consumed boiled Greek coffee daily. Subjects who drank mainly boiled Greek coffee had better endothelial function than those who consumed other types of coffee. Even in those with high blood pressure, boiled Greek coffee consumption was linked with improved endothelial function.

“Boiled Greek type of coffee, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants and contains only a moderate amount of caffeine, seems to gather benefits compared to other coffee beverages,” says lead researcher Dr. Gerasimos Siasos.

-Relaxnews

SOURCE:::The NewAge Online
 Natarajan

Say ” Yes ” To Whole Wheat Flour !!!!

Health Benefits of Atta (Whole Wheat Flour)

Whole foods, including whole wheat flour, contain some of the healthiest fats, carbohydrates and proteins, which are essential in lowering the risk of developing metabolic syndromes.
Whole wheat flour has been associated with reversing the weight gain process. The consumption of these high-fiber foods helps in boosting the metabolic rate and thus, contributes to keeping the body weight under control.

Consuming whole wheat flour in foods has been proven to protect the body against the risk of insulin resistance, which can otherwise lead to visceral obesity, low levels of protective HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides and high blood pressure. There is sufficient protection against cardiovascular problems.

Enriched with the magnesium, whole wheat flour is linked to lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Daily consumption of these foods has shown a decline in the increasing blood sugar, by about 19%.

People who consume a diet with high amounts of betaine and choline are likely to have lesser chances of acquiring chronic inflammation by almost 20%. This in turn lowers medical conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Whole wheat flour is an excellent source of insoluble fiber which is vital for preventing the formation of gallstones, especially in women, by speeding up the intestinal transit time and reducing the secretion of bile acids. Excessive amounts of bile acids can lead to gallstone formation.

Cereals high in bran, such as whole wheat, have excellent laxative properties that are necessary for alleviating symptoms of diverticular disease like pain, nausea, flatulence, constipation, distension and so on. These conditions are characterized by inflammation and lower abdominal pains, sometimes leading to the formation of a pouch in the wall of the colon due to chronic constipation and excessive straining.

Being an anti-cancerous agent, whole wheat flour boosts the metabolism of estrogen, which is regarded as a promoter of breast cancer. The bran in whole wheat is highly beneficial in preventing cancerous agents in the colon, which can otherwise increase the concentration of bile acids and bacterial enzymes in the stool.

Postmenopausal women consuming a fiber-rich diet, with whole wheat flour, have shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by 34% compared to those who consume fiber in the lesser amounts.

Eating a serving of whole wheat can reduce levels of cholesterol, high blood pressure and other signs of cardiovascular disease.

A rich intake of whole wheat is significantly linked to lowering the risk of wheezing and asthma in children and bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR), a condition where narrowing of the airways increase.

Whole wheat contains the powerful antioxidant, vitamin E, which protects fat-containing substances, like cell membranes, brain cells and fatty molecules, from free radical damage. In turn, the vitamins are essential for immune system function, cancer prevention and blood glucose control for both healthy and diabetic people.

source:::: input from a friend of mine…

Natarajan

Overnight Cooked Rice Soaked In PlainWater…Healthy Breakfast!!!… How ?

previous day’s cooked rice soaked in plain water

For the benefit of friends who do not know Tamil, the following message is made out and is being sent to all . I hope you will take advantage of the write-up and derive benefits and enjoy good health

During the good old days, there was no special practice of preparing hot morning break-fast, as we do now, among most South Indian families, except that, previous day’s cooked rice that was soaked in plain water the previous night was consumed the next day morning with some nutritious supplements such as fresh buttermilk, slightly-salted onions or other non-spicy pickles such as goose berry or lemon. This is an excellent, rich and the most nutritious food. This is known as ” Pazhaya Saadham” (meaning old rice) in Tamil and “Saddhi Annamu” or “Saddhennamu” (meaning cold rice) in Telugu.

An American Nutritionist, dietitian and scientist had researched on the food practices among various regions in the world and concluded that the South Indian tradition of consuming the previous day’s cooked rice soaked in plain water overnight, in the morning next day, as break-fast, is the best.

For centuries, this has been the staple food of many South Indian families, particularly of the low income groups. It is, of course, now replaced with fashionable hot break-fast.

It is found out that previous day’s cooked rice soaked in plain water is very compact and complete break-fast. It has the rare B6, B12 vitamins which are not otherwise easily available in other food supplements. This rice generates and harbours trillions of beneficial bacteria that help digestion and has many disease fighting and immunity developing agents. The bacteria that grow in the intestines due to this rice safeguard the internal organs and keep all organs battle fit and ready. Consuming this rice helps quicker digestion and wards off ageing, bone related ailments and muscular pains.

It is worth giving a try. The cooked rice can be soaked in an earthen vessel or vessels made of natural clay or rock. (In Tamil families, vessels made of natural rock, called as “Kalchatti” was used. Many South Indian families also use this even now though it is called by different names in other languages. Some families use this “Kalchatti” that is handed down to them since generations even. It is found to be free from harmful bacteria and other normal disease causing harmful elements.

” Brown Rice”is the best for this as its nutrients are retained intact.

You will be happy to know that the American Nutritionist had listed the following benefits that accrue to the body if you stick to the practice of consuming such soaked rice.

1. Consuming this rice as break-fast keeps the body light and also energetic.

2. Beneficial bacteria gets produced in abundance for the body.

3. Stomach ailments disappear when this is consumed in the morning, as, excessive and harmful heat retained in the
body is neutralized.

4. As this food is very fibrous, it removes constipation and also dullness in the body.

5. Blood pressure is normalised and hypertension subsides appreciably.

6. Body feels less tired due to this food as a result of which one feels fresh through out the day.

7. This removes allergy induced problems and also skin related ailments.

8. It removes all types of ulcers in the body.

9. Fresh infections are kept at bay due to consuming this rice.

10. It helps in maintaining youthful and radiant look.

Once you consume this, the body does not crave for tea or coffee. In the olden days, people who worked in the fields used to leave their houses in the early morning after consuming this soaked rice and worked hard for over 8 to 10 hours non-stop.

source:::input from my friend…

Natarajan

Senior Alphabet !!!!….Only For Senior Citizens !!!!!!!!!!!

The Senior Alphabet!

New Alphabet:
A is for apple, and B is for boat,
That used to be right, but now it won’t float!
Age before beauty is what we once said,
But let’s be a bit more realistic instead.

Now The Alphabet For Seniors:

A’s for arthritis,
B’s the bad back,
C’s the chest pains, perhaps car-di-ac?

D is for dental decay and decline,
E is for eyesight, can’t read that top line!
F is for fissures and fluid retention,
G is for gas which I’d rather not mention.

H is for high blood pressure – I’d rather it low;
I for incisions with scars you can show.
J is for joints, out of socket, won’t mend,
K is for knees that crack when they bend.

L ‘s for Lull and dull….
M is for memory, I forget what comes next.
N is neuralgia, in nerves way down low;
O is for osteo, bones that don’t grow!

P for prescriptions, I have quite a few,

just give me a pill and I’ll be good as new!

Q is for queasy, is it fatal or flu?

R is for reflux, one meal turns to two.

S is for sleepless nights, counting my fears,
T is for Tinnitus, bells in my ears!
U is for urinary, troubles with flow,
V for vertigo, that’s ‘dizzy,’ you know.

W for worry, now what’s going ’round?
X is for X ray, and what might be found.
Y for another year I’m left here behind,

Z is for zest I still have – in my mind!

source:::::babamail
Natarajan

Vegetables That Boost Your Immune System…..

Adding immune-boosting vegetables to your diet is one of the most critical lifestyle changes you can make. The difference veggies make in your health is worth any effort. They reduce your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and some cancers.

Veggies help you not only get well and stay well but also look good! When your body gains nutritional sufficiency from vegetables, your hair, skin, and eyes all show the signs of health.

Don’t hesitate to load your plate (with a minimum of two) of the following veggies:

source:::::dummies.com

Natarajan

1

Cruciferous vegetables are the gold standard in immune-boosting vegetables.

Although all vegetables have nutrients and some protective powers, for these vegetables, it’s off the charts. Cruciferous vegetables have a special chemical composition: They have sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for their pungent flavors. When they’re broken down by biting, blending, or chopping, a chemical reaction occurs that converts these sulfur-containing compounds into isothiocyanates(ITCs). ITCs prevent and knock out cancer and have infinite proven immune-boosting capabilities.

They contain antiviral and antibacterial agents that keep you disease free. Adding the following cruciferous vegetables to your daily plate is like taking an anticancer pill: arugula, beet greens, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, red cabbage, turnip greens, or watercress.

2

Garlic is surely one of the world’s most potent medicines, and its potent smell is what makes it so powerful.

The active ingredient allicin turns into organosulfurs, which are the compounds that keep your cells safe from all the destructive cellular processes that can cause major chronic diseases. Garlic is a natural antiseptic; it prevents cancer, fights infection, and prevents colds. Research also states that garlic may prevent or decrease chronic diseases associated with age, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, cancer, immune disorders, brain aging, cataracts, and arthritis.

3

Onions are rich inquercetin, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of cancer.

Like garlic, onions also contain the amazing compound allicin. Red and purple onions containanthocyanins, the same antioxidants that make berries so robust in healing powers. In addition to being extraordinary at preventing and healing cancer, the quercetin contained in onion makes them a safe therapy for allergies; it also helps prevent heart disease and reduce high blood pressure.

4

The power of mushrooms comes from their ability to enhance the activity of natural killer T cells (NKT).

These NKTs attack and remove cells that are damaged or infected by a virus. Mushrooms are associated with decreasing most cancers and significantly reducing the risk of breast cancer in women. They prevent DNA damage, slow cancer or tumor growth, and prevent tumors from acquiring a blood supply.

5

Tomatoes are also the richest source of the exceptionally potent antioxidant lycopene,a substance that prevents cancer, particularly cancer of the prostate.

Tomatoes also have high levels of beta carotene, an antioxidant that supports the immune system. They have high dietary fiber and taste delicious raw or cooked.

6

Beets are an amazing blood purifier.

Beets are rich in iron and produce the disease-fighting white blood cells. They also stimulate red blood cells and improve the supply of oxygen to the cells. Beets prevent cancer and heart disease, and the detoxifying properties make them good for your organs. Beets are also high in fiber and nourishing for digestive health.

7

Spinach is rich in beta carotene, which the body transforms into vitamin A, triggering your immune response to keep you well.

Spinach prevents cancer and heart disease and is rich in the disease-fighting mineral zinc. The vitamin C helps you resist colds and infection and keeps your skin healthy; the B vitamins keep you calm and more energetic.

8

Asparagus’s biggest talent is its ability to encourage the body to flush out toxins, due to its natural diuretic abilities.

Asparagus is both cleansing and anti-inflammatory to the body. It has the antioxidant glutathione,which can lower your risk factor for heart disease and cancer. It’s useful for all inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

9

Artichoke supports the liver.

The substance cynarin gives artichoke its detoxifying qualities. Artichokes’ B vitamins increase mental alertness and strengthen your immunity.

10

Red bell pepper is bursting with vitamin C, making it a powerful immune builder.

Red bell pepper’s high level of beta carotene turns into vitamin A, making it a strong defense against disease. Although green and yellow peppers are certainly healthy, they’re more superfoodish. Although they both have similar amounts of vitamin C, red bell peppers have quite a bit more of the superstar beta carotene.

11

Sweet potatoes are far superior than the run-of-the-mill white potato.

The orange variety contains beta carotene, which makes them filled with robust antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer abilities. They’re also full of fiber and the vitamin E they contain is healthy for the skin.

Life is A Mix of Both Change and Non change ….

Sorrow simply means that viveka (discrimination) is overshadowed. Viveka means knowing that everything is changing. Your body, your emotions, the people around you and the world-everything is changing. Time and again you have to awaken to this reality. You are often fearful of change. Change is inevitable in many fronts thoug security is hooked on to stability. You know there is a need for change to improve your life, but you feel secure in the old pattern. You need the courage to implement changes whenever it is necessary. You have to evaluate the pros and the cons. You have to see whether that gives you short-term joy and misery in the long run or short-time pain and joy in the long run.
Life is a combination of both change and non-change. So, use your intelligence and courageously implement changes when you feel that there is a need for change.

source::::: SRI SRI Ravishankarji…
Natarajan

Life can begin at 60…