Pinoy Daily Talk

Here are some habits which causes damage to our brain.

1. No Breakfast

People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level.
This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2. Overeating

It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. Smoking

It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar consumption

Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. Air Pollution

The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6. Sleep Deprivation

Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.

7. Head covered while sleeping

Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. Working your brain during illness

Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts

Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely

Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain

Exercises are necessary and beneficial especially for those middle aged people. There are exrecises fit for different age group which could keep them active and healthy.

For the younger ones, a more strenuous exercise routine will surely make them stronger and of course intensity fits their young bodies. But, for the older ones, a light but consistent physical activity will not only make them active, it will also enhance their strength and energy.

A person who exercises regularly is more energetic and healthy. Exercising thoughout your life have a  lot of benefits. Exercising regularly makes your heart stronger and lungs healthier.

Here are some benefits of exercises which could help with your decision whether to start your physical fitness activities…

Exercise and your mood.

After a stressful day, a workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help you calm down. Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals, which may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. It will make you feel better. It can also boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Exercise even reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.

Exercise and your diseases.

Heart disease? High blood pressure? Osteoporosis? Regular exercise is your tool to prevent and control this illnesses. Regular exercise can help you prevent — or manage — high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. This activity keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.

Regular exercise can also help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

Exercise and your weight.

Overweight? Try walking or other physical activities. When you exercise, you burn calories. The more intense your exercise, the more calories you burn — and the easier it is to keep your weight under control.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.

Exercise and your heart and lungs.

Regular exercise can leave you breathing easier. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular exercise helps your entire cardiovascular system — the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels — work more efficiently. When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you’ll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.

Exercise and your sleep.

A good night’s sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. Exercise is sometimes the key to a better sleep. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. The natural dip in body temperature five to six hours after you exercise might help you fall asleep.

Exercise and your sex life.

Regular exercise can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. Exercise also improves your circulation, which can lead to more satisfying sex. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don’t exercise, especially as they get older.

Exercise can also be — fun!

Exercise doesn’t have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Find an activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you’re moving, it counts!

Now, what are you waiting for? Start a physical activity today and enjoy the benefits of exercising!

Food additives are substances that preserves the flavour of the food or improve its taste and appearance. Food additives have been used by mankind for centuries. Salt, sugar and vinegar were among the first and used to preserve foods. 

With the advent of processed foods, many more additives have been introduced, of both natural and artificial origin. Considerable controversy have been associated with the potential threats and possible benefits of food additives.

Most food additives are cosidered safe. However, some are known to be carcinogenic or toxic. Some of human’s illnesses  are often associated with adverse reactions to food additives.

Here are some food additives that we should be aware of:

Sodium Nitrate

A preservative, coloring, and flavoring used with meat products, sodium nitrate is commonly added to bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, smoked fish, and corned beef to stabilize the red color and add flavor. Sodium nitrate prevents growth of bacteria, but studies have linked it to various types of cancer.

BHA and BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydrozyttoluene are used to preserve common household foods. Both keep fats and oils from going rancid and are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils.

Propyl Gallate

Propyl gallate is used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling and is often used in conjunction with BHA and BHT. This additive is sometimes found in meat products, chicken soup base, and chewing gum. Propyl gallate has not been proven to cause cancer, but studies done on animals have suggested that it could be linked to cancer.

Monosodium Glutamate

Monosodium glutamate is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and restaurant food. It is commonly associated with Asian foods and flavorings. MSG can cause headaches and nausea in some people, and animal studies link it to damaging nerve cells in the brains of infant mice. MSG can cause migraine-like headaches and create other adverse affects for certain people. It is a flavor enhancer, but you’d be better of putting in a few grains of salt.

Trans Fats

Trans fat leads to heart disease. Trans fats are proven to cause heart disease, and make conditions perfect for stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and limb loss due to vascular disease. Manufacturers have modified product ingredients lists to reduce the amount of trans fats, and are required to label trans fats amounts, but restaurant food, especially fast food chains, still serve foods laden with trans fats. Experts recommend we consume no more than 2 grams of trans fat per day, an amount easily accounted for if you eat meat and dairy.

Aspartame

Aspartame, also known by the brand names Nutrasweet and Equal, is an additive found in so-called diet foods such as low-calorie desserts, gelatins, drink mixes, and soft drinks. It also comes in individual packages used in place of sugar as a sweetener. Aspartame is a combination of two amino acids and methanol that may cause cancer or neurological problems, such as dizziness or hallucinations. Studies shows that lifelong consumption may increase a person’s risk of cancer.

Acesulfame-K

This is a relatively new artificial sweetener, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1998 for use in soft drinks. It is also found in baked goods, chewing gum, and gelatin desserts. Acesulfame-K—the “K” is the chemistry symbol for potassium—is considered 200 times sweeter than sugar. Studies showed the additive may cause cancer in rats. Further study is needed to conclude whether or not acesulfame-K is harmful.

Food Colorings: Blue 1, 2; Red 3; Green 3; Yellow 6

You may think that all dangerous artificial food colorings were banned by the FDA long ago, but there are five still on the market that are linked with cancer in animal testing. Always opt for the product without the color, if you have a choice. Many are made from natural sources. But some specific dye colors do promote tumor formation, in the right combination and conditions. Blue 1 and 2, found in beverages, candy, baked goods and pet food are considered low risk but have been linked to cancer in mice. Red 3, used to dye cherries, fruit cocktail, candy, and baked goods, has been shown to cause thyroid tumors in rats. Green 3, added to candy and beverages, though rarely used, has been linked to bladder cancer. Studies have linked the widely used yellow 6—added to beverages, sausage, gelatin, baked goods, and candy—to tumors of the adrenal gland and kidney.

Olestra

Olestra, a synthetic fat known as the brand name Olean and found in some potato chip brands, prevents fat from getting absorbed in your digestive system. This often leads to severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and gas. Olestra inhibits healthy vitamin absorption from fat-soluble carotenoids that are found in fruits and vegetables and thought to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. It blocks fat absorption, but it also blocks vitamin absorption. 

Potassium Bromate

Potassium bromate is rare, but still used as an additive to increase volume in white flour, breads, and rolls. Most bromate rapidly breaks down to an innocuous form, but it is known to cause cancer in animals—and even small amounts in bread can create a risk for humans. 

White Sugar

Some foods, such as fruits and carrots, naturally contain sugar, but watch out for foods with added sugars, such as baked goods, cereals, crackers, even sauces and many other processed foods. Simple sugars shouldn’t take up more than about 10 percent of the total calories you consume daily. Too much sugar not only leads to problems with weight control, tooth decay and blood sugar levels in diabetics; it also replaces good nutrition. 

Sodium Chloride

A dash of sodium chloride, more commonly known as salt, can certainly bring flavor to your meal. But salt is another hidden food additive that can lead to health issues. Small amounts of salt are needed by the body and are beneficial in preserving food. Excessive amounts of salt can become dangerous for your health, affecting cardiovascular function, leading to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.