how to grow goji berries - Facts and Information Resource: Oct 11, 2008

goji berries recipeDiet Approach To Hypothyroidism

'Hypo' stands for lower, less, small or little. Hypothyroidism is therefore an under-active thyroid gland. This condition can remain undetected for years. People generally have the symptoms even though their blood tests show that their thyroid functions are normal and the gland is working okay. This is due to standard pathological tests for thyroid function may not detect the 'sub clinical' cases.

The most common symptoms include tiredness, constipation, feeling the cold, dry skin, blurred vision and general numbness all over the body especially in fingers and toes. You are indeed at high risk if hypothyroidism is running into your family. Being the hereditary disease, this can come on to you too.

Preventing it before it occurs and help to treat or to eliminate it when it strikes to you is very important. Diet could be the best way to heal the disease. Diet is harmless and easy to follow as compare to any other therapy. Diet therapy can be considered as natural way to win hypothyroidism.

Some of the foods really help in hypothyroidism. They are listed below:

Tyrosine rich foods: the amino acid tyrosine joins with the iodine to make the hormone thyroxin. This category includes food like meat, fish, turkey and chicken breast. Low fat milk, yogurt, bananas, pumpkin seeds, lentils etc are well known supplements of tyrosine. They are to be taken on empty stomach so that it will not compete with other amino acids.

Iodine rich foods: iodine is an element that is needed to make thyroid hormones. Ideal food that contains the iodine includes Celtic sea salt, salt-water fish, seafood; seaweed etc. iodine has now become mandatory to supple into the salts.

Selenium rich foods: chicken, meat, tuna, whole unrefined grains, Brazil nuts, broccoli, garlic, onions and black strap molasses are the food that contains selenium. Selenium help thyroid to function well and to produce the good quality of thyroxin hormone.

Vitamin B complex rich foods: Vitamin B complexes help in over all health and immunity. It also builds the nerve sheath and therefore, this group helps in numbness and neuropathy.

High quality protein rich foods: all of your body's glands and hormones are made up of proteins. Eating protein rich food will help building the immunity in the body and they will help body to produce good quality hormones. Protein also gives you a power to withstand against the weakness and lethargy.

The body gets nourished by proteins, Vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals and many other nutrients. The diet surely affect on the health of an individual especially in diseased condition. The taste, calorie content and nature of food can affect the disease and diseased. For instance, if one has acidity and goes on eating tamarind, he or she will surely increase the symptoms of acidity as tamarind contains acid. This goes same with the condition hypothyroidism. Foods can alter the disease and its conditions. Therefore, it is important to understand the role of diet in health conditions.

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Should You Avoid All Fats?

You have no idea that avoiding all fats is serious mistake. All fats are not created equal.

In fact, if you were to avoid them entirely you'd not only slow down on losing weight (assuming that is your goal; you didn't say) but you'd be in worse health! While it sounds confusing it's not. Fats are a complex subject but I hope that in the next 2 minutes you'll have a much better understanding of the importance in your diet.

Let's talk fat!

There are two main kinds of fat:

1. Good fats (essential fat, essential fatty acid) 2. Bad fats (processing methods, hydrogenation, damaged good fats)

Four sources of good fats:

1. Green vegetables (but in very small amounts) 2. Seeds and nuts (combinations of flax, sunflower, sesame to get the correct mixtures of Omega-3 and Omega-6) 3. High fat, cold water fish such as sardines, salmon, trout, herring, and mackerel 4. Oils made with health in mind: pressed from organically grown seeds

You hear a lot about the bad fats and all the problems associated with them but you also need to know about the good fats and the benefits from them. The main concept you want to take away from this section is all fats are not created equal. You want to get more of the good fats from sources like fish, nuts and some oils (combinations are always the best thing). Eliminating all fats is actually unhealthy. A zero fat diet is not recommended. One health nutritional professional once said that clients who came to him boasting that they only ate 10-15 g of fat per day. But they were in the office because they were not losing any weight. A diet void of all fats is not good. You should not avoid all fats.

When unsaturated vegetable oils are manufactured into solid form, they turn into trans fats. Processing can damage natural fats and make them toxic. Hydrogenation, which is used to turn oils into margarine, shortening, or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, produces trans fatty acids. Trans fats are found in hundreds of processed foods, usually to protect against spoiling and to enhance flavor. You should AVOID trans fats as much as possible (there are no health benefits here).

Truthfully, trans fats are even worse for the cardiovascular system then saturated fats. There are conservative estimates that 30,000 premature deaths from heart disease every year in the United States are linked to trans fats. Other studies show that trans fats drive up the body�s LDL, the bad cholesterol, even faster then saturated fats. High levels of cholesterol have been linked to heart disease and stroke.

You should have a diet that is moderate in saturated fats (a nice steak is okay every so often). But avoid them entirely? No. You'll find some saturated fats in all fats including the essential fatty acids. The more saturated fats you eat the more essential fats you'll need to eat to combat the effects. There�s no real reason to be obsessed about them but that�s not an excuse to eat more of them.

Most of the scientific community will still recommend a diet low to moderate in saturated fats. Diets high in fat, particularly saturated fat, may promote a variety of diseases. Therefore, saturated fats and trans fats are the only fats that you should strive to eliminate from your diet.

Interesting Fact:

* Bodybuilders can eat more saturated fats then a sedentary person because the body can burn saturated fats for energy.

What Are Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)?

EFAs = Essential Fatty Acids are substances from fats that must be provided by foods because the body cannot make them, and yet must have them for health. EFAs exist in two families: omega-3 and omega-6.

According to the above definition of essential, there are only two essential fats (technically called essential fatty acids or EFAs). One is the omega 3 EFA, called alpha- linolenic acid. The other, the omega 6 EFA, is known as linoleic acid.

Certain fats are defined as 'essential' because:

1. The body cannot make them; 2. They are required for normal cell, tissue, gland, and organ function, for health, and for life; 3. They must be provided from outside the body, through food or supplements; 4. They can come only from fats (hence fat-free diets cannot supply them); 5. Their absence from the diet will eventually kill; 6. Deficiency results in progressive deterioration, can lead to death; 7. Return of essential fatty acids to a deficient diet reverses the symptoms of deficiency and results in a return to health.

Most people do not get enough EFA�s in their diets, especially those who restrict themselves to a very low fat (any fat) type of diet. It�s rare that anybody is truly clinically deficient but such diets as a very low fat diet are clearly not going to provide optimal EFA�s.

Various types of oil blends, fish, seeds and green vegetables contain essential fatty acids. These �good fats� have a ton of great benefits to them. Getting enough of the good fats daily in your diet will actually do wonders to help you burn fat. Many sources recommend combinations of EFAs because of the Omega-3 and Omega-6.

For example, if you were to only get your essential fats from something like Flaxseed oil, there�s some research to suggest it�s not as beneficial as you might think because exclusive use of flax oil can lead to Omega-6 deficiency within 2-8 months! Furthermore, using CLA in conjunction with this might lead to deficiency of Omega-6 even sooner then just using flax oil alone.

All this really means is using oil blends and getting EFAs from various sources will help you achieve optimum levels of BOTH Omega-3 and Omega-6 complexes. I would recommend you don�t use flax oils exclusively but combine them with other EFA sources to balance any deficiencies.

Two of the many benefits to an EFA complex are:

1- Increase the metabolic rate 2- Help burn fat

There are several other benefits but in essence, what this says is that getting 15-20% of your good fats in your diet daily will actually increase your metabolic rate resulting in more fat loss!

Re-read that! Getting the optimal amount of good fats a day (15-20% of total calories) will actual enhance the metabolic reactions and result in more fat burn off.

You will learn the fats necessary for good health, increase your metabolism and healthy weight loss in the Beginner's Guide to Fitness and Bodybuilding http://www.beginning-bodybuilding.com.

Taste Your Way Through NYC at Tapas Top Ten

As film actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Chef Mario Batali are touring Spain seeking the best Spanish tapas and seafood dishes as part of a new reality television show, here in New York we don't even have to leave the city to experience this significant segment of the culinary culture of Spain.

"Tapas," "small bites," "pintxo," "cichetti," and now "stuzzichini": no matter how you say it, New York is definitely in the throes of a love affair with small dishes, usually accompanied by a wine from the appropriate region. Although the cost of these small plates can add up quickly, especially while sitting at a bar with a best buddy, most tapas menus sport combination plates, which often represent a great value. Share a couple of these and a bottle (or carafe, quartino, mezzo, flight) and it's a great way to spend an evening.

Here are my suggestions for ten Tapas Bars and Restaurants Deals in New York City:

1. Sangria 46

This Spanish newcomer is receiving raves from theatergoers and neighborhood diners alike for its authentic Spanish cuisine as well as its lovely backyard garden. Choose from the extensive Tapas menu, or order from the Pre-theater menu, which features several choices, including Vegetable Paella, Mussels Diablo, and Churasco (skirt steak). Three courses for $26.95 are served all day and evening.

2. Costa del Sol

Taking its flavors from Northwest Spain's Galicia region, the menu at Costa del Sol is filled with true Spanish dishes. Fans may not be able to agree on their favorites, which include Paella Valenciana with Lobster, Bacalau (codfish) with Green Sauce and Asparagus Puree, and the Madrid NY Sirloin and Lobster Tail combination.

But, most agree that being just on the fringe of the Theater District has saved this restaurant from the cliched themes of many of the more central theater spots. The Tapas menu is also authentic and varied, and you can enjoy a great DiningFever deal of 15% off the entire check.

3. Sol y Sombra

Fast becoming a neighborhood favorite, this Upper West Side newcomer offers a large selection of tapas, both hot and cold, and authentic Spanish entrees as well.

It's easy to design a great meal of small plates to share, and many say the Pulpo a la Gallego (Galician-style Octopus), the Queso Manchego accompanied by raisin bread and sliced apples and the Codorniz En Escabeche (marinated quail presented with mixed salad and roasted figs) keep them coming back for more. Enjoy this exclusive offer from DiningFever - 15% off entire check.

4. Azafran

Both international guests and neighborhood fans alike have hailed Azafran and its ever-changing menu as one of New York's top Spanish restaurants. Drawing inspiration from the many diverse culinary regions of Spain, Azafran's specialties feature a unique brand of authentic Tapas as well as upscale Spanish cuisine. Enjoy Azafran's cool ambiance and outstanding food and save up to 25% with DiningFever's exclusive special offer.

5. Bar Stuzzichini

As the newest hot spot in the Flatiron District, Bar Stuzzichini has been packing them in all summer, and its long marble-topped bar is the perfect place to try the bite-sized appetizers for which the restaurant was named.

At this Italian casual dining restaurant, stuzzichini are divided into five categories on the menu: Friti, Verdure, Formaggi, Pesce and Salumi; individually, they are priced at approximately $5.00 - $10.00, but order plates of five choices for $22.00. Two of these and a dessert with a bottle or quartino from the all-Italian wine list and you've got a delicious meal for two.

6. Matador Bistro Latino

Contemporary Spanish and Latin cuisines mix with Asian and Middle Eastern influences to create Matador's eclectic Tapas menu. Located on Greenwich Avenue in the West Village, Matador Bistro Latino is offering individual dishes ranging in price from $3.00 to $9.00, but for real lovers of Latin food, we recommend the Plato de Charcuteria y Queso, a mixed platter of meats, cheeses and olives, for only $14.00. Stay for dinner and take 20% off your food bill and enjoy a complimentary glass of Sangria with an exclusive offer from DiningFever.com.

7. Alta

The all-Tapas menu is extensive and features creative and unusual dishes. Bring some friends to Greenwich Village, snag a table or a couple of bar seats and share a bunch of the small plates, which range in price from $3.00 for Marcona Almonds to $14.00 for Sauteed Fois Gras. A moderately priced bottle of wine from Italy, Spain or France and a couple of desserts (don't miss the plate of five Spanish cheeses for $12.00) complete this relatively inexpensive (and sabrosa!) meal.

8. Antique Garage

At this romantic Soho spot (Mercer St. bet. Grand & Broome St.), the culinary influences are described as French, Italian, Turkish and "modernized Ottoman cuisine." The owners invite you to "fill your table with several small plates from the Meze section," which features two combination platters: a selection of meats and cheeses and a sampling of meze including humus, tzatziki, eggplant salad, circassian chicken and borek, $24.00 per platter. Sunday through Tuesday evenings, take 15% off with a DiningFever exclusive.

9. I Trulli Enoteca

Adjacent to I Trulli Ristorante is its tiny offshoot, I Trulli Enoteca. The small Enoteca menu features a well-chosen assortment of meats, cheeses, and olives from Italy's Apulian region. Choose three ($18.00) or five ($24.00) and be sure to pair it with one of several flights of three wines, ranging from $11.00 to $18.00.

10. La Bodeguita

Someday we'll be allowed to visit Cuba; until then, luckily, there's La Bodeguita! At this Cuban Tapas Lounge in the Gramercy Park area, you can certainly create a delicious feast from the extensive assortment of Tapas, but try to save room for one of La Bodeguita's authentic Cuban entrees, complimented, of course, by a pitcher of Sangria or a selection from the mostly Spanish wine list.

Although Tapas originated in Spain, where "there are as many variations of Tapas as there are cooks," according to an article in globalgourmet.com, today it seems that every country's cuisine is well-represented. Italian, Indian, Turkish, and of course Spanish and Latin restaurants have all added a selection of small plates to their menus, taking what began as "bar food" to a whole new level. Now, more and more, restaurant patrons are creating their own meals from a combination of these dishes, and restaurant owners are taking note and making their selections more extensive and appealing.

Amy Arthur is the content editor of the website, blog and newsletter of DiningFever the ultimate FREE source for the best and most attractive restaurant deals in New York City