We have many foods available to us that are healthy and nutritious. But in this age of processed, packaged and fast foods there are even more negative options that will eventually cause one’s health to go into a decline if they are a regular habit.

Processed foods are manufactured with Omega-6 oils for a longer shelf life; chips and fries are soaked in soybean oil. Omega-6’s are essential as they are part of every cell membrane controlling what goes in and out of the cell but without a correct balance to Omega-3’s, more harm sets in.

An imbalance of Omega-6’s to Omega 3’s causes inflammation in the body, which is causes you to gain weight, get more belly fat, it’s bad for your heart and your entire body. Today’s main stream diet has produced an imbalance from 15:1 to as high as 30:1 in favor of Omega-6. A ratio of 3:1 would be optimal and healthy.

Animal fats contain less than 20% Omega-6 and are much less likely to cause inflammation than the supposedly healthy oils labeled polyunsaturated. There is no actual science that states saturated fat alone causes heart disease. The science that saturated fat raises blood cholesterol is also very weak.

Refined sugars along with other simple carbohydrates cause the body to produce high levels of insulin. Over time, cells will become sensitive and less resistant to too much insulin causing Type 2 diabetes. Then they become abnormally stiff from an overload of Omega-6 fatty acids.

When we consume more sugars than we use or need, a cycle of internal terror begins as our bodies are not designed to eliminate toxic substances. Cells will become overloaded, producing a substance called resistin that makes cells even less responsive to insulin.

LDL, which is referred to as the bad cholesterol, is chemically changed from this cycle of internal terror and becomes abnormal. The LDL chemical changes are perceived by the body as an invader, an infection or foreign substance to be destroyed and the inflammatory process begins.

The important point to remember is LDL would not become trapped in the artery wall and cause a plaque unless the LDL changed from oxidation or high blood sugar in the presence of inflammation.

Without inflammation being present, cholesterol would move freely throughout as nature intended.

Excess weight creates overloaded fat cells. This adds to the inflammation and along with the multiple problems caused by high blood sugar they become very dangerous. Eventually this vicious cycle evolves into high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, etc. You get the picture.

Inflammation is simply your body’s natural defense to a foreign invader such as a bacteria, toxin or virus. The cycle of inflammation is perfect in how it protects your body from bacterial and viral invaders. However, chronic inflammation will be the result if we continually expose the body to injury by toxins or foods the human body was never designed to process. That’s where the problems begin.

It’s not hard to prevent this cycle. Return to foods closer to their natural states. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed, packaged foods and foods that say no-fat or low-fat. Eat beef that is grass fed and chicken that is free range. Meat and chicken you generally buy in your grocery stores will be marked "grass fed" or "free range" if they are.

It’s not hard to do. It’s really just a matter of changing a few habits. The rewards are many, not the least of which include a slimmer, healthier body.

If you’re interested in taking your proper diet, fat-loss and fitness efforts to an entirely new level, go to the following site and download a FREE e-book that will give you methods for boosting your metabolism, losing belly fat and getting into the best physical condition of your entire life- http://LoseTheBelly-Fat.com

Article Source: ArticleSpan

If you are at risk of developing diabetes or have already been diagnosed with diabetes, you are probably wondering to yourself what are the foods that lower blood glucose levels? This is a legitimate question, as most people who develop either type 1 or type 2 diabetes need to adjust their eating habits. Most nutritionists will tell you that it is most important to eat a balanced, healthy diet and get exercise. This is definitely what you need to do, as a diabetic patient, and, in fact, the idea is sound for all of us.

But, that being said, it certainly makes good sense to not only eat healthily, but also to specifically look for foods that may help lower blood glucose levels. There are some foods that have been shown to do just that - so why not add them into your diet if your can, right?

So, what are the foods that lower blood glucose levels? Here is a list that may just get you on your way to lower blood sugar and less insulin or other medications:

* Cinnamon. Research tells us that cinnamon may lower your blood glucose levels.

* Broccoli. Broccoli has even been touted as the “blood sugar wonder food.”

* Vinegar. Adding vinegar to your diet may help with the effects of diabetes.

* Tomatoes. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and have been shown to be good for diabetes patients.

* Oatmeal. Oatmeal has long been recommended by nutritionists as a great food for diabetics

* Fruits with lower levels of sugar such as apples and pears.

* Whole grains such as rye and barley.

*Vegetables that aren’t the starchy kinds of vegetables. Look for cabbages, green beans, squashes, zucchini, lettuce, and spinach.

This is a partial list of some of the most beneficial foods to lower your sugar levels.

Learn More About Blood Glucose Levels

Healthy eaters know that easily the best way to please someone dear to you is to make him a Romantic Dinner. We’ve gone one better and prepared a special collection of Romantic Dinners.

See pictures of delicious recipes and other details at:

Romantic Recipes They Love

Studies show that some of the most mouth-watering and exotic dishes are the worst for man. Recipes meant to entice the taste buds are often low in proteins and fiber and high in carbohydrates. Regular consumption of this type of food can lead to serious health hazards like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, hypoglycemia and type 2 diabetes. High cholesterol can further lead to other serious conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis. Switching to healthy recipes will help you shed those extra pounds and improve your overall health.

For many people going on a “diet” means having to deprive themselves from food they love to eat. Following healthier recipes gives you a low-calorie and low-carbohydrate diet that can help you have your fill without worrying about obesity and health problems. Recipes involving a low-carbohydrate diet use low-carb alternatives as essential ingredients, tasting similar to the high-carb foods you are not allowed to eat. So you can eat healthier food including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, and green vegetables like asparagus, spinach, and broccoli until you are full, without worrying about your calorie intake.

People who follow the healthy recipes feel both physically and mentally fit. Small dietary changes can definitely lead to big results. Health practitioners relate that even with various breakthroughs in medicine, the best way to reduce the threat of the diseases is to reduce the likelihood of their occurring altogether. An easier and more practical way to reach this goal is to follow a healthy eating pattern, including healthy recipes in your daily life.

The sources of these recipes can be many. If your friend or aunt cannot supply them, browse the Internet or check with your healthcare provider. Experimenting with new ingredients and coming up with something delicious is also a nice idea. Your kitchen shelf should be full of quick and easy healthy recipes fulfilling your family’s nutritional needs.

Healthy Recipes provides detailed information on Healthy Recipes, Healthy Chicken Recipes, Healthy Smoothie Recipes, Healthy Recipes For Kids and more. Healthy Recipes is affiliated with Gourmet Food Gift Baskets.

Healthy eaters know that easily the best way to please someone dear to you is to make him a Romantic Dinner. We’ve gone one better and prepared a special collection of Romantic Dinners.

See pictures of delicious recipes and other details at:

Romantic Recipes They Love