Composition Of A Good Nutrient Rich Diet

For the human body to function well, it should be fed a good balance of vitamins and nutrients. There are three primary macronutrients which we consume namely protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Without these, our body won't be able to function properly. Since we cannot synthesize vitamins in sufficient quantities, they must be obtained from dietary sources. We also need several minerals for our body to function smoothly. Calcium and phosphorous, for example, aside from being important in the strengthening and lengthening of your bones are needed by your heart to pump efficiently. Salt, aside from adding flavor to your dishes, contain sodium and chlorine which help in maintaining fluid balance and producing digestive juices, respectively.

Mineral salts are ionic in nature, they help regulate pH levels in our blood and body. Maintenance of proper pH levels is crucial for the proper functioning of the body, a balanced supply of necessary mineral nutrients ensures that natural pH balance is maintained. There are also minerals which you require in lesser amounts of such as iron, iodine and zinc. While only minute levels are required, several ailments will emanate from not being able to meet the recommended dietary allowance overtime. You can get both macrominerals and trace elements from dietary sources. If your diet is deficient is essential nutrients, taking dietary supplements on a regular basis is recommended.

Beside mineral nutrients, the body needs water, you need to keep your body hydrated. 6 to 8 glasses of water a day is more than sufficient for the average person, if you have an active lifestyle, your requirement will be higher. Taking the adequate amounts of fluids is essential for the growth and maintenance of your body. It is also important in the elimination of unneeded and harmful substances from your system. Alkaline water, called so because of its slightly alkaline pH, is believed to benefit the body by reducing blood acidity.

This trend is brought about by the heightened awareness of the public to alkaline water benefits. The manufacturers of alkaline water additives claim that the regular consumption of alkaline water protects against cancer and may even slow down aging. Also called ionized water, this water preparation is mineral-rich and consequently keeps the blood pH at a neutral state. It is believed that certain food items, most notably carbonated drinks and junk foods, can make the blood acidic. When not neutralized, blood that is too acidic can have deleterious effects, like lethargy and abnormal heart rhythms.

Still there are those who do not believe in these alkaline water benefits saying further that these are overstated. The argument between believers and non-believers essentially fuels interest for the product. Ultimately, the users are the only people who can testify whether or not alkaline water works, and the present consensus is that it works.

 To ensure that your body works at maximum efficiency, maintaining a neutral pH is important. If your blood is acidic, you will feel lethargic and unwell. Hence, taking alkaline water is good for you.

 Author: Michele Tamez

Article Source: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_12498.shtml

4 Fat-Burning Foods To Eat For Fast Weight Loss

Foods that you should eat to burn fat fast are foods that are thermogenic in nature. By 'thermogenic', I mean foods that require the body to spend a lot of energy to digest them. Fat- burning foods do not necessarily mean those foods have to be 'hot' and spicy like peppers and other assorted spices etc. Not at all!
There are 4 fat-burning foods to eat to get rid of excess weight. They include;

1. Protein
The kinds of foods to eat for fast weight loss are these thermogenic foods and a very good example is protein. Protein is said to be the most thermogenic class of food. A lot of calories are burnt off while trying to digest them. The body's metabolic rate is increased and hence weight loss is achieved. Very good sources of protein are; turkey, chicken breast and other lean meats. Incorporate these in your diet for quick weight loss and sound health.

2. Green tea
You may or may not have heard about Green Tea. If you are a weight loss enthusiast, you probably would have come across it. Green tea works in such a way that it increases your body's metabolism significantly but unlike coffee and other caffeinated drinks, it does not increase your heart rate. This is very effective for quick weight loss. Green tea contains epigallo-catechin gallate (EGCG) and this is responsible to the increased metabolism. For anyone who wishes to lose weight fast, Green tea should be taken in place of other kinds of tea.

3. Fish
Though this is an amazing source of protein, it also contains what is known as Omega 3 fatty acids, which helps boost metabolism. Fish like salmon and tuna and most other fish, contain Omega 3 fatty acids. These Omega 3 fatty acids help to control the level of a hormone called 'leptin' in the body and this helps in reducing excess weight quickly.

4. Whole grain cereal and oatmeal
Intake of fibre and complex carbs help to lower insulin levels as these foods are digested slowly in the stomach. High levels of insulin encourage the body to store fat so it is important that you desist from eating sugary foods that increase insulin levels and instead make up your diet with whole grain cereal, nuts, fibre and oatmeal for effective weight reduction.

You can see that these are foods to eat for fast weight loss which should be incorporated in your daily diet. Stick to a meal plan today and make smart food choices so that you can quickly shed that excess fat.

Author: David Ugorji

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Ugorji