11 Health Benefits of Broccoli

 

 

 

Broccoli is known to be a hearty and tasty vegetable which is rich in dozens of nutrients. It is said to pack the most nutritional punch of any vegetable. When we think about green vegetables to include in our diet, broccoli is one of the foremost veggies to come to our mind. Coming from the cabbage family, broccoli can be categorized as an edible green plant.

Here are some of the benefits of broccoli:

1. Cancer prevention: Broccoli shares cancer fighting and immune boosting properties with other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Broccoli contains properties that depletes estrogens which usually cause cancer in the body. Research shows that broccoli is extremely suitable for preventing breast and uterus cancer.

2. Cholesterol reduction: Like many whole foods, broccoli is packed with soluble fiber that draws cholesterol out of your body. This is because the fiber in broccoli helps bind with bile acids in the digestive tract. This makes excreting cholesterol out of our body easy. According to a research by the Institute of Food Research, a particular variety of broccoli can help reduce the blood LDL-cholesterol levels by 6 per cent.

3. Reducing allergic reaction and inflammation: Research has shown the ability of kaempferol to lessen the impact of allergy-related substances on our body. Broccoli even has significant amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which are well known as anti-inflammatory. Along with this, broccoli can also help people suffering from arthritis as broccoli contains sulforaphane, a chemical that blocks the enzymes that can cause joint destruction and hence lead to inflammation.

4. Powerful antioxidant: Broccoli contains antioxidants that can help the body in a variety of ways. Broccoli is deeply concentrated with vitamin C, making it great for immunity. Other than this, broccoli also contains flavonoids which help recycle the vitamin C efficiently. It is also enriched with carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and other power packed antioxidants.

5. Bone health: Broccoli contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. Along with calcium, broccoli is also full of other nutrients like magnesium, zinc and phosphorous. Because of these properties, broccoli is extremely suitable for children, elderly and lactating mothers.

6. Heart health: The anti-inflammatory properties of sulforaphane, one of the isothiocyanates (ITCs) in broccoli, may be able to prevent (or even reverse) some of the damage to blood vessel linings that can be caused by inflammation due to chronic blood sugar problems. Broccoli is great for heart health as it contains fibers, fatty acids and vitamins that help regulating blood pressure in the body. This also helps in reducing bad cholesterol, hence leading to a healthy heart. Broccoli helps protecting blood vessels from damaging as well.

7. Diet aid: Broccoli is a good carb and is high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating. Along with this, broccoli is also great for weight loss because it is rich in fiber. It is an ideal green vegetable to include in your salads and completing your five coloured vegetables everyday. In addition to this, broccoli also contains proteins, making it suitable for vegetarians that are otherwise not able to complete their protein requirement.

8. Great for detoxification: Since broccoli is rich in fiber, it can help get rid of toxins through the digestive tract. Other than this, broccoli is also full of antioxidants that help in overall detoxification of the body. Broccoi includes special phytonutrients that help in the body's detox process. This means that the body gets rids of unwanted contaminants. Broccoli also contains isothiocyanates, which help in the detox process at the genetic level.

9. Skin care: Skin care not only includes glow, but also its immunity. Since broccoli is a powerhouse of antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C and minerals such copper and zinc, broccoli helps in maintaining a healthy skin. This means it also protects the skin from getting infections as well as keep the natural glow of your skin. Broccoli is full of vitamin K, amino acids and folates, making it ideal for maintaining healthy skin immunity.

10. Eye care: Broccoli contains beta-carotene, vitamin A, phosphorous and other vitamins such B complex, vitamin C and E. All these rich nutrients are great for eye health as these help in protecting the eyes against mascular degeneration, cataract and even repairs damage done by harmful radiations we go through by being constantly on our phones or being in front of a screen.

11. Anti-ageing: Since broccoli is enriched with vitamin C, which has numerous antioxidant properties, it is great for anti-ageing. This is because antioxidants help fight the free radicals responsible for ageing. These free radicals often damage the skin. Eating broccoli regularly helps in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, skin issues like acne and even pigmentation.

Originally posted by: Indiatimes Lifestyle Network

All credits goes to the blog owner.

Original post: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/11-health-benefits-of-broccoli/articleshow/30843390.cms 

Back-to-School Health Tips

After a long summer break, it's time for the kids to head back to school and focus on classes, sports and other after-school activities. But as you get adjusted to the first month of school, it's a good idea to take a couple of precautionary measures to set them up for a safe, healthy year. Here are the top five back-to-school health tips to consider.

1. Get vaccinated

You, your partner and your children should all get vaccinated as early as possible in the school year. Many schools require certain vaccinations before children can enroll. Talk to your children's health care provider and your doctor to find out which ones are recommended, and consider getting the flu vaccine, too. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.

2. Set bedtimes

It's essential for kids (and adults!) to get a healthy amount of sleep each night to stay focused throughout the day. Although sleep requirements vary somewhat among individuals, most adults need about eight hours of sleep each night, and children and adolescents typically need more than eight hours. To get your kids ready to wake up earlier for school, consider making their bedtimes a little earlier each night for a week or two before school starts. Sticking to a routine is important too, so don’t let weekends become late-night free-for-alls.

3. Teach good hygiene habits

With so many people around, germs are bound to be lurking in classrooms. To help your kids avoid getting sick (and prevent them from bringing germs home), it's important to show them how to protect themselves. Teach them to wash their hands after using the restroom and before going to lunch or eating a snack. It may be smart to provide your children with on-the-go hand sanitizer to use when washing their hands isn't convenient. You should also instruct them not to share food or drinks with other kids.

4. Stock up on healthy foods

It might be easy to pack your kids' lunches with premade snacks, but a healthy diet is of the utmost importance, and junk foods don't fit into the equation. Make it easier for yourself by stocking up on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole-grain bread and lean protein like turkey. Take a few minutes during the weekend to cut up fruits and vegetables and prepare things like tuna salad or hard-boiled eggs for convenience in the mornings, and buy plenty of containers for nutritious dinner leftovers. Consider getting a small ice pack and an insulated lunch bag to allow more variety.

5. Manage stress

Back-to-school season is stressful for kids and parents alike, but too much stress can lead to a variety of health issues, like insomnia and sluggish immune systems. Help manage stress by talking to your children about anything that's bothering them, and take care not to overload anyone's schedule, including your own. Schoolwork and after-school activities are important, but it's also essential to take time to relax, play and spend time as a family.


All credits to this blog: http://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/top-5-back-school-health-tips-moms

What is Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection. It is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. Humans can get the disease when they are bitten by a mosquito that carries the virus. Japanese encephalitis virus cannot be transmitted from one person to another.


The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is related to the viruses of St. Louis encephalitis and Murray Valley encephalitis, to the West Nile virus and to dengue and yellow fever.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain which can cause fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and, in some cases, death.

Fewer than 1 percent of people infected with the virus develop symptoms. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is fatal for 30 percent of those who do develop symptoms.

Not only humans are affected by the virus. Mosquitoes can also infect horses and pigs, leading to encephalitis in horses and abortion in pigs.

Wild birds are probably the natural hosts, and mosquitoes are the vectors. A vector does not cause a disease but passes it on.

When mosquitoes infect an animal, the animal can become a carrier of the virus. When other mosquitos feed on these newly infected animals, they take up the virus and can go on to infect other animals or humans.

People in rural areas where the virus is common are at highest risk. Japanese encephalitis does not usually happen around towns and cities.

It is more likely to affect children, because adults in areas where it is endemic generally become immune as they get older.


All credits to this blog: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181418.php


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0925-567-5329 • 0908-865-5662 • 0917-566-1932 • 458-0717
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Important Tips That Keep You Healthy During Rainy Season

Rainy days are here and the excitement always come to us. However, the season also invites a number of health problems which is very difficult to be dealt with such illness. You should take proper precautions to avoid such health problems peeping into your body. Most importantly, kids need extra care during this season to keep them healthy.


7 Common Illness Caused During Rainy Season

• Dengue
• Cold
• Flu
• Food infection
• Water infection
• Cholera
• Leptospirosos is caused by bacteria that can be carried either by a man or some animal. Its severe form can damage kidney, liver, meningitis and respiratory failure. 

7 Precautions During Rainy Season

• Keep Rain Gear With you Always – The most effective thing that you can do is to keep your rain gear always ready when you go out in the rainy season. A raincoat with hooded jacket and waterproof shoes are the best items.

• Vitamin C – Increasing the intake of Vitamin C either in natural form or as food supplement will help you drive away the cold virus faster. It is still a matter of debate among doctors whether Vitamin C is cure for cold. However, a healthy supply of this vitamin will activate your antibodies and reduce the severity of cold, undoubtedly.

• Shower After Being Caught in Rain – Although it sounds very unusual because if you are drenched in rain, you will never want to take another shower. But taking a shower after you have been caught in the rain will protect you from many infections.

• Hot Drinks – This is the one season when you would like to take hot drinks. After taking a good bath, dry yourself and wear dry & clean clothes. The best thing is to make a hot soup for yourself or at least drink a cup of hot milk. This will help you from catching cold or save you from catching any kind of infection that can occur due to sudden change in the temperature of the body.

• Cleanliness – Micro-organisms are susceptible to grow in the rainy season, try to maintain hygiene around you Cleanliness is very important during rainy season. Even if you catch a cold, you should clean your hands regularly and use a sanitizer always after that.

• Drink Plenty of Water – Water intake may reduce naturally because of the sudden drop in the temperature of the environment. It is good to drink plenty of water and do not wait to get thirsty to drink water. This will help you drain toxins from your body.

• Watch Out your Intake – Try to eat nutritious food and avoid eating out during rainy season. Prepare meal with full precaution and maintain health and hygiene throughout the house.

We hope this tips will help you stay healthy during this season.


Credits to the blogger: http://www.euorhealth.com/blog/7-most-important-tips-that-keep-you-healthy-in-the-rainy-season/



Visit us at BRITANNIA MEDICAL CENTER - The Enclave
Enclave Complex, Fil-Am Friendship Road, Angeles City.
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Oral issues you need to be aware of as you get older

Wearing down enamel

All the chewing, grinding, and hard impact that your teeth are put through over the years can take a real toll on their health. Not to mention any breakages, chips, or other trauma your teeth may have been exposed to which may result in even worse consequences down the line. Over time your teeth are gradually worn down from continued use or from damage, and this erosion diminishes the hard protective outer layer of teeth – the enamel – which cannot be naturally regained once it’s lost.

To combat enamel loss, be aware of habits that may be speeding up damage done to your teeth and try to stop them as soon as possible. These habits included chewing ice or other hard things like pens and pencils, grinding your teeth, clenching your jaw, and playing high impact sports without an athletic mouthguard. If you are prone to unconscious teeth grinding or clenching, ask your dentist about being fitted for a mouthguard you can wear while sleeping to protect your teeth. Frequent consumption of highly acidic foods such as fruit juices, citrus fruits, coffee, and soft drinks is also a culprit for enamel erosion as the acids eat away at the protective layer. Try to substitute water for acidic beverages and brush your teeth 30 minutes or so after consuming acidic foods to stop the acids from attacking your teeth before they can start. Since the acids weaken enamel, waiting before brushing is important to avoid causing extra harm.

Decline of gum health

Your gums are extremely important to the overall health of your mouth as they provide sturdy anchoring for your teeth and provide a protective barrier against oral bacteria entering the body. Over time, your gums can be exposed to damage in various ways and, without proper care, can grow weak and possibly diseased. Smoking, especially over a prolonged period of time, is a major threat to gum health as it decreases your immune system’s ability to fight infection. This means that the protective barrier that gums provide is affected and can not battle against infection as easily. This can lead to gingivitis, gum disease, and other issues that can put your oral and overall health at serious risk.
To protect your gums over the years, avoid smoking altogether. Gum disease can become more prevalent as you age, especially if you have not been carrying out a vigilant teeth cleaning regime. Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste twice each day and flossing at least one a day are considered essential practice to carry on throughout your lifetime in the fight against plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup that naturally forms in your mouth every day. If left uncleaned, this plaque, tartar, and bacteria can grow to unmanageable levels and lead to infection, tooth decay, and gum disease, all of which require serious care from a dental professional. Leaving gums wounds, inflammation, or bleeding to fester or go unchecked is another way to compromise your oral health. If something doesn’t feel right, always make an appointment for a checkup with your dentist right away.

Increased risk of oral cancer

As is the case with many types of cancer, the risk of getting oral cancer increases with age. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, most people diagnosed with oral cancers are over the age of 55, and men historically have been twice as likely to get it as women. Age is not the only risk factor associated with oral cancers; smoking, using tobacco products, infections associated with HPV, alcohol abuse, and other factors often play a role in developing various kinds of cancer.
Taking all of this into account, it’s important to regularly visit your dentist as grow older, ideally making more frequent visits after the age of 50, or at least as often as recommended by your dental professional. We also recommend regular oral cancer screenings, which are totally painless and super fast. If you notice any bumps, lesions, have issues swallowing, or any other concerns, be sure to mention it to your dentist as soon as possible.




Link: https://www.123dentist.com/oral-issues-you-need-to-be-aware-of-as-you-get-older/

Benefits of Tooth Implants

 What are tooth implants?

Tooth implants, also known as a dental implant, are small titanium rods that are placed into your jaw and within in 3-6 months, fuse with the jawbone. These small rods actually form “new” tooth roots. Dental crowns are placed onto the tooth implants to form “new” teeth.


Benefits of Tooth Implants
A dental implant is remarkably sturdy and durable. A dental implant will probably last your whole life.
Tooth implants look like natural teeth. You can smile and laugh and be confident having your photo taken. Only you (and your excellent Cary Family Dental doctor!) will know you have a dental implant.
Tooth implants feel like natural teeth. We size and shape them to match your smile.
A dental implant functions just like a natural tooth. You can eat whatever foods you like without fear or worry.


Implant Supported Dentures

Tooth implants can replace missing teeth or can be used as part of an implant supported dentures system. Implant supported dentures are very sturdy. Instead of using adhesives to adhere the dentures to your gums, the permanent implant supported dentures are attached to tooth implants and stay permanently in your mouth. You can also have removable implant supported dentures that are still far sturdier than traditional dentures. This type of implant supported dentures click in and out like a retainer.

Call today and Make an appointment by calling 0925-567-5329 • 0908-865-5662 • 0917-566-1932 • 458-0717 and schedule a consultation today.



Visit us at BRITANNIA MEDICAL CENTER - The Enclave
Enclave Complex, Fil-Am Friendship Road, Angeles City.
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 Ref: http://www.dentalimplantscarync.com/benefits-tooth-implants/

Is Teeth Grinding Stressing You Out?

What is teeth grinding?

In 80% of cases, teeth grinding occurs during sleep and you or your partner may have been woken by this habit. Bruxism can also occur during the day if you’re concentrating hard or feeling anxious, but this form is more common as jaw clenching.

Why do I grind my teeth?

About 70% of teeth grinding that happens at night is caused by stress and anxiety. However, these aren’t the only causes and dentists often refer to two kinds of tooth grinding:

1. Primary bruxism – caused by health issues (e.g. stress, sleep disorders and obstructive sleep apnoea)
2. Secondary bruxism – caused by lifestyle factors (e.g. regularly drinking alcohol, smoking, some medications, recreational drugs and drinking a high amount of caffeine)

Why do I grind my teeth?

About 70% of teeth grinding that happens at night is caused by stress and anxiety. However, these aren’t the only causes and dentists often refer to two kinds of tooth grinding:

1. Primary bruxism – caused by health issues (e.g. stress, sleep disorders and obstructive sleep apnoea)
2. Secondary bruxism – caused by lifestyle factors (e.g. regularly drinking alcohol, smoking, some medications, recreational drugs and drinking a high amount of caffeine)

Why does my child grind their teeth?

It is thought that 1 in 5 children aged up to 11 grinds their teeth. This often comes on when each set of teeth come through. After this, it should calm down, but may carry on into adulthood for the same reasons as adults experience bruxism.

Does teeth grinding damage my teeth?

Many people who experience teeth grinding don’t notice any problems. However, if you’ve been grinding your teeth for some time, you may notice:

• Wear to the teeth (sharpened points, fractures and increased sensitivity)
• Jaw pain, clicking and difficulty opening the mouth
• Headaches
• Facial pain
• Earache
• Neck stiffness

How do I stop grinding my teeth?

Most cases of teeth grinding are only temporary. But if yours is ongoing and causing problems, your dentist may be able to fit you with a mouth splint or mouth guard to be worn during sleep. These don’t stop teeth grinding, but they do provide a shield to prevent further damage.

The only way to stop teeth grinding for good is to try to discover the cause. If you suspect stress or medication is to blame, it’s just as important to speak to your GP. They may be able to suggest alternative medications as well as counselling.

It might even be as simple as making small lifestyle and dietary changes. Prioritising time for yourself, meditation and breathing techniques, writing down your thoughts, walking and yoga are all positive ways to relieve stress and anxiety.

Link: http://www.number18dental.com/is-teeth-grinding-stressing-you-out/



Speak to your dentist now.

Make an appointment by calling 0925-567-5329 • 0908-865-5662 • 0917-566-1932 • 458-0717 and schedule a consultation today.

Visit us at BRITANNIA MEDICAL CENTER - The Enclave
Enclave Complex, Fil-Am Friendship Road, Angeles City.
britanniamed@gmail.com || www.britanniamedicalcenter.ph || britanniamedicalcenter.blogspot.com