ROLE OF SLEEP TIMING IN CALORIC INTAKE AND BMI

There is an association between short sleep duration and increased risk for obesity, increased energy intake, greater percentage of body fat and weight gain over time.

In addition to duration, poor sleep quality such as disruption of slow wave sleep or sleep fragmentation due to obstructive sleep apnea, has been associated with a metabolic dysregulation .

Being awake late at night may be related to social and environmental factors that place individuals at greater risk for obesity via an increase in the opportunity to consume calories (greater caloric intake, more frequent fast food consumption, lower fruit and vegetable consumption, greater soda and caffeine consumption) and poor availability of healthful foods at night.

Consuming calories in the evening is associated with a higher BMI.

As a conclusion, sleep duration is linked to obesity and there is a relationship between the timing of feeding and weight regulation.

Processed Meats

                               

Processed meats include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, sandwich meat, packaged ham, pepperoni, salami…  They are usually manufactured with a carcinogenic ingredient known as sodium nitrite. This is used as a color fixer by meat companies to turn packaged meats a bright red color so they look fresh. Unfortunately, sodium nitrite also results in the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the human body.

Studies showed that processed meats increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67 percent. Every 50 grams of processed meat consumed daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 50 percent.

Sodium nitrite appears predominantly in red meat products (you won’t find it in chicken or fish products). Here’s a short list of food items to check carefully for sodium nitrite and monosodium glutamate (MSG)(Rf www.2u2eat.com), another dangerous additive:

·         Beef jerky

·         Bacon

·         Sausage

·         Hot dogs

·         Sandwich meat

·         Frozen pizza with meat

·         Canned soups with meat

·         Frozen meals with meat

·         Ravioli and meat pasta foods

·         Kid’s meals containing red meat…

You can protect yourself and your family from the dangers of processed meats by following a few simple rules:

1.       Always read ingredient labels.

2.       Don’t buy anything made with sodium nitrite or monosodium glutamate.

3.       Don’t eat red meats served by restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels or other institutions.

Note: There is evidence that natural vitamin C found in citrus fruits and exotic berries (like camu camu) helps prevent the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, protecting you from the devastating health effects of sodium nitrite in processed meats. The best defense, of course, is to avoid eating processed meats altogether.

Prickly Pear

Nutritionally, the Prickly Pear can be a goldmine of vitamins and minerals.High in amino acids, high fiber content, good levels of Vitamin C and Bioflavoids, addind this fruit to your diet may be a good idea!!

The fruit has been known as a great source of fiber, helpful to the digestive system. It works as a colon cleanser.

The good level of amino acids has been associated with the benefit of lowering high cholesterol, cleaning up the arteries reducing the formation of plaque and improving circulation.

Type II Diabetes may particularly benefit from lower glucose levels within one hour of consuming the plant juice.

Supplements help athletes overcome muscle soreness and get a nice jolt of energy.

Usage: Eaten fresh, juices, marmalades, jelly, ice cream and dessert sauces.

Selection: Alsa called Cactus Pear, Tuna Fruit, Indian Figs and Mission Cactus, good quality is egg-shaped and has yellow  to magenta coloring depending on the variety

ZINC

                                                               

An important mineral that plays a vital role for the protein synthesis and helps in regulation of the cells production in the immune system of the human body. It is mostly found in the strong muscles of the body and especially in high concentrations in the white and red blood cells, eye retina, skin, liver, kidneys, bones, and pancres.

Health Benefits of Zinc

·         Skin Care

·         Eczema

·         Acne

·         Wound healing

·         Prostate disorder

·         Cold

·         Weight loss

·         Pregnancy

·         Reproduction

·         Biological Functions

·         Infection

·         Antioxidant

·         Enzymes regulation

·         Cancer

·         Chronic Fatigue

·         Alopecia (hair loss)

·         Bone loss

·         Night blindness

Deficiency Symptoms: Growth retardation, low blood pressure, retarded bones, loss of appetite, loss of sense of smell and taste, depression, rough skin, weight loss, pale skin, diarrhea, hair loss, fatigue, white spots under finger nails

  

Sources: Meat products, oysters, turnips, peas, oats, peanuts, almonds, whole wheat grain, pumpkin seeds and ginger roots.