Diet
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The Sweet Benefits of Watermelon
During the summer months, watermelon is a staple for many Canadians. Besides its delicious taste and satisfying crunch, watermelon offers an abundance of health benefits that may surprise you. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this juicy fruit holds a prominent place in a health-conscious diet. Hydration and Digestion Watermelon is composed of 92% water, which makes it a brilliant choice for hydration. In the hot summer months, watermelon can help replenish body fluids and prevent dehydration, an essential aspect considering the human body is approximately 60% water. This high water content, combined with a small amount of fibre, also aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fibre adds bulk…
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The Gut-Brain Axis
In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the relationship between our gut health and mental well-being—colloquially known as the “gut-brain axis”—is rapidly garnering attention. Researchers are uncovering a fascinating web of communication between the billions of bacteria residing in our gut (collectively termed the “gut microbiota”) and our brain. This bidirectional relationship suggests that what we eat may profoundly impact not only our physical health, but our mental health as well. Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis In simple terms, the gut-brain axis refers to the complex communication network that exists between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the enteric nervous system (the “mini-brain” in our gut). This connection…
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How Sugar Impairs the Immune System
Sugar, despite its sweet and irresistible allure, harbors potential threats to our health. While it’s well known that excessive sugar consumption contributes to obesity and diabetes, an aspect of high sugar intake often overlooked is its detrimental impact on the immune system. This article will delve into how high sugar consumption impairs our immune system, making us more susceptible to diseases. Understanding The Immune System The immune system is our body’s complex defense mechanism against harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic organisms. It involves various types of cells and proteins that work synergistically to neutralize and eliminate these harmful substances. Thus, anything that weakens this defense network can…
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Summer BBQs: Savouring Flavour, Avoiding Risk
The aroma of sizzling hamburgers, the sight of colorful salads, and the sound of laughter floating on a warm summer breeze are emblematic of one of summer’s most cherished traditions: the backyard barbecue. BBQs bring families and communities together, offering a relaxed way to enjoy delicious food and good company. However, as we gather around the grill, it’s crucial to remember that food safety is just as important as the fun, especially during the summer months. In the summer, when the heat is in full swing, conditions are ripe for bacteria to multiply and spoil food. Thus, summer barbecues often become hotspots for potential food-borne illnesses, also known as food…
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Why Ingredients Matter for Your Health
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often dictates our food choices. When pressed for time, it’s tempting to simply grab pre-packaged meals or snacks without much thought, and our hectic schedules make it easy to overlook the importance of scrutinizing food labels. However, the small print on the back of the package holds a wealth of information that’s critical to our health and well-being. In this article, we delve into the reasons why everyone should make reading food ingredient labels an essential part of their grocery shopping routine. Deciphering Nutritional Content A pivotal reason to read food labels is to understand the nutritional content of the food you’re buying. In Canada,…
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Cool Summer Eats: Oven-Free Healthy Foods
As the temperatures rise, it’s time to rethink our approach to cooking and embrace lighter, refreshing foods that keep us cool and nourished during the warmer spring and summer months. To avoid heating up our kitchens, we can explore alternative cooking methods and focus on seasonal ingredients that provide optimal nutrition while helping us beat the summer heat. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of healthy summer foods and share tips on how to avoid using your oven to stay cool and refreshed. Emphasize Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Summer is the season for an abundance of fresh, vibrant produce. Fill your plate with a colorful assortment of fruits and…
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Navigating Life with Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, a common autoimmune disorder in which the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, affects approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide. Celiac disease can be challenging to manage, especially for those who are newly diagnosed, as it requires significant lifestyle and dietary changes. Symptoms of Celiac Disease Symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly among individuals, making it difficult to diagnose. Common symptoms include: Gastrointestinal issues: Bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain are common symptoms. Fatigue: Many people with celiac disease experience chronic fatigue and a lack of energy. Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss…
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The Mood-Boosting Power of Bananas
Bananas, aside from being delicious and convenient, hold a myriad of health benefits. One such advantage, which often goes unnoticed, is their potential impact on our mood. The secret lies in the nutritional content of bananas, especially their rich concentration of tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin. Bananas and Tryptophan: A Connection Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning it must be obtained through our diet as our bodies cannot produce it. Bananas are a significant dietary source of tryptophan. Once ingested, tryptophan is converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a pivotal role in regulating mood, among other things. Serotonin is often referred to…
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Top 5 Foods for Better Rest
An integral part of maintaining optimal health is ensuring we get enough quality sleep. Interestingly, the food we consume throughout the day can have a significant impact on how well we sleep at night. In this article, we will explore this unique connection and identify the top five foods that can contribute to improving the quality of your sleep. The Food-Sleep Connection Our bodies function on an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm, which influences many aspects of our health, including sleep. Various factors, such as light exposure and physical activity, can affect the circadian rhythm. Another essential factor is nutrition. Certain foods contain components that can promote sleep,…
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How Poor Diet and Inactivity Sabotage Global Health
In the 21st century, the world faces an unprecedented challenge when it comes to public health. Among the leading risks to global health are an unhealthy diet and a lack of physical activity, both of which contribute significantly to the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. This article delves into the consequences of poor dietary habits and inactivity, and discusses evidence-based strategies to tackle these growing health threats. The Consequences Obesity Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, affecting both developed and developing countries. An unhealthy diet, characterized by the excessive consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods and sugary beverages, coupled with insufficient…