TabsMagic

More and more experts are agreeing that seaweed can be categorized as a superfood. That claim is being supported by investigations that reveal that seaweed, which is a variety of algae, contains more calcium than cheese, more fibre than you will find in prunes and more iron than a sirloin steak. All these comparisons are weight for weight.

Other important vitamins and minerals contained in seaweed are potassium and iodine and it is the sole plant that is a source of vitamin B12. The most recent studies on seaweed revealed that its bioactive substances aid in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, plus its ability to deal with free radicals that are the cause of cancer.

The American Association for Cancer Research has recently published their initial research that revealed how extracts of seaweed was able to inhibit cancer cell growth that would otherwise lead to lymphoma. They were interested to know the connection between seaweed and cancer reduction on account of the Japanese who eat more seaweed per capita than any other nation and have low cancer rates in their women.

The University of Newcastle conducted research that showed how seaweed fibres (alginates) were responsible for reducing the absorption of fat by the body and could thus be considered a viable weightloss ingredient.

From Newcastle University, research associate in human nutrition, Dr Iain Brownlee said: “We’ve found that by adding these natural fibres to food products, up to 75 per cent of the fat we consume could simply pass through the body – so in theory it could be used to fight obesity. Alginates could be used in place of the fat that gives food its flavour. In tests, people have actually preferred bread with small levels of alginate in it – so it’s not something you have to force yourself to eat.

espite the powerful influence of genetics, studies show that exercise can enable children to reduce obesity. According to a person’s physical makeup and metabolism, some will find it easy to remain slim whereas other people find it a constant battle to keep off the pounds.

A recent study has revealed that the correct diet, good will power but most of all regular exercise can enable those people genetically predisposed towards obesity can lose weight and keep it off. The study especially focused on teenagers.

The study was carried out in 10 European countries over a 14 month period. 753 teenagers with a variety of genetic makeups took part. 16% of the group possessed 2 FTO mutations, 47% possessed one mutation and 37% did not possess any mutation. (An FTO mutation is fat mass-and-obesity-associated gene and one FTO mutation is equal to an average 3.3 pounds weight gain.)

Of all the teenagers in the group who had at least 1 hour of daily exercise, it was found that the body mass index was very close in both the group with gene mutations and those without. The difference was only 0.17 points higher. On comparing the ones who did no exercise the difference was greater at 0.65 points higher in the gene mutation teenagers.

Jonatan R. Ruiz, the lead researcher and scientist in physical activity and fitness epidemiology at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute said, “These findings have important public health implications, and indicate that meeting the physical activity recommendations may offset the genetic predisposition to obesity associated with the FTO [gene variant] in adolescents.”

So once again a study has just confirmed what most of us know to be common sense!!

A study has revealed that people in bereavement can be consoled with soothing massages. The study found that an eight week course in hand and foot massage provides considerable relief to people in grieving.
 
The study involved 18 people from 34 to 78 years of age who had recently lost a relative due to cancer. They were offered foot or hand massages for an 8 week period. The sessions took place once a week at home, work or hospital and lasted 25 minutes. Eight of them selected hand massage, nine selected foot massage and one selected both.
 
Dr Berit S Cronfalk the study author and palliative care provider from the Sjukhem Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden, said “Details about the massage study were included in an information pack provided by the palliative care team when people’s relatives died.”
 
Describing the massage, Dr Cronfalk said, “Soft tissue massage is gentle, but firm. This activates touch receptors which then release oxytocin, a hormone known for its positive effects on well-being and relaxation.” He further explained that “In this study the hand or foot massage was done with slow strokes, light pressure and circling movements using oil lightly scented with citrus or hawthorn.” After which “The relatives were then encouraged to relax for a further 30 minutes.”

Before starting the massage sessions, some baseline information was gained from the volunteers during a 60-minute interview. Another 60-minute interview was carried out a week following the end of the 8 week programme.

During the interviews one of the grieving relatives said, “Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I just felt I needed to do something to get rid of that pain and it seemed like a good alternative.”
 
Another one said, “I suddenly realised that I could go through my thoughts in a much calmer way…I was more sensible in my thinking.”
 
The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing’s April edition.

I can’t really say that this is groundbreaking news for me. Massage makes the body feel better and this in turn makes a person feel happier as a whole.

Since attending a course on Advanced Sports Nutrition by Matt Lovell recently I have been interested in the effects of vitamin D on the athlete, and the sedentary individual.

One study that I have seen reported that 59% of study subjects had insufficient Vitamin D. In the study designed to test for the levels of Vitamin D in the blood stream, it was also found that nearly 25% of volunteers had serious Vitamin D deficiencies.
 
Not enough Vitamin D leads to reduced muscle strength, more body fat and several other health problems so proper Vitamin D levels are seen as an important indicator of good health. Without the high levels of sun in this country, coupled with the enforced time indoors that many people are forced to endure due to working environment in the modern world, I wonder do we need to supplement?
 
Co-director of the Musculoskeletal Axis of the Research Institute of the MUHC, Dr. Richard Kremer who also led the study said “Vitamin D insufficiency is a risk factor for other diseases,” adding that “Because it is linked to increased body fat, it may affect many different parts of the body. Abnormal levels of Vitamin D are associated with a whole spectrum of diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes, as well as cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders.”
 
However as I read further I was amazed at discover that the study subjects were all young and healthy women living in California and as such were in a prime location and age group to be getting plenty of exercise, good diet and exposure to the sun, the trigger for Vitamin D production.
 
Dr. Kremer said “We are not yet sure what is causing Vitamin D insufficiency in this group.” He did suggest that “High levels of Vitamin D could help reduce body fat. Or, fat tissues might absorb or retain Vitamin D, so that people with more fat are likely to also be Vitamin D deficient.”
 
Further studies are being requested to more fully investigate the phenomena discovered.
 
The study received funding from several U.S. and Canadian organizations and the results were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
 
I know that I personally thrive on sunlight- so I’ll stick with that as an excuse to get into it regardless!

Beauty.

Something sought after by all, if not in the physical sense then in the emotional and mental. What a person sees beauty in is as subjective as their tastebuds, but we all seek it.

What is it that makes a person beautiful?

Most of us would like to think that we look past the physical, and look for the ”inner beauty” of those that we love and are close to.
However we are all prone to fall for the seductive lure of physical beauty at various stages in our daily life, but does this mean that we are any less able to see the person underneath, and do we really treat all the people in out lives equally, regardless of their external appearance.

Many clients of mine have commented on this which causes me interest. Especially those in the weight loss departmant. ”i get much more attention from the oppersite sex thanks to you Tabs” was one I recieved last week from a 35 year old female who had lost 2 stone on a weight loss program with me.

So, am i right to assume that due to the weight loss she is deemed as more attractive to the opposite sex, hence the attention.

Thats what she thinks. I question it.

Could it not be possible that it is a change in her confidence levels that is allowing her to perceive that others are attracted to her, wheas before her low self esteem had already written herself off with respect to any man finding her attractive.

Is it more a case of her self confidence allowing her inner beauty to show?

I do not know the answer, but i do know that the way a person feels about themselves effects the way that they think, act and talk to others. Skin deep? As a sufferer of acne for most of her adult life Bethany Alderson has been interested in this issue for many years, working in the beauty industry she has fouud that the problem of skin disorders greatly effects the self confidence of her clients. The diffence the way a person projects themselves after they have had a make up consultation which has allowed them to feel confident about the way that they look is apparent the second that they look in the mirror. Bethany has worked with top end celebrites from both the TV and film industry but has started a personal campaign to research the roots of skin problems and how they can be dealt with so that she can use her own experinces to benefit anybody that suffers skin issues.

These women are often stunningly beautiful, but the detrimental effect on their self confidence that acne has can lead to depression and associated such problems. As is the effect that I have found with weight gain and poor diets.

There is a lot to be said for looking deeper than the surface to find inner beauty, but if the surface is the factor distorting the inner person, then maybe that treatment for the surface is indeed more than vanity.

This is the recently published list of all the disorders that a banana a day can help overcome!! Pretty impressive really!

So Bananaman really had it right! There are so many benefits of fresh fruit and veg that often get swept under the mat especially at snack time when the biscuit tin seems to be calling….

So do you eat yours? And do you insist that your family get theirs? May be worth a trip to the local grocers..

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. 

PMS: Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. 

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia. 

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.  

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England  ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. 

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives. 

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system. 
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief. 

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness 

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. 

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. 

Overweight and at work? Studies at the   Institute  of   Psychology  inAustria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips.. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.. 

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases.. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. 

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a “cooling” fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In   Thailand  , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan. 

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal. 

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance.. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack. 

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%! 

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

The snow has stopped just about everything! Brought Britain to a  standstill. Schools have closed , transport stopped, many small and large businesses have really suffered.

But the fell runners still run.

We had a day for them at the Perform center at Waterfoot, they came for a group run followed by lunch and talks in the afternoon. I was sure that the morning run would be cancelled due to the thick snow that was falling as they arrived. But they want- and they loved it!!

Its nice to see that some things are not allowed to be ruined by the snow!!

Its col

With the approach of the Olympic games this is bound be become an increasingly predominate subject.
The underlying factors are that using Anabolic steroids allow competitors to gain muscle size, speed, endurance strength and growth substantially bigger than without.
This is due to the increase of testosterone which allows the muscle to repair quicker after training, thus the athlete can work out day after day and achieve results far beyond the means of the natural ability of the human body.
The downside- speculated- increase in cholesterol levels leading to heart attack, liver and kidney dysfunction due to cysts and tumors developing on the organs, increased pressure on the heart, in men, acne development over the back and forehead, increased fatty tissue around the breast area, and decreased testis size due to the body beginning to rely on an artificial source of testosterone it stops creating its own. In women, increased facial hair, baldness, smaller breasts and hardening and enlargement of the clitoris.

The long term dangers of steroids cannot be proven, due to the unethical factors regarding studies of this nature, the data that is there is largely observational and post data. It is however correlation-ally strong in its conclusion that The benefits of taking such drugs are not without  large  health  costs to  the individual.

So why do it? Fame? Glory?
It is very easy for us to shun an athlete found guilty of taking artificially body enhancing drugs such as steroids. But on the flip side that is just the same as blaming a pop star for attention seeking.
We love to watch fellow members of the human race smash physical barriers of speed, agility endurance.We glorify those  who can run faster, longer and stronger. We cheer when the man of the match scores. We throw money and celebrity at the latest record breaker and we admire those who represent or country in world competitions.

Then they shatter the illusion for us, and we ruin them for it.

I cannot endorse the use of drugs, but i can give it credit for allowing us a glimpse of just what the human body can be capable of. Those that have taken  such drugs  may  have  selfishly  conned us into  believing  that they are  wonderful , skilful and dedicated athletes, but they have also provided us with greater understanding of the mechanisms of the human body, thrilled us and entertained us with their physical greatness.

The cost endured at the end of their careers, is  only to themselves, in the detriment of their own physical and mental  well-being

Taxpayers have to fund all manner of community services, so to me it stands to reason that the basic level of council gym membership should be free.

Now there are obvious problems and factors that would need to be overcome, funding being a major one, space another not to mention the extra resources and safety aspects.

But there are also considerable benefits for the community as a whole.

Taking the growing obesity problem and related health issues as a starter;

Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as “overweight” and “obesity,” the risks for the following conditions also increases:

• Coronary heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Stroke
• Liver and Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)

So even on the obesity level alone we could be saving money and time spent in the Doctors Surgery.

Not to mention other benefits such as decreased depression rates, giving young people a safe way to occupy their time, and the educational benefits that a gym environment allows for……..

I would suggest a scheme that allowed very basic gym entry and access to the fundamental cardiovascular and weight machines to be included in the ‘free’ membership, then entry to more specialist equipment, free weights, fitness classes and the extras could start at whatever the basic membership fee that is already in place be.

This way, those of us that can afford to and are happy to pay our gym membership still can receive what we already do, but there may be scope for those that cannot afford membership but actually would like to use the gym to do so.

Overcrowding may be argued as an issue, but unfortunately i doubt it would be!!

If overcrowding did occur however, then i would suggest that those on the free membership are allowed only a 45 min time in the gym, or some other form of time constraint, or only allowed 2 – 3 visits per week……

I feel that with respect to the health issues that the country face that free gym membership is the natural progression.