Why You Should Get off the Computer and Go Outside

There are a lot of reasons we should all take some time to get off of our computer and go outside. One reason is that when we are outside most of the time we are doing something active, such as walking, riding a bike, gardening, or playing with the dog. All of these thing will help you to burn more calories then sitting at your computer.

Another reason is social. You just might run in to a neighbor who is also outside and strike up a nice conversation.

If you love your dog then you will help them live a longer and more healthy life if you take them for a walk or just go out and play with them. If you won't do it for yourself do it for your beloved pet.

A really god reason to go outside is because sunshine is the main way that our bodies get vitamin D. Sure we can get some from foods like fish, milk, and vitamin fortified cereals but our body benefits most from what we get from the sunshine. Most people do not get enough vitamin D because they just don't go outside very often.

Vitamin D is a very important vitamin that our body needs for may reasons it helps to prevent and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Diabetics who get more vitamin D will help their over all blood and heart function. It is also important for those with heart disease, and high cholesterol to get enough vitamin D. It also helps with obesity, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, COPD, asthma, bronchitis, and even gum disease and PMS. It also helps to keep your bones in tip top shape and will help you to keep your bones healthy as you age if you get enough of it.

You can get your Vitamin D with a supplement, but then your body is taking it all in at once and too much vitamin D can be dangerous. So don't you think it is better to just spend some time outside. You should get out in the sun every day if you can, but if you can only get out a few days a week be sure and do that, your body will store up Vitamin D for a short while, but don't got too long in between the times you spend in the sun.

You will need to spend some time out in the sun without sun screen. If you have a light complexion you will only need about 15 per day. If you are out longer than that then add your sunscreen, but make sure you get 15 minutes without any. If you have a darker complexion you may need to be out as long as 20 to 30 minutes to get the maximum benefits. The good news is if you are deficient in Vitamin D you can fix that just by going out in to the sun for 15 minutes a day for 6 days straight. Be sure to continue going out though at least every other day after that and of course everyday is better.

Vitamin D can also help with depression and can put you in a better mood.

So step away from your computer and go outside for a little while. It's good for you.

Quick walk is better for the heart than running

This reveals new U.S. scientific research. The researchers, led by Dr. Paul Williams of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, studied comparative data for about 33,000 people who have systematically running and other 15,000 who prefer walking (men was 51% runners and 21% of the gait ).

The study involving people aged 18 to 80 years old and lasted for six years, found that walking at a fast pace is more effective in reducing cardiac risk associated with running, when in both cases the man pays the same amount of energy based on the calories you burn.

Specifically, running reduced the risk of coronary heart disease by 4.5%, while more than twice as fast walking at 9.3%. Regarding individual cardiovascular risk factors, the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) for the first time fell by 4.2% from running and by 7.2% from the fast pace, the risk of high cholesterol for the first time fell by 4 3% of the run and 7% of brisk walking, and the risk of diabetes for the first time decreased by approximately 12% in both cases of physical exercise.

Experts recommend that adults a moderate-intensity physical activity at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week or, alternatively, at least 20 minutes of vigorous exercise a day for three days a week.

Also suggest the combination of intense and most gentle exercises, for example fast walking 30 minutes twice a week and running 20 minutes two days a week. The aim, among other things, to increase heart function, help control weight and reduce risk of chronic diseases.

Why Are Vegetables So Important?

Sweet Potatoes 

Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, which is important for vision as well as skin, nail, and hair health. It also helps the body fend off bacterial infections. The orange veggie is also high in potassium, which helps heart and kidney function and facilitates muscle contractions. Potassium also regulates blood pressure and keeps body fluids in balance. Vitamin C is also found in high levels in this vegetable. Vitamin C promotes healing and helps the body fight infection; it also keeps blood vessel walls and gums healthy. Sweet potatoes contain calcium as well, which helps build strong bones and teeth and is necessary for healthy muscle and nerve functions. Vitamin B6, which helps the body metabolize carbohydrates and proteins, is also found in high levels in sweet potatoes. Vitamin B6 also promotes healthy nerves and helps the body form red blood cells. Sweet potatoes are good sources of fiber, copper, and many other vitamins and minerals. In addition, sweet potatoes are low in calories, are fat-free, and have a low glycemic load, meaning they are digested slowly (making the consumer feel fuller for longer). Sweet Potatoes are delicious when baked and eaten plain (without butter). They can also be used in soups and stir-fries.

Tomatoes

The presence of antioxidants in tomatoes is said to be helpful in cleansing toxic compounds from the body. Lycopene, present in tomatoes, has been known to neutralize free radicals in the body and cut the risk of prostate cancer. Those who eat raw tomatoes have been found to be at a much lesser risk of developing rectal, colon or stomach cancer. It is believed that tomatoes block the effects of nitrosamines and thus, reduce the risk of lung cancer. Researches have suggested that eating tomatoes might help reduce the risk of heart attack. The vitamin K present in tomatoes helps in keeping the bones strong and healthy. It also helps prevent hemorrhages. Consuming raw tomato on a regular basis can help improve the texture of your skin and add glow. Tomatoes have been recognized throughout the world, for their blood purifying properties. If you are suffering from congestion of the liver, having tomatoes will prove to be quite beneficial. Tomatoes are known to help protect the liver from cirrhosis and can dissolve gallstones as well. Being a natural antiseptic, tomatoes can help protect the body against various common infections. The nicotinic acid in tomatoes is credited with reducing blood cholesterol, which in turn helps keep heart diseases at bay. Studies have shown that consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based products may prevent serum lipid oxidation and reduce the risk of macular degenerative disease. When applied topically, tomato pulp can help heal sunburn, wounds and sores. Tomatoes can also help the body prevent diarrhea and soothe eye irritation as well. Tomatoes have been found to have positive effects in case of ailments like constipation, diabetes, indigestion, intestinal disorders and jaundice. Pregnant women, suffering from morning sickness, will benefit from tomato consumption. If you are suffering from liver disorders, night blindness, obesity and urinary tract infection, try having tomatoes everyday. Tomatoes , which are actually fruit, are good in salads and on sandwiches. Cherry tomatoes make great raw snacks. And pasta sauce is a good source of tomato nutrients.

Green Peas 

Peas are rich in protein and carbohydrates but low in fats. They are a good source of fiber and iron as well as vitamins A and C. Peas are rich in water-soluble fiber which helps promote good intestinal health and, by binding with cholesterol, helps excrete it. They are also very rich in thiamin (vitamin B1). This vitamin is essential for energy productions, nerve function and carbohydrate metabolism. Green Peas are best eaten raw (especially snow peas) or lightly steamed. Add fresh peas to salads (including chicken and pasta salad), soups and stir-fries.

Carrots 

It is one of the foods richest in beta-carotene, which is a vitamin A precursor. Our body transforms it into vitamin A. The carotene has an antioxidant property which may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Carrots help keep your skin healthy and improve your eyesight, especially night vision. Carrots also help maintain our intestinal tracts. They are rich in fiber which helps to protect against colon cancer. This vegetable will help boost your immune system and lower your risk of lung cancer. Carrots will also assist in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Carrots are naturally sweet and ideal for grating into salads. Baby carrots also make good raw snacks