Special Diets Cause Genetic Changes

Leaves, Fungus, and Ants

Worker leafcutter ants (there are over 40 species) climb into trees and bushes to bite off leaf fragments. They then carry this fresh plant material to their underground nest.

Special chambers in the nest house fungi that the ants cultivate. They keep the fungus free of pests and moulds and keep it well supplied with fresh leaf fragments. In return the ants feed their young on the fungus.

The ant/fungus relationship is of benefit to both organisms – the fungus needs the ants, and the larvae need the fungus.

Proteins, DNA, and Amino Acids

Proteins are the stuff of life, many of them act as the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, and each protein has its own DNA code for the sequence of amino acids needed for its manufacture.

There are twenty or so amino acids needed to make proteins, and the DNA (genes) control the order in which the amino acids are lined up to make each different protein. The precise sequence of amino acids determines the structure and function of each enzyme.

Some amino acids cannot be made in animal cells, so these 'essential' amino acids must come from an animal's diet. In other words animals have to have a suitable diet if they are to function properly.

If an animal has a regular and reliable diet that provides most of its requirements it can 'slim down' its genome (all its DNA) by not keeping unwanted genes. Over millions of years leafcutter ants have lost many of the genes that their superior diet has made redundant.

Human Vegetarians

Different populations of human beings carry different genes, and some have lost a few biochemical pathways. Those people who have traditionally had a diet rich in animal protein (and therefore with good balance of the amino acids necessary for health) have lost the ability to make some of these amino acids for themselves – they have been able to rely on a steady supply from their food.

In contrast, populations who have always been vegetarian have needed to keep many more of their enzymes in order to make up for shortages (in some of the ‘essential’ amino acids). Their bodies can survive well on a fully vegetarian diet.

This difference between the genomes of different human populations explains how some people can thrive on a plant diet while others seem to need some meat.

These human differences are mirrored by the genetic differences between leafcutter ants and their relatives with less nutritious diets.

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Is Tofu Healthy ??

If you are a vegetarian and are looking for a rich source of protein, Tofu is the answer. Tofu is a highly nutritious, protein-rich food that is made from the curd of soybean milk. It was first made during the reign of Han dynasty in ancient China, and since then it has become a part of staple diets in many oriental countries in East and South East Asia such as China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk using mineral salt (usually calcium sulfate), and then pressing the resulting curds into blocks. Because of its physical resemblance to a block of farmer's cheese, it is sometime also called as "the cheese of Asia". Tofu is naturally bland and has an amazing capacity to take the flavor of the other foods its cooked in.

There are different types of tofu with the two most common types being firm and silken. Silken tofu is soft and is a better choice for dressings, dips, spreads and in dairy free versions of ice cream. Firm tofu, on the other hand, comes in more solid form and can be used as a great substitute for meat or paneer. It can be stir-fried, grilled, baked or barbecued. Firm tofu is usually higher in fat with the usual trend being: the softer the tofu, the less the fat.

Tofu has many health benefits. Some of them include:

Rich source of protein: The protein in tofu is high quality and approaches the quality of meat and milk. For vegetarians, tofu stands as equal to cottage cheese, when it comes to getting protein. Unlike many other good sources of protein, tofu is low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. 100 gram of tofu contains around 6 to 10 grams of protein depending on the type of tofu (firm tofu being high in protein as compared to silken tofu).

Aids against heart diseases: A number of studies in recent years have shown that regular intake of soy protein can help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol without lowering HDL ("good") cholesterol which leads to reduced risk of heart disease. Researchers believe that the protein and isoflavones present in tofu work in combination to produce this effect. But the American Heart Association has recently concluded that eating soy-based foods has only minimal impact on cholesterol and other heart-disease risk factors. However, until further research clears up the controversy, eating soy-based foods can still be good for you as it is low in saturated fat and high in good-quality protein.

Promotes energy production: Tofu is a very good source of iron, providing 30 percent of the daily recommended value (DV) for iron in just 100 grams. The iron present in tofu is mainly used as a part of hemoglobin which helps in the transport and release of oxygen throughout the body promoting energy production. Tofu also provides 10 percent of the DV for copper, an important mineral without which iron cannot be properly utilized in red blood cells. Copper is also helpful in reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Beneficial to women: Soy food, like tofu, contain isoflavones (phytoestrogens - plant estrogens) which work in the body like a weak form of estrogen. During menopause, when a woman's estrogen fluctuates, either by rising or dropping below normal levels, soy's phytoestrogens can help maintain balance. This can help reduce the frequency of hot flashes and their severity.

Rich source of calcium: Tofu can also be a rich source of calcium depending on the coagulant used in manufacturing (like calcium sulfate used by many tofu manufacturers). This helps tofu protect against diseases like bone loss, bone weakness, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. New research also suggests that isoflavones in soy food can strengthen bone density as well. This can make tofu useful in warding off bone disease in postmenopausal women.

Aids in weight loss: Being high in protein, it satisfies body's hunger for a long period of time. Also, its low-calorie nature (around 80 calories in 100 gram) doesn't add any extra calories to your diet.

Good source of Selenium: Tofu is a good source of trace mineral selenium with 100 gram of tofu providing around 14 percent of the daily value. Selenium is very important for the proper functioning of the antioxidant system, which works to reduce the levels of damaging free radicals in the body. By its powerful antioxidant actions, it helps protect against prostate cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation, reduce asthma and arthritis symptoms, and in the prevention of heart disease.

Good for patients with diabetic kidney problems: Diabetes can cause a number of complications with the kidney failure being one of it. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure with the earliest sign being the presence of small amounts of protein in urine. A study done on men with type 2 diabetes, all of whom had a diagnosis of diabetes-related kidney disease, found that men who added soy protein to their diet has a 10 percent reduction in protein found in urine. Those receiving the animal protein, however, experienced an increase in protein in the urine.

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Is orange pulp good for you?

The orange is one of the most common and popular fruit. It is well-liked because of its easy availability all year round, dense nutrition, and it tastes good.

Health Benefits

An orange packs over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot inhibiting properties, as well as strong anti-oxidant effects.

The combination of the high amount of anti-oxidant (vitamin C) and flavonoids in oranges makes it one of the best fruits in helping to promote optimal health.

Arteriosclerosis: Regularly consuming vitamin C retards the development of hardening of the arteries.

Cancer prevention: A compound in oranges called liminoid, has been found to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. The high vitamin C content also acts as a good anti-oxidant that protects cells from damages by free radicals.

Cholesterol: The alkaloid synephrine found under the orange peel can reduce the liver's production of cholesterol. Whereas the anti-oxidant fights oxidative stress that is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDLs in our blood.

Constipation: Even though the orange "tastes acidic", it actually has an alkaline effect in the digestive system and helps stimulate the digestive juices, relieving constipation.

Damaged sperms, repair: An orange a day is sufficient for a man to keep his sperms healthy. Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant, protects sperms from genetic damage that may cause a birth defect.

Heart disease: A high intake of flavonoids and vitamin C has been known to halve the risk of heart diseases.

High blood pressure: Studies have shown that a flavonoid called hesperidin in oranges can lower high blood pressure.

Immune system: The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.

Kidney stones, prevent: Drinking orange juice daily can significantly drop the risk of formation of calcium oxalate stones in the kidney.

Skin: The anti-oxidant in orange help protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.

Stomach ulcer: Consuming vitamin C rich foods helps to lower the incidence of peptic ulcers and in turn, reduce the risk of stomach cancer.

Viral infections, protection against: The abundance of polyphenols have been shown to provide protection against viral infections.

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Benefits of L Glutamine

Before discussing the benefits of l glutamine, which are substantial, we would like to just highlight a few l glutamine facts.

Glutamine is an amino acid (building blocks of protein) found in the muscles of the body. In fact, it is the most abundant free amino acid.

Technically, glutamine is classified as a semi-essential amino acid, which means that under normal circumstances the body can manufacture it on its own to meet the physiological demands.

However, there are times that glutamine becomes an essential amino acid due to metabolic stress situations like trauma (including surgical trauma), cancer, burns, and sepsis. Under such conditions, it is important that there is an adequate intake of glutamine to meet the increased demand created by these situations.

With that being said, let’s move to more l glutamine facts and L- glutamine benefits.

L Glutamine Facts: Health Benefits of L Glutamine

General Info

Serves as a source of fuel for cells lining the intestines

It's involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid.

Some experts point out that glutamine can pass through the protective blood-brain barrier and, because of this, it is known as brain fuel.

Aids in protecting the body from ammonia toxicity.

Appears to be necessary for normal brain function.

Essential for maintaining amino acid balance in the body during times of severe stress.

It's used by white blood cells and contributes to normal immune-system function.

L Glutamine Facts: Health Benefits of L Glutamine

General Health Benefits

Promotes the maintenance of a healthy digestive tract.

May promote mental alertness and improve mood and memory.

May boost immune function and fight infection.

May decrease sugar cravings and the desire for alcohol.

Helps to prevent the kind of muscle loss (wasting) that can accompany prolonged bed rest or illnesses such as cancer and AIDS who may be incapable of manufacturing their own supply of glutamine. Side Note: It's important to note that stress an injury (including surgical trauma) cause the muscles to release glutamine into the bloodstream. In fact, some experts state that during the time of stress as much as one third of glutamine present in the muscles may be released. As a result, stress and/or illness can lead to the loss of skeletal muscle if not enough glutamine is available. Therefore, one of the benefits of L glutamine is to ensure enough of it is available in the body to help prevent muscle loss (wasting).

The Role of L Glutamine Supplements

L glutamine as a supplement may be helpful for the following:

Gastro-intestinal disorders

Depression

Irritability

Withdrawal support for alcoholics

Protection of liver tissue against damage from cancer chemotherapy and drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Prevent the kind of muscle loss (wasting) that can accompany prolonged bed rest or illnesses such as cancer and AIDS

Athletes (may help protect the immune system from overtraining stress)

Glutamine Food Sources

Glutamine-rich foods include: beef, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, raw parsley, raw spinach as well as soybeans and other legumes.

Are there any side effects and precautions?

The Benefits of L Glutamine

Glutamine supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. At the time of this writing, the most commonly experienced side effects while taking glutamine include: constipation and bloating.

However, anyone with cirrhosis of the liver, kidney conditions, Reye’s syndrome, or any type of disorder that can result in an accumulation of ammonia in the blood are advised to avoid supplemental glutamine.

In addition, because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications it is crucial that you always speak to a knowledgeable healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplements, including glutamine. This advice is also recommended for anyone suffering from a health condition.

Pregnant and nursing women should only take an amino acid such as glutamine after consulting your physician.

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Health benefits of beer?

Why drink beer?

Who ever thought there would be health benefits to drinking beer? Well, there is! Studies have revealed that beer can produce the same benefits as drinking wine. Whether you prefer ales, lagers, stout, bitter or wheat beers, studies show that one drink a day for women or up to two drinks a day for men will reduce your chances of strokes, heart and vascular disease. It’s no secret that the stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of serious, long-term disabilities.

What’s interesting is that it was proven (New England Journal of Medicine – Nov. 1999) that those who drank one beer a week compared to those who drank one beer a day experienced no variance in reducing stroke risks. It is said that light to moderate drinkers will decrease their chances of suffering a stroke by 20%.

A researcher at the Texas Southwestern Medical Center (May 1999) reported that those who consume moderate amounts of beer (one to two a day at the most) have a 30-40% lower rate of coronary heart disease compared to those who don’t drink. Beer contains a similar amount of ‘polyphenols’ (antioxidants) as red wine and 4-5 times as many polyphenols as white wine.

Alcohol has also been attributed of its ability to increase the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) into the bloodstream as well as help to decrease blood clots.

Beer also contains vitamin B6, which prevents the build-up of amino acid called homocysteine that has been linked to heart disease. Those of us who have high levels of homocysteine are usually more prone to an early onset of heart and vascular disease. A new study performed at the TNO Nutrition and Food Research Institute in Utrecht indicates that those who drink beer had no increase in their homocysteine level but those who drank wine or liquor had an increase of up to 10%. Also noted was the fact that those who drank beer experienced a 30% increase in vitamin B6 in their blood plasma, thereby proving that beer (in moderation) is actually healthier to drink than wine and other liquor.

Did you know?

- Beer is nutritious if consumed in moderation

- That beer is fat-free and cholesterol free?

- Beer has a relaxing effect on the body thereby reducing stress.

- It can help you sleep better

- It helps prevent heart disease and improves the blood circulation

- It has proven to have positive effects on elderly people. It helps to promote blood vessel dilation, sleep, and urination.

An average beer contains the following:

0mg of cholesterol

0g of fat

13g of carbohydrate

25mg of sodium

protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and vitamins B, B2, and B6

Cuisine a la biere…

Beer in cooking is deeply rooted in Western Europe. Beer is incomparable as a cooking tool. With its unique flavors and versatilities is it unmatched. Due to the fact that alcohol has a much lower boiling temperature than water, it evaporates quickly while cooking your recipe and thereby only leaves the characteristic taste of the beer.

Some ways to use beer in cooking are as follows:

-Marinades for beef – both tenderizes and adds flavor.

-Used as a substitute for water in different soups and stocks – adds much more flavor to your recipes.

-Used in batters for fried foods.

-Added to gravies to spice up the taste.

-Used as a cooking base/liquid for steaming foods (sausages, shellfish, clams, etc.)

Just remember when cooking with beer, keep your beer’s primary taste in mind. Malty beers add a sweet/nutty taste while hop lagers can add a bitter/herbal flavor. Beer increases in bitterness as it reduces to use a sweeter/malty beer when cooking for long periods of time.

Now after reading all this ‘good stuff’ on beer, this isn’t to say that you should go out and get ‘boozed up’ because it’s good for you! Obviously the key, as was mentioned earlier, is moderation. Drinking in excess of these guidelines has been associated with an increased risk of several serious health ailments, such as cancer, high blood pressure, and liver disease. Be warned that drinking over moderation can lead to liver damage, dangers of drunk driving, and damage to fetuses of pregnant women who are drinking…just to name a few.

The health risks of beer

Ever heard of the ‘beer belly’? In a German study, Gerard Klose said ‘dangers begin to emerge in men measuring more than 94 centimeters around the middle, and become "really risky" at a girth of 102 centimeters’. ‘Too much fat’, he said, ‘makes diabetes, certain forms of cancer and heart disease a distinct possibility’.’

It’s no secret that high levels of fat accumulated on the body is unhealthy and can cause serious illness over time. An article in the London Times reports that fat that collects around the internal organs to form the typically male beer belly will also find its way into the bloodstream and in turn, raise your cholesterol levels. This leads to heart and vascular disease and strokes.

Moderation is key here, as it is in all things. Beer is a wholesome drink that is made from natural ingredients, but like anything that is overused or overly consumed into the body, it, too, can cause damage and become dangerous for us. For moderate drinkers, beer can be nutritious.

‘Beer, if drank in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit, and promotes health.’

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How Much Protein Should I Eat in a Day?

Hardcore bodybuilders, powerlifters, and other weightlifters eat a ton of protein in a day. OK, they don’t eat a “ton”, but they do eat more than the average person.

Just now much protein do they eat?

How much protein do you eat?

How much protein is appropriate?

Can we eat too much protein?

If so, what are the side effects?

The ultimate question is: how much protein should I eat in a day?

As with how much fat to eat in a day and how many carbs to eat in a day, it all depends on a couple factors:

• age
• body size
• diet
• activity level
• lifestyle

The recommended amount of protein for a healthy adult is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. Since a kilogram is roughly equal to 2.2 pounds, that translates into .36 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight.

An exception to this rule is the recommended levels for pregnant women, which say that pregnant women should eat 10 grams more each day than the recommended amount. Lactating women require an additional 15 grams of protein during the first six months of nursing, and an additional 12 grams after that.

I firmly believe that this recommendation is grossly inadequate. In fact I wouldn’t recommend any less than .8 grams of protein per pound (rather than per kilogram) of body weight, for people looking to maintain a healthy body composition, and I wouldn’t recommend any less than 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight for people looking to gain muscle.

Males who participate in regular vigorous exercise typically will eat from 1 to 1.5 gram of protein per pound of body weight. This can be both positive and negative for the body. The additional protein will assist in muscle recovery and fat loss, but the effects of digesting the protein will place additional stress on the body.

Why Should I Limit My Protein Intake?

While protein is as vital to cellular metabolism as oxygen, there certainly lies a threshold for healthy and unhealthy consumption levels especially for those in poorer health. Processing protein requires a lot from kidneys and liver which is why those with problems with either of those organs are often ordered by their physicians to eat a lower protein diet.

An indirect drawback from excessive animal protein consumption is its effect on the cardiovascular system. Since many meats contain a fair amount of saturated fat, this can lead to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, as well as obesity.

For example, only 25% of a T-bone steak’s calories come from protein while the rest comes from saturated fat. Even a leaner cut of beef like a flank steak is still roughly 50% fat. The same holds true for eggs. Only 31% of eggs’ calories come from protein. Fish and chicken are certainly better sources of protein.

Remember when eating a diet higher in protein to drink plenty of water in order to replenish the considerable amount lost during protein metabolism. Try and stay on the safe side by avoiding extreme high-protein diets full of saturated fats like the ketogenic diets (Atkins) and you will be in much better physical standing.

To Gain Muscle:

I recommend 1 gram of protein per lb of lean body mass for males and females who exercise at least 3 times per week and are trying to gain muscle mass.

A 200 lb man with 10% bodyfat would aim to consume about 180 grams of protein in a day. That’s 6 meals with an average of 30 grams of protein per meal, and THAT, my friends, is quite doable.

et Some!

If you have trouble consuming that much protein with food alone, I highly suggest you pick up some Optimum Nutrition Protein Powders, a source of inexpensive, high quality protein. One extra protein shake a day could make all the difference in the world.

To Lose Fat:

I recommend .8 grams of protein per lb of lean body mass for males and females who exercise at least 3 times per week and are trying to lose body fat.

A 150 lb woman with 25% bodyfat would aim to consume about 90 grams of protein in a day. That’s 3 meals with 20 grams of protein per meal and 3 snacks with 10 grams of protein, and THAT, my friends, is also very doable.

More importantly, keeping your unhealthy fat consumption and processed carbohydrate consumption low, will go a long way to preserve your health for the long haul.

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20 Foods you can Mix With your Protein Powder for better taste

Athletes always need more protein. If you aren’t sure how much you need, read about how much protein you should eat. Or maybe you would rather skip straight to protein shake recipes. If not, read on…

Optimum Nutrition

The problem with most protein powders is that they taste like cardboard. I found a company called Optimum Nutrition that puts out some great inexpensive protein powder. I haven’t really bought anything else in several years now. Optimum Nutrition protein powder tastes pretty good, but we can still realize a ton of benefits by learning to mix it with some of the other healthiest foods.

My Top 21 Favorite Foods to Mix with Protein Powder

1. Milk - Just use milk instead of water for more flavor, more thickness, and more calories. Try goat’s milk for an extra health kick.
2. Cream - Use instead of milk or water for way more flavor and calories.
3. Fruit - Blend it up and it’s called a fruit smoothie. Try strawberries and bananas. Add fruit to just about all of these other recipes. Fruit adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants so don’t hesitate to add it to anything.
4. Nuts - Mix or blend with walnuts, almonds, pecans, and sunflower seeds. Adds healthy fats and a nutty aftertaste to everything. You could probably use peanuts too, but honestly peanuts aren’t that great for you.
5. All Natural Peanut Butter – Use peanut butter to make Peanut Butter Protein Balls using this recipe. These are so good.
6. Oatmeal - Make strawberry or chocolate protein oatmeal for a high fiber breakfast. I have also added 1/4 cup of raw oatmeal to a plain chocolate protein shake.
7. Cereal - Cereal is generally not too good for you unless you’re eating something like Total or Special K, Grapenuts, or Kashi; and that’s exactly what I’m recommending here. Add a scoop or two of protein powder to your healthy cereal… it’s perfect because it already has milk!
8. Cottage Cheese – Just use 1/4 cup of protein powder at the most and add a few drops of water if it gets too thick. Read a post all about cottage cheese recipes. Add fruit and nuts as desired.
9. 
   Pancakes -Everyone that’s been reading this blog for a while knows aboutprotein pancakes. Just add 1/2 a scoop to the mix and a little water to thin it out. Add fruit and nuts as desired.
10. Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt – Blend together for a weight gainer treat. Add fruit and nuts as desired.
11. Dessert Mix – For more junk food, mix the protein powder with brownie mix, cookie mix, or any sort of dessert bread or loaf.
12. Pudding Mix – You can make protein pudding with just about any flavor of pudding or protein. You can choose low fat pudding or regular. Check outThe Hulk Protein Shake for a swell pistachio flavored snack.
13. Apple Juice and Caramel Flavoring – Mix it with vanilla protein for a caramel apple dessert. Add fruit and nuts as desired.
14. Other Juices – You can also use pretty much any other juice or even Gatorade. Try orange juice, cranberry juice, and someone one recommended green Gatorade but I don’t know anything about it.
15. Yogurt - Particularly low-fat or non-fat yogurt mixed with fruit or vanilla flavored protein powder. Blend it with fruit for an even thicker fruit smoothie. Add fruit and nuts as desired.
16. Pasta Sauce – Or any other thick heavily flavored sauce. The catch is that it has to be unflavored protein powder.
17. Eggs and Egg Whites – Mix unflavored protein powder into any recipe that is primarily made with eggs. From what I understand, cooking the protein powder somewhat denatures the protein, making it less useful to your body, but it’s better than no protein at all. Fact: nearly all macronutrient enzymes are in some way compromised at heats in excess of 160 degrees C.
18. Mashed Potatoes – Once again you’ll need to use unflavored protein powder, but it will make you feel so much better about eating your mashed potatoes. Add a splash of milk or cream if the potatoes become too thick.
19. Sweeteners - Add any type of syrup if you don’t care about carbs, and add any type of artificial sweetener (I prefer Splenda) if you want to avoid sweetening your protein with sugar.
20. Coffee – The secret is to mix up a scoop of protein with milk, then add the milk concoction to your coffee

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