Boning Up on Calcium

taken from www.thebestlife.com

Calcium is well known for it's bone-building powers, but that's not the nutrient's only benefit. It also has been shown to help normalize blood pressure and may reduce your risk for colon cancer. And some studies have suggested it might even help you lose weight, although this claim is still being studied.

Despite all these perks, many diet books and weight-loss programs are so single-mindedly focused on weight loss that they often ignore this critical nutrient. That can mean big trouble for many people, especially when you consider that so many of us are already missing the mark when it comes to calcium. The average American woman gets only 65 percent of her daily calcium needs (adults up to age 50 need 1,000 milligrams daily, while older folks need 1,200 milligrams daily). Obviously, those who diet may receive even less because cutting calories often means skimping on calcium-rich foods.

You can meet your daily calcium requirement and still keep your calories in check by choosing lower-calorie, high-calcium foods (like the ones listed below) and, if necessary, taking a calcium supplement. Both calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are good choices; take them with a meal to improve absorption, and take no more than 500 milligrams at a time.

Calcium-Rich Picks

To reach your daily calcium quota, eat at least two of these calcium-rich foods each day:

• 1 cup nonfat milk* (83 calories, 306 mg calcium)

• 1 cup one percent milk* (103 calories, 290 mg calcium)

• 1 cup calcium-enriched soymilk* (Calories and calcium vary; choose brands that have about 100 calories and 30 percent of the daily value, or DV, for calcium per cup, such as most Silk flavors.)

• 3/4 cup (6 ounces) plain low-fat yogurt (100 calories, 365 mg calcium)

• 1 ounce regular, waxy cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar (105 calories, 225 mg calcium)

• 1 1/2 ounces low-fat waxy cheese (105 calories, 300 mg calcium)

• 1 cup calcium-enriched orange juice; limit this to twice a week, as whole fruit is much more satiating for the calories than juice (110 calories, 300 to 350 mg calcium depending on the brand)

• 3 ounces of canned salmon with bones (140 calories, 188 mg calcium)

• 3 3/4 ounces of canned sardines, packed in oil, drained (147 calories, 210 mg calcium)

• 1/2 cup nonfat ricotta cheese (90 calories, 400 mg calcium)

* Milk and many brands of soymilk are enriched with vitamin D, which is also critical for bone formation and cancer prevention.

Alasan Kedokteran tentang Darah

Bob: Tolong beritahu saya, mengapa seorang Muslim sangat mementingkan mengenai kata-kata "Halal" dan "Haram"; apa arti dari kata-kata tersebut?

Yunus: Apa-apa yang diperbolehkan diistilahkan sebagai Halal, dan apa-apa yang tak diperbolehkan diistilahkan sebagai Haram, dan Al-Qur'an lah yang menggambarkan perbedaan antara keduanya.!

Bob: Dapatkah anda memberikan contoh?

Yunus: Ya, Islam telah melarang segala macam darah. Anda akan sependapat bahwa analisis kimia dari darah menunjukkan adanya kandungan yang tinggi dari uric acid (asam urat), suatu senyawa kimia yang bisa berbahaya bagi kesehatan manusia.

Bob: Anda benar mengenai sifat beracun dari uric acid, dalam tubuh manusia, senyawa ini dikeluarkan sebagai kotoran, dan dalam kenyataannya kita diberitahu bahwa 98% dari uric acid dalam tubuh, dikeluarkan dari dalam darah oleh Ginjal, dan dibuang keluar tubuh melalui air seni.

Yunus: Sekarang saya rasa anda akan menghargai metode prosedur khusus dalam penyembelihan hewan dalam Islam.

Bob: Apa maksud anda?

Yunus: Begini... seorang penyembelih, selagi menyebut nama dari Yang Maha Kuasa, membuat irisan memotong urat nadi leher hewan, sembari membiarkan urat-urat dan organ-organ lainnya utuh.

Bob: Oh begitu... Dan hal ini menyebabkan kematian hewan karena kehabisan darah dari tubuh, bukannya karena cedera pada organ vitalnya.

Yunus: Ya, sebab jika organ-organ, misalnya jantung, hati, atau otak dirusak, hewan tersebut dapat meninggal seketika dan darahnya akan menggumpal dalam urat-uratnya dan akhirnya mencemari daging. Hal tersebut mengakibatkan daging hewan akan tercemar oleh uric acid, sehingga menjadikannya beracun; hanya pada masa kini lah, para ahli
makanan baru menyadari akan hal ini.

Bob: Selanjutnya, selagi masih dalam topik makanan; Mengapa para Muslim melarang pengkonsumsian daging babi, atau ham, atau makanan lainnya yang terkait dengan babi?

Lebih lanjut lagi, apakah anda tahu kalau babi tidak dapat disembelih di leher karena mereka tidak memiliki leher; sesuai dengan anatomi alamiahnya? Muslim beranggapan kalau babi memang harus disembelih dan layak bagi konsumsi manusia, tentu Sang Pencipta akan merancang hewan ini dengan memiliki leher.

Namun diluar itu semua, saya yakin anda tahu betul mengenai efek-efek berbahaya dari komsumsi babi, dalam bentuk apapun, baik itu pork chops, ham, atau bacon.

Bob: Ilmu kedokteran mengetahui bahwa ada resiko besar atas banyak macam penyakit. Babi diketahui sebagai inang dari banyak macam parasit dan penyakit berbahaya.

Yunus: Ya, dan diluar itu semua, sebagaimana kita membicarakan mengenai kandungan uric acid dalam darah, sangat penting untuk diperhatikan bahwa sistem biochemistry babi mengeluarkan hanya 2% dari seluruh kandungan uric acidnya, sedangkan 98% sisanya tersimpan dalam tubuhnya.

Sumber: Ibrahim Ali Ahmad

Benefits of Organic Living

What is organic?

Organic usually refers to all "naturally produced" foods or the product of organic farming. Organic food differs from conventionally produced food in the way it is grown, handled, and processed.

Organic usually refers to the raising of farm produce (fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products) without the use of chemical or other synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, (synthetic or sewer-sludge); livestock raised with the use of growth hormones, or antibiotics; food processed without ionizing radiation or food additives; nor can genetically modified seed be utilized.

A larger part of organic agriculture involves the health of the soil and the ecosystem in which crops and livestock are raised. Organic practices recognize that a healthy and live soil and ecosystem benefit crops. Natural, undisturbed soil is alive with microbiotic organisms which exist in harmony together with the native plant life and the inorganic minerals that provide the soil's substrate. Use of pesticides and other chemical treatments to plants disturb this natural balance in many ways.

In fact, organic farming is a more traditional form of agriculture. Before the end of World War II, farmers did not use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides made from petroleum products. In fact many technologies developed during the war were found later to have positive effects on agricultural production and thus were introduced beginning in the 1950s to farmers around the world. Fantastic crop yields and great looking produce was achieved through use of the chemicals; but little did people realize the resulting detrimental effects on the health of consumers.

The term “certified organic” is a legal term and means something quite different than organic as it is very difficult and expensive to have your products certified. Often in the West producers actually are selling organic foods, but can’t make that claim because they haven’t been certified.

The terms “natural” and organic are not interchangeable. Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can appear on food labels. However, don't confuse these terms with "organic."

Why choose organic?

There are many reasons why people are choosing organic foods over conventionally produced fruits, vegetables and other food products. In fact in developing countries it is one of the fastest growing segments in the food industry with mainline retailers such as Safeway and Wal-Mart in the US and Waitrose in the UK and many others offering organic produce selections for their discerning customers. Organic food production and processing value now tops $30 billion/year!

We have listed a few of the more commonly held reasons for “going organic” here:
1. Organic food is not treated with any chemicals during the planting and growth of the item.
Therefore, if you eat organic foods, you are not exposed to what could be a toxic cocktail of
pesticides and fertilizers.
2. Fresh organic produce has more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other micronutrients than
farmed produce. Studies show that organic food contains between 50 and 100% more
minerals and 25% more fiber.
3. Choosing organic foods is the only way you can avoid eating genetically modified food.
4. Choosing organic dairy or meat products ensures that the antibiotics, growth promoting
drugs, anti-parasite drugs and many other medicines fed to the animals will not be passed on
into your food.
5. Organic produce often tastes so much better than farm produced vegetables and fruit. It’s full of flavour!
6. Organic farmers often protect wildlife in their areas by not using harmful pesticides or
herbicides and look for ways to protect their crops without harming wildlife and the
environment.
7. Conventional farming can damage workers' health as they are exposed to the toxins in the
pesticides and herbicides and fertilizers.

Sustainably Grown Foods and the Environment

In addition to organic farming methods, sustainable agriculture is becoming more important around the world as we deplete the nutrients in over-farmed areas, endangering the ability of the soil to grow foodstuffs.

Sustainable agriculture refers to the ability of a farm to produce perpetually. An important factor is the effects of farming practices utilized on soil properties and processes essential for crop productivity. Practices that can cause damage to soil include excessive tillage leading to erosion and irrigation without good drainage leading to accumulation of salt in the soil.

A number of development and aid projects in Indonesia are working with local farmers to develop more sustainable methods of growing produce, to ensure that future generations will also be able to live off the land. These methods include natural replenishment of soil to avoid nutrient depletion. Just a few examples are :
recycling crop waste and livestock or human manure growing legume crops and forages such as, peanuts that form symbioses with nitrogen-fixing bacteria called rhizobia.

All of these efforts have one goal, to care for the earth by conserving the soil and water so that we can sustain and ensure the environment quality and therefore the health and well being of future generations on the earth.

Where can you buy Organic Foods in Indonesia

Specialty health food stores can be found in larger cities in Indonesia, catering mostly to an expatriate population and the increasingly aware educated Indonesian that knows the need for a healthier diet and better choices. Ask within the community to see if people are aware of a health food/organic/natural food store where you live.

Try an organic restaurant and see how great organic food can taste! Ask the staff about the health benefits of the various dishes … and start to incorporate those new products/dishes into your daily life.

Fortunately for most expatriates, the wide variety of fresh produce and fruits, as well as the ready availability of household staff in Indonesia makes it very easy to incorporate a wide variety of fresh and healthy foods into your diet during your stay in Indonesia. Other items like organic medicines, juice, drinks, baby food, baby diapers grains and such are HARD to find and you will need to obtain them from an organic/natural foods store.

Traditional markets sell an astounding variety of produce, yet there is no way to know for sure if it is grown with organic methods. Sales people will tell you whatever you want to hear … or are not aware of the conditions under which the products were grown.

The effects of air pollution on foods grown near big cities is another factor that must be considered.

Once you embrace the concept of “organic”, you’ll find that there are many areas of your life where changes to your lifestyle can improve your daily life. Organic products are not limited to food, but also include organically grown natural fibers used in clothing, nutritional supplements, personal hygiene products, household cleaning products, garden chemicals, and furniture. For each of these .. there is an organic option.

Making the change to organic living can be one of the most satisfying things you will ever do. Your health will improve, your energy levels will improve, your body functions will improve and you will look and feel better. There is no time like the present to begin!

Learn more about organic living .. there are many resources online. Knowledge and information replace fear; options empower us; and action will change not only our lives but the lives of generations to come. Eating well is one of the cornerstones of preventative medicine!

Taken From Expat Info

Healthy Life Tips

BOTOL PLASTIK

Mungkin sebagian dari kita mempunyai kebiasaan memakai dan memakai ulang botol plastik (Aqua, VIT etc) dan menaruhnya di mobil atau dikantor. Kebiasaan ini tidak baik, karena bahan plastik botol(disebut juga sebagai polyethylene terephthalate or PET) yang dipakai di botol2 ini mengandung zat2 karsinogen (atau DEHA). Botol ini aman untuk dipakai 1-2 kali saja,jika anda ingin memakainya lebih lama, tidak boleh lebih dari seminggu, dan harus ditaruh di tempat yang jauh dari matahari.Kebiasaan mencuci ulang dapat membuat lapisan plastik rusak dan zat karsinogen itu bisa masuk ke air yang kita minum. Lebih baik membeli botol air yang memang untuk dipakai ber-ulang2, jangan memakai botol plastik.

PENGGEMAR SATE

Kalau Anda makan sate, jangan lupa makan timun setelahnya. Karena ketika kita makan sate sebetulnya ikut juga karbon dari hasil pembakaran arang yang dapat menyebabkan kanker. Untuk itu kita punya obatnya yaitu timun yang disarankan untuk dimakan setelah makan sate. Karena sate mempunyai zat Karsinogen (penyebab kanker) tetapi timun ternyata punya anti Karsinogen. Jadi jangan lupa makan timun setelah makan sate.

UDANG DAN VITAMIN C

Jangan makan udang setelah Anda makan Vitamin C. Karena ini akan menyebabkan keracunan dari racun Arsenik (As) yang merupakan proses reaksi dari Udang dan Vitamin C di dalam tubuh dan berakibatKERACUNAN YANG FATAL dalam hitungan jam.

MIE INSTAN

Para penggemar Mi Instan, pastikan Anda punya selang waktu paling tidak 3 tiga hari setelah Anda mengkonsumsi Mi Instan, jika Anda akan mengkonsumsinya lagi. Dari Informasi kedokteran, ternyata terdapat lilin yang melapisi mi instan. Itu sebabnya mengapa Mi Instan tidak lengket satu sama lainnya ketika dimasak. Konsumsi Mie Instan setiap hari akan meningkatkan kemungkinan seseorang terjangkiti kanker. Seseorang, karena begitu sibuknya dalam berkarir sehingga tidak punya waktu lagi untuk memasak, sehingga diputuskannya untuk mengkonsumsi Mi Instan setiap hari. Akhirnya dia menderita kanker. Dokternya mengatakan bahwa hal ini disebabkan karena adanya lilin dalam MiInstan tersebut. Dokter tersebut mengatakan bahwa tubuh kita memerlukan waktu lebih dari 2 (dua)hari untuk membersihkan lilin tersebut.

BAHAYA DIBALIK KEMASAN MAKANAN

Kemasan makanan merupakan bagian dari makanan yang sehari-hari kita konsumsi. Bagi sebagian besar orang, kemasan makanan hanya sekadar bungkus makanan dan cenderung dianggap sebagai "pelindung" makanan. Sebetulnya tidak tepat begitu, tergantung jenis bahan kemasan. Sebaiknya mulai sekarang Anda cermat memilik kemasan makanan. Kemasan pada makanan mempunyai fungsi kesehatan, pengawetan, kemudahan, penyeragaman, promosi dan informasi. Ada begitu banyak bahan yang digu! nakan sebagai pengemas primer pada makanan, yaitu kemasan yang bersentuhan langsung dengan makanan. Tetapi tidak semua bahan ini aman bagi makanan yang dikemasnya. Inilah ranking teratas bahan kemasan makanan yang perlu Anda waspadai.

A. Kertas.

Beberapa kertas kemasan dan non-kemasan (kertas koran dan majalah) yang sering digunakan untuk membungkus makanan, terdeteksi mengandung timbal (Pb) melebihi batas yang ditentukan. Di dalam tubuh manusia, timbal masuk melalui saluran pernapasan atau pencernaan menuju sistem peredaran darah dan kemudian menyebar ke berbagai jaringan lain seperti ginjal, hati, otak, saraf dan tulang. Keracunan timbal pada orang dewasa ditandai dengan gejala 3 P, yaitu pallor (pucat), pain(sakit)& paralysis (kelumpuhan). Keracunan yang terjadipun bisa bersifat kronis dan akut. Untuk terhindar dari makanan yang terkontaminasi logam berat timbal, memang susah-susah gampang. Banyakmakanan jajanan seperti pisang goreng, tahu goreng dan t! empe goreng yang dibungkus dengan koran karena pengetahuan yang kurang dari si penjual.Padahal bahan yang panas dan berlemak mempermudah berpindahnya timbal makanan tsb. Sebagai usaha pencegahan, taruhlah makanan jajanan tersebut di atas piring.

B.Styrofoam.

Bahan pengemas styrofoam atau polystyrene telah menjadi salah satu pilihan yang paling populer dalam bisnis pangan. Tetapi, riset terkini membuktikan bahwa styrofoam diragukan keamanannya.Styrofoam yang dibuat dari kopolimer styren ini menjadi pilihan bisnis pangan karena mampu mencegah kebocoran dan tetap mempertahankan bentuknya saat dipegang. Selain itu, bahan tersebut juga mampumempertahankan panas dan dingin tetapi tetap nyaman dipegang, mempertahankan kesegaran dan keutuhan bahan yang dikemas, biaya murah, lebih aman, serta ringan. Pada Juli 2001, Divisi Keamanan PanganPemerintah Jepang mengungkapkan bahwa residu styrofoam dalam makanan sangat berbahaya. Residu itu dapat menyebabkan endocrine disrupter (EDC), yaitu suatu penyakit yang terjadi akibat adanya gangguan pada sistem endokrinologi dan reproduksi manusia akibat bahan kimia karsinogen dalam makanan.