An elevated cholesterol level is a huge risk factor for developing heart disease in the long run. One of the best ways of lowering your cholesterol levels is by following a heart-healthy diet. The key is to include foods in your diet that mainly lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol content in your blood. So, here are some foods that can help lower cholesterol levels and eliminate some risk factors for possible heart disease. Dark chocolate and cocoa This is something that many people might love. Research has revealed that dark chocolate and cocoa can lower bad cholesterol content in your blood. However, you must choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 75–85% or higher, or cocoa alone to enjoy the benefits. Milk chocolate and white chocolate are high in sugar content, which can negatively affect your heart health. Whole grains Including whole grains like oats, barley, and others in your daily diet is an easy way of lowering cholesterol levels. Whole grains, especially oats and barley, are loaded with vitamins and minerals, plant compounds, and fiber that can help manage cholesterol. So, don’t forget to have a bowl of oatmeal or oat-based cereals for breakfast every day.

Imagine working in a high-security building that uses facial recognition technology to keep out intruders. It works well until the intruders figure out how to breach the security system. It does not matter how often the intruders are caught, new intruders will find new ways to infiltrate. The same analogy can be applied to our body’s immune system and the flu virus. The building is our body, the security system, our immune system, and intruders are the virus trying to enter the body. Whenever a new influenza vaccine is formulated and distributed, more potent viruses develop ways to evade them, making it difficult to treat cold, flu, cough & virus symptoms. So until there is a definitive cure for the infection, it is imperative to take steps to get relief from symptoms and keep the immune system intact. Following are some ways which can provide relief from symptoms and strengthen immunity: Hydration Consuming plenty of fluids helps thin your mucus and breaks congestion. It also prevents headaches and fatigue that is caused by dehydration. Keep a glass or reusable bottle in hand, and refill it with water. Salt water gargles A salt water gargle soothes a throbbing throat. It eases swelling and loosens mucus.

A migraine is a condition that causes recurring and severe headaches accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light. A migraine attack is far more severe than a regular headache and can last for hours to several days. Common triggers include hormonal changes in women, medications, stress, food additives, and certain foods. There are several to alleviate the symptoms of a migraine attack: these include certain foods to manage the condition better. Here are some foods that prevent and control migraine attacks: Water Dehydration causes headaches and is also a trigger for migraines. This is why it is essential to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. About one-third of those with the condition say dehydration is a trigger. In fact, for many, the slightest hint of dehydration can cause a throbbing headache. In addition to that, dehydration can lead to confusion and dizziness and become a medical emergency. It is vital to keep track of one’s water intake and restrict the consumption of diuretics. Sometimes, a migraine attack can be controlled by simply drinking a glass of water. Fresh food Processed foods can be unhealthy and cause migraine attacks. Meals consisting of freshly prepared foods, like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, are recommended for those with migraines.

With summertime just a few weeks away, the warm weather will invariably bring with it the flea menace. As everyone ruses outdoors and the flea season kicks in, these pests can be a source of much discomfort for our four-legged companions. While you can buy deterrents and repellents from the pet store, quite a few everyday kitchen ingredients are effective natural remedies for fleas and ticks. Natural oils Essential oils are quite effective in eliminating fleas; they are diluted and used to make shampoos and sprays for dogs infected by fleas and ticks. These oils need to be applied with caution because the scent is extremely pungent and indiscriminate use even can cause to harm your dog. The idea is to apply the oils like peppermint, lavender, cedar oil, or lemongrass onto a well-ventilated surface of their body, but not near their face. You can dilute these natural oils in a carrier like almond or olive oil. Garlic Freshly crushed garlic may be added to your dog’s food to protect him from fleas. Depending on how big your dog is, you can use a couple of cloves to get the desired result. But you should not use more than half a clove if their body weight is less than 20 pounds.

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens the bones in the body, making them delicate. As a result, the bones become prone to injuries, and subsequently, fractures. But the good news is that despite the severity of osteoporosis, medical treatments can help curb its symptoms. There is also evidence that combining medical treatments with healthy foods reduces the condition’s impact. So, here are a few foods that help manage osteoporosis and increase bone density. Dairy Products like yogurt, cheese, and milk are loaded with calcium, one of the primary nutrients that complement bone strength and structure. Other products like soy milk, almond milk, and tofu are also fortified with calcium and work wonders to improve bone health. These are also suitable alternatives for those suffering from lactose intolerance. Dark green veggies Dark green vegetables like kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, turnip greens, cabbage, and collards are stuffed with calcium. Some of these foods are even rich in vitamin K and magnesium. Together, these help manage osteoporosis. Fruits Certain fruits like figs and kiwis contain high levels of vitamins A, C, and K. These nutrients help boost bone density. Other fruits like bananas, oranges, and papayas have significant amounts of potassium that ward off the growth of acid in the bones, protecting them from losing calcium.

Diabetes is a condition generally caused by a lack of the hormone insulin in the body. The result is a hazardous accumulation of glucose in the blood. Although there are many factors that contribute to this condition, one way to regulate blood sugar is to follow a healthy nutrition regimen. In this article, we shall discuss five foods that can help lower blood sugar levels and keep diabetes in check: Broccoli Broccoli contains tons of nutrients and is an essential part of wholesome nutrition. This food is also great for lowering and regulating blood sugar. Chopped or chewed broccoli releases the compound sulforaphane that helps reduce and maintain the blood-sugar levels in the body. To efficiently obtain sulforaphane from broccoli, having it raw or steamed is ideal. Whole wheat Bread is typically filled with carbohydrates that can negatively affect the overall blood sugar level. But research has shown that stone-ground whole wheat bread actually scores very low in terms of the glycemic index. This low score is attributed to the fact that stone-ground whole wheat bread does not lose its essential fibers. These fibers help slow the process of digestion and, in turn, help to lower and regular blood sugar levels in the body.

The primary point of difference between a seizure and epilepsy is the frequency of episodes. If a person has a seizure attack, it may be a singular occurrence. However, when someone has epilepsy, the chances of multiple and frequent seizures are significantly higher. Depending on the type, severity of the condition/attacks, and frequency, treatments may include medications like XCOPRI®, therapies, and the following recommendations for eating habits. Carbohydrate-rich foods Healthy carbs are recommended as part of the Modified Atkins food regimen. It has fewer restrictions and features various vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains to manage one’s seizure outlook better. Popular choices include potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, peas, and winter squash, among fresh fruits and vegetables. Split peas, chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, black beans, and white beans are better legume choices. Additionally, whole grains like quinoa, oatmeal, brown rice, pasta, and even bread can meet the carbohydrate requirements. Protein-rich foods Protein is one of the most crucial building blocks necessary for overall growth. Protein sourced naturally from foods is rich in amino acids that help repair and maintain muscle tissue. It is also essential for boosting immunity. Primary sources of this macronutrient include lean meats, like turkey or chicken, eggs, and dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cottage cheese.

A genetic iron deficiency blood disorder is a disease that causes a deficiency of red blood cells in the body. A sickle cell anemia patient has low blood oxygen, which affects the hemoglobin. The abnormal hemoglobin leads to RBCs becoming rigid; hence, the name sickle cell anemia. Eating a balanced diet provides the nutrients required to maintain the health of a sickle cell anemia patient. Here are some foods that may help with essential nutrients. Organ meats Non-vegetarian sources of food contain heme iron. This type of iron is easier for the body to absorb than iron obtained from plant foods. Organ meats are some of the richest foods with heme iron and have been beneficial for people with iron deficiency. According to the sickle cell anemia info available, organ meat is a rich source of iron. Keep in mind that these foods are also high in cholesterol, so they should be had in moderate amounts. Fortified cereals Breakfast cereals are some of the most common food items in various households. We all have some type of cereal lying in our kitchen pantry. Many among these are said to be fortified cereals to help them meet the body’s nourishment needs.

Among several minerals and nutrients necessary for the human body, potassium often gets sidelined or forgotten. A large number of people do not get the right amount of potassium from their everyday meals. Sodium and potassium are two minerals that are responsible for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body. There are several foods that are rich in potassium and can be included in your meals. Some of them are listed below: Bananas Most people are already aware that bananas are rich sources of potassium. One medium-sized banana packs approximately 122 milligrams of potassium in it. Consuming bananas is great for ensuring that there is no deficiency of potassium in your body. You can also opt for plantains instead of bananas for similar nutrition requirements. Moreover, these foods are also rich in several other vitamins, minerals, and fibers that are good for your digestive health. Potatoes Potatoes are also essential food ingredients rich in potassium and can contain around 900 milligrams of potassium. A useful way to get the most benefits from potatoes is by consuming them with their skin intact since it is extremely rich in essential nutrients. Even sweet potatoes are also loaded with potassium and may contain as much as 500 milligrams of potassium with its skin intact.

The prostate is a tiny gland. But it needs more attention than you can imagine. The male gland sits below the bladder, surrounds the urethra, and makes fluids for semen. However, an unhealthy prostate can lead to medical conditions like prostate cancer, prostatitis, and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in men. Medications, surgery, and supplements like Prosvent® help manage or prevent symptoms. Nevertheless, combining them with these foods can also help reduce the risk of prostate problems. Broccoli Broccoli is an excellent cruciferous vegetable source that may help manage problems linked to the prostate. Research suggests that it contains phytochemicals like sulforaphane, eliminating cancerous cells and leaving the healthy prostate cells unscathed. Add broccoli to your soups, salads, stir-fries, steam it before you eat it, or eat it raw. Other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kale, and cauliflower have beneficial properties to fight prostate cancer. Legumes Foods like beans, lentils, and peanuts fall under the legume food group and are rich in phytoestrogens – biologically active plant compounds. Such phytoestrogens have shown positive results (a 20% reduced risk of prostate cancer) for people who consumed more legumes. You can always replace meat with legumes. For example, some homemade hummus or a black bean burger loaded with vegetables should serve as a healthy meal.