Modern lifestyle and fast-paced life leave very little time for exercises. Additionally, sedentary jobs make physical activity difficult for the majority of the day. These factors, along with major changes in the dietary habits of the urban population result in high blood cholesterol levels, even among youngsters. High cholesterol is an alarming health concern and it is high time that we understand the implications of this condition. This is why we have answered the most frequently asked questions about high cholesterol. What does cholesterol do to the body? Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is found in our body. It has important functions in maintaining the structure of cell membranes and forming other lipids in the body. However, a higher-than-normal concentration of cholesterol is harmful to the body. High cholesterol can cause narrowing of arteries and decrease blood flow to the heart, brain or other internal organs. The health complications arising out of these may be life-threatening. What causes cholesterol levels to increase? A lot of factors contribute to raising cholesterol levels in the human body. Obesity and lack of physical activity is the most common reason for high cholesterol levels. Poor dietary choices also contribute greatly to this condition.

The flat belly diet chart contains the list of foods that play a crucial role in reducing belly fat. This means they are rich in some nutrients that are helpful for burning belly fat. They always maintain the balance of various essential nutrients in the body. This includes fat, carbohydrates, and protein as they are mainly responsible for the emergence of excessive fat in the belly along with other parts of the body. Hands free yoga and daily workouts are a few ways that are effective in reducing belly fat. 6 foods that are a must in a flat belly diet chart Diet is also an important factor that helps in reducing belly fat along with yoga and workouts. For obtaining a flat belly, you have to maintain a particular diet chart. Mentioned below are the reasons why 6 such foods must be included in the flat belly diet chart: Pulses Pulses are generally rich in protein but low in fat and calories. Therefore, it plays an important role in promoting a flat belly. It helps in regulating metabolism for healthy body functions. As compared to spiced or fried pulses, boiled pulses are healthier for someone with a fat belly.

The keto diet is centralized on the diet which is lower in the carb. It helps in burning the body fat and helps the body to promote the process of breaking down carbohydrates. This will get converted into glucose which can be absorbed by the different internal parts of the body for performing daily activities. If the level of carbs, gets lower in the diet the liver will automatically start using the belly fats and converts them into ketone bodies and fatty acids. Foods included in the keto diet There are a number of foods which are included in the keto diet chart. Most of them are lower in carbs and enhances the production of ketone bodies and fatty acids in the body. These two nutrients are essential for leading a healthy lifestyle with a healthy body. As a result, this diet is excellent for the improvisation of the functioning of the internal organs of the body including the brain. Given below are the explanations of some such foods which are responsible for these impeccable health benefits of this diet: Seafood Shellfish and fish are the most common companions of this type of diet. They are virtually carb-free because they are rich in Selenium, Potassium, and Vitamin B.

Weight loss is aimed for by most people who do not want that extra fat in their bodies. Everyone wants to have a tiny waist and a flat belly. Weight gain is associated with a number of health issues and problems which can cause severe effects on the body. This can be controlled by maintaining the healthy body weight and a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). The foods you can consume for weight loss There are a wide plethora of foods which incorporate both weight loss and weight gain. Thus, you have to be very careful while choosing the food for yourself to lose weight. Moreover, you must know about the functions and the impeccable health benefits of those foods at the same time. This is because; they play an immense role in the proper functioning of the body’s metabolism. They are also effective in regularizing the calorie level, hormonal balance and the severity of hunger at the same time. Although there are many foods for losing weight, some of them are explained in the below: Whole eggs According to research done recently, it has been proved that the whole eggs are helpful in losing weight as they are rich in healthy fats and protein; but are lower in calories.

The dash diet is an effective way to prevent the condition of hypertension. It reduces sodium intake by setting a strict set of rules on the consumption of food. It instead allows you to consume certain food items that are rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Your dietitian will suggest you follow this diet if you get affected by high blood pressure. Given below are some leading benefits of following a dash diet. Improves Bone Strength A dash diet helps in improving bone strength. Hence, it works wonders to the victims of osteoporosis. In this diet, you get the opportunity to consume a lot of dairy products, which are rich in calcium, and green vegetables, which are rich in calcium and vitamin C, in turn making your bones stronger. Reduces Blood Pressure Continuous intake of food under the dash diet results in a great drop in one’s blood pressure. Therefore, the patients of hypertension can follow the dash diet with ease. Decreases the Risk of Cancer Fresh fruits are one of the main components of the dash diet. Many fruits contain anti-carcinogens which effectively reduces the risks of cancer. Following the dash diet for a longer period can thus reduce the chances of developing cancer.

Irritable bowel syndrome is more commonly referred to as IBS. It produces symptoms such as pain or discomfort and really hampers with the bowel habits of the affected person. The affected person either need to go to the restroom more often due to diarrhea or may constantly experience constipation. IBS typically affects approximately 25 to 40 million Americans, out of which most are women. All of us know that typically a balanced diet is required in order to absorb the important nutrition. However, when somebody is affected with IBS, they may notice that the symptoms pertaining to this disease may worsen after consuming certain food items. Some of the foods, which end up triggering IBS include: Items with insoluble fiber Even though fiber is crucial for one’s growth, it has been found that the insoluble kind worsens symptoms of IBS such as diarrhea. It is advisable to consume foods with soluble fiber instead. For instance, foods such as grains like barley and oats, carrots, legumes, and grapefruit are all quite useful in keeping the fiber intake of the body high. Gluten Gluten is a kind of protein which does not suit some people. Consuming it may produce the Celiac’s disease, which is quite similar to IBS.

Throughout the day we indulge in so many activities that at the end of the day we hardly have any energy left. There is no denying the fact that these days food contamination is rampant and we, therefore, need to include some form of superfood in our daily diet. Unlike junk foods that are bereft of necessary nutrients, there is a class of food items that are nutritionally dense. These are called superfoods. They are super rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins, fibers, and other nutrients, which take your health to the next level. Moreover, superfoods don’t just have a positive effect on your health, but they even alter your immunity such that your body is able to ward off any deficiencies or diseases. If combined with regular exercise, these plant and dairy-based food items can help you achieve your health goals while keeping you young and fresh. Include balanced servings of the following food items to feel better than you have felt ever before: Blueberries These beautiful looking fruits are extremely appetizing. Blueberries are often seen topping the list of superfoods, since they are extremely rich in phytochemicals, vitamins, and soluble fiber. A study has proven that the consumption of phytochemicals, known as flavonoids, is known to reduce the risk of heart conditions in women.

As the name suggests, a sugar-free diet restricts all food items containing any form of added sugars. Even those food items that are naturally sweet are eliminated, such as carrots, potatoes, peas, white rice, and parsnips. Depending on your ability and requirement, you may consume fruits which are naturally sweet, but you may still have to cut down on juices and say no to any form of refined sugars. Artificial sweeteners are still permissible, but you must consult a dietician for this. Here is a list of food items that you should stay away from while following a sugar-free diet. Sugars The list includes refined sugars, table sugar, confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, honey, white sugar, maple crystals, corn syrup, and the like. Refined flours Brownies, bagels, white bread, cookies, and cake. Beverages Juice, soda, sweetened tea, or coffee. You can instead have the following foods. Whole grains Barley, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, and millet. Spices Cinnamon, cumin, paprika, vanilla, and ginger. All vegetables Cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, broccoli, celery, beetroot, kale, and spinach. Legumes and beans Lentils, kidney beans, navy beans, and chickpeas. How does a sugar-free diet work? Many dieticians and doctors across the globe advise cutting sugars from your diet as they contain minimal essential nutrients and all they contribute are kilojoules, which can cause problems like obesity.

Kids love snacking! In fact, most medical professionals recommend two to 3 balanced snacks per day for growing children for many reasons. Firstly, healthy snacks play an essential role in meeting a child’s daily nutritional needs. Why? Because small children have still growing stomachs that can’t necessarily consume and digest the same amounts of food at a meal as adults can. This means they often eat less at meal times. So snacking becomes a vital part of supplementing the daily caloric requirements for what the kids don’t eat during main meals. Here are a few healthy, satisfying, and nutritionally-fuelled snacks for kids: 1. Health dips and chips Most kids not only love a colorful snack, they love a snack they can dip! Try cutting up a colorful array of veggies (i.e., bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and grape tomatoes) and serve them alongside a zesty hummus or black bean salsa with baked whole wheat tortilla chips and pita. Both of these dips are bean or legume based (i.e., black beans and chickpeas), which means plenty of lean plant protein and fiber in each bite.  2.  Oat and trail mix bites Oats are loaded with plenty of fiber, and because oatmeal is whole grain, this is a snack that will keep kids satisfied and energized between main meals.

Not many people realize that just like humans, dogs also have allergies to foods. Although there are a large variety of things dogs may be allergic to often times the symptoms are the same. A few symptoms to look out for include itchiness, diarrhea, vomiting, swelling on the face or body, itchy ears and sneezing. Some other rare and more serious symptoms include breathing issues, seizures and weight loss. Now that you know the symptoms continue reading for more information on the top common dog food allergies: 1. Wheat Just as with humans who suffer from wheat and gluten intolerance there are also dogs that suffer from gluten or wheat allergies. Wheat can be found in most brands of dog food. Although most dogs can digest wheat and it is often a good source of grains there are some who may have an intolerance for it. Some signs include vomiting and diarrhea after eating. To avoid this issue try feeding pups gluten free dog food. 2. Beef Although for some it may be hard to believe there are many dogs who suffer from a beef allergy. Not only does their stomach have a harder time processing the beef it can also affect other parts of the body.