sunflower seeds

Nutrients in Sunflower

Seeds Sunflower seeds are packed with vitamins, including vitamin B1 and B5, vitamin E and folate.

They also provide a healthy dose of copper, magnesium, selenium and phosphorous–important minerals. Just a quarter of a cup–four tablespoons–of seeds holds half the daily requirement or more of these important nutrients.

The fats present in sunflower seeds are also good quality, heart healthy fats that can help increase “good” cholesterol and protect the heart and cardiovascular system. Of these nutrients, vitamin E in particular is a powerful antioxidant, helping preserve cardiovascular health.

Sunflower seeds are quite high in vitamin E, with ninety percent of the recommended daily allowance of this vitamin in a quarter cup. Also helpful to cardiovascular health and cholesterol maintenance are lignans, arginine and phenolic acids. While these substances are less well-known to most people, studies increasingly show benefits from increasing their intake.

Other substances found in sunflower seeds include tryptophan and choline. Also found in pumpkin seeds, tryptophan can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

Choline appears to help increase brain function, particularly helping to improve memory. With this wide combination of phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals, sunflower seeds are a surprisingly nutrient dense food.

Adding Sunflower Seeds to the Diet With their mild, nutty flavor, sunflower seeds can enhance a wide range of foods, making it easy to add them to the everyday diet. Some quick and easy ways to add sunflower seeds to a daily nutritional regimen include: Add to breads or muffins for a nutty, crunchy flavor

Sprinkle on salads at lunch time Add to yogurt for a breakfast treat Of course, sunflower seeds are also easy to eat straight out of the package.

Remember, though, that even sunflower seeds can provide too much of a good thing, so be careful not to overindulge. About a quarter of a cup per day of these tasty seeds is plenty to provide the wide nutritional benefits. Try a tablespoon at breakfast or lunch, sprinkled on salad or yogurt, plus a tablespoon or two for an afternoon snack. Another precaution to be aware of is to avoid flavored or salted sunflower seeds. Most sunflower seeds in the grocery store have been heavily salted. Dieters who are watching sodium intake due to high blood pressure or other issues should be aware of this.

Flavored seeds are fun in small quantities, but again the sodium levels can be quite high. While some people are used to salty snacks, they aren’t as healthy as unsalted varieties. Those used to raw seeds and nuts will find the salt levels in many sunflower seed brands to be quite unpleasant. Look for unsalted seeds or even raw seeds for the best health benefits.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/the-health-benefits-of-sunflower-seeds/

But..... Don't Drink and Drive

But..... Don't Drink and Drive

Myanmar: Victims of Recent Clashes Must Have Access to Health Care

Myanmar: Victims of Recent Clashes Must Have Access to Health Care YANGON, MYANMAR, June 18, 2012—Continuing violence and deep communal divisions in Rakhine State, Myanmar, are preventing people from receiving emergency medical treatment, the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said today. MSF was forced to suspend most of its medical activities in Rakhine State when violence erupted on June 9, putting the organization’s clinics and staff in danger. “MSF is extremely worried that victims of the clashes are not receiving emergency care, and about the ongoing healthcare needs of our patients,” said Joe Belliveau, MSF operations manager. “Our immediate concerns are to provide emergency medical services, get food and supplies to people, and ensure our HIV patients continue receiving their lifesaving treatment.” In their effort to find a safe haven, people from Rakhine are trying to flee the violence for southern Bangladesh but are reportedly being denied access to the country. MSF provides medical services in Bangladesh, and is ready to treat anyone in need of assistance, regardless of origin. “People seeking refuge and who are in need of food, water, and medical care should be allowed to cross the border,” continued Belliveau. “In both Myanmar and Bangladesh, MSF is trying to reach those affected by the violence, but they should also be allowed to reach us.” In Rakhine, MSF has been providing medical services for 20 years, focusing on maternal health and infectious diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, HIV/AIDS, and TB. In 2011, MSF conducted more than 487,000 medical consultations. More than 600 people receive anti-retroviral treatment (ART) for HIV/AIDS. In addition to meeting immediate emergency needs, the resumption of MSF’s regular medical programs is critical for the longer-term health and well-being of people from all communities throughout the state. In all of its activities worldwide, MSF’s sole aim is to ensure that the most vulnerable people—regardless of ethnicity, origin or religion—receive the medical humanitarian assistance they require. MSF’s medical program in Myanmar is one of its largest anywhere in the world. MSF is the country’s main AIDS treatment provider and has been at the forefront of the fight against malaria. http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/press/release.cfm?id=6080&cat=press-release

What Is a Surgical Knife?

What Is a Surgical Knife?

A surgical knife, also called a scalpel, is a small bladed instrument used to make incisions during medical or scientific procedures such as surgeries, biopsies, and dissections. Variations of such knives are also used by craftsmen and artists because they are highly effective for precision cuts on or through many different surfaces. The blade of a surgical knife must be incredibly sharp because such knives need to slice through skin and other tissues with a high degree of precision. Surgical knives are usually made of high-quality tempered steel, though more expensive, higher-quality materials are also used on occasion. Just as there are many different uses for the surgical knife, there are many different kinds of surgical knives. Many have reusable handles and replaceable blades so that one does not need to replace the whole knife when the blade gets dull. There are also many different designs for the blade of a surgical knife. The most common surgical knives, standard scalpels, have one curved cutting surface that is good for cutting through skin and muscle. Other surgical knives may have double-edged blades, chisel-shaped blades, triangular blades, or many other different kinds of blades based on the specific task for which they are needed. When a surgical knife is actually used for surgery, sterility is a significant concern. In general, a single blade on any bladed instrument used in surgery will only be used once before it is recycled and sterilized. This is true even if the blade is only used for a single, tiny incision. If a blade that is not sterile is used, there is a considerable risk of infection to the individual being cut by the knife. Sterile knives are an essential part of safe and effective surgery. Sometimes, steel surgical knives are unsuitable for surgery. For example, when surgery is is being performed based on an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging system, the magnets in the MRI would magnetically attract the blade, making surgery difficult or impossible. For this reason, blades made out of nonmagnetic substances are sometimes used in surgery. Alternatively, surgeries can sometimes be conducted through the use of alternate techniques such as electrocautery or laser incision. There are generally two main ways in which a surgeon holds a surgical knife. The palamar grip, which is similar to the way one holds a dinner knife, is effective for long, large cuts. The pencil grip, which is similar to the way most people hold writing instruments, is more effective for small, precise incisions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Surgical knives are usually made of high-quality tempered steel, though more expensive, higher-quality materials are also used on occasion. Just as there are many different uses for the surgical knife, there are many different kinds of surgical knives. Many have reusable handles and replaceable blades so that one does not need to replace the whole knife when the blade gets dull. Unlike metals such as silver, surgical steel will rarely interact with a piercing, reducing the risk of infection, inflammation, and poor healing outcomes. Surgical steel body jewelry is often inserted at the time of piercing to promote healthy healing, and surgical steel is the metal of choice for implants used in body modification, thanks to its low reactivity. In all, there are 67 different types of scalpel blades and 27 different types of handles, although not all of these types are for medical purposes. In general, surgical scalpels are individually designed for specific types of surgery # Disposable surgical scalpels usually are single-piece, often come with plastic handles and have retractable blades, much like a utility knife. The entire scalpel is thrown away after just one use. Surgical blades and handles alike are commonly identified by a number. Some handles are designed to fit a specific hand hold. # If this procedure is done in a sterile and closed environment, the skin would first be sterilized, and the skin would then be anesthetized. The incision would be performed using a surgical blade, clamps would hold the airway open, a tracheotomy tube would be inserted, and the patient would be ventilated with a bag valve unit. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-surgical-knife.htm

Brief History of India

Good and Bad Foods for Arthritis

Nov 1, 2010 | By Ashley Tyson

Ashley Tyson is an avid writer and anthropologist who has written for numerous publications. Currently, her articles appear on LIVESTRONG.COM. As a freelance writing professional since 2005, Tyson's areas of interests include lifestyle, business, medicine, forensics, animals and green living. She has a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from San Francisco State University, and a Master of Science in forensic science from Pace University.

Photo Credit Andrew Bret Wallis/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Arthritis is characterized by pain and stiffness in areas of the body, most notably the joints. Over time, the swelling of a joint can mean significant damage, leading to persistent pain and discomfort. Arthritis can also cause complications in organs like the eyes and skin, according to MedlinePlus. Diet may play a role in both reducing and aggravating symptoms.

Foods High in Selenium

An inadequate amount of selenium in the body is related to the severity of arthritis, according to Robert DiSilvestro's book "Handbook of Minerals as Nutritional Supplements." Those who suffer from arthritis naturally have low selenium levels, which can lead to more painful movements and stiffness. Eating seafood like crab, tilapia and oysters provides healthy amounts of selenium needed to reduce inflammation and swelling associated with arthritis, 

Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Inflamed tissues and joints are responsible for producing free radicals, which are molecules that damage cells, according to Michael Murray in the book "Arthritis." Dietary sources of antioxidants are critical in controlling and reducing inflammation associated with arthritis. Fresh fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits, melons, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and berries are rich in the powerful antioxidant vitamin C, according to MedlinePlus. Additional antioxidants include quercetin, anthocyanidins and carotenes, which you can get through apricots, tomatoes, onions and carrots, Murray says.

Sunflower, Safflower, Corn and Soybean Oils

Sunflower, safflower, corn and soybean oils are polyunsaturated fats, also known as omega-6 fatty acids. These oils are bad for arthritis sufferers because they increase inflammation and prolong pain and stiffness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Not all omega-6 oils are bad for arthritis, but these particular oils are. In lieu of these items, use olive oil. Many commercially baked goods like cookies and cakes contain these omega-6 oils.

Sugary Foods

Foods containing sugar, especially refined sugar, may increase inflammation, according to Jessica Black's "The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book." High blood sugar can increase cortisol levels in the body, which contributes to inflammation. Although a treat is OK occasionally, persistently eating sugary items like cake, cookies, ice cream, soda and candy can have grave affects on your arthritis.

References

• Medline Plus: Arthritis
• "Handbook of Minerals as Nutritional Supplements"; Robert DiSilvestro; 2005
• "Arthritis"; Michael Murray; 1994
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-6 Fatty Acids
• "The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book"; Jessica Black; 2006
• Medline Plus: Vitamin C

Article reviewed by RayF Last updated on: Nov 1, 2010

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/293659-good-and-bad-foods-for-arthritis/#ixzz1ygOmpP00

Aspirin sharply reduces cancer risk: study

Aspirin sharply reduces cancer risk: study

PARIS (AFP) - – A small, daily dose of aspirin significantly diminishes the risk of death from a wide range of cancers, according to a landmark study released Tuesday.
Earlier work by the same team of scientists showed that the century-old remedy for aches and pains, long a staple of family pharmacies, can help ward off colon cancer.
The new study, published in the British medical journal The Lancet, reveals for the first time that aspirin also helps protect against prostate, lung, brain, and throat cancers, among others.
"These findings provide the first proof in man that aspirin reduces deaths due to several common cancers," said Peter Rothwell, a professor at the University of Oxford and lead author of the study.
Rothwell and colleagues reviewed eight previous clinical trials involving a total of more than 25,500 patients. In each, some subjects took aspirin and others look-alike placebos.
None of the studies were originally designed to measure the impact of the drug on the incidence of cancer.
During the trials, which lasted four-to-eight years, doses of aspirin as low as 75 milligrams -- a fraction the normal dose for a headache -- cut cancer deaths overall by 21 percent.
Risk was especially reduced after five years of treatment with the drug, by 30 to 40 percent depending on the type of cancer.
Three of the eight trials ran long enough to examine the impact of aspirin over a period of two decades.
The 20-year risk dropped on average by a fifth: 10 percent for prostate cancer, 30 percent for lung cancer, 40 percent for colon cancer, and 60 percent for oesophageal cancer.
For cancer of the lung and throat, the protective effect was confined to adenocarcinomas, the type typically seen in non-smokers.
"Perhaps the most important finding for the longer term is the proof of principle that cancers can be prevented by simple compounds like aspirin, and that 'chemo-prevention' is therefore a realistic goal," Rothwell said.
The length of time before the benefits of taking aspirin kicked in also varied: five years for throat, pancreatic, brain and lung cancer, about 10 years for stomach and colorectal cancer, and 15 years for prostate cancer.
The reductions in stomach and brain cancers, however, were more difficult to quantify because of the smaller number of deaths recorded.
"These promising results build on a large body of evidence suggesting that aspirin could reduce the risk of developing or dying from many different types of cancer," said Ed Yong of Cancer Research UK in commenting on the study.
"This tells us that even small doses reduce the risk of dying from cancer provided it is taken for at least five years."
Many doctors recommend regular use of aspirin to lower the risk of heart attack, clot-related strokes and other blood flow problems.
But daily use of the drug, available without prescription, may cause stomach problems, including stomach bleeding. Alcohol use can aggravate these symptoms.
"We encourage anyone interested in taking aspirin on a regular basis to talk to their doctor first," Yong said.
Aspirin is believed to have a preventive effect because it inhibits an enzyme called COX-2, which promotes cell proliferation in cancer tumours.
In rich nations, the lifetime risk of developing cancer is about 40 percent, with rates in the developing world increasing.