5 tasty and nutritious snack options for diabetics

5 tasty and nutritious snack options for diabetics

The next time a sugary treat entices you at the supermarket, consider the fact that almost 11% of the country’s population grapples with diabetes. Easy access to foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats has spurred an unprecedented increase in the number of individuals with diabetes. However, on the bright side, here’s a list of delicious and nutritious foods to indulge in without worrying about a spike in blood sugar levels. Hard-boiled eggs Hard-boiled eggs are high-protein, low-carb food sources that slow glucose absorption and aid digestion. Research suggests that consuming approximately two eggs a day has no adverse effects on the body in terms of cholesterol, blood sugar, and other parameters. Moreover, it typically enhances one’s fasting blood sugar levels. Boiled chickpeas The American Diabetes Association recommends chickpeas as high-fiber foods linked with low blood sugar levels. A bowl of boiled chickpeas garnished with pepper, lemon juice, and coriander leaves can fill one up till dinnertime! Fresh berries Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are great additions to one’s meal plan if they have been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. Berries typically have a low glycemic index and are packed with essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. One may consume them directly or add them to their porridge and smoothies. Nuts One may stock up on walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, and peanuts, as these contain vitamin E, fiber, carotenoids, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making them ideal snacks for people with diabetes. However, avoid salted nuts as these are highly processed and may increase one’s risk for auto-immune conditions. Green soups and smoothies Broccoli, spinach, beet greens, kale, cabbage, and the like are considered nutritious leafy greens for individuals with diabetes as they have a low glycemic index, low starch, and high vitamin A and E levels. Thus, soups and smoothies with leafy greens, seasoned with some pepper and lime juice, are healthy, sumptuous snacks for regulating sugar levels.
5 things one should know about contraception

5 things one should know about contraception

Knowing the fundamentals of birth control is essential for reproductive health. It empowers individuals, both men and women, to make informed choices while ensuring their overall well-being. These methods include behavioral approaches and treatment options. Moreover, certain types of birth control can provide benefits like reducing the risk of certain cancers and protecting against related infections. This article lists some of the essential elements of birth control that one should know. A wide range of birth control methods exists Birth control methods are available in various forms and cater to different preferences and needs. For example, barrier methods like diaphragms, cervical caps, and vaginal rings physically block sperm from reaching an egg. In contrast, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants are inserted in the uterus and offer long-term protection. Oral contraceptives are another common birth control method. Understanding the available options can help individuals choose the most suitable method. The effectiveness of each method varies The effectiveness of birth control methods can vary significantly. When used appropriately, most of these methods are highly effective. However, real-world usage often differs from ideal scenarios. For example, oral contraceptives must be taken consistently at the same time every day. It is crucial to gauge the effectiveness of one’s chosen contraceptive method and use it consistently and correctly. Each technique involves distinct health considerations Each birth control method has its own side effects and health considerations. For instance, individuals with health conditions like high blood pressure may not be suitable candidates for certain birth control types. Therefore, it is important to consult a gynecologist or a physician to get the best help possible. Birth control is not just about pregnancy prevention Birth control is not limited to preventing unwanted pregnancies; it can also provide other health benefits. For example, oral contraceptives can regulate menstrual cycles, lower the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, and ease the symptoms of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Hair loss – Its symptoms and causes

Hair loss – Its symptoms and causes

Hair loss is a result of problems related to the scalp. However, sometimes, it could be due to other underlying conditions as well. At times, it is temporary, but, in most cases, it is permanent. It could be a result of normal aging, hormonal changes, family history, or medical conditions. When there is excessive hair loss, it leads to baldness. In general, heredity hair loss is the prime cause of baldness. Symptoms Usually, hair loss can occur in a multitude of forms and would depend on the underlying cause. Moreover, it might either occur gradually or suddenly and can hamper either the scalp or the entire body. Some common signs of this condition include: Patchy or circular bald spots In some people, hair loss occurs as a patchy or a circular bald spot either in the eyebrows, beard, or scalp. It might lead to painful or itchy skin before hair fall actually occurs. Slow thinning on the top of the head This is the most prominent category of hair loss and occurs in people as they get older. It has been seen that there is a receding hairline or a loss of hair in men as they grow older. On the other hand, women tend to have a broadening of the centerline in the hair. In women, the receding hairline is believed to be quite a common pattern of hair loss. Hair loss on the entire body There are certain medical treatments or conditions that can cause hair loss across the body. This is primarily noted during the chemotherapy treatment for cancer. In this type of hair loss, the hair tends to grow back gradually. Abrupt hair loss Sometimes, an emotional or physical shock can lead to sudden hair loss. In this case, you’ll see a handful of hair falling out during showers, while combing, or even after tugging the hair gently.
Interior and exterior details of the 2020 Honda CRV

Interior and exterior details of the 2020 Honda CRV

The new 2020 Honda CRV is a sports SUV that combines luxury and power in one impressive package that everyone will covet. While the sleek build perfectly suits those looking to project a sense of power and adventure, the comfortable interiors are unmatched for those who practically live in their cars. If you are pondering over buying this beauty then read this article to get a better idea about its specifications. You’ll soon find out that it is exactly what you need. Stylish exteriors The front of the 2020 Honda CRV has been redesigned to give it a more stylish appearance. The LED fog lights in the front will improve your visibility no matter how dark it is outside. The design is very dynamic with its stylish chrome accents and eye-catching rear spoiler. The SUV also offers additional accessories for the exteriors. You can attach a roof basket to meet your luggage-carrying needs. Crossbars and rails can also be attached to the roof. You can additionally enhance the appearance of the car with a tailgate spoiler. Lastly, the exterior of the SUV also has parking sensors, which make it easier for the vehicle to get in and out of the tight spots. Modern interiors When it comes to the cabin, the 2020 Honda CRV brings modern technology with comfort. There is a technologically advanced interface to display the driver’s information. This includes an attention monitor, which will notify you if it detects that you are sleepy, detailed direction for every turn, and a view for the audio settings. Also, with its leather-trimmed steering wheel and seats, the interiors top-notch. The driver’s seat is enabled with power adjustments that include memory function, lumbar support with four-way power adjustments, and more functions so you never lose comfort. The interiors are also filled with some of the most impressive amenities.
6 key features of the 2024 RAM 1500 Limited

6 key features of the 2024 RAM 1500 Limited

The 2024 Ram 1500 Limited is one of the most popular full-size pickup trucks one can find today. The pickup is the perfect blend of luxury and performance because of its powerful engine, stellar design, and modern features. Nevertheless, it is important to know what makes the truck stand out from other pickups in the segment before making a purchase decision. So, here are some of the key features of the RAM 1500 Limited: 1. Good performance The 2024 RAM Limited 1500 comes with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which is capable of generating about 395 horsepower and about 410 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, an eTorque system adds up to 130 lb-ft of supplemental launch torque. 2. Top-notch infotainment The pickup comes with a 12-inch touchscreen to display music information and climate controls. It also offers AM/FM radio and navigation via TomTom—a system that delivers accurate ETAs and instant reroutes based on real-time traffic. One also has the option of adding a head-up display to the 2024 RAM 1500 Limited. 3. Smooth ride The vehicle comes with a four-corner air suspension with an automatic load-leveling feature. The system ensures the 2024 RAM 1500 Limited is balanced and maintains optimal ride height levels on most terrains. 4. Comfortable interior The RAM 1500 is known for its practical interiors, and the Limited trim takes it up a notch. With about 45 inches of legroom, 63 inches of hip room, 65 inches of shoulder room, and 40 inches of headroom, even tall passengers get ample space in the back. The vehicle also comes with heated and ventilated seats as standard features. One can add a dual-pane panoramic sunroof to the pickup. 5. Reliable safety features Safety is a key priority when choosing an automobile, and the 2024 RAM Limited 1500 does not disappoint here.
10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

With Black Friday comes amazing deals on a variety of goods, right from appliances to furniture and home décor to dog foods. Even popular brands, such as Royal Canin, Hill’s Science, Iams, and Blue Buffalo, offer hefty discounts during this time. Whether your dog loves dry food or wet food, you will find plenty of nutritious and delicious options at hard-to-miss prices. Check out the best Black Friday dog food deals given below. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food This dog food, originally priced at $67.99, is offered by Chewy at a discount of 10%. Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is specially designed for adult dogs. Your pet dog will love to eat this healthy meal made with protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food Hill’s Science offers a variety of dog foods to nourish your furry friend who is prone to having an upset tummy. This dry dog food contains nourishing prebiotic fiber and real chicken and is gentle on the stomach. At Chewy, you can get this dog food for $77.99 and save 4%. Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food Get a 14% discount on Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food when you buy from Chewy. This dog food is a great way to support the nutritional needs of your growing pup. The dry dog food contains 22 key nutrients to help your puppy grow into a healthy dog. Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food At PetSmart, buy Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food size 35 lb priced at $87.99 for $84.99. This adult dry dog food contains a balance of high proteins and fiber to support your dog’s active lifestyle.
Understanding Alzheimer’s disease

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s results in the unfortunate wasting away of brain cells, causing their premature death; it is a progressive ailment. It is the most common kind of dementia, wherein a person’s social skills, behavior, and thinking capabilities decline, disrupting their ability of independent functioning. The earliest signs of this disorder may be forgetfulness with severe memory loss as the disease progresses. Here are the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease: Memory loss Repeating questions and statements Difficulty in finding words to identify objects, participate in conversations, or express thoughts Forgetting events, appointments, and conversations Forgetting family members’ names and common objects Getting lost in known places Misplacing things Thinking and reasoning Losing the ability to make reasonable judgments and decisions Making uncharacteristic or poor choices in social gatherings Difficulty in responding to everyday situations Planning and performance Routine activities, such as cooking or planning becomes difficult Advanced stage patients may not be able to perform basic tasks, such as bathing or dressing Personality and behavioral changes Delusions Depression Loss of inhibitions Apathy Wandering Mood swings Modified sleeping habits Social withdrawal Aggression and irritation Distrust in others Why does Alzheimer’s occur? The patient’s brain changes due to Alzheimer’s disease. The brain becomes smaller as the disease progresses with lesser healthy brain cells. The brain forms two kinds of flaws, which are neurofibrillary tangles and beta-amyloid plaques. This damages the healthy cells, resulting in their death and shrinking of the brain. Beta-amyloid plaques These are leftover fragments of a larger protein. Clustering of these fragments has a toxic effect on the neurons, disrupting intercellular communication. These clusters additionally form larger deposits (amyloid plaques) that include other cell debris. Neurofibrillary tangles Tau proteins are an important internal support and transport system in neurons for carrying nutrients. When a person suffers from Alzheimer’s, the tau proteins modify their shapes and form neurofibrillary tangles.
Here’s how you get an extended vehicle warranty

Here’s how you get an extended vehicle warranty

An extended vehicle warranty is an additional warranty that you can buy for your vehicle so the protection remains for a longer duration than what the manufacturers set. The extended warranty can be similar to the factory one, or you can get something even better. It is always a wise idea to opt for the warranty to make sure that your repairing needs remain covered. Read on to know more. What’s the procedure? The process to buy the extended warranty for your car is rather simple. You just have to decide whether you want the car manufacturer’s warranty or a third party. The warranty extension from the manufacturer can be bought from a car dealership near you. However, if you want a third-party warranty, you can buy that online. You can do a comparison among various providers to find the best deals with great benefits, which the manufacturer’s warranty may not offer. To buy the extended vehicle warranty, you need to Determine if you want factory or third-party warranty Find the best available option online when buying the third-party warranty Ask for a free quote to understand how much it will cost Customize the extended warranty plan according to your specific requirements Finalize the plan and pay online after you are convinced What determines the price? The price of the extended vehicle warranty depends on a variety of factors. Check the below list to find out what they are. Length of the warranty The duration of the warranty determines how much it will cost you. The providers offer a variety of options with the warranty length. It can be a short-term warranty or one that lasts for years. The longer the duration, the higher it is priced. Type of vehicle The type of vehicle you have will decide how much you need to pay for the extended warranty.
Ovarian cancer management – foods to eat and avoid

Ovarian cancer management – foods to eat and avoid

Ovarian cancer can affect women of all ages. However, in most cases, the individuals are between 50 and 60 years of age. While there are several preventive measures one can take, both gynecologists and oncologists suggest that paying attention to your daily nutrition can significantly reduce the risk of suffering from the condition. This article sheds light on a list of foods that you may include and avoid to manage ovarian cancer symptoms. Foods to Eat Garlic Apart from adding flavor to food, garlic is also known for its anti-cancer properties. Garlic is loaded with nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, and selenium, which help in fighting cancer cells. An organosulfur, S-allyl cysteine (SAC), can induce apoptosis (cell suicide) in ovarian cancer cells. Grapes Grapes contain an antioxidant known as resveratrol, which blocks the formation of ovarian cancer cells in the lymphatic system. Resveratrol can decrease the risk of metastasis of ovarian cancer, which stops it from spreading into different parts of the body. Black and purple grapes have higher amounts of cancer-fighting resveratrol as compared to green grapes. Onions Onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant that helps in fighting cancer by lowering inflammation in the body. At the cellular level, quercetin can induce apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells in high concentrations. Foods to Avoid Processed foods Packaged foods contain preservatives, taste enhancers, and all those additives that increase the shelf life of the food must be avoided. The ingredients might make the food tastier and increase its longevity, but they can increase the risk of one suffering from ovarian cancer. Dairy products Although dairy products are a good source of calcium, the use of common full fat is high in dairy products, including milk, cream, butter, and yogurt. Oncologists suggest that high levels of calcium can make it difficult to manage ovarian cancer symptoms.
Foods to eat and avoid for macular degeneration

Foods to eat and avoid for macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition that deteriorates the center of the retina, resulting in compromised vision. There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry, both of which lead to loss of sight. However, wet macular degeneration also accompanies leaky blood vessels that grow under the retina as a symptom and impacts said condition. This article discusses foods to eat and avoid to relieve the symptoms associated with macular degeneration. Foods to eat: Corn, carrots, collard greens, spinach, red peppers, and sweet potatoes Colorful and pigmented vegetables are great for one’s overall health, but they’re especially recommended to protect the cells responsible for vision. Vegetables high in carotenoid should be one’s go-to option to maintain good vision and find relief from macular degeneration. Berries, oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, and pineapple Vitamin C is another potent source for good eye health. Apart from preventing vision loss, it also helps the body build collagen that helps build strong blood vessels in and around the eyes. This helps avoid the leaky blood vessels that tend to grow under the retina in case of wet macular degeneration. Fish, nuts, and seeds These foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can potentially lower the risk of developing macular degeneration and slow down the symptoms of the condition. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, along with vitamin E, can reduce clogged blood vessels, making the appearance of the eyes and the skin around it much better. Foods to avoid: Foods that clog the blood vessels pose a high risk of macular degeneration, as the process can also damage the blood vessels in the eye. To find relief from macular degeneration, one must avoid the foods listed below. Processed foods These foods are high in fats, sodium, and preservatives that can cause blood vessels and arteries to close up.
Multiple Sclerosis – Early signs and foods to avoid

Multiple Sclerosis – Early signs and foods to avoid

The immune system is responsible for saving the body from harmful pathogens. A well-developed immune system protects us from most health conditions. However, there are times when the immune system may act strangely and begin to attack the body’s healthy cells, which leads to autoimmune disorders. Multiple sclerosis is a severe and dangerous autoimmune condition that impacts the brain and the spinal cord. It can lead to many early symptoms, such as those listed below. Vision Due to the condition’s connection to the optic nerve, MS patients often experience vision loss or double vision. Mobility The deterioration of myelin sheath causes miscommunication within the nervous system, which is often seen in the form of loss of balance, vertigo, and dizziness. Numbness One of the most common symptoms of MS is numbness caused by the damage to the nerves that carry signals to the brain. Fatigue Persistent fatigue and weakness are among the most common early signs of MS. Most often, what we eat can impact our overall well-being. It is therefore vital to choose our meals and beverages wisely. Here are some of the foods that are better to be avoided, as they can contribute to the progression of MS: Saturated fats High saturated-fat foods can negatively impact MS patients. They can increase LDL levels and lead to stroke, atherosclerosis, and heart attack issues. In addition, foods like cheese, butter, red meat, and processed meat are prominent sources of saturated fats. MS patients are advised to avoid or restrict the intake of these foods. Sugar The harm sugar can cause to the body is common knowledge. It can cause increased inflammation, lethargy, weight gain, and more. Lack of activity and increased inflammation can, in turn, result in frequent flare-ups and worsening of symptoms. Therefore, you should avoid sweets, desserts, and sugary drinks.
Impact of sugar on cholesterol levels and ways to manage it

Impact of sugar on cholesterol levels and ways to manage it

Most individuals, especially those with a sweet tooth, find it hard to avoid sugary foods from their daily meal plan because sugar is an integral part of various food items. However, excessive intake of sugar is associated with many health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and even cholesterol. Some easy and effective strategies to reduce sugar intake and its direct impact on one’s cholesterol levels are listed below. Types of cholesterol There are two types of cholesterol- LDL (low-density lipoprotein), otherwise known as bad cholesterol HDL (high-density lipoprotein), otherwise known as good cholesterol LDL causes plaque buildup in one’s arteries, creates blockages, hampers blood flow, and raises the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Meanwhile, HDL helps the body to get rid of bad cholesterol. HDL carries LDL to the liver, where it is eventually eliminated from the body. Effects of sugar on cholesterol levels Healthcare professionals recommend exercising and reducing the intake of saturated fats for individuals with high cholesterol. However, unbeknownst to many, sugar is another hidden contributing factor to cholesterol. Some studies have shown that people who consumed more than half a cup of sugar daily had low HDL levels in the body. Similarly, people who got 10% of their calories from added sugar were thrice as likely to have low HDL cholesterol levels compared to those who had half as much sugar. Excessive sugar intake also results in one’s liver creating more LDL. It converts and stores the excess sugar into a fatty substance called triglycerides, which have similar effects on the body as LDL cholesterol. Simple ways to manage sugar intake Read food labels – Industries use various names for added sugar on store-bought, packaged, and processed foods. A few such names are molasses, corn syrup, fructose, rice syrup, agave nectar, cane juice, cane syrup, honey, and sucrose.