No two people are the same when it comes to salt in the diet. Studies around the world have repeatedly shown that, regardless of total calories consumed, men consume significantly more salt than women do. Women And Men Process Salt Differently
 
There are many salt reduction advocates who forecast that if Americans drop all salt consumption, hundreds of thousands of deaths from cardiovascular disease will be prevented annually in addition to saving billions of dollars in health care costs. They base this solely on salt’s role in maintaining blood pressure. Women And Men Process Salt Differently
The medical authorities claim that we only require 500 mg sodium per day, based upon the amount of salt lost throughout the day. Knowing that no one can eat so little salt, the general advice is Americans should consume between 1,500 to 2,300mg sodium per day.
Policymakers have focused on the processed food industry to reduce the salt content of foods to help Americans keep their sodium consumption to the recommended limits.
According to a study in the Journal of Chronic Diseases, when salt in the diet is significantly reduced, about 30 percent of the population experiences a tiny reduction in blood pressure, 20 percent will actually experience a small increase in blood pressure and the remaining 50 percent will show no effect at all. When the entire population is considered as a single homogeneous mass, individual genetic, physical, gender and cultural differences are ignored and resulting policies end up benefiting some while harming others.
Depending on where in the world you live, women consume 800 to 1,500 mg less sodium per day than men do. In the U.S., this difference amounts to about 1,160 mg less sodium per day. While the plasma concentration of men and women are identical, men consume and excrete far more salt than women do. The salt content of processed foods doesn’t account for this since the amount of processed foods in the diet varies significantly around the world and men and women eat from the same food supply. Can salt have specific physiological functions beyond maintaining blood pressure?
Studies have shown that pregnant women with a decreased salt intake give birth to low-weight babies who have a significantly increased salt appetite throughout their lives. Low salt intakes also stimulate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system causing a cascade of potential negative consequences including metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Additional risk of hyponatremia can lead to decreased stress management, impaired sleep function, cognitive disorders and, in the elderly, falls, unsteadiness and attention deficits. To learn more about salt and health, go to www.salthealth.org.
Although the specific risks associated with a population-wide policy on salt reduction will vary, women will not respond equally to men because no policy can supersede the biology of gender differences. This means women can be at a greater risk of health concerns if statistics don’t take gender into consideration. Women And Men Process Salt Differently
Provided by: ARA

Eco-Friendly Smoothies To-Go

Protect your smoothie’s reputation by paying attention to both what’s inside the cup and the cup itself.
First gaining popularity under the “health food” halo in the 1960s, smoothies are now a mainstream beverage enjoyed for both health and refreshment. They are a perfect to-go beverage, but equally great for a relaxing break at home.
Although there are no hard and fast ingredient rules, smoothies differ from shakes and malts by using ingredients such as yogurt or a juice base, fruits and honey to contribute sweetness and flavor, and any number of add-in options to provide fiber, antioxidants or even protein.
The Everything Green Smoothie, for example, is a refreshing, good-for-you sipper made in minutes with just four ingredients – honeydew, kiwi, lime and honey – some ice and a blender. That’s quicker than a trip to the local smoothie shop. Or if berries are your favorite, this Raspberry Smoothie is extra easy because it starts with frozen raspberries. Just add orange and lemon juices, and honey.
Smoothie options like these respect the beverage’s good-for-you reputation and call for a to-go cup with a matching profile that says “I care.” Copco, a division of Wilton Enterprises, has delivered an innovative product that looks and works just like the classic cold beverage cup, but it is reusable. The 24-ounce BPA-free Stir ‘n Sip Cup(tm) can be used for any cold beverage. It includes a quarter-turn lid sealing mechanism and reusable stirrer straw so you can stir as you drink. Its textured, non-slip grip makes it easy to carry and it keeps the cold beverage from feeling cold to your hands. The cup is dishwasher safe and completely reusable, reducing garbage and providing added cost savings.
The Stir ‘n Sip Cup is available now at Bed Bath & Beyond stores and online at www.bedbathbeyond.com. Visit www.copco.com to find out more.

Everything Green Smoothie

Ingredients

• 2 cups cubed, peeled, seeded honeydew melon
• 1 cup coarsely chopped peeled kiwi
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2 cups ice

Preparation

1. In blender or food processor, combine melon, kiwi, honey, lime juice and zest; process until smooth. Add ice and process until ice is crushed.

Makes 2 servings (about 3 cups)

Raspberry Smoothie

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen raspberries in sugar (not thawed)
• 3/4 cup orange juice or water
• 3 – 4 tablespoons honey, as desired
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Preparation

1. In blender or food processor, combine raspberries, orange juice, honey and lemon juice; process until smooth. Serve immediately.

Makes 1 serving (2 1/2 cups)

Source: Copco

Raw Food Diet Helps You Lose Weight

While raw foods are not new, the focus on eating plans that emphasis them are and this trend in healthy eating appears to be gaining strength across the country. The focus of the diet is on eating uncooked, highly nutritious foods – fruits and vegetables. Of course, these foods are low in calories and extremely good for you, but eating them raw or uncooked is favored as it is believed that they lose nutritional value when cooked.
Those who subscribe to the raw food diet eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. They drink unpasteurized milk, water, juice, and tea. It is a revolutionary way to eat, but also a natural way and many of those who follow this way of eating say it keeps them thin and healthy.
However, while the raw food diet is rich in some nutrients, it lacks others. Although fruits and vegetables do have some protein and calcium, this diet may be lacking in these things. Experts are torn on whether it is healthy as a long term way of eating.
Another thing to consider when taking up a raw food diet is that most of the fruits and vegetables that you see in your supermarket are loaded with pesticides. Therefore, it might be best to consume only organic raw food.
If you decide a raw food diet is for you, you might consider supplements to compensate for the nutrients this diet is lacking. Some supplements to consider include vitamin B12, copper, zinc, and chromium. Also, proteins from plants do not the same amino acids as animal protein so you’ll have to consume a variety of different type sof raw foods in order to remain healthy.
Some medical experts see great benefits in the raw food diet. In addition to enabling weight loss, the diet can ostensibly increase one’s metabolism, making calorie burning easier. Some medical experts have also suggested that a raw food diet is a good antidote to eating disorders. In addition, it can help make your immune system stronger, and help the body rid itself of harmful toxins. Some supporters even claim that eating raw foods improves the look of their skin.
A raw food diet is not recommended for children, women who are pregnant, people suffering from osteoporosis, and those who are anemic. If you try a raw food diet, you should to plan your meals in advance to insure that you are receiving the maximum amount of nutrients. Also, it can be time consuming to prepare all the foods you need so make sure that you set aside the time to chop, blend and puree for each meal every day.