Saturday, December 13, 2008

Find Out Who Has The Best Skin Creams

By : Rachel Flanagan

Do you know who has the best natural skin care cream? Is it Neutrogena, Estee Lauder, Ultima, Avon, or Unilever? I've used a lot of skin care products, and it's none of the above. The best skin creams actually come from a little known company in New Zealand. Listen to why I believe this to be true.

Most Products Contain Few Active Ingredients In Very Low Quantities

They set out to make the best natural skin care cream after evaluating hundreds of other products from major manufacturers around the world. They learned that most of them contained few active ingredients in such low quantities that they could not possibly be effective.

Most Companies Do Not Follow Dermatologist Recommendations

According to dermatologists, the best skin creams protect, moisturize, heal and help prevent serious conditions, such as skin cancer. But, most manufacturers do not abide by dermatologists recommendations.

Some Creams Actually Contain Carcinogens

They use petrolatum and other byproducts of the gasoline industry. The lotions are likely to be contaminated with carcinogens and hazardous heavy metals like lead and mercury.

Artificial Preservatives, Fragrances, and Chemical Compounds Cause Serious Damage

They use artificial preservatives and fragrances, the two most likely causes of allergic reactions. They use chemical compounds that cause serious and irreparable damage to the outermost layers of the skin.

Some Ingredients Are Included Even When The FDA Has Issued Warnings

Hydroquinone, for example, can cause the appearance of black bumps all over the face and body. It's found in lotions intended for lightening age spots and blemishes. Even though the FDA has issued warnings concerning the use of the product, it has not been removed from the market.

Use Creams That Are Safe Enough To Eat

The best skin creams contain nothing that could cause allergic or adverse reactions. No chemical contaminants that could cause cancer or other health problems are included. In fact, all of the ingredients are actually safe enough to eat.

Use Creams That Restore And Protect

The New Zealand manufacturer that set out to make the best skin creams followed dermatologist recommendations. They include ingredients that restore skin cells and provide protection from infection, inflammation and irritation. They include plant oils that moisturize, as well as honey and witch hazel to soothe and heal.

Use Creams With No Artificial Ingredients

Antioxidants

The best natural skin care cream contains a number of effective antioxidants. They are so effective that there is no need to use any other preservatives for the plant oils. The only fragrance is the light scent of the natural extracts. Nothing artificial is added.

Vitamins

Coenzyme Q10, a vitamin-like substance, and natural vitamin E, as well as plant antioxidants known as bioflavonoids are all included in their best skin creams. They have a complete line of products for women and men.

Natural Extracts

They have deep cleansing masks that contain extracts from clay to soak up excessive oil and literally pull dirt out of the pores. They have deep hydrating masks that are almost completely absorbed after 20-30 minutes. No other product penetrates so thoroughly and quickly.

They include a new extract from sheep's wool that has been shown in laboratory studies to relieve dermatitis and increase hydration by 22% after 24 hours. Most lotions increase moisture initially, but the effect is lost without reapplication. It's worth your time to look for the best natural skin care cream, that is, if you want something truly effective.
Author Resource:- Prepare to be shocked at how certain ingredients affect your skin and body. Find some fascinating answers at http://www.HealthBySkincare.com. Living healthy for over 17 years. My best to you, Rachel Flanagan HEALTHY & BEAUTIFUL SKIN
Article From Article Health And Fitness

An Effective Cleansing Regimen For Your Skin

By : marilynn Syrett

Just about everyone aspires to have healthy and squeaky clean skin that glows with radiance. And that can be a possibility, provided you take good care of your skin. And one of the primary steps is to wash your face with a good cleanser! It’s that simple!

Importance of Cleansing your skin
During the course of the day, your skin tends to accumulate all the sweat, debris, pollution particles and even bacteria. These elements tend to clog the skin pores. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to use a cleanser that is non-irritating and is safe to use or it may causes additional acne.

Some people wash their face with a regular soap in place of a cleanser. However, soaps contain fats, oils and salts that plug the hair follicles and make your skin dry and flaky. When the surface of the skin degreases, the bacterial growth flourishes thus leading to cellular damage.

Importance of using a Skin Cleanser
The skin is the first layer of defense against harmful chemicals and other infections. Your face and neck area are the most vulnerable spots as they are exposed more environmental contaminates. So, it becomes almost imperative to clean them regularly.

Skin cleansers act like emulsifiers. They scrape out all the dirt, debris, excess oils, bacteria, and cosmetic residues and exfoliate the skin cells. There is only a thin line between excess oil on the skin and fats that waterproof it. The cleanser only washes off the oily layer and nothing else.

How to use a Skin Cleanser?
Here is a step-by-step guide to using a skin cleanser effectively:

• Wash your hands thoroughly so that no germs or bacteria get transferred to the face
• Hair care products are the first to attract dirt, so start from your hairline and gradually lather down to the face and neck area.
• Gently massage your face for a minute and wipe off all the dirt with your fingertips. If you put on make-up, then it is best to use cotton balls for effective removal of cosmetic residues.
• Rinse your face with water. Remember, the water should be neither very hot nor very cold as they may cause breakage of capillaries.

Skin Cleansers based on skin types

Normal Skin
People blessed with normal skin types can experiment with a variety of liquid, soap and gel skin cleansers. However, select a mild cleanser and after the cleansing process, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Restrict the use of soap for hands only.

Dry Skin
For dry skin types, its better to stick to a cream cleanser that contains non-detergent ingredients. For extremely dry skin, hard milled cleansing bars or gentle cleansing lotions should be used. Steer clear of hot water as it may take away all the moisture from your skin.

Oily Skin
Use a gentle cleansing face wash that removes all the dirt and excess oil without scraping off moisturizing fats from the skin surface. People with oily skin should completely restrain from wax-based cleansing gels as they tend to clog oil-prone pores of the skin.

Combination Skin
Use a cleansing face wash in the mornings to clear away the oil components and use cream cleansers for the dry areas at night.

Sensitive Skin
C cleanse your face with water-soluble cleansing lotions and rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid all gels and soaps that contain alcohol and acids.

Author Resource:-

Dr. Marilynn Syrett is a graduate from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine Of The Pacific and researches about various facial skin care and skin treatments.

Article From Article Health And Fitness

All You Need To Know About Oily Skin Care

By : marilynn Syrett

Oily skin needs to be showered with extreme care and nourishment. And any inability to do this can cause harsh consequences like pimples, blemishes, a greasy texture and so on…People with oily skin need to understand their never ending battle of fighting the oiliness and shine off the skin and at the same time maintaining the moisture levels that keep the skin healthy as well.

But the irony is that many women are still unaware of their own skin type. It is no wonder then that skin care products fail to show good results.

Basics of Skin Type
There are 5 basic skin types normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. And it is very important to know which category you belong to. Just try a simple test. Press a piece of blotting paper on your skin focusing on the forehead, nose and chin areas. If the paper sticks on or changes color, then you have oily skin. However, keep in mind that skin can exhibit different characteristics as per changing weather, climatic conditions and exercize.

Oily Skin – What is it?
Oily skin is characterized by overactive sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands secrete a substance called sebum which looks like oil but actually is a natural moisturizer for the skin. Located all over the body, these glands are found mostly in the face and back. In oily skin these glands are much more active than they otherwise and thus produce large amounts of sebum. This causes the skin pores to stretch and darken thus promoting the growth of blackheads and whiteheads.

All individuals have a unique level of sebum in their bodies. And there are a number of other factors that govern the oiliness of the skin like genetic make up, hormonal alterations during adolescence and so on. In fact oil production is directly linked to hormone production. Therefore, any fluctuation in the hormonal levels of the body will have effects on the skin’s oil quotient as well.

Taking Care of Oily Skin
Oily skin needs dedicated nourishment and appropriate treatment. Here are some tips by which you can take care of your oily skin and prevent any inflammations or pimples from erupting.

• Use the Right Skin Care Products
This is the most important thing you need to do in order to ensure good treatment for your skin. Choose skin care products that are exclusively formulated for your particular skin type. People with oily skin should avoid using thick creams and lotions and rather choose something light and water based. Get skin care products that are designed to soothe acneic skin conditions.

• Cleanse! Cleanse! Cleanse!
Make this your mantra! Wash and cleanse your face regularly. That doesn’t mean dry out your skin in the process but just cleanse enough to remove all the dirt and impurities from the skin pores. Use a gentle cleansing gel that is specially targeted to oily skin and stay away from harsh cleansers as they will just lead to more oil production.

• Wear Sunscreen
This goes especially for people with oily skin. Wear a sunscreen all throughout the day to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiations of sunlight. Use a non-greasy sunscreen that caters to oily skin and apply it at least 15 minutes before you venture out.

• Moisturize Well
Though some people believe oily skin doesn’t require any moisturizers, the claim remains untrue. After using skin care products that rid off all dirt and debris, the skin pores are open and require moisture. It’s best to use a light oil free moisturizer that doesn’t clog the pores but maintains proper hydration levels.



Author Resource:-

Dr Marilynn Syrett is a graduate from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine Of The Pacific. She has written several articles about oily skin care and anti aging skin care.

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Discover the Truth about Preventing Eye Wrinkles

By : Christy Smith

We can follow simple procedures and prevent the damage to the skin under eyes. Eye wrinkles will no longer be dreaded but fought with awareness. Read on.

Have you ever noticed how delicate the skin under your eyes is? Your eyes and the area around your eyes may be small but it is also the most attractive part of the face. If you have wrinkles around the eyes, it will make you look way older than you actually are. Preventing eye wrinkles can be very difficult if you do not pay attention to it at the right time.

REASONS FOR DAMAGE AND HOW TO REPAIR IT.

- One of the main reasons for wrinkles is sun damage. Exposing yourself to the harmful effects of the sun can causes irreparable damage to your skin since the rays suck out the oxygen. To prevent oxidation, as the process is called, there are some little things you can do in your day-to-day life.

- Wear sun glasses every time you step out into the sun.

- Start using some natural creams without side effects so that they form a shield around your eyes for preventing eye wrinkles whenever you step out.

- Sleep on your back and you will have lesser eye wrinkles than others who do not do so. When you bury your face in your pillow, the wrinkles on the pillow get ironed onto your face while you sleep. It may sound ridiculous, it makes sense. If you simply can't fall asleep on your back, take measures! Get yourself a satin pillowcase. They look and feel wonderful and reduce the stress on your skin. You may even notice a difference in the condition of your hair with a satin or silk pillowcase. The standard cotton pillowcases can pull moisture from your hair; it can do so from your skin too. Make the switch and check out the difference.

- Drinking water is the first step towards any skin remedial program. Water consumption is the key towards keeping the skin hydrated. You should drink enough water to keep your urine pale. Drinking an adequate amount of water will keep the moisture in your skin intact.

- Resist the temptation to sunbathe. Sun exposure damages your skin cells and quickly deteriorates the elastin fibers and collagen, which supports the skin. They help in keeping the skin resilient and bouncy. When the elastin fibers become stiff, the skin droops and creases into wrinkles. Therefore, avoid exposure in the sun as much as possible. You will be doing your skin a world of good.

FINALLY

A few simple lifestyle changes and use of well-chosen quality products can also help in preventing eye wrinkles. There are many natural ingredients that can be made into very effective skin treatments. Certain foods also slow the process of aging. Slowing down the deterioration of your skin and preventing eye wrinkles is simple provided you know the right way to do so.
Author Resource:- Beautyskincarecream.com provides more expert information about preventing eye wrinkles and keeping beautiful looking skin. To get great tips on how to prevent eye wrinkles visit our web site today!

Article From Article Health And Fitness

The Best Tips to Fight Wrinkles

By : Christy Smith

You need to understand what it takes to fight your wrinkles. Understand your body process and quit worrying about wrinkles. Read on and cure your skin intelligently.

Some Basics

To prevent or fight your wrinkles, you'll need time and determination. Like taking care of your overall health this is a continuous routine. When you are well then the motto is "prevention is the best cure" but when you do fall ill you still know that things can be set correct again.

The health of your skin is directly related to your overall health: good nutrition affects your skin and everything else. Smoking is harmful not just for your lungs and heart: it makes you age prematurely too.

What you eat is important.

- Food affects the way your skin look too. Foods containing nutrients and healthy substances can make you look younger and wrinkle-free. For example foods such as spinach, tomatoes, beans, olives, turkey, and chocolate ... yes, chocolate can keep the signs of aging at bay and fight your wrinkles.

- Green, leafy vegetable work wonders for the skin. Romaine lettuce, baby spinach leaves, broccoli, asparagus, or other deeply colored vegetable are only a few of the beautiful things that can make you look young and fresh. Berries, especially deeply colored ones like blueberries, strawberries and blackberries, are as healthy for the skin as they are gratifying to the taste buds. Drinking lots of pure, filtered water, however, is the first step to healthy eating.

- Vitamins and food supplements (omega-3 fish oil is a good one) from a trusted manufacturer is a good source for nutrients. A lot is being said about nutrients and you are probably impressed. But all the time you have been thinking about what we began with in the first place.

What to use in the fight against wrinkles.

To do that you will need an extensive skin care treatment. While there are millions of them available in the market you have to choose with care since many of them are expensive, risky and, on top of that, ineffective.

- Natural Vitamin E (Alpha-tocopherol), a powerful antioxidant, has been scientifically proven to reverse the effects of aging on the skin. It reduces wrinkles, and helps prevent the appearance of age spots. Steer away from synthetic Vitamin E, commercially known as d-Alpha tocopherol. While it's cheaper, it's not as effective as an antioxidant.

- Grapeseed Oil keeps moisture intact by forming a film over your skin. It helps to repair wrinkles around the eyes and stretch marks. Grapeseed oil is rich in linoleic acid and several other essential oils, and it contains natural vitamin E.

- Maracuja, a passion fruit extract, is a natural emollient similar to the structure of human skin. It is rich in linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid, which helps to nourish and revitalize skin.

- Babassu is a light, natural wax, which softens and soothes your skin. It is made from Babassu oil, which comes from the kernel of the fruit of the Babassu palm. It has been used as a natural cosmetic for centuries in the Amazon region of Brazil.

- Macademia oil, avocado oil, and shea butter are all other wonderful alternatives to fight your wrinkles.

Thus, to conclude, do not delay any further. Lodge you official fight against the dreaded wrinkles now!
Author Resource:- Beautyskincarecream.com offers expert information on how to prevent wrinkles and resources to help you fight wrinkles in an effective manner, visit our web site for more information.
Article From Article Health And Fitness

Stress Relief - Coping With Stress In A Relationship

By : Stress Relief

Living with someone in a close relationship whether they are your spouse, a domestic partner or simply the current love of your life, can cause stress. Note the use of the word "can" and not "must". Although living in a close relationship with somebody will inevitably produce potential problems these do not necessarily have to lead to stress.

Stress arises when you feel caught in an unresolved conflict and feel that there is something that you must do feel that you are in some way blocked from doing it or do not have the resources to do it.

Each individual in a partnership will have his or her own unique values and interests, preferred lifestyle and particular approach to life. Some individuals for example will have very dominant personalities and will confront any problems head on, while others will be very laid back and will allow any difficulties in a relationship to melt away like "water off a ducks back".

Living with another person and dealing with the many daily choices which a partnership presents can be difficult, especially where the choices of each party conflict with one another. Stress however normally only arises when one or both of the parties is unwilling to communicate or to compromise, adopt a stance that is unrealistic or an attitude that is simply downright unfair.

In some cases the answer is to part company but long before this happens there are a number of ways in which conflicts that result in stress can be avoided if the relationship has any real value.

Many problems that arise within a relationship such as concerns over money, health problems, conflicts with other family members and disagreements over child rearing, whether minor or major, are short lived. While each of these problems can lead to acute stress as the episode fades or a resolution is found and life returns to normal, so the stress disappears. However, when a series of problems occurred, or where either or both parties believe that they do not have what it takes to solve a problem, then chronic stress can set in.

It is rare for one single event to present such a problem that it cannot be resolved and most couples will work through difficult times together and often develop a stronger relationship as a result. There are always techniques that can be used to resolve problems and reduce stress within a relationship. The secret lies in the objective evaluation of each problem and then looking for a long-term solution to that problem. Reminding yourself and your partner of the values which first formed the relationship is also often an important part of any conflict resolution and can go a very long way towards lessening the severity of a problem.

One difficulty in resolving the problem of chronic stress is that individuals often feel that they do not have the necessary resources to overcome the hurdle that is creating the stress. In a relationship it is surprising how often the resource that you need is sitting right next to your.
Author Resource:- For coping with stress and stress relief, please visit Stress-Relief-And-Anxiety-Relievers.com
Article From Article Health And Fitness

Water Aerobics - Adding a Splash to Your Workouts

By : Melih Oztalay

Splish, splash, we were taking a class.

Workin' out on a Saturday night.

Well, we're hoping that you actually have more exciting plans for your Saturday night adventures.

But either way, you'll see this almost every morning on Kiana's "Flex Appeal," those bubbling beauties draped in bathing suits, flotation belts clasped around their waists and aqua gloves covering their paws.

It isn't exactly the newest craze to come splashing onto the fitness scene, but water aerobics is no doubt one of its most desirable.

Just take a look at the dazzling smile across Kiana's lips.

Water aerobics is not only a fun way to maintain sound cardiovascular fitness, but it's also an excellent method in which to tone your body and muscles. All the while, you're enjoying all the benefits of a refreshing dip in the pool.

And you don't need to be Aqua Man to partake in such classes. Water aerobics has long been viewed as a recreational workout geared at an older, more subtle, health-conscious crowd. That's because in many ways, it is.

No, water aerobics may not be the most ideal method for burning those calories up. You won't likely feel the sweat pouring down you in funnels the way you might on a Stairmaster or treadmill. And it isn't going to prepare you for next year's marathon.

But it is a fine way to exercise your heart and lungs while toning the various muscles. The water provides a great form of resistance.

Water aerobics also takes mercy on your joints. You're not likely to feel the soreness you would after, say, the relentless pounding of a step aerobics class. It is certainly a low-impact exercise and in many instances, depending upon the depth of the pool, non-impact. In fact, to many physicians, this form of aerobics has been highly regarded as an effective method of physical therapy and rehabilitation from various injuries.

Although many classes recommend additional workout tools to facilitate you - things like water weights and hydro gloves - all you really need is your swimsuit. However, water shoes, which will keep you from slipping on wet surfaces, may be a good investment.

Water classes usually kick off with a warm up segment that generally runs around ten minutes or so, light movements in both your arms and legs, geared at increasing your blood circulation. There is also light stretching during this warm-up.

From there, the instructor will lead the class through a number of cardiovascular activities, exercises that are rhythmic and aimed to work your entire body. These include anything from jumping jacks to jogging in place. Meanwhile, the water, of course, provides excellent resistance.

The comfort of a water aerobics class is that you are at liberty to go at your own pace, depending on your level of fitness. In other words, this is a workout class, not boot camp.

While the exercises are accompanied by music, as is the case in any other aerobics class, here the tunes are of a much softer tempo.

The class concludes with a cool down session for you to unwind with. This segment, running just a few minutes or so, also includes some light stretching, designed to prevent injury.
Author Resource:- Visit our extensive article library at http://www.hsfvitamins.com and find interesting health products at our sister site, http://www.hsfenergy.com
Article From Article Health And Fitness

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Cara Melangsikan Tubuh

Ada banyak cara menurunkan berat badan, mulai dari bermacam metode diet, olahraga, operasi sedot lemak, tusuk jarum, sampai minum obat pelangsing. Manakah yang aman dan efektif ?

Merujuk pada badan kesehatan dunia, WHO, disebutkan bahwa penurunan berat badan yang baik tidak dapat dilakukan secara instan, tetapi merupakan terapi jangka panjang. Yang dibutuhkan untuk mengurangi berat badan bukan sekadar mengurangi porsi makan, tetapi juga diperlukan bimbingan dari ahli gizi sebelum melakukan perubahan pola makan, disertai aktivitas fisik serta terapi perilaku.

Untuk mencari tahu cara pelangsingan mana yang sehat, aman, sekaligus efektif, bacalah uraian berikut sampai tuntas.

Sedot lemak
Cara membuang lemak yang kini sedang tren adalah operasi liposuction dan tummy-tuck. Operasi ini banyak dipilih karena berat badan bisa turun secara drastis tanpa perlu capek berolahraga dan melakukan diet, hal itu dibuktikan oleh kesaksian seorang artis ternama. Tapi mengapa ya meski lemaknya sudah dibuang, badannya masih juga melar ?

Pada dasarnya liposuction adalah operasi untuk mengeluarkan lemak di bawah kulit, dan dilakukan untuk mencapai keserasian bentuk tubuh, bukan untuk menurunkan berat badan. Sedangkan tummy-tuck adalah proses pembuangan jaringan lemak yang berlebih dan kulit di atasnya untuk membentuk tubuh lebih estetis. Lemak yang dikurangi pun tak boleh lebih dari 3-5 kg sekali operasi

Menurut dokter spesialis gizi, dr.Johanes Chandrawinata, MND,SpGK, kedua jenis operasi tersebut biasa dilakukan dokter terhadap pasien yang memiliki tubuh bergelambir setelah berat badan tubuhnya susut. Jadi, menurunkan berat dulu baru dioperasi, bukan operasi untuk menurunkan berat karena setelah 3 bulan tubuh akan gemuk kembali.

Gastric binding & gastric by-pass
Tindakan ini dipilih jika dengan metode pelangsingan apa pun tidak berhasil. Gastric binding adalah pemasangan alat "pengikat lambung" yang menyebabkan kantung lambung lebih kecil sehingga kita tidak akan makan terlalu banyak karena tubuh lebih cepat merasa kenyang. Melalui tindakan ini berat badan dapat berkurang 35-60 persen dalam 12 bulan.

Berbeda dengan gastric binding yang bersifat sementara, gastric by-pass bersifat permanen, dokter akan membuat ’jalan’ penghubung antara pangkal lambung dengan usus halus sehingga makanan tidak melalui lambung namun langsung ke usus halus. Dengan gastric by-pass, berat badan dapat dikurangi sampai 80 persen. Untuk melakukan kedua jenis tindakan tersebut, pasien harus berusia di atas 35 tahun.

Akunpuntur
Sampai saat ini metode akunpuntur belum dapat dibuktikan secara ilmiah dapat menurunkan berat badan. Umumnya para pasien pun berhenti di tengah jalan karena tak kunjung mendapatkan berat ideal yang diharapkan.

Obat dan suplemen pelangsing
Sebelum percaya oleh iming-iming iklan, sebaiknya teliti lebih dahulu kandungan obat-obatan dan suplemen tersebut. Badan pengawasan obat dan makanan AS (FDA) bahkan melarang konsumsi suplemen pelangsing yang mengandung kandungan akftif E.sinica atau efedrin karena memiliki efek samping gejala psikiatrik, mengganggu saluran cerna serta membuat jantung berdebar-debar.

Meski menyebutkan mampu menurunkan kadar lemak, tak sedikit obat pelangsing yang hanya mampu mengurangi berat tubuh 1,2 kg selama 6-14 minggu, setara dengan diet redah kalori sebesar 1250/hari pada kurun waktu 0.5 minggu tanpa obat apa pun.

Diet popular
Diet popular sering disebut sebagai "Fad Diets", memiliki karateristik antara lain ; menjanjikan penurunan badan yang cepat, dapat menyembuhkan berbagai penyakit, menganjurkan penggunaan suplemen, makan berdasarkan waktu tertentu, membatasi atau melarang makanan tertentu dan hanya untuk jangka pandang.

Yang dapat digolongkan ke dalam fad diets misalnya diet rendah karbohidrat, food combining, diet berdasar golongan darah, mayo clinic diet. Karena banyaknya larangan untuk memakan jenis makanan tertentu, biasanya kebutuhan tubuh akan gizi tidak terpenuhi karena kekurangan vitamin, zat besi, serta serat.

Dari segi ilmu gizi, setiap waktu makan (pagi, siang dan malam) dianjurkan memakan makanan yang bervariasi dalam jumlah seimbang, karena tubuh membutuhkan berbagai macam zat gizi sekaligus.

Menurunkan berat badan secara sehat
Meskipun belum ada jawaban pasti diet mana yang paling tepat untuk menurunkan berat badan, namun dr. Johanes merekomendasikan pola diet yang dilakukan oleh National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) di AS. NWCR adalah kumpulan data orang (ada 4000 orang) yang telah berhasil menurunkan berat badan lebih dari 13 kg dan tetap bertahan selama lebih dari 5 tahun.

Karateristik pola makannya adalah rendah lemak (24 persen asupan kalori), asupan karbohidrat cukup tinggi, rendah kalori (1300-1500 kcal/hari). Karena kita tidak mungkin mengetahui berapa kalori yang dikandung dalam makanan, dr.Johanes menyarankan untuk mengurangi asupan lebih kecil dari porsi biasa.

"Untuk mengurangi 500 kalori setiap hari mudah kok, misalnya jika makan gado-gado, kurangi bumbu kacang dan kerupuknya, lebih memilih nasi putih daripada nasi goreng, dan sebagainya", saran dokter yang yang berpraktek di RS. St.Boromeus, Bandung ini.

Dijelaskan oleh dr.Johanes, mayoritas anggota yang terdaftar dalam NWCR melakukan makan pagi secara rutin, memantau berat badan sendiri secara berkala serta melakukan olahraga. Dengan pola makan rendah lemak rendah kalori seperti ini telah terbukti mampu menurunkan berat badan lebih dari 13 kg dan bisa dipertahankan lebih dari 5 tahun.

Manfaat Coklat bagi Kesehatan

Kata coklat berasal dari xocoatl (bahasa suku Aztec) yang berarti minuman pahit. Suku Aztec dan Maya di Mexico percaya bahwa Dewa Pertanian telah mengirimkan coklat yang berasal dari surga kepada mereka. Cortes kemudian membawanya ke Spanyol antara tahun 1502-1528, dan oleh orang-orang Spanyol minuman pahit tersebut dicampur gula sehingga rasanya lebih enak. Coklat kemudian menyebar ke Perancis, Belanda dan Inggris. Pada tahun 1765 didirikan pabrik coklat di Massachusetts, Amerika Serikat.

Dalam perkembangannya coklat tidak hanya menjadi minuman tetapi juga menjadi snack yang disukai anak-anak, remaja, maupun orang dewasa. Selain rasanya enak, coklat ternyata berkhasiat membuat umur seseorang menjadi lebih panjang. Suatu studi epidemiologis telah dilakukan pada mahasiswa Universitas Harvard yang terdaftar antara tahun 1916-1950. Dengan menggunakan food frequency questionnaire berhasil dikumpulkan informasi tentang kebiasaan makan permen atau coklat pada mahasiswa Universitas Harvard.

Dengan mengontrol aktivitas fisik yang dilakukan, kebiasaan merokok, dan kebiasaan makan ditemukan bahwa mereka yang suka makan permen/coklat umurnya lebih lama satu tahun dibandingkan bukan pemakan. Diduga antioksidan fenol yang terkandung dalam coklat adalah penyebab mengapa mereka bisa berusia lebih panjang. Fenol ini juga banyak ditemukan pada anggur merah yang sudah sangat dikenal sebagai minuman yang baik untuk kesehatan jantung. Coklat mempunyai kemampuan untuk menghambat oksidasi kolesterol LDL (kolesterol jahat) dan meningkatkan fungsi kekebalan tubuh, sehingga dapat mencegah risiko penyakit jantung koroner dan kanker.

Selama ini ada pandangan bahwa permen coklat menyebabkan caries pada gigi dan mungkin juga bertanggung jawab terhadap munculnya masalah kegemukan. Tak dapat disangkal lagi bahwa kegemukan adalah salah satu faktor risiko berbagai penyakit degeneratif. Tetapi studi di Universitas Harvard ini menunjukkan bahwa jika Anda mengimbangi konsumsi permen coklat dengan aktivitas fisik yang cukup dan makan dengan menu seimbang, maka dampak negatip permen coklat tidak perlu terlalu dikhawatirkan.

Menurut kepercayaan suku Maya, coklat adalah makanan para dewa. Rasa asli biji coklat sebenarnya pahit akibat kandungan alkaloid, tetapi setelah melalui rekayasa proses dapat dihasilkan coklat sebagai makanan yang disukai oleh siapapun. Biji coklat mengandung lemak 31%, karbohidrat 14% dan protein 9%. Protein coklat kaya akan asam amino triptofan, fenilalanin, dan tyrosin. Meski coklat mengandung lemak tinggi namun relatif tidak mudah tengik karena coklat juga mengandung polifenol (6%) yang berfungsi sebagai antioksidan pencegah ketengikan.

Di Amerika Serikat konsumsi coklat hanya memberikan kontribusi 1% terhadap intake lemak total sebagaimana dinyatakan oleh National Food Consumption Survey (1987-1998). Jumlah ini relatif sedikit khususnya bila dibandingkan dengan kontribusi daging (30%), serealia (22%), dan susu (20%). Lemak pada coklat, sering disebut cocoa butter, sebagian besar tersusun dari lemak jenuh (60%) khususnya stearat. Tetapi lemak coklat adalah lemak nabati yang sama sekali tidak mengandung kolesterol. Untuk tetap menekan lemak jenuh agar tidak terlalu tinggi, ada baiknya membatasi memakan cokelat hanya satu batang saja per hari dan mebatasi mengkonsumsi suplement atau makanan lainnya yang mengandung catechin seperti apple dan teh.

Dalam penelitian yang melibatkan subyek manusia, ditemukan bahwa konsumsi lemak coklat menghasilkan kolesterol total dan kolesterol LDL yang lebih rendah dibandingkan konsumsi mentega ataupun lemak sapi. Jadi meski sama-sama mengandung lemak jenuh tetapi ternyata efek kolesterol yang dihasilkan berbeda. Kandungan stearat yang tinggi pada coklat disinyalir menjadi penyebab mengapa lemak coklat tidak sejahat lemak hewan. Telah sejak lama diketahui bahwa stearat adalah asam lemak netral yang tidak akan memicu kolesterol darah. Mengapa? Stearat ternyata dicerna secara lambat oleh tubuh kita dan juga diabsorpsi lebih sedikit.

Sepertiga lemak yang terdapat dalam coklat adalah asam oleat yaitu asam lemak tak jenuh. Asam oleat ini juga dominan ditemukan pada minyak zaitun. Studi epidemiologis pada penduduk Mediterania yang banyak mengkonsumsi asam oleat dari minyak zaitun menyimpulkan efek positip oleat bagi kesehatan jantung.

Sering timbul pertanyaan seberapa banyak kita boleh mengkonsusmi coklat? Tidak ada anjuran gizi yang pasti untuk ini, namun demikian makan coklat 2-3 kali seminggu atau minum susu coklat tiap hari kiranya masih dapat diterima. Prinsip gizi sebenarnya mudah yaitu makanlah segala jenis makanan secara moderat. Masalah gizi umumnya timbul bila kita makan terlalu banyak atau terlalu sedikit.

Makan coklat tidak akan menimbulkan kecanduan, tetapi bagi sebagian orang rasa coklat yang enak mungkin menyebabkan kerinduan untuk mengkonsumsinya kembali. Ini yang disebut chocolate craving. Dampak coklat terhadap perilaku dan suasana hati (mood) terkait erat dengan chocolate craving. Rindu coklat bisa karena aromanya, teksturnya, manis-pahitnya dsb. Hal ini juga sering dikaitkan dengan kandungan phenylethylamine yang adalah suatu substansi mirip amphetanine yang dapat meningkatkan serapan triptofan ke dalam otak yang kemudian pada gilirannya menghasilkan dopamine. Dampak dopamine adalah muncul perasaan senang dan perbaikan suasana hati. Phenylethylamine juga dianggap mempunyai khasiat aphrodisiac yang memunculkan perasaan seperti orang sedang jatuh cinta (hati berbunga). Konon Raja Montezuma di jaman dahulu selalu mabuk minuman coklat sebelum menggilir harem-haremnya yang berbeda setiap malam.

Katekin adalah antioksidan kuat yang terkandung dalam coklat. Salah satu fungsi antioksidan adalah mencegah penuaan dini yang bisa terjadi karena polusi ataupun radiasi. Katekin juga dijumpai pada teh meski jumlahnya tidak setinggi pada coklat. Orang tua jaman dahulu sering mempraktekkan cuci muka dengan air teh karena dapat membuat kulit muka bercahaya dan awet muda. Seandainya mereka tahu bahwa coklat mengandung katekin lebih tinggi daripada teh, mungkin mereka akan menganjurkan mandi lulur dengan coklat.

Coklat juga mengandung theobromine dan kafein. Kedua substansi ini telah dikenal memberikan efek terjaga bagi yang mengkonsumsinya. Oleh karena itu ketika kita terkantuk-kantuk di bandara atau menunggu antrian panjang, makan coklat cukup manjur untuk membuat kita bergairah kembali.

Produk coklat cukup beraneka ragam. Misalnya, ada coklat susu yang merupakan adonan coklat manis, cocoa butter, gula dan susu. Selain itu ada pula coklat pahit yang merupakan coklat alami dan mengandung 43% padatan coklat. Coklat jenis ini bisa ditemukan pada beberapa produk coklat batangan. Kandungan gizi coklat bisa dilihat pada tabel.

Zat Gizi Coklat Susu Coklat Pahit
Energi (Kal) 381 504
Protein (g) 9 5,5
Lemak (g) 35,9 52,9
Kalsium (mg) 200 98
Fosfor (mg) 200 446
Vit A (SI) 30 60


Belum ada bukti bahwa coklat menimbulkan jerawat. Coklat juga tidak bisa dikatakan sebagai penyebab utama munculnya plaque gigi karena plaque gigi juga bisa timbul pada orang yang mengkonsumsi makanan biasa sehari-hari. Hanya saja coklat perlu diwaspadai, khususnya bagi orang-orang yang rentan menderita batu ginjal. Konsumsi 100 g coklat akan meningkatkan ekskresi oksalat dan kalsium tiga kali lipat. Oleh karena itu kiat sehat yang bisa dianjurkan adalah minumlah banyak air sehabis makan coklat.

Mengatasi MASUK ANGIN dengan KEROKAN!

Masuk angin memang bukan penyakit berbahaya. Namun, bila sudah parah, virus mudah masuk tubuh. Untuk pencegahan bisa diatasi salah satunya dengan kerokan.

Kebanyakan orang Eropa mengatasi gejala flu (common cold) seperti pegal linu, perut kembung, batuk-pilek, pusing, sakit kepala, demam, meriang, dll, dengan makan sup panas, minum obat flu yang bisa didapat di toko-toko obat, lalu tidur berbungkuskan selimut.

Mirip dengan itu, orang timur khususnya orang Jawa mengatasi kondisi seperti itu dengan menghirup teh hangat atau minum wedang jahe hangat. Sementara badan dibalur dengan minyak telon, kayu putih atau minyak apa saja yang bisa menghangatkan tubuh. Yang paling sering dilakukan adalah dengan kerokan.

Begitu menyatunya kerokan dengan budaya Jawa, banyak orang Barat (bule) dari berbagai negara mempelajari teknik kerokan di sebuah padepokan yang disebut Lemah Putih, di daerah Mojosongo, Surakarta, Jawa Tengah. Memang tidak hanya di tempat ini mereka belajar. Di tempat lain seperti Yogyakarta, mereka juga menanyakan perihal terapi ini.

Buat para bule, mengherankan sekali kerokan bisa memperbaiki kondisi tubuh yang tidak sehat. Meski pernah dianggap tidak masuk akal, mereka melihat, terapi ini teryata efektif karena murah dan mudah dilakukan.

Prinsip kerokan menurut Dr. Koosnadi Saputra, Sp.R, akupunkturis klinik, mirip prinsip pemanasan dengan menggunakan moxa yang sering dipakai saat jarum akupunktur ditusukkan pada tubuh untuk mengatasi masuk angin. Prinsip ini juga tidak jauh berbeda dengan model terapi kop yang biasanya menggunakan alat seperti tanduk, gelas, karet, tabung bambu dan lain-lain. Di negeri asal teknik akupunktur, model terapi ini sudah resmi dipakai sebagai sarana penyembuhan. Menurut Mochtar Wijayakusuma, putra Hembing Wijayakusuma yang juga seorang akupunkturis, penelitian mengapa kerokan memiliki efek menyembuhkan juga pernah dilakukan di Universitas Ghuan Thou, sebuah universitas terkenal di Cina.



Memberi Rangsang Tubuh

l Dr. Koosnadi menyebutkan, prinsip kerokan adalah upaya meningkatkan temperatur dan energi pada daerah yang dikerok.

Peningkatan energi ini dilakukan dengan pemberian rangsang kulit tubuh bagian luar. Dengan merangsang permukaan kulit lewat dikerok, saraf penerima rangsang di otak menyampaikan rangsangan untuk menimbulkan efek memperbaiki organ yang terkait dengan titik-titik meridian tubuh seperti misalnya organ paru-paru.

Dr. Handrawan Nadesul menambahkan, efek kerokan yang hendak dicapai adalah mengembangnya pembuluh darah kulit yang semula menguncup akibat terpapar dingin atau kurang gerak, sehingga darah kembali mengalir deras.

Penambahan arus darah ke permukaan kulit ini meningkatkan mekanisme pertahanan tubuh terhadap serangan virus.

Sementara itu alat kerokan biasanya menggunakan uang logam, koin, atau alat bantu khusus kerok yang terbuat dari plastik, tulang, keramik, batu giok, potongan jahe, potongan bawang, dan lain-lain. Alat-alat tersebut harus tumpul supaya tidak melukai kulit.

Sinse Johanes, seorang pengobat yang berpraktek di daerah Mangga Dua, Jakarta Barat menggunakan alat kerokan yang bentuknya mirip stetoskop. Alat ini bisa dipakai untuk mengerok sekujur tubuh dengan cepat, tak lebih dan lima menit. Menurut Johanes, alat ini sudah dijual bebas di Indonesia.



Berfungsi Menghangatkan

l Selain koin atau uang logam, perlengkapan lain yang menyertai biasanya berupa minyak urut, balsem, krim atau jenis minyak lain yang berfungsi menghangatkan.



Fungsi minyak ini selain menghangatkan memang untuk melicinkan proses kerokan sehingga menghindari terjadinya kulit lecet.

Berbagai jenis minyak seperti minyak bayi, minyak jahe, dan minyak lain-lain bisa kita peroleh dengan mudah di toko-toko obat atau warung biasa. Namun jika kita malas pergi jauh-jauh atau keadaan sedikit darurat, artinya segera butuh bahan minyak, kita bisa gunakan minyak kelapa yang dicampur dengan jahe, kencur, sereh, laos, minyak kayu putih, bawang, cabai, dan lain-lain.

Bahan-bahan tersebut setelah dilumat dimasukkan ke dalam minyak yang hendak dicampur. Campuran dari bahan-bahan seperti ini sangat berguna karena minyak asiri yang terkandung di dalamnya juga berfungsi menghangatkan tubuh.

Karena minyaknya saja sudah terasa hangat apalagi ditambah dengan kerokan, kulit pasti akan terasa sedikit sakit terutama untuk mereka yang memiliki kulit sensitif.

Saat dikerok, biasanya akan terjadi perubahan warna kulit. Kalau tidak merah, kulit bisa merah kebiruan, bahkan menghitam. Perubahan warna kulit ini menunjukkan tingkatan rasa sakit. Menurut Mochtar Wijayakusuma, warna kulit yang semakin menua menunjukkan semakin berat gangguan penyakitnya.


Sesuai Titik Meridian

Kerokan biasanya dilakukan pada bagian tubuh seperti leher, bahu, punggung maupun pinggang. Atau bisa saja di seluruh bagian tubuh, kecuali alat kelamin, dubur, dan bola mata.

Koosnadi menyebutkan sebaiknya kerokan dilakukan dari arah atas ke bawah. Bisa juga mendatar. Sebaiknya arah kerokan disesuaikan dengan meridian. Supaya efektif kerokannya, sebaiknya berdasarkan pada titik akupuntur dan meridiannya sesuai dengan keluhan penyakit yang terjadi.


Satu hal yang patut diingat dan dilakukan bila Anda sudah kerokan adalah tidak mandi karena setelah kerokan, pori-pori kulit dalam kondisi terbuka. Lebih baik sekalah kulit dengan lap basah (yang dicelupkan pada air hangat lalu diperas).

Selain itu, Anda juga harus ingat bahwa kerokan hanyalah sebuah langkah pencegahan. Anda tetap harus ke dokter untuk mengkonsultasikan kondisi ini bila dalam tiga hari, sakit Anda tidak sembuh. Yang jelas, selama sakit lakukanlah hal-hal pendukung lainnya seperti misalnya banyak minum jus jeruk dan tomat, mengkonsumsi makanan dan minuman hangat (seperti wedang jahe, sup kaldu ayam segar yang ditambah wortel, brokoli, bawang merah dan putih) serta istirahat secukupnya. @ Abdi Susanto

Sumber : Kompas.com