Useful Tips 4U

[annie]

HEART DISEASES
Numerous studies have been conducted focused on the impact of grapes in preventing or slowing down heart diseases.

About 20 years ago, scientists discovered that French people had less heart related health problems than other countries all around the globe. This discovery was called the French Paradox. The main explanation for this was that French people drank red wine with their meals.



Since this discovery was made, more than 300 other studies were carried out, proving that red wine or grapes juice can reduce the risk of heart diseases in time.

It seems that grapes juice or wine block the artery clogging effects of fatty food products.

Coronary heart diseases occur when plaque accumulations build up on the walls of arteries. This can lead to a blockage of vessels supplying blood to the heart (or brain) causing heart attacks (or strokes).

Antioxidants in fresh grapes, known as polyphenols, are responsible for preventing the accumulation of oxidized cholesterol (this was proven in a study that was published in the Journal of Nutrition).

Resveratrol, a polyphenol contained by grapes, protects against arterial wall damage. Another interesting nutrient contained by grapes is pterostilbene. Researchers discovered that this compound can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides by affecting enzymes responsible with the regulation of fat level in our blood.

Other interesting compounds are saponins, located in grapes skin. These substances bind with cholesterol, preventing in this way its absorption into the body. Also, saponins seem to be able to block inflammations.

And this is not all… By drinking grapes juice we accumulate another antioxidant called alpha-tocopherol, a substance that increases blood antioxidant activity by 50%.

Referring to the selection of grapes, it seems that red grapes are the healthiest and best to eat in order to prevent heart diseases.

2. CANCER

Grapes seem to be very good cancer fighting fruits.

They contain high levels of caffeic acid, a very strong cancer fighting substance.

Bioflavonoids, another nutrient contained by grapes, facilitate the absorption of vitamin C into our bodies and help vitamin C maintain healthy connective tissue in our bodies. They also function as antioxidants, by protecting vitamin C from oxidation and by preventing ruptures in capillaries.

Bioflavonoids provide strength to our cells in the battle with cancerous cells and also help kill cancer cells.

The early mentioned nutrient, resveratrol, also helps in preventing cancer, especially liver, lung, breast and prostate cancer.

As for heart diseases, red grapes are best for cancer prevention.

3. VIRUSES

In a study conducted at Erciyes University in Turkey, scientists discovered that grapes have an effective antimicrobial action. The study revealed that this action applies for certain bacteria, like Stoph and the famous E. coli.


Additionally, the high concentration of tannin, another polyphenol contained by grapes, can help fight viruses and tumors. Tanin is absorbed in the intestinal tract, where it is most effective in fighting viruses.

4. AGING

Although we have found that resveratrol has a lot of health related benefits, the list is not over yet. As we have previously discussed, resveratrol is a natural antioxidant that can help reduce heart diseases, the risk of cancer and even brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Besides these benefits, resveratrol seems to influence genes controlling the aging process.

According to Harvard Medical School researchers, this substance can restrict calories intake. It activates enzymes that slow aging, thus increasing DNA stability and extending life span by 70%.

Grapes can contribute to reducing the risk of loss of eyesight (a major problem among the elderly). By increasing grapes intake we can reduce the risk of macular degeneration (the main cause of vision loss) by 30-40%.

Although it seems that grapes can have a huge positive effect on the human body, there are some RESTRICTIONS/ WARNINGS regarding their consumption. Here are some of them:

1. Neither grapes, nor grapes juice are recommended for persons suffering from stomach ulcers, diabetes and obesity;
2. Eating grapes or drinking grapes juice can cause dental problems. If you have a cavity in a tooth, it is not recommended to consume grapes, as they will intensify the destruction process of the tooth;
3. Grapes cannot be consumed along with a relatively large number of food products, like: milk, fish, beer, mineral water, melons, etc. The combination of these kinds of food products with grapes can cause serious stomach problems.

[annie]

Do you often experience nail biting moments when you can't decide what to wear to a particular occasion? Whether you are going out for a movie, to a friend's birthday party or to attend a meeting, being confused about your wardrobe is a common phenomenon. There are different dress codes that suit a particular occasion. What is perfect for a formal function may not be suitable for a wedding. We help you to decide on your wardrobe for various occasions.

Formal dress codes

Confused about what to wear to office? Most offices have a formal dress code. Women can settle for smart western formals – pant suites or a formal cut skirt and a blouse. Men can settle for business suites or a full sleeved formal shirt, paired with a tie.

On weekends most offices have a casual dress code, when you can wear business casuals. Denims can be paired with polo necked shirts. Women can settle for long skirts, paired with blouses or shirts.

Going for an interview? Wearing formals reflects your professional approach. Mid length/knee length skirts and a formal shirt with a jacket or a scarf goes well for women. Men can wear full sleeved shirts and a tie. Business suites are another option that you can try out.

Informal dress codes

A friend's birthday party, or a wedding, there are separate dress codes for each occasion. A casual dress that goes well for a birthday party is not suitable for a wedding. A dressy outfit, coupled with matching accessories would be more suitable for a cocktail party or a wedding reception. Sports wear like track suites or your swimming trunks are another kind of informal wear.

Dress code tips

Dressing according your body type is the most important tip that should be followed.
Adopt a style that compliments your personality. What looks good on your friend may not be suitable for you.
Co – ordinating your accessories with your outfit is very important.