Why Protein is the Building Blocks of Life

Why protein is so crucial to our everyday life is because it is one of the basic macronutrients our body needs. It can be found in every cell, muscle and tissue in our body in the form of amino acids. In fact, it serves as the building block for every organism on earth.

Protein is needed for the following:

1.  To maintain every kind of cell in our body

2.  For body development

3.  To replenish lost blood

4.  To heal wounds and scars

5.  To replace dead cells

6.  For the healthy growth of hair and nail

7.  To boost our nervous immune systems

8.  Promoting healthy metabolic and physiological processes

9.  For the production of antibodies needed by the immune systems to fight bacteria and viruses

10.  For the production of haemoglobin to carry oxygen to our blood cells

What are the good sources of protein and where to obtain them

Good sources of complete protein generally can be obtained from animal proteins such as meat, fish, egg, poultry and dairy products. A complete source of protein is a food that contains all the essential amino acids. There are also incomplete sources of protein such as vegetables, legumes and grains which contain only some but not all of the essential amino acids. Therefore, to maintain overall well-being, one must get an adequate amount of complete protein. The challenge now is that how do you find a food which is complete without the extra fat and cholesterol.

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NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

In recognition of National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is issuing a challenge to increase the number of people aware of the deadly disease through an online interactive campaign “Pancreatic Cancer: Know it.Fight it. End it.”

Supporters can visit www.knowitfightitendit.org to play a match game to test their knowledge of pancreatic cancer and get their family and friends involved by forwarding the game. In addition to the game, the new website also informs visitors about simple ways to raise awareness and take action in their communities, and hear stories of hope and inspiration from survivors of this disease.

“Our goal with this campaign is to increase the number of people who know about this disease so they can help fight it and ultimately end it,” stated Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

“Although pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in our country, many American’s do not realize the severity of this disease. We hope this viral campaign will educate the public in a fun, unique way and bring new community volunteers and advocates to the cause.”

It is important now more than ever to get more American’s involved in the fight against pancreatic cancer because experts project the number of cases will increase by 55 percent by 2030.  Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers with a five year survival rate of just 5 percent. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2009, more than 42,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States, and over 35,000 will die from the disease.

In addition to the “Know it. Fight it. End it.” campaign, the organization encourages people to support National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month by participating in the following activities:

• Buy a limited edition My Tempur-Pedic Teddy Bear® – As part of the Tempur-Pedic Hugs Back Campaign, net proceeds from the plush teddy bear will benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The bear is filled with the company’s proprietary, pressure-relieving TEMPUR® material – making it perfect for snuggling – and is co-branded with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network logo. Bears can be purchased throughout the holiday season at select bedding retailers, by calling 888-225-7560 or online at http://www.tempurpedic.com/teddy_bear for $59 each.

• Shop at Z Gallerie – In memory of Shirley Zeiden, mother of the company’s founders, Z Gallerie will donate a portion of in-store and online sales from November 2nd through November 8th. Shop or find a store near you at www.zgallerie.com.

• Visit www.pancan.org and find out ten different ways to easily make a difference this November and throughout the year.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network visit www.pancan.org

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization raises money for direct private funding of research–and advocates for more aggressive federal research funding of medical breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fills the void of information and options by giving patients and caregivers reliable, personalized information they need to make informed decisions. We create a sense of hope and community so no one has to face pancreatic cancer alone. The organization helps support individuals and communities all across the country to work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Julie Fleshman

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=75525

SOURCE:  Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Jennifer Reeves, Public Relations Manager of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network,

+1-310-321-6542, jreeves@pancan.org

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According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 57 million Americans who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition people develop before the onset of type-2 diabetes. It is more common in women, and a person’s risk increases with age and weight.

“Pre-diabetes occurs in individuals when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not quite high enough to be called diabetes,” says Carolyn Swithers, director of the Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington. “It is alarming that people can have pre-diabetes and not even know it.”

Research has shown that some long-term damage to the body — especially the heart and circulatory system — already might be occurring during pre-diabetes.

“The good news is that you can take steps to delay or prevent type-2 diabetes with regular physical activity such as walking almost every day, reducing fat and calorie intake and weight loss,” Swithers says. “Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels also help you stay healthy. Diabetes is a serious disease. It is not just a “touch of sugar.’ If you delay or prevent it, you will enjoy better health in the long run.”

Diabetes is common, but a person can reduce their risk by losing even a small amount of weight. Choose whole grain products. Snack on fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water. Pass on seconds. Eat half of your dessert. See a dietitian for help in making healthy food choices. Keep a food and exercise log.

Small steps lead to big rewards.

“Regular exercise tackles several risk factors at once,” Swithers says. “It helps you lose weight, keeps your cholesterol and blood pressure under control, helps your body use insulin more effectively, cuts the risk of heart attack, strengthens your immune system, eases arthritis pain, protects against osteoporosis and keeps you thinking sharp as you age.”

Research also proved that people who are physically active for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, reduced their risk of type-2 diabetes. A person who is not very active should start slowly, talking with a physician first about what kinds of exercise would be safe.

Experts recommend making a plan to increase one’s activity level toward the goal of being active at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Wear a pedometer and do 10,000 steps a day. Ask a friend to walk with you. Walk to church or temple instead of driving. Walk the dog more often. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Yoga is another form of exercise that can help reduce blood sugar levels, blood pressure and weight.

Changing the way you eat and increasing your activity can delay or prevent type-2 diabetes.

“One of the most important things about diabetes is that it is a controllable disease,” Swithers says. “How you manage your diabetes care is very much up to you. You decide what and when to eat. You decide whether to exercise.”

DON’T BE A STATISTIC

About 4% of the total population of EU 25 (19 million) suffer from diabetes and this is projected to increase to 26 million people by the year 2030. As for the US, 24 million poeple (about 8%) have diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 24 hours:

* More than 4,000 adults are diagnosed with diabetes.

* About 40 children and adolescents are diagnosed with type-1 diabetes.

* Ten children and adolescents are diagnosed with type-2 diabetes.

* Approximately 200 people die from diabetes.

* Around 200 people with diabetes have a nontraumatic lower-limb amputation.

* Roughly 130 people with diabetes develop kidney failure

* Nearly 50 adults go blind.

The Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management offers a program to help individuals reduce their risk for pre-diabetes. Classes are held the second Wednesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. The fee for the program is $40, and more information is available by calling 908-237-6920.

Source: http://www.mycentraljersey.com

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The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of the body. It is capable of obtaining energy and processing nutrients. It is the smallest part capable of the processes that define life, including reproduction, movement, respiration, digestion and excretion. However, not every cell has all these abilities.

How small is a cell? Believe it or not, you can actually fit about 40 cells in a row stretched across a period (full stop)! There are more than 200 types of specialized cells that populate the human body. Some cells develop with their own kinds to form a specific types of tissue and in some other cases, tissues are made of several different types of cells combined.

Types of Human Cells

Cells come in many shapes and sizes, depending on their specialized functions within tissues. Some cells divide faster than others, for example, the epithelial (covering and lining) cells divide the fastest while the nerve cells is so slow that it is almost non-existent.

Examples of cell types:

• Epithelial Cells

Epithelial Cell

These cells form the skin, cover most organs and line hollow cavities. They divide rapidly to replace
themselves because they are subjected to friction, compression and physical wear.

• Photoreceptor Cell

Photoreceptor Cell

A light-sensitive cell that shapes like a cone. It is found in the retina of the eye. They are activated by
bright light and are responsible for color perception.

• Red Blood Cell

Red Blood cells

The red cell is a bag of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin molecules.

• Adipose (Fats) Cell

Fat Cell

These cells are bulky and crammed with fat lipids which store energy in case the diet cannot meet
requirements.

• Smooth Muscle Cell

smooth muscle cell

These are large, elongated, spindle-like shaped muscle fibers cells. The shape allows for contraction
by means of sliding strands of protein inside.

• Nerve Cells

Nerve Cell

This elongated-shaped cell’s basic function is to transmit information rapidly between different parts of the body.

• Sperm Cells

Sperm Cell

A sperm cell is a male reproductive cell containing a single set of 23 chromosomes. They contain half the DNA genetic information of the person. These cells do not divide and have a limited life span.

• Ovum (egg) Cells

Ovum Cell

It is the reproductive cell of the female. Like the sperm cell of the male, it contains a set of 23 chromosomes and half the DNA genetic information of the person.

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By Betizuka, Flickr

Pre-diabetes, also known as metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG), is an early sign that you may be at risk of developing full-blown type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is a stage where there is high insulin levels, high triglycerides. low HDL (good) cholesterol, insulin resistance, a growing waistline and blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. In other words, you are in the gray zone between “normal” and “diabetic”. You are a pre-diabetic if your blood glucose levels are between 5.6 mmol/l and 6.9 mmol/l.

Symptoms of pre-diabetes develop so gradually that most people affected by this condition often don’t recognize it until it is too late. At this stage, vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, arteries, nerves, eyes would have started to deteriorate due to the high insulin level in the blood caused by the body cells being insensitive to the insulin. People who are pre-diabetic have a 40% to 50% chance of developing into type 2 diabetes within 10 years. A good percentage of pre-diabetic people are over 40 years of age.

Pre-diabetes is caused by a combination of a weakened secretion of insulin and reduced sensitivity of the body cells to insulin (insulin resistance). Insulin resistance occurs when the pancreas secretes normal amount of insulin to regulate sugar but the body cells do not respond. If no preventive measures are taken to bring down the blood sugar level to a normal level, the pancreas would over a period of time becomes totally overworked and would be unable to produce enough insulin to overcome the insulin resistance, resulting in your sugar levels rising to abnormally high levels. The excess sugar build up in the blood would then spills over to the urine and passes out of the body and eventually, this would lead to type 2 diabetes.

Although pre-diabetes is a serious condition but it can be reversed by making modest changes in their daily routines such as increasing the level of physical activity, achieved a healthy weight and follow a healthy balanced diet by eating fewer calories. Take action to prevent it from progressing to full blown diabetes as once you have it, there is nothing much you can do except that for the rest of your life you will have no choice but to change the way you eat and the way you live.

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I have made this subject as my 1st post simply because one cannot fully understand the nature of degenerative diseases without knowing how our body works. Bear with me for a while as I take you back to our Biology 101 class for a review of our human anatomy.

The human anatomy is an assemble of cells, tissues, organs and they grouped together into an integrated of different systems with each of them carries out a major role or task such as to protect, support, control and feed the body, keeping the body in a state of internal balance under constantly changing circumstances. This can be summarized in the following diagram as:

Human Body Systems

1. Skeletal System
2. Muscular System
3. Nervous System
4. Skin, Hair and Nails System
5. Lymphatic and Immune System
6. Endocrine System
7. Cardiovascular System
8. Respiratory System
9. Digestive System
10. Urinary System
11. Reproductive System

The cells are the building blocks of the human body. They are active and dynamic, they continually grow and specialize, function, die and replenish themselves, by the millions every second. There are many different types of cells and they grouped together to form tissues – a collection of similar cells that group together to perform a specialized function. Organs are then formed by the functional grouping together of multiple tissues. The body systems are, in turn, composed of organs.

Once we understood the body structure, we need to turn to its physiology side, that is, the study of the body’s workings and how it functions. It investigates the workings of such processes as enzyme action, hormone stimulation, DNA synthesis, and how the body stores and uses energy from food. Only through physiology that we can understand how degenerative diseases came about and how we can use supplements to prevent, treat or alleviate them.

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To those who takes good care of their health and also others,

Welcome to my blog about using natural plant-based supplements to enhance individual health. Here, you will be provided with information about degenerative diseases and steps on how to prevent them from occurring. With knowledge, I hope it could help anyone out there to make your own decisions to take care of themselves and their families and friends.

Alex Sim

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