Gluten-free grains are essential and healthy part of gluten-free diet 

Genetically modified foods

by  Ms H       Judit Hadnagy

Genetically modified (GM) foods are produced from organisms that have had changes in their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering. This technique provides greater Genetic engineering techniques allow for the introduction of new traits as well as greater control over qualities than previous methods such as selective breeding and mutation breeding. Genetically modified crops have ben engineered for resistance to herbicides, pathogens and for better efficiency and nutrient profiles. Most commonly GM modified foods are soybean, corn, canola. Some genetically modified foods are designed to improve nutrition, quality and taste. For example, potatoes are modified to even out distribution of starches, enhance texture and reduce fat absorption. Genetically modified golden rice has more beta-carotene and iron that consumers in malnourished populations need. Vitamin A deficiency is a serious public health problem affecting millions of children and pregnant women globally. Golden Rice is a new type of rice that contains beta- carotene, a source of vitamin A. Golden Rice is being developed as a potential new food-based approach to improve vitamin A status. Another type of genetically modified rice has less glutelin, a protein that compromises sake brewing.

About GM corn: With Bt protein built into the seeds of sweet corn genetically enables farmers to grow sweet corn where insect pressure and damage from those insect pests previously made growing it impractical. Further GM reduces the number of pesticide applications and thus allows farmers to take fewer trips across their fields. Corn can be found in thousands of consumer foods. Examples of foods that are likely to contain high-fructose corn syrup include soft drinks, fruit juice drinks, cereals, breads, candies, flavoured yogurts, ice cream, crackers, pastries, cough syrups, jellies, jams and granola bars.

The GM soy is used for a large number of ingredients and additives. Soy is frequently used as an emulsifier; an additive that allows ingredients to be combined together. Soy can be used for its vitamin E content, and it's sometimes used as a protein source in foods. Examples of foods that are likely to contain soy include margarines, chocolate, baked goods, vitamins, bread, pasta and other processed foods.

Sugar beets:  95% of the planted sugar beets in USA are genetically modified.  Consequently any food that lists sugar as an ingredient has a high probability of containing sugar derived from genetically modified beets.

Canola oil is the third-largest source of vegetable oil in the world after soybean oil and palm oil. Approximately 90 % of U.S. total canola oil produced from genetically modified canola seeds. The oil is probably used as an ingredient in almost any packaged food.

The majority of bananas in the USA are genetically modified. Squash was genetically modified to become more resistant against viruses and bacteria.

Most cows, pigs and chickens are feed on GM corn and soy unless they are organic and feed on grass. GM salmon as a farmed fish grows faster than wild salmon, which could have a negative effect on environment.

There are different studies on the effect of GM food on human health. There are no clear evidences against GM foods, but we can see the obvious long-term effect of them on neither environment nor human health yet.

Summarizing

Pros

Cons

•       The global population expected to reach more than nine billion by 2050, requiring rapid increase in rice and wheat yields. •       To meet the demand we need to use significantly more land, fertilizer, and water. •       Climate change makes the problem far worse, bringing higher temperatures, drought, damaging storms in many regions. •       So Genetic modification is essential to make the crop drought tolerant or to increase its yield to nourish the world. •       You must see the genetic modification is essential in effective farming.

•       The effects of genetic modification in crops have been tested on animals, but not on humans. •       The side effect is not fully known yet.

Best Gluten Free Diet Weight Loss   

by Erika Nagy

gluten free diet: In order to minimise the symptoms of celiac disease, many people consume foods which are gluten free. That is why a lot of people learn to follow this way of dieting thinking that it will help them. Those who suffer from this disease can no longer absorb nutrients from the food they eat. As a result, they lose weight rapidly even before the doctors give their diagnosis.

<u>Gluten Free Diet Weight Loss</u>: According to experts, eating certain food which do have this particular protein is very helpful when you want to reduce your weight. Because of this medical opinion, many people including famous celebrities choose to the best gluten free diet weight loss plan. They believe that by avoiding rye, barley gluten, and wheat, they can easily reduce their body weight. In addition to these food, people should also avoid eating breads, pasta, oats, pizza, malted cereals, and bagels. Aside from these, milk and other alcoholic beverages should also be avoided.

gluten free diet: These special diets help in absorbing important nutrients by aiding the small intestine. By following the program of best gluten free diet weight loss and avoiding wheat, rye and barley gluten, one can reduce the weight to some extent. Other foods that should be avoided include malted cereals, bagels, pasta, breads, pizza, oats etc. Milk intake should also be limited.
poenta,
Drinking of beer products and beverages of alcoholic and non-alcoholic nature should be avoided.

The weight-loss foods that are gluten-free can include frozen vegetables and fruits, some dairy products like cheese, eggs and products that do not contain thickening agents and additives. Starches and flours made of buckwheat, tapioca, corn, rice and soybeans can also be included in this type of diet. In the liquid; mineral water, spirits, tea and coffee can be used.

Include unprocessed meat products, canned and frozen meat products without sauce, cereal products which are made of lentil flour, corn, rice bran, psyllium, polenta and amaranth etc. The diet can also include condiments like jam, tomato paste, honey, vinegar, cocoa, tahini and salad dressings. Popcorn, plain chocolate and corn chips can be eaten as healthy snacks.

While following this program you may need to take some precautions as well. Before starting on this diet it is better to consult a doctor and follow his advice. Do not do a self diagnosis and start the weight loss diet. Also, while buying foods be careful if they are labeled as 'wheat free' because it can contain the protein. Foods containing modified food starch can also contain gluten.

http://goarticles.com/article/Best-Gluten-Free-Diet-Weight-Loss/4225045/

Vegans and Vegetarianism   

by Ashita Kulshreshtha

Vegetarianism is the practice of abstaining from the consumption of meat (red meat, poultry, seafood and the flesh of any other animal), and may also include abstention from by-products of animal slaughter. Vegetarianism is a popular choice for many individuals and families. But parents may wonder if kids can safely follow a vegetarian diet and still get all necessary nutrients. Most dietary and medical experts agree that a well-planned vegetarian diet can actually be a very healthy way to eat.

But special care must be taken when serving kids and teens a vegetarian diet, especially if it doesn't include dairy and egg products. And as with any diet, we will need to understand that the nutritional needs of kids change as they grow. There are few types of vegetarian diet. They are listed below.
Types of Vegetarian Diets
Ovo-Vegetarian: eats eggs;
Lacto-Ovo vegetarian: eats dairy and egg products; no meat
Lacto-Vegetarian: eats dairy products; no eggs or meat
Vegan: eats only food from plant sources
And many other people are semi-vegetarians who have eliminated red meat, but may eat poultry or fish.

Nutrition for vegetarians -

Protein: Vegetarians easily meet their protein needs by eating a varied diet, as long as they consume enough calories to maintain their weight. It is not necessary to plan combinations of foods. A mixture of proteins throughout the day will provide enough essential amino acids. Sources of protein include Beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, tempeh, chickpeas, and peas. Many common foods, such as whole grain bread, greens, potatoes, and corn, quickly add to protein intake.
Iron: Dried beans, spinach, baked potatoes, cashews, dried fruits, and iron-fortified foods (such as cereals, instant oatmeal, and veggie "meats") are all good sources of iron. To increase the amount of iron absorbed at a meal, eat a food containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruit or juices, tomatoes, or broccoli. Using iron cookware also adds to iron intake.
Calcium: Good sources include broccoli, kale, mustard greens; tofu prepared with calcium, fortified soy milk, and fortified orange juice.
Vitamin B12: The adult recommended intake for vitamin B12 is very low, but this is an essential nutrient so vegetarians should be aware of good sources. Fortified foods, such as some brands of cereal, nutritional yeast, soy milk, or veggie "meats," are good non-animal sources. Check labels to discover other products that are fortified with vitamin B12. Sea vegetables are not reliable sources of vitamin B12. To be on the safe side, if we do not consume dairy products, eggs, or fortified foods regularly, we should take a non-animal derived supplement.
Zinc: Sources include wheat germ, nuts, fortified cereal, dried beans, and pumpkin seeds.
Vitamin D: Sources include Milk, vitamin D-fortified orange juice, and other vitamin D-fortified products.
Adding Omega-3's to the Diet:To maximise production of DHA and EPA (omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and made by our bodies), include good sources of alpha-linolenic acid in the diet. Alpha-linolenic acid is found in flaxseed, flaxseed oil, canola oil, tofu, soybeans, and walnuts. We can also obtain DHA directly from foods fortified with DHA from microalgae (in some brands of soy milk) and supplements containing microalgae-derived DHA.
Cholesterol & Saturated Fat: We should remember that animal products (including dairy and eggs) contain cholesterol. Vegetable products do not contain any significant amount of cholesterol. However, some vegetable products, such as coconut and palm oil, are high in saturated fat and may raise blood cholesterol levels. Full-fat dairy products and eggs also contain significant amounts of saturated fat.
Certain things where vegans should be cautious are ensuring an adequate intake of Vitamin B12 and Omega 3 fatty acids, while other nutrients that can be kept low are Vitamin D & some minerals. The types of food which we should ignore consists of french fries, and all kinds of fried foods,processed foods & sugary foods.Things to be kept in mind are-
No Smoking, Proper exercise, healthy body with a maintained weight Some Health Benefits of Vegetarianism are as follows:Heart Health- This reduces the risk of a heart attack by 25%Lower blood pressure- Being vegetarian lowers the blodd pressure by some extentControl diabetes- Vegetarianism also leads to a better control on widely spreading disease like diabetesPrevent cancer- vegetarians generally have 20% less chances of developing cancer. Reduce toxins- It leads to the reduced consumption of harmful toxins that might be injected to non vegetarian itemsHealthier digestive system- Plants contains fibers which brushes up the intestines and helps in keeping the digestive system healthy and cleanEasier digestion- Vegetables are easy to digest by various intestinal juices as compared to the flesh & meatThere are certain benefits of being a Vegetarian, which are mentioned below-Obesity- In a survey it is observed by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that vegetarians maintain lower body weight, which results to a healthier body than non-vegetarians. Here,lower weight correlates with high intakes of fibre and low intakes of fat.Hypertension- Vegetarians have lower blood pressure and lower rates of hypertension, while other factors that impact hypertension are Nutrition Reviews.Heart Disease- Another survey by Public Health Nutrition states that incidence of heart disease becomes much lower by higher intakes of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, phytochemicals, and fats.Cancer- Forum of Nutrition states that vegetarianism leads to significantly lower rates of cancer,Also the ratio of vegetables to meat may be most relevant dietary factor in prevention of cancer.

http://goarticles.com/article/Vegans-and-Vegetarianism/9863263/